Maribeth Cantwell

Illustrated Properties Realtor Maribeth Cantwell receives Residential Investment Specialist Certification from Own America!

Greg Rand Radio Show Host and CEO of Own America is dedicated to providing real estate investing advice and real estate investing tips to enthusiasts about the housing and mortgage market.  He has created the Own America website with a mission in mind to build a national network of professional real estate investment specialists certified to assist those individuals who are ready to take advantage of the huge opportunity that exists in the housing market today.

Maribeth Cantwell Realtor at Illustrated Properties located in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida has recently become certified as a Residential Investment Specialist with the support of Greg Rand and his educational website Own America.  As having worked with investors interested in the Florida Real Estate Market, Maribeth Cantwell recognizes the exciting opportunity especially for those wanting a long term investment. 

Although many people may think the real estate market in Florida is broke, properties are moving and many of them being purchased by people from outside the United States.  According to NAR (National Association of Realtors), foreign investment in US real estate has increased by 20% in the 12 months ending march 2011, totaling $82 billion in just one year.  In fact, half of all transactions are made with cash and approximately one in four homes is purchased by an investor.

Why the interest?  Homeownership rates have fallen which has translated into more than 4 million new rental households in just the past few years.  According to the Census, 1.4 million between July 2010 and June 2011, so this trend is accelerating. 

Investors realize America is still the best place in the world to acquire personal property and know it is protected by law.  They recognize the fact that home ownership rates are coming down and rental household creation is going through the roof. In addition, they see rental rates being pushed up by this increased demand. They see, in short, a huge opportunity!

If you would like to learn the Art of Real Estate Investing, you can register for free and learn how to read the housing market cycle, create an investment plan, identify markets with the greatest appreciation potential, find distressed properties, locate diamonds in the rough and analyze properties to fit your objectives.  Simply click on the picture below and see how Illustrated Properties Realtor Maribeth Cantwell - Residential Investment Specialist from Own America can help you.

If you would like to find an investment property in Palm Beach County call Illustrated Properties Realtor Maribeth Cantwell - Residential Investment Specialist at 561-262-0898 or email her at Maribeth@CallTheHomeDoc.com

If you have an investment property and would like to see how Maribeth Cantwell Illustrated Properties Realtor - Residential Investment Specialist markets properties please visit her blog at www.CallTheHomeDoc.com

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Bank of America - Short Sale Incentive Program for Florida Home Owners who are under Water!

If you are a Florida Home Owner would like to avoid foreclosure, a short sale may be the perfect option for you. The benefits of a short sale include the fact that you can still live in your home while it is being shown, you will not have a foreclosure appear on your credit history, and you will avoid the potential of a public sale or auction.

When should you consider a short sale? When you can no longer afford to make your mortgage payments and your house is worth less than what you owe. Of course the investor or owner of your loan must approve it, but more investors are open to this option if the home sells at current market value.

Bank of America is now offering a Short Sale Incentive Program for Florida Home Owners. For a limited time Bank of America is offering enhanced relocation assistance to help encourage homeowners to proceed with the short sale process. Between September 26th and November 30th homeowners may be eligible for $5000-$20,000 relocation assistance if successful closing occurs by August 31, 2012. The specific amount is calculated based on the unpaid principal balance.

Exclusions include Ginne Mae, FHA, VA, USDA loans, lot loans, properties outside of Florida, and short sales initiated with an offer. Please keep in mind this assistance cannot be added to any other incentive such as HAFA or Bank of America Proprietary program.

If you are interested in finding out if you qualify for this assistance please feel free to contact Maribeth at 561-262-0898.

If you do not have a mortgage with Bank of America but would like Short Sale Advice contact Maribeth@CallTheHomeDoc.com

If you would like to go directly to Bank of America to see more information regarding their Short Sale Incentive Program for Florida Home Owners - Click Here

If you would like to see Maribeth markets properties Click Here

Art for Autism - Lil' Picasso Art Foundation for Children Launches Art Competition for children on the Autism Spectrum. 

Rob Ashkenas, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Lil' Picasso Arts Foundation for Children announced the organization's flagship initiative for arts benefiting children.  "The Next Great Lil' Picasso International Art for Autism Competition" has officially been launched and paintings are rolling in," Ashkenas said.  "This competition is possible through a partnership between Lil' Picasso Arts Foundation with the Extra-Ordinary Empowerment Network and the Autism Society of America.

Children on the Autism Spectrum between the ages of two to eight are encouraged to put paint to paper and create their own individual masterpiece.  All paintings will be judged by an impressive panel of judges and displayed in a local gallery.  After that the works of art will travel around the country.  The winning masterpieces will be published in the hard cover edition of "Our Lil' Picasso's" The Collective Voices of our children through their art.  A portion of the proceeds will then be donated to the Autism Society of America.  The remaining proceeds will be donated to other programs designed to help children on the Autism Spectrum and the winning pieces will be auctioned at a black-tie gala to be announced.

Ashkenas reminds us that Pablo Picasso said "Every child is an artist.  The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up."  The Lil' Picasso Arts Foundation agrees and believes that every child can benefit from exposure to the arts.  Ashkenas claims "our mission is to educate, inspire, and assist children through the arts and education.  We are dedicated to helping all children with and without special needs through the application, appreciation, and beautiful expression of the arts in all forms and through all mediums."

The competition is open to all children although only the works created by the children on the Autism Spectrum will be published.  The other paintings will appear online, at gallery shows, and other Lil' Picasso Arts Foundation for Children events.

Please pass this along to every child you know so that they can enter the Lil' Picasso International Art for Autism Competition and help the other children.  To download the entry form simply go to Lil' Picasso Arts Foundation for Children.

PLEASE Note - Sponsorship for this event is desperately needed!  If you know of any business or any individual who would consider becoming a sponsor PLEASE have them call Maribeth at 561-262-0898.  There are several sponsorship levels available with multiple benefits to choose from.  Keep in mind every little bit helps!  PLEASE Help us help the children!!!

For more information regarding Autism visit Autism Recovery Consultation

The video below is for your enjoyment.  It was placed on youtube.com on 4/11/2001 during Autism Awareness Month with the caption "Let's honor and celebrate the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum. Their accomplishments, courage, humor and zest for life in the midst of endless challenges are breathtaking."  It's called Billy the Artist by Voice Colors.

Has your dream of owning a home become just that – a dream? Are you a First Time Home Buyer and looking for a good investment? With REbuildUSA 203k Specialist, I can make your dream a reality.

With a small down payment and less than perfect credit, I’ll help you use the power of the FHA 203k Renovation Loan to buy a great home in a great neighborhood at a great price – and renovate it to suit your tastes and lifestyle. That's what I call a Good Investment!

Let me help you make your home ownership dreams come true!

Your FHA 203k Specialist, REbuildUSA and Lowe’s are dedicated to helping more Americans become homeowners, and at the same time, preserving and improving our communities. Through the FHA 203k Renovation Loan program we’ll help you finance the purchase of your home and the cost of improvements in one mortgage.

Your FHA 203k Specialist, working together with REbuildUSA and Lowe’s, can make it much easier for you to buy a great home in a great neighborhood at a great price – and renovate it to meet your needs using the power of the FHA 203k loan program.

To get started, give me a call. We’ll determine your buying power and I’ll help you find the best house to become your Dream Home.

REbuildUSA is dedicated to helping more Americans achieve the dream ofhome ownership, as we preserve and improve our communities. Your REbuildUSA 203k Specialist will help you finance the purchase of your home and the renovation in one FHA 203k mortgage with as little as 3.5% down – even with less than perfect credit.

Why REbuildUSA?

Now more than ever, there are large numbers of foreclosed properties that need repair and renovation. There are also many wonderful older homes in well-established neighborhoods offered at great prices to reflect their need for updating and repair. REbuildUSA and its partners deliver the support, expertise and systems to allow you to more easily use the power of the FHA 203k to bring your home ownership dream to life.

Your REbuildUSA 203k Specialist™ is trained to provide the expertise and support to help you find a great home at a great price that can be improved through the use of the FHA 203k Renovation Loan program and enjoy these benefits:
• Save Time & Money – Use one loan to buy and renovate a great home to meet your needs.
• Get More Home for Your Money – Take advantage of the excellent prices for homes that need repair and remodeling.
• Low Down Payment – Enjoy the benefits of home ownership with as little as 3.5% down.
• Easier Qualification – Less strict FHA qualification requirements benefit those with less than perfect credit.
• Make the Most of Your Investment – rather than paying a premium for changes made by previous owners, invest in improvements that suit your personal tastes and lifestyle.
• Earn Additional Equity – Professional installers do the work, and you can earn “sweat equity” in the process.
• Greater Financial Stability – Rather than experiencing a strain on your budget for major repairs later, you can pay for these improvements over time at a more affordable rate.
• Live in a More Desirable Location – There are many great homes in wonderful established neighborhoods that offer perfect FHA 203k opportunities.
• Invest in Your Future – You can use an FHA 203k loan to purchase a 1 to 4 unit property allowing you to renovate a home that also brings you rental income as an excellent long-term investment.

It’s Easy to Get Started
Your REbuildUSA 203k Specialist will:
• Help you determine your buying power and get the process started.
• Help you locate the best home to be renovated for your needs.
• Using the REbuildUSA project portal, schedule your home inspection and introduce you to your personal Lowe’s renovation consultant
• Assist you in packaging your renovation bids and financial documents.
• Help you finalize the purchase to begin renovation of your new home
• Enjoy the support of your RebuildUSA 203k Specialist at NO additional cost to you!

For more information go to Rebuildusa/Home Buyers

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Maribeth Cantwell, Realtor with Illustrated Properties is AwardedReal Estate’s Prestigious 203k Renovation Specialist™ Designation

Illustrated Properties is proud to announce that Realtor Maribeth Cantwell has completed the real estate industry’s most comprehensive training in the use of the U.S. Government’s FHA 203k Home Purchase and Renovation Loan program. With this designation, Maribeth Cantwell becomes a member of REbuildUSA, a nationwide organization of real estate, lending and home improvement professionals, working in partnership with Lowe’s, is dedicated to helping more Americans achieve the dream of home ownership, improving our communities and contributing to the health of our economy.

“The FHA 203k Renovation Loan offers tremendous opportunities for many Americans to enjoy great prices on homes today,” explains Maribeth Cantwell, “yet there is very little awareness of this program and the power it offers in our current economy.”  Please see video below.

REbuildUSA was established with the mission of creating more awareness of the opportunities offered by the FHA 203k Renovation program, while at the same time, simplifying the process for all involved. As REbuildUSA’s home improvement partner, Lowe’s assists in identifying the scope of work and relative costs and then coordinates the actual renovation activities through its nationwide network of licensed installers.

“My FHA 203k Renovation Specialist™ designation training positions me to provide professional guidance to those who would like to locate a great home in a great neighborhood to be renovated to meet their needs. These are the homes offered at the most competitive prices. Additionally, as a member of REbuildUSA, I can help my buyers more easily navigate the process of planning, securing loan approval and completing the home improvements.”

FHA 203k Renovation Specialists are also trained to bring a strong competitive advantage to home sellers by more effectively marketing their homes to a wider audience. The REbuildUSA List Assist program provides visualization tools and cost estimates allowing prospective buyers to better recognize the value of an available property, and the FHA 203k Renovation Specialist can then help them put the power of the FHA 203k to work in purchasing and renovating the home.

“I’m excited to have more of our associates earning this designation and supporting the mission of REbuildUSA,” explains Maria Fresneda of Realtor Maribeth Cantwell. “Knowledge is power, and I believe this program really sets our people apart when it comes to helping home buyers and sellers make the most of the excellent opportunities in today’s market.”

Maribeth Cantwell has been active in real estate sales for 5 and works in the northern Palm Beach County areas.  She can be reached at 561-262-0898.

Maribeth Cantwell at Illustrated Properties2725 Pga Blvd. Palm Beach Gardens, Fl 33410

www.CallTheHomeDoc.com   email Maribeth@CallTheHomeDoc.com

REbuildUSA is based in Newport Beach, California. To learn more, visit www.REbuildUSA.com or call 877.USA.203k.