Month: April 2012

Will the Gas Stations in the West End be held accountable…..

for their contribution of bringing down our values?

FINALLY!!!  My prayers are being answered.  According to a letter from council Member Winslow to West End community forum:

” Mr. & Mrs. Ali, who own the Shell Gas Station at the corner of Ralph D. Abernathy Blvd and Langhorn Street have been issued a citation to go to court on Thursday, April 26th at 8:00 a.m.  Atlanta Municipal Court is 150 Garnett Street, SW which is at the corner of Central Avenue and Garnett Street. For some time now, I have been talking to Mr. Ali about problems in and outside of his store. As a result of his non response, I had the Atlanta Fore department to go out and inspect the interior of his building for fire safety concerns. After the inspection, they issued a citation for him to come to court.

Wow!  I thought it was JUST ME. I often wonder why we seem to have the worst service and the MOST gas stations than any other community in-town Atlanta? Not to mention how over priced they are!!

Any way- we are getting some action on this. If you can, please come to the courtroom tomorrow or send any letters of support for Ms. Winslow .

Down payment program decoded

Down Payment programs in Atlanta

In Atlanta, Invest Atlanta leads the pack in down payment assistance, in fact other than Georgia Dream, there is no other source for down payment assistance in Atlanta (I excluded NSP funds because you have to buy a NSP house to get those funds).

I have been getting a lot of questions on down payment assistance programs, so here are some of the answers:

Neighborhood Lift:

1) What is it?

This down payment program is funded by the Wells Fargo Foundation and NeighborWorks America, and is available through Invest Atlanta. Contrary to popular thinking, the lender does not have to be Wells Fargo. The program will be available for two years, however, it is a first come, first service program.  If the funds run out before the two years are up….I can only say SORRY.

2) How much money can a buyer receive?

Qualified homebuyers can receive up to $15,000.00 to purchase a home.

3) Can the Neighborhood lift program be combined with other down payment assistance programs?

The Neighborhood lift program can be layered with other down payment assistance programs but not with Georgia Dream.

4) Does the money have to be paid back?

As long as the buyer stays in the home for five years, no money has to be paid back.  However, if the buyer moves out of the home before five years a portion of the money must be paid back.  This amount will be based on the amount of time the buyer has lived in the home.

5) Can the home be refinanced to get a lower rate before the five years are up?

The Neighborhood Lift program is the only program Invest Atlanta maintains, that allows refinancing.  Yes, the buyer can refinance to get a lower rate. No cash out refinancing is allowed.

6) Can the Neighborhood Lift program be used with a 203k loan?

Yes, it can but only if you are not layering it with another Invest Atlanta program.

7) Can the homebuyer certificate received for the other Invest Atlanta programs apply towards the Neighborhood lift program?

No, the buyer must take a class specific to the Neighborhood Lift program. You can go to Invest Atlanta website or call me for the list of classes.

I hope I was able to answer your questions on the Neighborhood lift program, if you have more questions about down payment assistance go ahead and call me. if I dont know the answer, I will know where to get the answer.

Vonda Henry., Loan Originatior.

Voice 404.374.3557  Fax 404.806.0073

Equity Loans, LLC  NMLS 170855 G A25313

1150 Hammond Drive Blg. E Ste 650  Atlanta, GA 30328

Westview Newsletter and Fund Raiser for the paper! **4/19/12**

Hi Neighbors,
Last week we released the second issue of the Westview Neighbor.  You should have received or will receive a hard copy at your home soon, but here is the link to the March/April newsletter online: http://www.westviewatlanta.com/community-organization/westview-neighbor-newsletter/
I also want to announce an event happening next Thursday, April 19 at Space Atlanta from  6:30- 9:30 pm that will celebrate the launch of the newsletter and raise funds for the paper.  If you are free please come out!  This will be a great way to meet neighbors you haven’t had a chance to get to know yet.  I  want to give a HUGE thanks to neighbors Pat and John Perdew, DaDa, and Barbia who decided to throw this event on behalf of the newsletter.  You can reach out to Pat Perdew with questions or to help: 404-563-6132.
Finally, thanks to the staff and distributors for your hard work in creating and getting the newsletters out to neighbors.  You are much appreciated!
Best, Ayana

**Open House** 470 Harlan Road April 14th 12-3PM

Don’t miss this deal off Peyton Forest, one of the few 4 sides brick ranch homes boasting a large fenced lot,  family room, large 800sq ft basement with tall ceilings/windows  and 4 REAL bedrooms!  This home has been renovated and is in model condition. The current owners prepared an awesome, clean slate for your imagination and took the expense of updating all the important stuff-now you can come decorate! 🙂

Tour on April 14th 12-3PM

See pictures here:

http://www.postlets.com/repb/7087716