Forum Replies Created
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Gustan Cho
AdministratorMarch 22, 2025 at 11:40 pm in reply to: Skylar The Female German Shepherd Dog -
Baby monkey throwing a temper tantrum
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Gustan Cho
AdministratorMarch 21, 2025 at 10:18 pm in reply to: GCA Forums Headline News for Friday March 21 2025To become a HUD-approved general contractor capable of working on FHA 203k loans in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, your experience as a general contractor with a broad range of skills:
- Gut and Rehab
- New Construction
- Kitchens
- Bathrooms
- Concrete
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Roofing
- Siding
- Carpentry
- Masonry
- Gutters
- Soffits
- Fascia
- Small and
- Large Projects—position you well.
However, HUD does not directly “approve” general contractors for FHA 203k loans, as it does for consultants or lenders.
Instead, contractors must meet specific qualifications and often work through a certification process recognized by lenders and aligned with FHA 203k guidelines.
Here’s how you can proceed:
Understand FHA 203k Loan Requirements.
- The FHA 203k loan program (both Standard and Limited versions) allows borrowers to finance the purchase or refinance of a home plus the cost of its rehabilitation.
Contractors working on these projects must:
- They must be licensed, bonded, and insured in the states where they operate (Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, in your case).
- Demonstrate experience and competency in rehabilitation work, as lenders will vet contractors before approving them for a specific 203k project.
- Follow HUD guidelines, including providing detailed bids, adhering to timelines (typically 6 months for completion), and working with a HUD-approved 203k consultant (required for Standard 203k loans).
- You’re starting from a strong foundation since you already have extensive experience in relevant areas.
- The key is formalizing your qualifications for the 203K program.
Meet State Licensing and Insurance Requirements
Each state has its own contractor licensing requirements:
Indiana:
- No state-level general contractor license is required, but local jurisdictions may require permits or licenses for specific trades (e.g., plumbing, electrical).
- Ensure you have a valid business license and proper insurance (general liability and workers’ compensation).
Illinois:
- There is no state-wide general contractor license, but certain trades (e.g., roofing, plumbing, and electrical) require specific licenses.
- Chicago and other municipalities may have additional requirements.
- Liability insurance is critical.
Wisconsin:
- General contractors need a dwelling contractor qualifier certification from the Department of Safety and Professional Services, plus registration as a business.
- Trade-specific licenses may also apply.
Michigan:
- Requires a Residential Builder’s License from the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) for residential work, which aligns with 203k projects.
- You’ll need to pass an exam and maintain insurance.
Action:
- Verify that your licenses and insurance meet the requirements in all four states where you plan to operate.
- Lenders will check these credentials for each $3,000 project.
Gain 203k-Specific Knowledge
While HUD doesn’t maintain a list of approved contractors (a practice discontinued in 1995), lenders require contractors to understand the 203k process, including:
- Preparing detailed work write-ups and cost estimates.
- Coordinating with HUD-approved 203k consultants (for Standard 203k loans).
- Manage draw inspections and adhere to FHA Minimum Property Standards (MPS).
Action:
- Educate yourself on the FHA 203k Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance Program.
- You can review HUD’s guidelines online (e.g., HUD Handbook 4000.1) or take a structured course.
Pursue Certification (Recommended)
- A widely recognized option is to become a **Certified 203k Contractor** through a program like 203kContractors.com.
- This isn’t a HUD requirement but is a standardized way to demonstrate expertise and get listed in directories used by borrowers, realtors, and lenders.
Steps include:
Eligibility:
- You need at least 3 years of experience as a general contractor (which you have) and a clean record (no listing on HUD’s Limited Denial of Participation List, GSA’s System for Award Management, or Credit Alert Verification Reporting System).
Education:
- Complete the 203k Contractor Education Course ($975 as of recent updates), which covers the latest FHA 203k rules (updated November 4, 2024).
- The course takes 10-15 hours and requires an 80% passing grade.
Certification:
- Once completed, your company earns the Certified 203k Contractor designation, and you’re added to their directory, increasing visibility to clients seeking 203k contractors in your states.
Ongoing Education:
- Free quarterly updates (45 minutes each) are required to maintain certification.
Action:
- Enroll in the 203k Contractor Education Course to gain formal accreditation and market yourself effectively.
Build Relationships with FHA-Approved Lenders
Lenders, not HUD, approve contractors for individual 203k projects.
They’ll review you:
- Licenses, insurance, and bonding.
- References and past work experience.
- Understanding of the 203k process.
Action:
- Network with FHA-approved lenders in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan specializing in 203k loans.
- Provide a portfolio of your rehab and construction projects to showcase your expertise.
- Ask to be added to their contractor lists.
Partner with HUD-Approved 203k Consultants
- For Standard 203k loans, a HUD-approved consultant oversees the project, prepares the work write-up, and conducts inspections.
- Your ability to collaborate with them is essential.
Action:
- Connect with consultants in your target states via HUD’s 203k Consultant Roster (searchable online at hud.gov).
- Please familiarize yourself with their expectations to streamline project approvals.
Market Yourself as a 203k Contractor.
Once certified and equipped with the necessary knowledge, promote your services:
- Highlight your experience with gut rehabs, new construction, and specific trades relevant to 203k projects.
- Use your Certified 203k Contractor status (if pursued) in marketing materials.
- Join local real estate networks to connect with buyers and realtors familiar with fixer-uppers.
Action:
- Update your website, business cards, and online profiles to emphasize your readiness for FHA 203k projects across the four states.
- Lenders handle that per project.
- You don’t need direct HUD approval as a general contractor for 203k loans.
- However, to position yourself effectively:
- Ensure licensing and insurance compliance in Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan.
- Gain 203k expertise through self-study or certification (e.g., Certified 203k Contractor program).
- Build relationships with FHA lenders and 203k consultants.
- Market your extensive experience to attract 203k clients.
- With your background, completing a certification course and networking with key players will fast-track your ability to take on FHA 203k projects in these states.
Start by confirming your state-specific credentials and exploring the certification option to stand out in the market.
https://mortgagelendersforbadcredit.com/fha-203k-loans/
mortgagelendersforbadcredit.com
FHA 203K Loans - Mortgage Lenders For Bad Credit
An FHA 203k Loans are an acquisition and construction loan that is combined as a one loan package:
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Gustan Cho
AdministratorMarch 21, 2025 at 7:14 pm in reply to: GCA Forums Headline News for Friday March 14 2025CHICAGO FACES A FINANCIAL DISASTER! Mayor Brandon Johnson is turning up the heat on the Chicago Board of Education, demanding they cover a staggering $175 MILLION pension bill! But with Chicago Public Schools (CPS) already in financial turmoil, will this push the system to the brink of collapse?
🚨 What’s happening?
✔️ Mayor Johnson wants the CPS Board to refinance debt to cover the pension crisis.
✔️ If CPS refuses to pay, the city might have to dip into reserves, jeopardizing Chicago’s budget!
✔️ Union tensions rise! Teachers and school principals demand fair contracts amid the funding battle.
✔️ Board members will vote on this HIGH-STAKES decisionThe Chicago Teachers Union and the Office of the Mayor are twi separate and distinct agencies.
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Look at how cute this tiny little orphaned baby macaque monkey is.
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Attached is a short video clip on an abandoned baby macaque monkey 🐒 that smiles. Look at how cute 😍 the baby orphaned macaque monkey is.
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Na7JuTdDw/
facebook.com
"Let your smile be as innocent and joyful as a baby monkey’s! 😍🐒" . . . #babymonkey #smile #sololeveling #MonkeyLife #short #shortsviral.
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Gustan Cho
AdministratorMarch 21, 2025 at 2:50 am in reply to: MEET CHASE-THE LONG-COAT GERMAN SHEPHERD -
Gustan Cho
AdministratorMarch 22, 2025 at 9:50 pm in reply to: How To Deal With Corrupt Police OfficersHere’s the latest analysis and recap of the situation in which police officers were afforded a courtesy extension, as reported by GCA Forums News.
Incident Overview
Event Summary:
The latest episode on GCA Forums News includes a clip of an off-duty police officer purportedly zooming down the freeway with a friend. This poses further scrutiny around courtesy and responsibility regarding law enforcement.
Sequence of Events
Racing Incident:
- The off-duty officer and a friend were captured on the freeway at high speeds that legally should be considered racing.
Traffic Stop:
- When both cars were stopped by police, the subjects were required to undergo field sobriety assessments (FSBs).
- The video appears to show both subjects failing the tests designed to measure the physical and mental orchestrating functions a driver would perform.
Body Camera Footage:
- GCA Forums News has secured body-cam footage of the officer’s interactions with the subjects.
- This footage is intended for other police officers as a teaching aid concerning responsibility and accountability in policing.
Purpose of Footage:
- This news source’s primary focus is to showcase violence, crime, and police activity within society.
- The goal is to help the public understand and analyze police actions critically.
Key Themes
Professional Courtesy:
- This incident covers the still unsolved case of professional courtesy within the police force.
- Do police officers show grace to one another when a civilian would likely receive harsher treatment?
Accountability:
- The failure of both sobriety tests raises issues of responsibility concerning the police regarding the expectation of order, especially when not on duty.
The GCA Forums News incident collects all of the underlying issues associated with police professionalism, ethics, and courtesy and blames them on the blurred lines of all these concepts. GCA Forums News continues to highlight events while providing balanced testimonials and arguments commenting on these occurrences with no attempt at concealment.
For further insights, viewers can access the full video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF4YkRY5mRs
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Gustan Cho
AdministratorMarch 22, 2025 at 9:35 pm in reply to: How To Deal With Corrupt Police OfficersHere’s the El Paso Inc. summary based on the available information regarding the case of Las Cruces Police Department officer Lourdes Hernandez.
Las Cruces Police Department Case Summary:
Chronological Events:
Case Details:
- An NMSP (New Mexico State Police) officer was performing patrol duties in Las Cruces, New Mexico, when the event being reviewed unfolded.
- Once the individual was on patrol, they observed a car traveling at exceptionally high speeds, well over the 55-mile-per-hour speed limit placed on the road.
- The officer used the radar to confirm the vehicle’s speed and, after establishing it was indeed higher than the limit, turned on the emergency lights to stop the car.
- The subject vehicle did not immediately pull over as is customary, so the officer approached the vehicle only for the female driver to identify as a police officer from Las Cruces going by the name of Hernandez.
- She volunteered the information that she was a police officer and that her service weapon was located in the glove compartment.
- While the two were talking, it came to the attention of the officer that there was a residue of alcohol in the car and that Hernandez’s eyes were indeed red, suggesting that she had been drinking.
- She also had a piece of gum in her mouth, which she was likely using to cover the scent of alcohol.
Skipping Field Sobriety Tests
- While being instructed to get out of the vehicle, Hernandez reported feeling some personal worries owing to a prior fight with her boyfriend.
- Hernandez did not comply with the field sobriety tests and was thereafter arrested.
Looking For a Supervisor
For some reason, Hernandez wanted to call a supervisor from NMSP to the location, which showed that she understood the nature of the case somewhat.
Particular NMSP Supervisor
- The NMSP supervisor came, and they briefed her about the procedures to be followed regarding the vehicle, its contents, and the towing of Cheryl’s truck.
- Hernandez seemed willing to take the steps.
Involvement of Boyfriend of Hernandez
- As the supervisor was assessing the case, one male came in.
- He introduced himself as Hernandez’s boyfriend, who was also a cop from Las Cruces Police.
- The supervisor noted that he was also very heavily under the influence of alcohol.
- He was refused the right to speak to Hernandez.
Securing Property and Booking
- A Sergeant of Las Cruces Police arrived and, with assumption, grabbed Hernandez’s service pistol and her other personal effects and took her to book in the jail.
Filed Charges
A plethora of charges await Hernandez, which include but may not be limited to:
- DWI Aggravated (Driving While Intoxicated), First Offense (refusal to submit to testing).
Speeding Violations
- Negligent Use of a Deadly Weapon (in connection with intoxication).
Wrap Up
- This incident raises important questions regarding law enforcement accountability and impaired driving.
- This is especially concerning an off-duty officer.
- It’s a pending case, and there will be more developments as it moves through the judicial process.
For visual insights, you may refer to the footage available here.
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