HomeTeam Basics - A First-Time Home Buying Seminar in Kansas City

Ready to buy your first home?

HomeTeam, producer of the nationally syndicated cause television show, has come back to Kansas City to help you buy your first home. We're here to help you get it right the first time. Our team of knowledgeable partners will be on hand to answer questions and provide the tools you?ll need in order to make smart home buying decisions. Solicitation is not a goal for our seminar. We will be traveling around the US to provide advice and information to first time home buyers all over, but will hold meetups back in Seattle soon. Please look for a message from us regarding our next meetup in Seattle. Topics Covered Include Credit/Debt Education Mortgage Choosing a neighborhood Home Search Selecting a realtor Escrow & Closing The best part is... it's FREE! We look forward to seeing you there...

Date: Saturday, May 19th, 2007
Time: 9:30am-3:00pm
Where: Marriott Kansas City
Country Club Plaza
4455 Main Street
Kansas City, MO 64111

Topics Covered Include
Credit/Debt Education
Mortgage
Choosing a neighborhood
Home Search
Selecting a realtor
Escrow & Closing

Register at www.hometeam.com and attend and you’ll be automatically entered to win a trip for two to Los Angeles to see HomeTeam Filmed live! Brought to you by National City Mortgage.

Condensed Episode Cleveland - Rachel Evtimov

Rachel Evtimov is a single mother of 3-year-old twins. It's a thought beyond the comprehension of most 24-year-olds, but to Rachel, the opportunity to even deliver twins was a life changing event. At 14, Rachel underwent a medical procedure after the discovery of cancer cells, where she was informed that it would be practically impossible for her to conceive children let alone take them to term.

Rachel spoke often of one-day owning her own home in a decent neighborhood where she could proudly send her children to a desirable school. That day came on September 17, 2006. Family and friends joined HomeTeam in the renovation of Rachel's new home.

Condensed Episode Dallas - Todd and Cindy Davis

Todd and Cindy Davis have made it their mission to help those in need. After spearheading an effort to save a young girl from the streets, they welcomed her into their home, a parsonage on church grounds. Known for ministering to troubled youth, they once loaded buses with 300 children and brought them to church. Involved in the Dallas community through their church and other activities, Todd and Cindy have established a humble and giving family; but they've never established a home of their own. The Davis family mission has been to provide safe havens for those in need. After a lifetime of giving, they'll finally have a safe haven of their own.

Condensed Episode New Jersey - Tom and Luz Healey

Putting others' needs before their own has always been important to Tom and Luz Healey. Luz immigrated to the United States 13 years ago from Puerto Rico and hasn't forgotten her roots. She and Tom are both involved with Hope for a Healthier Humanity (HHH), a foundation committed to assisting Latin American and Caribbean families achieve improved access to quality healthcare. Luz travels extensively for HHH, often acting as a translator. Tom has worked in healthcare since 1987, and dedicates his free time to volunteering for HHH and the Knights of Columbus.

HomeTeam stepped up to the plate to help the Healeys with their American Dream – home ownership.

WABC Eyewitness News in New York

WABC Eyewitness News in New York interviewed HomeTeam's host Troy McClain and also previewed the New Jersey episode shooting locally last November

Seattle foreclosures increase in March

Default Research Inc., one of the largest real estate research companies', released a statistic confirming a 27% increase in home foreclosures for the Seattle area. What's surprising is that the research also shows Seattle as prime real estate despite the foreclosure increase and sub prime mess. King County is still growing rapidly, and was referred to as a "crown jewel" for buyers. If you can afford King, Pierce, or Snohomish County neighborhoods, it sounds like a great investment even with recent troubles. Several articles have eluded to the fact that the Seattle area is still a great place to buy even with a nationwide downfall. Any opinions or experiences to the contrary?

"Boosting" Credit Scores for Great Home Loan Rates: Good or Bad Idea?

So we all know it's hard to come by a really affordable home loan, especially if you have less-than-exceptional credit. New companies and websites are now offering to "boost your credit" temporarily to allow you to be approved for a great loan. It's important to understand how these companies are actually "boosting" credit, because all though it's not unlawful, it's not necessarily "honest" business either. You will be raising your credit for about 60 - 180 days on average, just enough time to be approved for a home loan you won't otherwise qualify for, while getting involved in a potentially hazardous situation. First of all, these companies are basically raising a credit score by adding an authorized user to a credit card. Sounds a little phony, but these companies have found a way to raise credit scores 50-250 points by adding good credit to bad. For example, one person with bad credit will score points on their credit as a user with great credit is added as a user to their credit card, usually a friend or family member.

You may be thinking.... What's the problem? Well, this loophole sounds enticing, but the appeal comes at a cost - it's just another inventive credit scam. It will only be a short time before lenders have taken further action beyond being aware of the scamming - putting you at risk as the loan-holder who deceptively "bought" an approval-worthy credit score. One state regulator has actually issued a "fraud alert" stating, "consumers, brokers and lenders that complete, submit or participate in the completion and submission of an application for credit that contains misrepresentations or false information are subject to administrative actions and potential criminal penalties by the state." Sure, first time buyers can get the loan rate they want, at the right price, but how long will it last before these companies, and eventually buyers "pay" for these deceptive practices against lenders. Is it really worth the cost?

To read more about this topic, visit: http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2003654782_harney08.html