There are a few websites that were designed to help locate sex offender living in Georgia.
As of 1/1/2011, Georgia had about 19,269 registered sex offenders. But I understand that there may be many other unregistered sex offenders.
This is the Official Georgia website to search: http://services.georgia.gov/gbi/gbisor/SORSearch.jsp
Another possible, but unofficial website: http://www.familywatchdog.us/ShowMap.asp?frm=0
Here is the national sex offender website: http://www.nsopw.gov/Core/PublicRegistrySites.aspx
As a potential resident in certain areas, you are obligated to perform due diligence to discover information about the areas you plan to live. I hope his information answers some questions.
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
More Federal Government stupidity regarding foreclosures?
Talk about Federal money with strings attached.
Only about half of the $4 Billion in Federal funds available to communities to redevelop foreclosed properties has been used. As of 3-16-2010 about 40% has been committed. Some officials say the ever changing rules are to blame for their reluctance to participate as they are prevented from buying properties at less than 1% of appraised value. With properties available for alot less, local communities are prohibited from purchasing the property at the reduced rate. This is part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). If this is true, why are we doing that? Does that make any sense whatsoever?
I understand that the Federal government wants to do something - but what can it do but to continue to screw up and cause everyone to stumble over each other in the attempt to move the economy forward. I guess stumbling forward is considered successful?
Source: MDJ, 4-2-2010, 5B
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
Only about half of the $4 Billion in Federal funds available to communities to redevelop foreclosed properties has been used. As of 3-16-2010 about 40% has been committed. Some officials say the ever changing rules are to blame for their reluctance to participate as they are prevented from buying properties at less than 1% of appraised value. With properties available for alot less, local communities are prohibited from purchasing the property at the reduced rate. This is part of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP). If this is true, why are we doing that? Does that make any sense whatsoever?
I understand that the Federal government wants to do something - but what can it do but to continue to screw up and cause everyone to stumble over each other in the attempt to move the economy forward. I guess stumbling forward is considered successful?
Source: MDJ, 4-2-2010, 5B
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Energy Star Program - Real or Fiction?
Apparently, manufacturers could make claims without establishing any proof through tests. (Now lab tests and results are required for review.)
The GAO (General Accounting Office) reported earlier in 2010 that they were able to get alot of "phony" products certified including a gasoline powered alarm clock.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal, 4-15-2010, 7B
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
The GAO (General Accounting Office) reported earlier in 2010 that they were able to get alot of "phony" products certified including a gasoline powered alarm clock.
Source: Marietta Daily Journal, 4-15-2010, 7B
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Mortgage and Rates News
This blog post will be updated from time to time so check back to see what's happening.
7-6-2011: In some counties across the US, Fannie and Freddie loan limits will be lowered to $417,000 (which is about the limit of current loan limits in the Atlanta area) and about $271,050 for FHA loans which I think is less than the limit now used in the Atlanta metro area. Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303763404576420101788878440.html?mod=WSJ_RealEstate_LeftTopNews
3-11-2011: Atlanta Business Chronicle reports (3/11-17/2011,15A) that about 42% of homeowners in Atlanta near or below negative equity. (About 34% are at negative equity.)
1-11-2011: Apparently in 2010, cash in mortgage refinancing (i.e., loans to reduce mortgage balance or interest) rose to 33% and cash out refinance mortgages fell to 18%....Are we learning yet?
12-27-2010: About 70% of fixed rate mortgages guaranteed by Fannie, Freddie, or FHA/VA is at least 1% above current rates (as of September 2010, but rates have risen since then.)
12-27-2010: The mortgage industry is expected to issue $480 Billion of new purchase mortgages in 2010 and about $626 Billion in 2011. Also, about $921 Billion in refinance mortgages in 2010 and estimated $370 Billion in 2011.
12-27-2010: Old rule of thumb, every 1% rise in mortgage rates results in a 10% increase in home prices.
11-6-2010: Rates fell for most programs except for a slight increase in the 30 year fixed rate to 4.24%.
10-22-2010: Mortgage rates are still low by historical terms and may be remaining somewhat stable, but not many people buying or refinancing as much anymore for several reasons. Concern about future employment; falling real estate prices; most people who were in a position to purchase due to non-refundable tax credit or refinance already have executed their transactions.
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
7-6-2011: In some counties across the US, Fannie and Freddie loan limits will be lowered to $417,000 (which is about the limit of current loan limits in the Atlanta area) and about $271,050 for FHA loans which I think is less than the limit now used in the Atlanta metro area. Source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702303763404576420101788878440.html?mod=WSJ_RealEstate_LeftTopNews
3-11-2011: Atlanta Business Chronicle reports (3/11-17/2011,15A) that about 42% of homeowners in Atlanta near or below negative equity. (About 34% are at negative equity.)
1-11-2011: Apparently in 2010, cash in mortgage refinancing (i.e., loans to reduce mortgage balance or interest) rose to 33% and cash out refinance mortgages fell to 18%....Are we learning yet?
12-27-2010: About 70% of fixed rate mortgages guaranteed by Fannie, Freddie, or FHA/VA is at least 1% above current rates (as of September 2010, but rates have risen since then.)
12-27-2010: The mortgage industry is expected to issue $480 Billion of new purchase mortgages in 2010 and about $626 Billion in 2011. Also, about $921 Billion in refinance mortgages in 2010 and estimated $370 Billion in 2011.
12-27-2010: Old rule of thumb, every 1% rise in mortgage rates results in a 10% increase in home prices.
11-6-2010: Rates fell for most programs except for a slight increase in the 30 year fixed rate to 4.24%.
10-22-2010: Mortgage rates are still low by historical terms and may be remaining somewhat stable, but not many people buying or refinancing as much anymore for several reasons. Concern about future employment; falling real estate prices; most people who were in a position to purchase due to non-refundable tax credit or refinance already have executed their transactions.
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
Monday, January 10, 2011
Cobb County Screwups
2-17-2011: How about the Cobb County School Board - it seem to have a bunch of goofballs on the board who argue with themselves more than sticking to facts and voting for what is best for students - frankly, I am surprised the Cobb County School Board has not been placed on probation since their antics seem just as crucial as Clayton County's School Board. And David Banks keeps asking parents for input and put no fact on the table - just like a politician and not a leader!
Well, the 12-5-2010 AJC reported that Cobb County Water System spent tens of millions of dollars from the money collected by the water system on non water system related ways even after water rates have increased 60% since the 1990s. An apparent "shell" game by moving the storm water management and solid waste management divisions into the water systems and using their bond money.
Another screwup - Cobb's compost facility.
Another screwup - the laptop fiasco from the County school board.
Another - inattention to underground storm water pipes.
Another - building an expensive courthouse to make life more comfortable for the courthouse workers - priceless.
Every time we give our hard earned money to our government, they will spend it for "their" needs first. Courthouses are important, but who watches the cost and spends "only" enough as necessary to have a building with lights and heat and places to try criminals when we ignorantly hand over our sales tax revenue without any accountability?
Hey - we are in the middle of an ice storm/snow storm - at least they shut the County Government down - that means they can't screw up today!
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
Well, the 12-5-2010 AJC reported that Cobb County Water System spent tens of millions of dollars from the money collected by the water system on non water system related ways even after water rates have increased 60% since the 1990s. An apparent "shell" game by moving the storm water management and solid waste management divisions into the water systems and using their bond money.
Another screwup - Cobb's compost facility.
Another screwup - the laptop fiasco from the County school board.
Another - inattention to underground storm water pipes.
Another - building an expensive courthouse to make life more comfortable for the courthouse workers - priceless.
Every time we give our hard earned money to our government, they will spend it for "their" needs first. Courthouses are important, but who watches the cost and spends "only" enough as necessary to have a building with lights and heat and places to try criminals when we ignorantly hand over our sales tax revenue without any accountability?
Hey - we are in the middle of an ice storm/snow storm - at least they shut the County Government down - that means they can't screw up today!
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Allstate sues Countrywide over MBS considered "toxic"
According to the MDJ on 12-29-2010, Page B5, Allstate claims that beginning in 2003 , Countrywide failed to exercise adequate underwriting controls and didn't represent the securities it sold, especially the ones Allstate purchased (totalling $200 Million).
I wonder "who" really failed proper disclosure demands and their due diligence responsibilities?
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
I wonder "who" really failed proper disclosure demands and their due diligence responsibilities?
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
Monday, January 3, 2011
HUD to release $73 million for housing needs
Nearly $73 million ($13 million, or 22 percent increase over last year’s funding level) in housing counseling grants will go to more than 500 national, regional and local organizations.
Housing counseling grants will assist families in becoming first-time homeowners and remaining homeowners after their purchase. HUD-approved counseling agencies not only provide homeownership counseling, but also offer financial literacy training to renters and homeless individuals and families.
Nearly $68 million will support the direct provision of housing counseling services by 24 national and regional organizations, 5 multi-state organizations, and 484 state and local housing counseling agencies. In addition, HUD is awarding more than $5 million to three national organizations to train approximately 4,500 counselors who will receive the instruction and certification necessary to effectively assist families with their housing needs.
Counseling agencies will use $9.5 million to help assist senior citizens seeking reverse mortgages or Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM). These agencies will provide counseling for the rapidly growing number of elderly homeowners who seek to convert equity in their homes into income that can be used to pay for home improvements, medical costs, and other living expenses.
The organizations that provide housing counseling services help people become or remain homeowners or find rental housing, and assist homeless persons in finding the transitional housing they need to move toward a permanent place to live. Grant recipients also help homebuyers and homeowners realistically evaluate their readiness for a home purchase, understand their financing and downpayment options, and navigate what can be an extremely confusing and difficult process.
Source: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2010/HUDNo.10-269
Note: Would any of these funds for programs be necessary if the mortgage industry properly policed itself and there were plenty of reputable landlords of low income housing? Of course, the tenant has to cooperate and treat the property with reasonable care...
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
Housing counseling grants will assist families in becoming first-time homeowners and remaining homeowners after their purchase. HUD-approved counseling agencies not only provide homeownership counseling, but also offer financial literacy training to renters and homeless individuals and families.
Nearly $68 million will support the direct provision of housing counseling services by 24 national and regional organizations, 5 multi-state organizations, and 484 state and local housing counseling agencies. In addition, HUD is awarding more than $5 million to three national organizations to train approximately 4,500 counselors who will receive the instruction and certification necessary to effectively assist families with their housing needs.
Counseling agencies will use $9.5 million to help assist senior citizens seeking reverse mortgages or Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECM). These agencies will provide counseling for the rapidly growing number of elderly homeowners who seek to convert equity in their homes into income that can be used to pay for home improvements, medical costs, and other living expenses.
The organizations that provide housing counseling services help people become or remain homeowners or find rental housing, and assist homeless persons in finding the transitional housing they need to move toward a permanent place to live. Grant recipients also help homebuyers and homeowners realistically evaluate their readiness for a home purchase, understand their financing and downpayment options, and navigate what can be an extremely confusing and difficult process.
Source: http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=/press/press_releases_media_advisories/2010/HUDNo.10-269
Note: Would any of these funds for programs be necessary if the mortgage industry properly policed itself and there were plenty of reputable landlords of low income housing? Of course, the tenant has to cooperate and treat the property with reasonable care...
References to products and services are not a specific endorsement, but the user must perform their due diligence and investigate whether the product or service is right for them. I welcome any or all comments that would help others.
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