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Dickson Realty announced that Eagle Home Mortgage has become the preferred lender for their clients. As reported in the Reno Gazette Journal today, Eagle Home Mortgage is a full-service mortgage banker and subsidiary of Lennar Corporation in seven western states with offices in Reno. Eagle offers services to Dickson clients that include conventional and jumbo loans, fixed and adjustable rate mortgages. In addition they provide Federal Housing Administration and Veterans Affairs loan products, Rural Housing/USDA loans, renovation and manufactured housing financing and state bond loans.
Dickson Realty’s Caughlin Ranch, Damonte Ranch and Sparks offices have an Eagle Home Mortgage loan officer on-hand to help you.
If you have more questions, please call or write me an email!
Esther Ramage - Dickson Realty
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As you may know Assembly Bill 284 took affect on 10/1/2011 and requires that lenders have proof of ownership prior to filing a Notice of Default on delinquent mortgages in Nevada. This legislation intended to put an end to the nasty “robo-signing” issue. Well it certainly has done that and then some. We’re nearly three months into this and NOD’s have virtually come to a halt. Is this what our legislators intended? I hope not….
First of all, is this legislation a direct challenge to MERS? (the Mortgage Electronic Registration System). An explanation of that system follows below and has been copied directly from their web-site:
MERS is an innovative process that simplifies the way mortgage ownership and servicing rights are originated, sold and tracked. Created by the real estate finance industry, MERS eliminates the need to prepare and record assignments when trading residential and commercial mortgage loans.
Simply put, MERS allows banks and investors to exchange mortgages without the typical title and escrow work we’re all familiar with when we buy, sell or refinance our homes. While your home may have stayed with you all these years, your mortgage has likely changed hands many times. This system has served the banks well for many years. However, at this point bankers are clearly lacking in confidence when it comes to risking a felony offense.
Secondly, this will no doubt have an affect on housing inventory in Nevada. At some point in the near future the inventory of available bank owned homes will drop dramatically. Short sale home sellers may delay their plans. Why rush to sell short if the lender isn’t going to rush to foreclose? I’m very concerned that this will create a false sense of demand in the market. Prices may rise due to scarcity but there’s no doubt reality will roar into the market someday soon.
Last but not least, why would any bank want to lend in Nevada? Let’s think about this… High unemployment, declining home values, state mandated foreclosure mediation and now this. Seriously, I’m no big fan of the banks but common sense would seem to dictate that Nevada is not a great place for banks to do mortgage business. Home financing is already tough in our market. No doubt this will only make things tougher in the long run.
Let’s hope our legislators do a little more homework before they pas the next round of laws intended to protect us all.
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Need a stocking stuffer? Or a present so special it will be remembered forever?
For $10 you can obtain a ticket for the January 20 event featuring three original Tuskegee Airmen which entitles you or your giftee to meet and greet with these historical figures, enjoy refreshments, take a tour of the Air Guard Facility, and gain admission to the movie, “Red Tails”.
Sponsored by “Our Story, Inc” and the Nevada Air National Guard with assistance from Cinemark, the event starts at 11:30 at 1776 National Guard Way in Reno. Admission is by pre-purchased ticket only. Movie attendance is at one’s convenience at any local Cinemark.
For more information, ticket purchase and details, call 775.741.4869
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Veterans day began as “Armistice Day” right after WWI. It is celebrated on November 11 because that is the date in 1918 that the war OFFICIALLY ended. It became an official holiday in 1954 when it was signed into law by President Eisenhower.
Reno will celebrate the holiday with a parade honoring our local military veterans who have served and protected our country. The theme of the parade this year is “Women in the military”.
Please join me and hundreds of others at the parade on Friday, 11-11-11 @ 11am (time the war officially ended) on Court & Virginia Street (downtown Reno) to cheer and thank those who help keep us FREE.
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Days are getting shorter, the weather is getting colder, and the holidays are right around the corner. Now is the time to make your house look the best and make the most out of selling your home. This time of year often signals a slowing down in the real estate market. What better time to make your home stand out from all the rest. Just a few simple things will put you ahead of the competition.
Paying attention to curb appeal is first and foremost. It is the first impression a buyer has as they pull up to your home. Make sure leaves are raked and shrubs and bushes are pruned. Plant some cold weather loving flowers such as mums or pansies to add color to a fading flower bed. Add some fall decorating with a pumpkin or two and a wreath. Too much decorating detracts from the house so keep it modest and simple. Just a touch goes a long way and helps a buyer envision themselves living there instead of focusing on your decorations.
Lighting is also very important with shorter daylight hours. Open the blinds during the day to bring in as much light as possible. Make sure exterior and interior lights are on for later in the day showings. Set the thermostat at a comfortable temperature. Buyers won’t linger for very long if they are freezing to death and the house is dark. If there is a fireplace make it a focal point in the room. Light some scented candles. All of these things will make your home feel very welcoming and homey.
Another essential tip is to update your listing photos. Most of the time the buyer’s first impression of your home is online through photos. If your home has been listed for a while and the pictures were taken in the summer or winter your listing looks old and outdated. There is no better way to bring the life back to your listing and make it look new and exciting again. If you are just now considering selling take advantage of these tips and make the most of the season changing to make your house look its best.
Call or email me today for some additional tips and advice or to discuss your selling options. 775.303.7871 or dboscarello@dicksonrealty.com
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President Obama has expanded the existing Home Affordable Refinance Program, HARP. According to Phillip van Doorn from “The Street”; “HARP is offered to mortgage borrowers who are current on mortgage loans that are guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, whose home values have dropped so much that the current loan-to-value ratio is over 80%. The program has been extended through December, 2013, and is available for loans sold to Fannie or Freddie before May 31, 2009. Under the expanded 
HARP, borrowers will be able to refinance for up to 125% of a home’s current value, but the 125% loan-to-value cap will be removed during the first quarter of 2012.” The homeowner can ask their lending officer if their loan is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac or you can visit the links at the bottom of this post.
There is another key requirement to qualify for HARP. According to Mahesh Swaminathan, senior mortgage strategist at Credit Suisse, “You must have made the last six mortgage payments, and have missed no more than one payment in the last year. You also must have a job or another source of regular income”.
With the interest rates being in the low 4%, and even in the mid 3% for Adjusted Rate Mortgages, it might be a great time to call your lender and ask if this is the right time to lower your mortgage payment.
If you would like to know if your current mortgage is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, plcase visit the following websites:
Fannie Mae
Freddie Mac
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Over the last 20 years, a food shelter has operated on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe and in Truckee. Starting with a humble beginning in 1991 to feeding well over 34,000 families in 2010, Project MANA has dedicated itself to “Making Adequate Nutrition Accessible” for those in need of food in the area.
George LeBard, Executive Director of Project MANA will be leaving soon, retiring to his wife’s home country of Belize. He leaves behind a story of success in building the foundation of this organization and making sure that those in need have food.
Over that past 20 years, and much of that under George’s leadership, the program has expanded from Incline Village, to Kings Beach, Tahoe City and Truckee and beyond, touching portions of 4 counties in Northern California and Northern Nevada. They provide emergency food to those in need and aid in teaching nutrition programs to seniors down to kids in the class room. Their goal is to break the cycle of hunger to build a healthier and hunger free community.
All of this is done by a tireless staff of workers and volunteers, who reach out to the community for donations in various ways. They collaborate with more than 30 partner agencies: schools, churches, health and human services and other non-profit agencies in the region. They are a member of the Nevada Food Bank, the Serv-Safe Restaurant Association, the Tahoe Truckee Community Foundation and a United Way Partner.
Others, too work to make the goal of a hunger free community work. Tens of thousands of dollars have been raised by cooking demonstration to planned events with all proceeds going to Project MANA. One such event is the upcoming Chocolate Fest on November 5, 2011. For more information see: http://www.tahoebonanza.com/ARTICLE/20110830/NEWS/110839995/-1/RSS
Almost as important as money is the creation of “friend-nations”. These are people that put on such events as cooking demonstrations, church luncheons, etc, that that help spread the word of the good and the need of MANA.
Project MANA is always looking for people to donate their time, talent and money to help feed our community. If you are interested in lending time or money, please call 775-298-0008 or visit www.projectmana.org.
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It’s a great time to get your dream home, and yes, banks are lending! Currently there is a general perception that banks are not lending. This is not the case. There are many good programs available now.
According to Joni Rose, Mortgage Consultant with a 32 year track record with Wells Fargo, there are many great programs available. “Now is the time to get off the fence! Record low interest rates and the lowest sales prices in years!” Mrs. Rose said. “Buyers purchasing an owner occupied home can use a HomePath loan with 3% down without mortgage insurance. Or you may qualify for an FHA loan with 3.5% down, OR 100% financing for our VETERANS! On both programs the down payment can be gifted. Sellers may also contribute to cover some of your closing costs! Additional programs can be added to go hand-in-hand with FHA that will grant 3% of the sales price as down payment assistance, if purchasing in Sparks and outlying areas. This additional assistance may be NON-REPAYABLE! So, now is the time to take the leap!”
People hear about how difficult it is to get a loan, but a big part of that is clients now have to provide detailed information during the pre-approval process, as opposed to during the escrow. With so many options at your fingertips, it is always best to consult with a professional mortgage consultant. Please contact me if you would like to find out how I can help you achieve your dream home.
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We hear daily about the housing woes of our community but we don’t hear about all the amazing events and people that make our community one of the most special places to live in the country.
This evening, October 11, 2011, I have the honor to introduce
Mario Sepulveda, the leader of the 33 miners who survived in a collapsed mine, buried ½ mile underground for 70 d
ays in Northern Chile. It took rescuers almost 17 days just to initially locate them. I am sure you remember Mario, he was the second man to emerge as millions watched. He captured our hearts when he exited the rescue capsule chanting “Viva Chile!” at the top of his lungs
The eyes of the world turned to Chile on August 5, 2010 when the mine caved, leaving the 33 miners trapped inside. International press reported day and night carrying the news of an unlikely but miraculous rescue that united the world in wishing for the well being of the miners. It was an odyssey never experienced before. For a moment in time the world came together with the single goal “to save the 33 miners”. This unprecedented and united mission included both nations and individuals that made a rescue possible on October 13th.
Mario Sepulveda’s story of his last night in the mine and what he has been doing since the rescue is a compelling and uplifting story. It is a story of an accident that exemplifies courage, the fight against all odds and the triumph of the human spirit.
I am introducing Mr. Sepulveda on behalf of
The Latino Research Center, of which I sit on The Advisory Committee. The event is free to the public. Details below:
When: Tuesday, October 11, 2011 at 7:00pm
Where: Davidson Math and Science Center Nell J. Redfield Auditorium on the campus of UNR (
map link)
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A diagnosis no one wants to hear…breast cancer. It is estimated that nearly 200,000 women are diagnosed with this disease every year and that more than 40,000 will die. Men are not magically eliminated from the statistics either. Approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed and 450 will die.
In our country, breast cancer affects women more than any other type of cancer except for skin cancer. Only lung cancer accounts for more deaths.
But a diagnosis of breast cancer isn’t necessarily a death sentence. Getting more information, the right treatment and the will to fight is the best ammunition. During October, we recognize the fight of those who have had to live with this disease and honor those who have lost the battle. I am sure that each of us knows someone close that has endured this fight.
There are many events this month that support the awareness of breast cancer, how it is diagnosed and how it is treated. Many of these are downright fun. Here’s a list of events that are happening in our back yard:
• Summit Sierra. The shopping center is hosting a series of events this October. Stop by to buy your “pink paper bra” to benefit the Renown Health Breast Cancer Patient Assistance Fund. Or join in on the “Cork and Cleavage Wine Walk” on October 9. For more information on these events and more, visit: http://www.thesummitonline.com/reno/events-promotions.html
• TrekWomen Breast Cancer Awareness Ride. This is a family fun ride for all ages and abilities. Prizes will be offered and goodie bags for all pre-registered riders. There is a marked rout and on-route support and refreshments. 100% of the ride registration funds go directly to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. $25 registration fee. Starts at 10AM at Scheels in Sparks. For more information, visit: http://www.scheelssports.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/events?langId=-1&storeId=10001&catalogId=10101#/?i=1
• Renown. Through October 21, vote for the Renown’s staff video entitled “Down”. The Pink Glove Dance competition raises $10,000 for local area cancer patients. The Renown Health Pink Gove Dance Team, composed of employee across all departments, had the opportunity to show their support in the fight against breast cancer. For more information or to vote, visit: http://pinkglovedance.com/competition/entry-114 or http://renown.org.
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Tuesday, January 17, 2012 By: Esther Ramage
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