Sandra Thomas

What is the difference between "http" and "https"?
It's all about keeping you secure.

HTTP stands for Hyper Text Transport Protocol, which is just a fancy way of saying it's a protocol (a language, in a manner of speaking) for information to be passed back and forth between web servers and clients. The

important thing is the letter S which makes the difference between HTTP and HTTPS.

The S (big surprise) stands for "Secure". If you visit a website or webpage, and look at the address in the web browser, it will likely begin with the following: http://.

This means that the website is talking to your browser using the regular 'unsecure' language. In other words, it is possible for someone to "eavesdrop" on your computer's conversation with the website. If you fill out a form on the website, someone might see the information you send to that site. This is why you never ever enter your credit card number in an http website!

But if the web address begins with https://, ; that basically means your computer is talking to the website in a secure code that no one can eavesdrop on.

You understand why this is so important, right?

If a website ever asks you to enter your credit card information, you should automatically look to see if the web address begins with https://.
If it doesn't, there's no way you're going to enter sensitive information like a credit card number.

PASS IT ON (You may save someone a lot of grief).

This happened to one of my clients and the insurance didn't cover it.

Most homes are okay in the winter as long as they are occupied, but if you are going away from home during winter such as during the Christmas Holidays, you might want to take precautions to prevent your plumbing system from freezing. The simplest way is to leave the furnace on low and open the cabinet doors under sinks, especially if on an exterior wall. However, if there is a power outage or your furnace fails, your pipes could still freeze. A better way to winterize your home is to drain the system by having a professional do it.

You might also want to check your home owners policy to see what is covered on your home in case of freezing pipes, etc. This could be an expensive repair or lesson.

For more information: www.sandrathomassells.com

http://www.kingthompson.com/agentoffice/agentdetail.aspx?abrand=9824&agent=9824

Comparison of Conventional & FHA Derogatory Credit Requirements

COLDWELL BANKER HOME LOANS

Borrower may apply for Conventional loan:

Chapter 13: 2 years from discharge date or 4 years from dismissal date

Chapter 7 & 11: 4 years from either the discharge or dismissal date

Foreclosure: 5 years from the completion date for a primary residence with 10% down payment and a minimum 680 credit score

Deed-in-Lieu of Foreclosure: 4 years from completion date for a primary residence or 2^nd home with a minimum of 10% down

Short Sale: 2 years required to re-establish credit

Based on pre-foreclosure action and if the “short sale” shows on the credit report as a comment to the reporting of delinquency and is typically reflected as

“Paid in Full Less than Full Balance” or "Deficient Payoff/Settlement”

Borrower may apply for FHA mortgage:

Chapter 13: 1 year from discharge with one full year of timely payments made to creditors

Borrowers seeking Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) are generally considered comparable to a Chapter 13.

Chapter 7 & 11: 2 years from discharge

Borrower must have re-established good credit

Foreclosures & Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure: 3 years from release

Short sale: 3 years required if showing on the credit report as a pre-foreclosure or as a mortgage settled for less than full amount

Did you know that the FHA down payment is changing in January 2009?

Currently borrowers are required to have 3% into the purchase of a home. If borrower is paying their own closing costs, then the down payment is 2.25%, as they would have contributed 3% through the 2.25% down payment plus their closing costs. If they are not paying their own closing costs, then down payment required is 3%. In January, the required buyer contribution will be increased to 3.5%. So if you have some buyers on the fence, this just might push them off!

Did you know that there are still some 100% loan programs available? Yes there are - VA loans do not require a down payment and require no monthly mortgage insurance. There is a funding fee that is determined by service and whether or not the veteran has used eligibility before, and this can be financed into the loan.

Also available are Rural Housing Loans at 100% financing. There are income restrictions and the property must qualify for a Rural Housing loan (mostly outside 270), so be sure to get your buyers pre-approved before moving forward. There is a 2% guarantee fee that can be financed into the loan.

The website for Rural Housing (to check property eligibility and income limits) is:

http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do?NavKey=home@1

And don't forget that HUD foreclosure properties are eligible for the $100 down payment program, which is pretty close to 100% financing.

http://www.kingthompson.com/agentoffice/agentdetail.aspx?abrand=9824&agent=9824

Questions to ask your builder:

So, Mr. "Green Builder", do you:

1. Specify CFL bulbs wherever possible?

2. Do you have a programmable whole home fresh air ventilation system?

3. Do you have a dehumidifer in the basement?

4. Do you have a garage ventilation system?

5. What are you doing to retard the growth of mold?

6. Are all your carpets "green seal"?

7. Do you have argon gas in all your low-e windows?

9. Is a passive radon reduction system standard?

10. Are your furnace filters MERV-11?

...and finally, the key to it all.....

Is every home independently tested for energy efficiency and does every home rate below 70 (HERS rating) and therefore qualify for a $2000 federal tax credit?

If you don't like the answers you receive to these questions, visit us...you will like our answers.

http://www.kingthompson.com/agentoffice/agentdetail.aspx?abrand=9824&agent=9824