Richard Smith Mortgages Home Loans FHA TN GA AL

We have been able to save several home owners in Chattanooga from foreclosure with Reverse Mortgages. One was especially gratifying. As we worked on the loan and the homeowner did some of the repairs that had been called for, she stopped making her payments.

She was already significantly behind.

Without our knowledge the home went into foreclosure, and actually went to sale. When we learned about the actual status, we contacted the lender attorney and requested more time. Their process to stop the foreclosure was too slow to prevent the sale, which was only 2 days away.

We talked with the person who purchased the home at foreclosure auction, and he agreed to give us time to finish the loan.

Because of his gracious help and the Reverse Mortgage program, we were able to salvage this lady's home.

Reverse Mortgages are a good loan for many people, and not just because there are no credit qualification requirements.

You will find a mortgage professional here. Whether you want conventional, FHA, VA, Rural Development, Reverse Mortgages, Construction Permanent, credit guidance, mortgage or home or other information in Tennessee, Georgia, or Alabama, call me, Richard Smith:

Last week the Chamber of Commerce conducted two grand openings. A Super BILO opened in Hixson, TN, moving its location from the older store in a major expansion. The O'Charley's restaurant on Shallowford Village Drive reopened after closing for 2 days to complete renovations, as part of the chain's rebranding program. The goal is to enhance their patrons dining experience.

I frequently eat at that restaurant as it is close to my office. I am excited to see what has changed.

These are two of many grand openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies that the Chamber conducts weekly. They point to the continuing growth in the Chattanooga economy.

The BILO ceremony was full of local dignitaries, including Major Ron Littlefield, and several commissioners. Many of BILO's corporate officers were present as well as several major vendors, including Scottie Mayfield.

The Hixson High School string class supported by members of the Hixson High School band provided music and gave this event a strong focus on supporting the Hixson school and community. BILO contributed $1000 towards the Hixson High School and Hixson Middle School music programs.

This is a significant event, and a sign of our growth in Chattanooga. The community supported the opening by showing up in very large numbers. My estimate is at over 700 in addition to Chamber members and the numerous other invited guests.

Here is a link to the story in the Times Free Press.

The grand opening at the O'Charley's restaurant also was well attended, by the local business community, and by Chamber members. The Ooltewah Middle School band played, again giving focus on commitment to the local community. O'Charley's gave $1000 to Chattanooga Schools.

Here is a link to the story in The Chattanoogan.

Chattanooga is on the move. We can also look to the possibility of the VW plant decision to move into our area. We are very much in the running.

You will find a mortgage professional here. Whether you want conventional, FHA, VA, Rural Development, Reverse Mortgages, Construction Permanent, credit guidance, mortgage or home or other information in Tennessee, Georgia, or Alabama, call me, Richard Smith:

Friday a group of interested people from government, business, and private concerns met to discuss the issues surrounding Fair Housing.

Chattanooga has for the last 3 years held a luncheon to focus attention on the issue of Fair Housing. The luncheon is held in April to coincide with National Fair Housing Month. This year the luncheon commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Fair Housing Legistaltion.

The issues that were disussed were how to make next year's event better. A major concern was to improve turnout, but also to provide better access to information for those who might be suffering from discriminatory acts.

The focus of the discussion was also towards seeking ways to help with access to programs that exist to encourage home ownership. Many people are not necessarily denied access because of discrimination, but because of a lack of information and guidance.

The discussion went to the issue of discrimination, which is more of a problem than I had realized, judging from the accounts of many who took part in the meeting. Much of the discrimination had to do with landlord/tenant relations, but much also involved home purchases. This is especially true in relation to directing someone from or to certain neighborhoods. Comments were also made to the effect that mortgage terms are often not the same for minorities.

A related blog thread has been initiated by Anthony Clark. His blog thread is http://activerain.com/blogsview/37047/Hate-bigotry-discrimination-Oh. There have been many posted comments on that thread.

At the meeting in Chattanooga, we discussed issues of race, gender, disability. Anthony's blog thread is focusing on sexual preference, but he is fundamentally discussing discrimination in all forms.

Our group made specific mention of systematic and subtle discriminations, many of which are committed unaware.

It is an important matter. I was honored to be invited to the meeting, and fortunate to have gained some new insight. 

Ooltewah has defended its national ranking by winning the Class AAA softball tournament with a 6-1 win in the final over Beech.

GPS another local power house softball team also won the state championship in its classification Division II, Class AA.

The Ooltewah win gives Chattanooga area schools 4 consecutive state titles in Class AAA. According to the Times Free Press, this is an historic event. The shortest time that three schools from the same district have won state championships in Class AAA. The article does not say this, but it must be one of the few times a single district has won 4 straight state titles.

Red Bank High School where my daughter played.

Soddy Daisy High School , 2 consecutive state titles.

Ooltewah High School, this year's state champs.

GPS won its tournament final game with a 15-0 win over St. Benedict.

There are video highlights for both team on the links to the Chattanooga Times Free Press articles below. Be careful, the videos will bring tears. The videos are below the written articles, and well worth the watch.

Go Ooltewah Lady Owls and GPS Bruisers, and Chattanooga girls softball!

Video links:

Lady Owls get to Hoot

GPS Cruises

Pam Duffy, president of the Chattanooga Association of REALTORs, gave an uplifting presentation to the Home Builders Association of Southern Tennessee today at their monthly luncheon.

Her main point was that all real estate is local. Chattanooga is not the national market. We did not experience the great high, and we are not experiencing the terrible low, There are many things to be excited about in Chattanooga. She specifically mentioned that we are very much in contention for the VW plant. I myself am excited about the prospects for fiber optic cable and its impact. There are many other things to be excited about - the 3^rd best city to live in.

Pam referenced the Harley Davidson advertisement that acknowledges the many problems of the day - Iraq, terrorism, the down real estate market, foreclosures, high gasoline and energy costs, etc. The advertisement acknowledges these problems, and says Screw it. Let's ride.

Pam interpreted that message for us today to mean that there are problems, but we cannot let worries and fears dominate our thought. We should do what we know how to do. There are buyers out there. Builders should build. REALTORS should sell.

Let's ride. Help families reach the American Dream of home ownership.

Her message was encouraging, and then she turned practical for her builder audience. The question is not whether a builder should build or not. The question is what a builder should build. What does the buyer want?

Universal design.

Pam said that consumer studies reveal that square footage is no longer king.

Formal dining rooms, high ceilings, large homes are out. Too expensive to build, to heat, and to maintain.

She indicated most buyers prefer around 2500 square feet with a good floor plan. Open layout, one large room for entertainment and family evenings, open to the kitchen, 1^st floor bedroom, multi cook friendly kitchen, over sized garage with cabinets, heat and air, and generous storage, outdoor living spaces, environmentally sound.

Comfortable, durable, easy to maintain.

She said that new construction should accommodate people no matter their age, at all phases of life. The universal design.

Demographics are tending such that over 50% of homeowners will soon be over 50 years old.

Builders should consider the active older adult who wants to remain in their home and to remain a homeowner into their later years.

She spoke then about Certified Aging in Place (CAP) plans and construction.

Her presentation was well received and appreciated by the builder audience. It was encouraging and pointed to some options with direction and focus for builders in a tough time.

Here is a link to Pam's website.

The Home Builders Association website is www.hbast.org.