Great Links

USDA Rural Development --

Information on the guaranteed loan programs for home purchases in rural areas.

http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/rhs/common/program_info.htm#SFH

Opt Out of Credit Card & Insurance Offers --

Did you know that the credit reporting agencies: Experian, Trans Union and Equifax sell your name and information when you apply for a mortgage? Here's a link to the opt-out site to stop the flood of credit card offers, refinance offers, insurance offers and such that fill up your mailbox. You can opt out electronically (online) for 5 years or permanently by mail.

http://www.optoutprescreen.com/

The Mortgage Professor --

Columnist for the Washington Post, Jack M. Guttenberg's website is a wealth of information on mortgages for buyers, and homeowners. Includes mortgage calculators, spreadsheets and more.

Mortgage Professor website

Information on Preventing Identity Theft --

This month's newsletter addresses this continuing threat to your financial health. With online phishing and other scams designed to capture your personal information, find out how to protect yourself, your computers, and your credit history.

On Guard Online website

Also, see Maryland's Peoples Law Library for more information on Identity Theft:

Peoples Law - Identity Theft website

Got Mold?

Check out the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Mold Resources webpage for valuable information, then call Dave or Teri for a qualified service provider in mold remediation.

Visit: --EPA--Mold website

Learn About Housing Law --

Maryland's Peoples Law Library can help you with landlord/tenant rights, first-time homebuyer programs, unfair lending practices, foreclosures, property taxes, reverse mortgages and much more.

Peoples Law -- Housing website

Renters --

To search the local MLS for rentals, go to HomesDatabase. Once you are at HomesDatabase, choose the state (Maryland) and then the county. The screen that comes up will have a tab at the top for Residential Rentals. After clicking on that tab, you can then choose the zip code (hold down the Ctrl key to select more than one zip code).

Search MLS

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development's statewide rental housing locator service provides information in both English and Spanish. Includes fields on accessibility, senior housing, lead certification, cost, Section 8 familiarity, and distance to public transportation.

MD Housing Search website

For information on public schools, school districts, academics, etc --

Howard County Public School System -- http://www.hcpss.org/
Ann Arundel County Public School System -- http://www.aacps.org/
Baltimore County Pubic School System -- http://www.bcps.org/
Carroll County Public School System -- http://www.carrollk12.org/
Frederick County Public School System -- http://www.fcps.org/index.cfm
Montgomery County Pubic School System -- http://www.mcps.k12.md.us/
Prince Georges County Public School System -- http://www.pgcps.org/~rfp/

Standardized test scores for Maryland schools -- http://www.mdreportcard.org/

Useful links for Howard County --

Howard County website -- http://www.co.ho.md.us/
Parks and Recreation -- http://www.co.ho.md.us/RAP/RAP_HomePage.htm
Public Library -- http://www.hclibrary.org/
Howard Community College -- http://www.howardcc.edu/
Columbia Association -- http://www.columbiaassociation.com/
The Mall in Columbia -- http://www.themallincolumbia.com/html/index10.asp
Historic Ellicott City -- http://www.ellicottcity.net/
Maryland State website -- http://www.maryland.gov/portal/server.pt?
Maryland is Fun -- http://www.mdisfun.org/

National Association of Home Builders --

Great site for all sorts of information including: locating a builder or remodeler, building systems, floor plans, building materials, construction codes and standards, land development, property rights, and many other topics.

Visit: -- National Association of Home Builders website

Neighborhood Information --

Explore your neighberhood, or one you are considering moving into at this website sponsored by the Washington Post. Find out about recent home sales, crime, schools, places of worship, the nearest Metro station, night life, police and fire stations, hospitals, post offices and more.

Visit: -- Washington Post website

Interest Rates --

Check out these sites for the latest interest rates for home mortgages and home equity loans.

Bankrate.com -- http://www.bankrate.com/

Freddie Mac -- Freddie Mac website

Credit Reports --

You are entitled to a free credit report each year. It's a good idea to keep tabs on your creidt report so you can correct any errors, know that old accounts are closed, and ensure that you are not a victim of identity theft or other fraud. The link below will take you to all of the three major credit reporting companies' websites where you can view your credit report online and print a copy if desired. Your credit FICO score will be available for a small charge.

Visit: -- Annual Credit Report website

Moving --

Visit the US Postal Service for your change of address.

Visit: --USPS Movers Guide website

Fun Link --

Got a good rocket ship? Property on the Moon is for sale!

Visit: -- Lunar Landowner website

Wikipedia information on all matters pertaining to real estate.

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