Gary's Blog

I am pleased to present this interview with bestselling author Brad Meltzer, whom I first met in 2004.  As we approach Father’s Day and Graduation time this new book, Heroes for My Son, is even more noteworthy. Author Brad Meltzer wrote this amazing collection for his sons and thought this was worth sharing with the world and it truly is! Brad created a book that shows more than great people. It shows the single moment that makes each person great. While the title may say Heroes for My Son, this collection is important for boys and girls alike. We can never have enough heroes after all.

Brad Meltzer is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Fate, as well as the bestsellers The Tenth Justice, Dead Even, The First Counsel, The Millionaires and The Zero Game. He is also one of the co-creators of the TV show, Jack & Bobby—and is the Eisner Award-winning author of the critically acclaimed comic book, Justice League of America. Raised in Brooklyn and Miami, Brad is a graduate of the University of Michigan and Columbia Law School. Brad currently lives in Florida with his wife Cori, who's also an attorney, and their three children-Jonas, Lila and Theo. To learn more about Brad and his works, please visit www.bradmeltzer.com and to learn more about Heroes for My Son, please visit www.heroesformyson.com.

How long have you worked on this book and what was the spark that lead you to this collection of heroes?

It began the night my first son was born. I was stuck at a red light, and I remember looking up at the black sky and thinking of this baby boy we were just blessed with. That’s when I asked myself the question for the very first time: What kind of man did I want my son to be? I have three children now. I’ve long ago realized I have little say in the matter. But at that moment, I decided that I wanted to write a book over the course of my son’s life and then when I eventually gave it to him, he’d realize what a brilliant father I was. I’d assumed Norman Rockwell would of course be resurrected to paint the moment, because it would be that perfect.

But the book was just a list of silly platitudes -- until a friend of mine told me this story about the Wright Brothers: Every day Orville and Wilbur Wright went out to fly their plane, they would bring enough materials for multiple crashes. That way, when they crashed, they could rebuild the plane and try again. Think about it a moment: every time they went out-every time-they knew they were going to fail. But that’s what they did: Crash and rebuild. Crash and rebuild. And that’s why they finally took off.

I loved that story. I still love that story. And that’s the kind of story I wanted my son to hear: a story that wouldn’t lecture to him, but would show him that if he was determined…if he wasn’t afraid to fail…if he had persistence (and a side order of stubbornness), the impossible becomes possible.

Since that time, I’ve been collecting heroes for this book, which has been one of the most rewarding projects of my life.


When you were thinking who to include, what was your process like? Did you know most of the people you wanted to feature off the top of your head?

Some I always knew, like Jim Henson, Rosa Parks, or George Washington. Sometimes, I just liked someone, like Charlie Chaplin or Lucille Ball -- and their stories would be even more inspiring than I ever thought. And sometimes, we'd find out what a jerk someone was. But the goal of the book was always the same: This wasn't about fame. It's about what we are all capable of on our very best days.

Since this is your first non-fiction work, did you have to go about the research differently than you do for the fiction books?

In my thrillers, I can make up whatever I want. Here, these were the stories of Gandhi and Rosa Parks and Eleanor Roosevelt. I needed to get it right. I felt like the guy who carries the Olympic torch for one block. It's not mine. But for this one block, I'm the caretaker. That mattered to me.

I understand the simple sentence “Batman and Robin were in the Batmobile.” plays a key part in your life and this collection. How so?

The very first hero in the book was my grandfather, Ben Rubin. When I was little, my grandfather knew I loved hearing Batman stories, so he’d always tell me this one story that went like this: “Batman and Robin were in the Batmobile. And they were riding along the edge of a curving cliff. And up ahead of them was a white van, which held the Joker, the Penguin, the Riddler, and Catwoman. And as they drove along this cliff, Batman and Robin caught them.”

That’s when I’d look him right in the eyes and whisper, “Tell it again.”

He’d smile at me and say, “Batman and Robin were in the Batmobile… It was the same story every time. Just four sentences long. Batman and Robin were in the Batmobile… But he told me this story over and over simply because he knew I loved hearing it. That’s a hero to me. In that action, he taught me about love and compassion and dedication. He taught me the power of creativity. He opened the first window of my imagination. And most of all, as I looked back on it, he showed me the true impact of a well-told story. That’s what I wanted for my son.

Did having so many great women in your life, shape who you consider heroes?

You know me too well. I love strong women. I was raised by strong women. So how could that not effect me.

I know your Mom passed away last year and it has been difficult. What would she think about being one of the heroes in your book? Would she like it or would she tell you not to include her?

She'd say I was being ridiculous. But she also knew when to be a proud Mom.

Although this is your first non-fiction book, it is not the first time heroes have been prominent in your work, correct?

In every thriller I do, I'm writing about my belief that ordinary people are the ones who change the world. And it's the same with the work I do in comic books. Heroes are everywhere.

Tell us a little bit about the charity, Ordinary People Change The World, you started and the work the foundation has done to date?

I think the best way to answer this is sometimes to simply show it. Go here and see the power of ordinary people: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLjIC0Li7kE

Why is this book important for both boys and girls alike?

We all need heroes. And heroes, to me, aren't different for boys and girls. I'd give every single hero in this book to my daughter. To do otherwise would be just foolish.

You consider this book less a history lesson and more a dynamic guide to living, correct? Why?

I just think we need to be reminded that anything's possible. Often, we get that message from movies. But forget movies. That message is here -- in real life. I want my kids to know that. And I want people to say to whoever it was in their life, "Thank you for being my hero."

Your last fiction book, Book of Lies, involves Superman, the original superhero. In Heroes for My Son, the creators of Superman are also featured? What has Superman meant to you? Do your children share the same love of superheroes?

They don't. But they do know I believe in his morality. It's still a potent message.

Which is your favorite Superman-George Reeves, Christopher Reeve, Brandon Routh, or Tom Wellig?

Christopher Reeve. No question.

Do you have a favorite Batman-Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, or Christian Bale?

Bale, but without the throaty voice.

Will we see any of your works on the big or small screen any time soon [Brad was a co-creator of the TV series Jack & Bobby]?

In October History Channel is launching Brad Meltzer's Decoded. I like the title of that.

What is your next project?

The Inner Circle, my next novel, will be out in January 2011. I can't wait for people to read it.

Will you be doing any more comic books or comic series?

Trying to figure that out now.

I imagine your daughter, Lila, will be expecting a book as well?

Expecting? Every day she comes into my office and says, "Are you done with my book yet?" She knows I'm working on it.

What is your most important hope for your children?

Besides health, that they accept themselves for who they are.

I know you really enjoy interacting with your readers. Would you like to hear about your reader’s heroes?

Yes! If you go to www.HeroesForMySon.com, we've asked people to submit their own.

With blogging and the internet so many people are becoming writers. Any advice for aspiring writers?

Never let anyone tell you "no."

Do you regularly tour with your books? What is the best way for people to know where you will be and when?

The full tour is up now at: http://bradmeltzer.com/appearances.aspx. And yes, I'll sign whatever novels, comics, anything you bring.

Any final words of advice for parents?

I just hope they enjoy sharing with their kids as much as I've enjoyed building this for my own.

Gary Parkes, the interviewer, lives in the Atlanta suburbs with his wife Stacie and his two daughters, Abigail and Delilah. By day, Gary works as a mortgage loan officer and helps run the PTA at his children’s school. Gary currently serves as a Vice President of the Carmel Elementary School PTA in Woodstock, GA and will be the Co-President starting in June. In what is typically a Mom-dominated area, Gary is proud to show that us Dads can handle it too! More than ever, Dads are taking part in their children’s schools and lives and Gary is glad to be a part of that trend, albeit a small one. Feel free to look up Gary on Facebook or LinkedIn!

I am excited to share that I was quoted in last Thursday’s USA TODAY in the real estate section! Then later that evening, CBS Network News Radio interviewed me on the same subject; my interview aired nationwide last Friday morning, on the CBS Radio Network!! While I have been quoted in other publications, this is by far, the largest.

Rush is on to claim first-time home buyers tax credit USA Today Both yesterday and today I have seen buyers trying to squeeze in before Friday," says Gary Parkes, a broker in Woodstock, Ga. ...

Last week I was also credited for contributing to an article/blog on LinkedIn on the The Life Uncommon.

LinkedIn: 37 Usage Tips You Need to Read

Have a good one and thanks for letting me toot my own horn!

Gary Parkes

Gary@georgiabankloan.com

404.936.5601

One of the questions I am asked most often involves the first-time homebuyer credit.  This is taken directly from the IRS website; I hope it is helpful.

Gary Parkes

NorStar Mortgage Group

www.GeorgiaBankLoan.com

404.936.5601

Excellent article regarding purchasing a condominium.

Gary Parkes

NorStar Mortgage Group

www.GeorgiaBankLoan.com

404-936-5601

Homestead Exemption Saves You Money

If you have not filed for a Homestead Exemption and own a home as your primary residence, you need to do so now!  It will save you a nice amount on your property tax bill.  I have included most metro-Atlanta counties wesites, deadlines, and phone numbers.  This only has to be done once and as long as you own the home as your primary residence in automatically renews each year.

Thank you to Realtor Karen Smyth for putting together this concise and valuable information.  Karen can be reached at www.karensmyth.com or at 404.234.1196.

FILING FOR HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION IN 2010

Homeowners may need to provide their Warranty Deed book and page, proof of residence, social security numbers, driver’s license and car tag info

Fulton County – deadline is April 1, 2010 404-612-6440

http://www.fultonassessor.org/Forms/HtmlFrame.aspx?mode=content/Exemptions.htm&taxyear=2007&ownseq=1&jur=&LMparent=180

DeKalb County – deadline is March 1, 2010 404-298-4000

http://web.co.dekalb.ga.us/taxcommissioner/index.asp?pg=homestead

Gwinnett County – deadline is March 1, 2010 770-822-8800

http://gwinnetttaxcommissioner.manatron.com/Tabs/Property/HomesteadExemption.aspx

Cobb County – deadline is April 1, 2010 770-528-8600

http://www.cobbtax.org/Forms/HtmlFrame.aspx?mode=content/Exemptions.htm&LMparent=189

Clayton County - deadline is April 1, 2010 770-477-3311

http://www.co.clayton.ga.us/tax_commissioner/exemptions.htm

Cherokee County – deadline is April 1, 2010 678-493-6122

http://www.cherokeega.com/departments/department_section.cfm?displaySection=Homestead%20Exemptions.txt&departmentid=30

Henry County – deadline is April 1, 2010 770-288-8180

http://www.co.henry.ga.us/taxcommissioner/PropertyTaxExemptions.shtml

Forsyth County – deadline is April 1, 2010 770-781-2106

http://www.qpublic.net/ga/forsyth/faq.html

Douglas County – deadline is April 1, 2010 770-920-7272

http://www.douglastaxcommissioner.com/

Fayette County – deadline is March 1, 2010 770-461-3652

http://www.fayettecountytaxcomm.com/HOMESTEA.html

Paulding County – deadline is April 1, 2010 770-443-7606

http://www.paulding.gov/index.aspx?NID=210

Happy Savings!

Gary Parkes

NorStar Mortgage Group

Gary@Georgiabankloan.com

T: 404-936-5601

HOME BUYER TAX CREDITS

Since I get a lot of questions about this subject I thought I would share a concise and clear breakdown of the two tax credits below.

$8,000 First-time Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

• The $8,000 tax credit is for first-time home buyers only. For the tax credit program, the IRS defines a first-time home buyer as someone who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period prior to the purchase.
• The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.
• The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $8,000.
• The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
• The tax credit now applies to sales occurring on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, a home purchase completed by June 30, 2010 will qualify.
• For homes purchased on or after January 1, 2009 and on or before November 6, 2009, the income limits are $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for married couples filing jointly.
• For homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010, single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

The $6,500 Move-Up / Repeat Home Buyer Tax Credit at a Glance

• To be eligible to claim the tax credit, buyers must have owned and lived in their previous home for five consecutive years out of the last eight years.
• The tax credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be used as the buyer’s principal residence within three years after the initial purchase.
• The tax credit is equal to 10 percent of the home’s purchase price up to a maximum of $6,500.
• The tax credit applies only to homes priced at $800,000 or less.
• The credit is available for homes purchased after November 6, 2009 and on or before April 30, 2010. However, in cases where a binding sales contract is signed by April 30, 2010, the home purchase qualifies provided it is completed by June 30, 2010.
• Single taxpayers with incomes up to $125,000 and married couples with incomes up to $225,000 qualify for the full tax credit.

For more information or to see if you qualify please contact me today!

Gary Parkes

NorStar Mortgage Group

404-936-5601

Gary@GeorgiaBankLoan.com

Information brought to you by the National Association of Home Builders www.nahb.org

As we start a new year, the mortgage industry continues to change, almost daily. I wanted to dispel some common myths about mortgages in our current lending environment.

1. I have to have perfect credit to get a mortgage.

FALSE-You can qualify for a mortgage with a middle credit score a low as a 620.

2. I need to have a large down payment.

FALSE-For an FHA mortgage only 3.5% of the purchase price is required as a down payment. The down payment can even be a gift from a relative, close friend, employer, etc. In fact, you can buy a HUD Home with as little as $100 down! (A HUD home is one that HUD has foreclosed on and is trying to sell)

3. I have to be able to verify consistent income.

TRUE-The days of Stated Income, No Income, and No Ratio are gone. Income must be fully verifiable.

4. I must be employed.

FALSE-Those that are retired, on Social Security, Permanent Disability, or any other verifiable income are typically able to get mortgages as long as we can show the continuance of future income for at least three years.

5. The $8000 first time home buyer credit is expiring on 4/30/10.

TRUE and FALSE-Yes, 4/30/10 is the last day to be under contract to buy a home; however, you have until 6/30/10 to close and still be eligible to get the credit.

6. I have not owned a home the last three years and qualify for the $8000 first time home buyer credit.

TRUE-You are considered a first time home buyer if you have not owned or resided with a spouse who owned a primary residence in the last three years.

7. I am currently in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy so I cannot get a mortgage.

FALSE-You can typically get a mortgage during your Chapter 13 repayment as long as you have made at least 12 months payments on time and you have permission from the court.

8. I filed a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy three years ago so I cannot get a mortgage.

FALSE-You would be eligible for a mortgage two years after your bankruptcy has been discharged.

9. I can qualify for a mortgage if at least three years has passed since I had a foreclosure.

TRUE

10. I cannot qualify on my own, but my Mother can be a co-signor.

TRUE-Your Mom can be a co-signor so long as her credit is satisfactory and her debt to income ratios are good. She would have to qualify via the same process of you. You would still be able to get the $8000 first time home buyer tax credit in this instance!!

Please let me know if you have any questions. I hope this post helps answers some myths and gives you hope for home ownership!

Gary Parkes, Sr. Loan Officer (NMLS #208721)

NorStar Mortgage Group

Gary@GeorgiaBankLoan.com

404-936-5601

Some great news worth sharing!

$8000 Tax Credit Can Be Used for Down Payment

This was just announced today so the logistics are not in place yet but I will give you more info as I know more. The Federal Housing Administration is going to permit its lenders to allow home buyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment. Previously, most buyers wouldn't receive the funds until after they filed their tax return, and that deterred some people from using the credit. “We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a down payment,” Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, says. He says FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table. For more info visit http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009051202?OpenDocument

$1800 Tax Credit signed by Governor Perdue

Governor Sonny Perdue Monday signed House Bill 261, which provides a $1,800 tax credit for home purchases. The credit, which would be taken over three years, takes effect immediately and is meant to spur activity in the housing market. The bill provides an income tax credit for the purchase of a single family residence during the next six months. The amount of the credit will be the lesser of $1,800 or 1.2 percent of the purchase price. A taxpayer may claim one-third of the credit available in each taxable year, and may carry forward unclaimed amounts. The state credit is available to all buyers(investor too) for six months.

Gary Parkes

NorStar Mortgage Group

T: 404-936-5601

F: 404-806-3838

http://www.GeorgiaBankLoan.com

Your referrals are much more than business to me, they're the highest compliment I can ever receive! Thank you in advance for your confidence!

30-YEAR FIXED TIES RECORD LOW REACHED EARLIER IN APRIL

McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.78 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending April 30, 2009, down from last week when it averaged 4.80 percent.  It has never been recorded lower in Freddie Mac's survey, which goes back to 1970.

The 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.48 percent with an average 0.7 point, unchanged for the third week in a row. This is tied with the last two weeks for the lowest the 15-year FRM has been since Freddie Mac began tracking it in August 1991.

"Rates for fixed-rate mortgages hovered at record lows this week as ARM rates eased further," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist. "Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgages, the most popular loan among homebuyers and families seeking to refinance, are more than 1.6 percentage points below the recent peak set at the end of October 2008. For a $200,000 loan, this means a monthly savings of almost $212 in mortgage payments or over $2,500 per year. In aggregate, borrowers who refinanced during the first quarter reduced their mortgage payments by about $2.5 billion over the coming year.

"The housing market may be edging towards a bottom. Existing home sales stayed near its four-month average in March while new home sales were stronger than the market consensus. More importantly, the inventory of unsold new homes fell to the lowest number since January 2002. And, the S&P/Case-Shiller® 20-city composite index did not show a record year-over-year decline in February for the first time since December 2006. Finally, housing affordability hit record highs in the first quarter of this year, according to figures from the National Association of Realtors, which date back to January 1971."

Freddie Mac was established by Congress in 1970 to provide liquidity, stability and affordability to the nation's residential mortgage markets. Freddie Mac supports communities across the nation by providing mortgage capital to lenders. Over the years, Freddie Mac has made home possible for one in six homebuyers and more than five million renters.

Article taken from www.freddiemac.com

For more information please contact:

Gary Parkes

NorStar Mortgage Group

404-936-5601