Welcome to Natalie's Blog!

The networker I am and I can even be scammed. A lesson learned on the importance of using people you know or referred to you

2008-08-31T20:04:02Z

Anyone can pick the wrong company to do a job!

Without the proper investigation, a reliable and trusted referral source, or careful questioning we can make a big mistake costing us a lot of time and money, not to mention hours of frustration.

Why am I sharing this caution with you? Because it happened to me just recently!

After discovering a leak in our ceiling that caused visible damage to our drywall, we were in need of repairs. We called our insurance company for guidance, and ended up using a company they recommended to do the work. We thought this was best.

BIG MISTAKE!

What was a two week job, turned into a 4 month project. We went through the frustration of having to fire the first company that the insurance company recommended and to be able to find another one to clean up the remove the mess as well as to start the job over and do it properly! It was hard finding someone to fix someone else mistakes. Then we had the frustration of having our house torn up for months aas well as workers in our home for weeks on end. I even had to deal with a lung infrection caused by the amount of drywall dust from sanding down the two layers of plaster from the first contractor.

On the bright side, we were referred a company called, Color-Tec Painting in Michigan by a neighbor that is a tradesman himself. He knew who could help us & came highly recommended. And I have to say they were awesome and our home looks better than it did before all of this mess. I am a strong networker and believe whole hearted that referrals are the only way too go. I support my clients and their business and in turn they treat every referral with honesty, integrity and deliver what they promise.

Don't get sucked into a transaction if you do not know who the people are and if you are in need of services ask a trusted friend if they have someone they could refer to you.

Sunny days are here again. Did you know that ....

2008-03-22T20:09:33Z

It is said that some people just bring out the best in people. What brings the best out in you?

The sunny days? A long walk just to get refocused? Being with that special someone? A visit from an old friend?

It has been said that when you are positive and focused you will attact the same people. Just as on the flip side if someone is upset, frustrated & negative all the positive thinking can not change negative people. These people have to want to change themselves.

In all professions finding the positive side to every situation, & focusing on it gives you better outcomes. Not everything will come out the way you want it but if you follow your heart and set your goals to live a positive life you will have less stress the doors of opportunity will be right around the corner. You just have to see them.

Be trusting, have integrity, be confident in everything you do and the people around you will know that there is just something different about that person that they like. Be true to yourself and then you can be true to others.

I can only hope that at sometime our paths will cross.

Natalie

Believe it and it is yours!!!!

2008-03-04T12:12:17Z

If you believe in yourself, you can make it happen. That's all you need is the confidence to believe the you have the knowledge and no how to make a difference. Butof course the willingness to follow through on whatever needs to be done on your part is crucial.

If we do not take it upon ourselves to open all the doors of opportunities that are put before us, we will miss them. Just think if we miss it, it could have been that one answer to a clients question, that one program that is now no longer there for the client, or if we would have wrote the offer yesterday we could have had that dream home today.

In a moments notice, it's gone. Believe is the confidence that you can make a difference large or small in one of our clients's life. Be confident in everything we do and keep moving forward to make a difference in the world. The importance of working everyday with confidence, trust, and understanding just makes my day that much better.

Our industries whether it is financing, real estate, insurance, etc. our clients count on us to be there for them. They look up to us for that advice. We are their friends as well as their family, as well as their guardian angels in life to help them make some big decisions. Our clients are for life. We do make a difference.

The doors of opportunities are open. Go to the door and walk through it to see the opportunities before you.When one arises let me know. I would love to here about what door opened for you no matter how big or small. Life is great!

Make Your Credit Scores the Best ! 5 Key Ways to Improve Your Credit Scores

2008-02-17T10:48:27Z

5 KEY FACTORS TO CREDIT SCORING & HOW YOU CAN AVOID PAYING MORE FOR YOUR LOAN

The model of credit scoring seeks the likelihood or the consumer being able to pay off a debt in a timely manner. Score range from 300 to 900. Most consumers have credit scores ranging from 400 to 850. The higher the score the better your credit rating is. Therefore, the higher the score the low the interest rate. The can save the consumer hundreds of dollars over the length of the loan they are taking out. Most people have a credit score average of 680 and above and you ideally would like above 700. How to do achieve this and where do you start assessing your credit rating? Here are 5 things to look at when assessing your credit.

Payment History- The impact is about 35%

Paying debt on time or paying in full every time gives you the highest positive impact on your score. Should you be late or have collections or judgments this will have a negative impact on your score. Typically they look at the last two year history.

Credit History- The impact is about 15%

This part of your score is the history of how long you have had the credit for. The length of your history tells the story of how consistent you are on paying on time. The longer the history the higher the score.

Type of Credit- The impact is about 10%

Your credit score is better if you have a variety of accounts. Auto loans, installment, credit cards (revolving), and mortgages all have a positive effect with the history and paying on time with these accounts.

Outstanding balances on credit-The impact is about 30%

This is very important that when you have a revolving debt like a credit card that you look at the maximum line amount and you must stay below 50% of the line and 30% below has a positive impact on your score. Paying off every month or a -0- balance is what you would want to achieve. Do not close an account with a remaining balance. Wait until it is paid off. Closing out many account because you do not want them can have a negative impact because the scoring recognizes that you are closing them out because you are afraid to spend.

Inquires- The impact is about 10%

You need to watch how many times you apply for credit or have your credit report pulled. This can act negatively toward your credit scoring. 3 inquires in a 90 day period can drop you score. But pulling your own credit will not count against your scoring.

When it comes to getting a mortgage the guidelines have changed based on credit scoring. When applying for a mortgage we look at all three major credit bureaus. Lenders are now charging for scores that are below 680. That is why it is crucial that if you are thinking of purchasing or refinancing that you have your credit reviewed before so that if you need to plan to pay down balances or pay off accounts or focus on applying on time your have time to have the scores improve. Don't wait until it is too late.

Wow! The Federal Reserve has opened up a huge door of opportunity for us! If you are thinking, "yeah, soon now my wallet will be bursting at the seams:, let me elaborate......

2008-01-30T06:06:17Z

Today is a day of opportunity--opportunities to educate our clients and referral partners.

This may seem boring or mundane to some, but to those who have consistently made education a vital part of their business, it is most exciting! Education remains the most important aspect of any business, because in doing so, we give our clients the information they need for making decisions today, and the information that will continue to provide a solid foundation for them for years to come.

A client with a solid financial future is a happy client, who will refer you to friends, and who will trust you.

It's important to walk through every open door, especially an open door to communication and education.

Now is the time to put on your Hush Puppies and let your inner teacher shine!

Now is a time to inspire, motivate, guide and shape the financial futures of your clients.

Being a part of their futures depends upon how much you care and what you can teach them now.

Go seize the day! No pocket protector required.

3 promises I have made to my client's and strategic partners

2007-12-10T22:13:46Z

I am promising to tackle every challenge for my client's best interest at heart. Communication and keeping everyone on the same page throughout the transaction of purchasing a home is key.

I am promising to support my client's and their business with 120% effort. I will broaden their horizons and spread the news about them to all I meet.

I promising to my business partners that I am with them all the way and we will find every solution we can to any challenges that we face. A referral to me is a thank you for supporting your client and a referral from me to you means you have earned the trust of others and of my clients thank you.

Are you frustrated making calls after calls trying to generate leads? Are you frustrated with trying to keep up with the everyday challenges and changes in real estate and mortgage industry?

2007-12-10T15:16:24Z

Does your business require hours of calls and hundreds of mailings just find your prosepects? Why?

It's all about who to I do that you need to know and who do you know that I need too know? Find the right people that have the same passion about being focused and compassionate about our profession.

I understand the challenges that Realtors are facing with fielding questions from sellers and buyers. You are wondering if they are coming from right field or left field. I hear you. The challenges before us are just that. We have to accept change, embrace change and find those solutions to every challenge that comes before us. About, 17 years ago I made a commitment to finding my new clients by only asking for referrals. I am so glad I did.

We do not put money into advertising at all. We put our focus into our clients and strategic partners. Yes, in those Realtors, CPA's, Financial Planners, Attorney's etc. These are the trusted people that take care of my clients and I take care of their clients.

With the challenges put before us whether it be property values, underwriting changes, borrowers getting buyer's remorse, we help with it all. I am so glad that we have the sources to educated ourselves and stay on top of all the daily changes in the market. With the last closings I just had they said, "We appreciate you, everything that you did, & thank you for making it happen!!!"

A referral from a customer and from every customer a referral. This is the heart of my business. Most people spend the bulk of their time looking for business from the general public. I spend 100% to my time with my current clients, past clients, and strategic partners. I support them in their businesses. I counsel them in all aspects.

I would love to hear how you "WOW "your clients and how you are accepting the changes before us.