Blogs

Lenders Now Offering ZERO Downpayment Mortgages!

Zero and low down payment mortgages were blamed in large part for the housing crisis.  But the much bigger issue was that lenders were lending money to people who couldn't afford to pay, and to people who were very bad credit risks. There were many factors that landed us in the crisis, and the zero and low down payment mortgage products were just one of the contributing factors.

Things are a lot different today. Qualifying standards are much more stringent.  Most lenders have checks and balances in place to assure they are only lending money to people who can afford to make the monthly payments and who are good credit risks.

It makes a lot of sense to bring back zero and very low down payment mortgages in today's environment. Several major lenders are now offering loans with as little as 1% down, and one major lender has announced a zero down mortgage program.

Is a Renovation Loan Right For Your Home Purchase?

You found a house with great potential in the perfect location, but it needs a lot of work. You may want to consider a renovation loan.

What is a renovation loan?  With a renovation loan a homebuyer finances both the purchase price of the house and the cost for repairs. The loan is based on the after-improved appraised value of the property. The buyer makes only one loan and one monthly payment.

All renovation work must be completed after closing by a buyer-selected contractor, and funds are held and disbursed by the lender to the contractor as the work is completed. Repairs must start within 30 days and be completed within 6 months.

The renovations can be required repairs to bring the property up to minimum property standards, or they can be optional repairs to modernize a property. Repairs that fall within the guidelines include (but are not limited to) the following:

Rails to Trails - Walkway Over The Hudson And Other New York Treasures

Join PBS on a unique journey along the various railway corridors that have been re-purposed as recreational bike and pedestrian trails. The program traces the history of such rail trails as Manhattan’s High Line and Poughkeepsie’s Walkway Over the Hudson, and explores trails that are in the making, such as the proposed Queensway in New York City.

The Rhinebeck Farmers Market - The Place To Be On Sunday!

Where:  The Outdoor Market is located in the Municipal Parking Lot at 61 East Market St, Rhinebeck, NY

When:  Every Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - Rain or Shine

The Rhinebeck Farmers Market is a place where neighbors meet and visitors can sample the very best of the Hudson Valley. They provide a diverse and unique selection of farm fresh products including fruits and vegetables, beef, pork, lamb, venison, buffalo, fish, chicken, turkey, duck, pheasant, rabbit, eggs from chicken, duck, turkey and pheasant, goat, cow and sheep's milk cheeses, dairy, honey, juices, jams, flowers & plants, smoked products and much more.

They also offer a full schedule of special events with chef demonstrations, tastings, recipes, children's activities, live music, and more.

Get more information on their website: http://www.rhinebeckfarmersmarket.com/   See you there!

Here's Something About Memorial Day We Bet You Didn't Know

Memorial Day is a time to honor all those who gave their lives for our country.  It is also a time to celebrate our freedom and give thanks for the blessings that we all enjoy, never forgetting the men and women who laid down their lives so we could live ours.

So while you're enjoying all the festivities and parades, and time with your friends and family this weekend, here are some Memorial Day facts that will make you the smartest person at the barbeque.

New $20 Billion Plan to Combat Homelessness & Provide Affordable Housing in New York State

Governor Cuomo just yesterday launched a landmark $20 billion, five-year plan to combat homelessness and advance the construction of affordable housing in New York State. The plan will create and preserve more than 110,000 units of affordable and 6,000 units of supportive housing over the next five years. This marks the largest investment in the creation and preservation of affordable housing and efforts to end homelessness in the history of New York.