About Brown County, WI

I was recently talking with some newbie parents about their plans for their child's college education since two of my children are currently enrolled in two separate universities. The discussion centered on the expense of sending a kid to college today and what that expense might be when their kids go to college. Well, let me tell you, it's expense to send two kids to school, let alone one. And with the way the world is going who knows what funds will be available when their kids reach college age. One area of expertise I have is real estate and if there's one thing I know how to do well it's make money on real estate as an investment, is what I told these newbie parents. You can't rely on CD's, the stock market or the lottery I said. But, you can buy real estate and utilize it as a vehicle to pay for your child's education. How, well, provided your children are young enough, you buy a small house, duplex, or multi-family, amortize the loan over 15-20 years, and when the child is is old enough to go to college, the real estate investment will have almost be paid off, plus, it will have appreciated significantly in value from wen you first purchased it. I know some people who bought these types of investments, one for each kid. And as I have said before, historically (what else do you have to go on but history) these values have increased in value while the debt has decreased. But, you have to be responsible about it-make a plan and follow that plan. This means, when things start going well you don't sell it or you don't borrow more money against it. You buy it, maintain it, and you pay the loan off within the initial desired time frame. Right now, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, there remains a healthy supply of these investments, from multi family to duplex type properties, and the market value of these is rock bottom right now. Although lenders scrutinize these more than owner occupied properties there remains a healthy supply of money available to lend on these. So, if you or someone you know is a newbie parent and wants their child to go to college, do them a favor and tell recommend to consider real estate as an investment in the child's future. Who knows, they might like it so much they build their own little nest egg along the way. For more information on investment real estate email Mark at Mark@MarkHilgenberg.com.

Just when you think that there can't be anymore changes that government can introduce to us lenders, they hit us with MORE and MORE! The lending portion of the home buying process is very tight and law oriented. I have been having more and more people coming to me to refinance their homes, but am able to do anything about it. The HVCC rule has thrown everyone for a loop. How does the government expect everything to get better, when they took control of 90% of the appraisal business? I've been getting very frustrated in the fact that a home, that is FULLY capable of refinancing and getting the value it is worth...can be absolutely impossible. OR, if I do get the value through a 3rd party appraiser, the lender will schedule a field review, which they shouldn't have to since we are supposed to TRUST whatever value that THEIR appraiser comes up with that they hired. That is another $150-$200+ charge that we either take out of our YSP or have to charge to the customer. Between all the hits that the lenders are charging, it is starting to become next to impossible to do a refinance or purchase with closing costs under $2,000. For all of you brokers, L.O's, agents and home bueyrs who are tired or the government making these obsurred rules and regulations, please sign the HVCC petition. It can only do good. I believe that it would be a good enough change if we could still hire our own appraisers and if the lenders would still liek a field review on the appraisal, so then be it.

To take action please sign the petition! http://www.hvccpetition.com/

INDIVIDUALS WITH POSITIVE MENTAL ATTITUDES ARE NEVER FOUND IN A RUT. A Rut as Earl Nightengal said, "Is Nothing More than a coffin with the ends kicked out".

Individuals with a positive attitude are those who somehow always manage to find something new and interesting even in the most mundane tasks. They don't allow themselves to be bored, because they are always seeking ways to do things faster, better, and more efficiently. If you make it a practice to find better ways to do the same old things, you will soon be marked for advancement. You will be supervising others who are performing your old job because you've proven that you are a person who can be counted on to take the initiative and do what needs to be done without being told.

This positive message is brought to you by the Napoleon Hill Foundation. Visit them at http://www.naphill.org

I cannot speak for anyone else, but I need to be inspired. It is like a shot in the arm; a refreshment that keeps me moving in the right direction. I hope this inpires you too!!!! Have a great week ahead....

Gwenn Tanvas is a Certified Mortgage Planning Specialists who specializes in Credit Restoration and Government Programs such as FHA, State and Federal VA and USDA Rural Housing Loans. Visit her website for more information, on-line calculators and a secure on-line application. She is able to assist with transaction throughout the state of Wisconsin. Her offices are located in Appleton, Oshkosh and Green Bay and offers the convenience of one-stop shopping. http://www.WisconsinLoanTips.com or http://www.MortgageProsOfWisconsin.com she can also be reached for comment or to answer questions via email at gwennt@centurytel.net

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It's mind boggling: Interest Rates are at a near record low for home mortgages, Home prices are lower today than five years ago, and First Time Buyers qualify for an $ 8000 "gift" from the Government, Yet the home Buyers are still in hiding! Through a very pro-active campaign to reach out to Renters who should own a home, we are finding that potential Home Buyers are just plain scared with the uncertainty of the economy and the stability of Their own employment. How do you overcome that?

Real Living Inc. has introduced a fantastic program to combat this insecurity pocessed by Today's Buyer with it's exclusive Peace Of Mind Program. If Real Living Home listing is purchased through by a Buyer represented by any REALTOR and financed through Real Living Mortgage, Inc., The Home Buyer will have Two Years of coverage that if an involuntary loss of job did happen, Their Mortgage payment will be covered for six months! That is truly Peace of Mind!

The up to $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers and/or those who haven't owned a home in three years has proven to be a great success. Time, however, is running out. The tax credit is only available to those who close by November 30, 2009.

In order to take advantage of the tax credit, a buyer wanting FHA financing will need to have their accepted offer to purchase into their lender by mid to late September to be assured that their financing will be in place in time. Currently, FHA financing is taking up to six weeks. In the fall, with the probable increase in volume, FHA financing could take up to eight weeks or more. Those using conventional financing, however, will probably have a little more time.

Finding the right home for you may take some time. It may be a buyer's market in some areas but remember, there are many other buyers looking for homes too. Once you find a home, there may also be a delay if you encounters inspection issues that need to be resolved. It can be difficult to get a good contractor this time of year.

If you are thinking of buying a home in 2009 and you are eligible for the tax credit, don't wait. The process can take longer than you think!

Good luck and take care.