Bob's Blog

So where are we now, is anyone able to tie down a loan for the purchase?

2008-11-09T00:23:32Z

I have been wondering for some time now if all the rumors here in Indiana are correct. Are you able to secure loans for purchasing of the most important transaction a person will make in their lifetime? Or, are banks still shying away from people with high credit scores anyhow?

I am hoping the market will change for the best this coming year. If you search back and read some of my posts before the market really took its toll on all of us, I stated we were in for a long haul. This long haul now has gone too long. But, again this is what I predicted then, and still state the same now. I feel we are not going to be back on track until we have a balance within our economy of jobs, and the ability to list a home and be able to sell it within a 90 day period. And, the price of the home being sold should be at a value that would be consistent to the market on an upward swing.

I have seen several homes sell for far less money now than ever before, so why aren't people buying now? Unsecure job market is the reason in our area, how about yours?

Well I will check back in and see what your thoughts are, and I hope we hear from you Active Rainers out west too.

As for me and my family, it has been a horrific year, one we would not like to repeat. We are so very thankful for what we have been given though. Cyndi is doing great, she is her old self again and better than ever. We are both hoping to return to our life of Real Estate sales and marketing, and just being able to put perspective homeowners in their first home again.

Take care all of you wonderful folks on here,

As always, Semper fi,

Bob

Do you still get comments on your "older" posts?

2008-03-08T18:08:05Z

Just a question concerning some of our older blogs..,do you still get comments on some of your older ones? I have found this happening to me in the last month or so, and surprisingly enough it brings back some great memories of some great blogging. Sometimes I go back and read some of the posts I had written and I still feel the same way now as I did then.

I am finding now as a Counselor at the other end of the Real Estate business people are really having a tough time out there within the market. I have seen so many firms now going by the wayside, and it seems there are fewer Realtor's, and Lender's out there too. I once was told on here that it is just great to get rid of the dead weight...step aside and let the numbers dwindle as there were too many Realtor's and Lender's in the business anyway. I for one do not think there were too many professionals. I do think there were not enough homes being listed, nor enough homes being refinanced or purchased within the market. The strong will survive is also another saying by so many...I wonder how many are left at times, and if they are doing well with less professionals in the market?

To shorten this post, I want to wish those that are still doing well the best, and for those of us that had to take on a different profession, the same. I think there is a lot to be learned from past blogs, and it is also a healthy thing to do to go back and see what we all have written. It surprises me to see how things have come into play from the last years. Have fun doing so, and if you run into one of your special posts from a while back, continue to share your success story.

As for our household we are doing fine, and we still use most of what we have read here on the Rain. Take care and god bless...

Today's Trip, and what a trip it was, close to home even....

2008-01-05T20:12:29Z

Today we took a ride only about 40 miles down the road to a town called Martinsville, located close to Indianapolis, Indiana. The reason we took the drive was to see a little mom and pop candy store/factory right in the heart of downtow. Martinsville. It was established in 1919. They specialized in making peppermint candy canes. We watched the new owners make them right on the spot. It takes about two hours to do so, and to have a taste of fresh, hot candy was unreal. I felt it cool as I bit into the little piece given to us. We were so facinated as to how the candy was made. It was all done by hand. I know these days I am sure factory's that make this type of candy have big machines to do all the work, but to watch this person make the candy, using a marble counter for cooling of the candy as it were being made, and the origional hook to need the candy from a wall mount, unreal. I will let Cyndi place some pics on Localism as she did a great job in snapping them.

So if your in Martinsville, Indiana I would recommend you search out this tiny store, and have fun. Now, for another piece of candy. MMMMMMMM.

Change seems to be good, so far so good as they say.

2008-01-02T17:05:29Z

OK, change seems to be a good thing for me, so far. Today was my first day of orientation and it went well. I know I had to think this one through before committing, and was hoping as usual, that I made the right decision as to what God had in store for me. I think I found a good fit, as everyone in the company was very receptive and wants all employees to succeed. After the long last few years I am ready for just that. I hope and pray for a year that will turn things around for us.

I have read so many posts here through the last year of success story's and one in particular, I won't say who it was from, but it was awesome to hear of how an A.R. member brought things around to where this person is so successful now. God is good.

I will check in with you later to let you know how the rest of the orientation goes. Take care, and I wish you all have a great first quarter.

Do you remember writing your first Blog? And, what happened?

2008-01-01T18:16:13Z

Post number 214 here. Do you remember your first Blog you wrote and remember what response you received from it? I sure do. I have to laugh a bit about it as it was nothing spectacular, not earth shattering information I provided to the readers here. I did receive a warm welcome from three people on Active Rain though. Two are still blogging to this day, and there is one I miss, as there has not been a post submitted for some time now. I wonder why we all write at times. I know there is one lady out here that loves to blog on Active Rain, and that person shares so much with the readers it is unreal. Ever wonder how much time you spend on here writing, reading, and commenting? Put a pencil to it and you will find you spend a few minutes here each day, or at least every other day.

The wealth of information you receive is unreal. Will the information help you in your business adventure is a question commonly ask...and the answer is yes, it does if you take the advice given here freely. Does it work for everyone though? I would have to say no, not everyone as we are not all alike and we all do things differently. Are questions answered here quickly in response to your need is another question ask often. Again yes is the answer. People on here are comfortable in answering a question, because they have a passion to help you. Again, no cost to you or me. You know there are 63,388 people on here? Now that is a wealth of information to tap into.

So about that first Blog. You might go back and read yours, and think of where you are now in your writing, compared to then. I hope you find yours as amusing as mine. The second Blog of mine got no results by the way, and I was ready to throw in the towel. I am glad I didn't as the friends I have made here are priceless. It is worth being a part of A.R. Someone recently said, "even if you do not derive any business from being on A.R., it is worth the friendships being made." I happen to whole heartedly agree with that. Hope you take time to reflect on your Blogs, and have fun with it.

We did it, and it is finally 2008. Now we can have fun...right?

2008-01-01T13:04:05Z

I am reading of so many changes of Realtors on here it is unreal. And I think for the most part everyone that I see moving on is doing so with great expectations. I wish those of you the very best that are moving to another agency. I hope the old adage of it is not any greener on the other side is just an ole wise tail.

I think last year was a wake up call for so many of us, and now how we use our time, and experience gained last year will certainly help us through 2008. I will not change my predictions of this year not being a great block buster, and hold to my thoughts that the mess we are in will take a year to correct itself. I am being kind with one year, as I really down deep feel two years is more like it. I hope I am wrong.

Wishing you all a Very Successful Year!!!!!

The predictions are coming in with leaps and bounds here on Active Rain, how about yours?

2007-12-30T16:46:54Z

I am seeing so many predictions about the Real Estate market for 2008. How about you, are you reading the posts? I can see so many stating things are not coming back in 08, but will start to do so in 2009 after the market cleans up a bit. In other words it has to stabilize, homes that are for sale as repos have to be purchased, and communities will start to re-establish market values. I hope for everyones sake that 08 turns around, and it will have to in order for 09 to be jump started with a bang. Lets all pray for success this coming year ya think? We all need all the help we can get. God bless, take care and have a wonderful, safe holiday coming. From our home to yours.

We continue to celebrate as our daughter has finally made it home...

2007-12-29T20:28:20Z

I am sure so many of us have children living elsewhere other than the State we live in, such is true with us for sure. Our daughter could not make it down last weekend due to the storm we were given. LOl, but she is here and we are having the time of our lives. She is excited to see Cyndi as she has not had the opportunity to do so since Cyndi's operation. It is so nice to continue to celebrate this even more special holiday now with her. i wish you all the same enjoyment from our home to yours. Take care and have a wonderful New Years day.

A Christmas gift I didn't expect.

2007-12-29T03:38:13Z

Did you ever have someone give you a gift you did not expect at Christmas time? I did this year, and it happened to be from my father. We were joking around one day before celebrating Christmas about our watches and how he changed his the way I change my socks, LOL...anyhow I told him when he changed his out to keep me in mind as I was looking all over for a watch that had a white background as I could read it much better. Now if you are thinking I have a bit of an age thing going here, well, yeah your right, LOL ...I use to not worry so much about those things and I am sure you will catch with me if you have not done so yet. (you too Alex).

Anyway my Dad actually gave me his watch. I will keep it for years to come as I do not change a watch like I do my you know what. It means much more to me than just being a watch.

I wondered recently how our heavenly father felt as he allowed his son to be given for me? Such a gift I take so much for granted it seems. I will also keep that gift for the rest of my life as well. There is no correlation between the two gifts you might be thinking, however "time" is a part of our daily lives. How we use our time, and how we give of our time to others while being here for such a short lifetime does have a bit of meaning to me. The watch is a good reminder of all we have to be thankful for, and that does have a place within me, as quite a gift.

What was your special gift this year, care to share your thoughts? Would love to hear yours.

Christmas is over, all the hoop-la is done, now what?

2007-12-28T15:44:30Z

Good question for some of us. I find so many people having the Holiday Blues after Christmas has come and gone. I hope your not in that group as you read this, but..if you are, don't get yourself too far down in the dumps as things will smooth out soon. I know the period after Christmas and New Years day is sometimes kind of a limbo thing. As for me I like to continue to celebrate Christ's birthday a bit longer, in my mind. I give thanks for the many blessings he has given to us throughout the years, and have a little chat concerning things coming our way in the coming year ahead.

This is the time of year when people get down and out, so I hope you stay focused on what this time of year is really all about and enjoy that limbo time. But for those that are not it limbo and still working to finish out this year, I wish you all the luck as well. I hope you all get time to relax, reflect, and just be thankful. Talk to you all later, have a Great New Years Day.

Do you handle "change" well? And what do you do if you have to make a "change" ?

2007-12-28T11:30:26Z

Do you handle "change" well? And what do you do if you have to make a "change" ? So I am sure your asking what is this guy talking about at this point, right? Well, lets just say we all have to make some kind of a "change" in our lives at one time or another. My biggest type of change has to do with my mind. I change my mind about so many things now a days it is unreal. I may make my mind up to do something I really want to do only to find myself backing away from the whole idea. I think as we grow a bit older we tend to think things through more thoroughly and we either don't make the decision to move ahead or make the wrong decision and end up paying for it some way or another.

So what are some of the things your thinking of changing in 2008? New car, new home, new hair style, new way of of doing business to make yourself more productive, attend a new church, and so on.

How do you make choices of what your going to make changes of in the upcoming year is what I am after here. How do you know your making the right choice of making a "change"?

I myself have a goal this year. I have had the same goal over the past years....and that is to be more in tune with the person that can really help me make the right choices in this changing world we live in. You see I think we are only here for a short time as a rehearsal for what is going to inevitably be a final "change" for all of us. No matter how successful we are here on earth, we all will do one thing the same way everyone else does in life, and that is depart the same way. This is just a practice run so to speak. I want to let my God in on all my decisions I make this year ever more so than I ever have in my life. I want to be able to be so much in tune with Him I will have no doubt that the decisions I make are the right ones. Have you ever just wished you could sit and have a one on one conversation with the God that knows you better than anyone else? I sure do, and I want these ears of mine to pick up every word I can from Him.

I wish you all a wonderful New Year, and I hope all your changes (if your making any) are the ones you know are the right ones for you. God Bless, take care.

A day of remembering...and being thankful

2007-12-25T16:13:57Z

Today as the day passes I have been thinking of how wonderful God has been to our family. So many of you have had trials this year, and have made it through them with Gods help. I am giving so much thanks to our Lord for all He has brought us through. I think He really has something planned for us here, and I also am looking forward to what purpose he has for us this coming year. 2008 has to be the year we make a real difference in so many others lives. The changes we have made in the last few months have been so unreal, and so different, we have a hard time believing we made it through. We have to smile about it today, and say thank you God for allowing us to continue on. We hope we can give back to so many that are in need. And I think we are going to be able to continue to do so in a short while. What plans are you all making for this coming year? Are your goals set, marketing plans in place? What are your thoughts at this time of year?

As for me, there is no marketing plan, no strategic action plan, and no financial reports drawn up. I am going to trust in God to take us to where we belong, and count on Him to see us through once again. I know for a fact that what ever He has in store for us now, is what we are to be doing. I wish you all a blessed new year in 2008.

But for this day, I will remember Christ, and what price He has paid for me, and be thankful. And we are thankful for you.

Just want to stop by and wish you all a Very Merry Christmas

2007-12-24T10:38:58Z

It would just not be Christmas without wishing our friends on A.R. a Very Merry Christmas. We also want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support during this last year.

A short update....we both may be coming back into the industry, in a different way this time. We will not know until after the first of the year. We will however keep you all posted.

Take care, and God bless,

Bob and Cyndi

I am a Mortgage Consultant, not a Mortgage Loan Officer, here's why...

2007-08-17T10:11:48Z

I am a Mortgage Consultant, not a Mortgage Loan Officer, here's why... As we all know the Lending and Real Estate Industry is hitting hard times. So many of us are now working two full time jobs, or part time to make ends meet. We are no different than anyone else in our home. I would like to make it known that I am now what I have always been, a Mortgage Consultant. As a Loan Officer for years I always carried the Consultant title on my professional business card. There is a difference in being a Loan Officer, and a Mortgage Consultant. I have always talked to my clients throughout the years to try and bring much more to their understanding of what was happening while I was in the process of lending them the much needed funds to make their purchase. A Consultant has a responsibility to answer all questions a client has, and to also provide more information to the client throughout the transaction while being processed. That means the Consultant still needs to be a part of the transaction, not just the processor.

I will continue to help clients needing "Answers" to any and all questions regarding a Mortgage loan. I will not be in the position of lending, so now I will be able to tell the story as it has always been told...truthfully and honestly. I will give my unbiased opinion to any person who needs assistance. I have for months now thought of how I would stay with a profession I have been in for over twenty eight long and wonderful years. Now I have the answer, just keep doing what I have always done, Answer the questions!

Here are just a few questions I would be more than happy to answer:

How do I know if I am being charged too much on my Good Faith Estimate?

When should I buy down the interest rate?

Should I take out an Adjustable Rate Mortgage now?

Is an Origination fee an acceptable fee to be charged, and just what does that fee pay for?

Is it a good idea to purchase a home on Land Contract?

I hope to hear from many prospective buyers with their questions. I also will be directing them to Active Rain as this is the most informational site with the best Mortgage Loan Consultants and Officers in the business.

This profession has lots to offer, on both sides of the transaction, so lets continue to have fun and get to work.

Home Town and another great day, Memorial Building

2007-07-28T20:39:35Z

Home Town and another great day, Memorial Building is where we took off to today in Wabash, In. This is the War Memorial building that I had actually signed all my papers to Join the U.S. Marines in 1969. I will never forget that day. So many others had done the same as I did throughout the years throughout our town history. Some of those young men did not make it back home, they are our true heroes. I thank all of them and their families for the sacrifice they had given in order for me to continue with our lives we all have today.

I now have posted three posts concerning this little town, and I hope many of you can relate to what I am trying to convey. Our history, our past, and present has made us what and who we are today. I look at this building in awe, as I wonder who built it, how long did it take to do so, and do those wonderful craftsmen know what they have left behind for us to enjoy and use for many years to come?

As with all towns, the downtown areas are now starting to show the effects of our economy. Several store fronts are empty, and so many buildings that use to stand, and now gone. I do hope things will get better, and I hope to see more people active within our communities that want our towns to survive. Thanks for coming by my post, I hope you enjoyed this picture of the War Memorial Building.

An Old Theatre, with so many memories....

2007-07-28T11:31:40Z

An Old Theatre, with so many memories....As a kid I would walk over two miles to come to the downtown Wabash Theatre and pay my 25 cents to get in to see the movie, and of course the 10 cents for popcorn. This Theatre was built and opened in 1905, and still stands as it did so long ago. The inside is as it was, with three balcony's, and a huge ball room as well. Things have not changed much with this theatre, cost is a little higher now at six dollars per grown up. And the popcorn is also a little higher as well. But, the memories are still there, the cost? Priceless. I love this old building, and what it stood for so long ago. A place to come and relax, meet with other kids, and enjoy a Walt Disney movie, like the Shaggy Dog, or Boris Karloff's scary movies as well, that was not so good as I still had to walk home...in the dark. I hope you have great memories as I do of your home town, like this one located in Wabash, Indiana. Keep those memories and moments of your life alive, it is fun to do.

Wabash Indiana, First Electrically Lighted City in the World

2007-07-25T16:01:56Z

As I grew up in Wabash, Indiana I never gave it much thought about all he hoopla about our town being the First Electrically Lighted City in the World. But as years have gone by, I now understand what this all meant to the City so long ago. On March 31, 1880 at 8:00 P.M. it happened, the light was installed and history would forever change our little town called Wabash. The light today rests in a sealed glass box in the Court House located downtown, you cannot miss it, believe me. As a young man I would look at this one light bulb that gave off so much light, and it was still in tact, not broken. I am leaving you with a link about the story telling you about the light, and a little history of how Wabash actually made this possible. By clicking on the link you will know the cost of the project, who were the people that made this happen, and some history as to what happened since. I hope you will enjoy this small bit of information about a special little town called Wabash.

The above bill board also shows you the Court House as it is today. Wabash-First Electrically Lighted City in the World

Factory worker, Realtor, what do these two people have in common?

2007-07-21T20:40:44Z

Have you ever wondered what a factory worker and a Realtor have in common? You might be surprised to know they have a lot in common. A factory worker is off to work everyday the same as the agent selling real estate, they are simply doing something different during the day or evenings. But they are both doing something similar. They are both interacting with other people. The factory worker has to work and get along with the co-workers, in many case the worker has to sell himself/herself to the co-worker in order to just get along with each other. Personalities come into play and the factory employee has to demonstrate restraint many times as certain subjects might come up a little "untasteful" at times. The Realtor, also has to do the same with the perspective buyer. Many times personalities may clash when the buyer is tired, worn down from seeing too many homes, and is unable to see things clearly, and very much needs the assistance of the Real Estate professional. We all have been raised by different types of parents, which have helped make our personalities into what we are today.

I write this post because I think so many people in our industry have come from so many backgrounds, past factory workers, military background, stay at home mothers, (one of the most important jobs on earth), and have come into the profession as a Realtor, Loan Officer, and so on. In the Real Estate profession we are very much like the factory worker, both professionals at their trade, that make our country so strong and viable. We all have so much in common with other people, and that is what makes our jobs so interesting. I try and find out many times just what I might have in common with my clients, no matter what their profession may be. We are all in a world of "Professional People."

Jesus had twelve professionals, followers that came in contact with so many other types of peoples personalities and professions. We all really do have so much in common, you think?

How about that HGTV program, and which home would you buy?

2007-07-19T19:04:40Z

I think every one of us here on Active Rain usually watches the T.V. program HGTV...if not, well your missing out on a real treat. I love to watch it for several reasons. My wife the Realtor in the family loves to watch it, so I am hooked too. What I find interesting while watching the show is that I am trying to figure out which home would the buyer choose, the first, second or the third home shown. Now while we are watching the Realtor showing these homes, I am watching body language of the buyer, and I am listening to what the buyer has to say. At the first of the program a scenario is given as to what exactly the buyer wants. No stairs, one level, garage, patio, on the water, or not, newer home or a fixer upper. I think your getting my drift so far, lets keep going. As I watch I see from time to time the Realtor making statements such as, location, view, a little updating could bring the value up, and so on. Now sometimes...and I do mean sometimes I will pick the right home the buyer is going to make the offer on and purchase the dream home.

While we view each home we both sit and make comments like, oooowww and aaahhhh, or yuck, wow, too small, or man that is a dump and for how much money? LOL, it is a fun program and we do enjoy watching, and at times we even learn a few things, of what not to do especially. My hat is off to all you Realtor's, as you have quite a job to do in placing your buyer in the right home of choice. I wish you much success!

Do you market yourself, everywhere you go?

2007-07-15T09:18:09Z

Recently Cyndi and I went to a town function in Lapel Indiana here is the link: http://activerain.com/blogsview/146817/Lapel-Indiana-Days and we had a great time. Many times we were ask to sign up for this drawing to win a gift etc., we both know why, as this is a great way to obtain our information and we can easily be reached. I am not apposed to giving out our information, if it is done right. I will ask for the same from the asking company wanting my info. I want to net work and I am not shy in asking for the relationship. I first ask a few questions to see if I would want to net work with this person, and then I simply ask for the business. It is a win win situation and we can both benefit. After all that is what these functions are all about, how to drum up business, right? Right. Cyndi is not shy either and she does ask for the same information. It is important to market ourselves everywhere we go, and to everyone that is a potential client. If they are not interested, take it to the next level and ask if they have a friend or family member that you could possibly help. For all of you who know the Sloop Team here on Active Rain, we are not as shy as we use to be, so we are asking, and making some headway as we go along too. Good luck with your marketing of yourself, and have fun doing it.

Tho I walk, no....through sickness...nope....promise to cherish....oh boy....

2007-07-14T02:54:41Z

Tho I walk, no....through sickness...nope....promise to cherish....oh boy.... So, have you ever wondered about all these phrases, promises, and wondered if you could really keep your commitment to each? We all have prayed, and we have all said our vows, (if your married) and so on. In looking at my past I often have fallen short on all the above, sadly to say. But...there is indeed room for improvement and hopefully "time" to do so before we depart from this life here on earth. Life seems like it goes past us so fast now that we are getting a little older, it seems like time is not standing still as it once did when we were in our earlier years in life. Funny thing about how time seems to pass on by so quickly these days.

I have wondered why time does what it does, meaning why does it have to go by so fast now? I think it is because of my impatience, and my persistence to make sure this and that gets accomplished in time to move on to the next project. Business life is like that, and certainly does not stand still for anyone who is working to fulfill the American dream of getting ahead in life and being successful.

So do you think we can slow this time thing down a bit? Or at least see if we can seemingly make time slow down? I think we can, but it takes a little work on our part. First we need to do something, it is called, slow down and smell the roses. LOL....now that takes time to do, and it takes a commitment on our part too. I would suggest doing this with your partner, wife or husband or even your children. Make sure you leave ample time in your daily schedule to do so, and take the time to make your life more meaningful by smelling those long awaited sniffs. Why else do you think God made roses for in the first place? LOL. This is not something that is done over night mind you. To be truthful, it is hard to make time to do what I am suggesting, especially in this corporate world we live in. Now do not misunderstand what I am saying, I feel we all should certainly pray, which takes time, so time should be blocked aside for this to happen as well, and we cannot forget our marriage commitment to help our spouses in sickness and health, and we also have to take time to cherish the ones we love as well.

I am writing this blog for a special person in my life, her name is Cynthia Q. Sloop, you all know her as Cyndi here on A.R., and if you read her posts, you have come to know what makes her tick. I too am a avid reader on here regarding her posts. I learn about what makes her tick just like many of you. A. R. has actually helped her and I to enjoy each other here, and brings with it a new perspective on who we are. Cyndi is a Realtor, who has great ideas as to how to get the job done. She brings much to the table to her readers, and myself many times on a daily basis.

I would just like to take this time to stop and smell the roses, and tell Cyndi I really do enjoy her posts, and much more she has to offer. I want to wish her a happy anniversary as well, as today is our wedding anniversary which I do cherish. I hope you will wish her a happy day today and join with me to take a little time, and smell those pretty roses God has given to us to enjoy. I want to thank A.R. for your support, and for your friendships made here, which are priceless, and cannot ever be taken for granted. We are happy to share with you all and I certainly hope I give you back a little of what your sharing here as well.

Take care, and God bless you all, real good. Have a great day!!!

Today is a great Friday the 13th...how about you?

2007-07-13T16:16:09Z

Well today we started out with it being the 13th, on Friday and so much has happened today that made today a great day. First my doctor called, told me to come in and have my staples removed, yeah. Then Cyndi had a call from a Bank on a short sale where the Bank is willing to work with her and the client she will be listing with. Then a prospective client comes in from Active Rain requesting financial help out of a messy loan made by a mortgage company that made many mistakes. Wow, what a day, and I think we are on a roll. Maybe we could stretch the 13th over the week end and cause more good luck, you think?

I also wrote a post earlier on today, this morning, and you know people just seem to be busy, Paula Henry wrote she did not have time to worry about the day, as she was so busy doing this and that. I am happy to hear this because that means things are happening for the best.

Have a great week end everyone, and I hope your day was a good as mine.

Property taxes going up, sometimes 100%, ouch, what to do?

2007-07-13T16:00:03Z

You all have heard I am sure that Indianapolis Indiana is heading for a lot of families being very unhappy. Taxes on property has risen in some cases, up to 100 %. The State is looking into relief, but I see the damage as being non reversible at this point. Many homeowners are thinking of selling, then they make the statement that is is not possible as the taxes now out weigh the monthly payment on the mortgage.

I think the State will step in and do the right thing, but so far things do not look good. Property values have gone down in the last few years due to lack of sales, and people being forced to move to other States due to loss of jobs. I would suggest that if anyone that has been hit hard on the taxation, to obtain an appraisal of your property and try and find out what other homes in your area you live in are also being taxed at. Many homes are being overlooked and hardly any tax increase is being assessed. Again, I feel the State will fix the problem, but for now you must try an move on this issue as quickly as you can to get the wheels in motion to have your tax increase looked at through your assessment office. Good luck and I hope this will help in most cases.

Buyers beware, I use to wonder what is the big deal, why should I care?

2007-07-13T15:29:23Z

Buyers beware, I use to wonder what is the big deal, why should I care? I often could not understand how people could actually sign documents stating what the terms of a loan would be, before reading all the fine print, and not so fine too. I was called a few days ago by a client that had already signed all documentation on his new loan. The loan should have been a V.A. Loan as this was the request of the consumer. My client calling now told me that the lender did not give him a V.A. loan but it was an FHA loan, so he thinks. I have ask that he pull all his loan documentation package out and I would try and help him first to find out just what type of loan he has. He does know he has PMI, or MIP on the loan. V.A. does not have PMI, as we all know. I am listening to the client, telling me the loan officer started deviating from the original request, and at closing the loan was not a VA loan. When I say buyer beware, please do look at all documentation, and be sure you know what your getting in to. Do not sign the loan papers if something is wrong. In this case, our client now has to pay thousands of dollars in PMI, and does not have the loan he applied for in the first place. Get a second opinion, and again, do not sign any loan documents if your not happy with the loan.

On the positive side, we may be able to get this client out of his loan, and try for that VA loan he is requesting.

Today is the big day, Friday the 13th, should I just stay home?

2007-07-13T08:34:06Z

OK, today is here, we all know about it and now my question is should I just stay home and hope I am safe? Now that is a good question, since I am a bit accident prone these days. Now if I stay home, I should not ride the mower as I could slip off the seat, and goodness knows what would happen then, and I better not push mow the lawn either as the wheels could come off from the speed of my pushing the mower. As for doing the dishes, nope I may have to use the disposal, won't even go there...LOL.

Now I think this is a little far fetched, but some of us do think this way. I think if we treat our business this way we will really be up a tree with no where to come down either. So I think our best solution is do what god has told us to do. Rely on Him and we should make it through the day. I pray you all have a wonderful 13th, and much success in this day for your business.

Now, the 13th has always been my lucky number, so you can all guess what I am really going to be doing, right? Right. Have a fun day!