Crestwood and Rock Creek Park a gorgeous combination

CRESTWOOD A 

WASHINGTON DC GOLD COAST COMMUNITY

Crestwood a premier community that is flanks 3 sides of Rock Creek Park, is strictly residential. Accentuated by Single Family Homes and Sprawling Lawns it is home to Rock Creek Tennis Park and the famed Carter Baron Amphitheater. 

Rock Creek Park is a major attraction whether you are there to do nature watching, hiking, taking a jog or  just looking to take a break from the grind of the city and enjoy the gurgle of creek. The ambiance is quiet and majestic, it adds to the beauty of the Crestwood neighborhood and has a positive impact on the luxury driven price point of the properties. This is a true community of neighbors who love their homes, the expansiveness of the Tudors and Colonials beckons any would be family that wants to grow and stay in Washington, DC. The nearness of shopping in Columbia Heights, a burgeoning neighborhood just a mile and half to the Southeast and the easy drive to Silver Spring, makes this a great location. 

Rock Creek Park Tennis Center is home to the Legg Mason Tennis Classic, while the Carter Baron outdoor amphitheater has a myriad of fabulous concerts and free cultural events during the spring and summer months. Wanting to live in this wonderful neighborhood and not have to worry about personal transportation? No worries, a short walk will take you to Georgia Avenue-Petworth and Columbia Heights on the Green Line and Van Ness-UDC on the Red Line. Buses also run on a continuous bases on 16th Street to the downtown business district and North to Silver Spring. 

Currently there are 8 active properties in the market ranging from 679k to over 1.7million. 

Are you a Buyer wanting to take a closer look at these properties? 

Click on http://www.findmydcmetrohouse.com/Crestwood Washington DC Neighborhood Stats to see the MLS address. Then take your leisure perusing virtual tours, bedrooms and bathrooms and your future gourmet kitchen free on our website. 

Sellers want to know your real sale proceeds from a successful sale by Natalie Dean on your beautiful Crestwood property? 

Click on http://www.findmydcmetrohouse.com/What's Your Home Worth? Within the past quarter the highest property sold for over 1.2million, it boasted 5bedrooms and 4.5baths and over 3,200 square feet. Would you like a free 20 plus page property analysis that includes your competition, market health charts, price per square foot? If so, inbox us with all of your information and we will send it to you FREE of charge with no hassle. Connect with us at www.findyourdcmetrohousevalues.com.

Annapolis a fab Community for Retirement

Downsizing or Purchasing? Regardless in Retirement Its Your Choice

During our golden age of retirement, we often think about how to better expand our money. After all, the objective is to last longer than our cash. One strategy for many is to simplify their living arrangements.

Downsizing often decreases expenses, and it provides a previously untapped retirement fund. For many in retirement the opportunity is especially effective because their home is paid for. 

Cost Benefits of Purchasing a Smaller Home

For many retired persons a smaller home is practical. The kids have grown up and moved on, there is no longer a need for all those unattended to rooms. Its a wonderful way to reduce expenses on maintenance, cleaning supplies, utilities and the list goes on.

The tax benefits is what leads most if not all to home ownership, however with earnings reduced the need for a large tax right off is no longer. In fact many seniors are able to qualify for a tax reduction on their personal property taxes, through their local or state government. Downsizing your home allows many to downsize their way of life as a whole. A huge load off that allows persons in retirement to start living and enjoying themselves.

The Golden Years---Where to Spend them?

Why is Annapolis a wonderful community with which to retire to? Many may ask. Annapolis offers the tranquility of a water enthused backdrop with a splash of nightlife and a myriad of shopping alternatives. Not to mention the wonderful housing options that exist. Live close to the waterfront and enjoy the sweet communities of Gingerville and Herald Harbor just steps from Annapolis. These communities offer the quintessential charm of old shops, homes and buildings turned into fantastic mom and pop dining and boutiques, that you just won't find in  the mall. Coffee shops and cupcake eateries line the streets and add to the sweetness of the atmosphere. 

Want to live in the mecca of shopping, dining and the nuances of high rise luxury buildings complete with concierge services? Then Parole and West Streets are more your style. Walk to national stores and enjoy quaint wine boutiques that offer private tastings for you and few friends.


Why shouldn't retirement be the best time of your life? Annapolis Town Center allows for wonderful living, you can escape to the gym upstairs, enjoy a cup of tea or your favorite smoothie at Whole Foods. Not to mention the enjoyment of fun and fabulous dining at the following places....

Brio An Italian Delight

THE RESTAURANTS AT ANNAPOLIS TOWN CENTER

Distinctive Dining at your doorstep

Cuban Flavors Fit for the Most Discriminating of Palates

What if You Want a Bigger House?

Some retired persons aren't enthusiastic about downsizing: They want to "upgrade" their way of life. Perhaps you want the house large enough for your grandchildren to come stay over the summer. Some wait for retirement to finally get their dream home. If that is your style, Annapolis is still the community for you. Just across the way in the backdrops of Bestgate Road sites the diminutive community of Monticello. That's not to say it lacks anything in character. Monticello is a well thought out community of gorgeous single family 4 to 5 bedroom homes, beautiful landscape and a private pool and clubhouse. Who wouldn't want to be a resident at Monticello! 

Best of all Annapolis Mall is literally in your purview. Walk across the street and be at the finest of national chains. 

Retirement is a golden time where there should be more enjoyment and less hassle. If you've planned well you can have the style of living you desire. Annapolis is a place that allows for a lot of latitude. All in a days "work" one can share a cup of coffee while sitting by the water, do a little shopping, purchase a vintage wine and take a stroll through the mall. 

Take a gander of all Annapolis has to offer at Annapolis Luxury Properties

Contact Us At  http://www.findmydcmetrohouse.com

Oh Sandy!!! Learning to be thankful....

Sandy Making History

So I'm stuck in doors like everyone else on this bleary day...waiting for the storm to pass us by. Oh Sandy!!! During which time I am staying positive and thinking about how grateful that I am, because although we may suffer some damage nothing can be said for the damage from victims in the past Hurricanes like Katrina or the magnitude earthquake that struck Japan in 2011 and not to forget the damage that happened in Haiti from the earthquake in 2010. Many of these places, with people just like you and me, are still suffering from these devastating natural disasters. Meanwhile we get extra "goodies" and videos to ride out the storm. Almost feels like fun in amidst a bit of trepidation.

Not at all to minimize real concerns and fears of many on the East Coast. Especially as Sandy really makes it way in here beginning this evening on into Tuesday, we truly don't know what lies ahead. It makes you stop and think how important it is to be a good neighbor and look out for the interest of others.  When you get a moment take a look at these staggering statistics comparing some of the most devastating hurricanes to one another. Hurricanes that made their Mark!! Makes you take a second glance and have real respect for the laws of nature. So keep safe through it all and hopefully the damage will be minimum to none at all.

Few rules of thumb for property homeowners who have sustained some damage from the storm:
1. Take Photos of all damage
2. Save receipts if you repair or replace anything on your own
3. Do your best to try to prevent the spread of water. Check your SUMP PUMP every few hours
4. Seal off broken glass 

If you do sustain damage to your property, there COULD be substantial delays in getting workers out to fix the problem. Please don't hesitate to call a contractor before your claims adjuster is assigned to you from your respective insurance company. This can speed up the process of having your property taken care of. If you're not sure if you're covered, call your local insurance agent and ask about your coverage. 

The MRE Group is riding out 2012 with you! Be safe!!!

We're Happy Because OUR CLIENTS are Happy!

HA! So this year we made it our aim to bring together a fabulous short sale team so that we could provide the A List service our clients deserve. We are proud to announce that our goal set is working! We have added numerous clients to our short sale fold and through the top notch attorney, incredible title company and fantastic short sale negotiators our clients have walked with no deficiency judgments and have escaped FORECLOSURE. Now that's a good day at the office!

Are you laboring as to whether you should do a short sale? Worried about tax implications? Deficiency judgments a major heartache? Just need an education without feeling ANY pressure? No worries....that's my favorite line because its true. You've dropped by the right place and we are here to help. This and any of your other real estate question can be answered at Real Estate Renew.

Want to see some of the properties that we have been successful with selling as Short Sales click on MRE Group's Sold Listings.

Short Sweet and Easy....that's the MRE Group way!

Urban Trendy Entrepreneurial and Smart

Working from Home Can Be a Joy

Acquiring an Workplace Condo: 
A Excellent Option for Many

Financing

Even though getting a workplace apartment can be expensive, it is usually a better option economically than renting an office space and assuming additional overhead. Financing a your principal residence and using it as a home office is a win win because of tax advantages. With the rise in short sales and foreclosures we have seen the return of 203k Loans. These loans allow for financing to be used to cover improvement expenses and settlement expenses.   In an earlier post we have referenced the benefits of these type of loans. Read….

This type of financing makes it possible to receive monies to help with some closing cost as well as get financing to renovate and upgrade the property you are purchasing. Essentially when you set up a home office you get your business to pay you rent and thereby increase your financial position in the positive month after month and year after year.

Monthly Costs

Purchasing really is advantageous in these instances because the per month home mortgage ends up less expensive than the price of renting. As well, if you have a fixed-rate mortgage, your per month mortgage outlay is consistent, whereas with renting there is always the possibility of rental increases over a 6 month or annual basis.

When renting, you are subject to market changes, cost of living increases and the management company passing on their ever increasing cost in maintaining the rental property. All these expenses are passed on to the renter and are deemed as justifiable rental increases. Many rent with the idea that it excuses them from any responsibilities to the home. Always free to call the landlord and/or rental management company. Check the fine print. In many cases the renter is responsible for some plumbing issues, lawn and shrub maintenance and minor mechanical issues that arise.

How can one avoid these SURPRISE FEES?  A fixed-rate mortgage, amortized over thirty years which will be lower than most rents and has numerous tax advantages. What are the advantages?

Tax advantage

Let us enumerate them and then allow you to do some additional research.

1. Mortgage Interest can be deducted. Check with your financial adviser as to the extent to which you can do this, in most instances it is a 100% write off.
2. Maintenance can be deducted. The amount of space that is written off in the home is a match to the amount you can claim in deductions of various fees, such as but not limited to maintenance, lawn care,  electrical usage and the list goes on. Your financial adviser will give you additional details that match your particular portfolio.
3. Renovations  can be deducted. How do the renovations affect your office space, the ability for you to do business and your clienteles greater use of the office are all items that are taken into consideration.
4. Tax Depreciation. Again consult your financial adviser and/or tax accountant.

Long Term Benefits

Luxury Condos allow you to Work Live and Be Happy

Thus far in this post we have discussed the immediate benefits that come with having a mortgage. Not to mention the additional write offs that come with running your business out of your principal place of residence. But there are long term advantages that have not yet been discussed and/or considered. What are they and are these immediate or do they take additional work? The answers are YES and NO. How so you ask?

1. Increase in equity. The market today is stable. Not a word that we have heard frequently in concert with real estate over the last 5 years. However it now exists in our market. Homes are not realizing unrealistic 30% to 50% increases month over month. The increases now make sense, the normal 3% to 5% over 4 to 6 month period. Incremental and steady. Homes that are purchased under market that need work offer a larger potential for gain. Again consider a 203k loan a fantastic choice for today.
2. Your property could ultimately be a better pension/401k/retirement plan than any that are offered by your existing employer. If you are banking on Social Security and under the age of 55, forget about it! Call us today if that is your retirement plan.
3. The opportunity to create a wealth portfolio of rental properties. The pathway to rental properties is start with the first purchase of your principal place of residence. Buy what you can afford and make improvements. As your needs grow move on and make your home a rental. Ask any real estate millionaires, nine times out of ten this is how they began. What are you waiting for?

Get Educated

What type of business are you going to run? Will you have clients coming and going? How much space will you need? Is the area conducive to your conducting this type of business? Will there be local clientele that you can pull from? These are important questions that need to be explored as you begin your journey in finding a home that is suitable to run your business. If you are considering a condo, since that is what is being discussed, it might be best to look at the By Laws that govern the association you would ultimately become a part of. 

So many person say "Give Me an Example of this type of Property". We are exploring Urban Trendy Upscale Condos. Often these attract a community that has a strong appreciation for art. This might a perfect venue for someone looking to run an art studio of gorgeous originals. Many times it may be highly acceptable to the Condo Association because of the audience they seek in potential home buyers and/or renters. Asking if there is a possibility to purchase joint condos with the idea of expansion is a great question and makes perfect sense. The need for versatility when running an in home business is huge and designing according to your needs and specifications a must. But I can't stress how important it is to work with an agent who has this expertise and is not afraid to go the extra mile for their client. Don’t be afraid to ASK and work with a Realtor who understands your needs and respects your wishes. ASK ASK ASK!!!

Buying is the BEST option for entrepreneurs who are dedicated to seeing their businesses be successful and turn profits back into building their business. Want to discuss this option further or better yet see some properties that can allow for an in home business?

Click on Urban Upscale Condos.

*PS these pics in today's post are from a work live condo I am about to list....if your interested in getting in early let me know!

Inviting Bistro Areas--Double As A Client Waiting Area

Plants make you Smile but they also Improve House Values

Growing Flourishing Plants To Improve Your Property or home Value

With property values at an all-time low, you may want to learn some ways in which you can boost the value in your home with very little investment to help it sell quickly. Flourishing trees that flower year after, help homes to have stronger curb appeal and the would be home-buyer to see your property as more than just another house. 

Create Fantastic Curb Side Appeal!!!
There are a variety of flowering trees to plant throughout your landscape, these are fast-growing and mature quickly.  The more mature the trees you buy, the more you will pay upfront. It is always nice when a homeowner has a mixture of mature budding shrubs and flowers. As well as those that are seedlings that take time and patience to help grow. But with the proper nurturing and love they will definitely bring smiles to the faces of all that gaze at your creation. Growing trees, shrubs and plants is therapeutic and great conversation starter. It adds warm appeal to any home and makes it feel loved. Potential home-buyers see your property as not just another home, but a home where they might one day want to raise a family.

Some excellent illustrations of flowering trees that boosts the value in the home are listed below along with some of their features that will help you choose whether to purchase them for your home or not.

Dogwood trees - Many remember these trees from their childhood and the trees usually ignite a personal connection that could help make the home appealing. Dogwood trees mature quickly with buds quickly becoming apparent. Typical colors of dogwood flowers include white, white and red. They normally need very little annual maintenance and unlike other shrubs don't get overrun by unwanted garden pest.

Magnolia Plants - Magnolia trees are some of the most beautiful flowering trees available. The deciduous trees put on a show every springtime that will have many potential home-buyers asking for such a unique shrub in their entry. Deciduous magnolias are usually not worried by unwanted pests or disease. And with proper nurturing and fertilizer you will  quickly realize the blooms you long for. Most deciduous magnolias are basically covered in flowers every springtime. So much so that the divisions are hardly seen through all of the flowers.

Eastern Redbud Tree - The Southeast Redbud shrub sports flowers every springtime making the whole shrub shine in a purplish-red hue. They will blossom consistently every year, but also provide an large quantity of color in your flower garden. Even providing a hint of shade to help hide from the heat of summer or provide a bit of cool when hosting a evening BBQ before the sun has set. 

Planting flowering trees to boost the assessment in your home is practical, fun and adds beauty. Your investment of time and money will continue to boost the value in your home. Making your house feel homey no matter the season!! 

To see pictures of beautiful homes with incredible landscapes: Gorgeous Landscaping

Peering in the BENEFITS of Foreclosure

FORECLOSURE FOR SALE???

Are you a smart buyer? Your looking for great house, in the perfect location, good school district and the opportunity to purchase at a Steal! Then you are looking for a foreclosure and possibly even a short sale, but we will discuss that in a different post.

Its no secret that over the past 5 years we have seen a substantial rise in foreclosure activity. What is a secret is how good the gravy train has become. The days where every foreclosure was rife with mold, feces, rodents, banged up walls and stolen appliances is no longer. Sounds creepy right...and at one time it really was a, "go at your own risk" game, but the game has changed. The question is, Have You? Good quality homes which have been fixed and repainted are abundant as Foreclosures in the marketplace. Banks have realized they are competing and they want to introduce the property with the most appeal when it is initially listed. They no longer are looking to waste days on market with cruddy properties that get passed over because Mr. and Mrs. Homeowner just aren't out for that much of a challenge. These properties are still offered at bargain pricing over Fair Market Value homes. The best part is that they are ready for occupancy.

This doesn't eliminate the possibility for further negotiation regarding price. The bank is not sentimental nor are they emotional, they simply want to move inventory as quickly as possible. So does the idea of paying less money for a home in a desired location with the amenities you are looking for appeal to you? It should and it is possible in our current market trend. The time is now to jump in and get your feet wet. 

FORECLOSURES EXIST IN ANY TYPE OF NEIGHBORHOOD

Investors and luxury home buyers a like have an advantage in this market. The probability of purchasing higher end homes at a value half of the original price is in demand and is happening now. One subdivision that this is taking place in frequently is Westwood of Bowie. Better known as Woodmore North. These properties retailed 5 to 7 years ago for a million or more. Now they are selling for 599,900. Many of these gorgeous properties sit on over an acre of land.



Looking in Potomac, Chevy Chase, Bethesda? The value is not as extreme however we have seen a 30% to 40% decrease in value up over the last 5 years.

Smart business people are seeing the real estate market for what it is, a quality investment strategy. The speculation that drove us to outrageous marketing trends of 30% increases or greater month after month in the economic boom doesn't exist any longer. Now we have a stable market with incremental increase that make sense and home prices that are historically low. Not to mention the incredible low interest rates that ride along side this market, making for a win win situation.

We don't know when the market will rise again but those who take advantage of this foreclosure market will be in the position to cash in on wealth when it does.

Looking for Foreclosures? Go to our website and sign up a free list in the area of your choosing.  Foreclosure List Now

The Benefits of Foreclosures are abundant the opportunity is now. Will you take advantage of it or sit on the sidelines? The choice is yours. Inbox us for questions. nataliedean@mris.com

Relaxing at Home..find the peace you deserve

The Washington DC metro area has one of the best job markets in the nation, boast a myriad of wonderful outdoor recreational parks and the possibility of fun activities to engage in after work, school and on the weekends....ENDLESS. Yet somehow life is still fast paced and chaotic for most. Many engage in all types of activities to de-stress...today let's add your abode to this list.

The design and styling of your home has a large impact on your relaxation. When you finally walk through that door after a long day of phones ringing, problem management and the "wonderful" Washington traffic we all just love, it should be an "ahhhh" moment.  Finally peace, quiet and solitude. What do you want to do first when you come home? Are you trying out  that new cooking recipe, you know the one you saw last night with that incredible white wine reduction. My hubby loves to cook and he affectionately calls himself "the bottom chef"!!

Luxury Kitchens for Less

So if that is your thing the Kitchen needs to be an oasis of comfort. Not to mention a kitchen remodel is a HUGE return on investment when you sell your property. If you haven't upgraded those countertops, ask yourself why not? Now is the time to get upgrades like Granite, Cesarstone and Silestone. No longer nearly the cost they once where and yet offer so much vitality to any kitchen. The diverse colors allows one to make the kitchen come alive with style and personality, transforming it from a place to make dinner to a culinary art institute. There are immediate health advantages as well because these materials are hypoallergenic and non-porous. Not to mention their elegance and strength.

Don't stop at the countertops because a kitchen just isn't a kitchen with out beautiful cabinetry. Is the expense of 48" cherry cabinets not one you want to bear? No worries, try a less expensive route with high-gloss laminate fronts which creates a sleek modern look with clean lines. The de-stresser?? Adding organization to your style with pull-out drawers behind each cabinet for additional storage space.
Become your own "bottom chef" at home by treating yourself to a renovated kitchen that has a touch of spice and a ton of elegance. Don't forget the organization, health benefits and the versatility. A voila!! A kitchen extraordinaire that alleviates stress and beckons you for a exquisite culinary creation.

Modern Dens for Easy Relaxing

Kitchen not your idea of unwinding look for additional post that explain ways to De-Stress at home with your bathroom, living room and bedroom. Can't wait for these post?? Let us know which one needs a remodel and we will get the information to exclusively.

Contact the MRE Group (Your Metro Real Estate Gal) at Contact the Metropolitan Real Estate Group

RECOVER YOUR EQUITY in your 16th Street Heights property

16th Street Heights At A Glance

The enormity of 16th Street Heights is fabulously incredible!! One of the largest quadrants yet tranquility abounds in 16th Street Heights.  What makes this lush landscape so vivid is that it almost devoid of any restaurants, bars, stores or new condos. It has kept it very traditional feeling of enormous Arts and Crafts and American Foursquare Homes. If your a little less swish and little more simple try a sweet Victorian on for size and drench in antiquity. 

A vast number of homeowners in the 16th Street Heights community are like many of my clients, they  bought their property before the economic downturn only to have their investment plummet in value, wiping out their equity and leaving them with a mortgage considerably higher than the value of their home. 

In an effort to help my clients I have partnered with an investment group that can help you.  The strategy is simple.  If you are unable (or unwilling) to pay outrageous, inflated mortgage payments any longer, they purchase your debt at a discount from your current lender and then sell it back to you - saving you thousands from your original debt!

HOW DOES THIS AFFECT YOU??

Reducing Your Mortgage Principal while Lowering Monthly Payments, Recovering Equity, and Protecting or Improving Your Credit

Do you owe more than your home is worth?  We can help you:

Keep your home
Reduce your mortgage
Lower your monthly payments
Recover your lost equity
Protect or improve your credit

Why does this work?  Because banks are scared.  The default rate in the DC area is extremely high. Many lenders would rather get rid of their Jumbo loans at fire-sale prices than risk losing everything to a default.

This is not a short sale so you keep or even improve your good credit.  It’s not a loan modification or loan forgiveness so there is no 1009c tax liability.

What does the SOLD market look like in 16th Street Heights in 2012?

This strategy has been used successfully in the commercial real estate market for years.  For the past nine months it has been applied to the residential market.  

The window of opportunity is now.  If you or anyone you know has a Jumbo mortgage higher than the value of your home, contact me at  202-438-1056 and let's see if we can help you.  

Skeptical?  Good.  Call me anyway. There is nothing for sale here. Call me and within 5 minutes you’ll know if you can take advantage this or not.

Warmly,

Natalie Dean

Taylor Properties

202-438-1056

P. S. Don’t continue to pay inflated mortgage payments just because you can.   Call me today: 202-438-1056

P.S.S. READING THIS POST AND WISHING YOU LIVED IN 16TH STREET HEIGHTS???? Look no further check out what is for LIST. At the MRE Group we've got everyone covered! Happy Searching. 

Active Listings in gorgeous 16th Street Heights

Adnell Woods Bowie's Hidden Community

Welcome Home to Adnell Woods

Adnell Woods is a secluded community tucked away in Old Town Bowie. The charm of historic Bowie with a twist. Adnell is 9 years young and gleams with splendor. Unlike many of the communities that have been  hit badly with short sales, Adnell has stood out of the from the crowd. Minutes to Bowie State University, Adnell Woods is gem open to the conveniences of Bowie while holding tight to a bit of anonymity. Quiet and quaint with just a handful of houses the neighbors love it for raising children, fun backyard bbq's and a touch of solitude. 

Brick Front 3 story Colonials of Adnell Woods

What's the market like in Adnell Woods? Currently the average sales price is 349k for a 4bedroom 3.5bathroom colonial with a basement. These colonials vaunt because of their incredible brick front elevations and well over 2300 square feet of living space, not including the basement. This is a steal! Many of the homes originally sold for well over 500k as new construction without a finished basement. Presently a number of homeowners have basements that include amenities that buyers ask for-- theater rooms, a bar for entertaining and additional bedrooms that make for fabulous in-law suites. Make Adnell Woods home and turn one of these lovely abodes into your private getaway. 

Over leveraged in your Adnell Wood's property? Want to sell but don't know how? Clients often wonder, "how can I move on without damaging my credit history?" "What of the inability to purchase AFTER a Short Sale?" If these are your concerns worry no longer. There are several options we can offer to help you off load your investment without destroying your financial life. We can get your home SOLD using a process that takes on average 2 months, a drastically reduced time frame from your traditional short sale with NONE of the short sale repercussions. If this sounds like something you would like to take advantage of call TODAY. We give free consultations, maintain strict  confidence and promise a stress free sale of your property. 

Historically Low Interest Rates and Incredible Prices

Check out whats on tap in Adnell right here The privacy of Adnell Woods. 

SELL Your UNDERWATER Mortgage and Get CASH

Most critics say not possible! Well not so fast, this is a evolving market and the game has changed. The question is--will YOU take advantage of it?

The Primary Focus Give Options to Homeowners Who Are Having Difficulty With Their Home Using TRADITIONAL Methods of Real Estate Services. 

Are you a homeowner who is facing financial difficulty and considering a short sale? Is your home currently underwater? If so there is help. I am affiliated with a company, Golden Gate Funding, LLC, they purchases distressed mortgages from a variety of different lenders across the United States.  By doing this Golden Gate Funding becomes the lender and can help the homeowner with their distressed property.

Some Benefits of Using Golden Gate Funding, LLC

1. We do not issue a 1099 on the first lien.

2. We waive the deficiency on the first mortgage

3. You can walk away from their debt obligations as well as settle additional liens.

4. Original loan is “settled in full” on your credit report

5. Avoid foreclosure

6. If you have no other liens we can get you cash on the property

7. Faster than a normal short sale

8. Better than a loan modification

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q.  How long will this take? 

A.  Usually it takes 30-60 days to get enough files so that we can submit a package to the lender.  Once enough files are obtained it takes our attorney’s 60-90 days depending on the lender to negotiate the note purchase.

Q.  How many files does Golden Gate Funding need to submit? 

A.  For lenders like Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Chase we will need 30 while for most other lenders we will need 10.  In some cases we may look at singles. 

Q.  Which lenders does Golden Gate Funding work with? 

A.  Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Citibank, Chase, Select Portfolio Servicing, Litton Loan Servicing, IndyMac, BB&T, American Home Mortgage Servicing, SunTrust,  Ocwen, Regions, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, GMAC.   We can also work other lenders in certain other situations. 

Q.  Why do you need my social security number? 

A.   In order to make sure we are purchasing the right note, lenders will ask for this to process the file.

Q.  When will I have to leave my home? 

A.   The property will need to be vacant before we buy the note.  We can give a maximum of 30 days or a minimum of 7 days.  We will let you know as early as we know the note purchase will go through.

Q. How do I know this is not a scam? 

A. There is no cost up front.  We don’t make any money unless we are able to purchase the note.

Q.  Can I keep my property? 

A.  Yes, as long as you have proof that you can payoff 85% of the current market value that we determine.  This can be through a conventional loan with another lender or savings that you might have in an account.  Let us know and we can prepare that paperwork.

Q.  What if I want to stop the note purchase? 

A.   It costs us $2000 per file with our attorney to do the note purchase.  If we have begun negotiations and paid this fee then you will need to pay us that money back to cancel the note purchase.  If we have not begun then let us know and we can stop the file. 

Q.  What if my house needs repairs? 

A.  Repairs can’t be more than 10% of the sales price.

Q.  What if I am currently in bankruptcy or in the process of a loan modification?  

A.   For us to negotiate then they will have to been discharged or completed. 

Q.  What if my home is currently rented?

A.  We can work with you, but will need to see the lease in order to see if there is an “out” clause to have the tenant removed.  We would also want to see proof of where the security deposit is held. 

Many Americans are dealing with distressed homes and they want to move on with their lives and relieve the anxiety. Are you one of them? Do you have friends and family who you know can benefit? Then give the gift of stress relief and throw in a SPA visit too if you need to! (smile)

Don't hesitate contact us today and a get a fresh start on life!!!

“Do You Have a Jumbo Loan and Good Credit – but no Equity in Your Home?”

The bad news is that there is very little chance that real estate values are going to improve in the coming years.  That means for many years to come you are going to be paying inflated loan prices for a property that may never recover its value.

Well, you are not alone.  Currently, 12 million people in the United States have mortgages that are higher than the value of their homes.

If that is you,

What are Your Options?

#1- You can continue to pay money for a house that may never be worth what you are paying.  This is a like flushing money down the toilet, but at least you won’t have to move.
#2- You can choose to default on your mortgage. With this option you will lose your home, destroy your credit for years, and ruin your reputation.  Not to mention making it next to impossible to buy or rent another home for several years afterwards.  Plus, your lender may still come after you for the rest of the money after the foreclosure.
#3- You can try for a loan modification. But that is just a temporary band-aid and ultimately leaves you paying a lot more later on.  Plus, you get labeled as “a bad risk” just for asking.

However, there is another way.  You can:

Ø  Save hundreds of thousands of dollars on your mortgage

Ø  Get equity in your home

Ø  Maintain your outstanding credit or even improve your credit

Ø  Lower your monthly payments

Ø  Avoid the tax liability that comes with a 1099C

And we can typically do this in two months.

Plus, you get to keep your home, which is why you originally bought it. 

And if you have a second home or an investment property with a jumbo loan that is under water, this simple solution works for you too.

Which Mortgages Qualify for this Program?
Fantastic Question! 

An Individual Must Have these factors:

• Must Have Good Credit
• If your credit is poor you must be able to have good credit within a year (we will discuss additional details)
• Mortgage No MORE Than 3 Months Delinquent
• Your Current Mortgage Amount MUST Be Greater Than Current Market Value 

What Does My Current Loan Amount Have to Be to Qualify for this Program?***

Another Awesome Question!

1. Northern VA Counties - You must have a mortgage of $479K or greater on a property

2. Maryland Counties- You must have a mortgage of $479k or greater on a property

3. Washington DC- You must have a mortgage of $729,500 or greater on a property

                                                         You Have a Way Out
We need to talk!

Don't hesitate this is NOT a gimmick!  Contact us today to get started and GET YOUR EQUITY BACK.

***Loan Amounts Subject to Change

A Little Vintage with A Splash Old World

A L'il bit of everything Shaw/14th Street Meca

Sounds like a fabulous drink, right? What on earth could we be talking about? Well if you have ever parked on 14th Street near Eatonville and look up there is a little sign, boy I wish I had taken a picture of it, it says 14th/U/Shaw. A meeting of the minds. So today we thought we would talk about this slice of the city and some of the offerings that are served up.

This is funky part of town that is going through a major metamorphosis. What is emerging is fantastic. Themed Restaurants, coffee houses that double as poetry/live music enclaves, old fashion  grocery stores and vintage clothiers. Wow! Jammed packed with incredible finds.  

Ms. Zora Neale Hurston--Eatonville

First up on the roster--Eatonville. Summed up as yummy goodness. A restaurant extraordinaire, I happen to follow them on Facebook and they are serving up shear delight in the form of cuisine and guest! Eric Benet dropped by this week for a little treat before his big show. The story of Eatonville is another Andy Shallal special, known for his famed Busboys and Poets. Eatonville is influenced by the history of Zora Neale Hurston. The name of Ms. Hurston's Florida hometown and home to the United State's first, post-Civil War, African American incorporated town. There is more phenomenal history on the owner and the restaurant worth searching for on the net. But for now let's focus on the main attraction! The honey corn-bread muffins and the Eatonville Po-Boy, nothing left to say.

A little bit of Lancaster PA in downtown DC

Step back in time as you walk into Smucker Farms, smack dab in the middle of 14th Street NW. Unbelievable! I would have sworn I was in Amish country in Pennsylvania. Fresh preserves, fruit, vegetables---

Wine Cheese and Farm Fresh Veggies on 14th/U Street Shaw District

OH THE BAKED GOODS! In speaking with the employees the vegetables are delivered fresh daily, which means when you see it grab it. They have a full refrigerated section, with milk, butter and eggs. Living in the city just isn't what it used to be, no longer do you have to traipse into VA/MD or await the opening of your favorite farmers market. Fresh produce, dairy and goodies at your fingertips daily. Walk out of your penthouse into Smucker's and onto the Metro, just like that!

"This is for the cool in you." Vintage fly ware in blocks of each other. Martha's Table, for the thrifter in you and for those wishing to give back to the community. Consider touching the lives of others by donating to the cause. Let's not leave out the Federal and Palace 5ive. The Federal debuted on October 31,2011. The twist from its brother Palace 5ive, is that it is a heritage-focused menswear shop. Both owned and operated by Greg Gremmen, Palace 5ive speaks to the skate-board crowd and according to many reviews, 'Palace 5ive is a fabulous place to hang out and shoot the breeze'.

Boutique Condo Row---a great name for this district.  No shortage on amenities boasting amazing views of the city as roof decks abound, inner courtyards to wow your summer guest with a cold glass of Chardonnay. Many of the upscale condo buildings come complete with a Concierge, what more could you want?  We put together a treasure trove so you could walk through some of these gorgeous homes Shaw & 14th Boutique Heaven.