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Renter Resources For Emergency Services That Might Help With Rent

In today’s economic environment, tenants are feeling the pain of a recession as well-or even more-than the rest of the population. This might mean their job loss or lesser wages. It is hard to pay the rent without an income. Therefore, as a landlord, your consider learning about and sharing resources with your tenants that provide emergency services in the Twin Cities. I have put together a few ideas on services/programs that might be able to help with food, utilities and even the rent. Besides the greater possibility and likelihood of getting your rent, you are being a friend and showing that you care. What goes around comes around.

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2012-will it be just another year or is it YOUR year of transition?

I recently gave a Toastmasters speech on this topic. Key to answering the question is whether or not you have written goals in mind regarding what you want or intend to accomplish. Unless there are specific goals that require you to plan and live with a purpose and focus, life will just happen. Either way is fine as long as you know what to expect. Many people are frustrated when they expect something different. Mastering time and focusing on goals may more create a more fulfilling life. Soon, I will begin my annual project of goal setting. I intend to plan my year with measurable goals. I find I’m much happier when I’m focused on where I’m going. As such, I just came across this PDF called The Tower. I thought it was interesting and wanted to share it here. It is a short e-book about a man who is achieving his goals and living the dream. He’s living life on his terms and creating a legacy. He became more focused after he analyzed a video game he was playing. It is a pretty interesting book. Maybe one of your goals involves real estate-buying a new home or investment property. If this is a goal of yours, I can help. Give me a call and let me help you figure out how we can make real estate goals become your reality in 2012.

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Short Sales Vs Foreclosures Vs Traditional sales

We need to understand that while the current economy is really a “Tale Of Two Cities” in that some people have no idea we are in a recession whereas others are in deep pain, the real estate market as a whole is being impacted by distressed properties. Based on the current backlog of homes, it may be this way for some time. That being said, why are short sales being embraced by everyone as the most economical way to move markets forward? When you look at a comparison of the loss incurred by the lender, you will see that losses are generally worse with a foreclosure. Larger losses via lower sales prices ultimately impacts everyone who is buying, selling or refinancing. I have a report and flyer I’d like to share. Both provide you with opinions and resources so you can draw your own conclusions. Solving the housing problem starts with understanding the problem as well as exploring viable solutions.

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HUD Home Tips

Recently, a representative from Best Assets came to speak in Minnesota about how they are handling the disposition of HUD homes in conjunction with the asset managers, agents, and the website http://www.HUDHomeStore.com . The process of buying and selling a HUD home is very similar to that of “traditional transactions”, but there are some small differences and nuances. I have attached a sheet that covers some of items that you should be aware of.

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Minnesota HUD Homes

Most properties that become lender owned are generally available through our online MLS. HUD homes are listed in our online MLS as well. That being said, HUD maintains a site at http://www.HUDhomeStore.com that lists all their properties for all states and provides you a lot more information about specific homes. I would encourage you to go there and see what is available. As an agent, I am able to show and help you purchase a HUD home. Just let me know what you’d like to view. I can set up a specific search for you within our Online MLS and see that listings that meet your parameters are emailed to you daily. Attached you will see that process that occurs once you’ve purchased a HUD home. It will provide you with a flow chart so you know what happens. Did you know that HUD allows you to put $100 down on a full price purchase offer of a HUD home utilizing FHA financing? These terms and conditions are subject to change at any time. Keep up to date at http://www.HUDhomestore.com

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Expanded HARP Mortgage Refinance Option-Available Soon!

Today, the government expanded the HARP program and qualifications. Attached is the news release. Qualifying for a new loan to lower your rate may now be a possibility even if you are upside down-ie underwater on your loan. Terms/conditions always apply-see the release and call me if you think you fit the parameters. We can take it from there.

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VA-Veteran Loans Funding Fee & FHA Maximum Mortgage Changes

Starting October 1st, 2011, the maximum FHA loan limit for single family loans is being lowered from $365K in the Twin Cities to $318,550. See the attached form. This is not a good thing, but reflects the reality of declining value of much of the real estate. Unfortunately, underwriting of all loans continues to tighten. On a positive note, the VA funding fee is being lowered. This would be due to less losses and a lesser need to collect as much insurance premium to protect against defaults. So, the question I have pondered is: Why are VA loans-typically financed at 100% loan to value-not experiencing the same loss ratios as other mortgage programs. VA 100% financing has been around forever. It works-and well. The problem of our mortgage crisis is not the loan to value or a required minimum down payment or tighter underwriting as some would have you believe. Imagine all the new homeowners if we actually took what we’ve learned from decades of underwriting VA loans and applied it to a new “stimulus mortgage program”. Instead, we are becoming a nation of renters. Somebody in congress needs to talk to the people who have their boots on the street for real solutions to our mortgage and real estate problems.

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Using A Reverse Mortgage To Purchase

With some of the major lenders leaving the reverse mortgage business-possibly just on a temporary basis-you might find it more difficult to find a lender offering the program. At the same time, it is worth your time to look. If you are 62 years old and have approximately 50% equity in a home, you can obtain a reverse mortgage. You can use this loan for a purchase as well. So, if you put down 50% of the value of the home, you can obtain a reverse mortgage. Remember, the reverse mortgage doesn’t have a monthly payment associated with it. While you are still responsible for the taxes and insurance, you pay off your loan when you sell the home. The attached PDF will give you some examples of how much is required to buy a home using a reverse mortgage at various age groups. This is a unique opportunity for seniors to consider, especially if they are on a fixed income.

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An Economic Blog/Resource For You

I just found this blog at http://www.CalculatedRiskBlog.com It is a cool economic blog. Go there and read articles to see what is happening in the world. Then, go to the graphs gallery. Simply amazing. It is worth your time if you want a macro view of the world and environment in which we live today.

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What’s happening in the Twin Cities Real Estate market?

Are you wondering what’s happening out there? Well I have my “boots on the street”. Here is where I see it and where I see it going in the short term. Overall, sales are slow, but not dead. We are now in the fall market. In as early as 30 days, we could have snow on the ground. Then, you have Thanksgiving and all of the other holidays. Combine all these events and this tends to be the slowest time of the year. This means it will likely get slower over the next 90 days for traditional home sales. I’ll keep you posted about the Spring market when we get there. That being said, I am keeping very busy-thankfully!. Many of my transactions today are involving investors. The deals are just too good to pass up. I would be happy to show you what I mean and give you actual examples involving investor transactions I’ve been involved with. If you believe that values will increase in the future, now represents the best buying opportunity I have seen in my 26 years. Is it all uphill from here? Absolutely not! In fact, depending on the community and property type, it might get worse before it gets better. Yet, if you are a long term investor, purchasing for the long term, this is a golden opportunity. Interest rates are at 50 year lows, the banks will soon have to do something with their inventory of properties. Banks are actually accelerating their foreclosure procedures. This means more homes will be available for sale or even possibly for rent. The government is thinking about solutions-so we’ll have to stay tuned. Will they become landlords? Will they raise the LTV loan limits for underwater mortgage refinance opportunities and expand eligibility beyond Fannie and Freddie loans? Will there be write downs of principal and equity sharing going forward for existing underwater homeowners? These are all ideas being talked about. Stay tuned for more!!

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Amazing Video-Wouldn’t Believe It If I hadn’t Viewed The Video

Amazing message-mortal enemies can get along! What an example for the rest of us!

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Great Cartoon from 1948

Human beings are human beings. Only the names change. When we refuse to understand history, psychology, and human nature we end up repeating mistakes that could be avoided. Re-learning lessons is getting mighty expensive. Definitely worth watching.

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VA financing their foreclosed properties for Investors

This is pretty exciting.  It is a way that investors can buy VA foreclosed homes with VA loans.  I personally have not participated in this yet, but I wanted to make sure everyone knew that it was an option and might be available.  See the flyer for more info

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Catch and Release Fishing – Ensuring Fish For Our Future

By Craig Fiske

Know the proper technique for catch and release fishing. Keep those big ones healthy and strong. Your kids and grandkids will thank you!

There is nothing more enjoyable in this world than a great day on the water. If conditions are perfect and the fish are active things don’t get much better. Well, maybe catching big fish can add a level of excitement that is hard to match.

Fish populations across North America are, in general, suffering. Stocking efforts and recovery programs are happening virtually in every jurisdiction. Some areas are suffering more than others. Think about it. How often have you heard someone say, “The fishing just isn’t as good as it was a few years ago”. That goes for a number of lakes and rivers right across this continent.

The good news is you can do something about it. Catch and release fishing is one of the keys to help populations recover. It is pretty straight forward – keep only what you are going to eat. And just as importantly, let go the big one’s (they lay many times more eggs during the spawn).

Too often we see anglers keep more fish than they will eat. Often this is done out of ignorance of the impact to the water system. Unfortunately too often it is done out of lack of respect for the fish and water they are taken from.

This has an unbelievable impact on fish populations. Think about it. A good fishing location that has red-hot walleye fishing in the spring for eight weeks can have as many as 100 boats a day visit it. Particularly if the lake is accessible by road. Assume that each boat has 3 anglers in it. Also assume that the limit for walleye is 5 per day.

8 weeks x 100 boats x 3 anglers x 5 walleye = 12,000 walleye! If you are rolling your eyes at that number, don’t. There are many lakes that are under tremendous pressure like this and our fish population is taking a pounding!

Catch and release fishing is a key to helping our fish populations recover. The key to catch and release is to reduce the mortality rate of the fish. There are things you need to consider
Use a barbless hook. It makes the time the fish is out of the water much shorter. It is also much easier on the fish as the barb can often get caught in the throat or the gills making the odds the fish will live much longer (plus it is a lot easier on you as you take the hook out).

Try to land your fish quickly. The less energy they spend on the way into the boat, the faster they will recover. This is a key element often not thought of during catch and release practices.

If you can keep the fish in the water as you remove the hook, this is a huge advantage for the fish. If you need to pick up the fish, wet your hands first. Try not to squeeze to hard as you hold the fish while you remove the hook. If you can hold the fish upside down, quite often this will immobilize it, and give you a chance to quickly remove the hook! Above all, be gentle!

Often you will need to hold the fish in the water as it “catches its breath”! Be patient, this is an ordeal for any and all fish species. When catch and releasing a fish, do your best to release it in slow water.

If there is a current, make sure the head is facing upstream. This will give it a chance to regain its strength and equilibrium. It also forces water through the gills helping the fish realize much needed oxygen. If there is no current, slowly move the fish forward and backward in the water to get the water through its gills! Make sure you don’t release an exhausted fish until it appears the gills are working properly. When this happens, the fish will usually swim out of your light grip on its own.

It is the responsibility of every angler to take care of our fish population! Limit your catch. Let go the big ones go, and ensure a productive resource of fish for generations to come!

Thanks for reading!

Good luck out there!

Craig Fiske is from Saskatchewan Canada and has been an avid angler for over 35 years!

For great advice on catching big fish, check out Freshwater FishingCanada! Tips on walleye, pike, trout muskie and more. Practical advice on when to go and where to stay on your fishing adventures. Fishing tips cover all the seasons, including winter. Delicious fish recipes too!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Craig_Fiske
http://EzineArticles.com/?Catch-and-Release-Fishing—Ensuring-Fish-For-Our-Future&id=139431

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The Number 1 Method For Catching a Muskie – Night Fishing For Muskellunge

By Sergio DiGirolamo

Alright, so we want a muskie and we want one now! Go to your local bait and tackle and pick up a 10-inch, 3/8-ounce Double Cowgirl. This lure might scare you just by its size and PRICE alone (weighing in at a hefty $25 +/-), but trust me – this is what you want. So again, don’t be frightened by its size, its not like you’re going to have to impart much technique, its basically a cast out and steady retrieve type of lure.

There are most likely other lures you could purchase, such as the Magnum Boo Tail or the Shumway Giant Flasher, but to avoid any confusion if you’re new to this, just pick up the Double Cowgirl and you’ll be satisfied if you follow these tactics and tips.

So no we have our lure, but we’re definitely going to want some rod and reel power. If you don’t own a heavy-action rod, now’s the time to invest in one if you plan on actually landing a muskie. Go with a long rod – 8- to 8 ½ feet – heavy-power, combine this with a reel with a low speed level-wind built for power.

The Abu Garcia 7000 is great for this type of fishing; a very powerful bait casting reel with a great rate of retrieve that will definitely last you quite a few years. 80-pound test Spiderwire Stealth is a great choice of line; steel leader is optional, but not recommended.

Once you’re all set on gear and tackle, it’s time to get to work. As the title implies, the best time to make use of these tactics is at night. Check your local fishing reports at www.weather.com and look for the top menu bar that says “Outdoor Activities”, scroll over it, click on “Fishing”, type in your area code and you’re good to go. This will show you the best times that you’ll want to start fishing, but even without your local fishing report, if you head out at about 8:30-9:00pm you’ll be in good shape to get started regardless. Start by targeting an area about 5 to 10 feet deep, cast beyond your target and crawl your lure back to the boat (this can be done on shore as well but might not be as effective) slowly.

You know you’re going the perfect speed when you’re reeling in your lure just fast enough to allow the blades to spin. When the blades start spinning, they create suction behind the lure which imparts a life-like action to the tail. Work the lure over submerged structures such as sand and rock bars. If you just so happen to excite a muskie and you see it follow your lure back to the boat, stay calm and do exactly as I say: when the lure is but a few feet away from the boat, plunge the tip of your rod into the water and start working it in a figure 8 motion. If the muskie didn’t strike before, he’s almost bound to after the figure 8. Work the figure 8 for as long as you can hold the muskie’s attention, and if nothing happens, then cast out and repeat.

For more information on freshwater fishing, visit http://www.Live4Fishing.webs.com . How-to videos and articles as well as product reviews and all the information you’ll ever need to start catching bigger, better fish.

Join here at http://live4fishing.webs.com/apps/auth/signup?next=

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sergio_DiGirolamo
http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Number-1-Method-For-Catching-a-Muskie—Night-Fishing-For-Muskellunge&id=2696813

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Noodling-Imagine doing this with a Muskie

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