Rick Knotts

The Homes of Stonebriar Located In Calera, Alabama Still A Bargain

Where else can you find a three-bedroom, two-bath, two-car garage home built on a sixty-foot lot, sprinkler system (optional), sidewalks and street lights all for under $120,000 located in Shelby County, Alabama. Not many communities in Birmingham, Alabama offer this much home for this price. David Brady of Brady Residential Construction takes great pride in building these homes that not only offer great quality and craftsmanship for years to come but he makes them very affordable for the purchaser. Majority of the homes sold in Stonebriar are for first time homeowners however, there are those that want to down size who have seen the quality, experienced the draw to a much simpler life versus the hustle and bustle of the city and have taken the plunge and haven't looked back!

The Homes of Stonebriar offer many upgrades to those who seek these amenities. Granite counter tops, garden tubs, walk-in showers, hardwood and tile flooring, stainless steel appliances are just a few to mention and still at very affordable price. The Homes of Stonebriar also have four bedroom plans that are sure to offer room for the growing family.

The Homes of Stonebriar are located close to Interstate 65, good school systems, major shopping, eateries and a major medical facility in Shelby County Hospital.

Article by: www.RealtorsForLifeTeam.com,www.BirminghamRealEstateNews.com

Birmingham, Alabama Area Real Estate Developments

Are you finding more and more real estate developers skipping out on their obligations? This is what one headline read in a local newspaper. Just recently a Birmingham, Al area municipality allowed a local developer more time to correct issues with roads in the community. Local governments are often faced with legal action against the developers in question. No one wants this course of action. To his credit the developer agreed to make the necessary corrections.

The ones left holding the bag could be the current home owners in the communities, their local governments or both. This is why it is vital to all involved to take ownership of what is happening in your communities and not be caught off guard. Get involved, don't stand on the side lines, know what is happening to protect probably your biggest investment of your life. This is vital for the growth and protection of your home, its value and neighborhood. It is for the good of all!

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Split Over Economic Fix As Ministers Meet

World leaders are at odds over how to fix the world economy with no nation in a position of strength as talks continue about the global economic crisis. The U.S. wants more worldwide stimulus while Europe wants world leaders to focus on much tougher oversight, blaming the U.S. for its lax regulation and the trigger for the economic decline.

China, the holder of more than $727 million in Treasury securities has expressed concern for its government's investments. Many at the G-20 Summit have voiced much concern about the cracks in the United States economy and the fact that the U.S. is trying to spend its way out of the recession. Chinese investments in U.S. Treasuries have for years helped finance U.S. budget deficits, keep interest rates low and buoy the dollar. China's fear is that overspending on stimulus by the United States could ignite inflation and send interest rates climbing.

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Government Mortgage Aid Program

The program has two key elements: a refinancing program for borrowers with little equity in their homes but current on their loans, and a $75 billion program to help reduce mortgage payments for struggling borrowers.

Who qualifies:

Assistance Under Mortgage Refinance Plan

•· Only homeowners in good standing whose loans are held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

•· The property must be owner-occupied and the borrower must have enough income to make payments on the mortgage debt.

•· Borrowers can't owe more than 105% of their first mortgage.

Mortgage Modification Program

•· Delinquent borrowers and current borrowers who are at risk of imminent default are eligible.

•· Mortgages must have been made on Jan 1 or earlier.

•· The property must be the homeowner's primary residence.

•· Eligible borrowers will have to provide their most recent tax returns and two pay stubs, as well as an affidavit of financial hardship to qualify.

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2^nd Stimulus Plan?

Washington is considering a second round of a stimulus plan. It has been met with mixed emotions, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has endorsed the idea and the Bush administration has softened its opposition.

Bernanke advised any new package plan must be focused to quickly provide a shot of relief to the economy. Hold on, the plan would not come directly to the consumers as in the past. The package would be for road building and other projects to create jobs. However, there could be pork in this plan as it could also be aimed at increasing spending on food stamp programs, unemployment benefits and aid to cash strapped governments who have overspent their budgets and not managed fiscal responsibility.

Oppositions of the plan advised this would already add to the bloated budget deficit and not bring much needed relief to the broader economy. Bernanke suggested this plan is needed because the normal tools the Fed's use to stimulate the economy, interest rate cuts and other measures are not hitting their mark to get the economy going.

What do you think?

Rick Knotts

www.BirminghamRealEstateNews.com