Why do some people make substantial down-payments on the purchase of their home?  For some people, owning their home outright is the hallmark of achieving the American dream and a reflection of values passed to them by their parents and grandparents.  Others see real estate as a secure investment that more often than not will yield steady, stable equity growth.  And some people simply strive for the security a home provides in the face of uncertain economic times.  For all these reasons, it is essential to view your home not as a collection sticks and bricks that shelter you, but as an instrument to manage your assets so you are always in the best position to provide for you and your family's needs.    Let's compare the equity position you have in your home to an average stock.  If you had the opportunity to buy 100 shares an average stock at a reasonable price today of say, $50 with the guarantee that in an emergency - you would be able to sell some of that stock for at least the $50 you paid today (even if the trading is lower that particular day) - but sell for a profit when the market is trading higher... you wouldn't miss the opportunity to buy that stock.   Managing the equity in your home can be just as simple by opening an equity line of credit.  You establish the value of your home the day the equity line is opened.  They are relatively cheap (and sometimes free) to obtain.  You maintain full access to your equity (read:  asset) regardless of the up's and down's of the real estate market.  And should you accumulate more equity through appreciation, you can always have your equity line re-evaluated based on an updated appraisal.    It's commonly understood that good investment decisions are based on long-term growth expectations, no one can predict when an emergency may occur - and establishing your asset position today with an equity line of credit ensures that you're not left vulnerable to temporary market swings.  

For More information visit The Davidson Team or Listen to "More Than a Mortgage"

As a mortgage professional, I have the awesome opportunity to work with some really great people.  My wife and I are not extraordinary when it comes to buying and selling real estate.  We are like most people and will do it only a few times in life.

 With that said, let me go back to my original statement, "How important is your relationship with your Real Estate Agent?"  I cannot stress enough how important this is.  Too many times I work with clients who don't understand the importance of finding a good fit when it comes to your agent.  It is no different than your doctor your CPA or Financial Planner, and your mortgage professional for that matter.  So when you find that person, hold on to them.  Most of us work on 100% by referral only, so when your agent does a good job, make sure you tell everybody you know.

I would like to share one of my relationships.  I must tell you that this relationship has gone far beyond your normal Realtor/buyer/seller/mortgage relationship.  Now remember I said I am in the business and I work with agents every day. 

 I met Jacki and Jerry Shafer (Keller Williams) almost 8 years ago at an open house.  We had had our home on the market for about 2 weeks on our own.  Let me tell you that was the worst decision I have every made.  Anyway to make a long story short, The Shafer Team listed and sold my home in less than a week.  We had not even found another home yet, so they worked day and night to help us find the home we are in today.

 Since that time We have become great friends as well as great partners in Real Estate.  I would highly recommend The Shafer Team to anyone who might be needing to buy or sell real Estate.

Tune to "More Than A Mortgage" on Talk Radio 1080 AM every Sunday

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As a mortgage professional, I have the awesome opportunity to work with some really great people.  My wife and I are not extraordinary when it comes to buying and selling real estate.  We are like most people and will do it only a few times in life.

 With that said, let me go back to my original statement, "How important is your relationship with your Real Estate Agent?"  I cannot stress enough how important this is.  Too many times I work with clients who don't understand the importance of finding a good fit when it comes to your agent.  It is no different than your doctor your CPA or Financial Planner, and your mortgage professional for that matter.  So when you find that person, hold on to them.  Most of us work on 100% by referral only, so when your agent does a good job, make sure you tell everybody you know.

I would like to share one of my relationships.  I must tell you that this relationship has gone far beyond your normal Realtor/buyer/seller/mortgage relationship.  Now remember I said I am in the business and I work with agents every day. 

 I met Jacki and Jerry Shafer (Keller Williams) almost 8 years ago at an open house.  We had had our home on the market for about 2 weeks on our own.  Let me tell you that was the worst decision I have every made.  Anyway to make a long story short, The Shafer Team listed and sold my home in less than a week.  We had not even found another home yet, so they worked day and night to help us find the home we are in today.

 Since that time We have become great friends as well as great partners in Real Estate.  I would highly recommend The Shafer Team to anyone who might be needing to buy or sell real Estate.