Posted on

FHA and USDA Mortgage Updates In Galloway and Egg Harbor Township, NJ

FHA will be lowering their mortgage insurance starting today, 1/26. The monthly mortgage insurance will drop from 1.35% to .85%. This will help bring FHA’s monthly insurance more in-line with USDA and Conventional mortgage insurance. FHA is still the #1 first time homebuyers program as it still only requires 3.5% down, and we require only a 580 credit score. Some good news at least, especially with USDA going away in certain areas. FHA is not the end of the world and is a great loan program!!!

USDA:

I have just received word that as of February 2nd, 2015, USDA is officially changing its maps. For Atlantic County, it will make EHT ineligible and parts of Galloway (closer to Absecon). Feel free to call me with any questions about this:

Home For Sale

Egg Harbor City Is Eligible For FHA and USDA Financing

Thus, the ineligible area maps based on the above classifications will be effective on February 2, 2015. The changes will be those already published on the “Future Eligible Areas” maps posted on the Eligibility Website; http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

 Jim Malamut

Greentree Mortgage

NMLS#206095

Cell: 609-432-2829

Office: 609-646-5555

 

Posted on

Why Sign an Agreement with Your Agent?

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you—or anyone you feel comfortable introducing me to.

Real estate agents often ask home buyers to sign a formal agreement that commits the buyer to working with that agent. Usually no money exchanges hands for this agreement, but it does commit the buyer to working with that agent for a period of time. Why would a buyer do this? Primarily to ensure that they are working with the best real estate agent they can, which will matter the deeper they go into the home buying process.

Happy Buyer Clients

Happy Buyer Clients

The buyer doesn’t pay the agent, but the agent will invest significant time working with the buyer. Without a commitment, a real estate agent can’t guarantee they’ll make money in exchange for the time spent with that buyer. If a buyer wants to work with a great agent, they’ll be willing to make a commitment in exchange for that agent’s time.

If you or someone you know wants to buy a house in the next few months, please let me know at 609-338-3773.  Also get a copy of my report, Making the Move Easy On the Kids.

Matthew Haviland,

Your Real Estate Consultant For Life Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore 609-484-9890 ext 132

P.S. Who do you know who’s thin

king about buying a home? Please introduce us so that I can help them have a great home buying experience from start to finish.

Posted on

Helping Happy Home Buyers And Sellers

Mildy, Augustin and Lilliam. New home buyers.

Mildy, Augustin and Lilliam. New home buyers.

I love helping home buyers and sellers make their dreams come true!  In today’s real estate economy there are many challenges and opportunities.  I’m grateful that my clients choose me to help them buy and sell their home.

IMG_1592

Fruit basket

Earlier this month I helped a family purchase their first home.  And to my surprise a few days later I received this wonderful edible arrangement at my office.  Congratulations to Augustin, Mildy and Lilliam and your family.  MattIMG_1591

Posted on

Getting Perspective This New Year

cape-may-sunset

Sunset Beach, Cape May, NJ

Each of us can probably identify times when a moment, a day, a year, or even our whole lives changed in an instant—not because we did something different—but simply because our perspective shifted. Here is a very small story from the website peopleandpossibilities.com that illustrates how simple and powerful a different perspective can be:

One day I was shopping with my child after work to pick up supplies needed for an employee celebration. I was exhausted and wanted to get in and out quickly. My child was tired and cranky and wanted out of the shopping cart. She was grabbing for every item we passed.

I was losing my patience and temper when an elderly woman came over to us. She took my child’s hand, and said “What a lovely child.” My little girl was quiet immediately. The woman looked at me. She had an angelic smile and then again said, “They are so wonderful at this age.”

At once I felt peaceful and in control of the situation. After the lady walked away, I found a snack that pleased my little one and we had a pleasant shopping trip.

This year, one of my New Year’s resolutions is to make an effort to seek a fresh perspective whenever I find myself feeling stressed, angry, or stuck. It won’t be easy, but maybe by thinking of the opposite of whatever I’m thinking, I can gain some distance that will help me move on and be a bigger person in that moment.
I hope you are having a wonderful New Year so far, and wish you success and joy as you kick off 2015!

Sincerely,

Matt Haviland
Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

P.S. I would love to hear about your New Year’s resoltuions. You can always reach me at: matt@sjhouses.com or phone 609-338-3773

To view or download my full January 2015 Newsletter click here:  January 2015 Newsletter – Matt

Posted on

Atlantic County First Time Home Buyer Grant Money Now Available – $10,000

The Atlantic County, NJ grant program is now funded with grants available of up to $10,000 for first time home buyers!  All funds are forgiven after 5 years.  This programs does not work for everyone so I’ve outlined the key requirements below.

Free Money!

Free Money! $10,000 Grant For First Time Home Buyers

Eligible Applicants:

     HOUSEHOLDS

  1. Who have resided in Atlantic County for the last 12 months or are employed in Atlantic County.
  2. Who have not owned a home for the last  three years.
  3. With acceptable credit history and the ability to obtain an approved mortgage.
  4. With incomes below 80% of Median income:

These income levels are (2013):

                                                           # of Household  Members 80% of Median Income
1 Person. $38,400
2 Persons $43,900
3 Persons $49,400
4 Persons $54,850
5 Persons $59,250
6 Persons $63,650
7 Persons $68,050
8 Persons $72,450

If you or someone you know may be eligible to qualify for this grant please call me for more details at 609-338-3773.  Time is limited and funds are usually gone in a few months so please call me now.

Posted on

How To Sell Your House When You Already Have A Buyer

Over the years I’ve helped many clients sell their home when they already have a buyer lined up.  Typically I see this when a family member wants to sell a home to another family member.  You may not need the full services of a Realtor however you need help with paperwork and making sure things are done correctly and in a timely manner.  Many of my clients also wish to not have the liability risk that many For Sale By Owners Face.

I recently helped Amie purchase a home from her family.

I recently helped Amie purchase a home from her family.

One of the services I provide is as a Transaction Broker.  In NJ a transaction broker doesn’t represent either side and helps in the transaction.  For a small flat fee I can help with paperwork and guide you through the home selling and buying process.  I’ll also give you access to my services directory with reliable vendors to help you where needed.

Remember when you have a home to sell and have a buyer already call me and let me help guide you safely though the home selling process.  Best wishes,

Matt

P.S.  If you or someone you know is selling a home and may need my help.  Please call me now at 609-338-3773.

santa-2014

Date: December 19, 2014
Time: 05:30-07:30 p.m.
Event: Santa Clause Is Coming To Keller Williams Realty Northfield!
Topic: Free Photo With Santa
Sponsor: Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore
Venue: Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore
609-484-9890
Location: 802 Tilton Road
Northfield, NJ 08225
Public: Public
Posted on

House Hunt Happily

Dear Friend,

House Hunt Happily

Here’s a quick note to let you know how I can help you—or anyone you feel comfortable introducing me to.

Somers Point, NJ Sunset

Somers Point, NJ Sunset

Buying a home starts with looking at homes. While some buyers find their dream home right away, others see 100 homes before finding one they love. Home buyers who search for months can get burned out, even give up. So, for buyers who are about to start house-hunting, here are three tips to help you stay cool:

First, partner with a good real estate consultant, like me, who will preview homes to help you trim your list before getting in the car. Second, do drive-bys. You can narrow the list of homes to visit by first seeing neighborhood circumstances, yard features, home condition, etc. Finally, stay within your price range. Going to homes you can’t afford wastes time and calibrates your expectations too high for your price point.

If you or someone you know is starting to house hunt, contact me at 609-338-3773. Also get a copy of my report, How to Stop Spending Money on Rent and Own a Home Instead.

Matthew Haviland,

Your Real Estate Consultant For Life

P.S. Who do you know who’s thinking about buying a home? Please let them know that I can help them with their search.