Eleanor's RTP Blog

Mobile Home Financing

2008-06-30T08:54:54Z

For folks in the Industry who have worked for years to get rid of the term "mobile home" - I apologize... but here in North Carolina... that's what we call 'em.

At one point in the last 10 years - 40% of all housing in NC was considered to be manufactured housing. This is a big market!

Many folks refer to "manufactured housing" as anything sitting on one of those lots on US 70 or US 64 near Sanford (or the ones in Wake Forest, or Wilmington, or Henderson, or Dunn - all over the place really). The truth is, not everything sitting on one of those lots IS a mobile home, and I figured I'd let you know some of the "Good and Bad" that I've recently learned.

Manufactured Housing really does refer to the properties that are driven out to the site and placed on a permanent foundation. These properties should have a "HUD" sticker near the fuse box or under the sink. That HUD sticker means we can probably make a FHA loan on the property. There will need to be a special foundation inspection each time you seek new financing on the property (may not be required for a refinance - but I wouldn't even rule that out these days!).

If the home was brought in on a trailer - but it has a "plate" and NOT a HUD sticker - then it's probably a MODULAR home. Big difference - and not something I want to get into right now. The thing I want folks to understand is that a MODULAR home qualifies for all kinds of loans - MANY more options than just FHA!

If you are considering a purchase of a Mobile Home, Manufactured Home or Modular Home - and you think you meet the income and credit requirements, contact Steve and Eleanor Thorne, Meridian Residential 919-459-1313.

Selling As You Separate

2008-06-28T11:48:13Z

Lately, we've talked to several people who are going through a divorce - or WANT DESPERATELY to get out of a marriage.

Their real estate is holding them back.

I guess it's not surprising that folks with money issues are also having marriage issues - but there are important details they need to consider:

Who is on the Deed and who is on the note?
Is there an escrow? If not - who has the insurance policy? Are the taxes current?
If the separation agreement calls for one spouse to "buy out" the other spouse - are they qualified to do that?

One of our recent encounters had a guy with 6 jobs in the last 2 years trying to cash out refinance so he could "buy" his wife out. They had over $50K in credit card debt, and a house that was being reduced by 7% every month per the seperation agreement. He's a contract employee who goes from job to job. Granted, he has the next 5 months of contracts worked out - but he's a contract employee. He has mid 600 credit scores. He has no cash reserves. The house payment is currently 60 days past due. His child support is $3000 a month.

"Why would you risk foreclosure as you wait for the house to be reduced to the "right" price?," I asked. "Why not price the house correctly the first time?" Because they can't talk to each other.

If you are in / or considering a divorce - please be certain that you follow these basic steps to protect your credit and your assets:

Obtain a copy of your credit report. Monitor it.
Close all joint accounts
Find a real estate agent to represent the sale of the property
Be realistic about the repairs that need to be done and the staging required. This is the best time to clean, declutter, depersonalize and pack.
LISTEN to your agent. Listen to your counsel. BE REALISTIC so that you can have move on with your life!

Please contact us for information about refinancing your home. Steve and Eleanor Thorne, Meridian Residential, 919-459-1313

Rule Of Thumb Says 3 Times Income

2008-06-25T17:04:32Z

I grew up in this business, so I've had a lot of "rule of thumb" stuff I've squirreled away in the back of mind. One of my "old reliables" says that a borrower normally qualifies for 3 times their gross income.

When Lenn Harley issued a Challenge to Loan Officers to see if the average buyer in Fairfax, Virginia could qualify for the average detached home - I was skeptical. The average income is $123,000 and the average sales price is $605,511. Three times the income means the borrower is looking for a loan of $369,000 - significantly below the 95% loan, Lenn says they are interested in, of $575,235!

I know that the maximum FHA loan in Fairfax, VA is $729,750 - so if I need to do a "stretch loan" it's available. Lenn's calculations, however, did not include FHA's Mortgage Insurance.

The UpFront MIP charge for this scenario is 1.25%, after risk based MIP goes into effect July 14th. The monthly factor for this scenario is .5%. This means on Lenn's loan amount of $544,950 we would add $6,811.87 and calculate the P&I on the total loan of $551,762. Then we multiply that TOTAL loan amount by .5% (and divide by 12) for a monthly MIP of $229.91.

Lenn had PITI at $4045 - with all the mortgage insurance of the FHA program added - I now had a monthly loan payment of $4,317.41! So I decided to look for a cheaper loan program!

Lenn's property in Fairfax County Virginia is in a declining market... because of this, I'm going to have appraisal questions and PMI is going to be verrry expensive!

Old School - before the "Credit Crunch" last summer, we did 80/20's and plain ole 100% loans. NOW we need downpayments - and fortunately Lenn said this client was putting 5% down. If we keep the first mortgage under 70%, and at, or below the FNMA "normalized" limit we get best pricing.

And avoid PMI

So to qualify Lenn's borrower I did a 68-27-5 at a $605,500 sales price

first mortgage of $417,000 - (6.25%, 30 year fixed)

second mortgage of $158,000 - (7% Interest only 2% above Prime)

Total P&I of $4126

Ratio of 40/40 - I believe this deal works.

The borrower will need approximately $12,000 left after closing to qualify for this loan in reserves. Because of this, I think the borrower really needs to have 10% of the sales price available in assets - 5% to put down, 3 payments and closing costs (and a few moving expenses maybe?).

I might need to reconsider my 3 x Gross for qualifying rule... but then... most of my clients come with 2 car payments and at least $10,000 in charge cards. If this is the case - then we are cutting it CLOSE! (read: I ain't too sure it would fly!)

If you have a client in NC or VA looking for a mortgage - please refer them to Steve and Eleanor Thorne, Meridian Residential, 919-459-1313.

Thanks Lenn!

Does Your MLS Do This?

2008-06-24T00:13:17Z

Do your customers currently compare the energy bills of potential homes? If so - then this might be interesting to you!

We were fortunate to have Dan McFarland, Southern Energy Management in our office today to discuss "HBA Green Built" certifications and "Energy Star" certifications - and specifically how those ratings relate to the cost of home building and home ownership.

In the conversation, he explained that "Home Heating Bills could be lowered by at least $500 annually" with an Energy Star home (as compared to a "regular" home), and that our local power company gives an additional 5% discount on utilites to homes that meet that standard!

But our local MLS does not show this as a feature... like a fireplace, or downstairs master.

Is that because homeowners are not interested in their energy budget?

I don't think so - in fact I believe that Energy Efficient homes will have higher re-sale value as the costs go up... I believe that agents should be asking homeowners if the property is Energy Star (agents here for the meeting said they had not previously looked to see if they are). The Blue Sticker should be located on the Fuse Box... if the homeowner rememebered to put it there. I also think it would be a good idea to put Energy Star certification in the COMMENTS section. Because as someone in our disscussion today pointed out... "If enough people ask MLS to include this as a feature - they will!"

Chris! Say It Ain't So!!

2008-06-18T14:17:19Z

It's not like we're friends or anything... but as a "politically interested" person - and someone who looks at the Senate Banking Committee website at LEAST once a week to check on Housing Bills...

I kind of felt like I knew something about the moral ethics of Christopher Dodd, Senator to the Great State of Connecticutt, and Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs. As a Democrat (it's okay- Steve's a republican so we balance each other out), I kinda' felt he would be a good Veep for Obama... but sadly...

"Dodd admitted Tuesday that he and his wife were told during their 2003 loan process with Countrywide Financial Corp. that they were being included in a special VIP program, but the senator - one of the most powerful congressional voices on the regulation of the mortgage industry - didn't ask what that meant" HUGH???

So right when he's pushing for a foreclosure and housing package that will affect millions of Americans (potentially, if it has any teeth and IF IF IF they can get Barney and the US House of Represenatives to agree to it), Dodd denies knowing that he got a "sweet deal?"

"There are a ton of old jokes that abound on Capitol Hill around what's known as the "ostrich defense," and this is teeing up one for the record books. Senator gets a great mortgage, and is told he's in a VIP program - but doesn't think for a minute that being a VIP got him special treatment." Right!?

Wonder if he "shopped" his lender, or did Mozillo just "waive" the origination fee???

VA Guarantee Fees and Co-Signors

2008-06-17T13:51:36Z

When you have a state that looks like this - you can be sure we see many Veterans purchasing homes!

The Veteran's Administration does not actually "make" mortgage loans - they guarantee those loans, similar to what FHA does. They charge a Funding Fee which is generally considered a form of mortgage insurance, intended to reduce the overall cost of the program to taxpayers. The funding fee fomula is currently 2.15% on no down payment loans for a first-time use. The funding fee for second time users, seeking a 100% loan is 3.3%. There are those who are exempt from the funding fee.

*Veterans receiving VA compensation for service-connected disabilities.

*Veterans who would be entitled to receive compensation for service-connected disabilities if they did not receive retirement pay.

*Surviving spouses of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities (whether or not such surviving spouses are veterans with their own entitlement and whether or not they are using their own entitlement on the loan).

Please note that the VA has the final say on who is exempt.

The VA does have some pretty specific rules regarding co-signors - for information on VA co-signors click here:

NAHB Looking For Grassroots Effort

2008-06-17T08:36:05Z

The National Association of Homebuilders believes we need an Emergency Stimulus Bill... afterall, housing starts are at the lowest since 1991 (and as Tanta notes "completions followed starts off the cliff...).

The package, according to NAHB needs to include a "temporary tax credit for HomeBuyers," and, in thier Online Newsletter, they urge all members to contact their Representatives as part of a ground swell grassroots efforts. Apparently CTX has already sent 6000 letters!

"At the top of the list of provisions that are needed, he said, is a temporary home buyer tax credit to stimulate home buying and reduce excess inventory. To maximize its effectiveness, the credit should be as big and unencumbered as possible, he said, and it should be geared to taking effect "as rapidly as Congress can make it."

Revitalization of the Federal Housing Administration, reform of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, expansion of the mortgage revenue bond program and enhancements for the low-income housing tax credit are other components of the final bill that the Congress should soon be presenting to the President for his signature, Howard indicated.

To hasten consideration of a stimulus package, Howard said that the association had decided to jettison its support for a provision to allow businesses to carry back their net operating losses (NOLs) over an additional timeframe. "Though NOL would have been helpful, even our big builders agree that the best way to get housing back on its feet is to enact a temporary home buyer tax credit," he said."

While I'm a BIG fan of "modernizing" FHA - and I have nothing against low-income housing tax credits... I'm worried about Congress writing more checks right now! Afterall, I'm a mortgage lender and I'm still looking for lower rates! With the most RECENT checks from Dubbya - we all went on a spending spree. The SPENDING SPREE is being blamed for a "SMOKIN' Economy" that probably won't need anymore rate cuts!

I don't know... I'm just not sure another tax credit (of any kind) is the answer.

If you are considering a purchase in Raleigh, or Cary, and you're looking for the best mortgage rates, contact Steve and Eleanor Thorne at Meridian Residential 919-459-1313

Green and the Luxury Buyer

2008-06-16T13:55:15Z

That's right... you can now offset your Charter Jet Service! WOW! ... and I'll bet there are some folks who are reading this scratching their head and asking "WHAT?"

Welcome to the new green world. Welcome to the world of Carbon Offsets. Welcome to a new set of three R's.. Recycle, Reuse, and Renew! What's a Carbon Offset? In very basic terms - it's a charitable contribution, whereby the charity uses a majority of your donation to subsidize "green" initiatives (that would normally be more expensive and might not get done).

At the American Express Luxury Summit in April they found that, " While other tiers of the green market seem to be about compromise and perhaps restraint, luxury consumers want green and fabulous in the same package.Five years ago, green still meant "fringe" or perhaps "crunchy" but now green is everyone and everyone wants to be green." WOW! I love that quote..."Green is Everyone and Everyone wants to be Green!"

What has this got to do with mortgages??? In the last several months we've been rationalizing and moving thorugh MOUNTAINS of red-tape in an effort to create a "paperless" mortgage. We calculated that under the "traditional mortgage process" for every loan file, we had roughly 2500 pieces of paper and 3 overnights. That's a pretty big footprint for a loan file. We anticipate having the details of the Meridian Green Mortgage program for the folks in the Triangle later this month!

A Different Angle on Relo Business

2008-06-15T13:30:55Z

In NC - at least in my little corner - it seems like most of our business is from folks who are relocating here. Many Many years ago a friend of mine told me that one of the first things you notice in a relo market are the license plates... kinda' like that game you use to play when you were a kid going on vacation... how many different states did you see each day?

Well - I've been seeing a TON of out of state plates - so last week I decided to keep a list of the ones I saw right here in the Triangle:

Ohio, Michigan, California, Louisianna, NY, NJ, SC, Georgia, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, West Virginia, Washington DC, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Virginia, Kentucky, Florida (saw 4 different types of Florida tags!), Pennsylvania, Maine, Missouri, Alaska and Arkansas... oh yeah - and I saw a ton of NC too!

Now this might be normal in all metro areas - but I thought it was interesting given the cost of gas! I did not see as many rental cars as I thought I would - maybe someone has some insight?

Vote for Bodie Island Lighthouse!

2008-06-15T13:14:51Z

With summer approaching you might be thinking about a nice trip to the beach... well, in NC we have some lovely lighthouses you should see! One of them is the Bodie Island Lighthouse.

In an email I received from Bett Padgett, the President of the Outer Banks Lighthouse Society - it appears Bodie needs some work - and the fine folks at Jeld Wen might be willing to help!

"Friends!

In 2005 Jeld-Wen windows and doors began a lighthouse restoration initiative by taking nominations of towers that needed new windows and doors. The public could then vote on the lighthouse they consider being the lighthouse that would most benefit from this award. This year, out of 49 nominees, Bodie Island Lighthouse is one of the 12 finalists.

If our NC tower wins, it will receive 8 windows and one door that are reproductions of the originals. You can read more about the contest below and VOTE (please, for Bodie Island Lighthouse) As you may recall, funding for the restoration of BILH as pulled from the budget just minutes before the US Senate voted in December 2007.

Monies for its restoration will be requested again, but it has been passed over several years and there is no guarantee that it will be passed this year. The NPS feels that any help from other agencies and companies will be welcome to lessen the $2.8 million dollar project and may better our chances of getting funds for Bodie this year."

Please take a moment and vote now - doesn't cost anything - and might save tax dollars!

If you are considering a purchase in NC - please contact Steve and Eleanor Thorne, Meridian Residential. 919-459-1313

Compensating Factors and FHA

2008-06-10T19:25:37Z

I was at a seminar today that reminded me of one of my favorite things about FHA...

the 5th C of Credit! We've all heard about the other 4 C's.

Cash: How much can you put into the property, how much have you saved?
Credit: Do you have a credit history? If not, FHA will accept some non-traditional credit. Do you have a spotless credit history? If not, FHA might still be willing to insure your loan!
Collateral: Do you have a property FHA wants to insure?
Character: Have you moved 8 times in the last 3 years? Do you have a history of employment in your chosen field? Do you have a ton of collections? These are all part of the "Character" an underwriter is looking at.

In some cases Conventional Loans will make "exceptions," but in today's environment - that's a rare site.

With FHA though - there's a 5th point of consideration. COMPENSATING FACTORS. Those factors could be what weighs the loan in your favor! Some of our favorites include:

Borrower has already demonstrated they can afford this house payment. No payment shock, or at least a payment shock of less than 10% is a great offsetting factor for slightly higher debt ratios or a job history that is not as solid as we'd like to see.

2. Borrower can afford to put 10% down. I'm not talking about a gift (which FHA allows) I'm talking about a good old fashioned asset, and a behavior to save.

3. Conservative use of credit. Does the borrower have a 3 year old car that's paid off because they don't like having payments? Do they pay their credit cards off every month?

4. The Borrower will have at least 3 months of PITI in reserves after closing on their Primary Residence. FHA does not require reserves to insure a primary residence (unlike Conventional loans) and this additional "padding" can be a great offsetting factor.

5. Borrower has potential salary increases that you are not counting in your Debt ratios... if the employer indicates that the borrower has a review and potential raise coming up in the next few months this is a great off-setting (or Compensating) factor. (It's difficult to get an employer to put that in writing for obvious reasons.) Also - if the borrower has a part time job with 8 months of history (for instance) and you could not use those in the debt ratios, they might be considered as an offsetting factor. Rent from an additional bedroom, which would be logical, is rarely considered in our experience. 8-(

If you or someone you know is considering purchasing a home in Raleigh or Cary - please call Steve and Eleanor Thorne at Meridian Residential 919-459-1313. We offer the areas best government mortgage rates!

Super 8o) MeMe

2008-06-03T11:51:45Z

When I first came to ActiveRain, I had to look up MeMe on Wikipedia because I couldn't figure it out! On the Rain apparently you are suppose to reveal deep dark secrets about yourself so that the "audience" will get to know you better... (and here I thought we were already friends!)

Well - thanks to Leesa and Bonnie - I'm all in! I read both of your Super 8 MeMe's, and I was SHOCKED to find that one of you use to be a BOUNCER and I was EQUALLY as shocked to realized one of you is a GRANDMOTHER!!! OMG! Who Knew? So, it's my turn to reveal the SHOCKING answers to these eight questions! And since I've given the answers about 3 minutes worth of consideration - this should be pretty interesting!

1. Who is your favorite musical artist? Are you kidding? JUST ONE??? I'm a big Parrott Head, I have a special place in my heart for Second Hand Serenade, and I really really LOVE Jack Johnson... his September Sessions surfing DVD is one of my favorites - you can go just left breaks - or just right breaks.... too cool. (Thicker than Water is cool too - I just like September Sessions local better).

2. Who is your favorite artist? This is actually easy - Ivey Hayes is an amazing man, an inspiration - and SHOULD BE a NC Treasure (a distinction we give great artists in our State). He walks with 2 canes - his hands and feet a gnarled with disease. He paints in so many different STYLES... sometimes figures with long arms and large hands like Claude Howell... other times he paints with the accuracy of a camera. He does architecture - 'bacca barns, lighthouses and piers... southern bells ready for the azalea festival. And he was never formally trained. He's a Christian with a big heart and a bigger talent - and I am fortunate to have over 20 of his pieces.

3. Who is your favorite blogger? Well - that's difficult since I subscribe to 69 AR Blogs... that's right 69. Soooooo... outside of THOSE people... I read Calculated Risk more often than I read the paper - and I like Bull City Rising - and I normally click on BloodHound at least once a day... AND OF COURSE.... I read Rss Pieces (the folks that started this Super 8!)

4. If you could meet anyone (alive or dead), who would it be and what is the most interesting thing about them? If I could meet anyone - I would want to meet my ancestors - actually my great and my great great grandparents. I am VERY MUCH from the South - on all directions. I knew 3 of my great grandparents and all of my grandparents fairly well. I was fortunate. I would LOVE to meet their parents... I know all of the family "legends" and I would love to better understand who they were and the subtle motivations in their lives. My great grandmother, for instance, gave 5 of her children up for adoption during the depression because her husband died. Then she re-married and had 3 more children!

5. What did you want to be when you grew up? I wanted to design playgrounds. Would have been the coolest job in the world!

6. What is the most interesting piece of trivia you know? I am NOT the trivia queen - but I can tell you that it takes four 13 year old girls 42 loooooong minutes to sing (and giggle) "100 Bottles of Rootbeer on the Wall" while driving from here to Wrightsville Beach (just about half way)!

7. If you could live in any point in history what would it be and why? One of my favorite books is Uncommon Friends - a story about the friendship between Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Alexis Carrel and Charles Lindburg. I would LOVE to revisit the time when they were "thinking BIG ideas!"

8. What is the most interesting job you have ever held? I'm with Bonnie on this one- being a parent has been one of the coolest, most heart wrenching, difficult, rewarding jobs I've had!

Now - the fun part - HERE ARE MY VICTIMS (looking forward to it!)

Melissa Moore! (we'll talk about it this afternoon!)

Kaety Kowalchuk (Assistant Extrodinare!)

Sam Thompson (you guys should really subscribe to his blog!)

Joey Aszterbaum (now that you have an assistant should be easy!)

Penny Hull (she's on vacation this week - but we'll wait!)

Rod Tinsley (the DVR Kid?)

Fran Rokiki (where does all that motivation come from??)

and I know I said I wouldn't but I'm also tagging Sarah Eubanks... who needs to fess up about where she's been anyway...

Have fun! I look forward to reading them!

-E.

When The Option Is: Refinance or Sell

2008-05-28T17:19:30Z

Gas is now over $4.00 a gallon, and the Raleigh SPCA just announced it's at capacity because people can no longer afford to pay for their pets. It's a sad time.

And it's no longer something that's just happening in California... or Ohio... or Florida. It's hitting home here in the Triangle where families were already walking a fine line living on credit cards to go on vacation. The little bit of money Dubbya sent - barely made a dent for some folks.

If you are one of those people who had an adjustable rate mortgage, you're also trying to balance the extra mortgage payment, along with the rising costs of groceries and gas. There are a couple of things you need to consider as you redo your family budget to accomodate for all of these "little extras" that just keep adding up. First off, get over the fact that it's your "home."

A house is an investment. The bank loaned you money on that investment. If you can't afford the payments - then it's no longer an investment and it's no longer a home - it's a Liability. That's a hard thing to accept - but the sooner you do - the sooner you will know which choices are best for you. The VERY BEST thing you can do for your family is to preserve your credit. If you don't know how long different kinds of "Boo Boos" stay on your credit report, click here. (Foreclosures stay on your credit report for 7 years)

So - it's important, really important, to decide if you can make it in your home. If you think maybe a lower mortgage payment will make the difference, call us. We would love to help. If you need to sell your home and rent for a while, do it. Call a realtor and get the ball rolling. The important thing is to talk to people now - before you loose your options. Once the bank begins making plans for "their" investment - they can rack up to an extra 15% in fees. Why would you waste your credit and 15% in equity because you didn't want to let people know you're in trouble???

You go to a doctor when you're sick. We're not doctors, but my point is that we see folks who are happy and buying houses ... we see folks who need to refinance so that they can balance all of their payments... and sometimes we see people who need to sell. Please let us help you in the decision process.

Steve and Eleanor Thorne, Professional Mortgage Planners, Meridian Residential. 919-459-1313

Magical Mortgage Programs

2008-05-28T14:42:46Z

Our Mortgage Loan Programs...

are designed for REAL People...

Don't you hate reading those ads that say, "Good Credit, Slow Credit, No Credit, No Problem?" Are they kidding?! Yes!

If you have credit problems, it's a problem. It can be solved, but it takes the right credit advocacy program, the right loan officer and the right company...it's not magic.

HERE'S A CONCEPT! We are a 100% referral based company. If you get bad service you are not likely to refer your friends and family to us! We look for the best loan program, and the right credit solution, for your circumstances. The program that "works" for you might take six months of work. It might be different than the "outside the box" loan program someone offered you 18 months ago... but we are going to find the program that works FOR YOU, and we believe that's what our clients deserve. Someone to work on your behalf. An experienced craftsman, not someone who can type a loan application in and tell you if it fits the "Magical Mortgage Program Guide" (today).

And then again, sometimes, it's the PROPERTY that needs a thoughful look. We finance flood prone beach homes, family properties with mobile homes, log cabins, non-warrantable condos, new homes, ugly hmes, and the most basic of "fixer-uppers." Sometimes it requires a little more money down, sometimes it takes a little elbow grease, sometimes the seller needs to help with financing costs... but if there's a way, and it's the RIGHT THING FOR YOU, then we will do everything possible to make your dream come true!

No matter what the issue, we are going to be frank, honest and full of options.

We believe our JOB is to be experts in mortgage lending. It is OUR JOB to find the most current financing tools for you... We ALSO believe it's OUR JOB to counsel you to wait a few more months before buying a home, if you have credit issues that are going to take time to heal... and IF waiting is the best option... we'll be there to walk you through the steps to your dream home!

If you are purchasing a home in Raleigh, or buying a home in Cary, please contact Steve and Eleanor Thorne with Meridian Residentail. 919-459-1313

Test Your Stengths

2008-05-22T10:19:22Z

As you might know, I am in a unique situation, as my husband is my business partner. If you've ever been part of a sales team, you know that different folks on the team have their strengths, and thereby their "role" on the team.

In a conversation with Brad Andersohn yesterday, I was pleased to find that we share a similar business development strategy: "It's Karma, if I help you grow your business, you will help me grow mine!"

With this in mind, several years ago I DEVELOPED A TEST that gives me insight about the person I'm talking to, and gives them insight as to "HOW" Steve and I work together as an originations team.

I've literally asked hundreds of people these questions, and I thought it would be fun for the people here to take the test!

Okay - So the premise is this... I believe that each sale can be broken down into 4 parts. Since it amuses me to think of us as "Horse Traders" let's look at the sale from that perspective. If we were selling a horse, the first part would be:

1. Getting the word out that we have a horse to sell. Advertising, cold calling, marketing

2. The second part is when the phone rings... Convincing someone (selling them) to purchase our horse, instead of Fred's horse down the road. (Choose ME as your agent! Choose ME!)

3. The third part is the PROCESS until we get the money. Even with horses you don't just hand someone the money - you have blankets to gather, vets that need to take a look at it, paperwork that needs to be signed. Alot of time - NOT SELLING - is spent in this part of the sales business... it's a double edged sword, the "Devil's In The Details!"

4. After we've shipped the horse off to the new owner and have our money - we want to stay in contact with them to remind them we're in the horse trading business. Afterall - most sales people (and horse traders) would rather rely on word of mouth than having to spend money on advertising or cold calling.

Now - rank you're favorite parts of the sale from 1 to 4. I can tell you that most people say 2,3,4,1

Steve, my husband, takes care of numbers 2 and 3 in our business. I'm a unique "bird" (notice I didn't say OLD!) in that I like number 1 and 4... which is probably why I like mentoring and "pushing" others to develop the natural successes we each posses.

Tell ya' what. If you'll tell me what your rank is - I'll tell you what "tricks" I've learned that will help you grow your business (besides using an Award Winning Mortgage Origination Team!)

Lessons of Leadership

2008-05-20T12:37:54Z

The Cary YMCA recently passed the baton from one group of leaders to another... the most interesting part was that these leaders were anywhere from 12 to 17 years old. The YMCA has a wonderful Leaders Club program for Middle and High School Students that creates interaction with over 75 students who volunteer each week and work to be leaders among their peers. We loved the banquet, and the intereaction we've had with our daughter through this program. I want to share their creed, and encourage parents with students who live in a community with a Y to explore the Leaders Club in your area (membership to the Y is not necessary here!).

LIVE YOUR CREED

I'd rather see a sermon than to hear one any day,

I'd rather one should walk with me

than just show the way;

The eye is a better pupil and more willing than the ear;

Advice may be misleading but examples are always clear.

And the very best of teachers

are the ones who live their creeds.

For to see good put into action is what everybody needs.

I can soon learn to do it if you'll let me see it done.

I can watch your hand in motion,

but your tongue too fast may run.

And the lectures you deliver may be very fine and true,

But I'd rather get my lesson by observing what you do.

For I may misunderstand you and the fine advice you give,

But there's no misunderstanding

how you act and how you live...

Parenting and Leading Teenagers is POWERFUL Stuff!

Keywords Which Ones Are You Focused On?

2008-05-12T13:19:41Z

Last December I called my 25 year old son and said, "Hey - real quick - I need the HTML code for..." and he said, "MOM! Wait - I'm leaning against the tree... okay, the earth is not shaking, the locusts are not coming... I guess it's okay. So - did you just ask me for HTML code?!?!"

My point is that I'm NOT part of the Geek Squad - so I'm asking for help.

I have more tagwords on my AR site than you can see in one or two screens... Recently I figured it would be a good idea to use the SAME words for ALL the blog sites we have (4).

Now - I have at least first page in the following words:

Cary Mortgages and Mortgages Cary

Mortgage Rates Cary; FHA Cary and Cary FHA; First Time Homebuyers Cary and First Time Home Buyers Cary

Mortgage Loan Officer Cary and Cary Mortgage Loan Officer. I have similar listings in Wake Forest and Raleigh - but I'm not NEARLY as high up in the searches... I also have a blog on Credit - and I'm listed most of the places I thought I would be with it.

Does anyone have OTHER ideas of key words I should be using??? I REALLY appreciate your help!!!

Home For Sale -- Holly Springs!

2008-05-09T11:55:50Z

101 Red Holly Lane
Holly Springs, NC 27540
Rocking Chair Front Porch

Ken Smith

Office:	919-467-1882
Cell:	919-606-8751
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$205,900
Bedrooms	:	4
Bathrooms	:	2.5
Square Foot	:	1,848
Lot Size	:	0
County	:	Wake
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	1998
MLS Number	:	965195

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Property Description

LOOKS FEELS BRAND NEW! Will be ready to move in! PRE-INSPECTED! Squeaky clean with new carpet and paint. Pride of ownership SHOWS throughout! ROCKING CHAIR FRONT PORCH! Finished garage with TV for the car enthusiast/football fan!

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Coldwell Banker HPW : 981 High House Road - Cary NC 27513 : 919-467-1882

Beautiful Spacious Floor Plan!

2008-05-09T11:53:17Z

612 Goal Kick Drive
Fuquay Varina, NC 27526
Beautiful Spacious Floor Plan!

Jeanne Hendren

Office:	(919) 274-1167
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$388,000
Bedrooms	:	3
Bathrooms	:	2.5
Square Foot	:	2,582
Lot Size	:	0
County	:	Wake
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	2007

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Property Description

Beautiful, spacious plan! Vaulted ceilings in family room & master make this home open & bright! Hardwood Floors throughout the first floor,tile in the laundry & baths. Open kitchen w/ breakfast nook leading out to screened porch. 1st floor master bedroom w/ carpet, whirlpool tub, seperate shower & large walk-in closet. The upstairs has large secondary bedrooms & big bonus!

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Fonville Morisey : 2395 Kildaire Farm Rd - Cary NC 27518 : (919) 274-1167

Near I40 Great Floor Plan

2008-05-09T11:48:30Z

1104 LongLeaf Pine Pl
Mebane, NC 27302
Near I40 Great Floor Plan

Teresa Fowler

Office:	(919) 563-0011
Mobile:	(919) 810-7268
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$335,900
Bedrooms	:	4
Bathrooms	:	2.5
Square Foot	:	2,697
Lot Size	:	0
County	:	Alamance
Property Type	:	Detached

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Property Description

This home is so inviting on entry. Staircase winds up to a wonderful large master suite with luxury bathroom. The kitchen is open and bright with beautiful cabinets and solid surface countertops. The living room is warm and cozy with gas fireplace. All hardwoods downstairs, 9 ft ceilings, brick front, new neighborhood!

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Keller Williams Preferred : 1107 S Fifth Street, Suite 100 - Mebane NC 27302 : (919) 563-0011

Room To Spread Out, Quiet, And Prestigious Area!

2008-05-07T13:36:18Z

6577 Wakefalls Drive
Wake Forest, NC 27587
Room to spread out, quiet, and prestigious area!

Leesa Finley

Office:	(919) 649-6128
Mobile:	(919) 649-6128
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$2,100,000
Bedrooms	:	5
Bathrooms	:	6
Square Foot	:	8,505
Lot Size	:	1
County	:	Wake
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	2005

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Property Description

Wakefield Estates! Room to spread out, quiet, prestigious and much sought after! This grand manor estate is situated on a private 2 acre lot. Doug Perry Construction left no detail untouched and the unparalleled design is breathtaking! Double entry, arched doors lead you to a magnificent two-story foyer that soars and is just a hint of what is to come..... The informal family room with stone accents offers an oversized fireplace with detailed limestone mantel and surround as the focal point with each side flanked by builtin bookshelves. Eleven foot coffered ceilings add a dramatic flair. Epicurean kitchen is equipped with top of the line appliances, glass front cabinetry and massive center work island with sink. Breakfast bar with intimate pendant lighting can effortlessly accomodate up to 4. Master retreat with ensuite fireplace is located on the first floor accented with double trey ceilings and recessed lighting. Elegant ensuite bath is has oversized shower and immense tub perfect for relaxation. The second level offers 4 large bedrooms with walk in closets and full bath access, a bonus room and a loft/office/computer area with fireplace. A rear staircase conveniently accesses the second floor. Each bedroom on the second level has a sun deck or balcony. The third floor of this estate boasts approximately 900 square feet of walk-up attic storage. The english basement allows for multiple entertaining opportunities with a stacked stone fireplace with gas logs, home theatre, safe room, kitchen, wine cellar, study with walk in closet, designer Berber carpet, generous exercise room, Game room, second laundry room AND a sitting area. This estate also offers Putt Putt area under covered patio, ping pong area under covered patio, Brick and Stone exterior, paver sidewalk and so much more...

Equal Housing Opportunity.

Circa Properties : : (919) 649-6128

Carolina Perserve At Amberly

2008-05-07T13:32:58Z

110 Repton Court
Cary, NC 27519
Carolina Perserve at Amberly

Scott Bergeron

Office:	800-326-3562
Mobile:	919-345-4842
Website:	Visit Website

Price	:	$624,900
Bedrooms	:	4
Bathrooms	:	4
Square Foot	:	4,394
Lot Size	:	8,284
Community	:	Carolina Preserve at Amberly
County	:	Chatham
Property Type	:	Detached
Year Built	:	2007
MLS Number	:	996611

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Property Description

Located on a premier homesite in a Del Webb community in Cary, NC, this great home backs to the Jordan Game Land Preserve owned by the Corps of Engineers. The home features 4 bedrooms, 3 and 1/2 baths with hardwoods and 9' smooth ceilings. The island kitchen features cherry cabinets, zodiaq countertops and stainless steel appliances with a double oven. The 36" Sub Zero refrigerator is built-in with two freezer drawers and an ice maker. The master bedroom has a beautiful coffered ceiling and the bath features cherry cabinets, corian countertop, a spa tub and separate shower. The oversized family room leads to the screened porch and deck for relaxing views of nature. The finished basement has a 4th beedroom with a full bath and features a great bar with granite. The bonus room is very large as is the game room that is being used as a media room with 7.1 speaker system wiring. Other rooms that are wired for sound are the living room, kitchen and dining room. Additional features include: custom mud room cabinets, washable garage floor, gas line to lower level patio for potential fireplace/grill, screen installed under the lanai floor, gutter guards and custom closet interiors, including the pantry, numerous tv cable outlets and phone jacks and brown marble fireplace surround in the family room. Come live the active 55 lifestyle centered around Bradford Hall, the 30.000+ square feet clubhouse with indoor and outdoor pools, a putting green and a well equipped fitness center.

Equal Housing Opportunity.

RE/MAX United : 51 Kilmayne Dr #100 - Cary NC 27511 : 800-326-3562