I would like to congratulate Diana Redding of Studio One on her success in this month's Featured Business.  Diana's motto for her studio is, "We love to dance...and it shows!"  As a family who has been involved with this studio, I can attest that Diana and each of the staff members holds this as a core value.

This Saturday, October 17th, Studio One is hosting a Celebration of their 15 years as a community business.  Between 1 and 4 PM, they are asking all dancers (past, present, and future) to stop by and visit.  There will be special guest performances, refreshments, friends, and lots of fun. 

This Studio boasts award winning performing teams, classes for adults, toddler combo classes, tumbling, ballroom dancing, and so much more.   As a positive place to give confidence to youth and adults alike, I hope that you will take the time to check it out. 

Studio One Dance Academy is located at 7915 SE Lake Road, Milwaukie, OR 97267.  We would love to see you there!

Sarah Eubanks is an optimistic and experienced Mortgage Specialist.  For both your Residential and Commercial Mortgage needs, she is who you want to handle your purchase or refinance.  Phone Sarah today at 503.442.1349.

Inspired by Inna Hardison's tribute to her son, I wanted to share with you about living the dream.

I am the blessed and (usually) fortunate mom of an almost ten year old competitive, testosterone prone, sports minded boy, Derek.  He, along with my daughter, are a dream come true for me.  While I have many dreams in my life, one of them was (and is) very basic.  Having a family and being a mom.

Derek's dream, his #1 hope and aspiration, is to play baseball.  He will play for the Oregon State Beavers while he earns his degree, and then for the New York Yankees (if you are not a Yankee fan...you will be when Derek joins their ranks).  While this may seem far fetched given that tons of boys dream of playing in the major leagues, I can tell you this.  If anyone is able to do this and achieve this dream...it is most assuredly my sweet little man.  His dream has become my dream too.

While his Dad and I could tenderly point him in a different direction, telling him that it is just too hard.  We do not.  We want no part in killing a dream.  Especially not our children's dreams.  Beyond that, though, we believe that God gives us dreams for a reason.  So, we look forward, fully expecting to be sitting there for his first Major League game.  We have certainly given this little boy advice on how to make that dream a reality, and Derek has taken that and made it all his own.  These characteristics are how we see the winner inside of him.

• His Faith ~ Derek believes that God has a good plan for his life and that it will include baseball.  As a left handed pitcher, he has God given traits that automatically give him some sort of advantage when pitching.  He also knows that he can do all things through Christ who strengthens him.  When he is feeling frustrated or discouraged, Derek prays and asks God for strength.
• His Coaches ~ In the off season, Derek saw a private coach to get ready for the baseball draft in March.  He wanted to be on the top level team with the best coaches so he could try to learn from them.  His private coach has mentioned on many occasions that Derek will succeed because at nine years old, he listens to the instruction, retains, it, and uses it to make himself a better play.  He did, by the way, make the federal team out of the 100+ who tried for it.)
• His Work Ethic ~ Even after a successful game, he asks those who he trusts what he could have done better to help his team.  He is always striving to do better.  Always holding the ball with different grips.  Often swinging his bat to strengthen his arm.  Even in his free time, he chooses baseball activities because he loves the game.
• His Support ~ Having friends and family around who love him, cheer him on, encourage him, and support him has been paramount to his successes so far.  He always says how much he loves it when people come and watch him.  He knows that he could not do this on his own.  And as a result, he gives credit where credit is due.
• His Character ~ People want to be around Derek.  His teammates and his coaches enjoy having him on the team.  After every practice, after every game, he thanks his coaches for volunteering their time.  He finds the successes in his teammates for that game and encourages them.  Derek is just the kind of person whose character inspires others.

So how does this apply to living your dream in this business and industry?  I would say go ahead and take the wisdom of a nine year old.  Use his traits and live your dream.  I will be using them in my life and in my business.  It will not happen overnight.  Go all nine innings and even more if you need to in order to win.

Speaking of business, if you need help with your residential or commercial mortgage, please phone me at 503.442.1349.  Just realize that if I do not answer your call, I am likely at a ball park cheering on my favorite superstar who is living his dream.  I will phone you back as soon as I can.  While you are waiting..take some time...take the steps...and live your dream too.

Hello to all of my Active Rain friends! 

I have been away for a little while recently.  While you may wonder what has been going on with me, I can and will answer those questions for you in this post.  Not to fear, there is nothing that was wrong.  To the contrary, my business has been exceeding my expectations for this time.  I am so blessed!

I have missed being in the Rain, but was busy with my business.  Busy with my family.  Busy with fighting Clackamas County to get permits to build. 

My daughter, Breana, actually prompted me to get back to Active Rain.  The astute 11 year old that she is, she asked me the other day, "Mommy...why are you not spending time on Active Rain anymore?".  I explained to her in all of my wisdom that Mommy is busy.  I have not had time to be writing posts and that the fact that loans were funding and closing was all I had time for in the midst pf parenthood, building a home, and volunteering in our community.  You know, the usual, "there are so many hours in the day".

While that basically ended the conversation, it did get me to thinking.  Where has the bulk of my business been coming from?  It all can be traced back to one place.  You guessed it, Active Rain.  The networking opportunity that this provides is intangible.  Track with me for a moment.  In the past 12 months, I have...

• Closed 3 loans from AR Realtors who contacted me to help in a purchase transaction.  
• Learned how to use Facebook and Twitter to obtain leads.  This has obtained 4 new clients for me.   It has also afforded me an opportunity to stay in touch with past clients. 
• I found about ZMM and have had many, many loans close as a result of submitting quotes.  Further, I have earned countless referrals from my Zillow clients.

This website has been a blessing to my business, and I need to continue to nurture that.  For those of you who have bailed because you are busy, join me in reasserting a presence here in the Rain.  It may not be as often as it used to be.  And that is okay.  For those of you who I have been out of contact with, I look forward to reestablishing our friendship.  Thanks to Breana, I am back, and I am ready for more....

Get out the Vote, Rock the Vote.  I do not particularly care how you vote.  Just vote.  In this critical time of American history in the making, we need to hear the voice of Oregonians.  We need to be a part of both the national and local landscape.  Do you really want to be the one vote that looses a measure you care about?  Do you want to be one of a few that do not elect the individual to office that you would prefer?  Your vote does make a difference.  Is it a cliche'?  You had better believe that it is.  But it makes does not make it any less true. 

As a service to all who have been complacent in the past, I have compiled a few resources for you.  Go and check them out and get yourself registered to vote.  We are coming down to the last few days and you need to be proactive and register.  I am making it very simple for you.  To borrow a phrase from Phil Knight and Nike, "Just Do It".

In Oregon, our last day to register to vote is on this coming Tuesday, the 14th of October.  So read on, visit the links should you need to (or want to), and then VOTE!!

• Clicking here will take you to an official Oregon Secretary of State Elections Division page.  On this page you can input your information and find out if you are on target to receive an election ballot later this month.  As of this evening when I checked my personal information, it had been updated through today.
• If you are not registered, visiting this Secretary of State site will allow you to register to vote online.  It does not get much easier than that.  If you can find your way to this post, I am quite certain that you can register withthis method.  It will also provide you with information on Oregon's Vote By Mail, Election Guidelines, and other relevant information.  It is a good resource to use.
• Finally, this page will get you the information on your particular county.  Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, you can contact your local county official.  It will provide you with the contact name as well as methods to get in touch with your local clerk.

Again, this is a crucial time in our history.  Whether you are passionate about politics or "just" concerned about the economy.  You need to participate.   Encourage others to do the same. 

As I vote, I will be watching, reading, and writing.  :-)

In today's economic turmoil and heated political scene, we rarely hear news that is uplifting or encouraging.  This morning - today - is not any different.  I wanted to share with you a glimmer of hope which I found on the MSNBC website today. 

While researching the emergency rate cut enacted by the fed this morning, I stumbled across this article claiming, "Breaking News" , but oddly I have not seen anything about it on the big three networks.  So...are you ready for the good news...the hope?

August's Existing Home Sales had a very solid increase in the month of August.  While the expectation was for another decline of 1.8%, the buyers started buying.  Not only were the economists wrong in their expectation of a decrease, they were blown out of the water with an increase of 7.4%.  The article, as brief as it is, goes on to tell you that the reading is the highest since June of 2007 and 8.8% higher than one year before.

While I am not espousing that the hard times are over, I do think that we need to spread the news.  I believe that the media is largely responsible for the mess we are in now.  Sure, government has played it's roll in the demise.  But the media are the ones who fuel the fear of the masses.  If we can get out and encourage buyers, sellers, and borrowers that now is a great time to buy, we can help to stimulate the economy.  We can make ourselves part of the media.  We have voices too.  And Active Rain has established itself as a major influence in the world of Real Estate both nationally and locally.

Go spread the good news.  The hope.  As I do what I can to join the fight, I will be watching, reading, and writing (finally).

MY LITTLE GIRL ~  MY LOVE 

Today, I celebrate one of my favorite days of the year!  My little girl...Breana, turns ten years old.  In honor of this little miracle's birthday, I want to celebrate her first decade of life.  What better way to do that than by sharing a bit of her life and personality with all of you.  I am so blessed to not only know her but have her as my daughter, and the following are just a few reasons why this is true!

So without further ado and in no particular order, here are my top ten reasons that I celebrate Breana Renee Eubanks...

1. Her heart.  Breana is full of compassion.  When an ambulance passes us she prays that the family will feel at peace in the midst of whatever chaotic and scary thing is going on.  She prays that the doctors will be wise, and that the ambulance gets to it's location safely.  If yu ever pass us in an ambulance, you are totally covered with the love of a little girl...a stranger.  A stranger with a ginormous heart!
2. Her smile.  Breana has a smile which warms the heart of even the grumpiest types.  We are regulars at this one restaurant.  No one could get a particular server to smile.  He always seemed bitter and angry.  One evening at dinner, Breana cracked a smile and his face shone for the first time in the two years that we had known him.  Since then, he smiles and laughs with us everytime we see him. 
3. Her energy.  Okay, okay...sometimes, I wish she were not so energetic.  But on the days where I need some energy, she shares it with me.  When you are around Breana you just cannot help but feel enthusiastic for life.  She bubbles over with life and it is always exciting!
4. Her attitude.  While many children have learned to make excuses, Breana has learned a "can do" attitude.  No matter the challenge, she meets it with grace and determination.  In this, her first year playing softball, she is pitching.  When she decided that she wanted to try pitching, she committed herself to helping her team by being the best pitcher she could be.  Never have I heard her say, "I can't" when she is coached to do something differently.  She gets in there, pushing up her Roxy sweatshirt sleeves and does it.
5. Her generosity.  Breana gives.  There is no more to say than that.  She gives of her time, her energy, her money, and most importantly, herself.  Most of the things she does have been done to encourage someone else. 
6. Her strength.  When we named Breana, we did not know initially that her name meant "Strong".  But once we had decided on the name, I looked up it's meaning.  I was glad for the meaning as I wanted a leader.  I wanted for my daughter to be strong and know who she was/is.  She is as strong as they come, and at the same time, soft and delicate.  She is going to grow up to be an amazing woman.  I feel privileged that I get to be by her and watch what God has planned for her life.
7. Her creativity.  While this may seem silly to some, it is truly one thing I love about Breana.  She is an individual and she knows what she likes.  She beats to her own drummer, and her style demonstrates this truth.  Breana has impeccable style in everything she does.
8. Her work ethic.  Breana entered grade four this year with a drastic change in expectations.  At the beginning, she was truly unaware of what it would take to earn her customary grades.  As we went about the process of working to achieve her goals, she chose to skip certain events in order to excel at something which mattered to her.  She is going to go far in life with an attitude like that.
9. Her decency.  Breana has a great grasp on what really matters in life.  She cares about the homeless.  When we ran by them this March for the Shamrock Run, her heart was scared for the individuals she saw.  She has a sense of fairness.  She knows inherently what is right and what is wrong.  She lives out her life with mercy and with grace. 
10. Her life.  Breana is a miracle.  With the cord wrapped around her neck twice, her birth was tumultuous.  Tens of hours after labor Breana entered this world.  Within moments of her birth, my health was in danger.  She has helped me fight and never give up even since that time.  When times are rough, I remember that God had (has) a purpose for her life.  And that I am a part of what will help to get her where she needs to be. 

Yes...many of these aspects seem too "big" for a ten year old child.  But, in a way, she has always been a bit wiser than her years.  It is, in part, why I have called her my "Munchkin" from the time she was born.  I am so very proud of her life so far, and yet I look to the future and know that her life will be even so much more.

Celebrate today.  Find whatever you can to find your top ten reasons why you love today.  I did not have to look very hard.  Hopefully you won't either.  Happy 10th Birthday, Breana!  For the record, "I love you more, most, forever and ever and always!"

Here I am, as busy as I have ever been, thinking and pondering all things mortgage related.  I have been having epiphany after epiphany related to my industry ~ my business.  I could not help but share this one with all of you.

Recently, one of my great realizations is that our clients are buying a good and a service from us.  You, the clients, are choosing which "store" you want to shop at to get a great interest rate.  But really, there is so much more than the rate involved. 

When we are shopping for shoes or for a new computer, price is definitely a factor.  Yet it is not the only factor.  So it is with buying a new automobile.  We can buy the less expensive Ford or the more pricey Lincoln.  What is the difference between shopping at Nordstrom or at Walmart?  Unmatched customer service and a great cost per use can be found at Nordstrom.  Walmart will feature the quick sell and relatively disposable version of similar products.

Thinking of it in that way, let me be the first to say...shopping with me is equivalent to shopping at Nordstrom.  Using my services, you will feel like you are in luxury vehicle ~ a Lincoln Navigator or something even nicer.

I know somewhere you can go to buy a bargain.  But, if you are willing to buy great customer service and a great product, come shop with me. 

So you wanna buy a mortgage??  Most of us just won't look for the cheapest thing we can find when it come to important issues...something that really matters.  Our wedding dresses need to beautiful.  Spare no expense, right?  The car we drive, the house we buy, the shoes we wear...the list goes on.

So why are people out to find the "cheapest" mortgage?  The economy is tight...why should I pay someone to do this?  It makes a difference to my bottom line.  Guess what...step in close so I can tell you and you can hear.  Your gas guzzling car makes a difference to your bottom line, too.  You still drive it. 

Why?  I will tell you why.  It makes you feel safe.  It makes you comfortable.  It will get you through all sorts of weather.  So do I and so will I.  That is the reason I deserve to be paid.  That is the reason that you will not likely find the "cheapest" rate with me.

Let's get one thing clear.  I do not rip clients off at all.  I am worth my time and my efforts, though.  My philosophy when I entered this business is that getting one loan and making .5% was better than nothing.  No longer do I feel that way.  Even if I were to have a month with no closed transactions, I would not believe that anymore.  I am worth what I charge, and quite frankly even more than you can pay me.

So,,,you wanna buy a mortgage?  Come get great customer service.  Come on over to Nordstrom where you will be treated with respect and integrity.  Just as your shoes from Nordstrom will last forever (as long as the style does), so will your loan.  Are you willing to pay for the brand name mortgage?  Set yourself up with me, a local luxury Mortgage Professional.

So, you wanna buy a mortgage??  I can be reached at 503.442.1349 or sarah@hillvalleyfinancial.com.  I look forward to serving you.  "Thank you for phoning Sarah Eubanks...how can I help you today?"

Put on your party hat...break open that champagne bottle!  Today, just a moment ago, actually, I achieved my 50,000 points.  Well on my way to catching up with Todd Clark someday...okay, maybe not.  But a girl can dream can't she!  :-)

As I have hit this milestone, I wanted to share with you what Active Rain has done for me.

• I have made great friends and business referrals.
• I have been able to send business to appraisers and Realtors who I have met through the Rain.
• I have closed on two mortgages thus far as a result of Active Rain
• Mike Jones sent me a referral which believe or not, Mike, I am still working on.
• The client Mike sent my way gave me a new puppy as a "Thank you!"  Her name is Godiva -- "Diva" for short...more to come on her soon...
• I have been able to participate with Mortgage Pro Week in Review...twice
• I was featured recently from a creative writing contest.  I did not "win".  But, I did win with new clients.  That is always a plus...
• I have three transactions at the moment which stemmed in one way or another from this site.
• I started a Women in Real Estate group where membership is growing right along with the posts.

And for those of you who know me, you know that I would not want to take without giving back.  So...here are a few goals that I have for my presence here with all of these terrific colleagues!

• Educate my borrowers in the ways of Mortgages, my occassional creativity combined with Mortgage expertise may inspire more borrowers to become educated.
• Encourage those of us in this industry to see the light at the end of the tunnel.  Times may be tough for some.  But take it from me, not for all.  There is plenty of work to go around ~ let's get it done together!
• Help newer members to realize the benefit that this site provides to them.
• Be more disciplined to moderate the Women's group.  Putting current and relevant data which will help and encourage us to continue on towards success both as industry professionals and as consumers.

I have nothing but appreciation for Active Rain.  It has done a lot for me both personally and professionally.  As I continue to learn, my biggest desire is to still give back.

So, come join my celebration.  Bring a glass of wine or bring a cup of tea.  Bring a smile or a frown.  No matter how you get here, just get here.  We will forge ahead together and continue making this a great place to be.  Thanks for coming to my party!  I cannot wait to come to yours...

:-)

Good morning, this is Sarah Eubanks reporting to you from Oregon City's very own Hill Valley Financial Services.  Today's weather interest rates look to be bright and sunny.  However, there is a high pressure wind blowing in from the East threatening to bring rain and an increase in interest rates right along with it!

This is my riddle for the day, and I would love to have your input.  How are Mortgage Professionals and Meteorologists alike?  While on the surface, they may seem unrelated to you, I have had several thoughts lately which have led me to this admittedly random post.

Just to get us started, let me draw a few comparisons for you.  Again, I would love to hear your input, so go ahead and add your insight!

First of all, when the rain/snow/sleet/tornadoes/hurricanes are coming, no one likes to hear what the Meteorologist has to say.  Sometimes, they even ignore the forecast for certain disaster.  Likewise, we Mortgage Professionals are not well liked when the interest rates are creeping up.  When we phone our past Stated income borrowers to warn them of the impending demise of the Stated product...they may not take our warning with sincerity.  Conversely...the sun is shining, the interest rates are good...Mortgage pros and Meteorologists alike are our friends.

Number two...Neither professions have the ability to change the forecast.  The economy is slumping...the sunny skies are turning to stormy climates.  We are as helpless as the next guy.  We just wish that people would stop "shooting the messenger".  We are doing our jobs and preparing people the best that we know how to. 

This leads me to my third conceptual likeness.  We cannot forecast perfectly.  So, the skies are cloudy and we forecast sun.  Or interest rates are up and we had thought they would go down.  Uh-oh!  No one wants to be wrong...especially us.   We are educated, we look at historical facts along with current conditions and we make our best hypothesis for the future of the weather interest rates.  The bonds are down, the stock market is soaring.  It is the same as the high pressure of clouds or the East Winds bearing down.

Either way, Meteorologist or Mortgage Professional ~  unless it is summer and beautiful, the high pressure is on.  It is on us.  But you know what?  We can handle it.  We were and are meant to stand and weather the storms, knowing that the sun is going to come out again someday.  And when it does, we will be right there to enjoy it along with everyone else!

This message has been brought to you by Sarah Eubanks and Hill Valley Financial Services.  We want to be your Mortgage Specialists for life!  So please call 503-442-1349 for a more specific and detailed forecast on your home purchase or refinance!

Here I am again.  It is a maddening place to be.  Nevertheless here I am.

I hate this position.  I loathe being out of control.  If only I had a magic wand to wave, and some way to help....

I was going about my day today.  Driving to an appointment,  Thinking about the day and how the sun was shining.  The radio even said that it would be 68 degrees on Thursday.  Though the thick frost on the windshield did not want to melt, I knew the day would be a good one.

And it was.  Until just a brief moment later ~ when my cell phone rang.  Caller ID showed the name of a client of mine.  Cheerfully, I answered the phone to talk with Susan (name has been changed to protect client identity).  When I asked her how she was, how things were, she said to me, "They have been better...."

Which begged the questions, "What's going on and how can I help?"  Susan proceeded to inform me that her husband was being deported back to South America.  Now before you go getting all crazy about this one way or another, let me explain this particular situation to you.

Mr. Susan has been in the United States for 18 or twenty years.  He was granted political asylum by our government.  He married Susan and they have since had three beautiful (and still quite young) children.  Mr. Susan has been working very hard for several years and has had the legal ability to work here granted by the United States.  Now he has been given his marching orders.  Because the stability of the country he is returning to is so poor, he will be leaving Susan and their children here while they try to sort things out.  While they fight to get him back into the United States.

So, at this point, Susan is trying to figure out how in the world they will afford to keep their house and pay for a decent attorney.  They are attempting to learn all of their options with fairly limited financial resources.  She phoned me today hoping that I would have an idea.  A solution.  A plan.  I did not and I do not. 

So while I pray for wisdom, peace in their family, and financial provision for them.  I also ask you to join me.  You see every foreclosure has a story.  They are not all about the so called mortgage meltdown.  They are not all related to the subprime crises.  They often occur as life gets in the way of our own plans.  Mr. & Mrs. Susan are not in danger of foreclosure yet.  They are smart people...and they have saved enough money for a few months worth of bills.  Let's just pray that this family is protected physically, financially, and emotionally.  And...if you have any ideas on a good course of action or game plan for this family...please do let me know.

Thanks for your time, your thoughts, and your prayers in advance.  They are appreciated by me, and by this family of five.

**  As per special request, an update ~  Mr. and Mrs. Susan have better spirits.  However, there are no solid answers as of yet.  Please continue your prayers.  If you would like to donate anything, I have started accepting donations for their legal costs regarding immigration.  You can mail payments to ~ Sarah Eubanks, 19673 Toni Court, Oregon City, OR 97045.  If yu feel like sharing with this family, please include a note to encourage them.  remind them that not all Americans are in agreement.  Thanks for everyone's compassion and concern.   (Updated 04/09/08)