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.

My phone has been ringing off the hook with buyers and sellers getting ready to “get ready”. I hope it continues! Let me tell you that the sentiment may have turned. If I can help you, and you’ve been on the fence, the time is now. One of my resources that I follow is Alex Charfen from the CDPE Institute. Watch what he has to say about some MAJOR money entering into the residential marketplace:

Happy Chinese New Year-Officially on January 23rd. Some of my family members are from China. We often will celebrate Chinese New Year with a tremendous meal and good company. This is the year of the Dragon. 2012 is going to be an exciting year-count on it! I hope it is your best.

90-Day Seasoning Waiver ExpandedThis update from FHA was released late last week as an industry email without a corresponding Mortgagee Letter and contains information about FHA’s policies regarding the waiver of the 90-day seasoning required for sellers.

Here are the 6 things you need to know:

1. The extension is effective through December 31, 2012, unless otherwise extended or withdrawn by FHA.

2. Investors continue to be exempt from the 90-day seasoning rule.

3. All transactions must be arms-length.

4. No identity of interest can exist between buyer and seller.

5. If sale price is 20% or more of the seller’s acquisition cost, the lender must:

a) provide supporting documentation and/or a second appraisal and

b) order an inspection of the property and provide it to the buyer.

6. The waiver is limited to forward mortgages only.

I could listen to this song over and over. It has nothing to do with real estate or mortgage-but what the heck-it’s a great tune. Sit back and enjoy!

This video was sent to me today. I wanted to share it because I believe it is powerful. The meaning is up for your interpretation, as is(are) the message(s). Best wishes for a wonderful 2012.

Don’t forget to give your tenants their CRP’s by the end of January 2012. If you are a tenant, don’t forget to ask. These are useful to a tenant that qualifies for a tax deduction.

I thought I’d post a copy of a HUD booklet explaining the mortgage process. This booklet is helpful in explaining the process and some of the paperwork. Please check it out before you look into getting a mortgage. It will help you understand the terms and conditions of your loan.

This is simply awesome-watch and enjoy! May 2012 be your best year yet. I know it will be exciting!

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.