Tucson Real Estate News

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DPA Negotiations On Capitol Hill Take A Positive Turn

US Capitol Building-Architect of The CapitolPro-Down Payment Assistance (DPA) legislation got a boost from HUD Secretary Steve Preston and Congressman Barney Frank, Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee.

Apparently Chairman Frank and Secretary Preston reached an accord that will allow seller-funded gifts to be applied towards buyers' down payments...with HUD imposing risk-based pricing on transactions using this kind of assistance for FHA loans.

Inman News released and article explaining the negotiations today:  Congress Weighs Reprieve


       Kent Simpson
Kent Simpson REALTOR®, e-Certified®, AHS® (with The Pepper Group™ Diversified Real Estate): Real Estate Agent in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona web counter

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Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

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Down Payment Assistance Programs In Tucson Out Of Funds

Need help coming up with a downpayment on a new home?  In Tucson, public grant money is all but used up for the year. 

Family Housing Resources announced today that down payment assistance programs (DPA) funded through FHA, Chicanos Por La Causa and Old Pueblo Community Foundation are suspending operation for the year.  Reason:  available funds have been used up for 2008.

There is one grant still available though...until its funds are exhausted...$10k assistance grants through FHR for people using the Pima County Bond Program to buy their homes.

Hopefully greater funding will be released for 2009, but for those needing the assistance now...better get moving before the last source dries up!

For people who are thinking about buying a home in 2009, let this be a wake-up call to act sooner in the coming year than later--you don't want to be left out!

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Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

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IT'S OFFICIAL: Gov't Announces Takeover of Fannie & Freddie

This morning, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson announced the expected government takeover of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. 

Executives in both companies were given their walking papers in the move, with former Merrill Lynch vice chairman Herb Allison taking over the reigns at Fannie Mae, and former US Bancorp vice chairman David Moffett was tabbed to lead Freddie Mac.  Analysts on CNN praised the move as a positive step in the right direction.

What does this mean to the American Public?  Well, if you own stock in either Freddie or Fannie, don't expect a rebound in your fortunes--the stock price has been in the tank and probably won't come out of it anytime soon.  However, for people looking to get a 30-year fixed mortgage, interest rates may come down a little bit for those with good to excellent credit.

Sentator Jon Kyl of Arizona supporting the measure and Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia saying it was "too little, too late."  Given the fact that both politicians are on opposing parties and that they were introduced as supporters of McCain & Obama, respectively, I couldn't help but wonder why they were asked to speak on the issue at all.  Neither one had any substance to back up their support...just party hacks trying to take credit for their party.

Stay tuned, kids - next we'll see a pillow fight between donkeys & elephants with the winner taking credit for inventing Christmas!

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Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"

Gov't To Back Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac This Weekend?

An AP story by Alan Zibel just announced the likelyhood that troubled mortgage giants may be taken over by the US Government in a bold move to shore up the two companies.  Details were not available at press time, but Freddie CEO Richard Syron and Fannie CEO Daniel Mudd are expected to be casualties of the takeover.

According to the article, Fed Charmain Bernanke, Treasury Secretary Paulson and chief regulator James Lockhart told top executives about the government's plan to take over in a manner called a conservatorship in a meeting this afternoon.

Read his story, posted this evening:  Government May Soon Back Fannie, Freddie

Related Story In The Wall Street Journal:  U.S. Near Deal on Fannie, Freddie

 

 

 

        Kent Simpson
Kent Simpson REALTOR®, e-Certified®, AHS® (with The Pepper Group™ Diversified Real Estate): Real Estate Agent in Tucson, Pima County, Arizona
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Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

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Donate A Suit - Feel Good By Helping Someone Else Look Good!

Most of us in the business have a suit...or 3...or 6...whatever.  Most of us have one that doesn't fit anymore or hides in the back of the closet.  Put it to good use - on someone else!

Mens Wearhouse is sponsoring their first National Suit Drive to benefit "at-risk" men and youth.  Sometimes having something to professional to wear when interviewing for a job can make the difference.  Feeling good about what one wears can make a huge difference in confidence.  The company will clean them and add a new shirt to compliment it.

Here's the link to find out more, and a location near you to bring your donation:  Suit Drive 

                                                                      National Suit Drive Logo

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Specializing in Buyer Representation in the Tucson, Arizona real estate market.

"Never forget - Real Estate Is About People"