Have You Heard Of Gube?
Have You Heard Of Gube?
I was reading Facebook earlier today and noticed my friend Johnny Holliday had posted a "Like" to something called Gube. Made me curious so I did a little research.
So what is Gube? It's an iPhone and iPad application that provides parents with a catalog of pre-screened, moderated, and safe yet fun YouTube videos. Designed and developed by parents of toddlers for parents with young children.
There have been several blogs written about Gube. You can find one titled Gube Gives Kids a Safer YouTube on the Hawaii Blog
Here a review done by the Smart Apps For Kids - a Dad's quest to find the best educational apps for the iPad and iPhone.
Lifehaker recently did a review titled Gube Curates Kid-Safe YouTube Videos for iOS
Apple's iTune Preview can be found at Gube By Shacked Software.
What do you think about Gube? I'd appreciate your comments below.
Your source for VA loan information.
My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.
Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388
Can A New Monitor Make A Difference? You Bet It Can!
Can A New Monitor Make A Difference? You Bet It Can!
I've upgraded computers over the years but have kept the same 18" NEC MultiSync LCD monitor. I thought about upgrading but never did it.
My daughter Angela who uses the computer from time to time thought it was time for an upgrade so for Christmas she bought me a 23" HP LED monitor. It was easy to install and the difference is unbelievable. It easier to read and looking at pictures and videos is a whole new experience. I can increase the size (Control +) and see and read much easier and not lose content on the edges of the screen. No more squinting at the screen.
A little bit about monitors:
LED and LCD monitors are based on the same basic technology for image display, but differ in the kind of backlighting used. While LCD monitors use cold cathode fluorescent lamps for backlighting, LED monitors use light emitting diodes. This is the prime difference between the two display technologies. So LED monitors are in actuality, a type of LCD monitors, or an improvement over them.
LCD displays have to rely on external lighting, as their display is created through manipulation of light, passing through polarized liquid crystals. The backlighting affects picture quality substantially and light shed by LEDs offers superior picture quality, compared to LCDs.
LED monitors are also a lot softer on the eyes than LCD monitors which make them popular choices for people who work for long hours (I certainly do) on their desktop computers. Their power consumption is as much as 40% less than conventional LCD monitors. They are also a lot more eco-friendly, because mercury is not used in their production. LEDs last longer than cold cathode fluorescent lamps, with little reduction in their power output over time, which makes these monitors long-lasting.
Here's a short video showing some differences between LCDs and LEDs.
So, don't be like me and squint at an old monitor, upgrade, you'll be glad you did!
Your source for VA loan information.
My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.
Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388
It’s New Year’s. Have You Had Your Coffee Yet?
It's New Year's. Have You Had Your Coffee Yet?
It's New Year's so I thought I'd do a little research on coffee. Thanks to Wikipedia for the information.
Coffee is a brewed beverage with a dark, acidic flavor prepared from the roasted seeds of the coffee plant, colloquially called coffee beans. The beans are found in coffee cherries, which grow on trees cultivated in over 70 countries, primarily in equatorial Latin America, Southeast Asia, South Asia and Africa. Coffee can have a stimulating effect on humans due to its caffeine content. It is one of the most-consumed beverages in the world.
Coffee berries, which contain the coffee seeds or "beans", are produced by several species of small evergreen bush of the genus Coffea. The two most commonly grown are the highly regarded Coffea arabica, and the "robusta" form of the hardier Coffea canephora. The latter is resistant to the devastating coffee leaf rust (Hemileia vastatrix). Once ripe, coffee berries are picked, processed, and dried. The seeds are then roasted to varying degrees, depending on the desired flavor. They are then ground and brewed to create coffee. Coffee can be prepared and presented in a variety of ways.
And now for the video: "Coffee, The Greatest Addiction Ever".
Have a great and prosperous 2012.
Your source for VA loan information.
My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.
Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388
Where Do I Find Information About VA Mortgage Loans?
Where Do I Find Information About VA Mortgage Loans?
With all the conflicts that have happened since 9/11 there are now more people eligible for VA mortgage loans. Where do you go to get your questions answered about VA mortgage loans?
A logical place to start is VA.gov. This is the web site maintained by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The site has lot of information but it can be challenging to find answers to specific questions. Another option is to use a sites specifically targeted to VA mortgage loans such as DCMilitaryVALoans.com.
The most basic question that needs to be answered is "Am I eligible for a VA mortgage loan?" Here are a couple of places to look:
Basic Eligibility Requirements
or
http://www.benefits.va.gov/homeloans/lp.asp#eligible
Another important question is "How much can I borrow?" VA loan limits vary if different parts of the country. To find out how much you can borrow in your are go to:
http://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/docs/Loan_Limits_2012_Dec_2011.pdf
or
VA Loan Limits
So, "What does a VA Loan cost?" You can borrow up to 100% of the purchase price with a VA mortgage loan. VA loans don't have mortgage insurance but do have a VA Funding Fee. The fee is determined by a number of factors including the down payment, how you qualified for a VA loan and the number of times you have used your VA mortgage loan benefit. In certain cases you may be exempt from paying the VA Funding Fee. You can find information about the VA Funding Fee at:
VA Funding Fee Tables
or
http://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/circulars/26_11_19.pdf
Before qualifying for a VA loan, veterans and active duty military personnel must first obtain a Certificate of Eligibility. A Certificate of Eligibility is one of the first important steps in the VA loan process. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs put in place certain protocols for acquiring a COE that can make obtaining the document simple and straightforward. To find information or get your Certificate of Eligibility go to:
VA Loans - Certificate of Eligibility
or
https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits-portal/ebenefits.portal
Here are some advantages of the VA program:
- You can buy a home without a down payment - as long as the sales price doesn’t exceed the appraised value. (Of course, you have to qualify in terms of income and credit.)
- You won’t need to buy private mortgage insurance.
- VA rules limit the amount you can be charged for closing costs.
- Closing costs may be paid by the seller. (You should keep this in mind when negotiating the sales price.)
- The lender can’t charge you a penalty fee if you pay the loan off early.
- VA may be able to provide you some assistance if you run into difficulty making payments.
- You don’t have to be a first-time homebuyer.
- You can reuse the benefit.
- VA-backed loans are assumable, as long as the person assuming the loan qualifies.
Your source for VA loan information.
My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.
Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388
Create A Custom Video From Santa Claus?
Create A Custom Video From Santa Claus?
Christmas is just around the corner. So what can you do that is fun and unusual for both kids and adults?
How about a custom video from Santa Claus.
In just a few easy steps, you can create a personalized video from Santa Claus for your children, friends, family members or colleagues by providing a few little details about the person.
New Portable North Pole 2011: the elves' machine will help Santa decide whether or not you were good!
Just go to: www.portablenorthpole.tv.
It's easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Be sure to have some pictures you want in the video ready to upload.
You can also schedule to have a birthday greeting sent.
Here's a preview done by my good friend Scott in Michigan.
Have a Great Holiday Season
Your source for VA loan information.
My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.
Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388
VA Changes Loan Limits For 2012. They Will Be Lower In Some Areas
VA Changes Loan Limits For 2012. They Will Be Lower In Some Areas
The method to calculate loan limits for VA loans will change in 2012. Loan limits for counties in the contiguous US will range from $417,000 to a possible maximum of $625,500, depending on the median county price. In Hawaii, Guam, Alaska and US Virgin Islands limits will range from $625,500 to a possible maximum of $938,250. It's possible Congress may pass legislation affecting the way our limits are calculated and if so we will post any changes on this website. We expect that any changes would result in slight increases to some limits - but no decreases. Please note that "loan limit" is the maximum loan a lender can make and still receive a 25 percent guaranty, provided the veteran has sufficient entitlement. There is no maximum loan amount so lenders can make loans in excess of these "limits" if they choose, although they will not receive a 25 guaranty.
REMEMBER: The total loan amount, including the VA funding fee, must be below these limits. The VA funding fee is typically financed, which means that it is rolled into the loan amount. So, if you are an active duty, first time VA loan user shopping for a home while trying to stay under the $625,500 limit, you must have a purchase price of under $612,334 (when adding the 2.15% funding fee, the final loan amount is $625,499).
Some of the decreases in VA Loan Limits are significant. In parts of California the maximum loan is dropping from $1,000,000 to $625,000. In Nantucket, MA the loan limit is dropping from $1,094,625 to $625,000. In the Washington, DC and some surrounding Maryland and Virginia counties the VA Loan Limit is falling from $818,750 to $625,500. Baltimore City and some Baltimore area counties aren't seeing aa large a drop falling from $500,000 to $494.500.
Remember, if your county isn't on the VA County Loan Limits list, the maximum VA loan is $417,000. To view the current limits go to VA County Loan Limits.
Earlier this year congress lowered the FHA loan limits and then passed legislation raising them to there previous levels. We will watch and see if congress restores the old limits for VA Loans.
Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.
My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.
Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388
Are Home Prices Going Up In The Washington DC Area? Has Housing Finally Bottomed Out?
Are Home Prices Going Up In The Washington DC Area? Has Housing Finally Bottomed Out?
The Standard & Poors/Case Shiller Index is a monthly report that measures the change in prices of a group of homes in 20 major metropolitan areas in the US. The most recent index for September was released on November 29, 2011.
Seventeen metropolitan areas reported price declines since August, excluding the New York, Portland and Washington, D.C. areas. In the New York and Portland areas, prices edged up 0.1 percent. Prices rose 1.2 percent in the Washington, D.C., area. “Detroit and Washington DC posted positive annual rates of change and also saw an improvement in these rates compared to August" says David M. Blitzer, Chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Indices.
In a speech Tuesday at the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco, Federal Reserve Vice Chair Janet L. Yellen called for more housing stimulus. "A sharp downturn in housing was at the core of the previous recession, and this sector continues to weigh on the recovery," she said. "I see a strong case for additional policies to foster more rapid recovery in the housing sector." There has been speculation that this could partially come in the form of lower mortgage interest rates with the Federal Reserve purchasing mortgage backed securities.
Jim Cramer, a co-founder of TheStreet and contributes daily market commentary to the financial news network's sites, asked "Has Housing Finally Bottomed?" concludes "In other words, it could at last be happening -- and not a moment too soon."
So, are housing prices finally starting to bottom out? If your in the Washington, DC metropolitan area the anwser appears to be yes.
At least in the Washington DC area we appear to have the "Perfect Storm" in real estate with a combination of low housing prices and low interest rates. Are you thinking about purchasing a new home? Act now before the storm subsides!
Your source for VA loan information.
My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.
Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388
Ways To Celebrate The Holidays In The Maryland Metropolitan Area?
Ways To Celebrate The Holidays In The Maryland Metropolitan Area?
We have now gotten past Thanksgiving and it is time to celebrate the holidays. There are many options. Listed below are a few you may enjoy!
Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival
Pretend your car is Sana's sleigh and ride through the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival. You'll find 3.5 miles of more than 380 illuminated vignettes and 65 animated displays that transform Seneca Creek State Park into Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole and Penguin Cove. This
16th annual show runs from December 2nd through December 31st. (closed December 25th) Sunday through Thursday: 6 - 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6 -10 p.m. (Closing December 24th and December 31st at 9 p.m.
www.gaithersburgmd.gov/wingerlights
Symphony of Lights in Columbia, MD
At the Symphony of Lights in Columbia, MD you can chose the way that you experience Symphony Woods' 70 larger-than-life animated and stationaary light creations, In addition to the traditional drive-through option (November 21st - January 1st 6 -10 p.m. - closed December 31st for the Midnight a 7 New Years Eve fireworks display and festivities), you can enjoy a Group Walk Through the Lights - Mondays & Wednesdays ONLY, November 28 - December 21 / 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. Perfect for youth groups, scout groups, school groups and more! Experience the Symphony of Lights in a group setting by taking a 1.4 mile stroll through the light displays and make this your group’s holiday tradition. *Registration Required!* Please call 410-740-7840 for reservations, the Blinkin Binkies 1.4 mile walk especially of the little ones (Thursday, December 8th 4:30 - 5:45 p.m.) or the Tail Lights - Back by popular demand! Treat yourself and your dog to a walk through the 1.4 mile Symphony of Lights. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season and to make this dog friendly walk your families new holiday tradition. (Tuesday, December 13th 4:30 - 5:45 p.m.)
ICE! at the National Harbor's Gaylord National Resort
This year's ICE! at the National Harbor's Garlord National Resost Dreamworks' "Merry Madagascar." Dozens of attisans have migrated from Harbin, China, to carve the elaborate dispaly of the Dreamworks' holiday TV special from two million pounds of ice. It takes them nearly a month of working 12-hour shifts to transform Gaylord National Resort's 15,000-square-foot refrigerated tent into an ice spectaci;ar. Open Friday, November 18th - Sunday,January 8th. See Calendar for hours and costs.
Brookside's Garden of Lights
The Garden of Lights. Visualize close to one million twinkling colorful lights shaped in imaginative displays throughout the gardens. Enjoy the four seasons illuminated as giant summer sunflowers, autumn leaves, winter snowflakes, spring flowers, rain showers, and more. Walk along the easily accessible paths and you’ll see what sets this light show apart from others; it’s the hundreds of wrapped trees and shrubs, beautifully lighted gazebos, cascading fountains, and the individually formed displays in the shapes of blooming flowers and wild animals. Look for moving displays such as a flock of geese, or an 11 foot giraffe covered with 9,000 lights. Open every night except closed on December 24 & 25, and January 2-5. Open New Year’s Eve until 10 p.m. with last car admitted at 9:30pm. Hours: Weekdays: 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. with the last car admitted at 8:30 p.m Weekends (Friday – Sunday) 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. with the last car admitted at 9:30 p.m.
The Annual Festival of Lights
The Annual Festival of Lights is held on the grounds of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Washington. D.C.Temple. The display includes more than 500,000 lights 16 decorated Christmas trees, an international creche exhibit and a life size outdoor nativity scene. There are nightly musical performances. All events are free.
Shadracks's Christmas Wonderland as Adventure Park
Christmas Wonderland at Adventure Park in New Market presents the world’s largest drive-through and fully synchronized LED Christmas light and music show. Hundreds of thousands of lights have been programmed to perform in sync with a selection of Christmas music. No less than 1600 channels simultaneously direct What Shadrack calls “an orchestra of lights.” After driving through the show, get your photo taken with Santa (weekends) and enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, kettle corn and other holiday treats inside Adventure Park’s main building. Nov. 18, 2011 through Jan. 8, 2012; dusk to 10 p.m., including holidays.
Your source for VA loan information.
My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.
Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388
An Everybody Loves Raymond Thanksgiving!
May your turkey plump,
May your potatoes and gravy
Have nary a lump.
May your yams be delicious
And your pies take the prize,
And may your Thanksgiving dinner
Stay off your thighs!
~Author Unknown
May this be yours on Thanksgiving Day and always.
What Is The Housing Affordability Index and Why Should It Matter To You?
What Is The Housing Affordability Index and Why Should It Matter To You?
First, let me say that I think we are in the "Perfect Storm" for real estate with a combination of low real estate prices and near record low mortgage interest rates.
The Housing Affordability Index measures the ability of a typical family to make payments on a median price home. Housing affordability during the third quarter of 2011 hovered near its highest levels nationwide in the more than 20 years it has been measured, according to data complied from the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI).
This data is supported by an last years report that the Beacon Economics' new Beacon Economics Home Affordability Index found that in August homes were at their most affordable level since data became available (1969). Beacon Economics developed the Beacon Economics Home Affordability Index based on the percentage of income an average family would need in order to make mortgage payments on an average priced home.
"Home affordability has reached an historic high," says Beacon Economics Founding Principal Christopher Thornberg. "Nationwide, prices are down approximately 25% from their peak, and mortgage financing rates are at all-time lows." Moreover, the high level of affordability is likely to drive demand and reduce the stock of excess inventory, ultimately resulting in the need for new housing, a rise in prices, and a pickup in new construction, according to Thornberg.
"While prices may fluctuate modestly over the next several months, we believe the worst of the housing crisis is behind us," adds Beacon Economics Research Manager Jordan G. Levine. "We expect prices to stabilize around current levels and likely be higher in the next twelve months."
Thornberg agrees. "Although there could be some modest volatility over the next several months, our research indicates the housing market is at or near the bottom," he says.
The Beacon Economics Home Affordability Index is intended to help homebuyers and policymakers alike understand the current state of the market.
So what does this all mean? If your a first time homebuyer you haven't seen homes this affordable in over 20 years. If you are currently a homeowner and have been thinking about moving up this is a great time to do it. If your looking for a second home do it now before both home prices and interest rates start to rise.
I've been assisting more buyers with second homes in the past few months than I've in the past few years. I'm currently doing mortgage loans for second homes in Maryland, Delaware and Florida.
Your source for VA loan information.
My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.
Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant
PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388
