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Looking for the Best Mortgage ESPAÑOL Shopping around for a home loan or mortgage will help you to get the best financing deal. A mortgage--whether it’s a home purchase, a refinancing, or a home equity loan--is a product, just like a car, so the price and terms may be negotiable. You’ll want to compare all the costs involved in obtaining a mortgage. Shopping, comparing, and negotiating may save you thousands of dollars. Skip to content Obtain information from several lenders Obtain all important cost information Obtain the best deal that you can Remember: Shop, compare, negotiate Fair lending is required by law Credit problems? Glossary Mortgage shopping worksheet For more information Obtain Information from Several Lenders Home loans are available from several types of lenders-- thrift institutions , commercial banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions. Different lenders may quote you different prices, so you should contact several lenders to make sure you’re getting the best price. You can also get a home loan through a mortgage broker . Brokers arrange transactions rather than lending money directly; in other words, they find a lender for you. A broker’s access to several lenders can mean a wider selection of loan products and terms from which you can choose. Brokers will generally contact several lenders regarding your application, but they are not obligated to find the best deal for you unless they have contracted with you to act as your agent. Consequently, you should consider contacting more than one broker, just as you should with banks or thrift institutions. Whether you are dealing with a lender or a broker may not always be clear. Some financial institutions operate as both lenders and brokers. And most brokers’ advertisements do not use the word "broker." Therefore, be sure to ask whether a broker is involved. This information is important because brokers are usually paid a fee for their services that may be separate from and in addition to the lender’s origination or other fees. A broker’s compensation may be in the form of "points" paid at closing or as an add-on to your interest rate , or both. You should ask each broker you work with how he or she will be compensated so that you can compare the different fees. Be prepared to negotiate with the brokers as well as the lenders. Obtain All Important Cost Information Be sure to get information about mortgages from several lenders or brokers. Know how much of a down payment you can afford, and find out all the costs involved in the loan. Knowing just the amount of the monthly payment or the interest rate is not enough. Ask for information about the same loan amount, loan term, and type of loan so that you can compare the information. The following information is important to get from each lender and broker: Rates Ask each lender and broker for a list of its current mortgage interest rates and whether the rates being quoted are the lowest for that day or week. Ask whether the rate is fixed or adjustable . Keep in mind that when interest rates for adjustable-rate loans go up, generally so does the monthly payment. If the rate quoted is for an adjustable-rate loan, ask how your rate and loan payment will vary, including whether your loan payment will be reduced when rates go down. Ask about the loan’s annual percentage rate (APR) . The APR takes into account not only the interest rate but also points, broker fees, and certain other credit charges that you may be required to pay, expressed as a yearly rate. Points Points are fees paid to the lender or broker for the loan and are often linked to the interest rate; usually the more points you pay, the lower the rate. Check your local newspaper for information about rates and points currently being offered. Ask for points to be quoted to you as a dollar amount--rather than just as the number of points--so that you will actually know how much you will have to pay. Fees A home loan often involves many fees, such as loan origination or underwriting fees , broker fees, and transaction, settlement, and closing costs . Every lender or broker should be able to give you an estimate of its fees. Many of these fees are negotiable. Some fees are paid when you apply for a loan (such as application and appraisal fees), and others are paid at closing. In some cases, you can borrow the money needed to pay these fees, but doing so will increase your loan amount and total costs. "No cost" loans are sometimes available, but they usually involve higher rates. Ask what each fee includes. Several items may be lumped into one fee. Ask for an explanation of any fee you do not understand. Some common fees associated with a home loan closing are listed on the Mortgage Shopping Worksheet in this brochure. Down Payments and Private Mortgage Insurance Some lenders require 20 percent of the home’s purchase price as a down payment. However, many lenders now offer loans that require less than 20 percent down--sometimes as little as 5 percent on conventional loans . If a 20 percent down payment is not made, lenders usually require the home buyer to purchase private mortgage insurance (PMI) to protect the lender in case the home buyer fails to pay. When government-assisted programs such as FHA (Federal Housing Administration), VA (Veterans Administration), or Rural Development Services are available, the down payment requirements may be substantially smaller. Ask about the lender’s requirements for a down payment, including what you need to do to verify that funds for your down payment are available. Ask your lender about special programs it may offer. If PMI is required for your loan, Ask what the total cost of the insurance will be. Ask how much your monthly payment will be when including the PMI premium. Ask how long you will be required to carry PMI. Obtain the Best Deal That You Can Once you know what each lender has to offer, negotiate for the best deal that you can. On any given day, lenders and brokers may offer different prices for the same loan terms to different consumers, even if those consumers have the same loan qualifications. The most likely reason for this difference in price is that loan officers and brokers are often allowed to keep some or all of this difference as extra compensation. Generally, the difference between the lowest available price for a loan product and any higher price that the borrower agrees to pay is an overage . When overages occur, they are built into the prices quoted to consumers. They can occur in both fixed and variable-rate loans and can be in the form of points, fees, or the interest rate. Whether quoted to you by a loan officer or a broker, the price of any loan may contain overages. Have the lender or broker write down all the costs associated with the loan. Then ask if the lender or broker will waive or reduce one or more of its fees or agree to a lower rate or fewer points. You’ll want to make sure that the lender or broker is not agreeing to lower one fee while raising another or to lower the rate while raising points. There’s no harm in asking lenders or brokers if they can give better terms than the original ones they quoted or than those you have found elsewhere. Once you are satisfied with the terms you have negotiated, you may want to obtain a written lock-in from the lender or broker. The lock-in should include the rate that you have agreed upon, the period the lock-in lasts, and the number of points to be paid. A fee may be charged for locking in the loan rate. This fee may be refundable at closing. Lock-ins can protect you from rate increases while your loan is being processed; if rates fall, however, you could end up with a less favorable rate. Should that happen, try to negotiate a compromise with the lender or broker. Remember: Shop, Compare, Negotiate When buying a home, remember to shop around, to compare costs and terms, and to negotiate for the best deal. Your local newspaper and the Internet are good places to start shopping for a loan. You can usually find information both on interest rates and on points for several lenders. Since rates and points can change daily, you’ll want to check your newspaper often when shopping for a home loan. But the newspaper does not list the fees, so be sure to ask the lenders about them. The Mortgage Shopping Worksheet that follows may also help you. Take it with you when you speak to each lender or broker and write down the information you obtain. Don’t be afraid to make lenders and brokers compete with each other for your business by letting them know that you are shopping for the best deal. Fair Lending Is Required by Law The Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits lenders from discriminating against credit applicants in any aspect of a credit transaction on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, whether all or part of the applicant’s income comes from a public assistance program, or whether the applicant has in good faith exercised a right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in residential real estate transactions on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, or national origin. Under these laws, a consumer cannot be refused a loan based on these characteristics nor be charged more for a loan or offered less favorable terms based on such characteristics. Credit Problems? Still Shop, Compare, and Negotiate Don’t assume that minor credit problems or difficulties stemming from unique circumstances, such as illness or temporary loss of income, will limit your loan choices to only high-cost lenders.If your credit report contains negative information that is accurate, but there are good reasons for trusting you to repay a loan, be sure to explain your situation to the lender or broker. If your credit problems cannot be explained, you will probably have to pay more than borrowers who have good credit histories. But don’t assume that the only way to get credit is to pay a high price. Ask how your past credit history affects the price of your loan and what you would need to do to get a better price. Take the time to shop around and negotiate the best deal that you can. Whether you have credit problems or not, it’s a good idea to review your credit report for accuracy and completeness before you apply for a loan. To order a copy of your credit report, contact: Equifax: (800) 685-1111 TransUnion: (800) 888-4213 Experian: (888) 397-3742 Glossary Adjustable-rate loans , also known as variable-rate loans, usually offer a lower initial interest rate than fixed-rate loans. The interest rate fluctuates over the life of the loan based on market conditions, but the loan agreement generally sets maximum and minimum rates. When interest rates rise, generally so do your loan payments; and when interest rates fall, your monthly payments may be lowered. Annual percentage rate (APR) is the cost of credit expressed as a yearly rate. The APR includes the interest rate, points, broker fees, and certain other credit charges that the borrower is required to pay. Conventional loans are mortgage loans other than those insured or guaranteed by a government agency such as the FHA (Federal Housing Administration), the VA (Veterans Administration), or the Rural Development Services (formerly know as Farmers Home Administration, or FmHA). Escrow is the holding of money or documents by a neutral third party prior to closing. It can also be an account held by the lender (or servicer) into which a homeowner pays money for taxes and insurance. Fixed-rate loans generally have repayment terms of 15, 20, or 30 years. Both the interest rate and the monthly payments (for principal and interest) stay the same during the life of the loan. The interest rate is the cost of borrowing money expressed as a percentage rate. Interest rates can change because of market conditions. Loan origination fees are fees charged by the lender for processing the loan and are often expressed as a percentage of the loan amount. Lock-in refers to a written agreement guaranteeing a home buyer a specific interest rate on a home loan provided that the loan is closed within a certain period of time, such as 60 or 90 days. Often the agreement also specifies the number of points to be paid at closing. A mortgage is a document signed by a borrower when a home loan is made that gives the lender a right to take possession of the property if the borrower fails to pay off the loan. Overages are the difference between the lowest available price and any higher price that the home buyer agrees to pay for the loan. Loan officers and brokers are often allowed to keep some or all of this difference as extra compensation. Points are fees paid to the lender for the loan. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount. Points are usually paid in cash at closing. In some cases, the money needed to pay points can be borrowed, but doing so will increase the loan amount and the total costs. Private mortgage insurance (PMI) protects the lender against a loss if a borrower defaults on the loan. It is usually required for loans in which the down payment is less than 20 percent of the sales price or, in a refinancing, when the amount financed is greater than 80 percent of the appraised value. Thrift institution is a general term for savings banks and savings and loan associations. Transaction, settlement, or closing costs may include application fees; title examination, abstract of title, title insurance, and property survey fees; fees for preparing deeds, mortgages, and settlement documents; attorneys’ fees; recording fees; and notary, appraisal, and credit report fees. Under the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, the borrower receives a good faith estimate of closing costs at the time of application or within three days of application. The good faith estimate lists each expected cost either as an amount or a range. Mortgage Shopping Worksheet File for Printing Worksheet (12KB PDF) Lender 1 Lender 2 Name of Lender: ___ ___ Name of Contact: ___ ___ Date of Contact: ___ ___ Mortgage Amount: ___ ___ mortgage 1 mortgage 2 mortgage 1 mortgage 2 Basic Information on the Loans Type of Mortgage: fixed rate, adjustable rate, conventional, FHA, other? If adjustable, see below ___ ___ ___ ___ Minimum down payment required ___ ___ ___ ___ Loan term (length of loan) ___ ___ ___ ___ Contract interest rate ___ ___ ___ ___ Annual percentage rate (APR) ___ ___ ___ ___ Points (may be called loan discount points) ___ ___ ___ ___ Monthly Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) premiums ___ ___ ___ ___ How long must you keep PMI? ___ ___ ___ ___ Estimated monthly escrow for taxes and hazard insurance ___ ___ ___ ___ Estimated monthly payment (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance, PMI) ___ ___ ___ ___ Fees Different institutions may have different names for somefees and may charge different fees. We have listed some typical fees you may see on loan documents. Application fee or Loan processing fee ___ ___ ___ ___ Origination fee or Underwriting fee ___ ___ ___ ___ Lender fee or Funding fee ___ ___ ___ ___ Appraisal fee ___ ___ ___ ___ Attorney fees ___ ___ ___ ___ Document preparation and recording fees ___ ___ ___ ___ Broker fees (may be quoted as points, origination fees, or interest rate add-on) ___ ___ ___ ___ Credit report fee ___ ___ ___ ___ Other fees ___ ___ ___ ___ Other Costs at Closing/Settlement Title search/Title insurance For lender ___ ___ ___ ___ For you ___ ___ ___ ___ Estimated prepaid amounts for interest, taxes, hazard insurance, payments to escrow ___ ___ ___ ___ State and local taxes, stamp taxes, transfer taxes ___ ___ ___ ___ Flood determination ___ ___ ___ ___ Prepaid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) ___ ___ ___ ___ Surveys and home inspections ___ ___ ___ ___ Total Fees and Other Closing/Settlement Cost Estimates ___ ___ ___ ___ Lender 1 Lender 2 Name of Lender: mortgage 1 mortgage 2 mortgage 1 mortgage 2 Other Questions and Considerations about the Loan Are any of the fees or costs waivable? ___ ___ ___ ___ Prepayment penalties Is there a prepayment penalty? ___ ___ ___ ___ If so, how much is it? ___ ___ ___ ___ How long does the penalty period last? (for example, 3 years? 5 years?) ___ ___ ___ ___ Are extra principal payments allowed? ___ ___ ___ ___ Lock-ins Is the lock-in agreement in writing? ___ ___ ___ ___ Is there a fee to lock-in? ___ ___ ___ ___ When does the lock-in occur—at application, approval, or another time? ___ ___ ___ ___ How long will the lock-in last? ___ ___ ___ ___ If the rate drops before closing, can you lock-in at a lower rate? ___ ___ ___ ___ If the loan is an adjustable rate mortgage: What is the initial rate? ___ ___ ___ ___ What is the maximum the rate could be next year? ___ ___ ___ ___ What are the rate and payment caps each year and over the life of the loan? ___ ___ ___ ___ What is the frequency of rate change and of any changes to the monthly payment? ___ ___ ___ ___ What is the index that the lender will use? ___ ___ ___ ___ What margin will the lender add to the index? ___ ___ ___ ___ Credit life insurance Does the monthly amount quoted to you include a charge for credit life insurance? ___ ___ ___ ___ If so, does the lender require credit life insurance as a condition of the loan? ___ ___ ___ ___ How much does the credit life insurance cost? ___ ___ ___ ___ How much lower would your monthly payment be without the credit life insurance? ___ ___ ___ ___ If the lender does not require credit life insurance, and you still want to buy it, what rates can you get from other insurance providers? ___ ___ ___ ___ This brochure was prepared by the following agencies: Department of Housing and Urban Development Department of Justice Department of the Treasury Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Federal Housing Finance Board Federal Reserve Board Federal Trade Commission National Credit Union Administration Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Office of Thrift Supervision These agencies (except the Department of the Treasury) enforce compliance with laws that prohibit discrimination in lending. If you feel that you have been discriminated against in the home financing process, you may want to contact one of the agencies listed above about your rights under these laws. For more information on home lending issues, visit ( http://www.consumer.gov ), write to the Federal Citizen Information Center, Pueblo, CO 81009 or visit the Center’s Web site at ( http://www.pueblo.gsa.gov ). The following brochures are available from the Center: A Consumer’s Guide to Mortgage Lock-Ins A Consumer’s Guide to Mortgage Refinancing Buying Your Home: Settlement Costs and Helpful Information Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgages Guide to Single Family Home Mortgage Insurance Home Buyer’s Vocabulary Home Mortgages: Understanding the Process and Your Rights to Fair Lending How to Buy a Home with a Low Down Payment How to Dispute Credit Report Errors The HUD Home Buying Guide What You Should Know About Home Equity Lines of Credit Home | Consumer information | Publications | Brochures | Accessibility | Contact Us Last update: January 22, 2004

Selling Home

North Carolina Real Estate at HPW: Raleigh Real Estate, Coldwell Banker, Real Estate Agent, Home Buying Welcome to the #1 Real Estate Website in North Carolina showing you 12,664 homes with more property details and community information than any other website! Find the home of your dreams from among 12,664 properties, click on ShowMe to request a personal showing or request further information on any property you see. Over 70% of home buyers begin their search online. Maximum Internet exposure for your property is critical. Click here to learn how only Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston can provide you with that optimum exposure. Our associates are the very best in the Triangle , click here to find your Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston agent today. With in-house mortgage and title services we provide you a seamless transaction while saving you time and money. Click here learn about the wonderful area known as the Triangle.Regularly rated as among the top places in the country to live, we're happy to show you around. A commitment to excellence in customer service has earned the division almost every national industry award. Click here to learn how Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston can help you whether you are moving into or out of the Triangle. Representing the Triangle's top builders & developers and equipped with unparalleled resources, our experienced team of sales and marketing professionals will work with you to find the new home that's perfect for you. And we stand ready to help builders and developers find emerging opportunities in the Triangle's top locations. At Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston, our focus is on assisting you to make the most informed decision about entering a career in Real Estate. We'll answer all of your questions and assist you in making the best decision for your personal career. Our Coldwell Banker Concierge program is designed to help you with home and move-related services from vendors you can trust. As a valued customer, you'll get some great deals and discounts! Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston is one of the largest real estate companies in the Triangle, with more than 8,500 transactions a year and 1.8 billion in sales. Property Search Sell Your Home Find an Agent Financial Services Explore Our Area Relocation Services New Home Neigborhoods Careers/ Education Concierge/ 55+ Services About HPW 6 Bess Court Durham $247,500 4 Beds, 2 Baths " / 1612 Carnation Drive Durham $254,900 4 Beds, 2 Baths " / 4 Mill Haven Court Durham $254,900 4 Beds, 2 Baths " / 27 Innisfree Drive Durham $257,900 2 Beds, 2 Baths " / 1704 CHESHIRE BRIDGE ROAD Durham $259,900 4 Beds, 2 Baths " / Inman Park-The Estates 2201 Inman Park Drive $600,000 to $800,000 Raleigh 1421 heritage links drive Wake Forest $559,500 4 Beds, 4 Baths " / 1310 Queensferry Road Cary $839,000 3 Beds, 3 Baths " / 1305 Queensferry Road Cary $980,000 4 Beds, 3 Baths " / 300 Lake Manor Road Chapel Hill $1,175,000 6 Beds, 5 Baths " / 2824 Efland Cedar Grove R Efland $649,900 4 Beds, 4 Baths " / Simplify Home Buying and Selling with Our Comprehensive Services If you need assistance with home buying or selling, you can turn to a Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agent. We are a full-service real estate company offering real estate, mortgage, title, and concierge services. We also bring you the number one real estate website in North Carolina where you can view all of the listings in the Triangle, including new home communities. You can also find information on everything Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Chapel Hill and the surrounding communities offer. By working with a Coldwell Banker Howard Perry and Walston real estate agent you can take advantage of our cutting-edge technology, intimate market knowledge, and superior customer service for all of your real estate needs. E-mail Webmaster Corporate Office 4112 Blue Ridge Rd., Raleigh, NC 27612 (919) 782-5600 - FAX (919) 783-0094 Site Map Privacy Policy Help

Real Estate Broker Requirements

TREC - Broker Application Information -- Licensee Info Search Quick Links -- To Popular Pages -- Licensee Info Search R. E. Contract Forms Renew or Apply Online Salesperson Application Real Estate License Forms Education Providers Core R.E. Course List Freq. Asked Questions Real Estate License Act TREC Rules Data File Downloads License Information Licensing Main Page MCE Requirements FAQs Timeshare Registration Residential Service Company Program Licensed Residential Service Companies Fee Schedule Applications, Requirements Applications & Other License Forms Real Estate Salesperson Requirements Real Estate Broker Requirements R.E. Broker (Corporation & LLC) Requirements Candidate Info. Brochure Reciprocity Information Inspector Applications Renew Your License Renewing a Salesperson License Renewing a Broker License Online Renewal (Brokers, 2yr Salespersons) Duplicate of License Renewal Notice Inspector Renewals KEY To Symbols =Page is in area (folder tab) of this color = Adobe PDF file format = Web site external to TREC Applying to Become a Real Estate Broker (Please Read All Information Carefully) To be eligible to apply for a real estate Broker License, an individual must be a citizen of the United States or a lawfully admitted alien, eighteen (18) years of age or older and a legal resident of Texas. If the applicant is a resident of another state, the applicant must be licensed by that state as a real estate broker. To be eligible to apply for a real estate Broker License, an individual must furnish the Commission satisfactory evidence of successfully completing the following: Not less than two (2) years active experience in Texas as a licensed real estate salesperson or broker during the 96 month period immediately preceding the filing of the application; or If licensed as a broker in another state, not less than two (2) years active experience as a licensed real estate salesperson or broker during the 36 month period immediately preceding the filing of the application. 270 classroom hours of core real estate courses . An additional 630 classroom hours in related courses acceptable to the Commission. Evidence of successful course completion shall be presented via credit transcript or certificate accompanying an application. DO NOT submit original transcripts and/or course completion certificates. Keep the originals for your personal files and send photocopies to the Commission. To be eligible to apply for a real estate Broker License you must first obtain a letter from the Commission attesting to satisfaction of all education requirements. THE EVALUATION OF EDUCATION DOCUMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED BEFORE THE APPLICATION CAN BE FILED. To obtain an evaluation of your education documents submit the form, Request for Evaluation of Education Documents . A fee of $20 is required for the evaluation of education documents for the purpose of determining if education requirements have been satisfied. This fee is good for one year. Please submit copies of your transcripts or course certificates with your request for evaluation. DO NOT submit original documents. The following required fees must be submitted at the time of filing an application. AN APPLICATION RECEIVED WITHOUT THE APPROPRIATE FEES WILL BE REJECTED AND RETURNED. The following fees should be submitted in ONE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER payable to the Texas Real Estate Commission. ALL FEES LISTED BELOW ARE NONREFUNDABLE. Fees Required with Real Estate Broker License Application Fee Amount Comment Original Application $300 Required for all applicants Recovery Trust Account (formerly Recovery Fund) $10 Required for all applicants unlesspreviously paid License examinations are administered by PSI, a testing service company. Once your application has been received, processed and accepted, you will receive notification that you may obtain a copy of the Candidate Information Brochure (CIB) to register for the exam. The CIB will provide instructions on how to make reservations to take the examination and contains study material and instructions about licensing. A copy of the CIB can be downloaded from the PSI web site at http://www.psiexams.com . Please DO NOT attempt to register for the exam without first receiving notification from our office. The filing of an application authorizes an investigation of the applicant's background. Information revealed in an investigation may be cause for disapproval of an application even though other requirements for a license are met. If an investigation is necessary, it may not be conducted until the applicant has passed the examination. State law prohibits issuing more than one license after a licensee has defaulted on astudent loan guaranteed by the Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation (TGSLC) unless the licensee has entered into a repayment agreement with TGSLC. YOU SHOULD CONTACT TGSLC BEFORE FILING THIS APPLICATION if you have defaulted on a student loan. An application or renewal may be rejected if this agency has received information from TGSLC that the applicant has defaulted on a student loan. The Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation can be contacted at: Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation P.O. Box 15996 Austin, Texas 78761-5996 Telephone: 1-800-222-6297 The time involved in processing an application depends on work volume. Inquiry as to the status of an application delays processing work. Inquiry should not be made unless there isreason to believe that information submitted to the Commission has not been received. An incomplete application will not be returned for completion. A letter will be mailed requesting the incomplete information. The examination must be passed within six months from the date the application is filed with the commission office. You are not authorized to perform any act for which a real estate license is required until an ACTIVE Texas Real Estate Commission license is in your possession. Submit Documents And Applications On Plain Paper. Do Not Send "Thermal" Type Paper. Page last modified: 11/21/2005 Site Map Privacy & Security Policy Open Records Accessibility Texas Online Statewide Search TX Homeland Security

Buy House

Amazon.com: House of Sand and Fog: DVD Your Store DVD See All 32 Product Categories Your Account | Cart | Wish List | Help | Advanced Search | Browse Genres | Top Sellers | New & Future Releases | Television Central | Life & Learning | DVD Essentials | Blowout DVDs | Movie Showtimes | Used DVDs Search Amazon.com DVD Web Search Join Amazon Prime and ship Two-Day for free and Overnight for $3.99. Already a member? Sign in . DVD Information Explore this item buying info editorial reviews customer reviews cast and crew fun facts Listmania! Ten best movies of 2003 : A list by Kalle Frm Add your List Ready to buy? Sign in to turn on 1-Click ordering. A9.com users save 1.57% on Amazon. Learn how . MORE BUYING CHOICES 157 used & new from $3.85 Available for in-store pickup now from: $14.99 Price may vary based on availability Enter your ZIP Code Have one to sell? House of Sand and Fog (2003) Starring: Jennifer Connelly , Ben Kingsley Director: Vadim Perelman Rating: First Line: Officer at End: Are you Kathy Nicolo? Kathy: Yeah. Officer at End: Is this your house? See larger image Share your own customer images List Price: $14.99 Price: $10.99 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. See details You Save: $4.00 (27%) Availability: Usually ships within 24 hours. Ships from and sold by Amazon.com. Want it delivered Tuesday, January 3? Choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. See details 157 used & new available from $3.85 Edition: Other Versions and Languages Other Versions (DVD) List Price Price Other Offers: DVD House of Sand and Fog Other Versions (VHS Tape) VHS Tape House of Sand and Fog $9.98 $9.98 19 used & new from $1.45 Other Versions (Audio CD) Audio CD House of Sand and Fog $17.98 $17.98 62 used & new from $10.89 Better Together Buy this DVD with 21 Grams DVD ~ Sean Penn today! Total List Price: $29.97 Buy Together Today: $21.98 Customers who bought this DVD also bought 21 Grams DVD ~ Sean Penn Hotel Rwanda DVD ~ Xolani Mali Mystic River (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Sean Penn Collateral DVD ~ Tom Cruise Explore Similar Items : in DVD , in Books , and in Video Storyline Genres: Drama Tagline: Some dreams can't be shared. Plot Outline: An abandoned wife is evicted from her house and starts a tragic conflict with her home's new owners. Plot Synopsis: Massoud Amir Behrani, an Iranian immigrant, has spent most of his savings trying to enhance his daughter's chances of a good marriage. Once she is married, he spends the remaining funds on a house at an auction, unwittingly putting himself and his family in the middle of a legal tussle with the house's former owner. What begins as a legal struggle turns into a personal confrontation, with tragic results. Plot Keywords: Based On Novel | Bathtub Scene | Beach | Cigarette Smoking | Classified Ad | Compassion | Courier | Deputy Sheriff | Directorial Debut | Eviction | Father Daughter Dance | (Show all 90 plot keywords recommended by customers) Product Details Actors: Jennifer Connelly , Ben Kingsley , Ron Eldard , Frances Fisher , Kim Dickens , See more Directors: Vadim Perelman Format: Ac- , Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc, Widescreen Anamorphic Region: Region 1 ( U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats. ) Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1 Number of discs: 1 Rated: (Not for sale to persons under age 18.) Studio: Dreamworks Video DVD Release Date: March 30, 2004 Run Time: 126 minutes Average Customer Review: Based on 252 Reviews DVD Features: Available Subtitles: English, Spanish, French Available Audio Tracks: English (Dolby Digital 5.1), French (Unknown Format) Commentary by: director Vadim Perelman, actor Ben Kingsley, novelist Andre Dubus III, costume designer Hala Bahmet, and production designer Maia Javan (Unknown Format) Deleted Scenes with commentary Behind the Scenes featurette Shohreh Aghdashloo Audition Archives Production Notes From IMDb: Quotes & Trivia ASIN: B0001DMVBC Amazon.com Sales Rank: #3,512 in DVD Theatrical Release Information US Theatrical Release Date: December 26, 2003 MPAA: for some violence/disturbing images, language and a scene of sexuality. Production Company: DreamWorks SKG, Bisgrove Entertainment, Cobalt Media Group USA Box Office: $13 Million Budget Estimate: $16 Million Filming Locations: San Francisco, California, USA| Biltmore Hotel - 506 S. Grand Ave., Downtown, Los Angeles, California, USA| Carpinteria, California, USA| Golden Valley Ranch, Santa Clarita, California, USA| Los Angeles, California, USA| Malibu, California, USA| San Mateo County, California, USA| Santa Clarita, California, USA Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Jennifer Connelly followed up her Academy Award for A Beautiful Mind with this dark but moving story of small mistakes that escalate, with tragic necessity, to disaster. In House of Sand and Fog , Kathy (Connelly) gets evicted from her house for failing to pay a tax she never should have been charged in the first place. The house is swiftly put up for auction and bought by a former military officer from Iran named Behrani (Ben Kingsley, Sexy Beast ). When legal efforts fail her, Kathy turns to a sympathetic cop (Ron Eldard, Bastard Out of Carolina ), who wants out of a loveless marriage and who's willing to step over legal boundaries if it might give him a fresh start. Topnotch performances by the entire cast make House of Sand and Fog a compelling psychological drama; your sympathies will be pulled in all directions. --Bret Fetzer Product Description: Academy Award winners Ben Kingsley (Gandhi) and Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind) deliver stunning performances as two strangers whose conflicting pursuits of the American Dream lead to a fight for their hopes at any cost. What begins as a struggle over a rundown bungalow spirals into a clash that propels everyone involved toward a shocking resolution. "The surprise ending will leave you breathless!" (Clay Smith, Access Hollywood) Customers who viewed this DVD also viewed Monster DVD ~ Charlize Theron Sideways (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Paul Giamatti Million Dollar Baby (Widescreen Edition) DVD ~ Jay Baruchel Closer (Superbit Edition) DVD ~ Natalie Portman Explore Similar Items : in DVD , in Books Spotlight Reviews Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 149 of 160 people found the following review helpful: A Heartbreaking and Stunning "House" of Emotions! , March 6, 2004 Reviewer: Mark D. Cunningham (Austin, Texas United States) - See all my reviews With the exception of Niki Caro's sublime "Whale Rider," no movie moved me more this past year than Vadim Perelman's "House of Sand and Fog." This story of a broken and desperate young woman who loses her house because her depression won't allow her to simply open her mail and the determined and steadfast Iranian colonel who strives to secure a better life and future for his family is a cacophony of raw emotion and heartbreak. Further, it is a meditation on what is important in life and how easy it is--no matter the intentions--to forget that very thing. This is a movie that is well photographed, beautifully adapted from Andre Dubus III's Oprah-approved novel of the same name and stunningly helmed by first time feature director Perelman. But "House" is a film that is anchored by its performances. There is hardly a false note in the acting (Ron Eldard occasionally seems overwhelmed by the powerhouse actors who surround him, however his work is still convincing). Jennifer Connelly conveys Kathy Niccoli's despair wonderfully. You can feel the depression wholly consuming her. Ben Kingsley is superb! The scene in the hospital near the end of the film is a master class in acting. Kingsley's work is brave throughout the film--he allows the audience to see Colonel Behrani's flaws and hold him accountable for them while also helping us to understand that his ambition, his dreams and desires are to serve the needs of his family. It is among the most dynamic work by an actor in any year. As fine as Kingsley is, however, my favorite performance of last year and now one of my favorites of all time has to be the stunning work by the invaluable and flawless Shohreh Aghdashloo. In her role as Behrani's patient and loving wife Nadi, Aghdashloo is grace under pressure. I dare you to catch this marvelous actress acting. She is the heart and soul of this film. It is through her expressive eyes that we understand what is at stake and what a home and family truly means. In dialogue that blends Farsi and broken English, Aghdashloo's Nadi is heard loud and clear, there is no mistaking anything she is thinking or saying. Let's face it: the Academy screwed up royally by awarding Renee Zellweger the Best Supporting Actress Oscar for her Granny Clampett-ish Ruby in "Cold Mountain" (I say this completely realizing that Zellweger singlehandedly saved "Cold Mountain" from its own pretention). The devastatingly beautiful Aghdashloo far and away claimed the prize with the superlative work she delivers in each and every scene she steals. Here is hoping that Hollywood keeps this major, major talent working for years and years to come. Buy/rent "House of Sand and Fog," which also boasts a very fine performance by young actor Jonathan Adbout as Kingsley and Aghdashloo's son, Esmail. Despite its heavy subject matter, it is a dynamic piece of filmmaking complete with some of the best performances of last year. This film haunted me for weeks after I saw it, and it has yet to release my thoughts completely. A job well done! Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 65 of 82 people found the following review helpful: American dream or American nightmare? , February 28, 2004 Reviewer: Michael J. Mazza (Pittsburgh, PA USA) - See all my reviews "House of Sand and Fog," directed by Vadim Perelman, is based on a novel by Andre Dubus III. The film stars Ben Kingsley as Col. Behrani, a former Iranian military officer under the Shah who now lives with his family in the United States. He buys a house from a government source, not knowing that the property was improperly seized from its prior owner (Jennifer Connelly). This bureaucratic nightmare sets up a personal conflict that drives the film. "House" is a beautifully crafted film, rich in detail and visual impact. But what really makes it shine are the excellent performances. Connelly makes her wounded character's pain palpable. As the colonel's wife, Shohreh Aghdashloo brings out both the inner lamb and lioness of the character. Frances Fisher brings a steely authority to her small but memorable role as an attorney. But it's Ben Kingsley who most impressed me. He gives a rich, multifaceted, full-bodied performance; he explores his character's aspects as husband, father, warrior, businessman, and immigrant in a way that creates a memorable and believable person. I found some plot points to seem a bit forced and hard to believe, but overall the superb craftsmanship of the film and its amazing performances really carry "House." This is a drama with moments of shocking intensity, as well as scenes of fierce anger and searing pain. But there are also scenes of real compassion and tenderness. It's a powerful story and a compelling use of the motif of the immigrant experience in America. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) Customer Reviews Average Customer Review: Write an online review and share your thoughts with other customers. 1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: Good Ben Kingsly movie , December 16, 2005 Reviewer: nopsman (east coast, USA) - See all my reviews Not a real fan of Jennifer Connelly but liked Ben Kingsly very much in the movie. A good film to settle in on the couch with the spouse and share some popcorn. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Beautifully photographed and well acted drama! , November 26, 2005 Reviewer: smoothjazzandmore (Clay, NY USA) - See all my reviews Oscar winners Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley give solid performances as rivals who both want the same house to call their own. I enjoyed the way this film was photographed. This movie was based on the book by Andre Dubus III. Faithful readers will notice the difference as the film takes on a different perspective, concentrating on both rivals, rather than the family as a whole. Take a star away for that reason. Overall, its still a powerful movie to watch. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 4 of 7 people found the following review helpful: A brilliant masterpiece , October 18, 2005 Reviewer: JP - See all my reviews After this movie, all I thought was wow. WOW. That describes how unbelievably good this movie is. The Lord of the Rings: Return of the King over this gem? Is that a joke? How didn't this even get nominated? Sean Penn over Ben Kingsley? Now that is pathetic! Sean Penn's accent is so thick you can barely even understand what he's saying! Ben Kingsley here has given one of those unforgettable performances you'll never see again. His performance is to me the 2nd best ever behind Billy Bob Thorton in the unforgettable Sling Blade. This gem is one of the most tragic ever and in the end, well, I was crying. I felt demolished and I was so sucked in by this masterpiece that I wanted to kill certain characters. This is the first movie that I've seen with Ben Kingsley and I can't belieeve how remarquable he is! Gene Hackman is nothing compared to this man. He put all of his emotions into this movie and made me feel for him. Hands done, this is the saddest and most tragic movie that I have EVER seen. Now for the plot. Kathy (Jennifer Collony) is a young lady living in California. She's got a nice house and a good life (or so we're led to believe). That soon changes though when her house gets reposessed because of not payed taxes. She is furious at these "false?" accusations. While she's trying to get it back, enter an Iraqui man, ex colonel and his wife and son. He buys the house at a very low price to make a huge profit. His family is living a wonderful and sweet life, and their tradtions are adorable. But, lil' Kathy here is still mad. And her wonderful body has attracted a police officer. And he's following here complete orders. What follows is a gem of a movie carried by Ben Kingsley's masterful perfomance. This is one of those rare movies that come along once in a decade. So, please tell your friends and everyone you know to watch this wonderful gem. Its box office is lousy, much like every masterpiece, besides Titanic of course. (I'm just joking, I hope you realized that, Titanic is horrid) Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) 2 of 6 people found the following review helpful: Gandhi Does LA , October 13, 2005 Reviewer: R. A Rubin (Eastern, PA United States) - See all my reviews I'm beginning to believe that Ben Kingsley is from a desert kingdom. There's sand between my teeth from his recreations of Gandhi, or in this case, one of the Shah's men. He's very good, and so is Jennifer Connelly who I last saw in an overwrought film that the elitist scum of Hollywood liked, Requiem for a Dream. Don't bother with that one unless you enjoy dizzy spells and adult toys, but in HOSAF, based on a most un-Hollywood premise, Connelly's sad face is perfect. HOSAF is not a comedy and is not aimed at fifteen-year-olds. Kingsley is a proud ex-colonel from Iran used to wealth and prestige, but now he is in exile in California. He wears a suit to work, but changes in a restroom into workers garb, because he is reduced to working as a road-gang, ditch digger and a part-time gas station jockey. He's saving every penny he makes and wins a house in an auction. Unfortunately, the County made a mistake and they took the house away from Connelly, a depressed twenty-something, ex-drug abuser. She should have opened her mail and after eviction, her lawyer and new boyfriend start a campaign to evict the Iranian family. Neither Connelly nor Kingsley is portrayed unsympathetically. They are fleshed out with pathos. This is a parable about ethical business and the consequences of our actions. Was this review helpful to you? ( Report this ) See all 252 customer reviews... Listmania! I name 25 films from 2003 you ... : by A. Fuller Ten best movies of 2003 : by Kalle Frm Independent Spirit Awards: Bes... : by mijacogeo22 "mijacogeo22" So You'd Like to... See Some Bleak/Poignant/Depressing/Paranoid/Thrilling : by Rukshan , Published Poet Of Sri Lanka watch some cult films : by superstarm2 , Movie critic/ obsessive but talented watcher Watch some hot actresses : by ZombieMan 5000 , Admirer of talented actresses Fun Facts from IMDb.com: Awards Click here to see more Awards Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards: KCFCC Award for Best Actress Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards: LAFCA Award for Best Supporting Actress National Board of Review, USA: NBR Award for Best Debut Director New York Film Critics Circle Awards: NYFCC Award for Best Supporting Actress Online Film Critics Society Awards: OFCS Award for Best Supporting Actress Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards: PFCS Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role Nominations Click here to see more Nominations Academy Awards, USA: Oscar for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Music, Original Score, Best Actor in a Leading Role Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards: BFCA Award for Best Actress, Best Actor Casting Society of America, USA: Artios for Best Casting for Feature Film, Drama Golden Globes, USA: Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama Independent Spirit Awards: Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead, Best First Feature Online Film Critics Society Awards: OFCS Award for Best Actor Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards: PFCS Award for Breakout Performance - Behind the Camera Satellite Awards: Golden Satellite Award for Best Film Editing, Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture, Drama Screen Actors Guild Awards: Actor for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role Trivia Click here to see more Trivia Author Andre Dubus III received more than 100 offers from film studios who wanted to make his book into a feature. In the scene near the end of the movie where Kathy pulls into her driveway and tries to shoot herself, Jennifer Connelly accidentally put the car in "reverse" instead of "park", and almost severely damaged the camera positioned in the car door. After Connelly apologized profusely, she was urged by the director to continue the scene, and it ended up being one of the best takes. This is the take shown in the final print. Goofs Click here to see more Goofs When Behrani is shown working in the convenience store, the Snickers bar he is holding is alternately opened/unopened between shots. It seems clear from his entry in the ledger he keeps that he has only eaten one. Movie Connections Click here to see more Movie Connections References: The Searchers Referenced in: The Ring Two Featured in: Quotes Click here to see more Quotes Esmail : Why did that man say we would be deported? Behrani : I do not know. But we are American citizens. We own this house. They can do nothing to us now. Esmail : I feel bad for that lady, bawbaw-jahn. Behrani : The woman's house was taken from her because she did not pay her taxes. That happens when one is not responsible. [interjects in Persian] Esmail : Behrani : Do you understand? Do not feel bad. Americans they do not deserve what they have. They have the eyes of small children who are forever looking for the next source of distraction, entertainment, sweet taste in the mouth. We are not like them. We know rich opportunities when we see them and do not throw away God's blessing. [talking with Nadi] Kathy : I grew up in this house. It's the house that my father left to me and my brother when he died. The county evicted me from this house by mistake and your husband bought it and now, he won't sell it back for less than four times what he paid. Now, I don't want to argue with him. You know, I really don't. It's just that if this goes to court, it could take... [interrupting] Nadi : They want to deport us? Kathy : I don't know. Nadi : You must see... they will kill us. They will shoot my childen. [breaks down and crys] [comforting her] Kathy : Hey, hey. You don't understand a word I'm saying, do you? Nadi : Please, you are a very nice girl. [grabs a notepad and pen] Nadi : Please, you write for me everything. I want for to understand for discussing with my husband. OK? Kathy : OK. For more information about "House of Sand and Fog" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb) Look for similar items by category Browse similar items in: DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( A ) > Aleong, Aki DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( C ) > Connelly, Jennifer DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( D ) > Dickens, Kim DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( E ) > Eldard, Ron DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( F ) > Fisher, Frances DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( K ) > Kingsley, Ben DVD > Actors & Actresses > ( R ) > Rodriguez, Marco DVD > Genres > Drama > By Theme > Down on Their Luck DVD > Genres > Drama > By Theme > Psychological Drama DVD > Genres > Drama > General DVD > Genres > Drama > Love & Romance > Crumbling Marriages Suggestion Box Your comments can help make our site better for everyone. If you've found something incorrect, broken, or frustrating on this page, let us know so that we can improve it. Please note that we are unable to respond directly to suggestions made via this form. 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land loan? Typically, it

How We Work: Frequently Asked Questions Overview Agros Development Process Organizational Foundations Where We Work Our Impact People and Progress Sustainability FAQs Overview Organizational Profile Vision and Mission History and Future News Room Board of Directors Careers Contact Us Overview Give Online How to Get Involved Volunteer Overview Service Team Experiences Donor Stories Noemí Fund Central America in Transition Recommended Reading Frequently Asked Questions Background Information Why is land ownership important to the rural poor? Land is a precious asset around the world. It is a primary source of income, security and stability. Families who have the opportunity to own their own parcel of land can farm it to ensure a stable income for their families and preserve it for their children. They will invest in their land, improving the soil while conserving the environment. Through land ownership, rural poor families acquire a viable way of supporting themselves and overcoming their poverty while simultaneously creating a sustainable community. However, for most rural poor families owning land is an unattainable dream. They don't have access to the cash or credit they need to buy land. Their inability to purchase land guarantees many poor people in third-world countries a life of desperate poverty, working for low wages as farmhands or migrant laborers. Rural poor families become trapped in a cycle of poverty. They are left unable to purchase their own land, paying exorbitant rents for basic survival on poor quality land, and working for desperately low wages as farmhands and migrant laborers. Agros helps families in Central America purchase their own land. In doing so, we help rural poor families create viable, healthy, and sustainable communities today, and for generations to come. How Agros Helps Does Agros give families free land, or do they work to purchase their own land? Agros offers rural poor families a hand-up, not a handout. We help families purchase land through low-interest loans. Loan payments fund the purchase of land for new Agros communities. Agros owns the land and provides each family in the new community with a promissory note. The land title is held by Agros until each family repays the cost of their parcel of land. How long does it typically take families to pay off their land loan? Typically, it takes a family seven to 10 years to pay for their land. Once the loan is repaid, the land title is written in the name of both husband and wife, or the name of the one parent in a single parent family. There is a two-year grace period is allowed. The title is then passed on to the family in a land title transfer ceremony. This is an important and joyous event in the community. Is the land legally available? Establishing a legally secure title to the land is an important element of Agros' work. Before land is even considered for purchase, it must be legally available and clear of competing claims. This contributes to the long-range security of the families. What happens if a family can't pay? Occasionally, a family is unable or unwilling to repay the cost of the land. In such cases, the community leadership committee will work within existing community bi-laws to resolve the issue. The Agros Approach How is the Agros approach unique? Agros' approach of working with the rural poor in long-term asset building makes its work unique. With the exception of some government efforts at land distribution, there are few organizations that have been willing to provide long-term land loans to the poor. Agros is also unique in its approach of avoiding dependency and paternalism in its relationship with participants. By working with each community to develop local leadership, governing bodies, and decision-making processes, individuals gain self-esteem and confidence in their own ability to make sound decisions about their future. This is "breaking free from the cycle of poverty" in the most profound way. Agros has discovered that lending to the poor can be a viable credit risk. A small loan can provide a poor family with just enough capital to help them break free from poverty. Families who understand that they will become self-sufficient owners of their own land at the end of their repayment period have great incentive to fulfill their loan obligations. In addition, by focusing its projects on specific geographical areas, Agros is able to maximize the efficiency of its work in rural areas and generate more possibilities for further economic development and impact. What is an Agros Village? An Agros village is a community comprised of a group of selected families (between 25 and 75) in need who are striving together to make a better future for themselves and their children. Each family is lent a parcel of land, materials to build a house and access to an integrated irrigation system. Through additional small business loans, education and accountability, economic sustainability is the goal to enable them to effectively repay the cost of their loans. Each village has community governance with elected positions that decide the goals and priorities based on input from other villagers. Villages have co-ops, community banks and other economically based programs all based on sustainability. How do new projects get started? First, a group of families interested in becoming an Agros village approaches Agros staff in Central America to nominate a village. Agros must then determine the village's degree of need and prioritize accordingly. We have a fixed number of communities that we can start each year according to funding. The Agros offices in each country work with the Seattle office to determine this number. Since the need for land is always greater than the financial resources available to start new communities, tough decisions have to be made. If resources are available to start a new community, Agros field staff will begin to work with potential villagers. Agros field staff work with the community leaders to learn about parcels available for sale, discuss sale price, and to develop negotiating strategies. Field staff survey the land, assess its quality, and determine land titles and water availability. If everything meets our standards and funds are available for land purchase, field staff give community leaders the go-ahead to begin negotiations. Land purchases are typically timed around the agricultural calendar. A parcel will be purchased in time to prepare the land for the first harvest. Simultaneously, Agros field staff get to know the members of the community, while community members learn about Agros' work. Typically, the most important issue for communities to understand is that Agros provides loans and assistance to help farming families build assets, but that we do not provide charity and free handouts. During the initial development phase, Agros provides services such as agricultural credit and training to create a relationship with the group. At this time the community is introduced to Agros and Agros observes the community's ability to cooperate and sees whether it responds well to the challenges of the Agros model. If community members agree to Agros' repayment policy, and if Agros believes there is a good fit, field staff will typically start with a small project, such as providing small 6-month loans for seeds and agricultural supplies. There is always a tremendous need for short-term credit in rural areas. These small projects provide a perfect testing ground for community members to experience the assistance Agros provides, while Agros field staff learn which community members are bona fide farmers who have a willingness to repay their loans and a desire to work hard to overcome their poverty. During this process, entire communities may choose not to continue to work with Agros, or larger groups of participating families may be whittled down to smaller groups. Typically this is due to Agros' repayment policy, which families may not take seriously until their small loan comes due. At this stage, Agros field staff may choose to go through another 6-month loan cycle with a community. This phase may also include agricultural training to help farming families learn appropriate techniques that will increase crop yields, or other training related to health and nutrition, depending on the needs of the community. Building Long-Term Change How does Agros's approach address long-term poverty issues such as rural-urban migration, education, and health? In our experience, land ownership brings tremendous change in the lives of the rural poor. This change cannot help but positively affect large, long-term poverty issues in the following ways: Improved land quality With the prospect of land ownership, families invest in the quality of their soil and new agricultural techniques which boost crop production, stimulate rural economies and bring greater prosperity to rural areas. Through Agros's agricultural training and support for income-generating activities, families can build lasting economic security for themselves and their children. Improved quality of life As income security is established, the quality of life increases and the potential for social unrest and civil conflict is reduced. Agros supports the unfolding of this "virtuous circle" through the elements of its model. By helping poor families purchase land, the development cycle begins. A stronger community Agros's training in leadership and community organization helps develop local leaders who can work together to resolve community problems and plan for an improved future using foresight gained through prior experiences. Improved health A diversified diet leads to better nutrition and better health. As a result, infant death and malnutrition are reduced, providing an incentive to have smaller families. Better educational opportunities Greater economic stability allows parents to part with child labor and enroll their children in school. Agros also helps communities in projects such as school building. Reduced rural-urban migration As economic prospects and quality of life improve, rural families have no reason to migrate. This leads to greater stability and prosperity as urban areas are not flooded with rural migrants looking for a better life. How does Agros's model affect the problem of illegal immigration into the United States? There are many reasons why immigrants leave the rural countryside and come to the United States. Among them are the conditions of extreme poverty in which people live and the lack of opportunities that enable families to overcome their poverty. Many of the people coming to the U.S. illegally are "economic migrants" - people who come in search of work. Poverty conditions and lack of work opportunities at home mean that these economic migrants are willing to leave their families, risk their lives, and find work in some of the least desirable conditions - often as menial laborers and minimum wage workers. Steady work is better than no work, and minimum wage in the U.S. is often more than they can earn in an entire day in their native country. Throughout Central America, political and economic conditions are such that no matter how hard people work, 60 percent are earning less than $1 per day and 40 percent are living below the poverty line. Unemployment and underemployment are rampant in the rural areas. There are simply not enough jobs to go around and no hope that circumstances will change any time soon. By helping rural families purchase land and build thriving communities, Agros provides an alternative for people who believe their only option is to migrate into the city or into another country, such as the U.S. Agros enables families to stay together and to generate income within their own countries and communities. Agros helps families create a livelihood for themselves that can be passed on to their children. As conditions improve, the motivation for becoming an economic migrant disappears. Families stay together, communities are strengthened, and lives are transformed. How do Agros projects help women? Women in developing countries and across Central America face grave challenges. As the primary caretakers of families and children, they are on the front lines of hunger, malnutrition and death in their families. Agros' programs cannot be successful or have a lasting impact if the health of women is in jeopardy. Many women in rural Central America: Lack access to prenatal care and are isolated from modern health facilities Get married as adolescents, start families at a young age, and don't know how to plan the size of their families Have a difficult time keeping their children healthy and well-nourished because they don't know how, or don't have the resources to prepare a well-balanced meal and lack knowledge of basic sanitation Are of poor health themselves because they sacrifice food and other resources for their children and are continuously breast feeding due to multiple consecutive births Agros' programs address the needs of women and children by creating a positive cycle of change. We help women achieve: Education : For young girls who would otherwise marry young and start families when they are little older than children themselves, Agros provides opportunities for them to go to school. Educated girls tend to marry later and their children tend to be healthier. Literacy training : Agros offers literacy training to adults, giving both men and women who were not able to go to school the opportunity to learn how to read and write. Financial independence : Agros trains women to manage a savings account and family finances because women tend to invest in their families. Business expertise : Through microenterprise development, Agros teaches women skills they can use to start their own businesses. Agros also teaches women (and their children) how to raise small animals close to home to generate income. Family planning and health care : Many women have had more than 5 children and have never received a gynecological exam or had access to prenatal care. Through the women's health initiative: Women learn about their bodies in a way that promotes self-esteem. Women with greater self-esteem become active in community organization. They get involved in village decision-making and develop leadership skills. Women receive regular physical exams, many for the first time in their lives. Agros works within the local culture to provide education about birth spacing and birth control so that women and their husbands can make informed decisions about family planning. People talk a lot about the importance of "sustainable development." How are Agros' methods sustainable? Sustainable development is an important element of Agros' work. Agros works to create sustainability in three primary areas: in the environment, in family economics, and in community organizations. Environmental sustainability begins by providing families with land. People take better care of and are more concerned about a resource over which they have ownership. Agros then provides training and technical assistance regarding the use and stewardship of this land. This includes the construction of composting latrines, improved wood burning stoves, and education on soil conservation, organic composting, and agro-forestry techniques. Economic sustainability begins with improved production of basic grains. When a family produces more food on less land, they become more confident in their ability to feed themselves. With food security established, they begin to try things they've never done before, for instance, growing foods that they can sell in the market and use to generate income. Once families begin to generate a stable income, they can begin to pay back their land loans. And once their loans have been repaid (typically within 10 years), they become self-sustaining owners of their own land. From this land, they are able to generate an on-going, stable income and provide an environment in which their children can thrive. Community sustainability is attained in two ways. First, we help give rural families the training to create a local community government that looks to the entire community for participation and decision-making. This becomes the backbone for civic responsibility and participation. It also becomes the primary way communities continue to thrive long after Agros has departed. The second way is through the Noemí Fund. What is the Noemí Fund? The Noemí Fund is a loan fund that provides the capital needed to buy land and develop village infrastructure, including the resources needed to administer and manage this fund. When a new community is started, the loan fund is used to match every dollar raised for the development costs of a new community, including field support and training. As communities begin to repay their loans, the payments are returned to the loan fund. As the loan fund is replenished, new communities can be started. What happens if Agros is not there? If Agros is not there to provide access to land ownership, opportunity and hope for a sustainable life is slowly choked out. Families will continue to face malnutrition. Lack of education will persist. Migration to urban centers will increase as the rural poor seek a viable life. As a result, dysfunctional structures will remain intact without being held accountable. Cities will become overcrowded and the families moving into them unable to find work or hope in their new location. Communities will become even more broken than before, and despair will overwhelm souls. Planning for the Future What are Agros's goals and plans for the future? Through 2006, our primary focus is to consolidate and strengthen existing projects in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Chiapas, Mexico. At the same time, Agros is ramping up organizational and financial capacity to ensure on-going growth past 2006. At the same time, the need for Agros's work is considerable in countries throughout the developing world. There are many opportunities beyond our current geographic focus that will be considered as part of a long-term expansion plan. We have received requests for assistance from communities in Brazil, India, Kenya, the Middle East, Romania and South Africa. Post-2006 expansion will be determined through a process of (1) documenting need amongst the rural poor; (2) engaging in prayer and discernment, (3) identifying local interest and leadership, (4) receiving an invitation to participate, and (5) raising the requisite funds. When these criteria are met, expansion into new geographies will be considered. Our Christian Commitment Is Agros a Christian organization? Agros is comprised of Christians who desire to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ by serving the rural poor regardless of their faith. We agree that spiritual transformation is key to holistic transformation. It is God who ultimately transforms the individual. Agros plays a role in encouraging the spiritual transformation of individuals in Agros communities. Faith plays a crucial role in the holistic development of the Agros communities. International development organizations worldwide recognize the overall importance of faith in development. The church is the community institution that will survive. It also provides the moral compass for the development of the community and its values for the present and future generations. How does religious faith impact the work you do in the field? We try to model and communicate biblical principles to assist in the transformation of lives. Our role in spiritual transformation is expressed by: Sharing and teaching biblical principles underlying our social and physical services: Land purchase and use Land ownership and repayment Work ethic and responsibility Community organization Leadership development Infrastructure development and maintenance Agriculture & enterprise training Health and education Agros personnel being prepared to respond to and answer the "Why" questions. Why is Agros doing this? Why are you doing this personally? Whom does Agros serve? Agros works with landless, rural families of all faiths who have demonstrated their agricultural vocation and a willingness to cooperate with Agros program goals and expectations. In most cases, Agros assists groups that have already been organized and who demonstrate a need and the values of community and concern for each other. We look for a history of working together and an understanding of the importance of hard work. We work with groups of people who have: Initiated a relationship with local Agros staff Committed to abide by the Agros program and principles Demonstrated active leadership that holds values consistent with those of Agros Shown characteristics that lead Agros staff to believe the group has a strong chance of succeeding as a community. In determining the potential for success of a community, one of the factors necessary is a group of believers in the local area (i.e. a church). We may work with groups that have no professing Christians. Our Funding How is Agros Funded? The funding for Agros comes from three primary resources: Individuals, churches and foundations. Individuals and churches support Agros in the following ways: General Giving Walk with a Family Special Projects and Appeals Journey with a Village Country offices also seek out resources from local and international organizations. There are in-kind donations such as trees, seeds and other supplies. Heifer Project International contributes support for training and small animal husbandry. Most recently the Noemí Fund was developed to provide capital needed to jumpstart development and match donations from other sources. This fund was started to make available rotating credit that is repaid, and to supply future capital. How You Can Help How can churches, community organizations, and businesses get involved with Agros? Agros welcomes opportunities to partner with churches, organizations and businesses through its "Journey with a Village" program. This program partners individuals, families, churches, foundations, businesses or community groups with rural landless families in developing countries where Agros works. The purpose of the partnership is to enable these families to purchase their own agricultural land, build a livelihood, restore self-dignity, and overcome poverty. As a JWAV partner, you have the opportunity to help change these families' lives forever by coming alongside them in a financial and relational commitment of up to 5 years. Our typical process is: Meet : Get to know you, introduce you to the work of Agros and explain the JWAV program. Match : Determine if your goals and the community's goals would benefit through partnership. Champion : Help you select a Village Champion to organize a committee and if desired, delegate responsibilities and provide prayer support. Visit : Put together a trip so that you and other potential supporters can meet the families involved in your new potential partnership. Partner : Formalize the partnership through a signed agreement and celebration with the community. How can I make a donation to Agros? Simply on click on Give Now to make and individual donation, or call us at 206-528-1066. Home | Give Now | How We Work | Inside Agros | Get Involved | Learn More | Contact © 2005 Agros International. 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