8/06/2014

USDA changes


USDA MORTGAGE LOANS CHANGES AHEAD

USDA Mortgage Loan is a great mortgage product. It allows borrowers to purchase a home with zero down, as long as the home is within a “rural” geographical area as designated by USDA.

USDA requires that the subject property be located in a rural area. The definition of rural area is deligated and regulated by the United States Census which is completed every ten years.
To see if a property location is eligible go here

These eligible geographic areas are about to change, but you can apply for a USDA loan here http://eaglehomemortgage.com/carolinegerardo/ to ensure you are able to use USDA financing for your home purchase. The 2010 census revealed changes to populations around cities and towns that will make some areas ineligible for USDA financing. Many people have moved away from sparsely populated areas and closer to cities and suburbs since 2000, when the last census was taken.

Because of this, some areas that were once eligible will exceed population limits set by USDA, becoming ineligible. The boundaries for USDA loans will change as of October 1, 2014. -You need to apply early September and close before OCTOBER first of this year. If you have questions or comments I am happy to answer. After 27 years as a mortgage banker and more than two billion dollars of closed loans, I have answers, free,
Caroline Gerardo
NMLS 324982




Here is C G in rural Glen Oaks California with her son


No PMI Loans


Wouldn't you love to do a cash out refinance to install
a new luxury bathroom?
Rates are low.
Get rid of your FHA loan and reduce your payment by
cancelling PMI
I just helped a family that closed a purchase of a small
condominium in Laguna Niguel with a FHA loan in January
2014. They were struggling with expenses of a newborn.
We sat down and were able to save them $498 a month by
refinancing their loan to a conventional one with no
PMI payment. That's more than five thousand a year.
Let's talk about it. I won't recommend anything that
doesn't save you money. 


Or find a new home?
I have low interest rate loans with NO PMI for
those with income under the median or in
low to moderate income census tracts.
Call me and see if you qualify
(949) 637-8190
NMLS 324982
C G Barbeau
Santa Ana, Anaheim, San Juan Capistrano, Silverado Canyon
up to 95% loan NO PMI

8/05/2014

Save Money


FREE Galardia Seeds.
For some reason they went crazy this year. I have thousands
of varigated, yellow and peach. No guarantee what color they
will be when you plant them. Call me and I will mail them
locally
 
If you know anyone who has an FHA loan I have a mortgage
product that they can refinance to and get rid of their Mortgage
Insurance Premium (PMI) thus saving hundreds a month.
Save money while the rates are low!


Kale going to seed next

8/03/2014

Amaranth Recipe

Amaranth Recipes (2014)
Amaranth plant in my garden image
Amaranth grows in my yard about 15 feet tall. Orange County, California

Amaranthus is easy to grow.  I grew mine from seeds from a friend.

I don’t use fertilizer or any pesticides. 

It is a good companion plant for other vegetables. 

Colorful and edible and gluten free

Popped Amaranth this was made by daughter age 9




















Día de Los Muertos treat made from popped Amaranth. 

Amaranth Day of Dead Treat


Popped Amaranth Honey Treat

Gluten Free Fun


Amaranth is gluten free

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
 Serves 4


Recipe Ingredients:
  2 cups popped amaranth,
  2 cups local honey,
  1/4 cup sugar,
  1/4 warm water,
  1/2 teaspoon vanilla.

Instructions:
Pop the amaranth in a heavy pot with lid, no oil about 3 minutes
Microwave honey in water and sugar for 20 seconds, 
mix dry and wet ingredients with hands. 
Shape into little heads and place on waxed paper. 
Decorate with seeds, raisins, peanuts or M and M candies.

Prep time: 2 minutes of fun

Cook time: 5 minutes

Cuisine: Ancient, Mexican, Children, Holiday


Category: Dessert 

Author: Caroline Gerardo


Nutrition facts:
One average sized head is 100 calories
Amaranth is source of Lysine. 
It also contains primary proteins called albumin and globulins, which, in comparison with the prolamins in wheat, are more soluble and digestible.
 One cup of raw amaranth contains 15 milligrams of iron, 18 milligrams of fiber;  9 grams of protein.
High in manganese calcium magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. Amaranth contains 6 to 10% oil, predominantly unsaturated, or around 77% unsaturated fatty acids, including linoleic acid, required for optimum nutrition. Not least in this list, amaranth is the only grain with documented vitamin C content.  
Amaranth is a gluten-free grain that's high in fiber, protein, and micronutrients. It's also a good source of: 
Manganese, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Iron, Zinc, Vitamin B6, Vitamin B5, Folate, Antioxidants. 

One cup of cooked amaranth contains 
NUTRITION
  • 251 calories
  • 9.4g protein
  • 3.9g fat
  • 46g carbohydrates
  • 5.2g fiber
Amaranth may have several health benefits, including: 
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Lower cholesterol levels
  • Increased weight loss
  • Better digestive functions
  • Increased energy
  • Reduced risk of broken bones
Amaranth is high in fiber, which can help with digestion. It can also help with bloating, constipation, and cramping


Chinelos Mexican Dancer her
purple plumes remind me of Amaranth


















Other uses:

I use a few red leaves in salad for color, it’s stronger like arugula, an acquired taste.

An easy colorful side dish:
Saute one finely chopped garlic clove in average olive oil (don’t waste your Extra fancy virgins)
Toss in torn leaves but save the stems for your compost pile.
Add salt, pepper and a pinch of paprika.
Cook like spinach 2 minutes

Author: Caroline Gerardo


Studies show amaranth can reduce blood pressure and
is helpful in preventing heart disease


Amaranth towering above the garden
Another sample amaranth in Laguna Beach growing with tomatoes


tomatoes
Other fun in my garden
vegetable gardening fun

Chinelos mask with leopard elephant nose  Day of the Dead Mask

Thanks for reading!
October 31st