Todd's Blog

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What is the HARP program?

My phone and email are blowing up in a good way!  The question on everyone's mind is posed in many different ways - what is the HARP program, what is the HARP plan, or what is the HARP loan?  These are all great questions.

I sum it by saying that the Home Affordable Refinance Program, or HARP 2.0 is the government-sposnored, no appriasal, potentially limited document, underwater loan refinance program.  This is truly the first program that will help lots of borrowers.

It is not perfect. It is only for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans purchsased prior to June 1, 2009.  You can check if your loan is eligible at www.HARP2Program.com

To answer I recorded the Home Affordable Refinance Program, or HARP 2.0, Frequently Asked Questions Webinar.  You can access it at www.HARP2LoanProgram.com. The webinar has been well reviewed - let me know your thoughts.



 

Top 5 Things to Do in Scottsdale Arizona Living to Stay Cool

Top 5 Things to Do in Scottsdale Arizona Living  to Stay Cool. 
 
I always get asked as I have been living in Scottsdale Arizona for over 15 years. What is there to do in Scottsdale Arizona during the summer to keep cool?   I have a 17 month old daughter and the biggest challenge is trying to find things to do out of the heat. Here is a list of the top 5 things to do inside during this summer with and without your children.


#1 Ice Den - Of course, you are probably thinking that this is an obvious choice during the summer to surrond yourself with ice and you can keep cool that way. Ice Den offers a ton of programs for kids and adults alike to enjoy some activity inside on the ice. They have some leagues so you want to call ahead.


#2 Scottsdale Quarter - Scottsdale Quarter has a few things to help you keep cool. First, they have the iPic theater. IPic is an upscale movie theater that allows you to reserve your seat in big comfortable recliners, and drink beer and wine and enjoy better food than your average movie theater. Right outside the Ipic movie theater is a Splash Pad. This is a gerat place to take the kids and let them run around the huge multiple water features. If your hungry, you can't go wrong with TrueFood.


#3 Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) - A brand new state of the art facility that brings all type of instruments from around the world into a fun and interesting place to keep cool. With exhibits, concerts and other showcases this is a place to beat the heat and enjoy some great culture. MIM is located just outside Scottsdale, near the community of Desert Ridge.


#4 Scottsdale Fashion Square - In every city there seems to be a mall, but none better than in Scottsdale, that brings the high end shops, restaurants, movies together in one cool place. The best shopping in Arizona, with Neimans, Nordstrom and Barney's and everything in between. This is the place to beat the heat but be careful and you don't burn through your wallet.


#5 Dave and Busters - For those of you that have been to D&B it is a fun place for kids and adults both. The skeeball game is always a crowd favorite. It have a huge restaurant and bar downstaris and the largest game room in Arizona, with billiards, and every video game imaginable. Check out this great place to beat the heat and stay cool.


If you don't live in Scottsdale, AZ and want to live in Scottsdale. One of the best full service Real Estate agents in Scottsdale is Brent Conley and the Conley Team. What is a full service agent? An agent who is available and works full time in the business, the business of selling Real Estate. Check out his website at www.ScottsdaleArizonaLiving.com and call him at 480-897-9820. You can search all Scottsdale communities, like Gainey Ranch, DC Ranch and Troon in Scottsdale.


Written by Matt Baker of the Bookspan Baker Team at Cobalt Mortgage at 602-522-9494 and www.TheB3Team.com

Lucille Ball's 100th Birthday

I'm really loving watching I Love Lucy on Google's home page in honor of Lucille Ball's 100th Birthday!  I got to watch a bit of one of my favorite episodes.  My daughters were interested in learning more about Lucille Ball after watching with me. It's too bad they didn't grow up watching all of the re-runs I did as a kid.


Here's some more details:

The Google doodle was replaced with a vintage TV set that drew the Google logo in a manner similar to the I Love Lucy opening credits. A "Play" button appeared and clicking it brought up a few seconds of various Lucy episodes, including the famous scene featuring Lucy and Ethel working in a candy factory. Flip the "channels" for six Lucy moments, powered by YouTube.

Google tweeted: "What else to say except 'We Love Lucy'? Happy 100th Birthday to Lucille Ball!" 

Lucille ball was a five-time Emmy winner Lucille Ball died in 1989 in Los Angeles. Her legend lives on, most famously via her iconic TV show, I Love Lucy. The show ran from 1951 to 1957.  It can now be seen in syndication around the world.  The crazy part is this year marks the 60th anniversary of her show. I guess that makes me feel old. 

Bottom line is I Love Lucy and Lucille Ball!  Happy 100th Lucy!

 

What's your favorite episode of I Love Lucy or Lucille Ball moment?

 

Enjoy,
Todd

Todd Bookspan, MBA

Certified Mortgage Planner

The Bookspan Baker Team at Cobalt Mortgage - your one stop shop for a mortgage in Arizona or California.

www.theB3Team.com

602-522-9494 

FHA Fixed Rate Mortgage in Maricopa County – Maricopa County FHA Fixed Rate Mortgage

FHA Fixed Rate Mortgage in Maricopa County - Maricopa County FHA Fixed Rate Mortgage

 

Many families in Maricopa County are looking for low down payment options for buying a home. A great choice for a lot of these families is an FHA fixed rate mortgage. FHA mortgages only require 3.5% down payment and they can get either a 30-year fixed rate mortgage or a 15-year fixed rate mortgage. For other ideas for financing your new home in Arizona, please visit my website at www.BookspanTeam.com.

 

 

Learn more about FHA fixed rate mortgages!

Apply for a Maricopa County FHA fixed rate mortgage!

Conventional Fixed Rate Mortgage in Arizona – Arizona Fixed Rate Conventional Mortgage

Conventional Fixed Rate Mortgage in Arizona - Arizona Fixed Rate Conventional Mortgage

For a lot of people looking to buy a home in Arizona, a conventional fixed rate mortgage is the way to go. A conventional fixed rate mortgage is in accordance with the loan limit set annually by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The terms "conforming mortgage" and "conventional mortgage" are often used interchangeably, and are loans that are not FHA or VA. To learn more about a conventional fixed rate mortgage in Arizona, please visit my website at www.bookspanteam.com.

 

Learn about conventional fixed rate loans!

Apply for an Arizona conventional fixed rate mortgage!

USDA Fixed Rate Mortgage in Arizona – Arizona USDA Fixed Rate Mortgage

USDA Fixed Rate Mortgage in Arizona - Arizona USDA Fixed Rate Mortgage

Families looking to buy a home in rural areas of Arizona can qualify for a USDA fixed rate mortgage. It is a great option for some, as a USDA fixed rate loan requires no money down and up to 103.5% financing. For other options or ideas for financing your new home in Arizona, please visit my website at http://www.bookspanteam.com/.

Learn more about USDA fixed rate loans!

Apply for an Arizona USDA fixed rate mortgage!

VA Fixed Rate Mortgage in Arizona – Arizona VA Fixed Rate Mortgage

VA Fixed Rate Mortgage in Arizona - Arizona VA Fixed Rate Mortgage

For veterans, active-duty personnel, and reservists/National Guard members looking for homes in Arizona, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers VA-backed loans. VA mortgages require little to no down payment, as well as competitive interest rates. VA fixed rate mortgages are a great option for some Arizona families. For other ideas for financing your new home in Arizona, please visit my website at www.bookspanteam.com.

Learn more about VA loans!

Apply for a VA fixed rate mortgage!

FHA Fixed Mortgage in Arizona – Arizona FHA Fixed Mortgage

FHA Fixed Mortgage in Arizona - Arizona FHA Fixed Mortgage

 

Many families in Arizona are looking for low down payment options for buying a home. A great choice for a lot of these families is an FHA fixed mortgage. FHA mortgages only require 3.5% down payment and they can get either a 30-year fixed rate mortgage or a 15-year fixed rate mortgage. For other ideas for financing your new home in Arizona, please visit my website at www.bookspanteam.com.

 

Learn more about FHA fixed mortgages!

Apply for an Arizona FHA fixed mortgage!

Conforming Mortgage in Maricopa County – Maricopa County Conforming Mortgage

Conforming Mortgage in Maricopa County - Maricopa County Conforming Mortgage

For a lot of people looking to buy a home in Maricopa County, a conforming mortgage is the way to go. A conforming mortgage is in accordance with the loan limit set annually by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. The terms "conforming mortgage" and "conventional mortgage" are often used interchangeably, and are loans that are not FHA or VA. To learn more about a conforming mortgage in Arizona, please visit my website at www.BookspanTeam.com.

Learn about conforming loans!

Apply for a Maricopa County conforming mortgage!

FHA Adjustable Rate Mortgage in Arizona - Arizona FHA Adjustable Rate Mortgage

FHA Adjustable Rate Mortgage in Arizona - Arizona FHA Adjustable Rate Mortgage

Many families in Arizona are looking for low down payment options for buying a home. A great choice for a lot of these families is the FHA adjustable rate mortgage. FHA adjustable rate mortgages require a low down payment and they have more flexible credit-qualifying guidelines. For other ideas for financing your new home in Arizona, please visit my website at www.bookspanteam.com.

Learn more about an FHA adjustable rate mortgage!

Apply for an Arizona FHA adjustable rate mortgage!