allentown: Momma Told Me, Be Careful Shopping for a Mortgage
- 12/10/08 05:09 AM
This post was originally written in May of 2008 but I thought it was not a bad idea to re-post it now. Amidst the talk of rock-bottom rates, there will be a lot of folks out there shopping for a mortgage. So, from the synapses of my brain to your eyes... here's my recommendations when shopping for a mortgage:
I'm well aware that most of us fancy ourselves smart shoppers. Whether we are buying a car, groceries, looking for the next Gas Station, sorting through bids on our next Home Improvement Estimate, shopping cell phone carriers...etc... we want the best deal. We want it cheap … (22 comments)
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allentown: Those Niche Loans You Rarely Hear About!
- 11/04/08 04:56 AM
There is the 'norm' and 'not so norm' in lending. Most folks know about refinancing, at least the general aspects of it. Perhaps you want to consolidate debt, shorten your term, lower your rate, turn equity into cash, or some other reason. You probably (whether you are a homeowner or not) have heard about refinancing before. You do a quick search, you'll be able to find a boat load of information on refinancing and a Mortgage Professional who can help you out.
Then there are loans to buy a home (maybe even for the first-time) or purchase an investment property. Those … (25 comments)
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allentown: Superstars and realized dreams...
- 08/30/08 04:30 AM
This song ran through my skull.
Have you noticed the barren landscape around you? Tumbleweeds roll across the office floor like another mortgage application that will never see the light of closure. In April of 2006, our small firm here in Allentown had 19 folks working for the cause: that of making our lives better by helping make other lives easier. Turn the clock to the common day, we are down to seven. But damn, the seven of us are some of the most passionate survivors in this new frontier. The Renaissance is here, amongst us. I see it, hear it, believe … (15 comments)
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allentown: Waiting for the Calm....
- 08/02/08 08:23 AM
Under much scrutiny and acute observation, the Mortgage Industry faces times that our economy is currently ill-prepared for. It has for some time. I recall stating six months ago in a post, that around this time we'd be feeling the brunt of the burden being lifted off our shoulders. I was wrong. See, guys really can admit when they are wrong:-)
Ride out the storm, just don't stop.
There is good news and bad, I'll start with the latter:
- You are going to need money to buy a home. Sorry, that's the fact of the matter. Now, folks will say that current … (12 comments)
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allentown: The more you talk, the less I'm 'Sold'
- 05/03/08 05:53 AM
There's a certain humility in money. If you have it, you count on people accepting it to get what you want. If you are trying to make it, you count on people 'buying' whatever it is you are doing. If you are alone in the woods with more money than you can imagine ever having, it does you no good. Money only matters because of us....we are surrounded by others seeking the same fortune and comfort. Once I understood this, money still mattered to me. It just mattered a whole bunch less than the humanity that I knew was irreplaceable.
When I … (48 comments)
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allentown: Getting Back To Rehab...
- 04/24/08 07:57 AM
In this ever-changing Market, Niche Products are not immune to changes, sometimes overnight. While this certainly doesn't define the term 'Ideal' ... it is the reality in which we live. I wanted to take some time to update our Rehab Loans, which are an excellent Financing Source for new and seasoned investors alike. In Pennsylvania, areas such as Philadelphia, Harrisburg, & Wilkes Barre are just a few ripe places where you can find good deals on properties that are great fits for this product.
So, here are some Frequently Asked Questions about Rehab Loans here in Pennsylvania:
What is a Rehab Loan?
A Rehab … (32 comments)
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allentown: Hey Small Business Owner....We've Got Your Back!
- 04/02/08 09:48 AM
Here's a little FYI on the SBA so if you have any questions call me A.S.A.P:-)
Welcome to a brief insight about SBA Lending, through the eyes of my investors. The Small Business Administration helps individuals purchase or grow small businesses which can help the growth of communities and revamp the local economy. We all know that we could sure use a bit more of that going round. I was excited when we partnered up awhile back with our Investors to be able to provide this service to our past, present, & future clients. Plus, it's a good thing to be able to help the growth of local … (20 comments)
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allentown: All ARMS Are Not Broken!
- 02/20/08 01:47 AM
There have been mixed reviews about Adjustable Rate Mortgages throughout the Real Estate Industry, our beloved Media, & the General Public as a whole. Personally, I stand by the credence that they are a very good product & tool for some people. Just because Neighbor Bob, who is being transferred to Western Pennsylvania to head up the Academic Advisory Role at Penn State has an adjustable rate, doesn't mean that it's right for you and your particular financial situation. In celebration of keeping it simple, I won't go into a breakdown in which cases that an Adjustable Rate may make more sense than a Fixed Rate, or vice-versa. … (51 comments)
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allentown: A New Year's Gift To Our Clients, A Big Old KISS!!!
- 12/26/07 05:37 AM
Mortgage Financing has had an abundance of change throughout the years and 2007 was no exception. In fact, 2007 has been defined by changes across the board. The changes have often happened daily, without warning, and have been implemented at a bat of an eye. Intelligent & experienced reactions by Mortgage Professionals sometimes can't even keep up with them. But rather than address these changes, I want to give the Public some very simple things to help them get into & live a comfortable Homeowner's existence....no matter what is going on around them. This post will concentrate on those looking to buy a … (32 comments)
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allentown: And Christmas Came Early....
- 12/18/07 01:27 PM
In these often turbulent times in our culture, our world, & the Real Estate Industry...I wanted to write something tonight that was off the charts. I didn't want it to be positive per se, or even negative for that matter. I wanted it to be a total wide-eyed glimpse at the truth. Quite frankly, I wanted to assure comfort where there is pain, peace where there remains angst. However, the truth is....Welcome To Life. It doesn't get easy folks, but it does get interesting.
Inspired words and stories and moments come and go, as do the less than ideal ones. Coping is a … (30 comments)
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allentown: It's Time To Go To Work.
- 12/16/07 01:58 PM
I would love to be in a better mood. But, come on, the Steelers lost and I feel that every rational thought I had about them being one of the best teams in the National Football League was nothing more than a biased observation from a loyal fan. Was it? I'm not so sure.
Everyday that I watch television or drive down the road, I'm stricken with the affliction that we all have jobs to do. That's how all this works. I don't like having a job. I never will. Yet, I'm in total love with having a passion. When I awake tomorrow, … (38 comments)
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allentown: Learn to frown, even if you are Happy!
- 12/15/07 01:18 AM
The Here....The Now.
While I would love to write a masterpiece of magnificient proportions that helps to change the very Industry that helps give me a roof over my head, I'm in 'Quip' Mode. What is 'Quip' Mode? It's parsimonious, short & sweet and to the point. It's not worth 200 points but it looks appealing in retrospect. Especially considering the (Next Big Thing) will be having your Blog stand in your honor as you lay in your death. Attention spans lack, so let's get moving!
As far as the title above me, it's very simple. No matter what shape you are in, yet … (31 comments)
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allentown: One Transaction Away From Humility.
- 12/14/07 03:18 PM
That one sentence defines why I have fallen, very madly I should point out, in love with the Real Estate Industry. I'll attempt to start at the end and end at the beginning. But before that path is ventured, it should be pointed out that I have been lucky & persistent enough to learn much about this world in 31 years of breathing this thing called oxygen. This is a world of Humanity, of Spirit, of Drama, and of Artificial Wealth. Quite frankly, I love the cons just as much as I want to side with the pros.
For all you sport fans, I'm … (33 comments)
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allentown: There is 'Thanks' in 'Giving'.....
- 11/24/07 02:05 AM
Either you watch or you lead........Rest or Live.
When it comes down to it, I've rested way too freaking long! But, that is personal. So I write this because IT doesn't get more personal than this (well it does, but I see no need to bring my Father's Hemorrhoid Issue into this).
My bills are paid but my agenda is paycheck to paycheck. I'm not inherently a Wall-Street guy or gal, yet I see the angst and feel the economic pain. Mr Gump was right, "Money is one less thing to worry about in Life."
This is a taboo subject for many, for … (36 comments)
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allentown: Blood, Bruises, & Real Estate.....
- 11/21/07 05:15 AM
I know what is going on.....
I had a coined saying years ago, actually it was a self-inflicted nickname of sorts. That name was, "Master of the Obvious." It reminds me of what I'm seeing, hearing, and feeling. Is it getting brutal yet? Are you ready to quit something you once thought of as a career? Before you do, I think you may want to read further...
The Economy is something I am by no means an expert on. But I do have what some may call a, 'Birds Eye View'...of the system it works for and under. That said, more money won't … (73 comments)
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allentown: Dreams Are A Way To Figure Things Out....
- 11/18/07 03:18 AM
I'll tell you right now what I learned about most on this forum. I learned about myself. It took a good spanking at times, it took some reading. It took some wise souls to let me in on what this life is about.....
Life is about turning your head and recognizing....Eye to Eye....whether you will be the cure, or the disease. There's no in between, at least for me. Life has been lived way before I was born and probably much later than when I die. As I peer over my shoulder and out the window, I see flurries of snow scrambling to … (41 comments)
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allentown: This Pre-Approval Has More Holes Than A Wiffle-ball!
- 10/03/07 06:35 PM
Ok, I got to be careful here. God forbid somebody reads this and hates me forever. I learned a long time ago and it has been written here, that beware of what you write in cyber space, you never know who may be reading. So, I'll try to be subtle, I'll try to be diplomatic, I'll try to make popularly parsimonious statements that help Real Estate Professionals and the people. I will try my hand at political correctness, I want to make sure whoever is reading doesn't get the wrong idea.
Real Estate Professionals can be IDIOTS! When there is a paycheck flashing in … (89 comments)
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allentown: My Favorite Hang-out is Stahley's....
- 06/29/07 03:33 PM
For those that don't know my routine, if I'm missing at some point, I'll tell you where to find me. More than likely it will be at Stahley's right down the road. Heck, I live next door to their grandmother. To the Stahley Family, at this point, I'm probably considered a part of their family. I visit there quite often, I often joke that I should have Stock Options in the place. Seriously though, where are my Stock Options:-)?
It is my personal hang-out, not my family's. They live in Raleigh, NC and even if they lived here, they wouldn't like it as much … (30 comments)
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allentown: What's In A Meme?
- 06/14/07 03:27 PM
Tracy Santrock called me out. She took it upon herself to MEME me, so once again I'm exposed....
1) I'm Directionless- I mean this literally. I was driving home from work this evening and the road I typically take was blocked/cut off. I hear all the time, "You can't miss it!" My retort, " I can't find it!" I read somewhere that Einstein would get lost walking home. I don't have much in common with his genius, but I can identify with that. So, I have that going for me...
2) Over 3 years ago, I lived in an Attic. There was no heat in … (45 comments)
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allentown: The Active-Rain Hall of Fame.....Pre-Mature Of Course
- 06/12/07 09:38 AM
First let me preface what follows with a few tidbits. Numero Uno, not sure if this idea has been laid out, if it has...it hasn't been to my knowledge or recollection. Number two, to keep it short & sweet, I limited myself to ten individuals and none could be the actual AR Founders. Lastly, of course, this list is bias to the individuals I've been exposed too and my actual take on what they have provided on this forum.
No Particular Order..................
1) Jeff Turner - This guy is innovative in my eyes. He has pungent hints of technological genius and you can see that bleed on … (68 comments)
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This post was originally written in May of 2008 but I thought it was not a bad idea to re-post it now. Amidst the talk of rock-bottom rates, there will be a lot of folks out there shopping for a mortgage. So, from the synapses of my brain to your eyes... here's my recommendations when shopping for a mortgage:
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