home equity loans Average

NYS Banking Department-Home Equity Loans Survey Interest Rate Information Home Equity Loans Markets Albany Buffalo Long Island New York Metro Rochester Syracuse Westchester Co, NY Definition of terms used in this survey New York State home equity loans Average Highest Lowest 7.31 8.50 5.50 Albany Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Bank of America, NA 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Central National Bank 800-449-6842 12/23/05 7.00 .50% disc w/auto debit; $7,500 min Citibank 800-627-3999 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min Citizens Bank, N.A. 800-922-9999 12/23/05 6.35 $10,000 min First Niagara Bank 518-270-3200 12/23/05 6.75 .25% disc w/auto debit; $340 fee; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.14 Range: 7.14-8.94%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 7.74 .25% disc w/auto debit; $15,000 min Pioneer Savings Bank 518-274-4800 12/23/05 6.00 $50 fee; $2,500 min TrustCo Bank 518-436-9043 12/23/05 7.00 $5,000 min Buffalo Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Bank of Akron 716-542-5401 12/23/05 6.25 $500 fee; no min Bank of America 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Citibank 800-627-3999 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min Citizens Bank, N.A. 800-922-9999 12/23/05 6.35 $10,000 min Evans National Bank 716-549-6000 12/23/05 6.50 .25% disc w/auto debit; $7,500 min First Niagara Bank 877-722-9842 12/23/05 6.75 .25% disc w/auto debit; $340 fee; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.14 Range: 7.14-8.94%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 7.74 .25% disc w/auto debit; $15,000 min Long Island Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Astoria Federal S&LA 800-278-6742 12/23/05 7.63 .25% disc w/auto debit; $20 yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of America 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Bank of New York 212-495-1784 12/23/05 6.25 $10,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Citibank 800-321-2484 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 7.74 .25% disc w/auto debit; $15,000 min Ridgewood Svgs Bk 718-240-4800 12/23/05 6.00 .50% disc w/auto debit; no min Suffolk County NB of Riverhead 631-208-2222 12/23/05 6.75 $5,000 min Washington Mutual Bank 800-788-7000 12/23/05 8.50 .13% disc w/auto debit; $10,000 min New York Metro Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Astoria Federal S&LA 800-278-6742 12/23/05 7.63 .25% disc w/auto debit; $20 yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of New York 212-495-1784 12/23/05 6.25 $10,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Citibank 800-321-2484 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min Independence Community Bank 800-732-3434 12/23/05 6.49 .25% disc w/auto debit; $10,000 min Queens County Svgs Bk 718-268-6801 12/23/05 7.99 Range: 7.99-10.99%; $600-1000 fee; $10,000 min Union State Bank 800-887-8775 12/23/05 6.25 1.50% disc w/auto debit; $100 refundable app. fee; $5,000 min Wachovia Bank, NA 800-922-4684 12/23/05 6.84 Range: 6.84-8.00%; $150 fee; $8,000 min Washington Mutual Bank 800-788-7000 12/23/05 8.50 .13% disc w/auto debit; $10,000 min Rochester Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Bank of America, NA 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Citibank 800-627-3999 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min Citizens Bank, N.A. 800-922-9999 12/23/05 6.35 $10,000 min Community Bank, N.A. 800-388-4679 12/23/05 5.50 no auto debit offered 25000 min First Niagara Bank 716-434-6621 12/23/05 6.75 .25% disc w/auto debit; $340 fee; $10,000 min Five Star Bank 888-624-2300 12/23/05 5.99 .25% disc w/auto debit; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.14 Range: 7.14-8.94%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 7.74 .25% disc w/auto debit; $15,000 min Syracuse Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Alliance Bank 800-310-6275 12/23/05 6.75 $5,000 min Bank of America, NA 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min First Niagara Bank 877-722-9842 12/23/05 6.75 .25% disc w/auto debit; $340 fee; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min KeyBank 888-KEY-1234 12/23/05 7.14 Range: 7.14-8.94%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $99 fee; $5,000 min M&T Bank 800-724-2440 12/23/05 7.74 .25% disc w/auto debit; $15,000 min Partners Trust Bank 866-777-8659 12/23/05 6.99 .50% disc w/auto debit; $7,500 min Solvay Bank 315-468-1661 12/23/05 6.37 $2,500 min The Oneida Savings Bank 315-363-2000 12/23/05 6.50 .25% disc w/auto debit; $7,500 min Westchester, Co Institution Telephone Date Rate Fees and Conditions Astoria Federal S&LA 800-278-6742 12/23/05 7.63 .25% disc w/auto debit; $20 yrly fee; $10,000 min Bank of America, NA 800-299-2265 12/23/05 8.45 .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Bank of New York 212-495-1784 12/23/05 6.25 $10,000 min Chase Bank 800-CHA-SE24 12/23/05 7.75 Range: 7.75-10.45%; .25% disc w/auto debit; $5,000 min Citibank 800-321-2484 12/23/05 7.40 .25% disc w/auto debit; $25,000 min First Niagara Bank 877-722-9842 12/23/05 6.75 .25% disc w/auto debit; $340 fee; $10,000 min HSBC Bank USA 800-975-HSBC 12/23/05 8.38 $10,000 min Union State Bank 800-887-8775 12/23/05 6.25 1.50% disc w/auto debit; $100 refundable app. fee; $5,000 min Wachovia Bank, NA 800-922-4684 12/23/05 6.84 Range: 6.84-8.00%; $150 fee; $8,000 min Washington Mutual Bank 800-788-7000 12/23/05 8.50 .13% disc w/auto debit; $10,000 min Rates are subject to change without notice and may vary from branch to branch. Although the rates reported here have been obtained from the financial institutions themselves, the accuracy of the information cannot be guaranteed by the publisher. 2005: Bankrate.com All rights reserved. | Home | Search | SiteMap | | Interest Rates | | Credit Cards | MortgageRates | Home Equity Lines of Credit | | Home Equity Loans | New Auto Loans | Used Auto Loans | Last Modified Friday, December 23, 2005 FastCounter by bCentral

INVESTMENT PROPERTY HISTORY OF

IAS Plus International Accounting Standards IAS 40, Investment Property Home Site Map Standards Interpretations Agenda Structure Newsletter Resources Countries/Regions Links Search STANDARDS: IAS 40 INVESTMENT PROPERTY HISTORY OF IAS 40 October 1984 Exposure Draft E26 Accounting for Investments March 1986 IAS 25 Accounting for Investments 1 January 1987 Effective Date of IAS 25 December 1999 Exposure Draft E64 Investment Property April 2000 IAS 40 Investment Property superseded those portions of IAS 25 that addressed investment property and withdrew IAS 25 1 January 2001 Effective Date of IAS 40 (2000) 18 December 2003 Revised version of IAS 40 issued by the IASB The summary below reflects the revisions. 1 January 2005 Effective date of IAS 40 (Revised 2003) RELATED INTERPRETATIONS Issues Relating to This Standard that IFRIC Did Not Add to Its Agenda SUMMARY OF IAS 40 Definition of Investment Property Investment property is property (land or a building or part of a building or both) held (by the owner or by the lessee under a finance lease) to earn rentals or for capital appreciation or both. [IAS 40.5] Examples of investment property: [IAS 40.8] Land held for long-term capital appreciation Land held for undecided future use Building leased out under an operating lease Vacant building held to be leased out under an operating lease The following are not investment property and, therefore, are outside the scope of IAS 40: [IAS 40.5 and 40.9] property held for use in the production or supply of goods or services or for administrative purposes; property held for sale in the ordinary course of business or in the process of construction of development for such sale (IAS 2 Inventories); property being constructed or developed on behalf of third parties (IAS 11 Construction Contracts); owner-occupied property (IAS 16 Property, Plant and Equipment), including property held for future use as owner-occupied property, property held for future development and subsequent use as owner-occupied property, property occupied by employees and owner-occupied property awaiting disposal; property that is being constructed of developed for use as an investment property (IAS 16 applies to such property until construction or development is complete). However, IAS 40 does apply to existing investment property that is being redeveloped for continuing use as investment property; and property leased to another entity under an finance lease. Other Classification Issues Property held under an operating lease. A property interest that is held by a lessee under an operating lease may be classified and accounted for as investment property provided that: [IAS 40.6] the rest of the definition of investment property is met; the operating lease is accounted for as if it were a finance lease in accordance with IAS 17 Leases; and the lessee uses the fair value model set out in this Standard for the asset recognised. An entity may make the foregoing classification on a property-by-property basis. Partial own use. If the owner uses part of the property for its own use, and part to earn rentals or for capital appreciation, and the portions can be sold or leased out separately, they are accounted for separately. Therefore the part that is rented out is investment property. If the portions cannot be sold or leased out separately, the property is investment property only if the owner-occupied portion is insignificant. [IAS 40.10] Ancillary services. If the enterprise provides ancillary services to the occupants of a property held by the enterprise, the appropriateness of classification as investment property is determined by the significance of the services provided. If those services are a relatively insignificant component of the arrangement as a whole (for instance, the building owner supplies security and maintenance services to the lessees), then the enterprise may treat the property as investment property. Where the services provided are more significant (such as in the case of an owner-managed hotel), the property should be classified as owner-occupied. [IAS 40.11] Intracompany rentals. Property rented to a parent, subsidiary, or fellow subsidiary is not investment property in consolidated financial statements that include both the lessor and the lessee, because the property is owner-occupied from the perspective of the group. However, such property could qualify as investment property in the separate financial statements of the lessor, if the definition of investment property is otherwise met. [IAS 40.15] Recognition Investment property should be recognised as an asset when it is probable that the future economic benefits that are associated with the property will flow to the enterprise, and the cost of the property can be reliably measured. [IAS 40.16] Initial measurement Investment property is initially measured at cost, including transaction costs. Such cost should not include start-up costs, abnormal waste, or initial operating losses incurred before the investment property achieves the planned level of occupancy. [IAS 40.20 and 40.23] Measurement subsequent to initial recognition IAS 40 permits enterprises to choose between: [IAS 40.30] a fair value model; and a cost model. One method must be adopted for all of an entity's investment property. Change is permitted only if this results in a more appropriate presentation. IAS 40 notes that this is highly unlikely for a change from a fair value model to a cost model. Fair value model Investment property is remeasured at fair value, which is the amount for which the property could be exchanged between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm's length transaction. Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of investment property must be included in net profit or loss for the period in which it arises. [IAS 40.35] Fair value should reflect the actual market state and circumstances as of the balance sheet date. [IAS 40.38] The best evidence of fair value is normally given by current prices on an active market for similar property in the same location and condition and subject to similar lease and other contracts. [IAS 40.45] In the absence of such information, the entitymay consider current prices for properties of a different nature or subject to different conditions, recent prices on less active markets with adjustments to reflect changes in economic conditions, and discounted cash flow projections based on reliable estimates of future cash flows. [IAS 40.46] There is a rebuttable presumption that the enterprise will be able to determine the fair value of an investment property reliably on a continuing basis. However, if, in exceptional circumstances, an entity follows the fair value model but at acquisition concludes that a property's fair value is not expected to be reliably measurable on a continuing basis, the property is accounted for in accordance with the benchmark treatment under IAS 16 , Property, Plant and Equipment (cost less accumulated depreciation less accumulated impairment losses). [IAS 40.53] Where a property has previously been measured at fair value, it should continue to be measured at fair value until disposal, even if comparable market transactions become less frequent or market prices become less readily available. [IAS 40.55] Cost Model After initial recognition, investment property is accounted for in accordance with the cost model as set out in IAS 16 , Property, Plant and Equipment – cost less accumulated depreciation and less accumulated impairment losses. [IAS 40.56] Transfers to or from Investment Property Classification Transfers to, or from, investment property should only be made when there is a change in use, evidenced by: [IAS 40.57] commencement of owner-occupation (transfer from investment property to owner-occupied property); commencement of development with a view to sale (transfer from investment property to inventories); end of owner-occupation (transfer from owner-occupied property to investment property); commencement of an operating lease to another party (transfer from inventories to investment property); or end of construction or development (transfer from property in the course of construction/development to investment property. When an enterprise decides to sell an investment property without development, the property is not reclassified as investment property but is dealt with as investment property until it is disposed of. The following rules apply for accounting for transfers between categories: for a transfer from investment property carried at fair value to owner-occupied property or inventories, the fair value at the change of use is the 'cost' of the property under its new classification; [IAS 40.60] for a transfer from owner-occupied property to investment property carried at fair value, IAS 16 should be applied up to the date of reclassification. Any difference arising between the carrying amount under IAS 16 at that date and the fair value is dealt with as a revaluation under IAS 16; [IAS 40.61] for a transfer from inventories to investment property at fair value, any difference between the fair value at the date of transfer and it previous carrying amount should be recognised in net profit or loss for the period; [IAS 40.63] and when an entity completes construction/development of an investment property that will be carried at fair value, any difference between the fair value at the date of transfer and the previous carrying amount should be recognised in net profit or loss for the period. [IAS 40.65] When an entity uses the cost model for investment property, transfers between categories do not change the carrying amount of the property transferred, and they do not change the cost of the property for measurement or disclosure purposes. Disposal An investment property should be derecognised on disposal or when the investment property is permanently withdrawn from use and no future economic benefits are expected from its disposal. The gain or loss on disposal should be calculated as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and should be recognised as income or expense in the income statement. [IAS 40.66 and 40.69] Compensation from third parties is recognised when it becomes receivable. [IAS 40.72] Disclosure Both Fair Value Model and Cost Model [IAS 40.75] whether the fair value or the cost model is used; if the fair value model is used, whether property interests held under operating leases are classified and accounted for as investment property; if classification is difficult, the criteria to distinguish investment property from owner-occupied property and from property held for sale. the methods and significant assumptions applied in determining the fair value of investment property. the extent to which the fair value of investment property is based on a valuation by a qualified independent valuer; if there has been no such valuation, that fact must be disclosed. the amounts recognised in profit or loss for: rental income from investment property; direct operating expenses (including repairs and maintenance) arising from investment property that generated rental income during the period; and direct operating expenses (including repairs and maintenance) arising from investment property that did not generate rental income during the period. restrictions on the realisability of investment property or the remittance of income and proceeds of disposal. contractual obligations to purchase, construct, or develop investment property or for repairs, maintenance or enhancements. Additional Disclosures for the Fair Value Model [IAS 40.76] a reconciliation between the carrying amounts of investment property at the beginning and end of the period, showing additions, disposals, fair value adjustments, net foreign exchange differences, transfers to and from inventories and owner-occupied property, and other changes. significant adjustments to an outside valuation (if any) if an entity that otherwise uses the fair value model measures an item of investment property using the cost model, certain additional disclosures are required. Additional Disclosures for the Cost Model [IAS 40.79] the depreciation methods used; the useful lives or the depreciation rates used; the gross carrying amount and the accumulated depreciation (aggregated with accumulated impairment losses) at the beginning and end of the period; a reconciliation of the carrying amount of investment property at the beginning and end of the period, showing additions, disposals, depreciation, impairment recognised or reversed, foreign exchange differences, transfers to and from inventories and owner-occupied property, and other changes; the fair value of investment property. If the fair value of an item of investment property cannot be measured reliably, additional disclosures are required, including, if possible, the range of estimates within which fair value is highly likely to lie.

Land for Sale at

1 Square Inch of Land for Sale at $1,500 NEWS | OPINIONS | SPORTS | ARTS & LIVING | Discussions | Photos & Video | City Guide | CLASSIFIEDS | JOBS | CARS | REAL ESTATE 1 Square Inch of Land for Sale at $1,500 By The Associated Press The Associated Press Saturday, November 12, 2005; 10:21 PM SPENCER, Ind. -- A tiny parcel of land in southwest Indiana is some of the priciest real estate in the world. Owen County officials are trying to sell a 1-square-inch plot of land for $1,500. At that rate, an acre of land would cost nearly $7 billion. No buyers ponied up for the postage-stamp-sized plot during a tax sale. "It's too small to plant a flower on," said Peter Dorsey, with the county's mapping department. The parcel was originally part of a 1.12-acre tract under a separate deed, said auditor Angie Lawson. Officials think the tiny piece of land west of Bloomington was deeded to someone in the 1960s, when people had to own property to use a nearby lake. First National Bank foreclosed on the property owner's mortgage, which covered the entire 1.12-acre tract, and the land was up for bid at the tax sale. There is a minimum bid of $1,500 for tax sale parcels. County attorney Richard Lorenz said he wants to find a way for the county to get rid of the land and the responsibility of selling it, perhaps by giving it away. "Maybe we could donate that 1-inch plot to Owen County Preservations as the smallest land donation in history," Lorenz said. © 2005 The Associated Press

real estate broker websites,

Mortgage Web site design & Real Estate agent website design, hosting and marketing. Mortgage Originators Over 1 Million online apps generated Over 5,000 mortgage originators choose Myers Leading clients generate over 50% of their business online Real Estate Agents & Offices Customizable, easy to use web sites Award winning lead generation tools Showcase your listings Products: :: Mortgage Originators :: Real Estate Agents & Offices :: Company: :: About Us :: Contact Us :: Employment :: Partners :: Why Choose Myers? Myers Internet has been a leader in mortgage website design since 1995. Myers pioneered mortgage web site design and is known for its mortgage banker websites, mortgage broker web sites and mortgage loan officer websites. A mortgage banker, mortgage broker or mortgage loan officer can get a Myers mortgage web site "off the shelf" or a mortgage website made to order. Mortgage bankers, mortgage brokers and mortgage loan officers can make their own changes to a Myers mortgage website, or hire a mortgage website design specialist to give their mortgage website design a unique look. A mortgage banker, mortgage broker or mortgage loan officer can choose from many mortgage web site design styles and mortgage websites products. Whether you're a mortgage banker, mortgage broker or mortgage loan officer, there is a mortgage web site design to suit your budget. What are some of the benefits you can expect with a Myers mortgage website? What are some of the benefits you can expect with a Myers mortgage website? A Myers mortgage website can take online mortgage applications 24/7. A Myers mortgage web site has mortgage calculators which other mortgage websites don't. Consumers visit Myers mortgage web sites to learn about the loan process. Potential borrowers use the mortgage web site to notify a mortgage broker about their desired mortgage interest rate. People go to a Myers website to see if they could benefit with a refinance mortgage A Myers mortgage website can help sell the mortgage broker or loan officer A Myers mortgage web site has important loan program information. A Myers mortgage website can help a consumer determine the mortgage loan they can afford. A mortgage broker or loan officer can display their interest rates on their Myers mortgage web sites A consumer can get confidential mortgage loan details at a Myers mortgage website. Consumers can enter the mortgage payment sweepstakes at a Myers mortgage web site. A mortgage broker or loan officer can create referral business at their mortgage website. Borrowers can get answers to frequently asked questions at a Myers mortgage web site. Consumers can find out about a bi-weekly mortgage at a Myers mortgage website. Myers is also a leader in real estate website design. Myers offers real estate agent web sites, real estate broker websites, REALTOR® websites and real estate office web sites. Real estate agents, real estate brokers and REALTORS® understand the importance of a real estate website which includes cutting edge real estate web site design. A real estate web site is a real estate agent's online real estate office. The benefits of a Myers real estate web site are numerous: A Myers real estate agent website, real estate broker web site, REALTOR® website, or real estate office website can all be personalized to suit the needs of the client. Our real estate web sites can include customized content. Custom web site content helps the real estate website be optimally indexed by search engines. A Myers real estate website can help convert visitors into prospects. The real estate agent website, real estate broker web site, REALTOR® website, and real estate office website all offer numerous lead-capturing tools. You can get a real estate agent website, real estate broker web site, REALTOR® website, or real estate office website which can display your and others' listings. You can get an advanced real estate website design which allows clients to save their property searches. A real estate agent website, real estate broker web site, REALTOR® website, or real estate office website can each have a Flash introduction. A good real estate web site design includes rich content. We have real estate website designs which come with over seventy-five pages of content featuring tips and information for home buyers and sellers. Myers real estate websites include practically everything a real estate agent or broker will ever need.

Texas Land

Texas Veterans Land Board In Texas, call us Toll Free:1-800-252-VETS (8387) Outside Texas? Call 1-512-463-5060 (long distance charges apply) (PDF) -- • State Veterans Home Resident Awarded Bronze Star (PDF) • VLB is accepting nominations for naming the Texas State Veterans Home being built in Amarillo. Read the Press Release (PDF) and the Policy for Naming Texas State Veterans Homes ( Word2000 ) ( PDF ) and complete the Nomination Form ( Word2000 ) ( PDF ) • Corpus Christi awarded next Texas State Veterans Cemetery (PDF) • The Results of the October 25, 2005, FLS are now available on-line (PDF) • Watch the archived edition of the October 25, 2005, FLS Web cast • First Texas State Veterans Cemetery dedicated in Killeen (PDF) • Central Texas State Veterans Cemetery Dedication Information • James Baker III to help dedicate first Texas State Veterans Cemetery (PDF) • Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery Groundbreaking Information • Work begins on Valley's first Texas State Veterans Cemetery (PDF) The October Type I Forfeited Land Sale Handbooks are now available online (PDF) -- • Chairman Patterson visits veterans in Iraq • VLB Board Member, Mike Ussery, passes away after attending the dedication of the Texas State Veterans Home in McAllen, scheduled to open July 1, 2005. (PDF) • "Where Honor Lives" • "Voices of Veterans" Oral History Program • "Defending Freedom" A new TV Announcement honoring Texas Veterans from 1836 to today. Play Video 60 seconds High | Low Play Video 30 seconds High | Low Broadcaster Information (PDF) • Texas Veterans Voice Fall 2005 Veterans Voice Newsletter (PDF) Archived Editions of the Veterans Voice Newsletter • Media and Press Releases • Financial help available for activated Texas Reservists and National Guard members (PDF) ATTENTION-Loan Program Changes!!! VLB Land Loan maximum now $60,000. Land Loan now available for one-acre tracts. VHAP Changes Effective March 4, 2005: New-Construction housing loans must meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star ® rating as an energy efficient home. The Greenbuilding and Troops to Teachers Programs will no longer be available. The interest rate discounts previously associated with these programs will be re-directed to reducing the overall base rate for the Housing and Home Improvement Programs. The veterans with Disabilities Program discount will be available only to veterans with a VA compensable disability rated at 50% or higher. • Federal legislation filed to end discrimination in veteran loan eligibility • Convert your semiannual land loan payments to monthly payments (PDF) Message from Chairman Patterson Chairman Jerry Patterson Speaks to Veterans About the Veterans Land Board. (run time: 10:15) Play Video High | Low Land Loan Account Status Free Public Seminars and Educational Events • For Veterans • For Lenders • For Real Estate Professionals--view our upcoming events . Contact your nearest Outreach office for training opportunities. Registration for Veterans, Real Estate Professionals, and VLB Participating Lenders • Registration for Veterans to receive VLB program updates • Registration for Real Estate Professionals to receive VLB program updates • Web listing updates for VLB Participating Lenders Veterans' Resources • The National Personnel Records Center (NPRC) now accepting requests for some military records via the Internet • The Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) for information on VA benefits Laws and Rules • Laws and Rules PDF Files require the free Adobe Acrobat reader. Video media require the free Real Player . Privacy Policy Links/Accessibility Policy For our customers who are hearing impaired: The VLB TDD number is (512) 463-6367 or contact any of our program areas through Relay Texas at 1-800-735-2988. For more information, contact us .