Saturday, January 21, 2012

The FHLB Grant is Back!

Carrollton Mortgage Services is proud to be one of very few lenders in the State to offer this 1st Time Buyer Grant; Buyers may be eligible for $5000 towards their closing costs and down payment on a home!  FHLB is a forgivable grant (20% each year up to 5 years total) and is issued at settlement toward the down payment. The $5000 grant is per household, and is allowed to go towards a buyer’s FHA 3.5% minimum requirement for down payment.

Borrowers must meet just a few requirements to qualify for the wonderful grant and it is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Carrollton helped over 135 1st time buyers just last year alone achieve the dream of homeownership with the FHLB Grant.  We also have several other down payment and closing cost assistance programs to offer that can be used in conjunction with FHLB or independently as well.

If you or anyone you know might be able to benefit from these funds, please don’t hesitate to call on us to help! Email at sepstein@carrolltonbank.com or call 410.491.0200.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

One of Stuart Epstein's Fans Tells Her Success Story

Ordinarily, waiting at the MVA would be a frustrating affair. Today however, is different. I am content! I realize they are calling for G62; my ticket says G105, but I'm beaming. This is the day I change my license to my new permanent address, my first house.

Six months ago I would have told you that I was not ready for the commitment of buying a home. Or that I couldn't afford a mortgage, student loans, and a healthy social life. However, last September I attended a course presented by LiveBaltimore where I learned about the various incentives available to home-buyers in Baltimore City.

In October I approached Stuart Epstein and the Carrollton Bank team (Bob Foster and Jennifer Grosholz) with a challenge. Through my research and Stuart's assistance I hoped to earn $47,000 worth of grants, incentives, and principal diminishing loans to assist in the purchase of a new home. I also needed to close before December 1.

Stuart was excited by the challenge and the complexity of the paperwork involved; nor did it deter Bob or Jennifer who were extremely well organized, focused and served as an excellent resource.

Stuart and his team accomplished a miraculous feat by processing grants and loans from several different entities. They placed a rush on the inspection and kept me focused as the December 1 deadline rapidly approached.

It is with significant evidence of their hard work that I recommend Stuart Epstein and his team to you. Stuart is incredibly informed and up to date on all of the programs and incentives offered by the City of Baltimore, and even more so after working with me. They are responsive, professional, and personalize each service to the client.  I would not hesitate in working with them again and highly recommend their service.

I realize, still waiting for my number to be called at the MVA, that this would never have been my city, my home, without their support and hard work.

Thank you Stuart, Bob, and Jennifer!

- Charlotte Jones RN, BSN