Chris 's Blog

Let's Change the Outlook

2008-02-11T11:14:53Z

Homebuyers need higher credit scores, richer assets for loans

By Ron DaParma and Sam Spatter
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, January 20, 2008

Thousands of homebuyers now are finding they have to jump through more hoops when they go to lenders for a mortgage, experts say.

Many others with borderline credit simply may not qualify for home loans anymore.

Credit scores, larger down payments and income and asset verification are among the realities facing homebuyers in the Pittsburgh area as lenders comply with more stringent guidelines -- a result of the mortgage/housing crisis that hit the nation last summer.

So-called subprime loans, the kind that have been available to people with poor or bad credit -- and blamed for exacerbating the crisis -- are either scarce or nonexistent, here and elsewhere.

I found this little article listed on the internet some time ago and I was upset to see it, read it and I cannot Believe it. I have to reason that there are buyers out there who may have more issues when it comes to obtaining a loan than others, but the public perception of our industry is way off based. Contrary to what they believe, mortgages are still being obtained, contrary to popular belief houses are still being sold and purchased. Maybe the industry has slowed down but it is not over. I hate it when the media gives consumers their thoughts. Let's Change the Outlook.

Hey did you know the Housing Industry still holds alot of weight when it comes to the total condition of our Economy. Let's Change the Outlook.

Don't Believe Everything You Hear. Let's Change the Outlook!!!!!

Words Are Everything

2008-02-11T10:57:32Z

Words

Your words, your dreams, and your thoughts have power to create conditions in your life. What you speak about, you can bring about.

If you keep saying you can't stand your job, you might lose your job.

If you keep saying you can't stand your body, your body can become sick.

If you keep saying you can't stand your car, your car could be stolen or
just stop operating.

If you keep saying you're broke, guess what? You'll always be broke.

If you keep saying you can't trust a man or trust a woman, you will always
find someone in your life to hurt and betray you.

If you keep saying you can't find a job, you will remain unemployed.

If you keep saying you can't find someone to love you or believe in you,
your very thought will attract more experiences to confirm your beliefs.

If you keep talking about a divorce or break up in a relationship,
then you might end up with it.

Turn your thoughts and conversations around to be more positive and power packed with faith, hope, love and action.

Don't be afraid to believe that you can have what you want and deserve.

Watch your Thoughts, they become words.
Watch your words, they become actions
Watch your actions, they become habits.
Watch your Habits, they become character.
Watch your Character, for it becomes your Destiny

The minute you settle for less than you deserve, you get even less than you
settle for.

Thought I would share this with you. "In the search for me, I discovered
truth. In the search for truth, I discovered love. In the search for love,
I discovered God. And in God, I have found everything."

Run tell That

2007-08-03T12:31:05Z

FORREST GUMP GOES TO HEAVEN

The day finally arrived. Forrest Gump dies and goes to Heaven. He is at
the Pearly Gates, met by St. Peter himself. However, the gates are closed,
and Forrest approaches the gatekeeper.

St. Peter said, "Well, Forrest, it is certainly good to see you. We have heard a lot about you. I must tell you, though, that the place is filling up fast, and we have been administering
an entrance examination for everyone. The test is short, but you have to
pass it before you can get into Heaven."

Forrest responds, "It sure is good to be here, St. Peter, sir. But nobody ever told me about any entrance exam. I sure hope that the test ain't too hard.

Life was a big enough test as it was."
St. Peter continued, "Yes, I know, Forrest, but the test is only three questions. First:
What two days of the week begin with the letter "T"?

Second:
How many seconds are there in a year?

Third:
What is God's first name?"

Forrest leaves to think the questions over. He returns the next day and sees St. Peter, who waves him up, and
says, "Now that you have had a chance to think the questions over,
tell me your answers"

Forrest replied, "Well, the first one -- which two days in the week begins with the letter "T"?
Shucks, that one is easy. That would be Today and Tomorrow."

The Saint's eyes opened wide and he exclaimed, "Forrest, that is not what I was thinking, but you do have a point, and I guess I did not specify, so I will give you credit for that answer. How about the next one?" asked St. Peter.

"How many seconds in a year?
Now that one is harder," replied Forrest, but I thunk and thunk about that, and I guess the only answer can be twelve ."

Astounded, St. Peter said, "Twelve? Twelve? Forrest, how in Heaven's name could you come up with twelve seconds in a year?"

Forrest replied, "Shucks, there's
got to be twelve: January 2nd, February 2nd , March 2nd... "

"Hold it," interrupts St. Peter. "I see where you are going with this, and I see your point,
though that was not quite what I had in mind....but I will have to give
you credit for that one, too. Let us go on with the third and final question.

Can you tell me God's first name"?

"Sure," Forrest replied, "it's Andy."

"Andy?" exclaimed an exasperated and frustrated St. Peter.
"Ok, I can understand how you
came up with your answers to my first two questions, but just how in the
world did you come up with the name Andy as the first name of God?"

"Shucks, that was the easiest one of all," Forrest replied. "I learnt it from the song, "ANDY WALKS WITH ME, ANDY TALKS WITH ME, ANDY TELLS ME I AM HIS OWN."

St. Peter opened the Pearly Gates,
and said: "Run Forrest, run."

Run tell That

2007-08-03T12:30:54Z

A Little Mortgage Humor!!!!!

2007-06-28T15:34:50Z

MORTGAGE NEWS

A loan officer died and went up to St. Peter
at the Pearly Gates to present
himself for admittance to Heaven.
Peter said, "You did a lot of good
helping people get into homes
and you donated lot to charity and worked
on that Habitat house.

But you told too many fibs to the underwriters
and were unkind to your processor.
We aren't sure where you are going to fit.

So we've decided to show you around both
Heaven and Hell and see where you
feel more comfortable.
"As they toured Heaven, the loan officer
really liked the big mansions and
the streets paved with gold,
but the harp music got on his nerves.

Then when they showed him around Hell,
he noticed everyone had their choice of
playing golf or tennis,
hanging out by the pool,
smoking and drinking,
or dancing and playing cards in the clubhouse.

He told St. Peter,

"Oh, this is going to be hard!
Can I sleep on it?"
So he was allowed to think it
over during the night.
The next morning they asked him for his decision.

He quickly replied,
"Oh please send me to Hell!"

So they opened up the doors to Hell,
but the whole picture had changed!
It was just like you have always heard
with fire and brimstone!
People were burning and being tortured and screaming!

Oh it was so hot and horrible!!
"Hey, that's not what you showed me yesterday!!"
the loan officer cried.
St. Peter's cold reply:

"You should have locked-in yesterday!"

Hey Does anybody know the going Rate for a Mansion in Heaven?

Here Is an Idea For Homeowners with Adjustable Rates!!!!

2007-06-20T06:45:56Z

Get Ready Now

More than a trillion dollars in adjustable rate mortgages are scheduled to reset this year. As a result, experts predict that foreclosures could double in 2007, and reach an even higher level in 2008.

With all this negative news, you have to wonder if you'll be affected. What are you doing right now to protect yourself? Are you simply waiting for something to happen? I hope not, because you need to be proactive if you have an adjustable rate mortgage.

For instance, have you called your lender to determine what your new monthly payment will be and when it will take effect? Do you have a mortgage that's currently 4.75 percent and headed to 7.5 percent when it adjusts? Do you have a clue as to when that adjustment will occur?

No Advance Notice

"Why don't lenders reach out earlier to borrowers -- especially the ones who'll see huge increases once their loans reset?"

The New York Times just ran an article revealing that some lenders are now being more proactive in reaching out to their borrowers than ever before.

That's great news, but the article also points out that not all servicers in the industry have the freedom to change the terms of a loan. What that means is they can't call you in advance to discuss your rate adjustment. In those cases, the borrower (that's you) needs to reach out to the lender.

Rock the Boat

Why won't your lender call you "early" to prepare you for a rate hike? If you're showing no outward signs of being delinquent on your mortgage, the lender -- who's servicing your loan on behalf of the investors who loaned you the money to buy a house -- has to be sensitive to their desire for a stable investment.

So, depending on the product you have, the lender might not initiate a conversation with you if your loan payments have been coming in on time.

For this reason, you must do the initiating. You have to pay attention to your mortgage, interest rate, and the date it will adjust, and it's up to you to call early instead of waiting to be contacted.

A Solution on the Horizon
Given the recent uptick in delinquencies, investors, lenders, regulators, and legislators are discussing proactive solutions for consumers who need help. That'll take some time, since they have to figure out a method of relief that doesn't disrupt a complex financial system that supports both a healthy exchange of investment capital and homeownership -- the key driver of the American economy.

The brutal truth is that you don't have enough time to wait for their solution. You have to take matters into your own hands. So if you have an adjustable rate mortgage, take out your loan documents today. Call me today.

Ironically, June is National Homeownership Month, and my advice to all the Automatic Millionaire homeowners out there is to stay the course during challenging times. Be smart, responsible, and proactive. Your home is probably the best investment you'll make in your lifetime, so protect it by paying attention to your mortgage.

Let your mortgage work for you and not you for your mortgage.

Educate yourself and most of all protect your investment. ACT NOW WHILE RATES ARE STILL GOOD!!!!

HAPPY MORTGAGE SHOPPING!!!

Don't Take Them for Granted!!!!

2007-06-13T16:23:47Z

F A M I L Y

I ran into a stranger as he passed by,
"Oh excuse me please" was my reply.

He said, "Please excuse me too;
I wasn't watching for you."

We were very polite, this stranger and I.
We went on our way and we said goodbye.

But at home a different story is told,
How we treat our loved ones, young and old.

Later that day, cooking the evening meal,
My son stood beside me very still.

When I turned, I nearly knocked him down.
"Move out of the way," I said with a frown.

He walked away, his little heart broken.
I didn't realize how harshly I'd spoken.

While I lay awake in bed,
God's still small voice came to me and said,

"While dealing with a stranger,
common courtesy you use,
but the family you love, you seem to abuse.

Go and look on the kitchen floor,
You'll find some flowers there by the door.

Those are the flowers he brought for you.
He picked them himself: pink, yellow and blue.

He stood very quietly not to spoil the surprise,
you never saw the tears that filled his little eyes."

By this time, I felt very small,
And now my tears began to fall.

I quietly went and knelt by his bed;
"Wake up, little one, wake up," I said.

"Are these the flowers you picked for me?"
He smiled, "I found 'em, out by the tree.

I picked 'em because they're pretty like you.
I knew you'd like 'em, especially the blue."

I said, "Son, I'm very sorry for the way I acted today;
I shouldn't have yelled at you that way."
He said, "Oh, Mom, that's okay.
I love you anyway."

I said, "Son, I love you too,
and I do like the flowers, especially the blue."

FAMILY
Are you aware that if we died tomorrow, the company
that we are working for could easily replace us in
a matter of days.
But the family we left behind will feel the loss
for the rest of their lives.

And come to think of it, we pour ourselves more
into work than into our own family,
an unwise investment indeed,
don't you think?
So what is behind the story?

Do you know what the word FAMILY means?
FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU

Sometimes it's the ones closest to us that we hurt. Let's not take those we Love for granted.

Love is not what is says, But since Love is an action word, Love is what it does.

Helpful Tips for Time Management

2007-06-11T15:12:52Z

Manage Yourself to Greater Success

By Brad Finkelstein

Author and consultant Andy Birol said "As the leader, owner and in most cases the actual service or product your firm sells, you are your business. So let's face some cold hard truth. If it is always something, it is you. Some part of your leadership, vision, management style or ability to implement tactics is holding your company back. Your friends, advisors, and peers may tell you this is naturally part of being an entrepreneur but given your results, you know it is not acceptable. Worse, yet, your other options for fixing the problem are few. Hiring a professional manager or working harder are not options. And the ultimate decision, selling out or giving someone else control, will destroy your dream and your ego.

So, what can you do to manage yourself to greater success? Here are two of five key steps.

1. Recognize your three roles

As the owner, you are the ultimate protector of the firm's reputation, wealth and purpose.
In your leadership or presidential role, you are responsible for setting direction, achieving results and managing everyone and everything.
As employee No. 1, you are also the icon for providing the company's key product or service. To your clients, you are what they are buying. You must sell yourself, deliver yourself and get paid for who you are. As you are the definition of what you sell, you must continually improve and raise your personal standards.

2. By focusing on selling, delivering and developing your company at the same time, you will be successfully spending every moment of your business life focusing on the right company goals. Here's how:

Selling solves your short-term revenue needs
Delivering ensures you exchange value for money
Development means you continually build and fortify your growing brand

Time Management is the key to Success!!!!

Just a Thought

2007-06-11T09:47:51Z

I know we have all heard the phrase "we only get on chance to make a first impression." I was born and raised in South Carolina, and it has been implanted in my DNA that southern hospitality is a way of life. But have you ever come across those few individuals whose disposition gives you the distinct feeling that even if you had their winning lotto ticket it would not make a difference on their outward expression. There are some people (not directed to any of you) that you wished you never asked "How is your day?" or "How are you?" My grandfather once told me that, it's not so much as what you let others put inside of you but what you put inside of yourself. Instead of saying How Bad your day is, why not concentrate and so to yourself that your day really is not as bad as it could be. "Misery Loves a Company and Life and Death is in the Power of the Tongue." You can speak Curses or Blessing, Sorrow or Joy, Pain or Healing, Defeat or Victory. The choice is within you. I choose. I hope by now you get the picture. "Hmmm." Just a Thought. From my Heart to Yours. Have a Great Day, It's Yours to have.

Check This Out!!! FHA May Be The Way!!!

2007-06-08T23:03:37Z

FHA Benefiting from Subprime Refis?
The Federal Housing Administration is experiencing a major surge in business from homeowners with conventional loans refinancing into FHA products and the agency suspects a large majority of these borrowers are escaping high cost subprime loans. FHA refinanced 60,400 conventional loans in fiscal year 2006, up 80% from FY 2005 and this trend is accelerating. During the first seven months of FY 2007, FHA refinancings of conventional loans jumped 84% compared to the same period in the last fiscal year. As of April 30, FHA had refinanced 51,349 conventional loans. "In today's mortgage environment, it is safe to say that a significant portion -- we conservatively estimated 60% -- are subprime loans," FHA commissioner told a mortgage conference recently. The commissioner has been meeting with housing counselors and lenders to promote FHA as an affordable option for subprime borrowers. The Bush administration also is urging Congress to pass FHA reform legislation that would allow more subprime borrowers to qualify for FHA-insured single-family loans.

Sen. Dodd Commits to FHA Reform
Senate Banking Committee chairman Chris Dodd, D-Conn., said he will try to pass a Federal Housing Administration reform bill before Congress breaks for its August recess. Sen. Dodd told reporters that he would try to get FHA reform done in the "next month or so." Congress has been looking for ways to address rising delinquencies and foreclosures on subprime loans and FHA reform would give many distressed borrowers an option to refinance into safer and more affordable government-insured mortgages. The House Financial Services Committee has passed an FHA reform bill and some observers expect the House of Representatives will pass it later this month.

Loan Modification Emphasized
Loan modification efforts should be for the long term and investors should know about them, Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. chair Sheila Bair stressed at the ASF's annual meeting. "If a loan modification puts a borrower into a loan that they can afford, and the details about that modification are disclosed, we believe this will create additional market pressure for sustainable loan restructuring," she said. Ms. Bair also said that fixed-rate mortgages should be given greater emphasis in the market and indicated in a question-and-answer session following her speech that adjustable-rate mortgages "should be the exception, not the rule."

With all the hype in and about our industry, I think this would be a wise choice by our Government to step in and give all homeowners (new and existing) a little relief. And maybe this will help change the perception that we (mortgage professionals) are the villians.

GOD is LIKE.....

2007-06-01T04:45:34Z

A fifth grade teacher in a Christian school asked her class to look at TV commercials and see if they could use them in some way to communicate ideas about God.
Here are some of the results: scroll down

God is like..
BAYER ASPIRIN
He works miracles.

God is like...
A FORD
He's got a better idea!

God is like..
COKE
He's the real thing.

(This is great)
God is like...
HALLMARK CARDS
He cares enough to send His very best.

God is like...
TIDE
He gets the stains out that others leave behind.

God is like...
GENERAL ELECTRIC
He brings good things to life.

God is like...
SEARS
He has everything.

God is like...
ALKA-SELTZER
Try him, you'll like Him

God is like...
SCOTCH TAPE
You can't see him, but you know He's there.

God is like...
DELTA
He's ready when you are.

God is like....
ALLSTATE
You're in good hands with Him.

God is like...
VO-5 Hair Spray
He holds through all kinds of weather.

God is like...
DIAL SOAP
Aren't you glad you have Him? Don't you wish everybody did?
(that one is my favorite)

God is like...
The U.S. POST OFFICE
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet nor ice will keep Him from His appointed destination.

Let's All Take the High Road Because you Reap What You Sew!!!

2007-05-21T14:25:01Z

This is a true story.
A White woman, about 50 years old, was seated next to a Black man.

Obviously disturbed by this, she called the air Hostess.
"Madam, what is the matter," the Hostess asked. "You obviously do
not see it then?" she responded. "You placed me next to a Black
man. I do not agree to sit next to someone from such a repugnant
group. Give me an alternative seat." "Be calm please," the Hostess
replied. "Almost all the places on this flight are taken. I will go
to see if another seat is available."
The Hostess went away and then came back a few minutes later.
"Madam, just as I thought, there are no other available seats in
the Economy class. I spoke to the Captain and he informed me that
there is also no seats in the Business class. All the same, we
still have one seat in the First class."

Before the woman could say anything, the Hostess continued:
"It is not usual for our company to permit someone from the Economy
class to sit in the First class. However, given the circumstances,
the Captain feels that it would be scandalous to make someone sit
next to someone so disgusting." She turned to the Black guy, and
said, "Therefore, Sir, if you would like to, please collect your
hand luggage, a seat awaits you in First class."
At that moment, the other passengers who were shocked by what
they had just witnessed stood up and applauded.

Racism is a Cancer That Has to Be, and Needs to Be Destroyed.

Peace, Love and Goodwill to ALL MANKIND!!!!

How Smart Are U?

2007-04-10T12:58:05Z

This is a quiz for people who know everything! I found out in a hurry that I didn't. These are not trick questions. They are straight questions with straight answers.

1. Name the one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends.

2. What famous North American landmark is constantly moving backward?

3. Of all vegetables, only two can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons. All other vegetables must be replanted every year. What are the only two perennial vegetables?

4. What fruit has its seeds on the outside?

5. In many liquor stores, you can buy pear brandy, with a real pear inside the bottle. The pear is whole and ripe, and the bottle is genuine; it hasn't been cut in any way. How did the pear get inside the bottle?

6. Only three words in standard English begin with the letters " dw" and they are all common words. Name two of them.

7. There are 14 punctuation marks in English grammar. Can you name at least half of them?

8. Name the only vegetable or fruit that is never sold frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form except fresh.

9. Name 6 or more things that you can wear on your feet beginning with the letter "S."

Answers To Quiz:

1. The one sport in which neither the spectators nor the participants know the score or the leader until the contest ends . . Boxing

2. North American landmark constantly moving backward . Niagara Falls (The rim is worn down about two and a half feet each year because of the millions of gallons of water that rush over it every minute.)

3. Only two vegetables that can live to produce on their own for several growing seasons . . Asparagus and rhubarb.

4. The fruit with its seeds on the outside . . Strawberry.

5. How did the pear get inside the brandy bottle? It grew inside the bottle. (The bottles are placed over pear buds when they are small, and are wired in place on the tree. The bottle is left in place for the entire growing season. When the pears are ripe, they are snipped off at the stems.)

6. Three English words beginning with dw . Dwarf, dwell and dwindle.

7. Fourteen punctuation marks in English grammar . . Period, comma, colon, semicolon, dash, hyphen, apostrophe, question mark, exclamation point, quotation marks, brackets, parenthesis, braces, and ellipses.

8. The only vegetable or fruit never sold ! frozen, canned, processed, cooked, or in any other form but fresh Lettuce.

9. Six or more things you can wear on your feet beginning with "s" . Shoes, socks, sandals, sneakers, slippers, skis, skates, snowshoes, stockings, stilts.

PLEASE DO YOUR PART.......Today is National Mental Health Day. You can do your part by remembering to send an e-mail to at least one other unstable person

Well, my job's done!

Do you Love HIM? The One That Loved you 1st!!!

2007-04-05T15:39:22Z

What a wonderful message...and to everyone...

HAPPY EASTER...WITH ALL THE WONDERFUL MESSAGE BUNDLED UP INSIDE

I LOVE THIS MAN!

No one falls in love by choice,
it is by CHANCE.
No one stays in love by chance,
it is by WORK.
And no one falls out of love by chance,
it is by CHOICE .

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If you love this Man please forward to 10 people.

He did something for you, now do something for Him.
Spread His word, and you'll be rewarded.
How will you be rewarded?
Matthew 10:32 "Whoever acknowledges Me before men, I will acknowledge him before My Father in heaven. But whoever disowns Me before men, I will disown him before My Father in heaven.

God Bless our Troops!

A Little Heavenly Humor !!!!

2007-04-02T11:41:18Z

Who Is Better On The PC,
JESUS or satan? JESUS and satan were having an ongoing
argument about who was better on his PC.
They had been going at it for days, and GOD
was tired of hearing all the bickering. Finally,
GOD said, "Cool it. I am going to set up a test
which will take two hours, and I will judge who
does the better job."

So, JESUS and satan sat down at the keyboards
and typed away.

They moused.
They did spread sheets.
They wrote reports.
They sent Faxes.
They sent email with and without attachments.
They downloaded.
They did some genealogy reports.
They made cards.

They did every known job. But, ten minutes
before the time was up lightning suddenly
flashed across the sky, thunder rolled, the rain
poured, and of course the electricity went off.
satan stared at his blank screen and screamed.
JESUS just sighed. The electricity flickered back
on, and each of them restarted their PC's.

satan started searching frantically screaming,
"It's gone! It's all gone! I lost everything when
the power went out!" Meanwhile, JESUS
quietly started printing out all his
files from the past two hours. satan observed
this and became even more irate. "Wait!
He cheated! How did he do it?"

GOD shrugged and said,,,
"JESUS Saves."

Did You Know? To All Fellow Believers!!!

2007-01-29T14:33:49Z

Q: What is the shortest chapter in the Bible?

A: Psalms 117

Q: What is the longest chapter in the Bible?

A: Psalms 119

Q: Which chapter is in the center of the Bible?

A: Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters before Psalms 118

Fact: There are 594 chapters after Psalms 118

Add these numbers up and you get 1188.

Q: What is the center verse in the Bible?

A: Psalms 118:8

Q: Does this verse say something significant about God's perfect will for our lives?

The next time someone says they would like to find

God's perfect will for their lives and that they want to

be in the center of His will, just send them to the

center of His Word!

Psalms 118:8

"It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man."

Now isn't that odd how this worked out (or was God in the center of it)?

Less than Perfect Credit,100% Financing still Out There!!!

2007-01-22T14:40:47Z

This just in. With the rapid change in our industry, we all know that lenders are starting to put the squeeze on us as far as the available programs we have to offer. Well, I still have a few 100% programs for borrowers with less than perfect credit. One program,

100% CLTV

575 Middles Score

Full Documentation Loan

No Mortgage Insurance

6% Seller Concessions

Purchase or Cash Out Refinance

Best of all No Reserve Requirements

Hey give me a call. Loans, Loans, and More Loans!!!!!