Don't forget to put in your change of address with the United States Postal Service. You can go online and order an "official change of address kit".
The fastest, easiest, and most convenient way to file a change of address with the Postal Service is with MoversGuide Online, available at usps.com. MoversGuide Online enables automatic processing of address changes and makes a trip to the Post Office unnecessary. An e-mail address is required for this service, and to prevent fraud, the Postal Service charges a $1 fee via credit card to verify identities. Alternatively, online forms can be printed and mailed without cost, left for mail carriers to pick up, or dropped off at local Post Offices.
The popularity of MoversGuide Online has more than tripled since 2002, its first full year of operation. Today, more than 6 million people have used the service to file a change of address. Other change-of-address options include Telephone Change of Address (1-800-ASK-USPS) and the hard copy Mover's Guide packet found in Post Office lobbies.
General Postal Services click here: www.usps.com
Officaial Change of Address click here: www.Moversguide.com
Incetives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency: www.dsireusa.org
Qualified, first-time home buyers using a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured mortgage now can apply the $8,000 federal tax credit toward their down payments, the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today.
Currently, borrowers applying for an FHA-insured mortgage are required to issue minimum down payments of 3.5 percent. Previously, FHA-approved lenders were not allowed to monetize the tax credit as part of the 3.5 percent; however, under the new guidelines announced this afternoon, borrowers now can use the tax credit as additional down payment, or for other closing costs.
For more information, please visit: www.hud.gov
C.A.R. launches Mortgage Protection Program
On Thursday, April 2, 2009 the Housing Affordability Fund has launched a new program designed to provide peace of mind to first-time buyers who are hesitant to enter the housing market due to concerns about potential job loss, and subsequently being unable to meet their monthly mortgage obligations.
To qualify for the Mortgage Protection Program,
Applicants must:
. · Be a first-time home buyer – someone who has not owned
a home in the last three years.
· Open escrow April 2, 2009, or later, and close on or before
Dec. 31, 2009
· Use a California REALTOR® in the transaction
· Purchase the property in California
· Be a W-2 employee (cannot be self-employed)
For a copy of the MPP Application Click here.
This form must be submitted by an active California
REALTOR® to apply.
For examples on how the program works Click Here.
For a list of Frequently Asked Questions Click here