Jose's Blog

USDA income limits increase!

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:35:55 -0500

For a while the USDA has been mentioning that they were going to increase the income limits to the Guaranteed loan program. Not only was this exciting to hear but USDA also mentioned that the income limits were going to be grouped as 1-4 and 5-8 house hold size. This was even better because now an individual who makes the full amount as a 4 person household size can qualify. This is no rumor anymore. It has been done as of April 20th. To see what the incmoe limits are within your area CLICK HERE. If you want a little refresher on the USDA RD loan program go to the following blog.

Guaranteed 102% financing for Rual areas!

Thanks,

Jose Delgado

Oregon Bond Loan Program Update!!

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:10:00 -0600

Effective immediately; The OHCS (Oregon Housing and Community Services) Home Loan Program, otherwise know as the Oregon Bond Loan, will no longer be accepting "new" reservations for new loans that require Mortgage Insurance. This is due to MI company rating downgrades. If you currently have a loan reserved with the OHCS they will still honor it. What does this mean? Now that this has been iliminated, the few loan programs that are left for the low to no down payment options would be:

FHA - Requiers 3.5% down payment - This can be combined with Oregon Bond Loan

Rural Development Guarantee - No down payment, but currently has no funds. This can also be combined with Oregon Bond Loan.

Federal VA - No down payment - must be a Veteran of the Armed Forces - this loan can not be combined with the Oregon Bond Loan.

New Years Resolution

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 12:34:11 -0600

Happy New Years to all! Hope you had a safe & happy holiday season with your families!

WOW 2009! Where did the last year go, or in what areas did 2008 help you grow. I speak for my self in what areas I grew in 2008. I have gained a lot of knowledge in the Real Estate and Mortgage Industry over the last year, but along with that knowledge came a weight gain as well. Who said becoming more knowledgable creates extra weight you have to pack around. Well, I am guilty of not working out as much as I am used to. I am about 1 1/2 years into the mortgage industry and spend all the time I can afford on being a student of what i do, study any changes and ever since I got into the industry it's been nothing but changes. So I would sacrifice my times that I would normally go to the gym and study changes. At first it was a few times that I would give up but for the last couple of months it has been most of them. Now this can be seen as not being able to manage my time correctly. I would just be too mentally tired to swing by the gym for a short workout session in the late evening. So, 2009 for me will be managing my time better so that I can get to the gym more often and shed some of the extra weight, all with keeping myself up to date on the changes of the mortgage industry. That is one of my New Years resolutions.

The Fed alsoo has a New Years resoluition for us! Back in November of 2008, the Fed announced that it would buy as much as $500 billion worth of MBS (mortgage backed securities) from Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae over the first six months of 2009. As of Tuesday December 30 the Fed announced they would start buying the securities next week. Who is to manage this purchase program? They have chosen BlackRock, Goldman Sachs, PIMCO and Wellington to manage this purchase program.

So, what is your New Years resolution?

Jose Delgado,

Don't Forget.......

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 11:19:39 -0500

Daylight Saving Time is coming to an end tomorrow. This means you will have to set your clocks back one hour and return to Standard Time on Sunday, November 2nd at 2 a.m. or if you don't want to wake up at 2 a.m. on Sunday Novemeber 2nd, just turn your clocks back 1 hour before going to bed tonite (11/01/08).

If it seems like we're a little later than usual in setting back the clocks, you're right. Daylight Saving Time (DST) was actually extended by an entire month (originally, the bill was written to extend Daylight Savings Time by 2 months) this year as a result of the Energy Policy Act, enacted in 2005 and first went into affect last year. If the change proves to be widely unpopular, or if the energy savings aren't significant, Congress did retain the right to revert back to the old dates.

This is a great time to perform important tasks around the house, including:

· Resetting automatic lights and sprinklers to standard time operation.

· Checking fire extinguishers and testing smoke detectors.

· Restocking first-aid kits and emergency supplies.

· Changing important passwords and personal identification numbers (PINs).

· Rotating tires and inspecting the spare.

It's important to remember that since DST was extended you will want to double-check your electronic devices such as; your cell phone, T.V, Computers etc... to confim that the time is correct. In fact you may have to change the time manually.

Jose,

Siulsaw Bank sees profits, deposits rise in 3rd Quarter.

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:57:52 -0500

Featured this morning in the business section of the Register-Guard was Siuslaw Bank. The following is the article.

Siuslaw Bank sees profits, deposits rise in 3rd quarter

By Ilene Aleshire

The Register-Guard

Published: Oct 23, 2008 12:13AM

Siuslaw Bank bucked a national trend of falling bank profits, reporting higher profits, increased deposits and increased loans in the third quarter.

The bank's profits rose 2 percent in the third quarter, to $1,247,800, compared with a year ago.

Deposits rose by about $4.6 million, to $235.6 million, and loans rose by about $16 million to $212.5 million, bank President Lonnie Iholts said Wednesday.

The increase in deposits has come partly from depositors fleeing from other financial institutions, Iholts said. The bank has touted its five-star ranking by the financial rating firm of bankrate.com, noting that it is the only commercial bank in the state to receive this top rating.

The bank's loan growth is coming primarily in the Eugene metro market, Iholts said, although the bank is seeing loan activity in all areas that it serves, including Cottage Grove, Florence and Veneta - "one of our newest markets."

"We've always had a forward pipeline of loans in process," Iholts said. "We have not pulled our commitments like some institutions have. We have had the liquidity to fund them."

Chief Executive Officer Johan Mehlum credited the bank's performance to its employees and to the policies established "by a seasoned board of directors."

Iholts said: "The philosophy of this company, since it was founded in 1964, has been community banking."

Being a community bank "means making sure (proposed) projects are truly viable and hopefully steering people away from those that are not," he said.

In recent years, he said, "At times people were probably not too happy at being told no. Sometimes it's tough to let customers go and see them go somewhere else. But right now, our staff is feeling pretty darned good about why we were doing it. ... (And) we're starting to pick up some of the pieces that others have created."

Iholts said that, when the bank has turned down loan requests, it has tried to keep the door open for future dealings with that customer.

That means, for example, it is sometimes talking now with customers who went to other banks and received variable rate loans but now want to refinance.

Being a closely held, private company gives Siuslaw some advantages, Iholts said. "You don't have a bunch of shareholders expecting everything has to be up, up, up," he said. "And you don't have (earnings) projections every quarter that, if you miss by a penny, you've had it."

Siuslaw is continuing its 20 cents per share quarterly cash dividend to common shareholders and 21 cents to preferred shareholders.

The dividend is payable to shareholders of record as of Oct. 24 and payable on or before Nov. 3.

Siuslaw Bank's parent company, Siuslaw Financial Group has its headquarters in Florence. Siuslaw Bank has offices in Cottage Grove, Creswell, Eugene, Mapleton, Oakridge, Pleasant Hill, Springfield and Veneta.

Is your Bank Safe?

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:44:21 -0500

With all the media about banks going under and FDIC taking over banks, many people always ask me "Is your Bank Safe?" "Are you guys still lending money?" That is a question that I get asked frequently as well. I can understand how people may feel scared today about there money in banks especiall if they lived through the great depression era. At Siuslaw your deposits are safe. All deposits are FDIC-insured up to $100,000 as an individual, with greater coverage for joint accounts, IRAs and CDs. In addition, Siuslaw bank offers CDARs (Certificate of Deposit Account Registry service), which gives you access to multi-million dollars of FDIC-insurance. Siuslaw did not engage in any subprime mortgage lending. Unlike some of our competitors, we did not get into the type of loans that are bringing down some larger organizations. Siuslaw is well-capitalized and financially sound, as we have been for the last 45 years. As the oldest independent community bank in Lane County, we are considered safe and secure and considered to be a "well performing" bank. As a matter of fact bankrate.com recently rated Siuslaw Bank #3 in Oregon for safe and sound ratings. #'s 1 and 2 were two Trust banks in the Salem area. If you want to rate your bank and or credit union click here.

Thank you for visitng!

Jose,

The Game of Life!

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 00:37:30 -0500

As I was winding down and getting ready to slip into bed I noticed my phone's light blinking alerting me of an email. I read it and could'nt resist but to share. It said the following:

Dear Jose,

Please repeat this simple saying. "I AM playing the game of life and it is meant to be FUN!" If you endeavor to always remain within this simple understanding Jose your life will begin to smooth out and you will enjoy it a lot more. This is not rocket science here, it is merely a game and all of the rules are designed to help you be, do and have whatever you desire. Simply learn the rules and use them to your advantage. It is easy and effortless when you know the rules and play by them. - Richard Blackstone -

This is so true! We are merely creating our own game as we live life. You can create your own rules and play by them. Play your game of life and make it FUN! Make it a great day!

Richard Blackstone is an Award Winning Author, International Speaker, Master Life Creator.

To learn more about him go to www.richardblackstone.com

Guaranteed 102% financing for Rual areas!

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 22:19:45 -0500

As of Friday October 17^th, Funding for Rural Development's Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan program is now available for fiscal year (FY) 2009. The Rural Development Guaranteed loan Program, or referred to as RD, is a guaranteed loan that is flexible to accommodate people who need 100% financing who are looking to purchase in a defined rural area. RD assists thousands of families and individuals annually to become homeowners.

Here are the basics on how it works:

•· Finance full purchase price plus closing costs up to 102% of appraised value.

•· No monthly mortgage insurance - One time financed guaranteed fee of (2%) at closing which keeps payments lower than FHA

•· Gifted funds are permitted from family members.

•· Buyer doesn't have to have post closing reserves (savings).

•· Ratios to qualify are 29/41

•· Min. credit score of 620

•· NOT LIMITED TO FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS

•· Seller is able to pay all closing costs - Not limited to any %

Homes that qualify:

•· Single family residence, Non-Farm, Owner Occupied

•· Condo's, Townhomes, Approved PUD's

•· Manufactured homes are eligible as long as they are brand new from approved dealers

•· No in ground swimming pools

If the buyer is a First Time Home Buyer they can combine the RD loan program with the Oregon Bond loan program and take advantage of the low interest rate it offers.

These are just the basics. If you would like to learn more about the RD loan program, feel free to give me a call.

Thanks,

Jose Delgado

Cell: (541) 968-5648

Office: (541) 683-2400

Life Changing Results

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:24:48 -0500

I recently helped a great family buy their first home and I recevied a Thank You card from them that said: (verbatim)

Dear Jose,

We wanted to let you know: what you have helped us accomplish has changed our lives. Our house is more than just a home - it's the promise of a better future for our son. Thanks to you for all the time you took with our case... Becuase of your knowledge, expertise and caring we now have our own home... Something we have dreamed about for so long!

Jose, you and your team at Siuslaw are the Best! We thank you now and will thank you in the years to come.

Gregorio A., Mycena B. & Ethan A.

What a great feeling I had after reading this card. I'll tell you what, it certainly made my day!!

When Banks Fail, What Does it Mean to My Mortgage?

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:42:48 -0500

Last month, the fallout from the mortgage crisis took a rather unusual turn. For the first time in 20 years, several US banks went belly-up, most notably IndyMac Bank, the second largest financial institution to fail in US history, and one of the largest mortgage lenders in the country. Suddenly, IndyMac's bank account and mortgage holders found themselves in uncharted territory – what did this mean to their money and, more importantly, what did it mean to their homes?

Over the next few days and weeks, the Federal Reserve, which seized IndyMac's assets, did its best to assure IndyMac's customers that their bank accounts were protected by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp (FDIC). This meant that typical checking and savings accounts were protected up to $100,000 per individual and up to $250,000 for retirement accounts, such as an IRA.

Mortgages, however, are not protected by the FDIC. What's more, the bank or entity that just went out of business, in this case IndyMac, may not be the actual "owner" of your mortgage....... Click Here to Read More

Thank You

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 22:18:12 -0500

Thank you to Victor Montalvo for inviting me to this group.

Happy 4th of July!

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 14:59:45 -0500

Freedom is essential to the American way of life. Today we celebrate those who dared to declare our independence and ensure our right to pursue happiness and the American dream. Have a happy and safe Independence Day!!

Planning Your Mortgage and Seeking Pre-Approval

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Sat, 28 Jun 2008 20:35:52 -0500

Seek Pre-Approval

What's the difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval?

Pre-qualification is the starting point in your search for mortgage financing. A quick snapshot is taken which includes income, existing debt, savings, length of employment, etc. All of these factors will then be analyzed to determine your loan eligibility.

Pre-approval is written documentation that shows you have the support of a lender who is willing to finance you. It means an underwriter has reviewed your loan application. Based on your income, debt ratio and savings, the underwriter provides the dollar amount you are eligible to borrow. Now you can shop around for houses that fit into that loan amount category.

Here is the nice thing about the pre-approval: It gives you the leverage to shop as a cash buyer! With a pre-approval in hand, you now have the power to negotiate. The seller will take your offer much more seriously knowing you are already approved by a lender. Pre-approval can also shorten the time it takes to close, making even a lower bid attractive to sellers who are seeking to move quickly.

What will my monthly payments be?

The amount of your monthly payment depends on what loan program you choose. We like to provide our clients with an easy-to-read spreadsheet that narrows their choices down and compares different loan programs that meet both current and long-term goals. You will have the opportunity to select a program you feel comfortable with before you make an offer on a home.

What does it cost to get pre-approved?

Pre-approval is FREE! You have absolutely nothing to lose and everything to gain.

What are you waiting for.... get Pre-Approved not just Pre-qualified.

Quote to end your week with.

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 23:26:39 -0500

Hope you have had a successful week. Here is a great qoute to ponder.

"When's the last time somebody said "WOW!" to you about something you did for them, or someone else?

Have you ever had "WOW!" done unto you? If you have, you'll never forget it. "

-From Jeffrey Gitomer's best-selling book The Little Black Book of Connections

Who's Jeffrey? Find out Here

Identity Theft: 5 Tips To Protect Your Pricacy

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:28:27 -0500

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) estimates that as many as 9 million Americans have their identities stolen each year. This means that an identity is stolen every 3 seconds, costing the average victim nearly $4,000 and nearly 175 hours to straighten out their problems and their credit. How can you protect yourself from the dangers of identity theft? Here are some suggestions.

Conduct a Credit Check-up - Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to obtain a free credit report every 12 months. Review all three of your credit reports and look for any suspicious activity, unusual or inaccurate names or addresses, or any inquiries that were done without your knowledge. In many states, you may place a 90-day "Fraud Alert" on your credit report, which further restricts access to your credit information. Simply call one of the three main credit bureaus to activate the alert. Here are the toll-free numbers: Equifax 1-800-525-6285; Experian® 1-888-397-3742; or TransUnion® 1-800-680-7289.

Don't Give It Up - Avoid falling prey to phishing scams, both over phone and through email. In a phishing scam, identity thieves pretend to be someone from your bank or a credit institution and simply ask you for your personal information. If someone contacts you and requests any personal information, don't give it to them. Verify who is requesting the data and why, and then call the institution yourself. One extra phone call could save you a lot of trouble and money.

Stay off the Pharm - While phishing enables thieves to pilfer information from you, pharming is another kind of scam that consists of hijacking your computer and stealing your personal information. A pharming site is designed to look just like the website you're trying to visit. However, enter your information on this fake site and not only can it track your moves within it, it may also direct your computer to give up other personal information at a later time. Be sure you are visiting the correct site, that the address in the navigation bar is correct before entering any information.

Return to Sender - Some scammers simply fill out a change of address form and divert your mail to another location. Others simply steal the mail they want right from your mailbox. The key to avoiding this scam is to know your statement delivery dates and pay close attention to any unusual delays in delivery. A lot of identity thieves do things the old-fashioned way: They rummage through your trash to collect your information that way. Be sure to shred any junk mail or other documents that may contain your personal information before you throw it away.

Opt-out of Special Offers - Visit www.optoutprescreen.com to cut down on the pre-approved offers from credit card and insurance companies. It's also good idea to have your clients opt out as well, especially if they're thinking about buying a home. When people apply for a mortgage, they often become "trigger leads" to the credit bureau, who sell your clients' information to any number of companies. It only takes a few minutes to opt out, but it could spare your clients a ton of junk mail and could possibly save them from identity theft.

FHA is Back and Better Than Ever

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 00:21:34 -0500

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans have become an extremely popular choice recently for Americans looking to buy a new home, or refinance an existing home. In fact, according to the FHA, the total volume of FHA loans has reportedly tripled in the last year alone - but why?

In recent years, the FHA has made some important policy changes in order to be more competitive. These changes, along with the effects of the subprime collapse and the subsequent credit crunch on the mortgage and financial markets, have combined to make FHA a valuable option for many Americans, especially first-time home buyers, borrowers with less-than-perfect credit, and borrowers with adjustable rate mortgages.

In this article, we'll discuss four specific changes that have turned the tide for FHA loans, and why you might want to take a closer look at this valuable option when you're buying or refinancing a home.

But first, let's examine why FHA loans fell out of favor in the first place.

Since 1934, the FHA has helped some 34 million Americans become homeowners. In 1965, the FHA became part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and would go on to become the largest insurer of mortgages in the world.

By 2001, the FHA simply could not compete as a proliferation of exotic and subprime mortgage products and easy access to credit helped homeownership levels in America jump to record levels as the housing boom was in full swing. It wasn't until late 2006 that the FHA began reviewing and changing its policies in any meaningful way - just in time for the subprime market collapse and the turn in the real estate market.

Earlier this year, Congress passed the Stimulus Act of 2008, which did more than just provide rebate checks. It also temporarily increased FHA loan limits in many regions of the U.S. And with that, FHA loans were back in business.

But what about those other policies that made FHA loans less attractive in the past? Well, the FHA drastically changed its appraisal and fee negotiating policies, making it much more competitive, and much better for both buyers and sellers. The FHA also made other changes that allowed 1) sellers to finance all of the buyer's costs to close, 2) homeowners to take cash out up to 95% of the home's value, and 3) homeowners to consolidate a 1st and 2nd loan up to 97% of the home's value.

Because of these and other features, FHA loans in many cases are actually a little bit cheaper for the borrower. Also, because FHA loans are federally insured, they tend to trade at a higher premium in the secondary market, and consequently, lenders can often charge a lower rate.

Most importantly, FHA loans are not FICO-score driven. Borrowers can have a lower score than other products and still qualify for a good rate. FHA loans also require as little as 3% down and, at the time that this article is being written, FHA loans allow down payment assistance programs. This means borrowers, especially first-time buyers, or move-up buyers with limited funds, have a real opportunity to get into a home with little cash at closing. For sellers, this means you can offer concessions that make marketing your home much more attractive without having to lower the price of your home again.

In many regions of the U.S., FHA loans have not been utilized for years, so a lot of real estate agents and mortgage originators aren't familiar with this great resource. But, if you or someone you know is thinking about buying or refinancing a home, don't miss out on this temporary opportunity. Give us a call. We'll provide a free consultation and see if an FHA loan is right for your financial goals and needs.

Thank you for visiting!

Jose,

June is National Homeownership Month!!

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 10:17:42 -0500

On May 24^th of 2006 President George W. Bush said the following:

"I, George W. Bush, President of the United State of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim June 2006 as National Homeownership Month. I call upon the people of the United States to join me in building a more hopeful society and recognizing the importance of expanding the ownership of homes across our great nation."

Siuslaw Mortgage is Lane County's #1 Mortgage Lender for First-Time Homebuyers and will continue to do what we've always done; help Oregonians become and stay homeowners.

To celebrate June as National Homeownership Month, Siuslaw is offering to applicants whose loan is approved during the month of June $200 off closing costs on their residential loan. Say you or your clients seen this blog HERE on Active Rain and receive $200 off closing costs.

Let's continue to do a great job and keep helping people achieve homeownership!

Make it a great day!!

As always, thank you for visiting.

Type A vs. Type B

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Thu, 29 May 2008 23:21:13 -0500

Buyers v.s Browsers

Type A: A tendency towards tenseness, impatience, and aggressiveness.
Type B: A tendency towards a relaxed manner, patience, and friendliness.

Both of these personality types have their merits, and both tendencies exist in all of us to some degree. But when it comes to homebuyers, Type As are the ones you want to be working with.

So who makes better buyers, Type A's or Type B's? Well, Type A buyers are the ones who are urgently seeking a home. They have a deadline and a willingness to make concessions to get what they want. They're probably moving to the area, trying to get out of an apartment, or are otherwise motivated.

Type B buyers, on the other hand, are lazily looking around, probably already in a home, or just looking for a new place. Maybe they want a smaller home now that the kids are gone, or something with an additional room or two. But they're not in a hurry; they're willing to pass on deals that don't match their specifications exactly.

When you realize a buyer is Type B, you must do everything to bring out their Type A personality. Remember, everyone has some A and some B - it's your job to guide their mood towards a home. Here are some tips:

Encourage all of your clients to get pre-approved (not pre-qualified). Not only does this show their willingness to move forward with the process, it gives you more power to negotiate by knowing exactly what they can afford. If your clients refuse to get pre-approved, this could be a big red flag, a clear sign of a Type B personality that's just out to waste your time.
Know what kind of home they would fall in love with. Have them describe the perfect house. Take notes!
Look for any deadlines they might not be sharing. Are there changes coming in their family that will precipitate the move? Would it be better to move before those changes come?
Share any law or zoning changes that will alter the market. If interest rates seem to be on the rise, remind them of the thousands they'll save by buying sooner rather than later.
When you find a home they would love, tell them you found their home rather than a property they should see. Create the urgency, be contagious, and let them catch it. Do not give up on Type B buyers, but put most of your time and effort into targeting the Type As.

In closing, remember: If you hear them say, "Oh, we're just looking," it's up to you to get them excitedly and aggressively seeking a new home. Let them know that waiting for further price reductions won't do much good if interest rates increase in the meantime. With today's stricter credit guidelines, waiting could mean not qualifying to buy the home at all!

How Much Money Should You Borrow?

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Tue, 27 May 2008 22:56:24 -0500

While it might be tempting to borrow whatever amount of money your lender is willing to give you, it's important to think carefully about how much you'll actually need to borrow in order to purchase a new home. From the down payment to taxes to insurance and interest rates, there are many factors to consider when making this important, life-changing decision.

Contrary to popular sentiment, there is no standard formula for accurately calculating the specific dollar amount you should borrow when purchasing a new home. Many websites do offer special borrower calculators that claim to factor in important variables, and yet final results vary vastly from one site to the next. Other websites offer general rules of thumb, suggesting that you should never borrow more than 2 1/2 to 3 times your gross annual income, or that 28%, 32%, or even 40% is the maximum amount of debt you should ever take on.

And, while these insights may be helpful as you begin thinking about the overall borrowing process, meeting with a reputable loan professional and getting yourself pre-approved (not pre-qualified) is really the only way to know the exact amount of money you can and should borrow. By getting pre-approved, you not only increase the chance of finding the perfect house for your needs, you also become a "cash buyer", instantly increasing your bargaining power.

As a mortgage professional, I see my role differently than a traditional loan officer. While my job is to match you with the best mortgage available for your specific needs, I feel that it's also my duty to make sure it's the most responsible product as well. After all, what if something unforeseen or unexpected were to occur? What if you have an accident or you lose your job?

A Time to Remember

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Mon, 26 May 2008 20:55:01 -0500

As your Memorial Day weekend comes to an end, lets take a moment to remember our heroes. May we never forget their strength, courage, and profound willingness to stand up and defend our way of life. We honor the great sacrifices made for the dreams of every American. I hope this important holiday finds you and your family well and inspires you to reach for your dreams.

Make it a great week!!

It's Finally Friday

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Fri, 23 May 2008 09:49:53 -0500

A great song that gets a friday going for me before a weekend is "It's Finally Friday" by George Jones.

If you have not heard if before, don't worry i've got you covered.

So what's my Wild weekend look like. Well, I am going to Ft. Lewis Washington to see my girlfriend and go hang out in Seattle and Tacoma Washington. Thank you to Steve Hoffacker who suggested we visit the Argosy boat tour around Puget Sound. We will be checking that out along with the Space Needle and going to Pikes Place Market.

What do you have planned for this Memorial Day Weekend?

Ya'll have a good weekend you hear! (Really I am not a hick. I grew up in a small "hick town" that's all)

Hello Everyone!

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Thu, 22 May 2008 23:45:13 -0500

Hey there!

I have just been invited to join this group and am excited to be a part of. Thanks to Mr. Ives for the invitation.

Thanks,

New to this group

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Thu, 22 May 2008 23:40:19 -0500

Hello everyone and good evening/night!

I want to thank Mr. Ives for inviting me to this group and the other two groups as well (ABR/REBAC & At Home With Diversity). These are the first groups that I have been invited to and am very excited to be a part of. Looking forward to learning from you all and sharing what I can.

Thanks Richard Ives!

Jose,

Creative Tax Tips for Real Estate Agents

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Wed, 21 May 2008 23:27:08 -0500

Money-Saving Ideas You Won't Want to Miss!!

Albert Einstein once said that "the hardest thing in the world to understand is income tax." For Einstein, tax return preparation was the business of "philosophers, not mathematicians."

If there's anyone who can truly relate to this famous quote, it's a real estate professional. With fluctuations in income and an ever-changing real estate market, it's easy to see how one or two minor mistakes can be costly or even detrimental to your bottom line.

As a mortgage professional, your success is important to me, and so I'm always searching for ways to add value to your business to help give you an edge over the competition. With this in mind, I'd like to share with you a great interview I have on CD with expert tax attorney, Ed Lyon, an award-winning author, speaker, and consultant. Ed Lyon concentrates his practice on helping real estate agents and investors avoid costly tax mistakes. In just one hour, you can learn several small changes you can make to save thousands of dollars in income taxes.

For Ed, the key to tax preparation is preparation itself, and his forward-planning process provides "audit-proof" tax deductions, credits, and loopholes that even Einstein could appreciate. From cars, meals, entertainment, client gifts, and home offices to retirement plans and medical expenses, these deductions amount to huge savings for real estate professionals in today's marketplace.

Topics discussed include:

Create an ongoing, proactive business plan to legally beat the IRS without raising a single red flag.
Discover the pros and cons of S Corp, C Corp, and LLCs, and how real estate agents should structure their businesses to maximize money-saving deductions.
Learn the proper documentation to avoid "gray areas" and protect yourself from IRS audits. The IRS provides very specific guidelines as to what records to keep and for how long. By being prepared to produce these records, any potential action taken by the IRS can be immediately resolved.
Utilize family employment strategies to recover many qualified "unreimbursed" expenses, including high-ticket items, like braces for your children's teeth!
Find out about the "creative tax deductions" real estate agents most often overlook, including home office, automobile, meal, and entertainment expenses, as well as the IRS-approved method for simplifying the documentation associated with these deductions.
Learn the importance of meeting with your CPA or Tax Preparer quarterly to create peace of mind and avoid the anxiety of the April Tax scramble.

Listen to this interview while you're in the car or at the gym and see if there aren't a few ways you can make your income taxes less taxing. Contact me, and I'll send it over right away.

As always, Thank you for visiting and make it a Great Day!!

Jose,

What is there to do on a weekend in Seattle/Tacoma Washington?

Jose Delgado (Opes Advisors, INC.) — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:15:09 -0500

So, this Memorial Day weekend I have plans to go see my girlfriend who is stationed in Ft. Lewis Washington. Which is near by Seattle/Tacoma area.

This would be her. We've been dating for over 2.5 years now and I have loved every moment that we have spent together. Her name is Trisha and is a Medic in the National Guard.

Anyways, getting back to my reason for this post. I would like to have some pointers on what to do for the 3 day weekend in Seattle or Tacoma. We have in mind already to go to the Space Needle and Pikes Place Market (hopefully to see the fish being thrown around, I've heard it's quite the show). I'm open to any and all suggestions.

Thanks,