If you are in the market for a new home or looking to refinance, then you should know your options.  And that is where a good broker comes in.  With the many lenders that a broker has at his or her disposal, there are countless options available to you the consumer.  Banks only offer their products, and all lenders will probably eventually sell your loan.  That means taking your business to a local bank doesn't necessarily mean it will stay there.  So, if you are looking for a new home, or just looking to refinance your current home, then give a broker a call, preferably me! 

Do you want to lower your interest rate or monthly payment?

Are you on an adjustable rate mortgage that is about to go up?

 Maybe you just want some cash out for home improvements...

WELL THE TIME IS NOW!!  RATES ARE AT HISTORIC LOWS AND THE TIME TO LOCK IN IS NOW!

SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

• increase your homes value and curb appeal  
• finally get that "honey do" list done              
• need a deck, shed, landscaping, etc....           

 

If any of these things have been on your mind or perhaps you're just wondering what rate your eligible for, please feel free to contact me.  I am always available to answer questions.

So don't get caught on the fence and miss this opportunity to save yourself some money or make those home repairs that you have been putting off.    

Is it just me or does every lender that is still open suddenly do FHA loans?  It's just something that I've noticed lately.  Every other email in my inbox is a hey, we do FHA now!!  So who do you go with.  For me personally, it's the lenders that I am comfortable with.  I know there won't be any surprises.  I know their timetables.  I know what tp expect.  And all these companies trying to sell me on faster closings need to get in my office and show me something more than an email.  It's kind of like if I just called realtors and asked for business, they don't know me unless I am in or have been in their office.  And I don't expect to get referrals that way.  I have to put the time in and build a relationship.  And it's the same for them.  Maybe I'll start responding to these emails with a "I'm sorry, who is this?"  Just an observation, let me know if you are seeing the same thing...

There are times when it may seem like obstacles are to big to overcome.  Like obstacles just keep popping up in front of you, and there's nothing you can do about it.  For me personally, the past few months have been filled with obstacles.  However, I am almost always an optimist.  I know that there is a light at the end of this tunnel that we find ourselves in.  And here recently I feel like my attitude and optimism is starting to pay off.  So this is just a little encouragement for anyone who needs it.  On this hump day, do whatever you have to do to get over the hump.  Get over your obstacles.  Go around them, over them, through them!  Whatever it takes!  Nobody is going o do it for you!  Only you can make it happen!!  So don't let anything stand in your way...  Get over the hump!!!

Well, the weekend is here and I don't know about you guys, but I am going to use it to recharge.  I have gotten some great tips and some really positive feedback on some posts lately.  So, I hope that after this weekend I can come out swingin and apply some of what I've been hearing!  I hope you all take this weekend to relax, recharge, and prepare yourselves for the week ahead.  We can turn this thing around with some positivity!!  And if that's not a word it should be!  HAHA....   Have a great weekend everyone!

A few times over the past few months I have felt like I needed a miracle to keep going.  The market was looking bad and it seemed like the only people looking to refinance their homes were completely upside down or 4*30 on their mortgage.  And now spring is here and my seasonal depression is under control (self diagnosed during a long winter!!) and I can't help but be curious.  Is anyone else much slower than they would normally be?  I feel like I shouldn't have time to think right now and it's all that I seem to be doing!  Sitting around trying to think up some new ways to generate some business.  I have read more than a few good posts with some great ideas, and I think it's time to put a few to the test.  So, is anyone else slow??  Or is it just me???  Let me know.  And as always, any ideas are welcome ones.

If your one of the thousands of people selling their homes this spring, here a a few tips for a faster sale.  Keep in mind that if there are homes near you for sale, yous must have more appeal or value to get sold first.

1.  Start from the outside in.  Fresh mulch and flowers can go a long way and they are pretty inexpensive.  Also, taking time to clean your siding and windows will really help with your curb appeal.  Lastly a clean and inviting front door and doormat should welcome potential buyers.  Make sure to keep toys or tools, pretty much anything distracting, out of sight.

2.  Inside your home should be clutter free with any signs of pets hidden from buyers.  Sometimes pets can be a big turnoff for a buyer.  The main areas to highlight are the kitchen and bathroom.   Clean clean clean! these areas.  The kithen and bathroom must be clean and visually appealing to buyers.  Fresh towels and clean floors and appliances are a must.  Also take some time to organize your cabinets.  Buyers can more easily see how their things can be stored then. 

3.  Aside from these things fresh neutral paint, if needed will always be worth the money.  Remember, sometimes you have to spend money to make money.  Get these simple things done and remember to keep the house looking like this until you have it sold.  Don't slip up and let clutter come back and ruin your hard work. 

These are some simple and inexpensive tips that can be done over a weekend to maximize your profit.  So get busy and get oyur home sold!

I know that we have been constantly bombarded by the news media for what seems to be forever about the state of the housing industry.  But it really isn't as bad as everyone is making it out to be.  If you have an adjustable rate mortgage, then you need to make sure that you do the following so you don't become part of the mess. 

1. Know when your rate will adjust!

2. Keep your mortgage and other payments current for 12 months leading up to your refinance.

3. Find a broker that you are comfortable with who can offer you many different proposals for a new fixed rate loan.

Most people with adjustable rate mortgages fail to plan for the time when they will have to refinance, and honestly this should be done months in advance.  Don't get caught unprepared and stuck with a giant payment.  All it takes is a little planning in advance and you can avoid a huge headache.  Do these simple things and you will be ready to get the last loan that you will ever need..    

Just a reminder for all of us in the mortgage industry.  There might just be some money in your pile of turndowns.  My phone has actually been ringing a little more than it been in a while, but I took a few minutes to look through some old files, and I just brought a few back to life.  So everybody, take a minute to flip through some files and see what you turn up.  FHA has really opened up some doors here.  Let me know if it's done the same for you.  your next check might just be a whole lot better! 

     With the news and print media constantly telling us and consumers that the housing market is terrible and we are headed for recession, is there really light at the end of the tunnel?  Somw signs point to yes I think, others to no.  So, what does that mean for us?  Well, for me personally, that means that every person I speak to must be treated like a friend.  Because if I can't help them, maybe I can help someone that they know.  And while this is how our relationships with prospective clients should always be, it's not always the case.  I know that when I get busy, sometimes people that I can't help get a turndown and thanks for calling.  Whereas now I have the time to do things the right way and spend some time counseling them on things that they need to do so that I can help them in the future.  It doesn't always work out, but it's good to try and help those that really need it.  And that is at least a start to fixing this mess that we are in.  Helping people see that there is help and hope if they are in trouble with their mortgage.

     People who can are still going to buy homes,  People are still going to relocate for jobs, family reasons and just because they want to.  That won't change.  It may slow down from time to time, but it won't change.  So, basically what I'm trying to say is this.  Purchases and refinances slow over the winter and holiday months.  But I noticed that the number of people calling who were in trouble doubled!  So for me, the light at the end of the tunnel is spending more time than I normally would trying to help people who are at risk of losing their home.  Because I think that everything else will take care of itself.  We all know that this market moves in cycles.  Let's just hope that this cycle is starting to head back up!  And while we have the time, do a little more to help someone that you otherwise might just turndown.