[Lori]

Sounds great the attorneys are willing to work with people during tough times of high inflation, high rates, and ridiculous cost of living.

[Lori]

What is their contact information. I may need it or it may come in handy in the very near future. Politicians are getting dumber and dumber and dogs are getting smarter and smarter.

[Lori]

The down payment on a home purchase is a fixed amount depending on the mortgage loan program. For example, FHA loans require a 3.5% down payment, primary owner-occupant conventional loans require 3% for a first-time homebuyer and 5% for a homebuyer who owned a home in the past three years. VA loans and USDA loans do not require down payment. Second homes require a 10% down payment on conventional loans. Investment home loans require 15% on conventional loans. This is only on single family homes. Multi-unit family owner-occupant homes require 3.5% down payment on FHA loans and 5% down payment on conventional loans. Most homebuyers can cover closing costs with a combination of seller concession and lender credit. Lender credit is when the lender gives you funds to use for closing costs in lieu of a higher rate.

[Lori]

Prayers can take many forms across different religions and spiritual traditions, but ultimately they are a way for people to connect with the divine, find inner peace, ask for guidance or express gratitude. Here are some perspectives on prayers:

1. In many faiths, prayers are recited words or supplications directed to a God or divine entity, humbly asking for blessings, strength, forgiveness or expressing devotion.
2. Prayers can be spontaneous and personal, coming from one’s own words and thoughts, or they can follow set liturgies and structures passed down over centuries.
3. Many find comfort, reassurance and a sense of connectedness through the ritual of prayer, regardless of whether their specific requests are answered.
4. In Buddhism and some eastern traditions, prayer takes the form of meditation, chanting mantras or mindfulness practices to quiet the mind and achieve inner peace.
5. For some, prayer is simply a private conversation or spiritual reflection, not necessarily directed at a specific God.
6. Regular prayer is an important obligation and source of strength for adherents of Islam, Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism and many other faiths.
7. Prayers are often used to cope during difficult times, find meaning, heal from grief or send positive intentions for others.
8. Group or congregational prayers can help foster a sense of community and shared beliefs among those of the same spiritual tradition.

No matter the specific form, prayers seem to serve as a universal human need to connect with something greater than oneself and find solace through spiritual reflection, ritual or communion.

[Lori]

You generally need a permit to build an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or tiny home on your property in most counties. Normally building permits are under the jurisdiction of cities and counties. However, specific requirements vary depending on the city or county you live in. Here’s what to consider:

1. Check Local Zoning Regulations:

• Each municipality or county has its own zoning laws that govern the construction of ADUs or tiny homes.
• Some areas may have strict rules on the size, height, location, and usage of ADUs.
• Zoning codes often determine whether ADUs or tiny homes are allowed in certain neighborhoods.

2. Permitting Process:

• Building Permit: You will likely need a building permit, which involves submitting plans to the local building department for approval.
• Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical Permits: Separate permits may be needed if your ADU or tiny home requires new plumbing, electrical, or HVAC systems.
• Utility Connections: Check for any additional requirements for hooking up to existing water, sewage, and electrical systems.

3. Building Codes:

• ADUs and tiny homes must adhere to the local building codes, which ensure the structure is safe and habitable.
• This may include specifications for foundation, insulation, emergency exits, and fire safety.

4. Homeowner Associations (HOAs):

• If you live in a community with a homeowners association, check their rules before starting construction. HOAs can enforce additional restrictions.

5. Impact Fees:

• Some cities or counties impose impact fees to cover the additional infrastructure costs incurred by adding new housing units.

6. Legal and Tax Considerations:

• Adding an ADU or tiny home can affect your property taxes and insurance, so consult a professional to understand the implications.

7. Other Permits:

• If the ADU or tiny home is intended for rental purposes, you may need a business license or short-term rental permit.

To ensure compliance with local regulations and to avoid penalties, start by contacting your local building or planning department. They will provide guidelines specific to your area, and you can better understand the requirements and steps for obtaining the necessary permits

[Lori]

in my opinion, the question to do i need a building permit to build an ADU in Texas is the following from what I know:

In Texas, whether you need a building permit to construct an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) depends on the specific municipality where the ADU will be located, as regulation is handled at the local level.

However, in general, most cities and counties in Texas do require a building permit for new ADU construction. Some key points about ADU permits in Texas:

Building Codes: Even if no permit is required by the local jurisdiction, ADUs must still meet all applicable building codes and zoning regulations.

Permit Requirements Vary: Permit exemptions, if any, are up to each individual city or county. Many major cities like Austin, Houston, San Antonio and Dallas require permits for ADUs.

Size Thresholds: Some areas may exempt ADUs under a certain square footage from permits, but common thresholds are very small like <200 sq ft.

Inspections: Even if no permit is technically required, most cities will want to inspect ADU construction for safety. Permits facilitate those inspections.

HOAs: Homeowners associations may have their own ADU approval processes regardless of municipal permit rules.

So in summary, while there could potentially be some very small municipal exemptions, for most homeowners in Texas looking to build an ADU, getting the proper permits from their local governing body is highly recommended and likely required. Check with your city/county planning department to verify their specific ADU permitting process.

• This reply was modified 6 months ago by  Lori.
• This reply was modified 6 months ago by  Sapna.

[Lori]

Great news. Great information. Thank you for sharing @SonnyW

[Lori]

There used to be a lot more states with distance to branch office requirements for loan officers

[Lori]

In the United States, mortgage loan originators (MLOs) typically need to be licensed and registered through the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS). The question of whether an MLO can be sponsored by more than one lender is determined by state regulations and the policies of individual lenders.

Here are the key considerations:

Exclusive vs. Non-Exclusive Relationships: Some lenders require exclusivity, meaning that an MLO can only represent them and no other lenders. This is often the case with larger banks or direct lenders that maintain their own sales forces.

State Regulations: State laws may also impact whether an MLO can work with multiple lenders. Most states allow MLOs to be sponsored by only one company at a time per license. However, some states may have provisions that allow for multiple sponsorships if certain conditions are met.

Employment Status: Whether an MLO is an employee or an independent contractor can also affect the number of sponsorships possible. Employees are typically limited to working for a single lender, whereas independent contractors might have the flexibility to hold multiple sponsorships if state law and their contract terms allow.

Broker vs. Lender Employment: Mortgage brokers differ from loan originators directly employed by a lending institution. Brokers often work with multiple lenders to find suitable loans for their clients but are generally sponsored by the brokerage firm they work for, rather than by the lenders themselves.

Practical Implications: Managing relationships with multiple lenders can be complex, requiring MLOs to navigate different loan products, compliance requirements, and reporting obligations. It’s important for MLOs to understand these aspects to maintain effective and compliant operations.

If you’re considering working with multiple lenders, it’s essential to consult with legal counsel or a compliance expert in your state to ensure adherence to all applicable laws and regulations. This approach helps clarify your options within the regulatory framework governing mortgage loan originations.

• This reply was modified 7 months ago by  Gustan.