As of January 1, 2012, the Department of Veteran Affairs changed a few of their standards for how calculations can be made to VA Loans by lenders, which are the methods used to calculate the VA Loan maximum amounts/minimum amounts. But what will these changes really mean for veterans and active duty military members who are ready to buy a home using a VA Loan in Texas cities like Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio? Veterans buying a home will need to re-learn what to expect (and how much they can receive) from their VA Home Loan.

With a proactive and supporting role, Security America Mortgage, Inc. recently announced the 2012 calculation changes to all of their connected military members in Texans as well as launching new location websites that support the need to spread the word to all military service members about how the VA Purchase in Texas will be affected.

The VA Home Loan Experts take a unique approach to showing how much better VA Loan amounts will be in the year going forward by reminding military members how easy buying a home can be with simplified examples of the VA Loan Process and VA Refinance. The good news is that the loan amounts are funded by lenders, like Security America Mortgage, Inc., and VA Loan amounts are all calculated by the mortgage company ? not the VA. The VA only insures the VA guaranty loan up to a certain amount ? which is kind of like a ?promise? to the lender to pay a home loan for a veteran if they ever default on a loan for any reason.

For expert mortgage companies like Security America Mortgage, Inc., who specialize in VA Loan and Real Estate services for Texas home buyers, they can still offer VA loans that provide the lowest rates possible in 2012.

Since the 2012 VA Loan Calculations do not alter the great VA benefits, VA Loans can still be obtained by eligible members in order to:

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Answering to the demand from the rising number of international investors buying pre-tenanted property in Detroit, a new website called US Property Investment, has been launched to help connect investors with their ideal real estate investment.

High Capital Growth

Research conducted by Fiserv Case-Shiller shows that since reaching its peak in 2006, Detroit has seen property values decrease by 60.5%, however a rising number of short sales over foreclosures have helped drive the median price up in the city?s metro area.

At the start of 2012, online hub Trulia, revealed that there has been a rise in US property investment in Detroit with a 3.3% (or $ 2,215) increase in median property sales price between Oct and Dec 2011, when compared to records for the same period in 2010.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek?s forecast for America’s Strongest Housing Markets in 2014, Detroit?s median home price will increase by 33.1% in the next two years alone, making investment in below market value properties in Detroit an attractive opportunity for those looking to enter US property investment.

High Rental Demand

With 28% of residential mortgages underwater in 2011 according to Colliers International and many people reluctant to sell, there has been a rising demand for rental property in Detroit.

Also Unobtainable mortgage deposits combined with the country?s current economic uncertainty has driven Detroit?s rental market, with many people opting to lease property rather than buy.

These factors have contributed to a rise in the number of both national and international investors entering buy-to-let property investment in Detroit, with MSN Real Estate emphasising a new pool of investors emerging from the UK, UAE, Russia, Asia, Ireland and France.

Rental yields in excess of 20% p.a.

Offering yields in excess of 20%, Detroit has become one of America?s strongest rental markets, with many investors entering property investments from as little as $ 30,000.

The company behind US Property Investment carefully selects houses in desirable neighbourhoods where the demand for rental properties is strong. After renovating and refurbishing each property to a high standard, tenants are selected to rent the property, helping to ensure investors receive income from day one.

Higher Yields and Lower Cost Properties

Working alongside their partners based in Detroit whom research and source the, USPropertyInvestrment.org can offer higher yields and cheaper Detroit Homes for sale, refurbished and tenanted, than its closest competitors, making their exclusive list of houses the best choice for those looking for below market property.

With maintenance and occupants looked after by a professional management company, the website promotes a truly ?hands-off? investment and also offers 50% finance and cash discounts on selected properties.

For those looking to search for investment property in Detroit, the new portal allows potential buyers to search current stock and learn more about the areas in which they will be purchasing.

For more information about US Property Investment, visit their new website: http://uspropertyinvestment.org/

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Two local entrepreneurs are hoping to help business owners prosper in this economic downturn. Nathan R. Mitchell (MBA, CPC) and Michael D. Butler have started The Venture Network, a business networking referral community that helps its members gain new business through referrals, both online and in person.

?It?s a proven fact that people do business with those they know, like and trust. The Venture Network gives consumers and business owners in a specific geographic location referrals based on needed products and services,? says Serial Entrepreneur Michael D. Butler.

Nathan R. Mitchell teams up with Michael D. Butler, founder of M3 New Media, a Tulsa-based Digital PR Firm. “Consumers are suspect of new businesses and they need a place to find Businesses, Contractors and Service providers they can hire based on peer-reviewed recommendations,? says Mitchell.

Nathan R. Mitchell, Founder of Clutch Consulting LLC, is a Business Consultant, Author, and Motivational Speaker. He has worked with a Fortune 50 company for more than a decade, and is now focused on helping Business Owners and Entrepreneurs become more efficient and more profitable, while benefiting from referral marketing. Most recently, he has been on a speaking tour with his Brian Tracy endorsed book ?Give me the Ball-Winning the Game of Entrepreneurship.?

The Venture Network hosts monthly meet-ups for business owners who participate in the organization at a Basic or Platinum level. Group members receive the benefits of networking face-to-face, participating with members globally in 24/7 online networking, and business development through Master-Mind groups.

“Networking for business referrals is not new,? says Butler. ?In fact, it has been around for centuries; but now, more than ever, because of the Internet and Social Media, we have a Perfect Storm for some real ‘win-win’s’ in Oklahoma and beyond.?

The Venture Network is located in the Impact Office Building at 3939 S. Harvard Suite 175 and has received calls from numerous states and cities inquiring about launching a Network in their area. Butler and Mitchell have recently traveled to Los Angeles and to meet with Venture Partners who understand the importance and significance of bringing businesses together; businesses such as: IT Consultants, Contractors, Realtors, Insurance Representatives, Tax Professionals, Legal Attorneys, Chiropractors, Bankers and Mortgage Professionals.

To inquire about a Network starting soon in your area, to inquire about spear-heading a Network or for media interviews contact:

Contacts:

Michael D. Butler, Sr. & Nathan R Mitchell (MBA, CPC)

The Venture Network

3939 S. Harvard Ave. Suite #175

Tulsa, OK 74135

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On February 18th Tumbleweed Tiny House Company is hosting an open house designed to help individuals who are curious about, or considering becoming part of, The Small House Movement. The event will run from 12:00 to 4:00 pm and is located at 1617 Conger Ave. NW. Olympia, WA 98502. The open house takes place at Dee Williams? own tiny home and backyard, featuring her 84 square feet of living space. Ms. Williams has been a tiny home owner since 2004. Attendees are invited to attend the free event armed with questions, concerns and a willingness to seek out more information on Small House lifestyle.

Tumbleweed Tiny House Company is the foremost leader in Small House design. The company offers workshops throughout the country, highlighting model homes and their actual owners. Each workshop is constructed to be an informative event discussing the movement and what tools and costs are really associated with building one of the homes. In addition, Dee will be speaking at a full two day workshop on February 25th and 26th in Seattle, Washington.

?Seven years ago my answer was to build a little house. I got rid of my mortgage; I got rid of most of my personal possessions and downsized myself into a little tiny house. One bedroom, four wheels, seven windows, 84 square feet of living space. It?s got everything I need. A place to cook, a place to pee, a place to hang out, a place to be Dee Williams,? said Ms. Williams of her free way of living. ?My kitchen is not very elaborate, I?m off the grid, so I don?t have a refrigerator; I have a cooler. Beer & half & half. What more do you need? And that?s it, it?s really true.?

Dee Williams has been featured on the cover of Yes Magazine and in Time Magazine. The February 18th event will help people learn from Ms. Williams? expertise, while also providing attendees with tips on designing their own home, the financial benefits that come with downsizing and the positive effects of participating in this revolutionary lifestyle. Participants have the opportunity to meet with other like-minded people and learn what it is like to truly be part of a community!

About: More about Tumbleweed Tiny House Company: Tumbleweed Tiny House Company isn?t just a business, it is a movement! With over twenty small house plans choose from, the company designs homes with a socially responsible platform. Tumbleweed markets houses that range from 65 square feet to 874 square feet. The company is founded by tiny house guru Jay Shafer – who is a recognized leader in popularizing the tiny homes concept. For more information on the company, Jay Shafer, and to view the homes, please visit: http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com.

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Related Mortgage Press Releases

On January 17, 2012 a collective action lawsuit was filed in the Federal District Court of Minnesota to recover overtime wages for loan officers employed by MetLife Home Loans, a division of MetLife Bank, N.A. According to the complaint, MetLife misclassified its loan officers across the country as exempt from overtime pay. The complaint further alleges that MetLife pays its loan officers on a commission basis, and does not compensate them when they work overtime hours over 40 per week.

MetLife Bank, N.A. is a New Jersey Corporation with its principal place of business in Bridgewater, New Jersey. MetLife Home Loans is a division of MetLife Bank, N.A, and is also headquartered in New Jersey. MetLife Home Loans has offices in a number of states across the country, including Minnesota.

Attorney Charles Frohman of Nichols Kaster, PLLP stated, “These loan officers worked more than forty hours per week, and we believe that MetLife Home Loans did not pay them correctly. Loan officers, like many other misclassified employees, are entitled to their overtime pay, and we intend to help them recover it.”

The Plaintiff is represented by Charles Frohman and Michele Fisher of Nichols Kaster, PLLP in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The name of the case is Steve Swisher, et al. v. MetLife Home Loans and MetLife Bank, N.A., Court File No. 12-cv-00133-MJD-TNL.

Additional information about the case can be found at http://www.nka.com or by contacting Nichols Kaster, PLLP toll free at 1-877-448-0492.

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Find More Home Loan Press Releases

VA Home Loan Centers disclosed the 2012 $ 0 down VA home loan limits today. Barring any congressional action, the new $ 0 down VA loan limits will be implemented on January 1, 2012, and will expire on December 31, 2012.

The new limits are based on the area median home price and will apply to all properties financed with VA loans. The changes to the loan program will affect over 130 counties out of the 3,234 counties where the home loans are available.

The most significant changes to the loan program will affect certain high cost areas. Those areas that have been selected will see a reduction in the no-money-down maximum loan amount guaranteed by the United States Veterans Administration (VA).

Unless specified, the current 2011-2012, $ 0 down loan limit for most areas of the United States will remain unchanged at $ 417,000. However, in some areas, the reduction will be more than $ 460,000.

The counties most impacted by the new $ 0 down loan limits will be Pitkin, Colorado, and Nantucket, Massachusetts, who will see their loan limits drop from a 2011 high of $ 1,094,625 to their new 2012 VA entitlement level of $ 625,500 (each). San Francisco, Alameda, and Marin counties will also see a significant decrease from their 2011 limit of $ 1,000,000 to a new 2012 $ 0 down loan limit of $ 625,000.

?VA Home Loan Centers anticipates that only a small fraction of borrowers will be impacted by these changes,? said Philip Georgiades, Chief Entitlement Officer for the VA Home Loan Centers. ?The reduction in median price means more deserving veterans will be able to afford a home of their own.?

Although congress has the ability to pass legislation that will allow the Veterans Administration to raise the loan limits and has done so in the past, they will not lower the limits of VA loans to amounts less than the levels announced today.

The Veterans Administration loan program allows buyers to finance 100% of the purchase of an existing or new construction property containing 1-4 residential units. Current homeowners eligible for the program may refinance their homes up to 90% of the new loan limit for their area. All Veterans Administration home loan borrowers must certify that they will occupy the property as their primary residence.

Although the government-guaranteed mortgage program does not have a maximum loan amount, borrowers seeking to increase their loan amount above the 2012 $ 0 down VA loan limit for their area may do so but will be required to contribute a down payment.

To stay abreast of any congressional action that will increase the 2012 VA loan program, please visit http://www.vahomeloancenters.org.

VA Home Loan Centers (http://www.vahomeloancenter.org)

VA Home Loan Centers is a qualified lender of mortgage loans to United States Veterans. The VA loan program helps veterans, active and former duty military, and certain spouses of wounded, M.I.A. or K.I.A. United States service personnel achieve the ultimate American dream: home ownership. Services provided by VA Home Loan Centers include real estate representation such as VA loan short sale processing, purchase assistance and VA loan application processing. VA Home Loan Centers offers beneficial loans to all eligible veterans and their families. It is easier to qualify for a loan through VA Home Loan Centers than other loan programs because they offer higher front-end and debt ratios as well as the no down payment, no closing costs option (VA no/no). Other benefits include the ability to finance the funding fee, no mortgage insurance premiums, no prepayment penalties, low interest rates and monthly costs. VA loans available include 15-year and 30-year fixed mortgage rates. Borrowers who apply for their VA loan directly through VA Home Loan Centers may also be eligible for a rebate of up to 1.5% of the total loan amount. You can call 888-573-4496 anytime to learn more or to apply for a VA loan.

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Related Mortgage Rates Press Releases

Kevin Miller, CEO and president of TexasLending.com, a Texas home loan and mortgage company specializing in Texas refinance loans and Texas home equity loans, and his co-hosts addressed the impact of the Obama Housing Tax for all Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans closed over the next ten years on The TexasLending.com Mortgage Hour on KLIF radio in Dallas on Saturday January 14th, 2011. They also discussed the onboarding of the HARP 2 loans which will come into effect in the next 45 days. Finally, the last thing covered was a discussion of one of TexasLending.com?s commercials where they did the Tim Tebow move at the end of the commercial.

In Dallas/Fort Worth the TexasLending.com Mortgage Hour radio show airs on Saturdays on AM 570 KLIF from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.

“After many consumer responses to the TexasLending.com Tim Tebow commercial we shared our stance on the subject matter. We wish everyone a great January moving forward” commented Kevin Miller.

TexasLending.com has been on the air for over 10 years to educate the consumer about home loans in Texas. Listen in each week as the CEO of TexasLending.com, Kevin Miller, and his co-hosts, discuss the behind the scenes information about the mortgage industry that will help you in making an informed decision about your home loan now and in the future.

About TexasLending.com:

TexasLending.com provides expert service in the field of residential mortgages. Headquartered in Dallas, TexasLending.com specializes in loans throughout the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Florida, Missouri and Colorado. TexasLending.com is a mortgage Banker with virtually unlimited options available for conventional, FHA, VA, Texas home equity loans, refinance loans, reverse mortgages, Dallas home loans, Houston home loans and Austin home loans. To find out more about Texas Lending?s home loan and mortgage programs, visit http://www.TexasLending.com.

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5-year-arm.com recently went live, offering consumers information on 5 year ARM mortgage programs and direct access to current 5 year ARM rates from a variety of mortgage companies. CMG Equities, LLC, the financial publisher behind the new site hopes it will be a valuable resource for mortgage shoppers interested in learning more about the pros and cons of 5 year adjustable rate mortgages.

Home buyers and homeowners often don’t consider adjustable rate loans for the their home financing, preferring the security of a fixed rate mortgage and a monthly payment that will never increase. However, as 5-year-arm.com points out, there are scenarios for which the program could be a great fit.

A five year adjustable rate mortgage has a fixed rate for the introductory five year period, and then the rate will adjust each year based on the current market at the time of adjustment and the terms of the loan. Each 5 year ARM has an annual cap and a lifetime cap, which limit the amount the rate can increase with each yearly adjustment, and overall.

In exchange for taking on the risk of interest rate increases down the road 5 year ARM borrowers are rewarded with rates during the 5 year introductory period that are generally much lower than comparable 30 year fixed home loans. If a homeowner plans to sell the home, refinance, or pay off the mortgage before the 5 years are up, they could see significant savings by selecting the 5 yr ARM program.

Here is an example of mortgage rates posted on 5-year-arm.com on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 which illustrates how pricing for the different programs can compare:

Lender: Gateway Bank Mortgage

5/1 ARM Rates: 3.000% Note Rate, 3.034% APR, 0 Points, $ 875 Fees

30 Yr Fixed Rates: 3.875% Note Rate, 3.885% APR, 0 Points, $ 250 Fees

Lender: EverBank

5/1 ARM Rates: 2.750% Note Rate, 2.783% APR, 0 Points, $ 852 Fees

30 Yr Fixed Rates: 3.750% Note Rate, 3.785% APR, 0 Points, $ 852 Fees

On a $ 200,000 loan the difference from a rate of 3.75% to 2.75% equates to a difference in monthly payment of $ 109.75. Multiply that times 12 payments a year over five years and the potential savings amounts to $ 6585. Of course, this example is based on the pricing from just one day. Mortgage rates change all the time, and the difference between fixed rate and adjustable rate pricing changes as well, based on current economic conditions.

“Our goal is for mortgage shoppers to make informed decisions,” said Nat Criss, Managing Partner of CMG Equities, of the company’s decision to create 5-year-arm.com. “Home buyers might not know they have options other than a 30 year fixed loan, and we aim to bring them information on some of these lesser utilized programs. They can then bring questions to their loan representative and explore what makes the most sense for their scenario,” he continued.

No sign up or personal information is required to view today’s mortgage rates on 5-year-arm.com, and the interest rates posted are routinely among the best available on the market. Competing mortgage banks, lenders, and brokers are listed side by side for simple comparison.

Rates posted are subject to change. Please visit the site to view the criteria used in the rate survey.

About 5-Year-ARM.com

5-Year-ARM.com is a mortgage research web site where consumers can learn about the 5 year adjustable rate mortgage program (5/1 ARM) and compare current mortgage rates from competing providers. 5-Year-ARM.com is owned by CMG Equities, LLC which is based in Wilmington, North Carolina.

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More Mortgage Rates Press Releases

Dallas-based residential mortgage originator PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, today announced the addition of Frank J. Fuentes as a Senior Mortgage Loan Officer in its branch located at 74-199 El Paseo Drive in Palm Desert, California.

Fuentes has over 12 years of mortgage industry experience, most recently having served as a mortgage loan officer with Bank of America Home Loans. In that position, he ranked as a top producer for the Coachella Valley Region in 2011. Now with PrimeLending, he will provide superior quality, service and support throughout the mortgage process for every client and referral source in the Coachella Valley. Fuentes discovered several compelling reasons to become a part of PrimeLending.

?I really wanted to provide world class service and competitive pricing to all of my clients and business partners,? said Fuentes. ?I found PrimeLending provides me the resources, programs, and support to do just that. With the strength and stability that PrimeLending offers even in today?s volatile market, my clients and business partners will find exactly what our company motto states, ?mortgages without obstacles.? I?m very excited about what lies ahead.?

Recruiting top talent like Fuentes helps branch manager Randy Florence build on the great reputation already growing for PrimeLending in the Coachella Valley.

?We?re bringing Frank to the PrimeLending team in Palm Desert at a very exciting time,? said Florence.? PrimeLending celebrated 25 years in the mortgage industry in 2012 and has encountered outstanding growth during that time. In the third quarter of 2011, PrimeLending originated roughly $ 2.5 billion which marks an increase from the second quarter of the same year and even the third quarter of 2010. Incredible loan originators like Frank certainly will help us achieve continued success serving the homebuyers of Coachella Valley in the upcoming years.?

Fuentes is an active member of the Inland Empire Chapter of the National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals.

About PrimeLending

PrimeLending, a PlainsCapital Company, is a Dallas-based residential mortgage originator with more than 270 locations in 37 states and approximately 2,200 employees. Offering fixed, adjustable rate, FHA, VA and JUMBO loans, permanent construction financing, refinancing and relocation programs,PrimeLending is licensed to originate and close loans in all 50 states. Founded in 1986, PrimeLending was ranked the No. 3 FHA lender in Texas and No. 13 in the nation for 2010. Find more information at PrimeLending.com.

Source: FHA rankings are obtained from MortgageDataWeb.com and are determined from data collected by the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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Postal Credit Union (PCU) in Minnesota has launched its new Online Banking & Bill Pay service, designed to increase functionality and add much-asked for features like Notify Me alerts, a simplified yet secure login process, automatic passcode reset, account to account transfers (A2A), secure messaging, bill presentment and much more!

PCU has on average over 12,000 active Online Banking users each month. ?Online Banking is clearly a service our members embrace and use daily to manage their finances,? said PCU President Russ Plunkett. ?After much due diligence, we are excited to offer members an improved channel to monitor their accounts,? said Plunkett. ?We value our relationships with our members and want to provide them with tools that make their lives easier in these busy times.?

In conjunction with the new Online Banking and Bill Pay service, the credit union will launch Mobile Banking in early March, and offer a free customized app iPhone and Android users can download to enable them to bank on the go.

PCU partnered with financial technology company, FundsXpress Financial Network, Inc., to provide a secure, efficient way for account holders to check account balances, transfer funds, pay bills, get electronic statements, stop payment on checks, and much more.

Founded in 1926, Postal Credit Union is a member owned financial institution that specializes in providing excellent member service, great rates and convenience. PCU offers a complete range of services, including 24/7 loan approval, mortgages, online banking, online deposits, checking, business services, investment services and more. PCU is proud to serve Anoka, Chisago, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey and Washington counties, with office locations in Eagan, Hugo, North St. Paul, West St. Paul and Woodbury. For more information, contact PCU at 651-770-7000, 800-247-0857 or visit http://www.postalcu.org.

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