Georgia RealEstateRama

The House passed the bipartisan Home Star Energy Retrofit Act (H.R. 5019). May 7, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- This bill will provide immediate incentives for consumers who renovate their homes to become more energy-efficient. Home Star will create an estimated 168,000 American jobs in construction, manufacturing and retail and save about 3 million American families an estimated $200-500 per year on their energy bills. The reduction in energy usage will reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

May 6, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division is considering changes relating to the marketing of recreational opportunities on lands owned and managed by the Department. These changes may include: charging fees at DNR-managed properties and facilities, classification of DNR-managed properties, and diversifying recreational opportunities on DNR-managed properties. The Department has scheduled four (4) public meetings across the state to provide the public an opportunity to offer input on these changes for consideration. Those interested are encouraged to bring these meetings to the attention of others that also may be interested in participating

ATLANTA, GA - April 30, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Georgia’s property owners triumphed in the General Assembly today with the Georgia House and Senate overwhelmingly passing Senate Bill 346. Championed and authored by Senate Majority Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock), the Property Tax Assessment and Appeals reform bill is aimed at ensuring all Georgia properties are properly assessed at Fair Market Value and that property owners have guaranteed rights to appeal. This is the most sweeping overhaul of the Georgia property tax system in decades

Atlanta, GA - April 29, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On April 28, 2010, an Order to Cease and Desist issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) to H.O.P.E. Alliance d/b/a Home Ownership Protection Education Alliance, Inc. d/b/a www.helpnowalliance.org located at 13660 Wright Circle, Tampa, Florida 33626 became final.This Order to Cease and Desist was issued by the Department after it obtained evidence that H.O.P.E. Alliance d/b/a Home Ownership Protection Education Alliance, Inc. d/b/a www.helpnowalliance.org engaged in residential mortgage brokering/lending activities without a license or under an applicable exemption in violation of O.C.G.A. § 7-1-1002

Atlanta, GA - April 29, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On April 28, 2010, an Order to Cease and Desist issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) to H.O.P.E. Alliance d/b/a Home Ownership Protection Education Alliance, Inc. d/b/a www.helpnowalliance.org located at 13660 Wright Circle, Tampa, Florida 33626 became final.This Order to Cease and Desist was issued by the Department after it obtained evidence that H.O.P.E. Alliance d/b/a Home Ownership Protection Education Alliance, Inc. d/b/a www.helpnowalliance.org engaged in residential mortgage brokering/lending activities without a license or under an applicable exemption in violation of O.C.G.A. § 7-1-1002

EUGENE, OR - April 21, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- IDX, Inc. is excited to welcome Costigan Real Estate Group's very own Mike Costigan, in joining the ever growing database of real estate agents and brokers choosing to upgrade and personalize their websites, with use of custom IDX Broker software. Residing in Marietta, Georgia, Costigan is a part of the Georgia MLS (GAMLS). Potential home buyers browsing Costigan's website can now easily search an infinite amount of properties in the GAMLS surrounding areas, and create custom searches, in order to best fit their personal property needs. By incorporating the this custom IDX solution, Costigan's site now provides search options and Multiple Listing Service (MLS) listings that are displayed in a seamlessly integrated and easily searchable format.

ATLANTA, GA - April 16, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On the eve of national tax day, the Georgia General Assembly has passed major tax relief, HB 1055 called by some the “Georgia Taxpayer Relief Act of 2010”. The measure eliminates retirement income tax on Georgia seniors and eliminates the state property tax. Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) lead the efforts in the Senate to help add the tax elimination measures to HB 1055

ATLANTA, GA - April 16, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On the eve of national tax day, the Georgia General Assembly has passed major tax relief, HB 1055 called by some the “Georgia Taxpayer Relief Act of 2010”. The measure eliminates retirement income tax on Georgia seniors and eliminates the state property tax. Senate Majority Leader Chip Rogers (R-Woodstock) lead the efforts in the Senate to help add the tax elimination measures to HB 1055

Dunwoody, GA - April 8, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Real estate professional Gloria Jean Hecking was presented with Member of the Year honors for the Atlanta chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors during its January luncheon at the Capitol City Grill in Buckhead

April 1, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- The Making Home Affordable Program has been expanded to reach more homeowners who need help with their mortgages. Many Georgians are still struggling to keep up with their payments. Congressman Scott will continue to support policies to help homeowners turn the corner.

Atlanta, GA - March 31, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On March 30, 2010, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) entered into a Consent Order with MTB Mortgage Inc. (“MTB Mortgage”), License Number 20290, formerly located at 4566 Lawrenceville Highway, Suite 101, Lilburn, Georgia 30047, and its owner, Olamide Arowolo, to resolve allegations pertaining to violations of the Georgia Residential Mortgage Act and agency rules.The terms of the Consent Order include

FORSYTH, GA - March 23, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- As spring arrives, backyard gardeners and landscapers begin the yearly task of beautifying their outdoor environments. The Georgia Wildlife Resources Division recommends that amateur and professional gardeners, regardless of their yard’s size, consider building a place for wildlife while planning for spring gardens.

Atlanta, GA - March 3, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On February 26, 2010, an Order to Cease and Desist issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance ("Department") to Nathan Livingston d/b/a Loan Help Solutions d/b/a www.loanhelpsolutions.net d/b/a Mortgage Help Solutions located at 160 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 200, Decatur, Georgia 30030 became final

ATLANTA, GA - February 5, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that Senator Bill Cowsert, one of the Governor’s Senate Floor Leaders, has introduced mortgage fraud legislation that would grant the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) jurisdiction to initiate investigations on offenses related to mortgage fraud. The legislation would create a mortgage fraud unit by partnering GBI, the Department of Banking and Finance and local law enforcement to investigate mortgage fraud crimes.

Atlanta, GA - February 3, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On January 27, 2010, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) entered into a Consent Order with Dependable Mortgage, LLC, License Number 19425, formerly located at 6030 Dawson Boulevard, Suite A, Norcross, Georgia 30093, and its owner, Gbenga Ibisanmi, to resolve allegations pertaining to violations of the Georgia Residential Mortgage Act and agency rules.The Consent Order includes the following terms

Atlanta, GA - January 28, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On January 25, 2010, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) entered into a Consent Order with Lenox Financial Mortgage, LLC, mortgage lender’s license number 19100, located at 6 Piedmont Center, Suite 500, 3525 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, Georgia, 30305, as well as its members, Jon M. Shibley and Stefen Shibley,to resolve allegations that they violated the Georgia Residential Mortgage Act and the Georgia Fair Lending Act.The terms of the Consent Order include a series of requirements that Lenox Financial Mortgage, LLC, among other things, shall develop and implement policies, procedures and best practices that will ensure compliance with state law and related Department rules regarding Georgia residential mortgage activity. Lenox Financial Mortgage, LLC shall pay fines and make a contribution to the State Regulatory Registry, LLC to support the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System.

Atlanta, GA - January 26, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On January 22, 2010, an Order to Cease and Desist issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) to Contract Asset Management, LLC d/b/a Exclusive Properties located at 2550 Heritage Court, Suite 200, Atlanta, Georgia 30339 became final.This Order to Cease and Desist was issued by the Department after it obtained evidence that Contract Asset Management, LLC d/b/a Exclusive Properties engaged in residential mortgage brokering/lending activities without a license or under an applicable exemption in violation of O.C.G.A. § 7-1-1002.

Atlanta, GA - January 25, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On January 20, 2010, an Order to Cease and Desist issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) to Exclusive Metro Properties, LLC located at 2350 Spring Road #103, Smyrna, Georgia 30080 became final.This Order to Cease and Desist was issued by the Department after it obtained evidence that Exclusive Metro Properties, LLC engaged in residential mortgage brokering/lending activities without a license or under an applicable exemption in violation of O.C.G.A. § 7-1-100

Atlanta, GA - January 20, 2010 - (RealEstateRama) -- On January 19, 2010, an Order to Cease and Desist issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) to Roosevelt Mortgage Acquisition Company, located at 1540 Broadway, Suite 1606, New York, New York 10036, became final.This Order to Cease and Desist was issued by the Department after it obtained evidence that Roosevelt Mortgage Acquisition Company engaged in residential mortgage lending activities without a license or under an applicable exemption.

Atlanta, GA - December 7, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- On December 4, 2009, an Order to Cease and Desist issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) to Groupers Property Management Associates located at 1050 E. Piedmont Road, Suite E-167, Marietta, Georgia 30062 became final.

Atlanta, GA - December 4, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Homeowners seeking to take a "payment holiday" from their mortgage need to consider other alternatives to make certain they do not become delinquent on their most important asset - their home.

Atlanta, GA - December 4, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- On December 2, 2009, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance’s Amended Notice of Intent to Revoke Annual License of America’s First Home Mortgage Company, Inc., located at 405 North Robinson Street, Richmond, Virginia 23220, mortgage lender’s license number 5682, became final.

Atlanta, GA - December 3, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- On December 1, 2009, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) entered into a Consent Order with America’s Mortgage Broker, LLC, mortgage lender’s license number 15600, located at 324 North Dale Mabry Highway, Suite 203, Tampa, Florida 33609-1266, and its owners, Mark Collins and Axiom, Inc., to resolve allegations of violations of the Georgia Residential Mortgage Act

Atlanta, GA - December 1, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- On November 23, 2009, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) entered into a Consent Order with Gateway Mortgage Group, LLC, License Number 20712, located at 6910 E. 14th Street, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74112, and its president, John Kevin Stitt, to resolve allegations pertaining to violations of the Georgia Residential Mortgage Act and agency rules.

Atlanta, GA - December 1, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- On November 23, 2009, the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) entered into a Consent Order with First-Rate Mortgage Inc., License Number 13134, located at 2377 Terrell Drive, Atlanta, Georgia 30341, and its president, Steven Post, to resolve allegations pertaining to violations of the Georgia Residential Mortgage Act and agency rules

Atlanta, GA - November 18, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- On November 16, 2009, an Order to Cease and Desist issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) to Mortgage Help Solutions d/b/a www.mortgagehelpsolutions.com located at 160 Clairemont Avenue, Suite 268, Decatur, Georgia 30030 became final.

ATLANTA, GA - November 10, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- As the colder winter months approach, the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) will once again help Georgians struggling to keep up with the cost of heating their homes.

Washington, DC - November 9, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- Congressman David Scott voted to stimulate the local economy and provide stability to Georgia families hit hardest by the recession by extending unemployment benefits, the homebuyers' tax credit, and tax relief for military families. The Emergency Unemployment Compensation Extension Act will provide immediate assistance to millions of families.

Atlanta, GA - November 3, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- On October 26, 2009, the DeKalb County Superior Court issued a Final Consent Order enjoining Mortgage First, LLC of Layton, Utah, from further violation of the Department of Banking and Finance’s (“Department’s”) order requiring that it cease and desist from engaging in unlicensed residential mortgage activities in Georgia.On October 15, 2007, a Cease and Desist Order issued by the Department became final against Mortgage First, LLC after it was determined that this company was engaging in residential mortgage activities without the appropriate license. After the Cease and Desist Order became final, Mortgage First, LLC continued to engage in mortgage broker and lending activities for which a license was required by the Department.

Atlanta, GA - October 30, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) -- On October 29, 2009, an Order to Cease and Desist issued by the Georgia Department of Banking and Finance (“Department”) to Mountain States Mortgage Centers, Inc. located at 1333 E. 9400 South, Sandy, Utah, 84093 became final.