April San Diego Home News

Happy April!
Hopefully you won't be the receiver of an April Fool's Day joke. Here's the history for this crazy day!

Get Your Free Credit Report
Whether you buy a home or are planning to refinance (or for any other credit applications) your credit score plays a huge role in whether you qualify. Sometimes, due to your credit score, or other factors, your application for a loan can be rejected. Make sure you know what is in your credit report. Each year, you can request, for free, a copy of your credit report incorporating all three major reporting bureaus, Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. Review your report for accuracy and contest any mistake on the report.

San Diego Home and MLS Market Update
The Obama Administration's Stimulus package, including first time home buyer incentives, has the ability to influence the future of the market through several economic sectors. Within the housing market, homes under $500,000 have been more in demand. For reports on the market and MLS data statistics, click here.

First Time Home buyer Tax Credit
Under the stimulus package, a first time home buyer purchasing a primary home during 2009 can get up to $8000 tax credit. Any unused amount will be refunded to the Buyer.

Home Affordable Refinancing
Are you making mortgage payments on time but can't refinance to today's low rates due to a decrease in your home's value? The Obama Administration announced a new program to help those homeowners refinance or modify their loans. The "Making Home Affordable" plan helps some homeowners to refinance or modify their existing Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac-owned loans. The Making Home Affordable website can help you determine your eligibility for the program.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have set up websites and toll-free hotlines to help borrowers determine whether their existing loan is owned or guaranteed by Fannie or Freddie. Fannie Mae can be contacted through its website or by phone, (800) 732-6643. Freddie Mac can be contacted through its website or by phone, (800) 373-3343. Homeowners can also apply for help from their mortgage company by providing details about their financial situation by visiting HopeNow.com or by calling Hope Now at (888) 995-4673.

San Diego Firefighters and You
San Diego Fire-Rescue Department has a community-based program called Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), where San Diego Fire-Rescue personnel train and empower citizens in neighborhood CERT teams. CERT San Diego instructors teach citizens to take life-saving action to help families, neighbors, businesses and communities get through the first few hours or days when emergency services are overwhelmed. Become a part of of this program by attending the information and training sessions.

Go Padres!
April also means that the Padres season begins. Here's the Padres' season's schedule.

April Internet Tips
Here are some helpful internet tips and websites for you.