land loan deal for

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Morton | Morton land loan deal for McLaren Home TV Radio Talk Where I Live A-Z Index Low Graphics version | Change Edition | Help Sport Homepage Football My Club Morton Results Fixtures Tables Club Stats 606: Your Say --------------- Five Live>> --------------- Academy>> -- Daily E-mail Mobiles Fun and Games Question of Sport CHOOSE A SPORT Select ---------- Football Cricket Rugby U Rugby L Tennis Golf Motorspt Boxing Athletics Snooker Racing Cycling Disability Sport Other ------ N Ireland Scotland Wales Last Updated: Saturday, 26 February, 2005, 14:27 GMT E-mail this to a friend Printable version Morton land loan deal for McLaren Andy McLaren is a vastly experienced player Morton have completed the loan signing of Dundee United winger Andy McLaren until the end of the season. The 31-year-old former Kilmarnock and Reading player returned to Tannadice at the end of December after a loan spell at Partick Thistle. McLaren was a regular starter at Dundee United last season but fell out of the first team picture in September. He made just four starts for Partick Thistle and has not found the net since February 2004. E-mail this to a friend Printable version Links to more Morton stories In This Section Morton 2-0 Raith Rovers Peterhead 1-0 Morton Ayr United 3-2 Morton Morton 2-1 Ayr United Double celebration for St Mirren Morton 2-1 Partick Thistle Cowdenbeath 0-3 Morton Alloa Athletic 0-3 Morton Morton 4-0 Dumbarton Have your say Tune in Weather BBC Scotland BBC Sport Scottish Leagues Official club website DUNDEE UNITED Fans' Forum - Dundee Utd chat Weather BBC Scotland Official club website ALSO IN THIS SECTION Morton 2-0 Raith Rovers Peterhead 1-0 Morton Ayr United 3-2 Morton Morton 2-1 Ayr United E-mail services | Sport on mobiles/PDAs | Headlines for your site -- E-mail services | Sport on mobiles/PDAs | Headlines for your site Back to top Sport Homepage | Football | Cricket | Rugby Union | Rugby League | Tennis | Golf | Motorsport | Boxing | Athletics | Snooker | Horse Racing | Cycling | Disability Sport | Olympics 2012 | Other Sport... Video and Audio | TV/Radio Schedule | Scores & Fixtures | Have Your Say | Photo Galleries Sport Academy | Health & Fitness | Fun and Games | Question of Sport Northern Ireland | Scotland | Wales BBC Sport Academy >> | BBC News >> | BBC Weather >> About the BBC | News sources | Privacy & Cookies Policy | Contact us

Real Estate Broker

Welcome To North Carolina Real Estate Commission News Update Effective April 1, 2006 Gov. Easley Signs Historic Real Estate Licensing Bill On September 14, Governor Easley signed legislation making the most significant changes ever in the Real Estate License Law. Soon, salesperson licenses will be converted to (provisional) broker licenses, license applicants will be required to complete more real estate education, and persons wishing to become brokers-in-charge of real estate offices must have additional training and real estate experience. At its September meeting, the Real Estate Commission recognized the following persons and organizations who were instrumental in the passage of the legislation: • Representative Julia Howard who, with Representatives William Culpepper and Harold Brubaker, sponsored the legislation and who advocated for it on the House Floor and in committee; • Senate Majority Leader Tony Rand who sponsored a companion bill and spoke for the legislation on the Senate Floor; • North Carolina Association of REALTORS® which used its considerable resources to promote the legislation; and the Commission’s 2004 Broker-in-Charge Advisory Committee which conceived and recommended the legislation to the Commission. Commission Chairman Rick Watts concluded the proceedings by remarking that, as a result of this important legislation, “Real estate consumers will soon be served by more knowledgeable agents, and North Carolina’s real estate licensing program will be restructured to meet the needs and demands of the 21st century marketplace.” For more information about the changes in the North Carolina Real Estate License Law, please click on the following links: Summary of Changes to Real Estate License Law and Frequently Asked Questions Proposed Commission rules effective April 1, 2006 New Publications Two new publications from the Real Estate Commission are now available. Real estate licensees and interested persons may now purchase the Broker-in-Charge Guide a reference publication covering the administrative and supervisory responsibilities of brokers-in-charge of real estate offices. The 104-page volume, which serves as the text for the Broker-in-Charge course, is newly re-designed, will be updated as needed and may be purchased at a price of $10 either here on the Commission’s website or with publications order forms. Also now available is the latest addition to the Commission’s popular series of “questions and answers” brochures - Questions and Answers on: Real Estate Closings . Designed to answer many of the questions frequently asked by purchasers about residential real estate closings, the pocket-sized publication covers such topics as loan commitment letters, property inspections, title insurance, deeds, homeowner associations, and closing statements. Memo to Brokers-in-Charge The Commission has published a memorandum to all Brokers-in-Charge describing the advantages of an all broker office. To view the memo in its pdf form, click here . Trust Account Compliant Software Vendors List Now Available A list of vendors of software that the Commission has found to be "substantially" compliant with Commission rules and the Trust Account Guidelines can be found by clicking here .

House Rent

Expat Singapore - Houses In Singapore For Rent Search this site Searching for aroad or building? Basics Before Coming Culture Shock Expat Tips General Info Once You're Here Setting Up Singapore Dining Singapore Life Travel Resources Careers Expat Friends Links & Resources Message Board Schools & Childcare Products & Services All Car Rental Financial Services Legal Services Furniture & Decoration Fine Wines Housing International Movers Serviced Apartments Travel Professional Maid Services ExpatSingapore About Us Advertise With Us Archived Articles E-letters Email Us Events Photos Register Search our Site Bookmark Us: Hold down Control and press D Home Register Message Board Resources About us Houses In Singapore For Rent Click here to see Apartments for rent Click here to see Rooms for rent Relocation Services Click Here EXPAT HOUSING - Your Real Estate Contact If you are interested in advertising on our site, please Email us for rates and details. For a more up-to-date listing on houses available for rent, please go to the Message Board Setting Up home in Singapore? We can help you. As we are associated with the Expat Singapore website, we will ensure your interests are looked after, and that your housing needs are best met. Tell us when you are arriving, when you'd like to view or rent the property, your budget as well as what you'd like - house versus apartment, number of rooms, facilities, preferred location, etc - and leave the rest to us. Our associates, prequalified real estate agents, will be in touch with you directly once initial contact has been made. For monthly rentals above S$2500.00 on a two year lease or above S$5000 on a one year lease, there is no charge for services. Otherwise the agency fee payable by the tenant to the real estate agent is 2 weeks' rent. Special note : Several of our realtors have given us feedback that expats seeking housing go to different agents at the same time. We do not encourage this as this not only causes confusion but often upsets all parties concerned - the agents, landlords, and ultimately the tenants themselves. You may choose not to use any of our recommended agents, but if you do, kindly cooperate and be considerate to these service professionals. Thank you. For any queries and/or assistance with viewing of any of the properties, including many more not listed here, please contact us Telephone : 65 - 6226 6062 If you are interested in advertising on our site, please Email us for rates and details. ***** Holland Road houses for rent Nice and quiet neighbourhood. Off Holland Road and very close to Holland Village. 1. 2-storey semi-detached. Newly renovated. Land size 4,800 sqft; built-in 2,800 sqft. 4+1 bedrooms. Asking S$5,000. Immediate. 2. Single storey bungalow. Charming. A little old-world style. Huge garden. Land size about 8,600 sqft; built-in 2,500 sqft. 4+1. Asking S$8,000. Immediate. 3. Off Grange Road. Very convenient to Orchard Road. Modern 3-storey semi-detached. Land size 2,200 sqft; built-up 3,000 sqft. 4+1+1. Asking S$7,000.00. Immediate. Enquiries and viewing appointments : please call (+65) - 6226 6062 or Email us Bungalows near American school 3 Unit Bungalows with Swimming Pools For Rent in the American School vicinity - yes, walk to and from school! 1. 2 units Classic-Styled Bungalow dwellings. 2. 1 unit Modern design, brand new Bungalow. Location : Right by the American School. Description. a) Approximately 8,000 sqft plot; 8000 sqft built-up for the 2 units Classic designed bungalows, with in-ground swimming pool. b) Modern brand new unit is about 11,500 sqft plot, 5,700 sqft built-up, with in-ground pool. All houses well fitted out, fully air-conditioned, cabled. 3. Price : a) Classic designs : S$13,000 per month; b) Modern design : S$16,500 per month. 4. Availability : Immediately. Please Email us or call (+65) 6226 6062. House near American / Canadian school Location : Upper Bukit Timah, in quiet residential neighbourhood. Conveniently located near shopping mall, banks, food places and French School. Description : Plot Size 7000 sqft; Built-up 4400 sqft. 4+1 rooms, with huge garden (front and back). Newly and completely renovated, like new. Asking : S$6,000.00 pm, partially furnished. Availability : Immediately. Contact: Email us or call 65-6226 6062. East Coast semi-detached house Location : Siglap, East Coast. Very convenient to city centre. Close to amenities and beach. Description : Beautiful 2-storey semi-detached house with garden. 3+1 rooms, Plot size : 2800 sqft; Built-Up space : 4,000 sqft. (Lots of space!) Asking : S$5,000.00 pm negotiable. Availability : Immediately. Contact: Email us or call 65-6226 6062. Huge East Coast townhouse for rent Location : Brand new townhouse in East Coast, right by the Tanah Merah MRT (4 minutes from condo entrance!). Description : 4 levels, 4 bedroooms, 2800 sqft of space! 2 covered basement car-park lots. Partially furnished but property comes with many electrical appliances eg overhead projector with home entertainment system, huge television set. Asking : S$3,500.00 pm negotiable. Availability : Immediately. Contact: Email us or call 65-6226 6062. Conservation shophouse: home and office One of only 5,000 units in all of Singapore. Full of History; built during Singapore's early founding days. Houses for rent: conservation shophouse, Balinese-style terrace house 1. Emerald Hill 3-storey, fully restored shophouse with roof terrace and car porch. 4 + 1. Very rarely available. Built-in: 5,000 sqft Rent: Asking S$16,000 2. Makepeace Road Beautifully landscaped, Balinese design, corner terrace house. 3 + 1 + 1 with gazebo. Charming. Land: 3,300 sqft Built-in: 3,400 sqft Rent: Asking S$9,000 These properties are available immediately. Please email Email us or phone 62266062 for further information. ***** More houses for rent 1. Bukit Timah Nature Reserve a) 3-storey semi-detached house. 4 + 1, pool. Brand new. Land: 2,220 sqft Built-in: 3,000 sqft Rent: Asking S$10,000 b) 3-storey detached bungalow. 5 + 1, pool. Brand new. Land: 4,400 sqft Built-in: 5,150 sqft Rent: Asking S$15,000 2. Kheam Hock Road, off Bukit Timah 2.5-storey bungalow, 6 + 1, pool. Rent: Asking S$15,000 3. Thomson Road a) Huge bungalow, Windsor Park. 5 + 1, pool. Land: 25,000 sqft Built-in: 7,000 sqft Rent: Asking S$28,000 b) Semi-detached, Springleaf Garden. 4 + 1. Land: 3,600 sqft Built-in: 2,800 sqft Rent: Asking S$4,500 These properties are available immediately. Please email Email us or phone 62266062 for further information. ***** Bungalows, semi-detached and terrace houses for rent 1. Gallop Road - bungalow Land: 15,000 sqft Built-in: 5,000 sqft 4 + 3, pool, beautiful garden. Rent: Asking S$15,000 2. Leedon Park - bungalow Land: 20,000 sqft Built-in: 11,000 sqft 6 + 2, pool, huge mature garden. Rent: Asking S$30,000 3. Andrew Road - bungalows (2 units) Land: 17,000 / 13,000 sqft Built-in: 5,000 sqft Both houses come with outhouse, patio and garden. Rent: Asking S$15,000 / S$11,000 4. American School vicinity, walk to school! a) Bungalows for rent with pool, 5 + 1. Land: 11,000 sqft Built-in: 5,000 sqft Rent: Asking S$13,000 b) Terrace houses for rent, 4 + 1. Land: 2,000 - 3,200 sqft Built-in: 3,000 - 3,700 sqft Rent: Asking S$5,500 - S$7,000 5. Sunset Drive (off Holland Village / Bukit Timah) Land: 6,750 sqft Built-in: 5,600 sqft 4 + 1, with pool. Rent: Asking S$11,000 6. Bukit Timah (2 units) a) Semi-detached house, brand new. 4 +1. Land: 4,400 sqft Built-in: 3,500 sqft Rent: Asking S$7,500 b) Bungalow, 4 + 3. Land: 10,000 sqft Built-in: 5,500 sqft Rent: Asking S$11,000 These properties are available immediately. Please email Email us or phone 62266062 for further information. ***** West Coast bungalow for rent Description: 11,500 sqft bungalow on hilltop. 4 + 1 bedrooms plus 3 bathrooms, swimming pool (regularly maintained) and patio. Fully furnished. Location: Pasir Panjang, West Coast Availability: Immediate Rent: Asking S$5,500 Contact: 62266062 or Email us ***** Bungalow House for Rent Almost new, beautiful 3-storey bungalow house, 6+1 rooms with built-in wardrobes, 4 bathrooms, high ceiling living hall (7m), 2 jacuzzi bathtubs. Big masterbedroom. Approx. 5000 sq.ft with aboveground pool. Located in bungalow zone, 50m away from quiet playground, walking distance to East Coast Park, 400m from Kembangan MRT. Price : Asking $11K, partially furnished. Available now. Contact : email us or 62266 062 ***** House for rent at Woodgrove View, Century Woods, next to American school Location: Woodgrove View, Century Woods. 1 minute walk to American school. Large American Community. MRT station and Supermarket within walking distance. Price: S$5,500 Size: 3,200 sq ft built-in, small garden in the front yard. 5 airy bedrooms plus family room with high ceiling. Features: 3 Storey Corner Terrace House. Brand new, fully aircon and partially furnished. Quality finish. Availability: Immediate. Contact: Email us or at (+65) 6226 6062. ***** The Best of Century Woods Phase 2 Location : Woodgrove Walk (adjacent to Singapore American School). Just 1 minute walk to American School. Large and friendly American community. Price : S$7,500 per month. Size: 5 bedrooms plus 1 maid's room plus extra family room. Built in spacious 3,400 sq ft. Features: Brand new 3-storey corner terrace. High ceiling with unique alcove design (not standard feature to all units). Fully air-conditioned. Beautiful garden. Autogate. Morning sun. Partially furnished. Availability: Immediate Contact: Tel: 6226 6062 or email: email us ***** House for rent at Woodgrove View at Century Woods Location: Woodgrove View, Century Woods. Next to American School in Woodlands. Large American Community. Price : S$7.000 Size: Cosy 5 bedrooms plus family room and courtyard. Built in 3,200 sq ft. Features: Intermediate 3 Storey Terrace House. Brand new, fully aircon and partially furnished. Availability : Immediate. Contact: 6226 6062 or email Email us ***** House for rent: a life of luxury awaits you Location : Brandt New 4 Storey Cluster House with full condo facilities and 24 hours security, located 5 mins away from Tanah Merah MRT station, 10 mins to Bugis Junction & City Hall where the Central Business District offers the most cosmopolitan lifestyle. Ideal for nature lovers as is only 5 min drive to East Coast Beach where the famous "Lagoon Seafood Centre" is located. Description : Fully Furnished with five designer bedrooms with full panel of wardrobes, IDD line, SCV, night table with lamps. Master bedroom & living facing swimming pool & greenery. One large living/dinning area & one basement family hall. 2 patios, and 1 large veranda, 1 utility room, 1 store room & washer. See Photos Size : 3,000 sq ft. Price : S$ 4,000.00 per month Available : Immediate Contact : 6226 6062 or email at Email us ***** The following houses were advertised here and rented. They have been placed here so readers know what kind of accommodation Singapore offers. ***** House for rent at Holland Grove Location : Holland Grove vicinity single storey semi-detached, 10 minute walk to Henry Park Primary School and Jelita Cold Storage. Quiet residential area Price : S$5,000 per month. Size: Land 4,069 sq. ft. Built in approx. 2,300 sq ft. Features: Car porch, large living and dining, study, kitchen, 3 bedrooms. Fully air-conditioned. Autogate. Mature garden. Partially furnished. See Photos Availability: Taken Contact: 6226 6062 or Email us ***** House for rent off Grange Road Location : Jalan Kelawar (off One Tree Hill), 3 min from Orchard Road. Description : 3 bedroom, 2 story house, front garden with 2 fish ponds, outhouse, BBQ. Price : S$6800 per month negociable. Availability : Taken Contact : 6226 6062 or email at Email us ***** Semi-Detached House at Siglap Description : Modern and well constructed house in the East Coast for rent. Clean lines, functionally laid out, bright and spacious. There are 5 + 1 + 1 rooms. Fully equipped kitchen with all the appliances to make it your home. Location : Off Siglap Road. 10 minutes by car to CBD Price : S$5,500.00 per month Size : Approx 3,600 sq ft land ; 4,200 sq ft built-in. Availability : Taken ***** House For Rent at Garlick Avenue Location : Bukit Timah vicinity, double storey bungalow house with swimming pool in one of Singapore's finest residential areas. Quiet neighbourhood. 10 mins drive to Orchard Road. Land area : 10,475 sq ft Built-in : 3,853 sq ft Rooms: 4 rooms with attached bathroom Features : High celing, fully air-conditioned. Well kept garden. Partially furnished. See Photos Price : $ 8,000 per month, negotiable. Availability : Taken ***** House for rent at East Coast Location : East Coast vicinity, 3 storey S/Detached, 5 mins to airport, 15 mins to city centre, Quiet neighbourhood. Price : S$5500 per month, negotiable depending what is needed. Size : Built-in 3111 ft2. Features : Large living & dining, Very large master bedroom + 4 bedrooms + 1 maid's room, 6 toilets, Fully air-con, Full kitchen, Car porch, Autogates, Alarm system, Wardrobes Available : Taken ***** 29 Kelulut Hill Location : 29 Kelulut Hill, Off Seletar Hills Type : 2-Storey Intermediate Terrace House Price : S$3,500 /pm (negotiable) with partial furnishings Size : Land: 1,884 sqft / Built-in: 2,151 sqft Features : 4 Bedrooms + 4 En-Suite Bathrooms; Maid's room; Brand New; Autogate; cul-de-sac. Quiet residential area; yet walking distance to shops and amenities. Photos available Availability : Taken No 36, Jalan Merah Saga Location : No 36, Jalan Merah Saga Singapore 278111 Type : 2 storey semi-detached house Price : S$15,000 /pm (negotiable) with partial furnishings Size : Land: 3770 sqft / Built-In: 2500 sqft Features : 5 Bedrooms + 3 Bathrooms + Huge Dining Room Photos available Availability : Taken 31 Nim Green Location: 31 Nim Green, Off Seletar Hills Type : 2-Storey Semi-Detached Price : S$3,500 /pm (negotiable) with partial furnishings Size : Land: 4500 sqft / Built-in: 3520 sqft Features : 3 Bedrooms + 3 Bathrooms + 1 Store-room Photos available Availability : Taken House Also For Sale At S$2.5 million 75 Neram Road Location: 75 Neram Road, Off Seletar Hills, (Near American School) Type : Brand New 2 1/2 Storey Detached Bungalow Price : S$15,000 /pm (negotiable) with partial furnishings Size : Land: 6000 sqft / Built-in: 5500 sqft Features : 6 Bedrooms + 5 Bathrooms + 1 Study-Room + 1 Store-Room + Huge Attic Photos + Floor Plan available Availability : Taken Back to Products and Services About Us | Advertise With Us | Email Us | Missing Links | Register | Search General Info | Getting Here | Starting Up | Once You're Here | Enjoying Singapore | Eating in Singapore | Message Board | FAQs | Products & Services | Links ExpatSingapore Jurong West Post Office P.O. 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Sell House

Tips on Buying and Selling Your House Remarked out per Bob Gent 4/11/02 -- TIPS TO HELP YOU SELL YOUR HOME MORE QUICKLY Owners can help expedite the sale of their home by following a few guidelines to make the house more attractive to potential buyers. A thorough self-inspection and a walk-through with your real estate agent can reveal imperfections that might hinder a sale. (Please note: in Washington state, as in many other states, the seller must complete a "Real Property Transfer Disclosure Statement" form about the condition of property being offered for sale. Material defects must be disclosed.) House-hunters typically begin their inspection of a property bypreviewing its "curb appeal." A surprising number ofhomes are eliminated from consideration before potential buyersget out of their car because they find the exterior appearanceunsightly or uninviting. Following are some basic suggestions for improving the marketabilityof your home. Examine the lawn and flower gardens, making sure the lawnis mowed and free of drainage problems. Colorful flowers andshrubs can enhance the home's attractiveness. Check the sidewalks and driveway to make sure they're freeof weeds and clutter. Inspect the home's exterior, looking for loose, missing ordamaged siding and brickwork, a cracked and uneven foundation,and gutters, downspouts or fences that are in disrepair. Paintor repair any problem areas. Clear the decks! Clean decks, patios and steps, removingunnecessary furniture, toys and debris. Tidy up any pet areas. Inspect the front door. A fresh coat of paint or stain anda clean doormat can help create an inviting "first impression." Check lighting, making sure pathways and entry have adequateillumination. Inside the home, you should conduct an equally thorough inspection,since potential buyers are likely to open doors and cupboards,look into, look behind and operate everything to make sure thehome offers the space, layout and features they need. Extensiveredecorating isn't usually recommended, but all rooms should beclean and clutter-free. Think "light," "bright,""open" and "airy." Clear rooms (including closets and storage areas) of everythingbut the basics. Arrange furniture so rooms look spacious. Remove clutter from the basement and garage. Sweep floors,degrease spots and dust. Have carpets and drapes professionally cleaned. Patch walls and ceiling cracks, then repaint or wallpaper,using neutral shades. Check the basement for musty smells and signs of mildew orleaks, correcting any defects. Inspect bathroom and kitchen fixtures to make sure they sparkle,are leak-free and are otherwise functioning well. Remove stainsfrom countertops, sinks, tubs and showers. Test major mechanical components, including the furnace, waterheater and electrical system. Make sure windows and doors open and close easily. Replacecracked or scratched glass. Be aware of the amount and type of insulation. DETERMINING HOW MUCH HOUSE YOU CAN AFFORD Low mortgage rates and special incentives for first-time buyersare making the dream of home ownership a reality for more individualsand families. As you begin your search, you'll want to determinehow much house you can afford and what type of mortgage is bestfor your budget. In general, four factors will influence your ability to buy thatdream home. They are: how much of a down payment you will make. The more cash youput down, the less you'll have to borrow. the amount you need to borrow (your mortgage) to cover a monthlypayment for the loan principal (amount borrowed), interest ("price"charged for your use of the lender's money), taxes ( a portionof property taxes), and insurance. the mortgage interest rate. the repayment terms of your loan. When applying for a mortgage, your current earnings and expectedincome during the next few years may influence your borrowingpower. Outstanding long-term debt and how long you expect tostay in the home you're buying may also be considered. Most realty agents recommend getting preliminary approval fora loan, usually by getting "pre-qualified" or "pre-approved"for a certain monthly payment. Getting approved for a loan requireshaving a lender verify your financial situation, including yourcurrent assets (income, savings, investments and other sourcesof revenue) and your liabilities (existing loans, credit cardbalances and other obligations). Using this information, thelender will evaluate whether there are sufficient funds for thedown payment, whether you have adequate income to make monthlypayments, and your overall credit-worthiness, which is based ona review of your borrowing history. According to many real estate professionals and lenders, the biggestreason people get turned down for a loan is poor credit. Reviewingyour credit status and correcting any mistakes before applyingfor a loan can help you avoid surprises or disappointments. Consumersmay request a copy of their credit report from one of three majorreporting services: Equifax: 1-800-685-1111 Trans Union: 1-800-851-2674 Experian: 1-888-EXPERIAN (1-888-397-3742) A small fee may apply, although if you've been denied credit recently,federal law mandates that the lender tell you which company suppliedthe information. You have a right to a free copy of your reportfrom that company so long as you request it within 30 days ofthe credit denial. Pre-qualification, based on numbers you supply to a lender, isan indication of the range of what you can afford. Getting pre-qualifiedis neither a commitment to loan you money, nor is it an obligationby you to borrow from a particular lender. Lenders typically use one of two guidelines when evaluating aloan request. Most lenders will limit the loan amount to a percentageof your gross monthly income or to a multiple of your annualhousehold income. As a general rule, individuals or families can usually handlea housing payment that amounts to 25- to-28 percent of their grossmonthly income. Following this guideline, if gross monthly incomeis $3,500, monthly payments (inclusive of taxes and insurance)in the range of $875 to $980 are considered reasonable. Somelenders use an alternate ratio that allows 36 percent of totalmonthly income for housing expenses and other long-term debts,such as car loans, credit card payments and obligations for childsupport. (Monthly living expenses for utilities, groceries, entertainment,medical and auto insurance are not calculated in this formula.) Another guideline, based on gross annual household income, assumesmost borrowers can afford up to 2.5 times their gross annual income. This means a borrower with total income of $40,000 may qualifyfor a loan of up to $100,000. Whether using a "multiplier method" or a "percentagemethod," prospective home buyers should allow for closingcosts and moving expenses. (Closing costs are the fees and taxesthat are paid when the deed is transferred. These usually amountto 5-to-10 percent of the mortgage amount. Moving expenses includecosts for movers, as well as "move-in" deposits forutilities and other "necessities"). Many lenders provide work sheets and charts to help you calculateyour borrowing power, along tables so you can compare paymentsat different rates and for different loan periods. (Some realestate brokers and financial institutions even have "mortgagecalculators" on their Internet site to help you determinewhat you can afford.) Your borrowing power can be increased with favorable interestrates and terms. With lower rates, you can borrow more money. Different types of loans and the duration of the payback periodwill influence the interest rate that will be applied to yourmortgage. In general, the shorter the term of the loan, the lowerthe interest rate. There are dozens of different types of mortgage programs froma wide variety of financial institutions, including mortgage companies,saving and loan associations, commercial banks and credit unions. Prudent consumers will find it pays to compare options to findthe right loan for their particular situation. THE MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE (MLS) A multiple listing service is a system for collecting and organizinginformation on available properties in a given area. Such informationis shared by members who agree to cooperate with each other andto abide by certain operating procedures. This service enablesbuyers to have a vast selection of homes to consider, while sellersbenefit from having their property exposed to a large networkof real estate professionals and their clients. Most brokers in the Seattle-Everett-Tacoma area are members of the Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS), formerly called Puget Sound Multiple Listing Association (PSMLA). More than 1,300 companies with approximately 15,000 licensed sales professionals currently belong to this independent association. In addition to its primary function of maintaining a comprehensive database on thousands of properties, NWMLS produces various legal forms, publications and reports for its members. The "multiple" also maintains an electronic keybox system, which allows access to listings by authorized agents. Other benefits include an array of computerized services to assist with property searches, financial analysis, communications between offices, and access to data on property taxes, local schools and other information. Ongoing training and technical support are also available to NWMLS brokers and agents.

Buy Home

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