Gary Miljour's Blog: Mortgage Lending for Tempe Arizona

Confidence and perseverance wins the day in the mortgage business

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 18:28:11 -0500

Last month I had a business partner refer me a customer that was denied by a big bank for home financing. This client was not buying the biggest of homes but just wanted to have the dream of homeownership afforded to her. Like every client, her situation was unique. She had her doubts that I would not be able to help and to be honest, so did I; she was turned down by a big bank with lots of options. What I forgot to realize is how much we forget that this business is about the individual and not necessarily about the company. As I met with this new customer, the puzzle started to come together.

In my talks, interviews and initial application with the client, it dawned on me that I had a loan I felt confident in. The client was sincere and just had the wrong person at another bank not work hard enough to make her loan come together. I am sure the other bank collected the same paperwork I did. I am sure they pulled her credit and reviewed the file, but I feel our attitudes of help were very different.

I was confident and knew my perseverance was going to get this loan done for my customer. In the end, I achieved the goal and made a difference to a special person who deserved to be in a home. I did not try to find a reason to not approve her loan, but instead I searched all avenues to make the loan work. Was it a challenge? Absolutely, but this business is exactly that right now.

I love when you can make a difference in someone's life when others did not even want to try.

Todd Duncan Class- High Trust Selling in a Low Trust World

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:38:18 -0500

Cherry Creek Mortgage Company presents:

Todd Duncan as he addresses High Trust Selling in a Low Trust World.

When: Wednesday, October 28th from 8:30 am - 11:30 am (Continental Breakfast at 8:30)

Where: Mesa Hilton; 1011 W. Holmes Ave, Mesa, AZ 85201 (Alma School & US 60)

In today's challenging market, successful realtors must understand 6 governing principles that will drive business in the new economy. While mastery of business planning, prospecting, relationship development, presentation and client retention are still needed, there are new requirements to sustain success.

Todd Duncan will:

Teach you the 6 principles you must master for success.
Show you how top producers redefine success and compete effectively.

The class is FREE, but seating is limited. Call or email me to reserve your seat, 480.214.2818 or gmiljour@ccmclending.com

About Todd Duncan:

Todd has more than 2 decades as a speaker and sales trainer, he is a NY Times best-selling author and has successfully taught thousands of sales professionals to serve their clients with excellence.

Tom Ward seminar

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:57:51 -0500

Join Cherry Creek Mortgage as we host Tom Ward of Majestic Consulting. Tom has over 25 years of Real Estate Broker and Mortgage Co. Owner experience. Here's what you will learn:

1. How to get the first time home buyer off the sidelines.

2. Learn the 3 step process to get the consumer motivated.

3. How to address the top 2 issues confusing the first time home buyer.

4. Build a strategy together for success in today's challenging market.

And so much more!

Join us October 7th, 2009 from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm at the Hilton Phoenix Mesa/ East, 1022 W. Holmes Avenue, Mesa AZ 85210 in the Kachina AB Meeting Room. Continental breakfast will be at 8:30 am and lunch is served at noon.

The seminar is FREE but space is limited. Call or email me to reserve a seat! gmiljour@ccmclending.com or 480.214.2818

Short sale deals give no guarantees to anyone!

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 14:34:57 -0500

Normally, I would not be so negative about short sales, but I have experienced many problems in the last
30 days with short sales that we do not encounter with bank forclosures.

Situation #1. Buyer,seller and lender all agree to short sale. The file is opened up, appraisal and inspections are ordered, the loan file is processed, underwritten and approved. Then the docs are being drawn and the file does not close. Why?

The bank who agreed to short sale decided to foreclose on the property and does not inform anyone including the sellers and buyer. For all parties involved, valuable time, money and energy was wasted.

Short sales are not guaranteed!

Siuation #2. The buyer, seller and lender on 1st and 2nd all agree to the short sale. Lender #1 agrees to coe of 10/8/2009 and lender #2 agrees to coe of 10/8/2009. The file is opened up, appraisal and inspections are ordered, loan file is processed and ready for underwriting. Lender (myself) gets a call yesterday that lender #2 is going to now sell their 2nd to another lender on 10/1/2009. If the loan does not close by 9/30/2009 then the new lender approval for lender#2 will need to come from the new owner. The new lender usually takes 4 weeks to approve a short sale and now lender #1 will not extend coe further. Now if I cannot get the loan done in 19 days, my buyer will lose this house and seller will be foreclosed upon. Talk about a pressure cooker.

Moral of the (true) story: Short sales are not guaranteed!

Both situations are real war stories from real people put in bad situations. It is making me re-think a buyer's decision to buy a short sale.

What is your feedback?

The future of the mortgage industry

Wed, 23 Sep 2009 15:04:50 -0500

Arizona Media insider Catherine Reagor at The Arizona Republic recently wrote an article claiming the mortgage industry has been deceiving the average consumer. Blame has been placed on loan officers for being unlicensed, collecting higher fees and forcing consumers into the worst loan products possible. So I guess until our industry is fully licensed next year, no one will be able to get a "fair mortgage." The problem with this information is the mortgage professionals left in our industry today are the ones that played by the rules to begin with. Now we have to face the music for the flaws of others who were looking at the mighty dollar and not what was best for their customers.

When mortgage professionals are required to have a license, I see two types of mortgage originators surviving this market. Type 1 is going to work for a big bank and you will have to call a 1-800 number to get your loan. You will probably talk with 2-5 people throughout the process, but can feel confident that you will get the product you seek based on the company's reputation. Type 2 is a category I feel that I fit well into; a loan officer with a reputation of providing exceptional mortgage advice on a local level. This means being involved personally with the customer and mortgage transaction from the beginning to the very end. I also see a huge gap level surfacing between the folks that know how to do a mortgage loan correctly, and someone who is going to make mistakes.

At the end of the day, consumers will still buy homes and homeowners will need a mortgage. You will need a mortgage lender to provide this service. A piece of paper saying I can pass a test does not make me a reputable loan officer; having a reputation that is backed up from prior clients and business partners does.

Business Referral Network Event

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:55:31 -0500

Business Referral Network would like to invite you to our next event. This is a great way to connect with new clients and expand your business. Business Referral Network is dedicated to small businesses wanting to grow using referral marketing.

The networking groups primary goal is to explore deeper business relationships while simultaneously building our businesses through the passing of referrals.

Guests are welcome to attend Business Referral Network meetings to determine if they would be interested in joining the network.

We invite you!

When: Wednesday, September 30th at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Monti's La Casa Vieja, 100 South Mill Avenue, Tempe, AZ 85281

For more information: http://businessreferralnetwork.org/

Commissions lost as Real Estate Professionals lose control

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:11:54 -0500

Attention Real Estate Professionals: I have something important to share with you that is happening in the real estate world; and you need to know!

Your hard earned money is getting thrown out the door. Commissions are getting lost, your valuable time is being wasted and complaining isn't fixing the problem.

The good news? You have control of your business! It's time to take the lead and get rid of the garbage. You run your business!

There I said it. Again: You run your business! Oh that felt good.

I am sure by now, you want to choke me and just get to my point. Point taken.

You need to take control of your business and that starts by not letting others, including clients, make decisions for your industry that will affect YOUR money, time and livelihood. It's your business and the buck stops with you. Our services can no longer be traded like a commodities market. We have knowledge, information and a vast head of education that separates us as individuals.

I am tired of hearing about how a deal went south because a buyer used their uncle Billy Bob to do the loan and he is an idiot. You now find out 2 days before closing that uncle Bob can't get the loan done and you are not going to earn a comission. This shouldn't be happening!

Be proactive, this can be prevented! Demand that your lenders provide the best service possible and if you know they can't, it is time to find someone else. Lenders are not all made the same; it's the ones like Billy Bob that give us all a bad name. Do your research, ask your friends and ask potential lenders those tough questions that are vital to the success of YOUR business.

Getting a mortgage loan in today’s market

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 13:06:15 -0500

I'll be honest; the entire process of purchasing a home is not fun. Having your teeth pulled by a dentist may be more comfortable than getting a mortgage approval these days. When I am asked about my system, I make it clear the more that is accomplished early on will make for a smoother closing. The system from the beginning to the end is time intensive. I will walk through some of these steps:

1. You hire a "team," meaning the right players that will help make the outcome a positive. First, you hire a lender and see how much you can get approved for. Then you hire a real estate agent to help you find a dream home. This is just the beginning. By the time the process is done you have hired many others including an appraiser, home inspector, termite guy and title company.

2. Get a plan (with your lender and agent). In my experience, I have found that having a plan upfront will make the last days of closing run smoother. Preparing early helps reduce stress levels on all parties involved with the transaction.

3. Get a pre-approved loan. This process can range from a couple hours to days and weeks depending on your specific challenges. If a real estate agent tells you he can have a pre-approval by a lender in minutes, that is not the case in this market. A pre-approval in my book is determined when;

I have a complete and fully reviewed mortgage application on file.
An automated approval process has been run and has come back approved.
I have received all supporting documentation to meet loan guidelines.

Once I have all of this done, your loan is fully pre-approved and I can issue a pre-approval letter or loan status report. I can then inform your real estate agent that he or she can take you out looking at homes in your pre-approved price range.

4. Start house hunting. This process could take hours, days, weeks or months depending on your specific needs, wants and requirements. Once the real estate agent has an ACCEPTED CONTRACT is when the clock starts ticking.

5. Signed contract. This means that the accepted contract is signed by all parties involved in the transaction. All parties include the buyer, seller and agents. If you have a verbal acceptance but it will take three additional weeks to receive from the bank, this doesn't count! Your final approved loan starts with a FULLY ACCEPTED CONTRACT.

6. Process, underwrite and close your loan. Right now my turn times for these steps is in 30 days or less on FHA, VA or conventional financing. Sometimes we can speed up that process, but be prepared for it to take that long.

Knowing and understanding the process of a mortgage approval can prepare you for your own experience. It doesn't have to be as painful as a visit to the dentist, all it takes is a little (or a lot) of patience. Good luck!

Homeownership starts with taking responsibility for your credit

Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:06:54 -0500

Imagine yourself in your dream home; you've got everything you wanted including the white picket fence. Now take a step back...how did you get there? I will tell you one way of never getting into your dream home; bad credit. Period. The end. If you have poor credit, you'll never be able to carry out your dream of homeownership. Some of you may be thinking that you have bad credit and you'll never own a home. Wrong. There are steps you can take to make homeownership a reality.

So you've been behind on payments, creditors are reporting wrong, I've heard them all. Whatever it may be, you think the dream of homeownership has passed you by. What you may not know is several companies exist to help repair your credit. Some have charges up front and some charge a monthly fee, it just depends on the company. You may think you cannot afford credit repair, but I say you can't afford NOT to use a credit repair company.

It's simple. If you don't have good credit, you can't get your own home. Why not take advantage of these companies and their expertise? If you don't know where to start, feel free to contact me with any questions or recommendations to get you closer to your dream home.

As Mortgage Guidelines Tighten Professional Advice is Critical:

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 15:33:32 -0500

The days of choosing a mortgage professional based on a personality test and box of donuts in your real estate office is changing. Today with the tightening mortgage guidelines, having a mortgage professional who can review credit, employment, debt to income ratios, calculate assets, document the file and make sure that 2+2= 4 is the smart move for a business partner.

We just got word that in 2nd quarter of 2009, the big mortgage investors are still taking pretty significant losses on performance of their mortgage securities. These are not just the old loans that were originated 2 to 3 years ago with guidelines allowing anyone who could fog a mirror get a home loan, but these are the more recent loans requiring verification of credit and employment for approvals through underwriting. Based on the fact that mortgage backed securities are still not fully performing, investors will start to require stricter guidelines.

We are not too far along of seeing minimum requirements of 660 to 680 credit scores on conventional loans and 640-660 minimum credit scores for FHA and VA loans from the investor overlays.

With the lending environment getting tighter versus looser, it means more mortgage professionals will need to adhere to new guidelines. It will require a mortgage professional who has years of experience and a person dedicated to educating themselves of the new changes.

In recent months, I have heard a new set of complaints from our real estate community of loans denied the day or week of closing. When I speak to someone and hear this my head spins. Further into the conversation, I uncover that the mortgage lender did not master their craft. Some of these folks will not be able to adapt to the new mortgage market. In this particular situation, if the mortgage lender reviewed the file properly from the beginning, he would have discovered in 10 minutes that the borrower should never have received a pre-approval. Instead, the lender was going off old information and wasted not only his time but the clients and all persons involved. This is just another instance that makes our industry look bad.

I am hoping with the new mortgage licensing requirements coming down the peak that some of these lenders will get out of the market. Sub standard pre-approvals do not work today.

I am asking the Real Estate Community to be aware of our always changing market. Now is the time to make the right change in your mortgage business partners for a successful business. The "hand out 3" mortgage lender card rule given to clients in this credit tightening market, is setting your business up for disaster. Seek out a highly knowledgeable mortgage professional and interview them. Make sure they truly know the ins and outs of mortgage lending business. In the long run, this will make your business more profitable and your clients happy with the results.

Gary prides himself on being a professional through every step of the transaction. He has made a choice of not trying to be a fit for all individuals, but instead choosing to work with those that he is best suited to help. Having focused knowledge of his client's specific loan programs and products allows Gary to create better and stronger relationships with his customers.

Gary Miljour has over 15 years of experience in the Real Estate and Mortgage Services Industry.

Battle of the Home Mortgage Products: FHA vs. Fannie Mae HomePath

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:58:03 -0500

Recently I have had several inquiries about a number of special loan programs available. The latest, attractive looking product in the market is the Fannie Mae HomePath loan. Depending on your individual needs, this product could be the right fit. However, compared to FHA, the HomePath loan does have some drawbacks.

Here is a comparison of the two loan products:

FHA:

Down payment requirement: 3.5% down payment minimum.
Requires financed upfront mortgage insurance premiums and monthly mortgage insurance premiums.
FHA appraisal conditions required.
No declining market conditions.
Interest rates are extremely competitive.
Pricing of the loan is extremely competitive.
Minimum 620 credit scores with most investors.
Primary residences only, no 2nd homes or investors.
Financing available to FHA county loan limits.
Eligible properties: FHA approved condos, single family homes, planned unit developments and manufactured housing.
Seller Concessions: 6% toward buyers closing costs and prepaid expenses.

Fannie Mae HomePath:

Down payment requirement: 3% minimum on primary residences and 10% down minimum on 2nd homes and investment properties.
Does not require any mortgage insurance premiums.
No appraisal required, home must be Fannie Mae bank owned.
No declining market conditions.
Interest rates are less competitive.
Pricing of the loan is less competitive.
Minimum 660 credit score requirements.
Primary residences, 2nd home or investors are eligible.
Financing available to conforming loan limits.
Eligible properties: Fannie Mae approved condos, single family homes, planned unit developments.
Seller concessions: 6% for primary residences, 6% for 2nd homes and 2% for investors.

As illustrated, both of these loan products have benefits and drawbacks. For a typical homeowner planning to buy a home for their primary residence, FHA is by far a superior product allowing lower costs of the loan and payments. However, if you are looking for a great investment loan alternative, the HomePath product is an excellent fit.

The HomePath loan has much more flexibility with certain options, but could be challenging given the higher interest rates, cost of loans and minimum credit score requirements. These factors all depend on your specific financial needs.

If you have specific questions and need further advice, please feel free to call or email me. Every situation can be different.

A Proven Track Record of Honest Quotes and Personal Integrity

Tue, 04 Aug 2009 14:04:16 -0500

Have you ever seen the movie "A Few Good Men" (Brown & Reiner, 1992) starring Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson? Well, if you have not seen this movie I highly recommend it, it is truly an American classic. This movie has intense scenes and several of the most memorable movie quotes. Whether or not you agree with character Col. Nathan Jepsep's (Jack Nicholson) antics, his character portrays higher standards and values that others could not live up to. He had all his troops buy into a system called "Unit, Core, God, Country."

What's the point? The point is that top mortgage professionals also have a code we follow and live by. We do not need a fancy license to perform over the competition, but it is pretty clear how different our services are. I have built my business on these direct principals of "Honesty, Integrity, Under promise over deliver, tranparciancy. Us top notch mortgage professionals are more concerned at the end of the day that our clients get the right advice. Now does that means we overcharge for our service vs. the other guys? Absolutely not! We just see the end result of little different. I never want to hear about a client of mine losing their home because they were put into a bad loan product, or were unaware they could not afford the payment. I am also a homeowner and I want to see the American Dream extended to all that should be afforded this opportunity, but with the understanding that with homeownership comes responsibility.

I pride my business on these core values just as Col. Jepsep portrayed to his troops. This is especially not the time to refer friends and family to the wrong person for mortgage services. If that mortgage lender did not build their business on these principals, then it's time for a 2^nd opinion. Please feel free to give me a call.

Are Banks Holding Back on Releasing Home Foreclosure Inventory?

Sun, 14 Jun 2009 06:48:03 -0500

Maricopa County Arizona:

We have one of highest amounts of residential home inventory in the country. We broke lots of firsts over the last couple of years. We had the fastest appreciation gains in the country and now we had the fastest depreciation values in the country. Now with prices so low and interest rates attractive, the property investors and first time home buyers are flooding the market with purchases. With that flood of home sale activity, inventory levels seem to be improving. In the last two months bank foreclosure inventory in the price range of $200,000.00 or less has dried up. I got one report put out by Fletcher Wilcox with Grand Canyon Title Agency that shows inventory levels for homes priced under $200,000.00 with about 2.5 months of inventory.

Now I am being told by many real estate sources that the banks held back on releasing more inventory until they knew for sure how the new federal home bailout programs would work. Now that the banks know there is not much incentive, we are told that a flood of more foreclosures should be hitting the market.

But are the banks really going to release all this inventory?

I am not a conspiracy believer, but I have a trustworthy source stating that banks will not be
releasing all their inventory and will take advantage of higher rates to help offset losses
over the last couple of years. They are also taking advantage of multiple offers now that "big brother" is offering so much incentive to first time home buyers.

I am not 100% buying into this one, but thought I would pose the question.

Are Banks Holding Back on Releasing Home Foreclosure Inventory and for what reasons?

Business Referral Network: Happy Hour Event

Fri, 22 May 2009 11:47:04 -0500

Business Referral Network would like the chance to get to know you! Referral Networks are a great way to expand your business and get connected with new clients. We work together to make sure our friends, family, and customers receive quality services from reputable businesses.

We invite You to Our: Business Referral Network Happy Hour Event

May 27, 2009, 5:00pm at Darcy Magees, Tempe Market Place

Free Credit Class

Fri, 15 May 2009 15:37:26 -0500

Increasing Buying Power-Understanding Credit

Cherry Creek Mortgage Company will be holding a free class on understanding the in's and
out's of credit scoring on May 20, 2009 at 4:00pm . This class will be held at
Cherry Creek Mortgage 1630 South Stapley Drive Ste. 100, Mesa, AZ 85204.

This class will be taught by Charlie Brandes with Advantage Credit. Charlie is an expert
speaker/instructor on this topic and travels the entire state of Arizona talking to
realtors, consumers and borrowers about the power of credit.

Charlie will be covering the following topics:

What is the best mix of credit to obtain the highest scores

The do's and don'ts with credit for buying property

How degrogatory information will impact your credit and buying potential

How to increase your potential buying power with better credit scores

Plus Charlie will go over proven tips to help prevent fraud and identity theft.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by emailing me.

FICO Scores on the Rise at Cherry Creek Mortgage

Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:38:23 -0600

Cherry Creek Mortgage Company announced on February 20, 2009 that they are now requiring minimum credit scores of 620 or higher for most FHA and VA loans. This comes as no surprise since most industry standards with investors have already moved in this direction. These new credit score requirements will not apply to borrowers who are applying for an FHA Streamline Refinance or VA Interest Rate Reduction.

Now please be aware that this is NOT an FHA or VA rule. FHA and VA loans in general are not credit score driven programs. However, due to higher default rates on these type of loans, the investor market who buys these loans put in certain stop gaps to get a better handle on marginal credit score borrowers and high default rates.

The Passion of the Little Old Man and His Final Home Sale

Sun, 21 Dec 2008 00:05:02 -0600

I think about this old man from time to time that had everything and nothing to live for.

This was back in the day when I was not a peddler of mortgage products but an escrow closer for property. I had this client who was 93 years of age and just the happiest of people. To be honest he was the cutest little thing. He story was a sad one but stuck with me for the rest of my life.

You see this little old guy lost his wife about 3 years earlier and his life changed dramatically he was married for 67 years getting married when he was 23 years old. His best friend of his life died and life became very tough on him from there on out. He was heart broken and out of place without his sweetheart.

At the age of 93 he really was not able to take full care of himself anymore and his son contacted me when Dad was selling the home. Dad contacted me when he had a contract and wanted me to help him do everything to close his home and move on with the last chapter of his life. He knew in his heart he would be dying soon, so he was passionate about getting the sale of his home closed. This is when he asked for me to come visit him at his assisted living home for he already moved out of his home he was selling. As I sat there for over an hour getting the papers signed by him necessary to sell his home and transfer the deed I learned a lot from this happy and cheerful fellow.

He looked me straight in the eye and told me about how life throws us do-overs. He said everyday is a blessing and tomorrow is a new day. He looked me over and said Gary you will have days, weeks, maybe even years of disappointment, but tomorrow is a new day and a do-over.

Anyway his thoughts and words stayed in my life today and I realize the gifts we have and the do-overs we are given.

This home he sold was the last "big thing" he needed to accomplish before his little heart would give out. He passed away nearly 3 weeks later at the age of 93.

What was ironic was his son called me and told me his Dad passed and said you know, I think you and the real estate agent help keep Dad with us a little longer.

Of course I was a little choked and realized how precious life really is.

Mortgage Loans Programs for Credit Challenged Buyers:

Fri, 19 Dec 2008 10:39:48 -0600

Every time I turn on the television or listen to the radio I hear another media talking head share with the public that banks are not making mortgage loans for buyers with credit scores less than 680, 720 or 740. Well I want to first set the record straight that this is not entirely true.

Now Let me make myself clear that "YES WE CAN" get you a mortgage if your credit score is lower than 680. There are conditions, but it is possible and I do it everyday for a lot of my clients.

Now that I set the record straight, let me explain this a little further.

Mortgage Loan Programs for Credit Challenged Buyers

Read Further:

HUD Halts Abusive Home-builder Practices

Sun, 14 Dec 2008 22:34:37 -0600

The Housing and Urban Development better known as HUD has finally halted abusive practices by home-builders in which they would revoke huge buyer incentives for not using their preferred/affiliated mortgage company. When a colleague of mine Tom Burris shared this with me, I was jumping up and down in excitement. Over the last 2 years I have written 4 posts about this abusive behavior.

Are Builders Violating RESPA with Using In-House Lending?
Home-builders and Abusive Practices
Should I use the Home Builders Lender?
I decided to try and take some action against Home-builders and Abusive Practices

Effective Jan. 16, 2009 a new home builder can no longer use "disincentives" to steer their customers to their preferred mortgage company. HUD Halts Abusive Home-builder Practrices (read further)

What Happens when your "Adobt a Family for the Holidays" owns a Big Home on the Golf Course?

Sat, 13 Dec 2008 19:21:04 -0600

I guess if life has taught me anything is that expect the unexpected. Well this year our choice for our "adopt a family" has lived up to the unexpected. Every year my wife's whole family and I adopt a family for Christmas. Instead of buying ourselves gifts we seek out a needy family each year who is struggling and we give them and their kids a good Christmas. We buy all the children nice clothes, gifts, gifts certificates for groceries, the whole nine yards. It always brings a big tingle in my belly when we do this each year.

However, my tingle in my belly turned to a bad stomach pain when we found out that the family we choose this year is really not that needy. At last moment, we found out that the family drives very expensive cars, lives in a gated golf community and has a lot more to be thankful for than myself.

How do these folks think that someone should be giving them a "Free" Christmas. We did decide to pass on this family and have re-selected a family who is struggling this year and can really use the help.

Five Good Reasons for the Perfect Home Buyer Storm

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 21:07:28 -0600

Normally I am not one to predict the market when it comes to mortgage rates, home values, good deals, tax incentives or tax rebates, but the writing on the wall is extremely clear to me that we have entered into what I want to phrase "The Perfect Home Buyer Storm". I have not known a better time for first time home buyers or step-up home buyers to take advantage of all the benefits that are out there right now.

Here is my list of things that have transpired to make this "The Perfect Home Buyer Storm": Read Further

When Did Arizona Become a Police State?

Thu, 27 Nov 2008 23:59:23 -0600

Almost everyone I know who lives in Arizona is not a native of this state. Some of us were transplanted here many years ago and some are just arriving. To be an actual native (Arizona Born) is very rare. We folks who have lived in this state of any period of time joke with each other that if you can survive 2 whole summers in Arizona that you are now an adopted child of this state. My parents transplanted me to Arizona back in 1982. I have been living here for the last 26 years now. After 26 hot and wonderful years, I think I can talk as an expert of understanding the changing culture of Arizona. Lately, that culture has been very scary for me and I felt it was necessary to address some frightening issues going on in our state.

In the last 2 years, our state has decided to create some of the strictest laws on DUI, Illegal Immigration and now Traffic Enforcement. Now on the surface, these issues all seem to be great causes, but as you dig deeper into the reasons behind these laws, the system here is moving in a very dangerous direction. Our state now has cameras on every major intersection on highways, our sheriff makes random neighborhood sweeps and our law enforcement officers have the power to arrest and take blood from individuals if they slightly think that person has been drinking.

Let me first make it clear that I truly condone wrong doers. We recently had a bad situation in our east valley happen when an illegal immigrant who was drunk killed an innocent person from drinking and driving. Please read Jay Thompson's post further: Reflections: In Memory of Kelly Tracy

However, the balance of wrong doing and personal freedoms of a borderline Police State must be changed. In the past I felt safe to drive across town and visit friends or relatives. Now, I do not enjoy driving due to hundreds of traffic cameras watching at all times that I am a perfect poster child of society. These new laws are set up in a way to be guilty until proven innocent, which is completely against our system of innocent until proven guilty.

What is further upsetting is why we have so many cameras now on our highways. The State of Arizona passed a law to set up speed cameras for a revenue generating taxation. In the past these tickets would of added points onto your drivers license and you would have had to attend traffic safety. Now however, the State of Arizona could care less about your well being of being safe. Just pay the fine and be on your way. A police officer I know once told me that one out of 21 people end up with a traffic citation. Those numbers now must be much higher.

What this really boils down to me with and why I am miffed is because I feel like zero tolerance laws for DUI, Illegal Immigration Sweeps and Photo Radar Tickets all sound good, but when applied just erodes more of our personal freedoms that we have become accustomed to in the United States. I worry about the day that I wake up in the United States and our world has become something out of a sci-fi film like Minority Report.

For full information on camera locations and citizens getting involved to remove the cameras: Please Visit: http://azspeedcameraslocations.blogspot.com/

FHA: The Good Neighbor Next Door Program

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:27:16 -0600

Attention Police Officers, Firefighters, Teachers and EMT's. If you are in the market for a home you need to be aware of this specialized FHA loan program through HUD called the Good Neighbor Next Door Program. I am helping a couple of teachers right now with this loan and the outcome has been fantastic. Let me explain the mortgage loan details a little bit further. Basically if eligible for the program you can take advantage of an incentive to get into the home at a discount of 50% off the list price of the home. In return for the discount you commit to HUD that you will live in the home for 3 years as your primary residence. Read further: Good Neighbor Next Door Program

Have you found your blogging coach?

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:09:04 -0500

Yesterday Callie Waterhouse and I taught a blogging class that was sponsored by the groovytitlechick at Land America. It is so fascinating how many people want to start using a blog to attract more clients their business and sometimes getting a blog started is the hardest part.

This class was very basic. We covered a lot of information in a 2 hour window that hopefully helped the newbie's of the world with blogging. blogging coach continued

Mortgage Loan Modifications: Is This Web 2.0 for the Mortgage Loan Originator?

Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:19:30 -0500

I just got off of a webinar training on Mortgage Coach about Mortgage Loan Modifications. What was so fascinating about the training beyond the sales pitch was the idea of another way for mortgage originators to help distressed homeowners in this time to need.

Arizona is one of states that has been hit the hardest with the downturn in the real estate market. We have some neighborhoods which are rampant with short sales and foreclosures. I have been getting at least 4-5 calls a month from distressed homeowners looking for solid solutions to stay in their homes but felt that the current solutions were just not very viable. Hope for Homeowners the jury is still out on that program.

Now I feel there is hope to make the Mortgage Loan Modification a win,win,win for all sides involved. Mortgage Coach has devised a system to help homeowners stay in their property through a modification to the mortgage note. Mortgage lenders in conjunction with partnered attorneys help the homeowners with the modification process.

Is our roles as mortgage advisors going to change to mortgage modifiers?

I think it will become part of our business mix for sure. These homeowners need help and are seeking our professional advice to solve a problem. Until all the sub prime, alt a, option arms and other niche arm products adjust, there will be a need for this service.

Are we the right people to administer this service?

I am not sure, but I would sure like to help these folks keep their house.