Header picture

Header picture

Monday, February 13, 2012

    
YOU Magazine
Christian Pak     Christian Pak
Managing Partner
Homeland Financial
Phone: (404) 939-0502
Fax: (678) 638-1215
License: 162627
cpak@homelandmtg.com
www.christianpak.com
Homeland Financial


February 2012



January 2012
December 2011
November 2011
October 2011
September 2011
August 2011


    
What's Labor Got to Do with It?
The Impact of the Job Market on the Housing Market

Being unemployed, under-employed, or afraid of losing a job is never easy. One of the first things many people do in these situations is batten down the hatches and minimize their spending. Certainly, the last thing on their minds is making a major purchase like a house. It's just not a commitment that most people are willing to make when they lack confidence in their financial stability.

   What's Labor Got to Do with It?The Impact of the Job Market on the Housing Market

Take Heart
Fight Heart Disease and Live Longer and Healthier

On Friday, February 3, 2012, thousands of people across the country joined together at companies and organizations as part of National Wear Red Day. The event is designed to help raise awareness and fight heart disease. But it's important to remember that the concerns over heart disease aren't limited to one day.

   Take HeartFight Heart Disease and Live Longer and Healthier

Healthy Eating in 2012
A Few Ideas for Getting Started
By Kirk Leins

The holidays have come and gone, and we are well on our way into a brand new year. I realize that I've just stated the obvious. I also realize that you're probably wondering how it relates to the subject of food. For me at least, the first part of the new year means attempting to cleanse my body after two crazy months marked by decadent eating.

   Healthy Eating in 2012A Few Ideas for Getting StartedBy Kirk Leins

Build a Bigger Net
By David Ackert, Founder, Practice Boomers

I smiled when I saw Frank's email pop up in my inbox. The subject line read ''lunch.'' It had been roughly three months since he and I had seen each other, and he was building his net. Read on to learn why this is crucial to your personal and professional success.

   Build a Bigger NetBy David Ackert, Founder, Practice Boomers

New Rules for Light Bulbs Mean Lower Electric Bills
As federal energy provisions kick in, it means the end for inefficient light bulbs.
By Pat Mertz Esswein, Kiplinger.com

Chalk it up to progress, pollution control and energy security. In January, as more provisions of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 kick in, Thomas Edison's brilliant invention, the incandescent light bulb, had to shape up or ship out. The old-style bulb is targeted for obsolescence because it converts just 10% of the electricity it uses into light and radiates the rest as heat.

   New Rules for Light Bulbs Mean Lower Electric BillsAs federal energy provisions kick in, it means the end for inefficient light bulbs.By Pat Mertz Esswein, Kiplinger.com

Pet Insurance
Health Plans for Fido and Fluffy

Do you think of your pets as members of your family? Considering their propensity for affection and devotion, it's rather hard to feel otherwise. So, it's safe to say that you want the best for your animals, with the hope of ensuring their well-being for as long as you possibly can. Did you know that health insurance might be the key to making that happen?

   Pet InsuranceHealth Plans for Fido and Fluffy





Wednesday, February 8, 2012

HARP 2.0 Refinance program

HARP 2 Refinance Program is Available 
See If You Can Benefit

HARP 2.0 as it is being called will allow refinancing to more homeowners who are underwater. This program is a revision to the current Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP).

So what does this mean?


This means that if your mortgage is owned or guaranteed by either Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae, you may be eligible to refinance your mortgage under the enhanced and expanded provisions of HARP.

You can determine whether your mortgage is owned by either Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae by checking the following websites:

Following are some particulars of the program:

1.     No LTV (loan to value) limitations. This means that no matter how upside down you are, you can still refinance.
2.     Cannot have any late payments to mortgage in the past 6 months and no more than 1 30-day late in the past 12 months.
3.     If you currently have PMI (private mortgage insurance), you can still qualify and transfer the MI to the new loan.

These are the main rules but additional guidelines could apply based on each individual borrower’s qualifications. Please contact me for additional information and start the refinance process to lower your mortgage payment.