To participate in the HUD grants program, you need to be registered with Grants.gov. To assist with the registration process, HUD has developed a brochure on how to register. Registration Brochure. In addition, HUD has a brochure that will help you find and apply for grant opportunities. Find and Apply Brochure. HUD has also prepared a Desktop Users Guide to assist you in completion of a grant application.  http://www.estillwater.com  04/30/2007

Discrimination in mortgage lending is prohibited by the federal Fair Housing Act and HUD's Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity actively enforces those provisions of the law. The Fair Housing Act makes it unlawful to engage in the following practices based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap (disability):Refuse to make a mortgage loan Refuse to provide information regarding loans Impose different terms or conditions on a loan, such as different interest rates, points, or fees Discriminate in appraising property Refuse to purchase a loan or set different terms or conditions for purchasing a loanFiling a ComplaintIf you have experienced any one of the above actions, you may be the victim of discrimination. Recognizing the signs of lending di... 04/30/2007

Nine steps to buying a homeFigure out how much you can afford Know your rights Shop for a loan Learn about homebuying programs Shop for a home Make an offer Get a home inspection Shop for homeowners insurance Sign papersStep 1: Figure out how much you can affordWhat you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, downpayment and the interest rate. The calculators below can help, but it is best to visit a lender to find out for sure. How much home can you afford? Buying vs. RentingNeed help with your downpayment and/or closing costs? Homebuying programs in your stateA housing counselor can help you figure out how to manage and pay off your debt, and start saving for that downpayment! Find a housing counselor near youStep 2: Know your rightsStep 3: Shop for... 04/30/2007

Info for Stillwater area veterans in the market for a VA home loan.  Comprehensive info on VA loan eligibility can be found at  http://www.homeloans.va.gov/eligibility.htmAm I eligible:  General Rules for EligibilityFrequently asked questions:  Frequently Asked Eligibility QuestionsTo learn How to request a Certificate of Eligibility for VA Home Loan Benefits follow the link.  You will need to complete VA Form 26-1880 and submit it the VA Eligibility Center along with proof of service as described on the instruction page of the form.It's possible to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility from your lender.  Most lenders have access to the ACE (Automated Certificate of Eligibility) system.  This Internet based application can establish eligibility and issue an online Certificate of Eligibili... 04/30/2007

Selecting Your Real Estate Agent* A good real estate agent will bring the market to you. The market brings your price.* The right real estate agent is the one who knows the market and can get you the best price possible - not the one who promises you the highest price just to get you to list with them!Many of the same questions, hesitations and strategies connected with seeking out professional assistance in any field - whether you're looking for a doctor, dentist, lawyer or accountant - come into play when you're selecting a real estate agent.Some people find an agent through a family member or friend. This is often a reliable approach. But you might not always find the most competent representation this way -- and in a transaction as important and intensive as buying and selling a hom... 04/24/2007

You've found the home that you've been looking for and the price is right!  Unfortunately, most people lack the knowledge to conduct a complete home inspection on their own.  This is why a qualified, licensed home inspector is so important to the purchase process.  Unless it's a new home, your lender will require a termite certificate.  This can only be provided by a licensed termite company.  The inspector will look for evidence of termite infestation and recommend a course of treatement if the home is infested.  You may wish to conduct an environmental inspection.  The environmental inspector will identify environmental hazards on the property, such as radon gas.  A home inspector will look at the functional aspects of your home, including foundation, settling, roof, electrical, plumb... 04/23/2007

What EXACTLY, is the MLS?   I've heard that question on more than one occassion.  The MLS (Multi-Listing Service) is a software program that is typically managed by the local real estate board.  In Stillwater, it's managed by the Stillwater Board of Realtors.  Realtors in the Stillwater area must be a member of the Stillwater Board of Realtors to have access not only to the MLS, but to possess a lockbox key.When a property is listed by the Realtor, information is added to the MLS database.  The information includes the property address, area schools, size of the property, age, tax information, number of bedrooms, bathrooms, size of rooms, amenities.  This is just a sampling of the information that is required.  A Realtor will also upload photographs of the property (inside and out).Othe... 04/23/2007

The City of Stillwater provides an excellent library for the citizens.  The Stillwater Community Center is a great place to find information on entertainment and of educational nature.  For recreation, consider Stillwater Parks & Recreation!  As you move into Stillwater you may find that you require information on City Codes.  If you are considering relocating your business to Stillwater, you will definitely want to read the Stillwater Economic Outlook.  You will also want a copy of this Economic Development Brochure.  But if you are just visiting Stillwater, click here for information on area restaurants, lodging, meeting facilities, recreation, and area attractions.  And if you are moving to Stillwater you will find information on area real estate here.  Please never hesitate to conta... 04/16/2007

I wanted to share these links with you.  You may find them helpful as you learn about our community.   The Stillwater NewsPress is one of several news papers serving the Stillwater area.  You can learn much about the community here.   You can learn about our City government at the City's website.  You can learn about the business aspect of Stillwater at the Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.  Questions about electrical utilities can be answered by Stillwater Power!   Of course you can learn about OSU educational and athletic events at the OSU website.  To be continued...  http://www.estillwater.com  04/16/2007

For those of you living in Stillwater, you have undoubtedly witnessed the explosion of "FOR SALE" signs across the city.  Not uncommon for the Spring season; but have you noticed how many "SOLD" signs quickly follow?  Many homes sell after one or two weeks on the market.  The real estate market in Payne County has seen a transformation over the past 6 months with increasing property values and an increasing number of real estate transactions.  If you are curious what your property would bring in today's market, please call me at 405.334.1966 or email ross@estillwater.com.  www.estillwater.com  04/16/2007

Good people find themselves in bad situations for a variety of reasons.  A good Realtor may be able to help.  Banks don't want to foreclose as their is great time and expense involved for everyone concerned.  A knowledgeable Realtor may be able to work with your lender.  He or she will advise your lender that your home has been placed on the market and will request additional time to sell the property.  Many times, the lender will approve an extended period in an attempt to sell the property.  The lender may even approve a short sale of the property (accepting less than what is owed on the property).  I would be happy to answer any questions you may have about this process.  Call Ross Willingham (405) 334-1966 or email ross@estillwater.com  http://www.estillwater.com/ 04/03/2007