Michael's Blog

Are you looking for a SOLID mortgage broker/banker that you can COUNT on 24/7??

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 13:38:38 -0500

Are you looking for a Mortgage Broker you can contact 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week!!

I am well aware that loan officers are a dime a dozen here in Phoenix. But how many MORTGAGE BROKERS do you know that you can call on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday Morning and get that LSR for the contract your about to put down. I am committed to being there for you when you need me and being creative enough to get even your most complicated clients approved. As you are aware, the Mortgage business like Real Estate is flooded with agents resulting in a very competitive market. In an effort to differentiate myself I plan to make your job easier and less stressful.

How you might ask? I can now get instant approvals, not just an LSR, but an actual approval. With this actual approval, attached to your offers, you'll find yourself winning more deals. In addition, I am promising to you that I will have Docs at title 5 days before COE. Guaranteed!!

Thus far my business has been built purely through word-of-mouth referrals. No cold calls, mass emails, or guerilla marketing. As a result, relying on word-of-mouth means that every deal is as important as the last AND each deal needs to be handled with the utmost importance. I understand how business works, and the importance of building and maintaining relationships. I hope that you give me the chance to build a relationship with you in the near future.

We are a full service mortgage broker with multiple lending sources. This enables us to offer the lowest and most suitable rates and terms possible.

· Instant approvals so you win your offers against competition!!!

· Docs at title 5 days before closing!!!

· Quick Response time in regards to loan updates and status!!!

Thanks again for your time and please give me call or shoot me an email as I would love to set up a meeting with you to show you how we are really different from other companies and how I personally can make a difference on your deals. I look forward to hearing from you. Give me a call at 480-332-5111.

Attention: Realtors, this is for all 50 states!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 13:32:34 -0500

I am looking for 2-3 more real estate agents that are serious, NOT curious about doubling their income in 60 days and keeping that income doubled forever. I am a VERY successful mortgage professional that has a system that I use with realtors that allows both parties to be more successful and service our client even better. This system has produced for my current realtor partners and myself a 400% increase in business and it has remained that way for a while. Please give me a call at 480-332-5111 or e-mail me at financepro@cox.net to learn more. If you do e-mail me, please include your FULL contact info. I am only looking to partner with 2-3 more agents and those agents need to be producing at least 3 sales a month even if they are a combination of listings and buyers. I am not a newbie, so please don't waste my time. I have this down to a science and have increased many realtors' business with references available. I am looking forward to speaking with you shortly.

pre qualified versus pre approved!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 13:30:56 -0500

Are you Pre-Qualified or are you Pre-Approved? Do you know the difference?

There are many ways to differentiate the difference between being pre-qualified and being pre-approved. The easiest thing to ask yourself is, "Did I just make a phone call and talk with someone? or Did I turn in any paperwork like bankstatements, W2s, and paycheck stubs?"

If you said that you just made a phone call or maybe you just did a quick mini-loan application online, you're only pre-qualified. In today's market, a pre-qualification gets you no where with a seller if you're trying to write a strong offer on a house. Sellers want to see pre-approval letters. They want to know that you're so serious in obtaining financing for their home that you've turned in all the necessary paperwork so the only things left to do would be to meet the satisfaction of the property for the lender, ie: appraisal, title policy, flood certificate, etc...

With a Pre-Approval, there are also many less surprises when it comes to the final rate you're locked into and the type of loan you're finally approved for. And just because you get pre-approved before writing your offer, does not mean you can go buy a new car or appliances for the house and run up credit cards before closing. This will shatter your pre-approval as all pre-approvals are based on "no changes" between loan application and the time of closing.

road noise

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Fri, 01 Sep 2006 12:31:17 -0500

Many people can't stand a home that backs to a major roadway. Some, on the otherhand enjoy it. Who might enjoy property that backs to a major roadway, you ask? Here is the mindset that can help you find them:

1) Investment property is fine if it backs to a roadway, especially if it is rented to a college fraternity.

2) Fountains in the yard really raise the Feung Sheui quotent of the property.

3) Speeding cars Almost sound like the ocean.

4) Hey, at least I'm not living by the airport.

5) Cars will keep my backyard safe from intruders.

Very interesting

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:15:17 -0500

It is extremely interesting that with so many properties on the market right now, that sellers are still trying to exert pressure vis-a-vis the short listing period. This isn't the market of two years ago where any hint of being a licensed agent was enough to make a person the epicenter of some transaction or another. This is this market where homes are sitting around for 100 days or longer. Not only are they sitting that long, there are hundreds of choices of other properties all out there competing at the same time. So says the barely out of FSBO mentality, "You can sell my home, and you get 30 days to do it." Uhhh, but, it will likely take three times that long, or maybe more before all the people that need to see it, filter through and some buyers stick to it by with some offers. Let me fire up my huge marketing machine, with a 30 day stopwatch. Ok, but then we get to lower the price on the 5th day, to below market value. How do you like the short leash? Are people still walking around with this mindset in your market?

ACTIVE RAIN!!!!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:12:13 -0500

I have read a number of blogs on the Active Rain web pages that the agents say with in a week they can search Google, Yahoo, and msn with there name and it comes up above there own website? This says alot for active rain and all the members who have joined and about the program they have in place. Still some of these people have had there websites for years. Maybe it's time to ask yourself or better yet ask your website provider about there program. It is like any of the other services a real estate agent uses like title, mortgage, inspection etc. DEMAND BETTER for your clients, you and your business, if you do not use them they probably will not be in business very long, if you do you maybe out of business sooner then they are?

THANK YOU DELL!!!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:03:21 -0500

Trying to make a long story short. I had a problem with my router and called Dell. They told me to call the maker of the router. Called them and after spending 45 minutes on the phone nothing was resolved. They told me I needed to call Dell. Called Dell back. Got a great guy by the name of Roger. I explained my situation to him and the first thing out of his mouth were, "I am not going to hang up until this situation is resolved." Spent 1hr 45 mins. on the phone with Roger. Finally, problem solved. Reset router to default settings and away I go. This was not a Dell problem, but a Netgear problem. Roger could have referred me back to Netgear, but he stuck it out with me. Great customer service on a problem that wasn't even theirs.

HEADS UP

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:01:51 -0500

Heads up, in 8 days, all cell phone numbers will be released to telemarketers!! You will start to receive these annoying calls, and YOU have to pay for them as they rack up minutes on your phone plan!

To be put on the DNC list, call 888-382-1222. You must call from the cell phone in which you wish to register. You'll be on the list for 5 years. I just called in myself and they also warned that it takes a while to be removed from the list, but if would definitely be updated by 31 days. Why 31 and not 30, I have no idea, but maybe because next week is a Holiday!

Buliders/Realtors

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 14:53:38 -0500

I'm sure you've heard the rumors about builders offering Realtors X%-Y% commission to sell their products. Y% on a $350,000 home...that's a new Audi A4!!! Seriously, this poses the question - if a builder can offer Y% to a Realtor, why don't they just lower the base price by X%?

I'll tell you why....Phoenix builders have overextending themselves in this market and are stuck with inventory they cannot push. Plus, they don't want to lower the comps in the neighborhood to devalue their product. Would it tick you off if you waited 8 months for a new build and then the builder drops the base price 7% to sell a spec home that is the same floor plan? I would be.

Now back to the HUGE commissions to Realtors. As a Realtor, I am not comfortable accepting a X%-Y% commission for selling a house. It just crosses the ethical boundary for me...I mean, how can you justify this to your clients when they see a $30,000 commission on the settlement statement?

UPDATE!!!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 20:26:25 -0500

The number of unsold homes rose to a 6.5-month supply at the July sales pace, the highest since November 1995, up 55% from a year earlier and the highest months’ supply since 1995. .

While month-over-month level of unsold new homes fell, the pace of decline over this time last year is much more dramatic at nearly 22 percent. One aspect of the slowdown in new home sales may be that the inflation rate has slowed, making single-family homes a less attractive investment.

A number of economists said the market for new homes may be in worse shape than the government’s figures show because they don’t take into account rising cancellations reported by many home builders in recent weeks. “This was probably an even weaker month than it looks,” says Michael Carliner, an economist with the National Association of Home Builders.

SCOTTSDALE IS YOUR HOME!!!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 08:48:36 -0500

Just last week, Scottsdale Mayor Mary Manross, addressed the Scottsdale Chapter of the Women's Council of REALTORS®, and told everyone something most of us already knew... that Scottsdale is a great place to live, work, and raise your family. Mayor Manross has called Scottsdale her "home" for over thirty years, and has raised her own family here. She is truly passionate about using her position and influence to make Scottsdale a wonderful city.

Well... lo and behold... the new issue of Money magazine had it yearly article on "America's Best Places To Live", and... drum roll please... Scottsdale ranked as the 8th best city t live in (for cities with populations less than 300,000 people). Money gave Scottsdale high marks for its schools, arts and leisure activities, and job opportunities. The only low mark was for the hot weather we experience in Scottsdale. (Yeah... but when we are enjoying our seventy-two degree days in January and February, the staff at Money is scraping ice off their windshields on the streets outside their headquarters in New York!)

The Money article also discussed Arizona real estate, and the price of homes. Although the prices have escalated over the past few years, the Scottsdale property taxes on homes are quite low, relative to other areas of the country. The average $500K home in Scottsdale has real estate property taxes of about $2200. In contrast, a $170K home in Money's number three city, Sugar Land, Texas, has real estate property taxes of $4,500!

Are you looking for a mortgage broker that you can count on 24 hours a day and CLOSE FAST?

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 08:45:01 -0500

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Are you looking for a Mortgage Broker you can contact 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week!!

I am well aware that loan officers are a dime a dozen here in Phoenix. But how many MORTGAGE BROKERS do you know that you can call on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday Morning and get that LSR for the contract your about to put down. I am committed to being there for you when you need me and being creative enough to get even your most complicated clients approved. As you are aware, the Mortgage business like Real Estate is flooded with agents resulting in a very competitive market. In an effort to differentiate myself I plan to make your job easier and less stressful.

How you might ask? I can now get instant approvals, not just an LSR, but an actual approval. With this actual approval, attached to your offers, you’ll find yourself winning more deals. In addition, I am promising to you that I will have Docs at title 5 days before COE. Guaranteed!!

Thus far my business has been built purely through word-of-mouth referrals. No cold calls, mass emails, or guerilla marketing. As a result, relying on word-of-mouth means that every deal is as important as the last AND each deal needs to be handled with the utmost importance. I understand how business works, and the importance of building and maintaining relationships. I hope that you give me the chance to build a relationship with you in the near future.

We are a full service mortgage broker with multiple lending sources. This enables us to offer the lowest and most suitable rates and terms possible.

• Instant approvals so you win your offers against competition!!!
• Docs at title 5 days before closing!!!
• Quick Response time in regards to loan updates and status!!!

Thanks again for your time and please give me call or shoot me an email as I would love to set up a meeting with you to show you how we are really different from other companies and how I personally can make a difference on your deals. I look forward to hearing from you. Give me a call at 480-332-5111.

Are you looking for a mortgage broker you can contact 24 hours a day?

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 16:57:05 -0500

Are you looking for a Mortgage Broker you can contact 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week!!

I am well aware that loan officers are a dime a dozen here in Phoenix. But how many MORTGAGE BROKERS do you know that you can call on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday Morning and get that LSR for the contract your about to put down. I am committed to being there for you when you need me and being creative enough to get even your most complicated clients approved. As you are aware, the Mortgage business like Real Estate is flooded with agents resulting in a very competitive market. In an effort to differentiate myself I plan to make your job easier and less stressful.

How you might ask? I can now get instant approvals, not just an LSR, but an actual approval. With this actual approval, attached to your offers, you’ll find yourself winning more deals. In addition, I am promising to you that I will have Docs at title 5 days before COE. Guaranteed!!

Thus far my business has been built purely through word-of-mouth referrals. No cold calls, mass emails, or guerilla marketing. As a result, relying on word-of-mouth means that every deal is as important as the last AND each deal needs to be handled with the utmost importance. I understand how business works, and the importance of building and maintaining relationships. I hope that you give me the chance to build a relationship with you in the near future.

We are a full service mortgage broker with multiple lending sources. This enables us to offer the lowest and most suitable rates and terms possible.

• Instant approvals so you win your offers against competition!!!
• Docs at title 5 days before closing!!!
• Quick Response time in regards to loan updates and status!!!

Thanks again for your time and please give me call or shoot me an email as I would love to set up a meeting with you to show you how we are really different from other companies and how I personally can make a difference on your deals. I look forward to hearing from you. Give me a call at 480-332-5111.

Payday loans?!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 16:03:34 -0500

Payday Loans

Hey guys,

Got another article. Let me know how you liked it.

Have you seen the commercials? Cute characters promise financial prosperity. Happy, professional individuals appear to regularly visit their corner pay day loan shop as proudly as cashing a check at the bank. Customers at the grocery store all recommend pay day loans as the easy solution for a lack of funds.

Could pay day loans be the answer consumers with low bank accounts have been looking for? Is there any harm in using these services? Contact me to find out the full details.

Warning signs of when you are in too much DEBT!!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Fri, 11 Aug 2006 16:01:38 -0500

Many people these days have more debt than they can handle. Some even have more than they make in a single year before taxes. But how do you know when you have too much debt? And how did you get into this situation? It may not seem possible that you could have gotten so far in debt you feel as if you are drowning in it.

Credit Card Abuse. THE AMERICAN HORROR STORY!!!!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 22:27:56 -0500

Hello guys and girls!

New article of mine. Let me know what you think.

It is the modern American horror story, but one now being seen increasingly throughout the world...

A successful middle class consumer, with a good income and excellent credit history, enters middle age knowing that it is time to start saving for retirement. Then something unexpected happens. It may be good news, such as the birth of a new baby, or it may be bad - an illness, a family emergency, a divorce...

None of these events by themselves, are usually enough to destroy anyone's financial future. But, they can trigger credit card abuse and eventually lead to significant financial hardship. What may have been a problem for only a few people who couldn't "handle" credit in the past has become an increasing problem for many people.

It has become quite common for the middle-aged, middle class consumer to have many bank and store charge cards at any given time. And most, if not all, are carrying large balances. In 2005, the average consumer had nearly $10,000 in credit card debt, or even double or triple that if loans for cars and other large expense items are included. Worse still, in 2005, the credit "rules" were changed...

First, many credit companies have now doubled the minimum monthly payment to four percent. In itself, this is not a real problem for most consumers. Most cardholders probably pay this anyway.

Second, with no usury laws to stop them - and despite inflation rates from 1-to-3 percent - credit companies have pushed interest rates for "problem" cardholders to 30 percent or more.

Third, if there is a problem with any creditor, such as a late payment, other creditors have the option to cut their card's credit limit (often to the current balance), double or triple the interest rate and cancel any "special offers".

The "Six months no interest" or "Zero interest on all balance transfers for one year" are attractive offers. But the slightest infraction involving even one creditor and the next bill may include full interest charges - from the start of the offer.

It only takes one creditor to turn someone with a decade of good credit into a "problem" customer. A bill one day past due may cause an account to go up in interest, down in limit or both. And this can spur other credit card companies to follow suit meaning that in a short time all your credit cards could be charging a high rate of interest, over-limit fees and even late charges when your bank account is hit by the high rate of interest.

Now a double minimum payment becomes a serious problem, as that original $10,000 total debt begins growing by $250 a month in interest, plus up to $500 in accumulated over limit fees and another $500 in possible late fees!! You can begin to see the problem...

And what about bankruptcy to solve the problem? Not any more. As of 15 October 2005, it became virtually impossible for an American consumer to declare personal bankruptcy. At least, not without a lot more cost, a lot more time - and the certainty of losing everything, including home and car.

The moral of this story is this. Take another look at those colorful bits of plastic in your wallet, the ones offering those great promises of "easy payments" and a better lifestyle. See them now for what they really are...Viral monsters, ready, willing and able to destroy the cardholder's life in the blink of an eye.

Next time, think about handing the sales clerk some colorful cash instead.

CREDIT CARDS AND YOU

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 22:26:30 -0500

Credit Cards and You

Check out an article of mine and let me know what you think.

Practically everyone in the United States has credit cards. From teenagers to retirees, almost everyone has at least one credit card. Everywhere we go we see ads - in the television, radio, newspapers, billboard advertisements - on credit cards. Some credit cards are even mailed directly to our homes. But what are credit cards, why should you have one and what are some of the risks involved?

Simply stated, a credit card is a financial arrangement between you, the consumer or the card holder, and an institution such as a bank. The arrangement specifies that you borrow money from the lending institution with the promise that you will pay them back in the future. The institution agrees that it will provide the money you need and in-turn you are expected to return payment over a certain period of time. Your payment will include not just the amount of money you borrowed, but also an additional charge based on a pre-defined rate of interest.

Credit can provide various services, making it an indispensable tool for today's consumers. These include:

Convenience. You saw this wonderful dress in a shop. Perfect for tonight's party, you thought. But you don't have money right now. Thanks to your card, you can buy anything you want right now. Credit cards give you that wonderful allowance not to bring that much cash and to order goods from catalogs. In addition, many of the online-based shops and stores, such as Amazon.com, mainly accept payment using credit.

Emergency Protection. For emergency situation, credit cards can be an extremely helpful tool that could be your friend that could pay for your emergency needs, like when your car conked out in the road, or your mother gets hospitalized, or any emergency situations that you need money but can't get it from the usual means.

Putting you in the right budget. Want to keep a detailed record of your expenditures? Credit cards can do that.

Security. In today's world, carrying large cash has become a problem. If your cash gets lost, there's no way you can retrieve it. Compared with credit cards, money cannot be returned back when it got lost or stolen. If your card, for example, got broken or it got lost or someone stole it from you, you can always ask for a credit card termination or cancellation. You will have another card, a new one that will replace it in a few days.

Traveling. If you're quite a traveler, whether across the town or country, or outside the US, it is relatively easier to travel with a credit card.

When used responsibly, credit cards can help improve our daily lives. With credit cards, life can be much easier. However, the joy of using credit cards can quickly change to a curse!

Are you starting to get notices from creditors to pay or "else"? Are you worried that you might lose your properties like your house because of credit debt? Chin up: Dealing with credit card debt is not as hard as you may think.

And, if there's any consolation, you're not the only one facing such situations. At some point, many people like you face financial crises with credit card debt.

Here are some simple tips to help you cope with your credit card debt:

Make a Budget.

If you want to have a grab of your financial situation before you lose everything, making a budget is what you should do first. Assess how much do you get from your income or other means and your expenditures. For example, if getting that posh apartment means you have to limit your meals to once a day, then it is not a great and sound budgeting decision. Your goal is ensure that you can answer for all the basic necessities: food, housing, clothes, health-related costs, among others.

Contact Your Creditors.

Remember: Running away from your creditors is not the answer. It is not a solution, and may in fact lead you to bigger problems. If you are having trouble paying off your debts, address this immediately with your creditors. State to them sincerely and fully the reason why it has become hard for you to pay these debts, and check if they could give you a revised payment arrangement that will put you at ease on your payment terms. Do not let creditors turn over your situation to someone or an agency to do the collecting for them, as this means that they have given up on you.

Address Debt Collectors.

There is a law that gives certain conditions for debt collectors as to when and how they should ask you to pay. The federal law, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, clearly states that those collecting debts may not bug you, give false assertions, or do practices that are not fair when they are getting to collect money from you.

Get Credit Counseling.

You could also consider getting the aid of groups or institutions that will help you in your problems. If you managed to have an improved payment arrangement of your debt with a good credit counseling organization, creditors may approve of your proposition and accept your modified arrangement plan..

Bankruptcy.

Generally, personal bankruptcy is known as the last choice to fix your ballooning credit debt. A bankruptcy unfortunately stays on your financial information report for years. Getting additional credit, buying a house, sometimes even getting a job might be hard for you. Technically, however, it is a legal way of addressing your credit debt.

Enjoy the use of credit to make your life easier. . .BUT don't let it become a nightmare! Learn to use your credit responsibly.

3 SIMPLE WAYS T AVOID BANKRUPTCY

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Sun, 06 Aug 2006 22:25:30 -0500

In this debt-ridden society, many people are in severe financial difficulties. While bankruptcy is the last step in a long road of financial pressures for many, others opt for this solution too early, sometimes without considering suitable bankruptcy alternatives.

There are several options available for you if you are in debt and do not wish to declare bankruptcy. The most sought-after option is obtaining a debt-consolidation loan and closing all existing credit lines.Debt consolidation is where you take a new unsecured loan and use the funds to pay off your outstanding debts.

An unsecured debt consolidation loan will help you consolidate all your unsecured debt and avoid bankruptcy. This new money can save you hundreds of dollars per month if you choose to use your loan to pay off existing debt - especially high rate credit cards. Even if you donÃï¿½t own a home, you could qualify for their debt consolidation loan.

Debt consolidation loans are repayable over a longer term at a relatively low interest rate. This means that the monthly repayments are lower. If the loan is secured on your property then the interest rate and payments may be even lower.

But you must compare the pros and of debt consolidation loans before taking the plunge. There are two options for consolidating debts Ãï¿½ either you borrow money to pay off all your debts or seek assistance from a debt consolidation service. The decision on which option will meet your needs has a lot to do with whether you can qualify for qualify for low mortgage rates on debt consolidation loans , and the total amount of debt you need to consolidate.

Borrowing for debt consolidation immediately eliminates multiple debt payments. All debt collection actions eliminated. Most importantly, it won't impact your credit rating; infact it may help improve your credit rating. Seeking debt consolidation services immediately decreases your monthly payments. It also brings to a stop, and in some cases, eliminates some interest and fees.

By getting this loan and using it to pay off credit cards, youÃï¿½ll pay much less interest. Once youÃï¿½ve paid off your credit cards or other debt, youÃï¿½ll have a fresh start with your finances and can set up a budget within which you can live comfortably without ever having to run up credit card debt again.

Debt consolidation is an excellent tool that can help you manage and decrease your debt when you just can't seem to do it on your own. There is no way that you can completely fix bad credit without the ability to reduce debt and pay your bills on time. However, once your debt has reached a certain level, this can seem almost impossible to accomplish.

A credit counsellor can provide you with the option of enrolling in a debt management plan, which provides immediate relief and allows repayment of debts without the high fees and negative ramifications of bankruptcy.

However, your choice has to be based upon your financial situation, as well as fit in with your own belief system and lifestyle.

Effective ways of geting the best rates for your credit cards!!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 15:13:42 -0500

How many times a day do you receive offers through email or phone for free credit cards with money back schemes, low introductory rates and other perks of credit cards? All banks and financial institutions vie for maximum customers by pouring umpteen perks to tempt you, the customer, in one way or the other. Remember that a credit card is just a form of borrowing money that has to be paid later. However, it is better to choose a credit card with good rates to avoid ending up paying too much interest to the banks. Make it a point to compare credit card terms and fees before opening a credit or charge card account. Once you find the credit card that has an interest rate that best fits your needs and budget, you can then open an account with that bank. The annual percentage rate is the measure of the cost of credit the bank offers and is expressed as a yearly rate. Make sure you are aware of this rate before accepting a credit card as some credit card plans have interest rates that change when other economic indicators change. This plan is called a variable rate program. In such a case, when you first get the credit card, you may be offered 5% interest, but in case of index changes, the interest rate may go up to 8%. This means you will later have to pay more interest with the increased interest rate! So confirm if the credit card offers a variable rate program or 'fixed rate' program where there is no change in the annual percentage rate, even when economic indicators change. It is beneficial for you if the credit card you have has a 'grace period'. This is the period where you can avoid finance charges by paying your balance before due date. This is because with a free period, you will be sent your bill at least 14 days before the due date, thus giving you enough time to pay. Check if the credit card charges annual membership or participation fees or any other costs like transaction fees. It is better to choose the credit card company offering the least 'extra costs'! This is because the more extra costs there are, the more money you have to pay the company! When applying for a credit card, it is better to first consider if the credit limit is up to your requirements. Then only is it beneficial for you to apply for the credit card. To get the best rate for your credit card, make sure you understand all terms and condition of the card before accepting it. This is to avoid any future misunderstandings and misconceptions with the credit card company. Of course, the main point that is taken into consideration to get the best rate for your credit card is your credit score. The better the credit score you have, the better will be the rates the credit card company offers you! This is the reason it is always advisable to have, and maintain a good credit score!

CREDIT CARDS AND YOU!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 15:12:19 -0500

Practically everyone in the United States has credit cards. From teenagers to retirees, almost everyone has at least one credit card. Everywhere we go we see ads - in the television, radio, newspapers, billboard advertisements - on credit cards. Some credit cards are even mailed directly to our homes. But what are credit cards, why should you have one and what are some of the risks involved?Simply stated, a credit card is a financial arrangement between you, the consumer or the card holder, and an institution such as a bank. The arrangement specifies that you borrow money from the lending institution with the promise that you will pay them back in the future. The institution agrees that it will provide the money you need and in-turn you are expected to return payment over a certain period of time. Your payment will include not just the amount of money you borrowed, but also an additional charge based on a pre-defined rate of interest.Credit can provide various services, making it an indispensable tool for today's consumers. These include:Convenience. You saw this wonderful dress in a shop. Perfect for tonight's party, you thought. But you don't have money right now. Thanks to your card, you can buy anything you want right now. Credit cards give you that wonderful allowance not to bring that much cash and to order goods from catalogs. In addition, many of the online-based shops and stores, such as Amazon.com, mainly accept payment using credit.Emergency Protection. For emergency situation, credit cards can be an extremely helpful tool that could be your friend that could pay for your emergency needs, like when your car conked out in the road, or your mother gets hospitalized, or any emergency situations that you need money but can't get it from the usual means.Putting you in the right budget. Want to keep a detailed record of your expenditures? Credit cards can do that.Security. In today's world, carrying large cash has become a problem. If your cash gets lost, there's no way you can retrieve it. Compared with credit cards, money cannot be returned back when it got lost or stolen. If your card, for example, got broken or it got lost or someone stole it from you, you can always ask for a credit card termination or cancellation. You will have another card, a new one that will replace it in a few days.Traveling. If you're quite a traveler, whether across the town or country, or outside the US, it is relatively easier to travel with a credit card.When used responsibly, credit cards can help improve our daily lives. With credit cards, life can be much easier. However, the joy of using credit cards can quickly change to a curse!Are you starting to get notices from creditors to pay or "else"? Are you worried that you might lose your properties like your house because of credit debt? Chin up: Dealing with credit card debt is not as hard as you may think.And, if there's any consolation, you're not the only one facing such situations. At some point, many people like you face financial crises with credit card debt.Here are some simple tips to help you cope with your credit card debt:Make a Budget. If you want to have a grab of your financial situation before you lose everything, making a budget is what you should do first. Assess how much do you get from your income or other means and your expenditures. For example, if getting that posh apartment means you have to limit your meals to once a day, then it is not a great and sound budgeting decision. Your goal is ensure that you can answer for all the basic necessities: food, housing, clothes, health-related costs, among others.Contact Your Creditors.Remember: Running away from your creditors is not the answer. It is not a solution, and may in fact lead you to bigger problems. If you are having trouble paying off your debts, address this immediately with your creditors. State to them sincerely and fully the reason why it has become hard for you to pay these debts, and check if they could give you a revised payment arrangement that will put you at ease on your payment terms. Do not let creditors turn over your situation to someone or an agency to do the collecting for them, as this means that they have given up on you.Address Debt Collectors.There is a law that gives certain conditions for debt collectors as to when and how they should ask you to pay. The federal law, Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, clearly states that those collecting debts may not bug you, give false assertions, or do practices that are not fair when they are getting to collect money from you.Get Credit Counseling. You could also consider getting the aid of groups or institutions that will help you in your problems. If you managed to have an improved payment arrangement of your debt with a good credit counseling organization, creditors may approve of your proposition and accept your modified arrangement plan..Bankruptcy.Generally, personal bankruptcy is known as the last choice to fix your ballooning credit debt. A bankruptcy unfortunately stays on your financial information report for years. Getting additional credit, buying a house, sometimes even getting a job might be hard for you. Technically, however, it is a legal way of addressing your credit debt.Enjoy the use of credit to make your life easier. . .BUT don't let it become a nightmare! Learn to use your credit responsibly.

Success is about choosing what you want in life!!!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Sat, 29 Jul 2006 15:09:17 -0500

You can choose success. Do you believe this? If you do not then you have chosen (yes chosen) a different route and success will not be a prominent feature! Success is about choosing what you want in life and taking the necessary steps to achieve that goal. Success is not stopping until you get there! Read the last two sentences again. Easy to say but how do you get there? What are the choices made by the successful? What are they doing differently from everyone else? Choose to remove whatever is holding you back. Has something happened in the past to affect your self esteem? Do you immediately have negative thoughts as soon as money and success come to mind? If you are not choosing success then it is likely that something is blocking your ability to change and follow a new path. To remove the block you must have focus. To have focus you must first have an all consuming dream of where you want to be. Only when you have defined that dream can you start to focus on it. Focus so intently that everything you do is done with your dream in mind. Only then can you move toward that dream. Choose to live your success. Live your life as if you were successful, as if you had already achieved the goal that you are focusing on. When you are at work, visualize what your workplace will be like when you have reached your goal, and place yourself there. Sit at your desk as if you were running the multimillion dollar business that you are focusing on. When you get into your car, visualize what your dream car will be like and see yourself sitting in it. Visualize yourself driving away from your dream house. When you are in your home - look around it and see your new surroundings. Get inside the feeling - really be there. The more you do this, the more your subconscious will think that you are successful and move you towards these things. Live your success expecting to realize it. Living it now is a practice run for when it comes to you. After all, you want to be prepared, don't you? Choose to believe in your success. What your conscious mind believes, your subconscious strives to achieve. Look around at your friends and acquaintances and ask yourself how many of them have unshakable belief in where they are going. Are they successful? Possibly not - they may be in a good job and have a nice life but they do not have the success factor. Perhaps you do know of someone with unshakable belief. They may not be successful now but they will be moving in the right direction. Watch that space.... Belief is the catalyst which takes the dream and turns the focus into a plan to get there. Never underestimate the power of belief. Choose to be emotional about your success. Belief plus emotion are unstoppable. If you have utter belief then you will develop emotion. If you want something badly enough it is emotive. Maybe it is to get out of debt. If you have suffered the hardships of this situation you will feel everything to do with debt and money is charged with emotion. This is the reason behind so many 'rags to riches' stories. Sometimes only the most devastating of emotional circumstances are the catalyst for change and a move toward success instead of away from it. You can choose success. Or you can choose to stay safe and do what you do now. Guess what - you will still be doing the same in ten years time. The question is - do you want to?

Attention:Realtors and consumers: YOU NEED to read this!!!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 01:19:08 -0500

Are you looking for a Loan Officer you can contact 24 Hours a day, 7 days a week!!

I am well aware the loan officers are a dime a dozen here in Phoenix. But how many Loan Officers do you know that you can call on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday Morning and get that LSR for the contract your about to put down. I am committed to being there for you when you need me and being creative enough to get even your most complicated clients approved. As you are aware, the Mortgage business like Real Estate is flooded with agents resulting in a very competitive market. In an effort to differentiate myself I plan to make your job easier and less stressful.

How you might ask? I can now get instant approvals, not just an LSR, but an actual approval. With this actual approval, attached to your offers, you’ll find yourself winning more deals. In addition, I am promising to you that I will have Docs at title 5 days before COE. Guaranteed!!

Thus far my business has been built purely through word-of-mouth referrals. No cold calls, mass emails, or guerilla marketing. As a result, relying on word-of-mouth means that every deal is as important as the last AND each deal needs to be handled with the utmost importance. I understand how business works, and the importance of building and maintaining relationships. I hope that you give me the chance to build a relationship with you in the near future.

We are a full service mortgage broker with multiple lending sources. This enables us to offer the lowest and most suitable rates and terms possible.

• Instant approvals so you win your offers against competition!!!
• Docs at title 5 days before closing!!!
• Quick Response time in regards to loan updates and status!!!

Thanks again for your time and please give me call or shoot me an email as I would love to set up a meeting with you to show you how we are really different from other companies and how I personally can make a difference on your deals. I look forward to hearing from you. Give me a call at 480-332-5111.

I am looking for a SOLID real estate agent!!!!

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 01:12:17 -0500

5 SOLID reasons why should choose me as your trusted mortgage advisor?

Michael Iuculano (Active Financing) — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 00:45:46 -0500

1. If you prefer to be EDUCATED rather than sold.

2. If you like prompt call backs, within 2 hours at most.

3. If you want to work with a FULL TIME professional that is dedicated to his craft.

4. If you like to know you can always call with your questions and get the straight forward answers.

5. If you want to have the optimal program based on YOUR needs.

IF you answered yes to any of these than it is in YOUR best interests to work with me as your trusted mortgage advisor. CAll me today for your (no obligation) total cost analysis consultation.

With your best interests in mind,
Michael Iuculano

Trusted Mortgage Advisor

(480) 661-8828 Direct Number

(480) 332-5111 Cell

(480) 659-0523 Fax