real: Where's the Benefit? - 02/13/07 11:10 AM
On December 15th of 2006, Bryant Tutus, wrote a blog on the Real Estate Network "Active Rain" labeled, "Your home is your castle, not an ATM machine!" Broker Bryant brings up many good points within the article, explaining the cycle that many homeowners get caught up into when refinancing their homes. Many ads
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real: Demanding a Rate Over the Phone! - 01/18/07 11:25 AM
I received an interesting call yesterday, so I figured that I would share it for the world to see my response...Or atleast possible California clients and Associates :) The potential client called me and started rambling about random things, I tried to keep some flow to the conversation. In the end,
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real: Home Loan Documentation Types - 01/16/07 11:56 AM
Are you wondering what types of documentation loans are available? Banks and investors have come up with a variety of loan types to help borrowers qualify easier into home loan and refinance products. While some may be worried about being able to qualify for a home, you'll be amazed at the
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real: Taking it to the next level with a new client.. - 01/16/07 11:52 AM
I had a great sit-down today with a new client. She is a First Time Home Buyer that wanted to meet face to face with me...I love it! Back in the old days, transactions were only done in such ways. You could look a person in the eye, listen to their
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real: Comparing a Mortgage Broker to a Direct Lender - 01/12/07 11:53 AM
Reason: Representation Mortgage Broker: Fiduciary duty to the borrower to get the best loan possible. Packaging the loan to highlight the strentghs of your loan scenario and minimizing the weaknesses. Direct Lender: Represents the lender. Reason: Customization Mortgage Broker: Offers numerous programs from many lenders and investors at very competitive rates. Direct Lender: Offers a limited
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real: Lowballing agent commissions and higballing asking prices! - 01/08/07 04:56 PM
Many asked me this year if there is a way to lowball a real estate agents' commission. My answer is very simple, "You get what you pay for!" If you were in need of a doctor and you were about to go into surgery, would you lowball the doctor? If you were
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real: Chico,California Housing Market Report For January 2007 - 01/02/07 06:13 PM
Hey Everyone, Virgil Cole is an awesome Real Estate Agent at Prudential Real Estate in Chico, California and he puts together a comprehensive market report of what has been taking place in the local Chico market over the past few months. He spends alot of time putting together the data and I'm sure
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real: California Real Estate and Young Couples - 12/24/06 11:42 AM
Last night, I got into a good discussion with some family and friends about how things have changed in Real Estate...Specifically...For Young Couples! Over the past few years, there have been some MAJOR changes in the Real Estate Market! Homes across the United States have doubled, tripled and even increased in some parts
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real: Going to bat for clients! - 12/15/06 05:19 PM
Each and everytime we get a new client at Oak Valley Mortgage or Beach Town Mortgage, we go to bat for our clients! What does that mean? Here's a list of things that you can expect from us... 1.) We look out for YOUR BEST INTERESTS! I.E. What are your goals? What are you
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real: California Taxes and Insurance - 12/12/06 12:29 AM
The standard rule for estimating monthly property tax and hazard insurance paymentsfor a purchase transaction in the state of California are as follows:Taxes = Purchase price X .0125 / 12Hazard Insurance = Total Loan amount X .0035 / 12.Example 1 - Purchase price = $500,000. Loan amount = $400,000.Taxes = $500,000 X
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real: Equal Opportunity Lender - 12/02/06 12:30 AM
Understanding the importance of Equal Opportunity Lending is very important to us in the mortgage industry. It's symbol is much more than an image, which simply represents happy thoughts. Rather, it represents the commitment to not discriminate against our clients and/or potential clients based on race,sex,national origin and a multitude of areas
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real: Neighbor Disputes - 11/30/06 03:48 PM
It's one of the 10 Commandments, Love thy neighbor...yet across the United States, there are neighbor disputes going on daily. I've seen some interesting stuff over the years. From the basic neighbor that thinks the entire street curb in front of both of their homes is his/hers to boundary lines and
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real: 2007 Conforming Loan Limits-Important Update! - 11/28/06 10:30 AM
Hello Everyone, I thought that Real Estate Agents,Lenders and consumers would like to know that the OFHEO (Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight) had a News Release on November 28th 2006, which confirmed that the 2007 Conforming Loan Limit for one unit properties would remain at $417,000 for most of the United States. So, what does
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real: Real Property versus Personal Property~Mobiles and Finance - 11/26/06 02:32 AM
There have been a few times this year that I've come across issues with agents and clients over the distinction between Real Property and Personal Property when it comes to mobile homes. In the eyes of many, mobile homes are just that...homes! But, there is a clear distinction between a mobile home
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real: Giving Clients a Shot of Reality! - 11/13/06 12:22 PM
From time to time, I feel like I need to give clients a "shot of reality!" Why? All consumers are out there listening to crazy, unrealistic offers in the media about home loan programs that few often qualify for....and the ones that do, often don't want the product to begin with! Ofcourse, everyone
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real: Counterproductive - 11/08/06 01:45 PM
This morning, I tried to start off the day on a productive note. I received the approval from my investor at 5:00pm last night on a file and went to work on getting all of the "prior to doc" and "prior to funding" conditions knocked out. By 7:30am this morning, I
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real: What are lenders really looking for? - 11/02/06 10:53 AM
Lenders will initially look at: Employment Income Assets Some kind of credit Employment - Employment is a critical part of the mortgage application. Being employed continuously for the past two years is helpful. Being in the same line of work is preferred, since it shows that you have been consistent in that field.
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real: The "Stated Income" Phenomenon - 11/02/06 10:33 AM
With the influx of home purchases in the late 90's and into the New Century, a phenomenon hit us all. Homes were increasing in value and the banks needed to figure out a way to keep business flowing. Otherwise, it would come close to a schreeching hault, due to the afordability factor. Yup, the ability to
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real: Back to the Basics - 10/30/06 01:10 PM
In the Real Estate industry, I think it is very easy for everyone to get distracted with all of the "bells and whistles" out there. I believe that many have lost focus of the important things that REALLY DO MATTER. What do our clients care about most? I propose, going back
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real: Over Your Building Budget? - 10/27/06 12:41 PM
I get phone calls from homebuilders from time to time that are in distraught. They sold a home that they owned. Took that cash and decided to build their own dream home after purchasing the land and putting the plans together. The plans get approved by the planning commission or other
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