Carissa Hopkins-Hoel's (hopkinshoel) Blog

Just in today!!! New changes with FHA that affects sellers who are short selling their homes.  PHH is one of the lenders who will take on the new changes with FHA guidelines.  Sellers who are shorting their mortgages to sell due to relocating, divorce or other type of circumstances (change in fam...

Fannie Mae is now offering additional incentives along with the tax credit. They are offering 3.5% to the buyer in the form of closing costs, new whirlpool appliances or a combination of the two with an acceptable purchase agreement by April 30th and after January 28th, 2010. The home must close ...

Here is a little direction to get started on collecting on the $8,000 tax credit and the $6,500 move-up tax credit. The IRS just released the form needed to claim the $8,000 tax credit for first time and $6,500 for repeat buyers who closed after Nov. 30th.  I have attached the form.   Here is the...

A blog written by another team member, Lindsay DeLand, inspires me and helps remind me to appreciate what we have in life and to give back to others in need. Some days, social networking can seem like a hassle. Staying caught up with your acquaintances and obligations online isn't always easy, bu...

This blog was written by one of my teammates. Kudos to her for persevering and finding an option for her buyer. This is a great tip! Are you having difficulties getting financing for rural properties due to well and septic issues? Meeker and Wright county both offer several different financing op...

There is exactly 101 days left until the first-time homebuyer and the move-up buyer tax credit comes to an end. Putting that in perspective means you must buy now!  If it takes around 30 days to find the right home and then another 30 to 60 days to close depending on financing, terms and conditio...

Wednesday, January 13, 2010 Moving Up in a Down Market Now may be the time for the prudent home buyer to make the big move. I have four good reasons why 2010 is the time to make the move up to more square footage, a new lifestyle dwelling, an easy access floor plan, or a greener home. My top four...

Inventory is low and things are looking up!  The real estate market has really taking a swing on the pendulum the past year. As 2009 came to a close interesting trends came into light.  2009 shined over 2008 for homes sold.  1,087 homes sold in the year 2008 and 1,106 homes sold in 2009. A nice 2...

Ok, now that the holidays are over and everyone is back in the swing of things or better known as normalacy!  Valentines is right around the corner!  I know a fabulous gift idea!  Jewelry!!!!  Many people may have heard of Lia Sophia. It's a great jewelry line that offers a wide variety of color,...

Ok, now that the holidays are over and everyone is back in the swing of things or better known as normalacy!  Valentines is right around the corner!  I know a fabulous gift idea!  Jewelry!!!!  Many people may have heard of Lia Sophia. It's a great jewelry line that offers a wide variety of color,...