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Protect Your License and Career by Avoiding “Investment” Scams

Please be aware and make your employees aware of a dramatic increase in illegal property flipping throughout

our state. The scam involves individuals posing as “real estate investors” – offering to purchase single-family

homes at inflated prices, promising “guaranteed high rates of return”, falsifying or obtaining fraudulent

appraisals to substantiate the artificial values, and reselling or refinancing the homes several times for 150 to 200

percent of the actual value. The scam is most prevalent in areas of new construction and high-end homes,

particularly Utah County (Provo/Alpine), Washington County (St. George), and Salt Lake County (Draper).

Identifying and Avoiding Real Estate Fraud

• Properties reported as “sold” or offers to buy at values significantly higher than asking price.

• Property sales history shows many sales with rapid and significant increases in value.

• Buyer purchasing multiple properties in a short period of time (often as owner occupied).

• Appraisal is dated prior to the loan application.

• “Investor” using someone else’s identity and/or credit score to purchase a home.

• Buyers providing false information on employment, credit score, income, or the occupancy of the home.

• REPC does not reflect the “true terms” of the agreement, such as undisclosed addendums.

• Unlicensed persons receiving “consulting fees” for helping “clients” purchase investment properties.

• Buyers and sellers conspiring to artificially inflate the property value and sharing the “profit”.

• Excessive payments to third parties such as unsubstantiated notices of interest or unrecorded second-mortgages.

The term “advance fee” as used in this part is a fee claimed, demanded, charged, received, collected or contracted from a principal for a listing, advertisement or offer to sell or lease property, other than in a newspaper of general circulation, issued primarily for the purpose of promoting the sale or lease of business opportunities or real estate or for referral to real estate brokers or salesmen, or soliciting borrowers or lenders for, or to negotiate loans on, business opportunities or real estate. As used in this section, “advance fee” does not include “security” as that term is used in Section 1950.5 of the Civil Code, or a “screening fee” as that term is used in Section 1950.6 of the Civil Code. This section does not exempt from regulation the charging or collecting of a fee under Section 1950 1950.6 offees that are not subject to those sections.

All HUD assisted and insured housing (Public Housing and Multifamily Housing) covered under the Department's Uniform Physical Condition Standards (UPCS) regulations must be inspected by individuals certified in the Department's UPCS inspection protocol and procedures. The Physical Assessment Sub System (PASS) of the Office of Public and Indian Housing - Real Estate Assessment Center (PIH-REAC) facilitates these inspections of all HUD-affiliated properties.

• An extensive review of a State or Entitlement jurisdiction's laws, regulations, and administrative policies, procedures, and practices;
• An assessment of how those laws affect the location, availability, and accessibility of housing;
• An evaluation of conditions, both public and private, affecting fair housing choice for all protected classes; and
• An assessment of the availability of affordable, accessible housing in a range of unit sizes.

On September 2, 2004, an Analysis of Impediments Memorandum was signed by the Assistant Secretaries for the Offices of Community Planning and Development and Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. This memorandum gives guidance to HUD field offices regarding the requirements of the Consolidated Plan to prepare an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.

The Fair Housing Act (FHAct) protects all citizens from discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, handicap or familial status (families with children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal guardians; pregnant women and people trying to get custody of children under 18).

Senior Housing Exemption

Although the FHAct was amended in 1988 to prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability and familial status, Congress intended to preserve housing specifically designed to meet the needs of senior citizens. Housing that meets the FHAct definition of "housing for older persons" is exempt from the law's familial status requirements, provided that:

• HUD has determined that the dwelling is specifically designed for and occupied by elderly persons under a Federal, State or local government program or
• It is occupied solely by persons who are 62 or older or
• It houses at least one person who is 55 or older in at least 80 percent of the occupied units, and adheres to a policy that demonstrates intent to house persons who are 55 or older.

Therefore, housing that satisfies the legal definition of senior housing or housing for older persons described above, can legally exclude families with children.

§ 4151. "Building" defined

§ 4152. Standards for design, construction, and alteration of buildings; Administrator of General Services

§ 4153. Standards for design, construction, and alteration of buildings; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

§ 4154. Standards for design, construction, and alteration of buildings; Secretary of Defense

§ 4154a. Standards for design, construction, and alteration of buildings; United States Postal Service

§ 4155. Effective date of standards

§ 4156. Waiver and modification of standards

§ 4157. Reports to Congress and Congressional committees

(a) The Administrator of General Services shall report to Congress during the first week of January of each year on his activities and those of other departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Federal Government under this chapter during the preceding fiscal year including, but not limited to, standards issued, revised, amended, or repealed under this chapter and all case-by-case modifications, and waivers of such standards during such year.

(b) The Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board established by section 792 of Title 29 shall report to Public Works and Transportation Committee of the House of Representatives and the Environment and Public Works Committee of the Senate during the first week of January of each year on its activities and actions to insure compliance with the standards prescribed under this chapter.

In 2006, real estate brokers and sales agents held about 564,000 jobs; real estate sales agents held approximately 77 percent of these jobs.

Many real estate brokers and sales agents worked part time, combining their real estate activities with other careers. About 61 percent real estate brokers and sales agents were self-employed. Real estate is sold in all areas, but employment is concentrated in large urban areas and in rapidly growing communities.

Most real estate firms are relatively small; indeed, some are one-person businesses. By contrast, some large real estate firms have several hundred agents operating out of numerous branch offices. Many brokers have franchise agreements with national or regional real estate organizations. Under this type of arrangement, the broker pays a fee in exchange for the privilege of using the more widely known name of the parent organization. Although franchised brokers often receive help in training sales staff and running their offices, they bear the ultimate responsibility for the success or failure of their firms.

The median annual earnings, including commissions, of salaried real estate sales agents were $39,760 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $26,790 and $65,270 a year. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $20,170, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $111,500. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of real estate sales agents in May 2006 were:

Median annual earnings, including commissions, of salaried real estate brokers were $60,790 in May 2006. The middle 50 percent earned between $37,800 and $102,180 a year. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest number of real estate brokers in May 2006 were:

Commissions on sales are the main source of earnings of real estate agents and brokers. The rate of commission varies according to whatever the agent and broker agree on, the type of property, and its value. The percentage paid on the sale of farm and commercial properties or unimproved land is typically higher than the percentage paid for selling a home.

Commissions may be divided among several agents and brokers. The broker or agent who obtains a listing usually shares the commission with the broker or agent who sells the property and with the firms that employ each of them. Although an agent’s share varies greatly from one firm to another, often it is about half of the total amount received by the firm. Agents who both list and sell a property maximize their commission.

Income usually increases as an agent gains experience, but individual motivation, economic conditions, and the type and location of the property affect earnings, too. Sales workers who are active in community organizations and in local real estate associations can broaden their contacts and increase their earnings. A beginner’s earnings often are irregular because a few weeks or even months may go by without a sale. Although some brokers allow an agent to draw against future earnings from a special account, the practice is not common with new employees. The beginner, therefore, should have enough money to live for about 6 months or until commissions increase.

Certificate of Good Standing

A Certificate of Good Standing reflects the current license level of a licensee and the issuance and expiration date of a licensee's active record. Pending renewals will not show on this certificate even if the application has been processed and the license issued. In addition, a Certificate of Good Standing cannot be processed for individuals who do not hold a valid license with the Office of Real Estate Appraisers.

The price for a Certificate of Good Standing is $15.00 each.

Letter of License History

A Letter of License History shows the issuance date and ending date of each license held by the licensee. This includes the date the licensee was originally issued; any license upgrade dates; and each date the license was renewed. A license history also shows any name changes the licensee may have had and the current mailing address of the licensee. In addition, a license history will show any public disciplinary action taken against the licensee. A Letter of License History may be requested for current licensees as well as for individuals previously licensed with the Office of Real Estate Appraisers.

The price for a Letter of License History is $40.00 each.

One of the most complex and significant financial events in peoples’ lives is the purchase or sale of a home or investment property. Because of this complexity and significance, people typically seek the help of real estate brokers and sales agents when buying or selling real estate.

Real estate brokers and sales agents have a thorough knowledge of the real estate market in their communities. They know which neighborhoods will best fit clients’ needs and budgets. They are familiar with local zoning and tax laws and know where to obtain financing. Agents and brokers also act as intermediaries in price negotiations between buyers and sellers.

When selling property, brokers and agents arrange for title searches to verify ownership and for meetings between buyers and sellers during which they agree to the details of the transactions and in a final meeting, the new owners take possession of the property. They also may help to arrange favorable financing from a lender for the prospective buyer; often, this makes the difference between success and failure in closing a sale. In some cases, brokers and agents assume primary responsibility for closing sales; in others, lawyers or lenders do.

Agents and brokers spend a significant amount of time looking for properties to sell. They obtain listings—agreements by owners to place properties for sale with the firm. When listing a property for sale, agents and brokers compare the listed property with similar properties that recently sold, in order to determine a competitive market price for the property. Following the sale of the property, both the agent who sold it and the agent who obtained the listing receive a portion of the commission. Thus, agents who sell a property that they themselves have listed can increase their commission.

Before showing residential properties to potential buyers, agents meet with them to get an idea of the type of home the buyers would like. In this prequalifying phase, the agent determines how much the buyers can afford to spend. In addition, the agent and the buyer usually sign a loyalty contract, which states that the agent will be the only one to show houses to the buyer. An agent or broker then generates lists of properties for sale, their location and description, and available sources of financing. In some cases, agents and brokers use computers to give buyers a virtual tour of properties that interest them.

Agents may meet several times with prospective buyers to discuss and visit available properties. Agents identify and emphasize the most pertinent selling points. To a young family looking for a house, for example, they may emphasize the convenient floor plan, the area’s low crime rate, and the proximity to schools and shopping. To a potential investor, they may point out the tax advantages of owning a rental property and the ease of finding a renter. If bargaining over price becomes necessary, agents must follow their client’s instructions carefully and may have to present counteroffers to get the best possible price.

Once the buyer and seller have signed a contract, the real estate broker or agent must make sure that all special terms of the contract are met before the closing date. The agent must make sure that any legally mandated or agreed-upon inspections, such as termite and radon inspections, take place. In addition, if the seller agrees to any repairs, the broker or agent ensures they are made. Increasingly, brokers and agents are handling environmental problems as well, by making sure that the properties they sell meet environmental regulations. For example, they may be responsible for dealing with lead paint on the walls. Loan officers, attorneys, or other people handle many details, but the agent must ensure that they are carried out.

Most real estate brokers and sales agents sell residential property. A small number—usually employed in large or specialized firms—sell commercial, industrial, agricultural, or other types of real estate. Every specialty requires knowledge of that particular type of property and clientele. Selling or leasing business property requires an understanding of leasing practices, business trends, and the location of the property. Agents who sell or lease industrial properties must know about the region’s transportation, utilities, and labor supply. Whatever the type of property, the agent or broker must know how to meet the client’s particular requirements.

Brokers and agents do the same type of work, but brokers are licensed to manage their own real estate businesses. Agents must work with a broker. They usually provide their services to a licensed real estate broker on a contract basis. In return, the broker pays the agent a portion of the commission earned from the agent’s sale of the property. Brokers, as independent businesspeople, often sell real estate owned by others; they also may rent or manage properties for a fee.

Work environment. Advances in telecommunications and the ability to retrieve data about properties over the Internet allow many real estate brokers and sales agents to work out of their homes instead of real estate offices. Even with this convenience, workers spend much of their time away from their desks—showing properties to customers, analyzing properties for sale, meeting with prospective clients, or researching the real estate market.

Agents and brokers often work more than a standard 40-hour week. They usually work evenings and weekends and are usually on call to respond to the needs of clients. Although the hours are long and frequently irregular, most agents and brokers have the freedom to determine their own schedule. They can arrange their work so that they have time off when they want it. Business usually is slower during the winter season.

Corporation Background Statement (RE 212)

Section III of the Corporation License Application (RE 201)requires the designated officer who obtains the original corporation license to file a Corporation Background Statement (RE 212) for any director, chief executive officer, president, first level vice president(s), secretary, chief financial officer, and subordinate officers with responsibility for forming policy of the corporation and all natural persons owning or controlling more than 10% of its shares, if such a person has been the subject of any of the items enumerated in Regulation 2746. If none of the officers have been the subject of any of the items enumerated in that Regulation, a Corporation Background Statement (RE 212) is not needed. In all instances, the designated broker/officer must complete and sign the certification in Part III of the application.

Licensing Additional Brokers

Other officers who are acting for the corporation in any capacity which would require a broker license must be additionally licensed as officers of the corporation. Additional broker/officers may be licensed by submitting a completed Corporation License Application (RE 201) and the current fee. There is no limit to the number of broker/officers who may be added. All brokers who are applying for an additional broker/officer license must hold an officer title in the corporation. The term "broker/officer" is not an official officer title.

Designated Officer Responsibilities

The designated corporate officer is responsible for the supervision and control of the activities requiring a license which are conducted, on behalf of the corporation, by its officers and employees. The designated broker officer may, by resolution of the board of directors, assign supervisory responsibility over salespersons licensed to the corporation to additional licensed broker officers. A certified copy of the corporate resolution and Certification (Assignment of Supervisory Responsibility) (RE 210) must be forwarded to DRE within five days after the adoption or modification thereof if such supervisory responsibility has been delegated to other licensed broker officers.

Proof of Legal Presence

All license applicants must submit proof that they have legal presence in the United States. A proof of legal presence document (i.e., birth certificate, resident alien card, etc.) must be submitted with a State Public Benefits Statement (RE 205)before a license will be issued.

DRE is proud to announce that on August 3, 2009, DRE’s new Electronic Examination System was deployed in the Oakland District Office. Planning for this project was started in 2006, following a feasibility study and approval for a budget augmentation. With the sponsorship of DRE’s Executive staff, the system was developed by DRE’s own internal technical staff and Licensing staff members. Several steps had to be successfully completed before the system could be launched including overall system design, equipment procurement, examination room renovations, and very complex system building and rigorous testing phases.

This system allows examinees to take the real estate salesperson and broker examination using an electronic method. The system allows for examination results to be provided as soon as applicants complete their examination. In addition, qualified candidates who pass their examination can be issued a temporary license which allows them to commence conducting licensed activities immediately.

The electronic exam system will improve examination security, improve testing practices, and contain future examination costs by reducing administration overhead. Examination security will be improved by eliminating the theft of examination material and allow for the ability to electronically capture candidate identification information. Testing practices will be improved by allowing DRE to scramble examination material and provide for more effective proctor oversight. Examination administration costs will be reduced by eliminating the need for printing and duplicating examination booklets which in turn will allow for reduction and eventual elimination of material storage and shipping costs.

How will it work? The electronic examination system will be in an easy to use format. Examination workstations will contain a computer monitor, which will be recessed under glass at an examination station, and a mouse. Keyboards will not be used. Applicants will be able to will be able to peruse back and forth through the questions and point and click on the answers they select. During the examination they will know how many questions they have answered or unanswered.

The electronic examination system will be deployed at all DRE District Offices on a phased schedule. Current plans call for the system to be deployed in the Fresno District Office next.

• Exceedingly high interest rates and inflated fees in comparison with other lenders.
• Bait and switch tactics where a mortgage broker or lender knowingly offers one set of terms which are more appealing but are not readily available and then pressures the borrower into signing a contract with more expensive terms and hidden fees.
• Door-to-door high pressure salespersons and pitches for home equity loans related to home improvement contracts or contracts for the installation of items such as drapes and carpets.
• Salespersons with backgrounds similar to yours who attempt to gain your trust. This tactic is oftentimes used to lull a homeowner into a false sense of security, causing the homeowner to make a decision based on trust instead of knowledge and understanding.
• Mail, radio and television ads that claim "No job! No credit! No problem! You can still qualify for a loan based on your home equity." These ads encourage you to place your home at risk. If you can't make the payments, you will lose your home! Offers that sound too good to be true, usually are.
• High-pressure sales tactics requiring you to sign a loan contract right away. If the offer is good today, it should probably be good tomorrow, AFTER you have reviewed the contract and have consulted a knowledgeable, uninvolved advisor.

• There are oftentimes major differences between various lending sources, so shop around for the best loan and visit several reputable mortgage brokers and lenders.
• Compare interest rates, fees and points and examine all of the terms of the loan.
• The law requires mortgage brokers and lenders to notify you of your right to review your credit score and the key factors affecting your credit score. Obtain a copy of your credit report to verify that it accurately reflects your credit history.
• In most mortgage loan transactions, you are entitled by state and federal law to a "Good Faith Estimate" disclosure of the costs and expenses you are expected to pay in connection with obtaining the loan. Read it carefully and question any items you don't understand.
• Double-check the loan application for accuracy in the cost of the home, your income and your employment information. If false information is provided, you could lose your home if the lender decides to foreclose and/or even face criminal charges.

The most common violations of this section found in audits relate to Commissioner's Regulation 2832(a), which requires that a broker place funds accepted on behalf of another into the hands of the owner of the funds, into a neutral escrow depository or into a trust fund account in the name of the broker, or in a fictitious name if the broker is the holder of a license bearing such fictitious name, as trustee at a bank or other financial institution not later than three business days following receipt of the funds by the broker or by the broker's salesperson. Two of the most common problems related to this regulation are:

1. A broker's failure to designate accounts receiving trust funds as trust fund accounts in the name of the broker or broker's dba as trustee; and



2. Failure to deposit trust funds received by a broker or broker's employee into a trust fund account within three business days of receipt.

The most common violations of this section found in audits relate to Commissioner's Regulation 2832(a), which requires that a broker place funds accepted on behalf of another into the hands of the owner of the funds, into a neutral escrow depository or into a trust fund account in the name of the broker, or in a fictitious name if the broker is the holder of a license bearing such fictitious name, as trustee at a bank or other financial institution not later than three business days following receipt of the funds by the broker or by the broker's salesperson. Two of the most common problems related to this regulation are:

1. A broker's failure to designate accounts receiving trust funds as trust fund accounts in the name of the broker or broker's dba as trustee; and



2. Failure to deposit trust funds received by a broker or broker's employee into a trust fund account within three business days of receipt.

Real estate agents covered by the Privacy Act may collect only the personal information necessary to fill a property vacancy. An agent covered by the Privacy Act can collect personal information about an individual if:

• the collection of the personal information is necessary for its functions or activities
• it collects the information by lawful and fair means and not in an unreasonably intrusive way.

The agent can only collect sensitive information (e.g. health or race) if the individual has consented.

"A lot of people know that omega-3 fatty acids are a good thing, but have thought of them in the area of nutritional or health foods," said study author Dr. Carl J. Lavie, medical director of cardiac rehabilitation and prevention at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. "They don't realize there is so much data, a lot of data from big studies, that they are not only preventive but also help in therapy for a number of conditions, such as atrial fibrillation, heart attack, atherosclerosis and heart failure."

The report in the Aug. 11 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology cites four trials with almost 40,000 participants that show benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in primary prevention of cardiovascular disease, in treatment after heart attack and, most recently, in heart failure patients.

The benefits of omega-3 fatty acids are such an old story that such studies can go unnoticed, Lavie said. "If you polled cardiologists about whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, I don't know if they would recognize how much has been done in this area," he noted.

As far back as 2002, the American Heart Association issued a scientific statement endorsing omega-3 fatty acid intake, from fish or supplements. It recommended specific amounts of omega-3 fatty acids each day for people in general, with greater intake recommended for people with heart disease.

"For the general population, it should be 500 milligrams a day," Lavie said. "If you have heart disease, it should be 800 or 1,000 milligrams a day."

Lavie includes himself in the second category, because "I have a family history of heart disease. I eat a lot of fish and take a supplement just to be sure."

It's got to be the right kind of fish, the oily species that have a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, Lavie added. "Redfish, trout, salmon," he said. "Salmon is my favorite."

Not much effort is needed for most people to achieve the recommended intake, Lavie said. "Five hundred milligrams a day is two fatty fish meals per week," he added.

But too many people eat non-oily fish such as catfish, Lavie noted. "And they have it fried, which reduces its health benefits," he added.

His review did turn up a few negative studies, including one showing no benefits of omega-3 fatty acids in people who had heart attacks. But it was a relatively small (4,000 people), short (one-year) trial, and the patients in the trial were already getting intensive drug therapy including clot-busting clopidogrel, cholesterol-lowering statins, beta blockers and ACE inhibitors, Lavie noted.

Set against that one trial are the many larger studies cited by Lavie, and epidemiological evidence showing that populations such as Asians and Alaskan Eskimos, whose diets are rich in fish oil, have a low incidence of cardiovascular disease.

The picture is not complete, the new report noted. Studies still must be done to determine the relative benefits of DHA and EPA, the long-chain fatty acids in the omega-3 family. And the American Heart Association says that Omega-3 supplements should be taken only after consulting with a doctor, because too much can cause excessive bleeding in some people.

Another study now in the recruiting stage will test omega-3 fatty acids to prevent not only cardiovascular disease but also cancer, said Dr. JoAnn Manson, chief of preventive medicine at the Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital.

She is a leader of the trial, which is now recruiting 10,000 men aged 60 and older and 10,000 women aged 65 and older. The researchers will test not only the effect of omega-3 fatty acids but also of vitamin D.

Both are "very promising nutrients in prevention of cardiovascular disease, cancer and other chronic diseases," Manson said. In the five-year trial, a quarter of the participants will take both vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, a quarter will take the vitamin, a quarter will take the fatty acids and a quarter will take a placebo.

In light of yesterday's 4.1 magnitude earthquake in Los Angeles, Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner urged California consumers to prepare for disaster and evaluate their individual needs for earthquake insurance.

"Disaster will strike when you least expect it," said Commissioner Poizner. "Our state is home to many devastating natural disasters - from wildfires to earthquakes. It is essential that all homeowners are prepared for the possibility of a catastrophic loss. I encourage every Californian to evaluate their individual situations and consider whether earthquake insurance is right for them. I also urge consumers to regularly inventory their assets and make sure to have adequate insurance coverage."

A 2008 National Association of Insurance Commissioners survey revealed that the majority of American consumers do not have the coverage necessary to protect themselves from specific types of losses that are not reimbursed under standard policies. According to the survey findings, 69 percent of Americans do not have earthquake insurance.

Get important information about preparing for a disaster from the California Department of Insurance website at www.insurance.ca.gov. Or, call our toll-free consumer hotline at 1-800-927-HELP.

Commissioner Poizner provided the following disaster preparedness tips for California homeowners and renters:

• Take an inventory of your valuables and belongings. Take photographs or a video of each room. This documentation will provide your insurance company with proof of your belongings and help to process claims more quickly in the event of disaster.
• Keep sales receipts and/or canceled checks. Also note the model and serial numbers of the items in your home inventory.
• As you acquire more valuables - jewelry, family heirlooms, antiques, art -consider purchasing an additional "floater" or "rider" to your policy to cover these special items. These types of items typically are not covered by a basic homeowners or renter's insurance policy.
• Remember to include in your home inventory those items you rarely use (e.g., holiday decorations, sports equipment, tools, etc.).
• Store copies of all your insurance policies in a safe location away from your home that is easily accessible in case of disaster. You may want to store your policies and inventory in a waterproof, fireproof box or in a safe, remote location such as a bank safe deposit box. Consider leaving a copy of your inventory with relatives, friends or your insurance provider and store digital pictures in your e-mail or on a website for easy retrieval.
• Know what is and is not covered by your insurance policy. You might need additional protection depending on where you live. Make sure your policies are up to date. Contact your insurance provider annually to review and update your insurance policy.
• Keep a readily available list of 24-hour contact information for each of your insurance providers.
• Find out if your possessions are insured for the actual cash value or the replacement cost. Actual cash value is the amount it would take to repair or replace damage to your home or possessions after depreciation while replacement cost is the amount it would take to repair or replace your home or possessions without deducting for depreciation. Speak with your insurance provider to determine whether purchasing replacement coverage is worth the cost.
• Speak with your insurance provider to find out if your policy covers additional living expenses for a temporary residence if you are unable to live in your home due to damage from a disaster.
• Appraise your home periodically to make sure your insurance policy reflects home improvements or renovations. Contact your insurance provider to update your policy accordingly.

Things to consider:

• Before you use the services of a mortgage broker or lender:
• You should make sure they are properly licensed
• Check License Status
• Before you apply for an adjustable rate, interest only or payment option mortgage see the following important information:
• “Consumer Handbook on Adjustable Rate Mortgages”
• “Interest-Only Mortgage Payments and Payment-Option ARMS – Are They for You”

• If you think you have been wronged by a mortgage broker or lender and they are:
• Licensed by the Department of Real Estate
• Here is how to contact us
• Here is how to file a complaint
• Licensed by the Department of Corporations
• Consumer Complaint Form
  
  
• If you are behind in your mortgage payments or are in default:
• HUD - How to Avoid Foreclosure
• Foreclosure Counseling Services
• Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
• Homeownership Preservation Foundation
• Advance Fees and Loan Modification Services
• Mortgage Fraud Schemes (plus YouTube Video)
• Consumer Alert - Mortgage Foreclosure Scams
• New Rules on Foreclosures as of July 8, 2008

BACKGROUND

For three decades, Healthy People has served as an evidence-based foundation for public health agencies and organizations to reach goals related to improving health status in the U.S. As Healthy People has evolved, its use has become more widespread. Public health activities from national to local levels are increasingly aligned with Healthy People goals and objectives.

Coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (ODPHP), Healthy People 2020 is being developed in 2 phases. Phase 1 includes the framework—vision, mission, and overarching goals. The framework provides a foundation for Healthy People 2020 objectives that will be developed. While general in nature, the framework offers specific, important areas of emphasis where action must be taken if the United States is to achieve better health by the year 2020. In partnership with the many national, federal, state and local stakeholders of the Healthy People initiative, HHS is now in Phase 2, developing specific objectives, targets and considering effective strategies for addressing Healthy People 2020. The full Healthy People 2020 initiative is anticipated to be released in 2010.

The Healthy People 2020 framework was developed by a federal workgroup with advice and consultation from a fully public member expert advisory committee and has included numerous opportunities for public comment. The result is a framework for improving the nation’s health which recognizes the multiple and integrated factors that impact health. These factors include social and physical environments as well as disease prevention, health promotion and health care. This change from Healthy People 2010 to Healthy People 2020 is intended to move-away from a "silo" approach to health and promote the notion that health is not the responsibility of the health sector alone; but also includes personal, social, economic, and environmental determinants. In addition, new and emerging issues and influences on health (health equity; health information technology; all hazards preparedness) are highlighted for their significance in promoting and ensuring the nation’s health.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this evaluation program is to have state, territory, and tribal governments propose and conduct innovative and participatory strategic planning activities and processes, with an emphasis on multi-sector collaboration, using the Healthy People 2020 framework and population health improvement concepts (i.e., Healthy People 2020 mission and overarching goals; social, physical, and environmental determinants of health; and health equity) to improve the health of their communities. ODPHP is interested in evaluating the utility of the Healthy People 2020 framework in guiding program and policy for eligible entities in addition to their state, regional and community partners and stakeholders. ODPHP is also interested in entities’ responses to the revised Healthy People initiative to a more integrated approach to address health determinants and diseases/conditions.

Awardees will receive funding to support activities that create a dynamic and flexible approach to operationalizing the Healthy People 2020 framework to address their specific population health contexts and needs. Since draft Healthy People 2020 objectives are expected during the implementation of projects, awardees should plan to incorporate them into their project design to address state disease prevention and health promotion priorities and needs.

Funding from this evaluation program is intended to enhance existing or planned state, territorial, and tribal activities to develop a Healthy People plan based on the national Healthy People 2020 framework and objectives.

For years, scam operators have used the telephone and direct mail to entice U.S. consumers into buying chances in supposedly high-stakes foreign lotteries. Now they're using email, too — either to sell tickets or suggest that a large cash prize has your name on it. No matter what country's name is used to promote a lottery, the pitch follows a pattern: you should send money to pay for taxes, insurance, or processing or customs fees. The amount may seem small at first, but as long as you keep paying, the requests for funds will keep coming — for higher and higher amounts. Some victims have lost thousands of dollars.

Most scam operators never buy the lottery tickets on your behalf. Others buy some tickets, but keep the "winnings" for themselves. In any case, lottery hustlers generally try to get you to share your bank account or credit card numbers, so they can make unauthorized withdrawals.

If you're thinking about responding to a foreign lottery, OnGuard Online wants you to remember:

• Playing a foreign lottery is against the law.
• There are no secret systems for winning foreign lotteries. Your chances of getting any money back are slim to none.
• If you buy even one foreign lottery ticket, you can expect many more bogus offers for lottery or investment "opportunities." Your name will be placed on "sucker lists" that fraudsters buy and sell.
• Keep your credit card and bank account numbers to yourself. Scam artists often ask for them during an unsolicited sales pitch. Once they get your account numbers, they may use them to commit identity theft.

Going online can be a convenient way to research health care products and find answers to health-related questions. But taking your health online also requires some extra investigative effort on your part.

• Know who’s on the other end. Before you hand over any personal or financial information, do some research to find out who you’re dealing with, and make sure the website is secure.
• Consider the source. In a health search, always consider who’s behind the information. Government websites (sites ending in .gov) and university or medical school websites (.edu) are good bets.
• Only buy prescription drugs from licensed, U.S. pharmacies. Reputable pharmacies should require a prescription, have a licensed pharmacist to answer questions, and provide a physical business address and phone number.
• Talk to your doctor or health professional. Your doctor can tell you about the effectiveness and risks of a health care product. Don’t trust a website just because it looks professional.
• Report online fraud. If you think you may be a victim of fraud, file a complaint with the FTC.

To avoid Internet scams, OnGuard Online suggests the following:

• Independently Verify Claims. Never, ever, make an investment based solely on what you read in an online newsletter, bulletin board posting, or blog — especially if the investment involves a small, thinly-traded company that isn't well known. It's easy for a company or its promoters to make grandiose claims about new product developments, lucrative contracts, or the company's financial health. Before you invest, make sure you've independently verified those claims. Get started by turning to unbiased sources, such as the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), your state securities regulator, and securities industry self-regulatory organizations (including FINRA, Amex, and Nasdaq).
• Do Your Homework. Offers to sell securities must be registered with the SEC or eligible for an exemption — otherwise the offering is illegal. To see whether an investment is registered, check the SEC's EDGAR database and call your state securities regulator for more information about the company and the people promoting it. The fact that a company has registered its securities and files reports with the SEC doesn't guarantee the company will be a good investment. Likewise, the fact that a company hasn't registered and doesn't file reports doesn't mean the company is a fraud. But many investment frauds, including online scams, involve unregistered securities — so always investigate before you invest.
• Be Skeptical of Self-Provided References. Fraudsters will falsely assure you that an investment is properly registered with the appropriate agency and purport to give you the agency's telephone number so that you can verify that "fact." Sometimes they will give you the name of a real agency — other times they will make one up. But even if the agency does exist, the contact information they provide invariably will be false. Instead of speaking with a government official, you'll reach the fraudsters or their colleagues — who will give the company, the promoter, or the transaction high marks.
• Thoroughly Check Out Promoters and Company Officials. Many fraudsters are repeat offenders. Whenever the SEC sues an individual or entity, the agency issues a "litigation release." Litigation releases going back to 1995 are available on the SEC's website — simply run a search for the promoter, his or her company or newsletter, the company being touted, and its officers and directors. You also can check the licensing and disciplinary history of the person or entity promoting the opportunity by using FINRA 's free BrokerCheck service or by calling your state securities regulator.
• Find Out Where the Stock Trades. Many small, thinly-traded companies cannot meet the listing requirements of a national exchange. The securities of these companies trade instead in the "over-the-counter" market and are quoted on OTC systems, such as the OTC Bulletin Board or the Pink Sheets. Stocks that trade in the OTC market generally are among the most risky and most susceptible to manipulation.
• Watch Out for High-Pressure Pitches. Beware of promoters who pressure you to buy before you have a chance to think about and fully investigate an investment opportunity. Don't fall for the line that you'll lose out on a "once-in-a-lifetime" chance to make big money if you don't act quickly. Remember: if an opportunity sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• Consider the Source and Be Skeptical. Whenever someone you don't know offers you a hot stock tip, ask yourself: Why me? Why is this stranger giving me this tip? How might he or she benefit if I trade? Never forget that the person touting the stock may well be an insider of the company or a paid promoter who stands to profit handsomely if you trade.

The Recovery Act includes $13.61 billion for projects and programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, nearly 75 percent of which was allocated to state and local recipients on February 25, 2009 – only eight days after President Obama signed the Act into law. Recovery Act investments in HUD programs will be not just swift, but also effective: they will generate tens of thousands of jobs, modernize homes to make them energy efficient, and help the families and communities hardest hit by the economic crisis. The remaining 25 percent of funds will be awarded via competition in the coming months. Additional guidance on the implementation of all funds will be routinely provided on this website.

Promoting Energy Efficiency and Creating Green Jobs

These investments are powerful vehicles for economic recovery because they work quickly, are labor-intensive, create jobs where they are needed most, and lead to lasting neighborhood benefits. Many will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save Americans money by retrofitting housing to make it more energy efficient.

• Public Housing Capital Fund: $4 billion invested in energy efficient modernization and renovation of our nation's critical public housing inventory.
• Native American Housing Block Grants: $510 million invested in energy efficient modernization and renovation of housing maintained by Native American housing programs, and the development of sustainable communities.
• Assisted Housing Energy Retrofit: $250 million invested in energy efficient modernization and renovation of housing of HUD-sponsored housing for low-income, elderly, and disabled persons.
• Lead Hazard Reduction: $100 million invested in lead based paint hazard reduction and abatement activities.

Supporting Shovel-Ready Projects and Assisted Housing Improvements

These investments will support a broad range of housing and community development projects that are ready to go. Many of these projects have been held up for lack of private investment due to fallout from the broader economic crisis and credit crunch.

• Tax Credit Assistance Program: $2.25 billion invested in a special allocation of HOME funds to accelerate the production and preservation of tens of thousands of units of affordable housing.
• Project-Based Rental Assistance: $2 billion invested in full 12-month funding for Section 8 project-based housing contracts. This funding will enable owners to undertake much-needed project improvements to maintain the quality of this critical affordable housing.

Promoting Stable Communities and Helping Families Hardest Hit by the Economic Crisis

These investments will help communities and families that have experienced the brunt of the economic downturn. Resources will be used to stabilize and revive local neighborhoods and housing markets with heavy concentrations of foreclosed properties. Funds will also assist the vulnerable families and individuals who are on the brink of homelessness or have recently become homeless.

• Neighborhood Stabilization Program: $2 billion invested in mitigating the impact of foreclosures through the purchase and rehabilitation of foreclosed, vacant properties in order to create more affordable housing and renew neighborhoods devastated by the economic crisis.
• Homelessness Prevention: $1.5 billion invested in preventing homelessness and enabling the rapid re-housing of homeless families and individuals, helping them reenter the labor market more quickly and preventing the further destabilization of neighborhoods.
• Community Development Block Grants: $1 billion for approximately 1,200 state and local governments to invest in their own community development priorities. Most local governments use this investment to rehabilitate affordable housing and improve key public facilities – stabilizing communities and creating jobs locally. Tribes that received Indian Community Development Block Grant funds in fiscal year 2008 are eligible to compete for a portion of these the CDBG funds.

The following are recent jet airliner mishaps from around the world. In each event, at least one passenger/flight attendant was injured during an unexpected turbulence encounter.

• During a flight from Singapore to Sydney with 236 passengers and 16 crew, the airplane encountered turbulence over central Australia. The plane hit an "air pocket" which caused it to drop 300 feet. Nine passengers including one pregnant woman and three crew members suffered various neck, back and hip injuries, with one of the passengers requiring surgery. Those who were injured were not wearing seat belts.
  
  
• During a flight from Japan to Brisbane 16 passengers were injured when a large aircraft encountered turbulence. Passengers had been advised to keep their seat belts fastened while seated. The pilot in command reported that flight conditions were smooth prior to encountering the turbulence. The weather radar did not indicate adverse weather, so the crew did not turn on the seatbelt signs. A number of the passengers who were not wearing their seatbelts were injured when they were thrown from their seats.
  
  
• A jet hit air turbulence shortly before it landed at a Hong Kong airport, injuring 47 people, seven of them seriously. "It happened very suddenly and everything was very chaotic," one of the 160 passengers aboard the flight said. "The plane just dropped and I saw things flying all over."

Web search engine Google has seen better than expected quarterly results even as income growth slowed following the economic recession. The company saw net income reach $1.48bn (£900m) in the 3 months to 30 June, compared to $1.25bn a year before. Revenue rose 3% for a period at $5.52bn and over half - 53% - came from outside the UNITEDSTATES. Analysts reacted largely positively to the results, noting that the company had performed well in holding costs. The firm was cheerful about the results especially given the continued big economic downturn.
Chief executive Eric Schmidt said: "These results highlight the continuing strength of our business model and our responsible hard work to manage expenses." Google earned $5.36 a share, excluding certain items, better than the $5.08 per share forecast by analysts. Sameet Sinha, an analyst with JMP Securities said: "The numbers are good. Revenue was in line with expectations, and strong operating efficiencies were brought about by the new chief executive." It certainly shows that Google is a best company for online advertising. Generally, the focus is on what's going to happen in the second half. Shares in the firm Google expanded 1% to $442.60 on but later dropped 2.4% in after-hours trade.

China 's economy grew at an annual rate of 7.9% between April and June, up from 6.1% in the first quarter of the year, the latest official figures have shown. However, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which announced the latest data, warned that economic recovery was not yet assured. Economists had forecast a second-quarter growth rate of 7.5%. The government has claimed it would achieve 8% growth over the year, well ahead of much of the world.

Numerous challenges

China 's growth figures, which peaked at 10.6% in the second quarter of 2008, are widely watched for indications of recovery in world trade. But officials said the numbers could not obscure continuing problems. "The difficulties and challenges in the current economic development are still numerous," said NBS spokesman Li Xiaochao at a news conference. "The basis of the rebound of the people's economy is not stable," he said. The base for recovery is still weak. Growth momentum is unstable. The recovery pattern is unbalanced and thus there are still uncertain and volatile factors in the recovery process," the NBS said in a statement distributed ahead of a news conference. It said that urban per capita incomes were up 11.2% from a year earlier, and that real rural per capita incomes were up 8.1%. Meanwhile, China 's consumer price index fell 1.7% in June compared with the same month a year earlier, the fifth consecutive monthly decline. Exports in June were down 21.4% compared with a year earlier, the government said last week.

Public private progress

But the private sector is doing its part too, he explained. China 's state controlled banks have lent huge amounts of money to the country's state owned and private sector businesses. Companies have used the cash to try to avoid shedding jobs and to invest in new equipment, he added. The many new government infrastructure projects have provided employment for many of the migrant workers who have been laid off - mainly in the export sector, our correspondent said. Analysts broadly welcomed China 's latest economic data. It's very encouraging: the 8% growth target [for the year] is in sight," said Daniel Soh, an economist at Forecast in Singapore . It's by now clear that the fiscal stimulus package has offset the contraction in export activity. Industrial output - a measure of activity in the nation's factories and workshops - grew by more than 10% year on year in June. Urban fixed asset investment - a measure of government spending on infrastructure - rose by more than 35% over the same period. China 's economic growth in the first quarter of 6.1%, had been the weakest growth since quarterly records began in 1992. The country experienced double-digit growth from 2003 to 2007, and recorded 9% growth in 2008.

source : bbc news

The 23-year-old gamer known as Deathifier made the money back in under a year. The virtual Treasure Island he bought existed within the online role-playing game Project Entropia. He made money by selling land to build virtual homes as well as taxing other gamers to hunt or mine on the island. Project Entropia offers gamers the chance to buy and sell virtual items using real cash, a trend which is gaining popularity as the boundaries between the virtual and real worlds continue to blur.

Property boom

There are fortunes to be made in the burgeoning world of MMORPGs (massive multiplayer online role playing gaming). "The money made to date is only a taste of what can be achieved with my virtual island purchase," said Deathifier. "We've really only just begun with the estate sales and land management, there is still more room for growth and revenue with the untapped resources surrounding the land."Last month, another of Entropia's virtual properties - a virtual space station - sold at auction for £57,000.

While the real housing market may be somewhat static, the one in the virtual world is booming, said the space station auction winner, gamer Jon Jacobs, AKA Neverdie. He said the virtual real estate market was "on fire" as gamers increasingly realised that virtual worlds could start to compete with real worlds at an economic level. Neverdie plans to use his space station to establish an in-game "night club" through which the entertainment industry can sell music and videos to gamers. The Entropia economy works by allowing gamers to exchange real currency for PED (Project Entropia Dollars) and back again into real money. Ten PEDs are the equivalent to one US dollar and gamers can earn cash by accumulating PEDs via the acquisition of goods, buildings and land. Project Entropia was launched in 2003 and now has 300,000 registered accounts.
source : bbc news