What is The HARP Program?
The Home Affordable Refinance Program 2.0 (HARP 2.0) is designed to assist homeowners in refinancing their mortgages - even if they owe more than the homes current value. 9 out of 10 eligible homeowners fail to take advantage of this government program. If you are current on your mortgage, with or without equity, then you are eligible for this program.
How can HARP Help Me?
As the government continues to purchase mortgage backed securities, rates continue to fall and are near record lows. The HARP Program allows you to take advantage of current market rates even if you are "underwater". These programs are financial "life-changers". They are also available for a limited time as determined by Congress. Act now to take advantage of The HARP Program and lower your monthly payment and/or term using the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Streamline process.
HARP 2.0
In an effort to help HARP 2.0 reach more U.S. homeowners, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have changed their respective HARP 2.0 mortgage guidelines. HARP 2.0 requirements allow Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to no longer require verification of income from at least one HARP 2.0 borrower. Now, HARP 2.0 applicants can provide proof that at least 12 months of mortgage payments exist in reserve for the subject property. This includes the sum of principal + interest payments, monthly real estate tax payments, homeowners insurance payments and any requisite association or community dues. HARP 2.0 also has fewer documentation requirements. For example, HARP 2.0 guidelines no longer require verification of large deposits that appear on the applicant's bank or other asset statements. The HARP 2.0 guidelines are newer, simpler and designed to approve more loans. So if you were turned down for The HARP Program in the past, apply again as you may now meet the requirements.
Is your loan guaranteed by Fannie or Freddie?
Find out by visiting http://www.harpprogram.org/index.php
30-Day Gratitude Challenge
What's the challenge?
Why take the challenge?
There's somebody in your life right now that needs to hear a message from you. The 30-Day Gratitude Challenge is a way for you to send out messages of gratitude and celebrate people now.
How do I start the challenge?
1. Watch the Gratitude Video at www.socgratitude.com
2. Let us know if you would like to setup a sendoutcards account to send your gratitude cards
3. Visit https://www.sendoutcards.com/media/pdf/gratitude.pdf and print the commitment and tracking form
4. Send at least one gratitude card every day and record each person's on the tracking form
5. Share this challenge with those you care about and encourage them to join you
"When you have a prompting to reach out in kindness...reach out in kindness. When it's time to share appreciation or gratitude to someone...share it with them. We celebrate people now." - Kody Bateman, SendOutCards Founder and CEO
WHERE IN THE WORLD...Cranberry, PA
In honor of Thanksgiving, we chose to highlight Cranberry, PA this month!
Founded in 1804, this Pennsylvania township was named for the cranberry bogs that grew along Brush Creek in days past. Today, this suburb of Pittsburgh is one of the fastest growing areas in the US. The population was 28,098 as of the 2010 census.
One reason for the township's tremendous growth is its location. Located at the crossroads of two main Interstate highways, the community is accessible from virtually anywhere and travel time to Pittsburgh is less than half an hour.
Cranberry Township is one of the fastest growing areas in the US both in population and business. While many residential communities are being built, even more so are retail stores. In 1994, Cranberry finally got its own zip code and post office, after years of sharing with many other zip codes in the area.
2. Let us know if you would like to setup a sendoutcards account to send your gratitude cards
3. Visit https://www.sendoutcards.com/media/pdf/gratitude.pdf and print the commitment and tracking form
4. Send at least one gratitude card every day and record each person's on the tracking form
5. Share this challenge with those you care about and encourage them to join you
"When you have a prompting to reach out in kindness...reach out in kindness. When it's time to share appreciation or gratitude to someone...share it with them. We celebrate people now." - Kody Bateman, SendOutCards Founder and CEO
WHERE IN THE WORLD...Cranberry, PA
Founded in 1804, this Pennsylvania township was named for the cranberry bogs that grew along Brush Creek in days past. Today, this suburb of Pittsburgh is one of the fastest growing areas in the US. The population was 28,098 as of the 2010 census.
Cranberry Township is one of the fastest growing areas in the US both in population and business. While many residential communities are being built, even more so are retail stores. In 1994, Cranberry finally got its own zip code and post office, after years of sharing with many other zip codes in the area.
Need ideas for planning a trip to the Cranberry/Pittsburgh area? Let us know!
Data through 9/30/12
Median Sale Price $282,200
1-Year Change +4.6%
Homes For Sale 223
Median List Price $299,000
Single Family Homes 76.9%
Zillow Value Index $245,500
Majority Voters 55.4% Republican
PLACES TO GO | EVENTS | THINGS TO SEE
Nov 1 and 2 | Season Start: UCONN Basketball, Storrs, CT (Men on 11/1 and Women on 11/2)
Nov 6 | Election Day - don't forget to vote!
Nov 16 to 18 | America's Hometown Thanksgiving Celebration, Plymouth, MA http://usathanksgiving.com
Nov 17 | Tour of Gymnastics Champions, XL Center, Hartford, CT www.xlcenter.com
Nov 17 to Jan 1 | Christmas at the Newport Mansions, Newport, RI www.newportmansions.org
Nov 18 | UBS Parade Spectacular (helium balloon parade), Stamford, CT www.stamford-downtown.com
Nov 22 | Manchester Road Race, Manchester, CT www.manchesterroadrace.com
Nov 22 | Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, New York City
Nov 23 | Midnight Madness - New England Outlet Stores www.discovernewengland.org
Closing Congratulations: Elenor Reid, Elizabeth Tillman, Jeremy & Jennifer Fedorchick and Susan Paganini
Rental Congratulations: Michael Pinto and Elaine Bell
Referral Thanks: Greg Doolittle and Rick Casey
Please visit our Facebook fanpage at www.crefanpage.com for more information
