Posts Tagged ‘Ruhl and Ruhl’

Proper Planning for Your Mortgage Application

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

With good preparation, most things are easier. That works in mortgages too! Today, I want to give you some ideas that can make your mortgage experience less painful.

Income Items:

  1.  Gather your documents. Today, many people will have to produce 2 years’ complete tax returns, including W2′s, 1099′s, K1′s, and all the schedules, as well as a month’s worth of pay stubs.
  2. Be prepared to explain them. Deductions in your returns and your pay stubs may impact the income your lender will use to qualify you which, in turn, has a big impact on the loan you will get.
  3. Have a breakdown of base pay versus overtime for both your pay stubs and 2 years’ W2′s. Lenders treat overtime (and bonus income) differently than your base pay. Be prepared to explain any changes over the last few years because your loan officer will ask you about it.
  4. Start accumulating your bank statements. Lenders look back 3 months from when you sign your contract of sale.
  5. You will have to explain any and all large deposits (which are defined as deposits greater than your regular pay check) because lenders want to make sure you haven’t taken out any new loans that aren’t on your credit report.
  6. Avoid any significant cash deposits. However, if you did have a cash deposit, understand that the lender will have you source it (a bill of sale and DMV receipt for that motorcycle, for example).
  7. If you will be receiving a gift, consult your loan officer on how to document it (from the donor’s ability to how you deposit it).
  8.  Ask your loan officer to run your credit and go over it with them. Believe it or not, most credit reports contain errors. Best to identify them and get working on correcting them as early as possible.
  9. Do what you can to pay down your balances to under 30% of available credit to help you get the best score possible.
  10. Do NOT close accounts or pay off collection accounts without discussing it with your loan officer. Either one of these logical moves can actually have a negative impact on your score.

Asset Items:

  1. Start accumulating your bank statements. Lenders look back 3 months from when you sign your contract of sale.
  2. You will have to explain any and all large deposits (which are defined as deposits greater than your regular pay check) because lenders want to make sure you haven’t taken out any new loans that aren’t on your credit report.
  3. Avoid any significant cash deposits. However, if you did have a cash deposit, understand that the lender will have you source it (a bill of sale and DMV receipt for that motorcycle, for example).
  4. If you will be receiving a gift, consult your loan officer on how to document it (from the donor’s ability to how you deposit it).

Credit Items:

  1.  Ask your loan officer to run your credit and go over it with them. Believe it or not, most credit reports contain errors. Best to identify them and get working on correcting them as early as possible.
  2. Do what you can to pay down your balances to under 30% of available credit to help you get the best score possible.
  3. Do NOT close accounts or pay off collection accounts without discussing it with your loan officer. Either one of these logical moves can actually have a negative impact on your score.

When buying a home, remember the Boy Scout motto, “Be prepared”. Following these suggestions will make your loan approval easier and less stressful.

Please remember that each mortgage company and application is different so for the most accurate information always talk to your preferred loan officer. To find out more information, contact Jane Schneider at 1862 Mortgage or any 1862 Mortgage Loan Officer for more information at 866.441.1862 or Info@1862Mortgage.com.

1862 Mortgage has partnered with Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS to offer a convenient one-stop experience for both home buying and home financing needs nationwide. 1862 Mortgage is a DBA (Doing Business As) of Shelter Mortgage, an operating subsidiary of Guaranty Bank. As part of a strong and stable bank, 1862 Mortgage offers the promise of longevity and security along with a commitment to service excellence.

Information provided by: KCM Blog

Ruhl&Ruhl Participates in 2012 Spring Parade of Homes

Friday, April 20th, 2012

Please join us for the upcoming Spring Parade of Homes event.  The parade will be held April 21st, 22nd, 25th, 28th and 29th from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday. As always, the parade of homes is free to the public.

Many of the top builders in the Quad Cities participate in this event as it showcases new building trends in new construction homes. There are twenty three homes to tour with nearly half of them being held open by Ruhl&Ruhl agents.  Please see the homes Ruhl&Ruhl agents are showing below:

This is a great event and Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS looks forward to participating it in every year.  This year there is over $1,000 in prizes that the public is able to enter to win at each home on the tour.  For a full list and map of the homes being held open please check out www.qchba.com.

A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS has grown to 279 sales associates, 58 employees and eleven offices, selling more than 4,100 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin. The company has residential sales offices in Bettendorf, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Davenport, DeWitt, Dubuque, Iowa City, Maquoketa and Muscatine, Iowa; and in Moline, Illinois. In addition to residential sales, the company offers services in relocation, property management, real estate investments, new home sales, land development, farm sales, senior services, home vendor services, insurance services through the Nelson Brothers Agency and mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at www.RuhlHomes.com.

Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS Ranked Iowa’s Largest Privately Owned Real Estate Company

Tuesday, April 17th, 2012

Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS was once again ranked the largest privately-owned real estate company in Iowa, according to RISMedia’s 2012 Power Broker Report.

The report ranks the top 300 real estate companies in the country according to the number of transactions and sales volume.  Ruhl&Ruhl ranked 93rd in the country for the number of transactions closed, which was 4,152 in 2011.

Other Iowa Companies Ranked as follows.

Company Name

Transactions Rank

Transactions

Sales Volume

Total Offices

Total Agents

Transactions per Agent

Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS

93

4,152

$593,082,327

11

275

15.1

Skogman Realty, Cedar Rapids

136

3,151

$495,969,414

5

221

14.26

Mel Foster Co., Quad Cities

150

2,939

$419,362,790

9

231

12.72

Coldwell Banker Mid-America Group, REALTORS, Des Moines

186

2,530

$385,564,406

5

186

13.6

 

“2011 was a wonderful year for Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS – our sales volume grew by 7.3% and we had 6.8% more transactions than the prior year,” said Caroline Ruhl, President of Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS. “And it looks like 2012 will be even better! For the first quarter sales volume closed was up 50.5% over the first quarter of 2011 and 39.9% more transactions were closed.”

On average, Ruhl&Ruhl agents sold 15.1 properties per agent, as either listing or selling agents, which places Ruhl&Ruhl agents among the most productive in the country. The National Association of Realtors reports an average of 7 sales per agent nationally.

“We are excited and proud to earn this ranking,” Ruhl said. “I have been blessed to be surrounded by the best people in our business. At the end of the day, it always comes down to having the right people.”

To view the 2012 Power Broker Report visit this link, http://remag.rismedia.com/t/14873.

A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS has grown to 279 sales associates, 58 employees and eleven offices, selling more than 4,100 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin. The company has residential sales offices in Bettendorf, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Davenport, DeWitt, Dubuque, Iowa City, Maquoketa and Muscatine, Iowa; and in Moline, Illinois. In addition to residential sales, the company offers services in relocation, property management, real estate investments, new home sales, land development, farm sales, senior services, home vendor services, insurance services through the Nelson Brothers Agency and mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at www.RuhlHomes.com.

What It Means To Be an ‘EXPERT’ in Real Estate

Thursday, April 12th, 2012

If you are either buying or selling a home in today’s market, you need a real estate expert. However, we must realize what the term ‘expert’ actually means. An expert in any area cannot give perfect advice as no one can predict the future. But they can give excellent advice based on their insight into their field.

If you go to an attorney with a legal challenge, he/she will look over your case and give you your options. They realize they cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the options. Still, they give the best advice possible and allow you to decide the option with which you feel most comfortable. They then will put together a strategy which hopefully will bring about the most favorable conclusion.

If you go to a doctor with a serious ailment, he/she will give you your options and work with you to develop the best treatment program. They cannot guarantee any program’s success. They will, however, monitor your progress and adjust your treatments or medications. They will stand next to you until the best result is achieved.

Real estate is no different. A true real estate professional will understand your options and simply and effectively explain them to you and your family. Once you chose an option, they will strategize a plan to help you accomplish your goals. They will standby you as the process evolves and will help you make the necessary adjustments if necessary.

They cannot see the future any better than doctors or attorneys and thus their advice will never be perfect. However, just like those other professionals, an expert agent will give you excellent advice that will bring about the best possible outcome.

Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS is the EXPERT in our market! Our Sales associates can assist you in residential sales and offer services in relocation, new home sales, land development, farm sales, senior services and mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at RuhlHomes.com.

 

Provided By: KCM Blog

Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS Supports the Big Brothers Big Sisters Annual Plant Sale

Friday, April 6th, 2012

Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS is proud to be a sponsor of the 2012 Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley Annual Plant Sale.

The plant sale takes place May 5th – May 13th with pre-ordering available online at www.bbbs-mv.org through April 23rd.  Hanging baskets will be available for purchase at the Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS Bettendorf Office, 1228 Middle Road, Saturday, May 5th from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 6th from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. Orders can be picked up and other plants are available at the Northwest Bank Tower in Davenport, Becker and Becker in Geneseo and Quick Printers in Macomb.

“This is going to be a great event and we are excited to be a part of it this year,” said Caroline Ruhl. “This is a fantastic way to support a mentoring programs and I know that our Ruhl&Ruhl sales associates are proud to be associated with this amazing program.”

The Plant Sale is held every year the week prior to Mother’s Day.  All proceeds from this event benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters to support one-to-one mentoring programs in our communities.  Specifically, dollars are used to ensure that the matches made are safe, high quality, compatible, long lasting and impactful for the child, adult mentor, area schools and parents.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is a donor-supported volunteer organization, providing one-to-one mentoring services to vulnerable children throughout a 14-county area in the Mississippi Valley. Today our organization impacts over 1,000 children through one of our four mentoring environments: Career-based, Community-based, School-based and Site-based.  Dollars raised through this event underwrite enrollment, matching and match coaches for one year.

A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS has grown to more than 275 sales associates, 58 employees and eleven offices, selling more than 4,300 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin. The company has residential sales offices in Bettendorf, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Davenport, DeWitt, Dubuque, Iowa City, Maquoketa and Muscatine, Iowa; and in Moline, Illinois. In addition to residential sales, the company offers services in relocation, property management, real estate investments, new home sales, land development, farm sales, senior services, home vendor services, insurance services through the Nelson Brothers Agency and mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at www.RuhlHomes.com.

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FHA Mortgage Insurance Changes Coming April 9th

Monday, April 2nd, 2012

Soon it will cost a little more for some mortgage loans.

The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) will have a new premium structure for FHA-insured single-family mortgage loans, increasing the Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) it collects by 0.10 percent. These premium changes will impact new loans insured by the FHA, effective April 9, 2012. Loans with amortization terms of 15 years or less, and a loan-to-value ratio of 78% or less, remain exempt from the Annual MIP.

FHA reports that this increase is a part of ongoing efforts to encourage the return of private capital to the housing market and to protect capital reserves, according to a statement.

In addition, the Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) will increase from 1 percent to 1.75 percent of the base loan amount, effective April 9, 2012 as well. This increase applies regardless of the amortization term or loan to value ratio. FHA will continue to permit financing of this charge into the mortgage. The FHA estimates that the increase to the upfront premium will cost new borrowers an average of approximately $5 more per month.

The above increases will impact all newly originated FHA mortgages for purchase and refinances, unless the homeowner qualifies for the new reduced mortgage insurance rates with an FHA streamlined refinance. The changes to mortgage insurance do not apply to FHA’s reverse mortgages.

FHA Streamlined Refinances will have reduced FHA mortgage insurance premiums IF the FHA loan being refinanced was endorsed on or before May 31, 2009, effective on case numbers issued on or after June 11, 2012. Upfront mortgage insurance premiums will be reduced from 1% to 0.01% of the base loan amount and the annual mortgage insurance will be reduced to 0.55% of the loan amount. Borrowers must be current on their existing FHA insured mortgage.

If your FHA loan being refinanced was endorsed June 1, 2009 or later, then the reduced rate does not apply.

To find out more information, contact Jane Schneider at 1862 Mortgage or any 1862 Mortgage Loan Officer for more information at 866.441.1862 or Info@1862Mortgage.com.

1862 Mortgage has partnered with Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS to offer a convenient one-stop experience for both home buying and home financing needs nationwide. 1862 Mortgage is a DBA (Doing Business As) of Shelter Mortgage, an operating subsidiary of Guaranty Bank. As part of a strong and stable bank, 1862 Mortgage offers the promise of longevity and security along with a commitment to service excellence.

A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS annually sells nearly 3,800 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin and is the largest privately-owned real estate company in Iowa. Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, the company has 280 sales associates and 50 employees based in 11 sales. In addition to residential sales, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS offers services in relocation, new home sales, farm and land sales, senior services, real estate investment, mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage and insurance services through the Nelson Brothers Agency.  For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at www.RuhlHomes.com

Ruhl&Ruhl Hosts 2 FREE Career Seminars

Monday, March 26th, 2012

Enjoy the Freedom a Real Estate Career can offer!  Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS is hosting a 2 free Real Estate Career Seminar on Tuesday, April 10th from 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM at the Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors Davenport Office, 4545 Welcome Way, Davenport, IA and Wednesday, April 11th from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM at the Burlington Holiday Inn, 1605 N. Roosevelt Avenue, Burlington, IA.

These seminars will focus on selling real estate in eastern Iowa and western Illinois, covering such topics as current real estate market activity, licensing requirements, startup investment and earnings potential. Discover the advantages of flexible scheduling, the use of your entrepreneurial spirit and skills to start a business, and the potential career growth a real estate career can offer. Join us to learn how Ruhl&Ruhl can help you become successful in a New Career! For reservations or further information contact Darcy Holle at 563.441.5102 or DarcyHolle@RuhlHomes.com or visit us at RuhlHomes.com/careers.

You can also evaluate your real estate potential, and see how your core capacity traits may anticipate your future success in a real estate career by taking our free online assessment at www.JointheRuhlTeam.com . It immediately provides you with an in-depth report! Take 10 minutes to find out if your talents will allow you to exceed your dreams as a sales associate at Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS.

A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl specializes in residential sales and offers services in relocation, new home sales, land development, farm sales, senior services and mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at RuhlHomes.com.

Buying a Home? The COST Is More Important Than the PRICE

Wednesday, March 21st, 2012

We have often advised buyers to look at the COST of purchasing a house more than the PRICE of the home. Obviously, price is part of the cost equation. The other piece, assuming you are not an all cash buyer, is the mortgage rate. The mortgage rate to finance a purchase can have a dramatic impact on the overall cost. Recently, there are more people talking about the possibility that mortgage rates could begin to increase.

HSH.com studies trends in mortgage rates. They explain:

“A better economic climate almost always brings higher rates, and a lessening of the troubles in Europe from massive central bank assistance adds to the movement of money from safe havens to more risky assets, driving rates upward.”

Dan Green of The Daily Market Reports recently stated:

“The Fed sees growth coming faster than originally expected. There’s suddenly less chance that the Federal Reserve will intervene to help keep mortgage rates low. Absent Fed intervention, mortgage rates are apt to rise and Wall Street is now betting that the Fed has bowed out. With no stimulus, mortgage rates rise.”

Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Assoc of Realtors, recently wrote:

“Mortgage rates will be starting to rise. From the 3.9 to 4.0 percent average rate in the past five months on a 30-year fixed mortgage, the new rates will soon be in the range of 4.3 to 4.6 percent.”

Yun explains his logic here.

We do not attempt to predict future interest rates. We leave that up to the experts in the field. However, we want our readers to understand the potential impact on the cost of purchasing a home if they do rise. Here is a simple table that shows, even if the PRICE of a home softens, the COST of a home could increase.

 

Bottom Line

Many purchasers think they should wait until they are sure that prices have hit bottom. Deciding whether or not to wait should be determined by where the COST of a home is headed.

For the most up to date information on the housing market keep checking RuhlHomes.com.

Blog and information provided by: KCM Blog

House Sales in the U.S.

Tuesday, March 13th, 2012

Ruhl&Ruhl

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Keep checking RuhlHomes.com for the most up to date information on the housing market.

 

Graphic provided by: KCM Blog

Home Prices Continue to be Strong in our Markets

Wednesday, March 7th, 2012

Our local markets are reaping the benefits of stronger home prices compared to the rest of the country, ranking in the top 15% in the nation.

Nationally home prices have fallen 19.16% in the last five years, but all of our markets’ home prices are up: 7.84% in Dubuque; 3.25% in the Quad Cities; 3.04% in Iowa City; and 1.72% in Cedar Rapids. This compares to other cities: Des Moines, IA down 2.34%; Chicago, IL down 22.86%; and the Daytona Beach, FL area down 46.24%.

According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, of the 306 MSA’s (Metropolitan Statistical Areas) ranked by home price appreciation, all of our markets in eastern Iowa ranked in the top 15% in the nation – Dubuque at 4th, Iowa City at 16th; the Quad Cities at 45th; and Cedar Rapids at 47th.

Analysts report that although there was an overall decline, 12 states showed price increases this quarter, which shows that real estate markets are seeing some signs of life. Our local markets continue to provide a much more stable environment for purchasing homes and investing in real estate. In fact, our current listing inventory is declining and multiple offers are being seen on existing properties for sale. Now is the time to start your home search and get your property listed in our markets, noted Caroline Ruhl, President of Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS.    

A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS has grown to more than 275 sales associates, 58 employees and eleven offices, selling more than 4,300 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin. The company has residential sales offices in Bettendorf, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Davenport, DeWitt, Dubuque, Iowa City, Maquoketa and Muscatine, Iowa; and in Moline, Illinois. In addition to residential sales, the company offers services in relocation, property management, real estate investments, new home sales, land development, farm sales, senior services, home vendor services, insurance services through the Nelson Brothers Agency and mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at www.RuhlHomes.com.


Copyright © 2012 Ruhl & Ruhl REALTORS. All rights reserved. Disclaimer: All content on this blog is my own opinion and should not be treated as fact or relied upon when purchasing or selling real estate.