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Georg Thoma

Green California Home , why not on Maui Hawaii ?

09-29-08
Georg Thoma

At the rear of the house, bleacher-style steps mitigate the steep grade down to the water; the boathouse tucks in on the right.

From the deck of this waterfront house, the scenery is abuzz with Northern California wildlife–but there's not a utility bill in sight.

When architect Cass Calder Smith first met with his client to discuss replacing her cramped beach house, she took him for a canoe ride along the adjacent lagoon to check out the neighborhood. As they paddled past the eclectic cottages (studded with a few higher-profile hangouts by Joe Esherick, Stanley Saitowitz, and William Wurster), she shared some of her requirements: “To be able to see the top of Mount Tamalpais from my living room, to have lots of usable outdoor space, and to push it to be as environmentally responsible as possible.”

The original house—nestled in a gated community in Stinson Beach, 45 minutes north of San Francisco—was a view-eviscerating, tile-roofed, arch-windowed affair the owner referred to as the “Taco Bell house.” She had purchased it seven years earlier due to its location across the street from her husband’s vacation home. When the time came to design the replacement, many of the 25 extended family members who drift between the two houses—her children, her husband, his children, and a passel of grandchildren—had a say. “One of her sons worked for the Nature Conservancy and was very focused on finding green solutions,” Smith recalls. He adds wryly, “The other is a project manager for an affordable-housing development organization, so yes, there was an unusual amount of give and take.”

One of the first decisions Smith and project architect Dera-Jill Lamontagne made was to reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Photovoltaic panels generate all of the electricity—powering the HVAC and radiant-heating systems—and provide backup on cloudy days for the solar hot-water system, which is powered by two thermal panels.

Though not fully energy independent, the house actually feeds the grid, giving surplus power back to the community. “We’re all used to thinking that electric houses are expensive to heat,” says Smith, “but when you have a little power plant sitting on the roof, and you’re using the house four days a week, it’s ideal.” Apart from a 50-gallon propane tank that fuels the cooking range, the home’s energy consumption works out to net zero. Though the initial investment was higher—the homeowner estimates $30,000—a state refund check for $9,000 arrived soon after construction was complete.

Energy Efficient Mortgage & Home Owner Guide By Countrywide Home Loans / Bank of America

09-29-08
Georg Thoma

This Great Templet has been created by Countrywide / Bank of America . It is very visual an can help people to identify the how a Green Mortgage Works . If you need any assistance and talk to a " Live Person " Feel free to call me .

{Cover image}

Energy Efficient Mortgage
Home Owner Guide

{short description of image} Buying
{short description of image} Selling
{short description of image} Refinancing
{short description of image} Remodeling
{Countrywide loga image}
Countrywide
Home Loans
{DOE logo image}
Department of
Energy

THE ENERGY EFFICIENT MORTGAGE MEANS COMFORT AND SAVINGS

When you are buying, selling, refinancing, or remodeling your home, you can increase your comfort and actually save money by using the Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM). It is easy to use, federally recognized, and can be applied to most home mortgages. EEMs provide the borrower with special benefits when purchasing a home that is energy efficient, or can be made efficient through the installation of energy-saving improvements.

Home owners with lower utility bills have more money in their pocket each month. They can afford to allocate a larger portion of their income to housing expenses. If you have more cash, why not buy a better, more comfortable home? There are two options with the Energy Efficient Mortgage.

WHO BENEFITS FROM THE ENERGY EFFICIENT MORTGAGE?

Buyers:
{short description of image} Qualify for a larger loan on a better home!
{short description of image} Get a more comfortable home NOW.
{short description of image} Save money every month from Day One.
{short description of image} Increase the potential resale value of your home.

Sellers:
{short description of image} Sell your home more quickly.
{short description of image} Make your house affordable to more people.
{short description of image} Attract attention in a competitive market.

Remodelers/Refinancers:
{short description of image} Get all the EEM benefits without moving.
{short description of image} Make improvements which will actually save you money.
{short description of image} Increase the potential resale value of your home.

Pay for energy improvements easily, through your mortgage. Your lender can increase your loan to cover energy improvement costs. Monthly mortgage payments increase slightly, but you actually save money because your energy bills will be lower!

{Graph image}

An EEM can only be done if an official home energy rating, or HERS Report, indicates that it will save you money.

THE TWO SIDES OF THE EEM COIN

Finance energy improvements!

{short description of image} Cost-effective energy-saving measures may be financed as part of the mortgage!

{short description of image} Make an older, less efficient home more comfortable and affordable!

{Graph image} Increase your buying power!

{short description of image} Stretch debt-to-income qualifying ratios on loans for energy-efficient homes!

{short description of image} Qualify for a larger loan amount! Buy a better, more energy efficient home!


HERS, or Home Energy Rating Systems

A HERS report is similar to a miles-per-gallon rating on a car. HERS are program s which provide evaluations of individual homesÕ energy-efficiency. A HERS report is prepared by a trained Energy Rater. Factors such as insulation, appliance efficiencies, window types, local climate, and utility rates are used to rate the home and calculate energy costs.

{Energy report image}

A HERS Report includes:

{short description of image} Overall Rating Score of the house as it is.
{short description of image} Recommended cost-effective energy upgrades.
{short description of image} Estimates of the cost, annual savings, and useful life of upgrades.
{short description of image} Improved Rating Score after the installation of recommended upgrades.
{short description of image} Estimated annual total energy cost for the existing home before and after upgrades.

Rating scores are between 1 and 100. Higher scores indicate greater efficiency. Cost-effective upgrades are those which will save more money through energy savings than they cost to install.

U.S. Department of Energy recommended Home Energy Ratings contain a numerical score from 1 to 100, a one to five star-plus rating, and the estimated energy costs. Higher scores indicate greater efficiency. Cost-effective upgrades are those which will save more money through energy savings than they cost to install.

A HERS rating usually costs between $100 and $300. This could be paid for by the buyer, seller, lender, or real estate agent. Sometimes the cost of the rating may be financed as part of the mortgage. No matter how the rating is paid for, it is a very good investment because an EEM could save you or your buyer hundreds of dollars each year.

THIS IS WHY THE EEM WORKS

Energy-efficient homes cost less to own than non-efficient homes, though they may start off with higher price tags.

Older
existing home
Same Home
with energy
improvements
Home price
(90% mortgage, 8% interest)
$150,000 $154,816
Loan amount $ 135,000 $139,334
Monthly payment* $991 $1023
Energy bills +$ 186 +$ 93
The true monthly
cost of home ownership
$ 1,177 $ 1,116
Monthly savings - $ 61

* Estimated mortgage payments are based upon principle and interest only, and do not include taxes and insurance. Value indicated here are for example only, and will vary from home to home.

Many homes qualify for energy upgrades.

This home qualified for $4,816 in upgrades. With the EEM, lenders recognize the savings the upgrades will bring. Borrowers may use these potential savings like extra cash, and add the cost of upgrades into the mortgage, paying them off easily as part of the monthly mortgage payment. Once the upgrades are installed the potential savings turn into real savings.

The other EEM option is for the lender to stretch debt-to-income qualifying ratios to allow a larger loan for a house that is already energy efficient. A debt-to-income ratio "stretch" means that a larger percentage of the borrower's monthly income can be applied to the monthly mortgage payment. That means the buyer has more borrowing power based up on the same income.


WHAT THE EEM DOES FOR A BUYER'S BORROWING POWER

For a standard home without energy improvements:

Buyer's total monthly income

$3,000 $5,000
Maximum allowable monthly
payment 28% debt-to-income ratio:


$840 $1,400
Maximum mortgage at
90% of appraised home value:


$132,900
$221,500
For an energy-efficient home:

Buyer's total monthly income

$3,000 $5,000
Maximum allowable monthly payment
30% debt-to-income ratio:


$900 $1,500
Maximum mortgage at 90% of appraised home value:

$142,400
$237,300
Added Borrowing Power Due
to the Energy Efficient Mortgage:
$9,500
$15,800
Mortgage Rate of 7.5% · Down Payment of 10% · 30 Year Term Principal & Interest Only · Tax & Insurance Not Factored
{short description of image}
THE EEM PROCESS SIMPLIFIED




{Flowchart image}

AVAILABLE ENERGY EFFICIENT MORTGAGE LOANS

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) EEMs

The FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage covers upgrades for new and existing homes and is now available in all 50 states. Key features includes:

{short description of image} Loan limits may be exceeded
{short description of image} No re-qualifying
{short description of image} No additional down payment
{short description of image} No new appraisal
{short description of image} $4,000 or 5% of the property value (up to $8,000) may be financed

203(k) FHA Home Rehabilitation Loans

The FHA 203(k) program enables a home buyer or investor to obtain a single loan to finance both property acquisition and complete major improvements after the time of loan closing. Can be used in conjunction with the FHA EEM. Key features include:

{short description of image} Loan limits may be exceeded
{short description of image} Total cost of improvements must exceed $5,000

Veterans Affairs (VA) EEMs

The VA Energy Efficient Mortgage is available to qualified military personnel, reservists and veterans in all 50 states for energy improvements when purchasing an existing home. Key features include:

{short description of image} $3,000 of upgrades may be financed based solely on documented costs
{short description of image} Up to $6,000 may be financed if upgrades are deemed cost effective

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac EEMs

Fannie Mae secondary market guidelines permit approved lenders to increase ratio s two percent on the debt-to-income requirements for Energy Efficient Mortgages. An expanded qualifying ratio helps purchasers who are "maxed-out" on their income ratios. Freddie Mac allows a lender to use the projected utility savings as a "compensating factor."

Case Study:

ADDING ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS
THROUGH THE HOME PURCHASE

"The EEM was the second best thing that ever happened to me. The first best was actually being able to buy a home. This is our first home, and the EEM saved us a lot of headaches because we knew what we needed to do to the house. It's nice and comfortable now. Even my dogs are happy. I am very impressed."
- Pat Theard
----------------------------------------{short description of image}----------------------------------------

First-time home buyers Patricia and Mynette Theard purchased their home in California. It was built in 1940, and sold for $150,000. They got an FHA loan for 95% of the value of the property. The lender saw an opportunity for them to improve on their investment and recommended an Energy Efficient Mortgage.

A HERS Rating on the home recommended $2,300 in energy improvements including ceiling, floor and furnace duct insulation, plus a setback thermostat. The lender set aside an extra $2,300 for the improvements, bringing the total loan amount from $142,500 to $144,800. The loan closed, the Theards moved in, and the improvements were installed. The monthly mortgage payment increased by $17, but the Theards are saving $45 each month through lower utility bills.

Ask your lender about an Energy Efficient Mortgage. If they are not knowledgeable about the EEM, encourage them to learn about it, or find another lender.

Call the organizations listed on the back of this booklet. Find out how they can use the EEM to your benefit when you buy, sell, refinance or remodel your home!


WHICH BUYERS AND HOMES ARE ELIGIBLE?

All buyers who qualify for a home loan qualify for the EEM. The EEM is intended to give the buyer additional benefits on top of their usual mortgage deal. The lender will use the energy-efficiency of the house, as determined by a HERS rating, to determine what these benefits will be.

Energy Efficient Mortgages can be done on most homes. Availability is not limited by location, home price or utility company. EEMs can be done on government (FHA and VA) conventional, Portfolio and Jumbo Loans. Your lender will help you choose which loan type is best for you.

Get an EEM on:

{short description of image} Older homes qualifying for upgrades
{short description of image} New or old homes not requiring upgrades
{short description of image} New construction

SOME THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

It is best to have the HERS Rating done as early in the loan process as possible. This way, the Rating can be performed while other aspects of the loan are being processed. Closing the loan should not be delayed.

You may get a larger tax deduction with the EEM because the interest on mortgage payments is tax deductible. This can save you more money than paying for energy upgrades with a credit card, bank loan, or cash, none of which are usually tax deductible.

Each house is as unique as its owner. Benefits derived from the EEM will vary from one house to another, and the benefits in the examples in this book may not apply in all cases. Your lender will be your best source of information on your own EEM benefits.

Case Study:

ADDING ENERGY IMPROVEMENTS
THROUGH A HOME REFINANCE

"It's wonderful. We're just amazed at the difference. WeÕve hardly used the furnace all winter. The house is much quieter too. It makes sense for everyone to do it."
- Caroline Chang
----------------------------------------{short description of image}----------------------------------------

In the fall of 1995, Caroline and Tommy Chang decided to refinance their 35-year-old home to take advantage of lower interest rates. Their lender suggested they get a HERS Rating on the home so they could finance energy improvements through their new mortgage deal as well.

The lender increased the loan by $8,760 to cover the cost of energy improvements. Their final loan amount was $176,400, which is higher than they could have gotten with out the EEM. The loan closed and the improvements were installed. These included double-paned windows, wall insulation, ceiling insulation, furnace duct repairs and insulation, and a few smaller items. These improvements, combined with their lower mortgage interest rate, mean the Changs will be saving about $230 per month. They will be more comfortable too!

A house could be your biggest investment ever. Use the Energy Efficient Mortgage and invest wisely.

To find out how, call the organizations listed on the back cover.

Disclaimer Statement
Pacific Gas and Electric Company and the Department of Energy do not endorse nor imply endorsement of any product, service, individual or company mentioned and/or involved in this publication. Anyone undertaking to rely on particular details contained herein shall do so at his/her own risk and should independently use and/or verify their applicability to a given situation.
U.S. Department of Energy funds were not used for the printing of this four-color brochure.
Pacific Gas and Electric Company, 1996, all rights reserved.

Produced cooperatively by
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Building Technology,
State and Community Programs
1000 Independence Avenue S.W.
Washington, DC 20585
1-800-363-3732
http://www.eere.energy.gov/

Additional assistance provided by
Alliance to Save Energy
1200 18th Street, N.W., Suite 900
Washington, DC 20036
1-202-857-0666
http://www.info@ase.org

Additional information available from
Federal Citizen Information Center
Pueblo, CO 81009
1-888-8-PUEBLO (1-888-878-3256)
http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov

Distribution assistance provided by

Countrywide Home Branch Locator
http://branches.countrywide.com/default.asp

Countrywide Home Loans, Inc.
CMD Secondary Markets/Product Deployment & Pricing Support
6400 Legacy Drive, PTX 66
Plano, TX 75024
(800) 669-6020
(972) 608-1602
http://www.countrywidehomeloans.com/

Additional information available from
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Insured Single Family Housing
451 7th Street, S.W.
Washington, DC 20410
Consult your local phone directory
http://www.hud.gov

Additional information available from
U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20420
1-800-827-1000
http://www.va.gov

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008

09-25-08
Georg Thoma

The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008

A Practical Summary

On July 30, 2008, the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 was signed into law by

President Bush. The 700-page housing bill is designed to help struggling homeowners avoid

foreclosure and boost confidence in the housing market; however, the sheer amount of

information contained in the bill is overwhelming.

To make it easier to discuss the Act with customers and to help you understand how the Act

will impact your customer base (and your customer’s customer base), we have created both

a practical summary of some of the Act’s major provisions and a summary of the products

and services LandAmerica offers that may impact borrowers in the housing bill program.

While the Act can be complex, some major provisions include:

Federal Housing Administration Modernization

What the legislation does: The legislation gives the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

greater flexibility to respond to the needs of borrowers, enables more working families to

become home owners, provides a viable alternative to the volatile subprime market and

allows the FHA to play an important role in stabilizing the mortgage markets. How?

! The maximum FHA-insured loan will be increased to 115 percent of an area’s median

home price, up to a maximum of $625,500, with a minimum down payment of 3.5

percent (up from 3.0 percent currently).

Foreclosure Relief (Hope for Homeowners Act of 2008)

What the legislation does: The legislation is estimated to help as many as 400,000

homeowners stay in their homes. How?

! The legislation allows the FHA to guarantee up to $300 billion in refinance mortgages

where current mortgage holders agree to accept partial payment so the outstanding

principal on the new loan is more affordable for borrowers.

! Existing lenders would have to agree to take a substantial write-down to make the

new loan affordable, and the new FHA lender would pay off the discounted existing

mortgage.

! Only owner-occupied principal residences would be eligible. In exchange for new

mortgages, homeowners will share future appreciation of their property with the

FHA.

! Borrowers must also meet a payment burden test to determine if they can afford a

new mortgage.

! Banks must agree to relinquish their existing claims in exchange for a payment equal

to 85% of the current value of the home.

! The government would be liable if the borrower defaults and the amount recovered

in foreclosure is less than the outstanding principal.

! The homeowner relief program begins October 1, 2008, and ends on September 30,

2011.

Mortgage Revenue Bonds

What the legislation does: Expanding this program helps strapped borrowers seeking to

refinance their home loans. How?

! States will be provided new authority to issue an additional $11 billion in bonds to

be used to refinance subprime loans, mortgages for first-time home buyers and

multi-family rental housing.

Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs)

What the legislation does: The law creates a new, independent regulator called the

Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to govern and reform government-sponsored

enterprises (GSEs) Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the Federal Home Loan Banks. How?

! The Treasury Department has been granted temporary authority to purchase debt

and equity of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac through 2009. This is meant to provide

financial stability for the mortgage giants. The regulator will have enhanced authority

to raise capital standards and take corrective actions if the GSEs are

undercapitalized. Since this agency will be funded through fees assessed upon the

GSEs, these fees will likely be passed along to lenders.

! The legislation also permanently increases the maximum loan limit to $625,500 for

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This will help buyers seeking homes in high-priced

markets such as California and the Northeast.

! The bill also creates a new affordable housing fund to be financed by the GSEs. The

fund will be used to finance the construction, maintenance and preservation of

affordable rental housing projects nationwide.

Tax Credits

What the legislation does: Provides each new first-time homebuyer a tax credit

equivalent to an interest-free loan of 10 percent of the purchase price of the home (up to

$7,500) to be repaid over 15 years. How?

! It will be available through July 2009 for taxpayers who meet adjusted gross income

levels. Rules relating to the Low Income Housing Tax Credit will be simplified, and

states will see increased housing tax credit in 2008 and 2009 depending upon the

size of the state.

! The legislation also allows for a new standard deduction for homeowners who do not

itemize on their tax returns. For tax year 2008, taxpayers who do not itemize their

deductions but pay property taxes will receive a $500 additional standard deduction

($1,000 for married couples).

Who is eligible to claim the $7,500 tax credit?

First-time home buyers purchasing any kind of home—new or resale—are eligible for the tax

credit. To qualify for the tax credit, a home purchase must occur on or after April 9, 2008,

and before July 1, 2009. For the purposes of the tax credit, the purchase date is the date

when closing occurs.

What types of homes will qualify for the tax credit?

Any home purchased by an eligible first-time home buyer will qualify for the credit, provided

that the home will be used as a principal residence and the buyer has not owned a home in

the previous three years. This includes single-family detached homes and attached homes

like townhouses and condominiums, as well as new homes constructed on lots already

owned by the homebuyer.

Other Provisions in the Bill

Veterans: The bill lengthens the time a lender must wait before starting foreclosure after a

soldier returns from service from three to nine months and also provides returning soldiers

with one year of relief from increases in mortgage interest rates.

Disclosure Requirements: Enhances mortgage disclosure requirements to require lenders

to inform borrowers of the maximum monthly payments possible under their loans.

Legal Services: Provides additional funding for housing counseling and legal services to

distressed borrowers.

Community Development: $3.9 billion will be provided for emergency Community

Development Block Grant money to purchase and clean up abandoned homes in areas

blighted by foreclosures.

*Sources:

The United States Senate

The Library of Congress

National Home Builders Association

www.govtrack.com

www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com

www.hud.gov


Real-Estate Offices in Paia, Maui Hawaii

09-25-08
Georg Thoma

Paia ,

is a reflection of its history as a booming sugar cane plantation town with its old plantation style wooden buildings still in tact. This quaint little beach town has an array of fine specialty shops, boutiques, surf shops, antique stores, bakeries, and even an old fashioned tattoo parlor. Award wining restaurants offer casual and full service dining with local and international culinary delights.kd

The array of locally owned island shops and dining establishments offer warm hospitality and friendly service, with an atmosphere unlike any other town on the island.

Prudential Locations LLC of Maui , The New Real-Estate Office on the Block Tel: 808-579-8543

Jim Sanders Real-Estate Office in Paia ,,,,,,, This office has 2 E-Pro's Representing Active Rain Tel: 808-579-8255

Fred Haywood Realty , The cute office on main strip ! Tel : 808-579-8848

Equity 1One Office , Real-Estate Boutique with Erik Aeder , below are some Pictures for View! Tel : 808-579-1111

Both Pictures are Photographed by Erik Aeder. Just feel free to come into the office to see his Collection at Equity 1One

Check out the fun we have at the Realtor’s Central Caravan on the Hawaiian Island of Maui

09-25-08
Georg Thoma

Lloyd Canty from Island Title, conductor of the Central Caravan Express organizes the Wednesday Broker’s "Open House" where we tour some of Maui’s most prestigious homes and properties. We meet the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at Suite 310 in the Kahului Building, 33 Lono Ave., Kahului. The meeting starts at 9:00am Sharp! After we check out the list of homes for viewing, we all team up and hop into Cars and drive to the first property on the list. The listing agent gives a short presentation inside the home. Then we inspect the home before moving on to the next property. Every Realtor listed on the Caravan tour has the chance to present his listing to the entire group, then join us to view the other properties. All Aboard!!! Don’t miss the next Central Maui Caravan Express.

Kahului BLD 3rd Floor Office 310 Lloyd Canty The Cool Guy Gathering Briefing Group Bilding

Elevator Drop Visit of Open House Entering of Home Realtor Pitch "Tschu Tschu" Train Honk Next Home

Caravan at Maluhia Ranch overseeing , Kanaha Beach , Hookipa , Paia . and Central Maui with Haleakala