So with the changing market I decided to change jobs.  Thought I could totally get out of the business.  Little did I realize that I could still make a difference in people's lives.  Many have come to me still looking for a mortgage or a good realtor.  After a couple of months of referring them to the company I use to work for, I decided to take on a new adventure.  Now when I have clients with questions, I speak to them about their needs and find the best company out there to help them.  While I am not brokering, I am referring business to brokers.  I enjoy this business and like working with people who need guidance.  So many don't understand mortgages or how they work.  My company is fast growing and is worked with honesty and integrity.  I refer people all over the United States.  I hope to make you one of my referrals.

 

I have just read a book I think all should read.  Great encouraging book.  It is by Judy Jacobs called Stand Strong.  Her writing is an easy read and encourages you at the same time.  So if you need a book to read on the beach for the weekend pick this one up.  She just released it out this week.

 

The army said it right.  We have for too long been happy just going along every day waiting for something to change rather than changing something ourselves.  Our company almost every time we have a meeting has a statement that gets brought up.  That is if you are having trouble with your business then change what you are doing.  Often we look and keep trying the same looking for different results.  Well today I chose to do something different.  Here in Allentown, Pa we were able to get gas for $2.32 a gallon. 

 

Everyone was so excited they went running to the gas pump just to sit in line and wait their turn.  What better time to get their attention and give out my cards.  While not everyone wanted to receive I will bet they will remember me.  I have often said it seems like the annoying people get the business.  Well guess what.....I am annoying!  I stopped worrying what people thought of me and concern myself with what is good for me.  Amazing the changes that have been made.  So I say to you WE NEED A FEW GOOD MEN!  You see my son is a Marine!

 

Recently I had a dear friend go through something tragic.  We have been friends for about 10 years now and have seen each other through stuff that nobody should have to go through.  She is a part of activerain.  To keep her privacy I can't tell you her name.  I can tell you that our company rocks!  Not only am I there for her but so are the rest that work with her.  We all become so busy doing our work and going on to the next client that sometimes we forget to be kind to one another.  We all have our opinions and suggestions of things we think she should do or not do.  Yet the bottom line is that she is a part of our team and we will rally around her and push on to the next level of success.  I hope this has encouraged everyone who has read this to take a little time to care for your fellow employees.  If kindness can begin in our offices think of what we can do to help people outside. 

For my friend, I would say that the greatness inside of you will come forth as you heal in your heart.

A couple of months ago we lost our little toy fox terrier (Chelsey).  She died of old age.  We have two medium dogs but we are now starting to look for a small dog again.  My daughter wants a pomeranian puppy (female).  We have looked in the local pet stores and spca.  Nothing.  Now we are starting to look on line at the adopt a dog.  Can anyone tell me where else we can look for a dog that will get a good home and be loved dearly?

    

If you get to know me just a little you will find that I love to read!  I will sit and read for hours.  Recently I picked up a book that I wanted to put on the shelf of my church's bookstore.  I like to read most books before I put them on the shelf so if people ask my opinion I am able to give them some meat of the book.  This book was a self help book by TD Jakes.  My concern was that it was forwarded by Dr Phil.  Two men with strong opinions.  I thought that Dr Phil (whom I like very much) would take away some of the way that I know TD Jakes to write.  That is the fartherest thing from the truth. Talk about in your face reality. The first chapter made me cry. I have had alot of hurts in my life and realized that I was now living life through them.  It was time to take a good look at me.  What did I want from life, husband, church, work, children, etc.  It doesn't matter who you are, I would recomend this book.  I know it will change your life too!

Our office, to me, is the best broker office around.  We won't just turn someone down for a mortgage.  We have been given the tools to help people understand and repair their credit.  With alot of lenders going away and sub-lending tightening up we need to educate people.  We are going to be having classes to encourage people to still purchase homes.  With our new space and upgrades we can successfully help people become home owners.  When everyone else is closing or saying no, we are saying LET'S TRY! 

Recently I needed to go to Florida to pick up my husband.  While I was there, my sister in law is looking for a home and I was able to go and search with her.  We came across a question that no one wanted to answer for us.  It was about tax assessments.  So I did what I knew and went on to Active Rain.  I found a realtor in the area and emailed him.  He responded in a short amount of time and with proper answers.  I liked how he handled himself in this transaction.  I have given his name and number to my sister in law in hopes that she will use him to find that new home.  I loved the fact that I was able to help my family and connect her with someone from our network.  I had never spoken to this gentleman before yet he was so willing to help.  The trend for this network is going on to greatness! 

We see the programs out there for first time homebuyers.  While they are good, there is so much more out there.  I have worked with a realtor now for 10 years.  His theory is that if there is something out there for free then we should be taking advantage of it.  Grants are one of those things we don't take advantage of often enough.  Let me tell you about one program that works for everyone:

THE GRANT

You go into the website and tell them how much you need for closing costs.  Now you want to make sure it does not exceed 6% of the purchase price.  They will tell you how much it may cost to buy that grant.  My realtor asks for the seller to pay for the grant.  It is often times around $400-500.  Cheaper than giving up seller assist.  Once agreed upon there is a certificate ordered and brought to the table. There is no stipulation for how long you must keep the home.   

How was that?  Simple enough and buyers usually don't need much money if any at all.  If they qualify for 100% financing then there is little out of pocket.  This is for EVERYONE! So whether you are buying your first home or fifth home you qualify.  Even if you pay out of pocket yourself for this grant it is still worth it. I am sure there are many other grants out there.  We just have to be looking out for our clients.

I just had a deal blow out due to a home inspection. Now sometimes this happens and you can fix it. Other times you just except it and move on. This time it just made me mad. The realtor knew the shape it was in from the beginning. When we addressed it, the realtor said that he was going to get some assist from the seller for the repairs. That was ok until we heard the figures. Small amount given for a huge project. The home is literally moving and falling down. We chose to turndown the deal for licensing purposes. We like what we do and want to continue to do it. We don't feel we are doing our buyers justice by letting something major just slip by and try to talk a lender in taking a deal that we know is not right. I have to tell you that this is a realtor that I just started to work with and enjoy conversations with him. I want to continue to do business with him. Any suggestions?