With the passage of the economic stimulus package, many home buyers are taking advantage of the opportunity to get an FHA (Federal Home Administration) loan.
FHA loans had lost their popularity especially in our high-cost areas of California in the 1990s, as home values began inching upward, surpassing FHA mortgage limits.
Luxurious Marina del Rey high-rise condo with breathtaking, unobstructed city and mountain views from all rooms. The Regatta was Builder Magazine's 2001 Residential Project of the Year. Open floor plan features dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows and split bedroom suites. Offered at $869,000
People often wonder about taking vitamins. Should I bother? Are they worth the money? Which ones should I take? In order, the answers are yes, yes, and take any brand with which you feel comfortable.
Why take vitamins at all? The purpose of supplementation is to cover all bases -- to make sure they're covered. How can you be sure your diet contains all the cofactors and trace minerals needed to make your metabolism work correctly? And what about all the antioxidants that fight free radical formation and the phytonutrients that seem to have so much benefit in cancer prevention?
Here in California we are paying upwards of $4.00 and higher per gallon of gas.
We recently came across a petroleum industry employees who shared his 31 years of gas tricks and knowledge. Below you'll find four ways get more of your money's worth for every gallon.
Brix @ 1601 is located in the shiny new Hermosa Pavillion shopping complex (also home to the LA Beach Living Properties). This New American/wine bar – boasting brick archways, warm bronze lighting, deep leather booths, stone fireplaces and a vaulted ceiling – feels like it’s been there forever; its midpriced, casually creative menu (e.g. duck confit spring rolls) plays off an extensive list of wine.
Everyone's talking about eco-friendly homes, but what's in it for you?
Here are 10 reasons to take the plunge into a greener lifestyle:
1. You'll increase your home's value
There's a growing buzz among buyers about eco-friendly homes. And what's not to like: Green homes use sustainable materials that are better for the environment, and have lower utility bills and healthful air. That means you'll boost your home's value with big and small eco-friendly projects. So whether you splurge on solar panels or buy an affordable water-saving shower and toilet, you'll have that much-needed edge with buyers when you sell.
The Economic Stimulus Package that was signed into law included an immediate increase in both the FHA and conforming loan limits to as high as $729,750 in our high cost LA Beach neighborhoods.
This means that the interest rates on many mortgages will go down because these loans are now eligible to be purchased by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac or insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). Previously, the FHA was only allowed to insure loans with balances lower than $200,160 - $362,790, depending on the county where the property was located.