I just received this e-mail from a local lender (and no, I’ve never worked with this person just to be exceedingly clear).  I’m hoping it’s a joke…

Just a quick note to let you know that Fannie Mae’s Refi Plus program allows for a total loan-to-value of up to 125% of the appraised value.

With minimal adjustments this is a great option if you have little or no equity and your current rate is around 6%, or if you have an adjustable rate wanting to convert it to a 30-year fixed.

3/1 ARM —————3.375% (3.35% APR)

5/1 ARM ————– 3.375% (3.48% APR)

7/1 ARM ————–3.50% (3.65% APR)

30-Year Fixed ——- 4.625% (4.89% APR)

15-Year Fixed ——— 4.125% (4.32% APR)

*Some restrictions apply. Call me for details

Thoughts?

I’m speechless for once…

]]> http://greaterbethesdaonline.com/total-loans-of-125-of-appraised-value-hope-not/feed/ 0 http://greaterbethesdaonline.com/greater-bethesda-cyber-threats-you-bet/ http://greaterbethesdaonline.com/greater-bethesda-cyber-threats-you-bet/#comments Tue, 11 May 2010 01:50:36 +0000 Kevin http://greaterbethesdaonline.com/?p=935

Are you putting yourself at risk when you shop online?   Clearly, any time you use a credit card, there is a certain amount of risk involved. But location plays a significant role in the severity of cyber threats. Funded by Norton from Symantec, we now know which cities are most and least prone to cyber — and Bethesda is up there (I’d feel safe putting it in the Washington DC cluster).

So, how Bethesda rank on the Norton Top 10 Riskiest Online Cities?

1. Seattle, Washington
2. Boston, Massachusetts
3. Washington, D.C. (Bethesda Included)
4. San Francisco, California
5. Raleigh, North Carolina
6. Atlanta, Georgia
7. Minneapolis, Minnesota
8. Denver, Colorado
9. Austin, Texas
10. Portland Oregon

Some Key Metrics Using Data From Norton & Some Other Prominent Third Party Data Collectors

• Number of cyberattacks
• Potential infections
• Level of Internet access
• Expenditures on computer software and hardware
• Wireless hotspots
• Internet usage
• Broadband connectivity
• Online purchases

What About Smartphones

One area I wish had covered more thoroughly is the increased use/speed of smart phones. A prominent Broker at Denver’s Brokers Guild Realty, and I were speaking about security the “open source era” and both agreed that smartphone security education/software enhancement will be crucial in coming months.

Protection Tips For Greater Bethesda

• Use a legitimate security software program that protects against spywre, malware, zero-day threats, hackers and identify theft – Norton is fine, I personally use, “Kaspersky Anti-Virus 2010″. I also like “AVG Internet Security”
• Keep your computer’s operating system updated.
• I’d stay away from Internet Explorer: Microsoft’s browser has a history of being the most hacked. Of course it’s the most used too — but, in my humble opinion, “Mozilla Firefox”, “Google Chrome”, and “Opera” are all stronger choices.
• Diversify your passwords. I know it’s no fun, but you have to mix them up.
• BreakingBethesdaNews.com – shameless self promotion of our fledgling news site where you can stay apprised real time technology news and everything Bethesda.

Feel free to use the ask me about suggestions on how to keep all your passwords safe and organized! OR any other tips and tricks…

Any other thoughts?

Special Thanks to Brian Kinkade,  from Brokers Guild in Denver for his contributions…

How do you describe a luxury home and the features that define it in markets across the country? Since identifying national trends has to be a collaborative effort, I was lucky enough to share a few moments with my friend and colleague, Jolenta Averill, owner of Lake & City Homes Realty, a Madison, Wisconsin boutique brokerage that focusses on luxury property.

What's Trending in Luxury Homes?

I knew she was busy, but she’s also always kind and giving of her time, so she gave me her impressions on what was trending in the Madison, Wisconsin luxury home market …. and beyond? I was hoping a few of her quick points would engage others to add to our list of popular trends in Luxury Homes and to help us identify where these trends are most prevalent. Here is what she said:

#1: Bathroom Fireplaces

In most markets, having a large master bath is a pre-requisite for luxury properties. Finishes and some amenities will differ depending on the area, but one feature that seems to be trending across most markets is the addition of a gas fireplace in the master bath. Sometimes these fireplaces are two sided, so that one side faces the bath and the other faces the bedroom. Flat screen TVs are often placed above on each side.

#2: Outdoor Kitchens

While many homeowners are finding ways to expand their living space by adding outdoor kitchens, I’ve seen outdoor space taken to a whole new level. It’s certainly not just a gas grill and a table. Outdoor kitchens are becoming a true centerpiece of the home and include elaborate features such as running water, gas-operated cooking areas, stainless steel ovens and ranges, stone and granite surrounds, and ample seating. Swimming pools, gazebos and other recreational opportunities are often located nearby in the largest of our luxury properties.

#3: Custom Wine Cellars

Luxury homes often feature custom wine cellars that hold hundreds of bottles and are both temperature and humidity controlled to keep the vino at its best!! Serious wine afficionados are also adding tasting rooms or areas nearby so that the wine doesn’t have to travel far to be enjoyed!

#4: Smart Home Sensors

Smart Home Sensors are showing up in luxury homes on a more frequent basis. With the help of these sensors and a computer, you can easily make the home appear as if it is in use while you are away, control the temperature from afar and monitor any and all of the home’s systems. Or, with just the press of a button, your home will automatically prepare for the night by locking the doors and activating the alarm system for you.

#5: Moveable Walls

Moveable walls help make the most out of the living space, which is particularly important in luxury homes in urban environments, where space is at a premium. With the help of a moveable wall, such as a sliding bookcase, you can close off a room to create a guest room, a study, or a children’s play area when necessary. When the second room is not in use, the main room can remain open and spacious.

Many thanks to Jolenta for putting up with me and lending a little piece of her expertise!

Bethesda (and beyond!), we want to hear from you!

What other trends are you seeing in luxury real estate…or wish you were seeing?

Jolenta Averill is the owner of Madison real estate brokerage Lake & City Homes Realty which specializes in lakefront, luxury, and golf course homes. Visit her Luxury Madison foreclosures page or Middleton homes page or call (563) BUY-SOLD to discuss your unique requirements.

Good morning Bethesda and beyond! Yes I did say Puurple is the new luxury. I thought it sounded funny and it  eludes to something “real”. The design and brain-child of  Austin luxury homes specialist, Eric Bramlett,  Puurple.com a new national luxury real estate online Magazine, had a very “soft launch” several hours ago. And it was a priviledge to get an invite to write the first piece. It’s a fun little post about premier luxury hotel residences.

Puurple.com is the new name in luxury real estate

• Pictures of  The Four Seasons Hualalai in Kona, HI – Check!
• The Residences at The Ritz, Georgetown – Of course!
• The W Hotel Residences in Bethesda – No, but we’ll get ours soon enough!

So take a peak if you have a moment…and great days to all!

Extraordinary homes of the week will normally include my choice or a any readers suggestion for greater Bethesda’s “best” along with one or two other state’s finest properties. The greater Bethesda area is transient, after all. I also find (as I hope you do too), that a quick comparison of different area’s finest is fun. Please note the links I’m providing to the individual properties may not be available by the time you get around to reading this post. But no worries, I’ll be doing these quite often…

As for Bethesda MLS luxury selections, my choice is the rare Bethesda modern home contemporary found at 5124 Wissioming Road, Bethesda 20816.  Take a peak at the first property listed on the Bethesda MLS link!

Denver MLS Time!

And why not with a home like that (below)! A quick Denver MLS search from will currently provide you information on this propery .  Simply click on the aforementioned “Denver MLS” link and type in the “Timbers” under the  ”street name” option…you’ll find more extraordinary goodness there.

A Denver Luxury home in the Evergreen Neighborhood

That’s all for now…more robust luxury lists to come in the near future. I just wanted to get the ball rolling. I hope you enjoy…

Two great ones from a Bethesda-centric lens (literally). Most of these pictures were taken Battery Park near Downtown Bethesda.   More pictures to come!

Backyard of a downtown Bethesda home

…The Bethesda Lane Promendae before it really stated snowing…

– Courtesy of our DC & Bethesda Real Estate Blog at KoiztGroup.com

Downtown Bethesda Snow:

A Bethesda MD Home in the Battery Park neighborhood after almost 2 feet of snow.

Bethesda Lane video coming soon!  Stay safe out there, Bethesda!