Tuesday, May 29, 2012

California's risky bet on Facebook

Jerry Brown's anticipation of a Facebook windfall illustrates his pattern for overpromising and underdelivering. A smart executive does the opposite.

California government may receive a windfall from huge capital-gains taxes on the sale of Facebook stock following the Palo Alto social-networking behemoth's recent initial public offering. Or not.



(source: Orange County Register)

Mobility Challenges? Veterans Get Help to Remodel Homes


America's Disabled Veterans
Are you a serviceman or woman returning to your family home as America’s commitments in Iraq and Afghanistan wind down? Do you face mobility challenges as a result of injuries sustained in the line of duty? Many mortgage lenders help veterans across America to achieve a barrier-free living environment and independent living that meets their specific needs. They can structure a VA remodeling loan to help you reconfigure your residence to ease the daily challenge. 

Remodel Bathroom
Install Accessible Ramp

Whether you need special ramps, wider door frames, accessible bathtub or a physical therapy area, you can get help finding an affordable monthly payment. Perhaps you need to relocate the main bedroom to a ground floor level, adding or upgrading a bathroom. These, and many other projects, can make your home accessible and comfortable throughout. Major remodeling can be a budget buster, but with a low interest VA remodeling loan, your project can become reality.

Add accessibility features in kitchen
Backed by a VA guarantee, you can qualify for a low rate for the most flexible options in the industry. Eligible borrowers are not required to make a down payment or pay private mortgage insurance. Your credit score has no impact on your rate for this type of loan. If you’re a veteran who is eligible for a VA loan you can borrow as much as 90% of your home equity and use it for home improvements. 

Perhaps your home has lost value while you were on active duty and you do not have enough equity to fund the accessibility upgrades? A great option is to apply for a Temporary Residence Adaption grant offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This one-time grant is designed to help veterans injured in the line of duty to adapt their home to suit their particular disability. A mortgage lender can supplement this grant with a VA remodeling loan to help you take on a big project. You must act now to take advantage of this grant program, which ends December 31, 2012.

Qualified veterans take advantage of a VA Remodeling Loan for your home upgrades. Investigate this opportunity today!

~~ Linda Ivanov, author