I went to watch this film, it was beatiful, interesting and fun!!! If you love your planet, and care about animals, this film will be the perfect one to see.
It is being shown at the California Science Center, next to USC in Los Angeles, California.
The critics LOVE Under the Sea 3D!
"A lovely excursion into another world, like a voyage to another planet; superbly filmed. Filmed for families of all ages.”
Jeffrey Lyons/NBC/Lyons & Bailes Reel Talk
“ Oceans of fun.”
New York Times
“A visual feast”
Bob Strauss/Los Angeles Daily News
Under The Sea 3D will transport moviegoers to some of the most exotic and isolated undersea locations on Earth, including Southern Australia, New Guinea and others in the Indo-Pacific region, allowing them to experience face-to-face encounters with some of the most mysterious and stunning creatures of the sea. It will offer a uniquely inspirational and entertaining way to explore the impact that global climate change has had on ocean wilderness.
Friday, November 20, 2009
FHA LOANS
With FHA Help, Easy Loans in Expensive Areas
by David Streitfeld
Friday, November 20, 2009
provided by THE NEW YORK TIMES
SAN FRANCISCO -- In January, Mike Rowland was so broke that he had to raid his retirement savings to move here from Boston.
A week ago, he and a couple of buddies bought a two-unit apartment building for nearly a million dollars. They had only a little cash to bring to the table but, with the federal government insuring the transaction, a large down payment was not necessary.
"It was kind of crazy we could get this big a loan," said Mr. Rowland, 27. "If a government official came out here, I would slap him a high-five."
In its efforts to prop up a shattered housing market, the government is greatly extending its traditional support of real estate, including guaranteeing the mortgages of middle-class and even upper-class buyers against default.
In 2007, the government did not insure a single mortgage in this city, one of the most expensive in the country. Buyers here, as well as in Manhattan, Santa Monica and every other wealthy area, were presumed to be able to handle the steep prices and correspondingly hefty down payments on their own.
Now the government is guaranteeing an average of six mortgages a week here. Real estate agents say the insurance is such a good deal that there will soon be many more.
Policy changes like the shift in insurance, while often introduced on a temporary basis, are becoming so popular that they could prove difficult to undo. With government finances already under great strain, the policy expansions are creating new risks for American taxpayers.
The Internal Revenue Service is giving tax rebates to first-time buyers, and soon to move-up buyers, in a program beset by accusations of fraud. And the government agency that issues mortgage insurance, the Federal Housing Administration, is underwriting loans at quadruple the rate of three years ago even as its reserves to cover defaults are dwindling. On Thursday, the Mortgage Bankers Association said more than one in six F.H.A. borrowers was behind on payments.
F.H.A. insurance was created for minority and low-income families who could not come up with the traditional down payment of 20 percent required by private lenders. Buyers receive loans from government-approved lenders and are required to document their income and assets. They must pay a substantial insurance premium of 1.75 percent of the loan. But in return, their down payment can be as low as 3.5 percent.
For decades, most F.H.A. loans were in low-cost states like Texas and Michigan. Under the agency's loan limits, houses along the coasts were usually too expensive to qualify. In 2007, fewer than 4,400 F.H.A. loans were made in California, according to the research firm MDA DataQuick, and none were in San Francisco.
The Economic Stimulus Act of 2008 helped change that by temporarily doubling the maximum loan the F.H.A. insured, to $729,750. A two-unit property like the one bought by Mr. Rowland and his friends can be insured for up to $934,200.
"F.H.A. financing was a lost language in San Francisco, the real estate equivalent of Aramaic," said Michael Ackerman, the agent who represented Mr. Rowland and his friends. "Once the limits were raised, smart buyers started calling."
The F.H.A. has insured more than 107,000 loans so far this year in the state, according to DataQuick, about 270 of them in San Francisco.
Condominium buildings approved for F.H.A. financing -- a relative handful -- trumpet the news on their Web sites. The Soma Grand, a new 246-unit building downtown where one-bedrooms cost in excess of $500,000, received F.H.A. certification early in the summer. A half-dozen buyers since then used F.H.A. insurance.
At Guarantee Mortgage Corporation, which has 150 mortgage brokers in the Bay Area, Seattle and Portland, Ore., F.H.A. loans have grown to about 15 percent of its business, from less than 3 percent a few years ago.
"It sure has helped us put a lot of deals together," said Guarantee's chief sales officer, Bob Siefert. He predicts that a quarter of Guarantee's deals will soon be guaranteed by the F.H.A.
Some F.H.A. borrowers here say they have the cash for a full down payment but would rather invest it in the stock market or use it for remodeling. Others, like Mr. Rowland and his friends, simply do not have the money required by private lenders -- which would have been nearly $200,000, in their case.
"We were resigned to waiting another year," said a second partner, Michael Bedar, 31. "Then we read about the F.H.A. I had never heard of it before, and couldn't quite believe it. But it was the answer to our problems." They put down about $33,000, split among the three of them.
While the F.H.A. is certainly strengthening the high-end market in the Bay Area by prompting more sales, there are growing concerns that it might become a destabilizing force.
Kenneth Donohue, inspector general for the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the parent agency of the F.H.A., said the higher loan limits were increasing the potential risk to the F.H.A. Last week, the agency said its cash reserves had fallen below their Congressionally mandated minimum because of the large volume of foreclosures.
"If one of these higher-limit loans fail, that's equivalent to two or three cheaper loans," Mr. Donohue said. "You have to ask yourself, was the F.H.A. ever intended to address these markets?"
He sees another risk: larger loans will be a greater draw for those who want to commit fraud. That would exacerbate a problem already besetting the agency.
Even some San Francisco agents who are doing F.H.A. deals worry about the long-term consequences. Real estate commissions are 6 percent. If the value of a property were to hold steady, a seller who put down the F.H.A. minimum would suffer a loss after fees. And while the Bay Area has traditionally been an excellent investment, the last few years have proved a big exception.
"Is this going to be the next wave of the housing downturn?" asked Eileen Bermingham, an agent with Pacific Union. "With such a minimal down payment, how do we make sure people don't get in over their heads?"
The F.H.A. commissioner, David H. Stevens, said recently that its loans were relatively safe because the buyer was required to live in the property. They "are for shelter. They aren't speculative-type investments," Mr. Stevens said.
But the idea of a house as an investment dies hard. Mr. Bedar, Mr. Rowland and the third partner in their property, Jordan Kurland, are all in the technology field, but their dreams of wealth do not feature stock options.
"We're banking on real estate," said Mr. Kurland, 24. "Everyone expects prices to keep going up."
Mr. Kurland and Mr. Bedar, who are employed full time, are the buyers of record. Mr. Rowland, a freelancer, will have his interests protected by a legal agreement.
Their building, for which they paid $963,000, is on a quiet street in the up-and-coming Hayes Valley neighborhood, close to fashionable restaurants they have already been trying out. The friends plan to live in the bottom unit and rent out the top. Thanks to rock-bottom interest rates, none of them will pay much more than a thousand dollars a month. "Everyone should have the chance to do this," Mr. Kurland said.
Everyone may get a chance.
A few weeks ago, Congress extended the higher lending limits for another year. Representative Barney Frank, the Massachusetts Democrat who is chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said in an interview that he planned to introduce legislation next year raising the maximum F.H.A. loan by $100,000, to $839,750.
His bill would make the new limits permanent.
Louise Story contributed reporting.
FAQs on the New Home Buyer Tax Credits - Kiplinger.com
I guess some people still have questions re: the IRS tax credit for 1st home buyers, so I found a great site which has a lot of financial savy, intelligent, and knowledgeable individuals. I hope after reading this from Kiplinger website, there are no more questions left unanswered.
FAQs on the New Home Buyer Tax Credits - Kiplinger.com
Posted using ShareThis
Credits: Kiplinger website
FAQs on the New Home Buyer Tax Credits - Kiplinger.com
Posted using ShareThis
Credits: Kiplinger website
Sunday, November 1, 2009
New Health Care Plan
I just can't believe all the nonsense of politicians! I was reading a report from Yahoo today re: this health care plan, it would only cover 2% of the population with the public plan. Unbelievable!!! It would cost a lot and would only benefit a few. I just dont get this nonsense. The only thing we are doing is putting more debt in tax payer's shoulders, burning all of our good workers and consumers by adding more deficit to our already weak economy. Can somebody stopped printing some much money????? I guess there are people out there who want the US to be bankrupt. It gets me really upset to see how people are being deceit.
The US is the best country in the world, there is no other country were people live better. Look around and see how many people in 3rd world countries live? I just can believe how many people would give away what they have for just fantasies that somebody else comes up with.
The US is the best country in the world, there is no other country were people live better. Look around and see how many people in 3rd world countries live? I just can believe how many people would give away what they have for just fantasies that somebody else comes up with.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Loteria de Visas 2011
Lotería de Visas 2011
Sorteo arranca el próximo 2 de octubre
Las solicitudes al sorteo se envían por internet. El gobierno estadounidense reiteró que el concurso es totalmente gratis.
El Departamento de Estado anunció el jueves la apertura del sorteo de la Lotería de Visas 2011. En un comunicado, la cancillería estadounidense detalló que la apertura de la ventana para la recepción de solicitudes vía internet inicia el mediodía del 2 de octubre y cierra el mediodía del 30 de noviembre.
Se estima que este año participarán entre 8 y 11 millones de concursantes que se disputarán las 55 mil residencias (green card o tarjetas verdes) que cada año se entregan por mandato del Congreso a extranjeros provenientes de países de baja admisión o bajo nivel de inmigración a Estados Unidos.
Fechas del sorteo
El gobierno estadounidense advirtió que para el sorteo 2011 regirán casi las mismas reglas que prevalecieron en el sorteo anterior.
Brasil, Colombia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Perú, México, Perú y República Dominicana no podrán concursar porque integran la lista de alta adminisión, de acuerdo con datos de la Oficina de Ciudadanía y Servicios de Inmigraciòn (USCIS).
De las 55 mil residencias en juego, 5 mil son apartadas cada año para inmigrantes amparados bajo la Ley de Ayuda a Nicaragua y Centroamérica (NACARA), aprobada por el Congreso en noviembre de 1997.
Quiénes si, quiénes no
El programa, que se conoce formalmente como Lotería de Visas de Diversidad (Diversity Visa, DV), ofrece gratis residencias permanentes a ciudadanos de países que tradicionalmente tienen un "bajo nivel de inmigración a Estados Unidos", explicó el Departamento de Estado (DOS).
Como naciones de 'bajo nivel de inmigración' el gobierno de Washington considera a aquellos países que han recibido, en los cinco años previos al concurso, menos de 50 mil visas de inmigrante.
Por este motivo, en el sorteo 2011 Brasil, Canadá, China, Colombia, Corea del Sur, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haití, India, Jamaica, México, Pakistán Filipinas, Perú, Polonia, Republica Dominicana, Reino Unido (excepto Irlanda del Norte) y Vietman no pueden participar.
Todos los demás países fueron habilitados para participar en el sorteo.
Credits to: Univision Website (Spanish Broadcast)
Requesting Advance Parole before Traveling
USCIS Reminds Applicants for Adjustment of Status, Asylum, Legalization, and TPS Beneficiaries to Obtain Advance Parole Before Traveling Abroad
WASHINGTON – U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reminds individuals that they must obtain Advance Parole from USCIS before traveling abroad if they have:
• been granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS);
• a pending application for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident;
• a pending application for relief under section 203 of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA 203);
• a pending asylum application; or
• a pending application for legalization.
To obtain Advance Parole, individuals must file Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, which is available in the Related Links section of this page.
Advance Parole is permission to reenter the United States after traveling abroad. Advance Parole is an extraordinary measure used sparingly to allow an otherwise inadmissible individual to enter the United States due to compelling circumstances. By law, certain individuals must apply for a travel document and have Advance Parole approved before leaving the United States. Attempts to reenter the United States without prior authorization may have severe consequences since individuals requiring advance parole may be unable to return to the United States and their pending applications may be denied or administratively closed.
Applicants planning travel abroad should plan ahead since applicants can anticipate processing times of about 90 days, depending on the USCIS office location. Instructions for filing Form I-131 provide details on where to mail travel document applications and should be followed carefully to avoid delay. For more information on Advance Parole see How Do I Get a Travel Document? (also in the Related Links) and instructions for Form I-131.
Note:
Under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, aliens who depart the United States after being unlawfully present in the United States for certain periods can be barred from admission to lawful permanent resident status, even if they have obtained Advance Parole. Aliens who have been unlawfully present in the United States for more than 180 days, but less than one year, are inadmissible for three years; those who have been unlawfully present for one year or more are inadmissible for 10 years. Aliens who are unlawfully present, then depart the United States and subsequently reenter under a grant of parole, may still be ineligible to adjust their status.
Individuals who have been admitted as refugees or granted asylum, including those who are applying for adjustment of status, do not need to obtain Advance Parole. Instead, these individuals should apply for a Refugee Travel Document using Form I-131 and comply with applicable application requirements, such as biometric processing, prior to leaving the United States.
Lawful permanent residents who obtained such status as a result of being a refugee or asylee in the United States may also apply for a Refugee Travel Document. For more information on Refugee Travel Documents please see How Do I Get a Refugee Travel Document?
Asylum applicants, asylees and lawful permanent residents who obtained such status based on their asylum status are subject to special rules with regard to traveling outside the United States. Such individuals are encouraged to review USCIS’ Fact Sheet Traveling Outside the United States as an Asylum Applicant, an Asylee, or a Lawful Permanent Resident Who Obtained Such Status Based on Asylum Status.
Before making any plans to travel abroad, all individuals with pending applications for adjustment of status, relief under NACARA 203, or asylum are urged to consult an immigration attorney or immigration assistance organization accredited by the Board of Immigration Appeals, or by calling USCIS’ Customer Service Center at 1-800-375-5283.
Taken from http://www.uscis.gov website
This is only posted for informational purposes, if you need help with your legal status, please seek the advice of an attorney.
U.S. Citizens and Surviving Spouses
USCIS Update: USCIS Issues Guidance for Surviving Spouses of U.S. Citizens
Deferred Action Authorized for Certain Spouses and Children
Surviving spouses qualify for deferred action regardless of whether the U.S. citizen spouse filed a Form I-130 petition for them. Surviving spouses may ask to have their qualifying children included in their deferred action request. To be considered a "qualifying child" of a surviving spouse, the child must be younger than age 21 or otherwise qualify as a child when the deferred action request is submitted; currently reside in the United States; and be unmarried.
USCIS has revised the instructions to the Forms I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant, I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, and I-131, Application for Travel Document, as they relate to this temporary new program.
Surviving spouses who apply for deferred action will need to file Form I-360 with supporting documentation and the $375 filing fee with the Vermont Service Center.
Work authorization will be available to surviving spouses and qualifying children who are granted deferred action and who can establish economic necessity. Form I-765 is used for this purpose (separate applications are required for each person seeking work authorization).
Travel authorization will also be available to surviving spouses and qualified children granted deferred action under this program.
USCIS has posted on the Web, an accompanying list of questions and answers and a fact sheet about this program. For additional information about this and other immigration services, please call the National Customer Service Center at (800) 375-5283, or visit our homepage.
For more information, please visit www.uscis.gov
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