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Joey Aszterbaum

Important News from the Hemet Home Loan Guy

I have given my notice of resignation to Patrion Mortgage, effective June 1st, 2009.

I am taking a 3 month sabbatical. There's a good chance that at the end of this much-needed break I won't return to working in the real estate industry.

As you can imagine, this was a big decision for 'The Hemet Home Loan Guy' and for my family. Those who are close to me no doubt noticed my struggle with this decision over the last several months.

The projects that will receive my greatest attention during my sabbatical are my wife's amazing photography business, homeschooling our four incredible kids, moving my in-laws here to Aszterbaum Farm, deciding whether to continue my studies at Hope International University (towards teaching or ministry) and visiting a new monastic community to see what God is doing among the poor here in the U.S.

During my leave from the loan business, I want to strongly encourage you to turn to Hilary Wilkinson at Patrion Mortgage as your professional home loan consultant.

Hilary's phone number is 951.571.5756 and her email is hwilkinson@patrionmortgage.com. Please take a moment and add this to your phone or address book so that when you need help you can turn to her.

Hilary was my production assistant until she was promoted to Mortgage Loan Consultant five months ago. If I helped anyone with a loan these last several years, Hilary was instrumental in making sure it was a good experience. I trust her wholeheartedly to serve the Realtors, homeowners and homebuyers that I care about.

I want to thank all of my friends: Realtors, clients, credit union members, co-workers, my success team partners and my competitors in the mortgage business. The last six years have been a time of hard work, good friendship and personal growth.

Allow me to publicly and specifically thank the following people:

  • Dana Moore, recruiting goddess at Altura Credit Union. For hiring me back in 2001, for guiding my career path through the organization and for being so open and honest. You go, Danamo!
  • David Constantino, President of Patrion Mortgage for taking a chance on me when I had no mortgage experience, and for being my example of what responsibility and leadership look like.
  • Dawn Williams, Vice President, for being such a dear friend, inspiration and my biggest cheerleader. Somehow you knew how to bring out the best in me and I never felt that I had to hide my true self, which is remarkable in this tough industry.
  • Eric Lofholm, my sales coach and mentor. Eric was the secret ingredient in my business and there's simply no way I would have been able to stay in the business so long or to enjoy such phenomenal success if it weren't for him. I can't help but advertise for him! If you're in business, you need to start working with Eric right away.
  • Mike McKinlay, Fidelity Title for being my first 'Success Team' partner. Your encouragement, accountability, friendship and prayers mean so much to me. You exemplify to me what integrity and priorities look like.
  • Hilary Wilkinson, Mortgage Loan Consultant...I already bragged on you, but let me also say that I'm blown away by your strength and growth these last years.
  • Graham Holmes, REviron Realty. Your humility and gentle spirit were a real source of healing to me when life and business got tough, and are unique gifts in the world of real estate. I'm so glad to be your friend and to be a part of St. Alban's with you and your beautiful family.
  • The Hemet-San Jacinto Association of Realtors. What a great bunch of people who make a real difference in the lives of this community, both through their work and through their charity fundraising. Especially DaVina, Dee and Linda for keeping things going - you are awesome!
  • The rest of my Success Team: Judee Edgerton at American Home Shield, Sam Mitchell at Mitchell & Associates Appraisers and Toni Knopp at Patrion Insurance. I can't recommend them highly enough.

I can't list everyone...but please know that I thank God for all of you and wish you the best.

If you would like to keep in touch with me on a personal level, here is a link to my facebook profile.

Grace and peace,

Joey Aszterbaum
The Hemet Home Loan Guy

Asbestos Prevention, Tips and Healthy Alternatives for Homeowners

There are many things to consider when remodeling, purchasing or receiving a home mortgage loan. When receiving a mortgage, it is the transfer of an interest in property to a lender as security for a debt. Many new responsibilities will need to be undertaken at this time. Having the assistance of a professional mortgage loan consultant and real estate agent can make all the difference in the world. The road to owning a home is a wonderful experience, but one that requires new responsibilities. Homes that are newly purchased may require additional remodeling or repairs.

asbestos home illustration

In many cases, obsolete building materials may still be present which can pose several risks. Since the late 1800's until the early 1980's, asbestos was regarded as the ideal method of insulation and piping in industrial applications throughout the world. Highly sought after throughout the 20th century, asbestos gained heavy use due to its fire, heat and weather resistant qualities.

Located in the Southwestern part of the United States, California is known for its beautiful weather, gorgeous scenery, arts, culture, entertainment industry and tourism. The state of California provides a great environment for active lifestyles and is regarded as one of the top states to call home.

Although asbestos exposure does not always pose health risks, it is still highly recommended that homebuyers determine if asbestos containing building materials are present. Exposure to asbestos is easily avoidable by taking simple precautions. The state is also leading the way towards a green paradigm, featuring eco-sustainable methods of construction and living. Many of these healthy insulation options are available for home use. Not only do these materials replace the need for hazardous materials, they can even reduce annual energy costs.

The long term inhalation of airborne asbestos fibers can cause a rare, but severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Manufacturers of asbestos were aware of its toxic qualities, but repressed any evidence that demonstrated that. Due to the fact many mesothelioma symptoms are similar to less serious ailments, mesothelioma diagnosis is one of the more difficult tasks physicians encounter. There are a number of factors that can impact mesothelioma survival rate. These factors include latency period, age of diagnosis and cigarette smoking.

Implementing and enforcing the state's environmental protection laws, The California Environmental Protection Agency ensures clean water, air, soil and waste recycling is performed throughout the state. This agency is at the forefront of science and research to lead to a cleaner, healthier planet for all. With a variety of home materials on the market still not banned b the federal government, there has been an overwhelming amount of concerned citizens regarding asbestos exposure.

With increasing technology and public initiatives, green alternatives exist which allow for an asbestos free environment. These healthy insulation alternatives include cotton fiber, lcynene and cellulose. According to studies performed by manufacturers, the use of cotton fiber can reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent! These options will provide a safe and healthy home, free of any damaging materials.

Recently, congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law. Included in this act were extensions to the tax incentives placed for energy efficiency in 2005, as well as new credits for homeowners who remodel or build using eco-sustainable methods. Some of the measures that are eligible for tax credits include added insulation to walls, ceilings, or other part of the building envelope that meets the 2009 IECC specifications, sealing cracks in the building shell and ducts to reduce heat loss. Storm doors paired with U-factored rated wood doors are also eligible.

Special thanks to Jesse Herman and Paul James from the Mesothelioma Cancer Center for their assistance with this blog post.

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Top Hemet Mortgage & Real Estate Articles:

Looking to buy real estate?

Joey Aszterbaum is the Hemet Home Loan Guy and a member of the Active Rain social network of real estate professionals. Patrion Mortgage is a direct lender and a division of Altura Credit Union (formerly Riverside County's Credit Union). To buy or refinance real estate in Hemet, Riverside County, California visit www.HemetHomeLoans.com or call 951.571.5751

Riverside County First Time Home Buyers - Classes available

Riverside County has down payment assistance programs for first time buyers in Hemet, San Jacinto, Murrieta, Menifee and the surrouding areas of Riverside County. All first time buyer programs require that you take a first-time home buyers class.

Most of these classes take 8 hours on a Saturday. They are very educational and go over the in and outs of buying real estate for the first time.

Some of these classes cost money UNLESS you are taking it for the Riverside County EDA down payment assistance programs, so be sure to mention this.

Here are the authorized classes for these programs:

Neighborhood Housing Services
525 Technology Court, Ste 101
Riverside, CA 92507
(951) 300-1757

Neighborhood Housing Services
1390 North D Street
San Bernardino, CA 92405
(909) 884-6891

Fair Housing - Riverside
3933 Mission Inn Ave
Riverside, CA 92501
(800) 655-1812

Rancho Housing Alliance
53-990 Enterprise Way, Ste 1
Coachella, CA 92236
(760) 391-5883

For More Information on these first-time home buyer programs, call me at 951.571.5751.

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Top Hemet Mortgage & Real Estate Articles:

Looking to buy real estate?

Joey Aszterbaum is the Hemet Home Loan Guy and a member of the Active Rain social network of real estate professionals. Patrion Mortgage is a direct lender and a division of Altura Credit Union (formerly Riverside County's Credit Union). To buy or refinance real estate in Hemet, Riverside County, California visit www.HemetHomeLoans.com or call 951.571.5751

Hemet remembers firefighter Jason McKay, Jury closes in on arson verdict

Firefighter Jason McKay and three other firefighters were killed in the line of duty on October 26, 2006 when the Esperanza fire overran their fire engine. A fifth died days

The Jason McKay scholarship honors his memory and sacrifice by helping students enrolling at MSJC (Mt. San Jacinto Community College) to become firefighters, EMTs or other first responders.

The scholarship gives up to $500 to students that can be used for education and equipment. For example, the types of boots that a firefighting student needs can cost about $250.

Raymond Lee Oyler stands accused of arson and murder for the Esperanza fire. Jurors in that trial may hand down a verdict as soon as today, including the possiblity of death penalty.

Donations to the Jason McKay Memorial Scholarship can be deposited at Provident Bank, 1690 E Florida Ave, Hemet, CA 92544. For more information on how to donate or to apply for the scholarship you can contact Will Burger at the offices of Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack by calling (951) 658-2312 ext 15, or by mobile phone (951) 973-4343 or email willburger@gmail.com.

On Thursday, March 12th, Mr. Burger will be giving a presentation to local Realtors at the Real Agent Help Breakfast at Mimi's Cafe. All proceeds from the breakfast will go to the scholarship.

Jason McKay Memorial Scholarship

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Top Hemet Mortgage & Real Estate Articles:

Looking to buy real estate?

Joey Aszterbaum is the Hemet Home Loan Guy and a member of the Active Rain social network of real estate professionals. Patrion Mortgage is a direct lender and a division of Altura Credit Union (formerly Riverside County's Credit Union). To buy or refinance real estate in Hemet, Riverside County, California visit www.HemetHomeLoans.com or call 951.571.5751

Foreclosure, Bankruptcy and FHA - How long do I have to wait to buy a home?

Because of the economy, more and more people are wondering what the consequences of their bankruptcy or foreclosure are in regards getting a mortgage loan and buying real estate.

  • How long do I have to wait to buy a home after a foreclosure?
  • How long do I have to wait to get a home loan after declaring bankruptcy?

The rules for FHA and conventional loans are different, so I'm going to go with FHA, since they're easier.

Foreclosure

Three years needs to pass, with good payment history, after a foreclosure to get approved for an FHA loan. There are exceptions to this but they are very restrictive - Only serious illness or death of a primary wage earner. Job loss, transfer or inability to sell the home do NOT count as exceptions.

Bankruptcy - Chapter 7

Two years need to pass, with good payment history, after a chapter 7 bankruptcy is DISCHARGED to get approved for an FHA loan. There is an exception down to one year under strict guidelines - Must show that the circumstances were out of your control and that you have the ability to manage your finances since the BK.

Bankruptcy - Chapter 13

A buyer can qualify for an FHA loan with a Chapter 13 bankruptcy as long as they have had at least 12 months with a good payment history according to the plan.

Other important notes:

  • These items stay on your credit for as long as 11 years.
  • Bankruptcy or foreclosures within the last 7 years must be disclosed on your mortgage application. Late payments after these types of events are an easy way to get denied.
  • Patrion can only give a mortgage loan to someone with a credit score of 620 or higher. If you meet the above guidelines, but haven't built up your credit over 620, you wouldn't qualify.

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Top Hemet Mortgage & Real Estate Articles:

Looking to buy real estate?

Joey Aszterbaum is the Hemet Home Loan Guy and a member of the Active Rain social network of real estate professionals. Patrion Mortgage is a direct lender and a division of Altura Credit Union (formerly Riverside County's Credit Union). To buy or refinance real estate in Hemet, Riverside County, California visit www.HemetHomeLoans.com or call 951.571.5751