Alan's Mortgage Information

Steve Jobs - The Yacht He Designed But Never Saw!

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Wed, 15 May 2013 05:58:19 -0700

Steve Jobs - The Yacht He Designed But Never Saw!

Before he died Steve Jobs had designed a custom yacht that had all the markings of his design of the iPhone and iPad.

The yacht was launched last October in Amsterdam. A squabble with the French designer had kept the yacht impounded and unable to sail. Apparently the dispute has been settled and is now free to sail.

What do you think of Steve's yacht?

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross

Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230 Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

This Is Water! Some Food For Thought

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Sat, 11 May 2013 03:13:44 -0700

This Is Water! Some Food For Thought

In 2005 David Foster Wallace was asked to give the commencement address to the 2005 graduating class of Kenyon of Kenyon College. The speech didn't become widely known until after his death three years later.

It is, without a doubt, some of the best advice you will hear and may be the most simple and elegant explanation about the real value of education.

Since being published on YouTube on May 6, 2013 this video has had over 3,000,000 views.

This video is an abridged version of the original commencement address. To hear the complete address go to:

http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/09/12/this-is-water-david-foster-wallace/

Web Page and Facebook Links

May Is National Military Appreciation Month

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Tue, 07 May 2013 08:43:37 -0700

May Is National Military Appreciaton Month

In 1999 Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month to insure the nation was given the opportunity to publicly demonstrate their appreciation for the sacrifices and successes made by our service-members.. This includes all who have served both past and present.

The month of May was selected because it has the most days that celebrate and commemorate the military's achievements. Days celebrated in May include:

Loyalty Day - established in 1921 May 1st
Victory in Europe (VE) Day commemoration the end of WWII on May 8, 1945"
Military Spouse Appreciation Day established in 1984 May 11th
Armed Forces Day created in 1949 May 18th
Memorial Day dating from the Civil War era recognizing those who have died in service to the nation May 27th

Be sure and reach out to our service-members both past and present and tell them how much you appreciate the sacrifices they have made for our country.

Web Page and Facebook Links

What's Happening With Interest Rates? Your Clients Need To Know This!

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Mon, 06 May 2013 08:11:18 -0700

What's Happening With Interest Rates? Your Clients Need To Know This!

A few days ago the TV news and newspapers reported that interest rates were falling to near record lows. A day after the reports the unemployment numbers came in better than expected. This caused a quick rise in interest rates that of course wasn't reported as prominently as the low rates were.

The chart below covers from February 4th through today. The higher the number on the chart the lower interest rates are. As you can see interest rates started to rise in late February hitting a high on March 11th. Then they started to fall hitting a low on May 1st. You can see what happened on May 3rd when the unemployment news was announced. (Green is good - rates going lower. Red is bad - rates going higher)

Your clients need to be aware this is happening. A quote they got on Wednesday or Thurday is very different from a quote they will get today.

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital company can protect you clients against these kind of fluctuations with our Float Down Program.

Give ma a call and I'll let you know how it works.

Web Page and Facebook Links

Save Your Real Estate Sales. You Need To Know This!

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:23:32 -0700

Save Your Real Estate Sales. You Need To Know This!

In February 2010 Fannie Mae, one of the largest purchasers of home mortgages, announced it's Loan Quality Initiative (LQI) program. This program was initiated to identify problem loans early in the process.

As you are probably aware loan underwriting standards have tightened up over the past few years. One reason for this is the LQI and the fact that Fannie Mae has increased requests for lenders to repurchase loans. Lenders are being asked to repurchase loans that have no late payments.

Like any new program it has taken time to roll out. One item that is now being closely watched is any new debt that has been opened between the time of loan application and loan closing. In the past new debts could cause problems but they weren't scrutinized like they are today. This is the number one reason Fannie Mae requests lenders to repurchase loans.

Until recently most lenders were having borrowers sign a "Borrowers Acknowledgment of No New Liabilities" disclosure at loan application and settlement. As the new regulations have been put into place things are tightening up again.

Look for lenders to begin implementing a new Undisclosed Debt Monitoring system. The will be using systems such as "Fraud-guard" to monitor the borrowers debt between the time of application and closing. Any new credit inquiries or other changes in credit will be reported to the lender. This could affect loan approvals.

What should you do? Advise your clients not to make new purchases or open new lines of credit or credit cards between the time they make application and the time they close. Advise them not to purchase cars or other larger ticket items such as furniture.

New credit may not disqualify them from purchasing a home but it may delay the process if the credit and approval need to be updated just prior to the closing date.

Web Page and Facebook Links

The Ride Of Your Life. Would You Take It?

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:28:28 -0700

The Ride Of Your Life. Would You Take It?

Summer is coming - Are you heading for an amusement park?

Shikra is an Asian-African hawk that is known to dive vertically for it's prey.

There's a roller coaster at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay called the SheiKra whose name was derived from the Shikra. It's an unusual roller coaster that is highly rated for fun and thrills.

Are you a roller coaster fan. Would you ride this one?

Web Page and Facebook Links

Neil Diamond and "Sweet Caroline" Visit Fenway Park

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Sun, 21 Apr 2013 12:31:07 -0700

Neil Diamond and "Sweet Caroline" visit Fenway Park

After all the tragedy that happened in Boston this week things started to get back to normal. The Boston Red Sox played their first home game Saturday after having Friday's game postponed.

Singing "Sweet Caroline: at the Boston Red Sox games has become a Boston tradition during the eight inning.

Neil Diamond felt he had to be in Boston for the game and took the red-eye from Los Angeles to get there in tme for the 1:00 p.m. game. When he arrived in Boston he called the front office and asked if he could sing "Sweet Caroline" live.

"I was humbled and honored to be in Boston and to be able to personally thank and express my gratitude to the first responders and law enforcement officers," he said through his representative.

While at the game he Tweeted NeilDiamond Neil Diamond In the company of heroes. #oneboston pic.twitter.com/R6YIUKJtNG

What a great day to be at Fenway Park.

Web Page and Facebook Links

Real Estate Home Prices Rising and Expected To Go Higher

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 06:57:34 -0700

Real Estate Home Prices Rising and Expected To Go Higher

Monday's the National Real Estate Post includes a commentary by Barry Habib. Barry Habib works as a professional speaker on financial markets, housing, negotiation, technical trading analysis, sales training, building relationships and motivation. He is regular guest on CNBC and the FOX Business Network

Barry's commentary about the rise in housing prices and the expectatios for for fuure rises starts 1:30 into the video.

Web Page and Facebook Links

Are you so caught up in the moment?

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 08:36:06 -0700

Are you so caught up in the moment you miss things that would make things easier and improve your life?

Sometines we all get so busy we miss something that will make things easier and inprove our lives.

Web Page and Facebook Links

A Great Active Rain Meet-Up Hosted By Pat Kennedy

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 04:51:56 -0700

it was a sunny and "warm" day at Pat Kennedy's house when she hosted the Actice Rain meet-up. And despite what she said had occured earlier, there were no residual odors from Willie's earlier adventures.

The buffet was great but the company and conversations was better.

Pat is a gracous hostess. I finally met Lenn Harley after conversing on Active Rain and a few times on the phone. Roy Kelley, who I have met at some other events, was there with his ever present camera and did a great job documenting the event.

I had spoken with Simone Bercu a few times and it was great to finally meet her in person. I know have new friends including Cindy Jones, Susan Kirk, Richard Iarossi and Jay Markanich.

And I can't forget Bob Gilbert and Yolanda Cardova-Gilbert who came from Katy, TX for the event and thought they could easily find a cab back to their hotel. On the ride out the cab driver got lost finding Pat's house which is just off 16th Street. They were staying at the Hyatt on 10th and H which wasn't that far away so I gave them a ride back.

I have Maryland gear in my SUV and the conversation turned to basketball and Mark Turgeon. Turns out that Yolanda is a Aggie from Texas A&M and was sorry to see Mark move from Texas A&M to Maryland. I hope Bob and Yolanda enjoyed the lecture at the spy museum and had a safe trip back to Katy.

A great big thanks to Pat for hosting a wonderful event.

Web Page and Facebook Links

Active Rain Meetup With Margaret Rome

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 17:15:04 -0700

I had a call last week from Margaret Rome about attending an Active Rain Meet-Up at Linwoods. It was being held at 11:30 a.m.

At first I was hesitant to go because we have an Agent Mastermind class every Tuesday at noon and this weeks class was on Pinterest. After talking with Margaret I decided to go and I would catch the recording on the class when it was rendered.

The class got rave reviews on our private Facebook Group so I'm definitely going to back and watch it.

I am glad I went. Not only did I get to meet Margaret and a lot of other Rainer's but the lunch was fantastic.

Did I mention money was also raised for Cystic Fibrosis.

I'm looking forward to the next event.

Web Page and Facebook Links

Military Kids Can Apply for Free Summer Camps 2013

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Sat, 06 Apr 2013 07:21:48 -0700

Military Kids Can Apply for Free Summer Camps

With the temperature rising and the school year drawing to a close, parents across the nation are starting to think about summertime plans.

Military families can get a head start on their planning today by applying for the National Military Family Association’s Operation Purple Summer Camp program. The nonprofit organization launched this free program nine years ago to support military children, ages 7 to 17, dealing with the stress of war.

The weeklong camps are open to military children of all ranks and services, both active and reserve. Officials will give priority to children who meet the association’s deployment criteria and have never attended an Operation Purple camp. To find out more about the camps and to make application go to: 2013 Operation Purple Camps.

The goal of the Operation Purple camp program is to give military children tools to help deal with the stresses that result from a parent’s deployment, through a memorable camp experience in a “purple” environment.

At Operation Purple camps, military children experience an exciting week of outdoor fun and adventure.

This summer children will attend an Operation Purple camp at one of 15 locations in 14 states: Alaska, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, North Carolina, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and West Virginia.

Operation Purple Family Retreats - Coming back together after a deployment can be difficult. Operation Purple Family Retreats provide military families with the opportunity to reconnect –as a family. We are using our popular ‘camp’ approach and bringing families to beautiful outdoor locations in order to provide fun family oriented activities, new memory making, and the ability to spend quality time together. Specially adapted communication activities developed by FOCUS (Families OverComing Under Stress ™) ensure families return home stronger. Families are able to connect in a “purple” environment that brings families from all ranks and services including National Guard and Reserve components together as a community. We are climbing, hiking, canoeing, bonding, eating s’mores, and more!

Operation Purple Healing Adventures - Due to the popularity of our Operation Purple Family Retreat program, we’ve tailored a special retreat program that is designed to support wounded service members and their families. The Operation Purple Healing Adventures program celebrates rediscovering family-fun and togetherness after an injury. We combine family-focused activities with outdoor exploration to encourage each family’s growth. Specially adapted communication activities developed by FOCUS (Families OverComing Under Stress™), ensure families return home stronger. Families are able to enjoy a ‘purple’ environment - active duty, National Guard and Reserve, and medically retired service members of any Service and their families are eligible for this program. We are climbing, hiking, canoeing, bonding, eating s’mores, and more!

Here's a list of Frequently Asked Questions.

The Operation Purple program was created in 2004 in response to the call from military parents to "help us help our kids." The mission of the Operation Purple program is to empower military children and their families to develop and maintain healthy and connected relationships, in spite of the current military environment. We do this through a variety of means, including the healing and holistic aspect of the natural world. The program is joint or "purple"— and open to children and families of active duty, National Guard or Reserve service members from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or the Commissioned Corps of the US Public Health Service and NOAA.

Since its creation in 2004, the Operation Purple program has grown to serve approximately 45,000 military children and teens. The Operation Purple program also includes family retreats at national parks and specialized family camps geared to address the needs of children and families of our nation’s wounded service members.

If your kids are into Ice Hockey you may want to look into Defending The Blue Line Keeping Military Kids On The Ice.

"Defending the Blue Line has experienced tremendous success by providing equipment for the kids, grants to help pay their association fees, summer hockey camps and NHL game tickets so the whole family can go enjoy a pro-game before or after a deployment," says President and Founder of Defending the Blue Line, Army Sgt. Shane Hudella.

Named after the line that marks the start of the defensive zone in hockey, "Defending The Blue Line" was created in 2009 by a group of active duty soldiers.

The program helps military families offset the expensive costs of having their children in a hockey program while their mom or dad is overseas.

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross

Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230 Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

Taking A Test Drive - Your Going To Love This!

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:56:40 -0700

Taking A Test Drive - Your Going To Love This!

Recently NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon went into a dealership to test drive a Chevrolet Camero.

The salesman that went with him wasn't ready for the ride he got.

I guarantee you'll smile after watching this video.

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

A Great Video Done By Real Estate Agent Jay McHugh

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 06:52:54 -0800

A Great Video Done By Real Estate Agent Jay McHugh

As we all know videos are becoming an important part of the real estate business. Videos are done for listings, client education, Realtor introductions, community information and many other purposes.

Recently my friend Jay McHugh, a RE/MAX real estate agent in Massachusetts, did a video that promoted both him and a community he serves. You can produce a video similar to to this using an inexpensive camera and some video editing software.

It's a great video and a lot can be learned by watching it. Jay does need to go back and edit the end where he cut himself off.

I know Jay's also a proponent of using greeting cards as part of his business strategy

Now most of us don't have time to write and send that many cards but there is a system that allows you to send personal cards in just a minute or two from your computer or hand held device. It's being used successfully by my friend Jay McHugh, a real estate agent and BNI coachin Massachusetts.

To learn a little more about how SendOutCards works check out this short video.

Here's why I like SendOutCards. I've included some samples of cards I have sent.

Want to get started using SendOutCards? Click the "Get Me Started" button below:

When You Decide Which Program Fits Your Needs The Best Click:

"Join Now" and Enter Code 149376

Here's a short video on how to get started

Want to take SendOutCards for a test drive? Click the "Send A Free Card" button below:

Have more questions about SendOutCards? Call me at 240.813.0614, email me at HomeMortgaqeAdvisor@gmail.com

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

Super Bowl Sunday Is Great But This Is Inspiring!

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Sat, 02 Feb 2013 08:26:58 -0800

Super Bowl Sunday Is Great But This Is Inspiring!

Hundreds of millions will watch the Baltimore Ravens play the San Francisco 49er's to see who will be the Super Bowl Champion.

But there are other athlete's that compete in other venues that also inspire people around the world.

Two such athlete's are Dick and Rick Hoyt also known as Team Hoyt.

Rick was born in 1962 and because of oxygen deprivation at the tine of birth was diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic with cerebral palsy.

In the spring of 1977 Rick told his his dad that he wanted to participate in a 5-mile benefit run for a Lacrosse player who had been paralyzed in an accident. Dick was not a runner but agreed to push Rick in his wheelchair and they finished the 5 miles coming in next to last. That night Rick said "Dad, when I'm running it feels like I'm not handicapped." From this simple race Team Hoyt was born.

This realization was just the beginning of what would become over 1,000 races completed including marathons, duathlons and triathlons (6 of them in the iron-man competition).In addition Dick and Rick biked and ran across the United States in 1992 completing the full 3,735 miles in 45 days.

Now if this doesn't get you motivated and let you kniw you are capable of more than you think I don't know what will.

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

How a Successful Friend of Mine Taught me How to Use SendoutCards.com

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Sun, 27 Jan 2013 06:49:00 -0800

A few days ago I wrote a blog post titled The Little-Known Secret of the Most Successful Referral Marketer of All Time. Joe Girard became the leading auto salesperson of all time by keeping in touch using greeting cards. Because of todays' technology it easy to keep in touch using things such as SendOutCards and HappyGrasshopper.

I use both and they have helped me keep in touch with family, friends, clients and prospects. They have both helped build and expand my business.

Via Mike Mahoney, Remax Realtor Mike Mahoney from Boston (Remax Boston Mass):

Today I wanted to share with the rest of the Activerain a video that a friend of mine recently produced. Jay Mchugh is a Remax Broker Owner in the Greater Boston area.

He introduced to me to SendOutCards.com a number of years ago. It has really blown the doors off of anything I have done in the 12 years in the real estate business.

SendoutCards.com is online system that allows me to send birthday cards, home anniversary cards, holiday cards as well as gift cards and treats like gourmet brownies. I am able to send these to past clients, friends and family all with the click of mouse. No stamps...no aggrevation...no hassle.

I forgot to mention that each of these cards is handwritten and I can personalize them with any photo I wish (ie. their kids, their house..etc...

When my clients gets a SendoutCard.com delivery they are truly blown away....the phone rings and the appreciation over the phone is amazing.

Prior to this I was the king of the expired listing and use of the Mike Ferry system. I did telephone prospecting 5 days a week. Every morning, I would log into the Redx or Landvoice download my expired listing report for the day and load into the MOJO dialer and start cold calling. It works, but people are not usually as warm as someone who know you and gets a birthday and holiday card from you.

Start appreciating people with an adoption of appreciation marketing and watch your real estate business grow. People love to be appreciated.

Bottomline...people want to work with people they know like and trust.
If you have questions about SendoutCards.com call me...I will give you a online demo.

Watch the video of my friend and mentor Jay McHugh below...you will be amazed!! Thanks Jay for teaching me how to grow my real estate business with personal referrals using SendoutCards.com

Conduct Your Boston Home Search Here Now

Michael Mahoney, REALTOR®
617.980.9025

and....Sales Coach for Realtors and Sales Professionals

RE/Max
617.980.9025
www.TheGreaterBostonVoice.com

www.Youtube.com/mmahoneyboston

www.twitter.com/mmahoneyboston

http://about.me/mikemahoney

Areas I cover include: Abington | Allston | Back Bay | Beacon Hill | Boston | Braintree | Brighton | Brockton

Brookline | Canton | Dedham | Dorchester | Hingham | Hyde Park | Jamaica Plain | Mattapan | Milton

Mission Hill | Newton | Norwood | Quincy | Randolph | Roslindale | Roxbury | Sharon | Somerville

South Boston | South End | Stoughton | West Roxbury | Westwood | Weymouth

Coaching Web Site
www.CoachMikeMahoney.com

Copyright© 2013 By Realtor Michael Mahoney, All Rights Reserved.
Michael Mahoney | 617.980.9025 | Remay Way 02026

Web Page and Facebook Links

Little-Known Secret From The Most Successful Referral Marketer

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Thu, 24 Jan 2013 05:27:16 -0800

The Little-Known Secret of the Most Successful Referral Marketer of All Time

Have you ever heard of Joe Girard? Joe was a car salesperson who worked at a Chevrolet dealership in Detroit, Michigan. All of Joe's business came from referrals. How did Joe become the top salesperson in the world and get inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame?

Joe developed a system of staying in touch with his customers and potential clients. Every phone call or personal contact he made. Joe would write down on a file card any relevant information. He then sent everybody on his list a unique greeting card every single month! These weren't high pressure sales letters, just friendly reminders to let people know he was thinking about them.

In fact, Joe sent out 13,000 hand written greetings cards per month to his customers with the help of 2 assistants celebrating everything from Halloween to Ground Hog Day.

To learn a little more about how SendOutCards works check out this short video.

Here's why I like SendOutCards. I've included some samples of cards I have sent.

Want to get started using SendOutCards? Click the "Get Me Started" button below:

When You Decide Which Program Fits Your Needs The Best Click:

"Join Now" and Enter Code 149376

Here's a short video on how to get started

Want to take SendOutCards for a test drive? Click the "Send A Free Card" button below:

Have more questions about SendOutCards? Call me at 240.813.0614, email me at HomeMortgaqeAdvisor@gmail.com or simply fill in the form below and click the "I'd Like More Information" button.

Web Page and Facebook Links

A Sad Day For Baseball - Earl Weaver and Stan Musial

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Sun, 20 Jan 2013 01:42:02 -0800

Saturday was a sad day for baseball. First the news came that the "Earl of Baltimore" Earl Weaver has passed away while on an Orioles cruise.

Then later in the day we lost "Stan The Man" Musial.

May they both enjoy eternal baseball on "The Field of Dreams."

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

Some Thoughts Shared By Zig Ziglar.

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 11:52:50 -0800

Zig Ziglar passed away a few months ago. He was a great human being, a great story teller. a best selling author and a great motivational speaker.

If you never had a chance to hear Zig speak either live or on a recording you really missed something.

Here are a few short videos. Enjoy!

Did you ever have the opportunity to see Zig Ziglar at a live event. If you did please share your experience.

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

Will The New Mortgage Rules Hurt Real Estate Sales?

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 07:14:19 -0800

Last week the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) released new rules for mortgage lending. Under these rules lenders will have certain protections if they make Qualified Mortgages (QMs). The new rules will require that lenders verify the borrower’s ability repay the loan (aren’t they already doing this?) and in return for doing this lenders will receive what is being called “safe harbor” from punitive damages should the loan ever go to foreclosure.

Loans such as stated income, stated asset and no-doc will be a thing of the past (they’ve basically been gone for the past few years) because they will not meet the QM requirements.

There is a portion of the new rules that has the potential to hurt real estate sales by limiting who can qualify for a loan. The new rules state that if the borrowers ratio exceeds 43% it is not a QM. This rule could make it more difficult for first-time homebuyers and lower income borrowers to qualify for a mortgage. It also eliminates borrowers whose ratio is above 43% but had family members living in the home who contributed to the monthly mortgage payment but who weren't on the loan.

“What banks have said to us is that they won’t lend outside of Qualified Mortgages. They don’t want to face the liability. And it’s reputational.” Stated Rod Alba, vice president and senior counsel with the American Bankers Association. “The ability to repay standard essentially delineates the market in which they will lend. Every non-QM loan becomes a subprime loan. Independent mortgage lenders might go there, [these are] guys the depend entirely on secondary market financing.”

Here’s a video that helps explain what may happen.

Since the mortgage crisis a few years ago it’s been harder to qualify for a loan. To me the new rules will make if even more difficult to qualify.

I’d love to know what your experience has been and what you think of the new rules.

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

New Year's Eve Fireworks In Baltimore

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Mon, 31 Dec 2012 07:04:36 -0800

What are you doing for New Year’s Eve? The Orioles are again sponsoring a fireworks display at midnight. For more information go to:

http://www.promotionandarts.com/index.cfm?page=events&id=44

Happy New Years

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

Where To Find Holiday Lights In The Maryland Suburban Area

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:47:45 -0800

Where To Find Holiday Lights In The Maryland Suburban Area

We have now gotten past Thanksgiving and it is time to celebrate the holidays. There are many options. Listed below are a few you may enjoy!

Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival

Pretend your car is Sana's sleigh and ride through the Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival. You'll find 3.5 miles of more than 380 illuminated vignettes and 65 animated displays that transform Seneca Creek State Park into Winter Woods, Teddy Bear Land, Victorian Village, the North Pole and Penguin Cove. This
16th annual show runs from December 2nd through December 31st. (closed December 25th) Sunday through Thursday: 6 - 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 6 -10 p.m. (Closing December 24th and December 31st at 9 p.m.
www.gaithersburgmd.gov/wingerlights

Symphony of Lights in Columbia, MD

At the Symphony of Lights in Columbia, MD you can chose the way that you experience Symphony Woods' 70 larger-than-life animated and stationary light creations, In addition to the traditional drive-through option (November 19th - January 6th 6 -10 p.m. - closed December 31st for the Midnight a 7 New Years Eve fireworks display and festivities), you can enjoy a Group Walk Through the Lights - Mondays & Wednesdays ONLY, November 26 - December 19 / 4:30 - 5:45 p.m. Perfect for youth groups, scout groups, school groups and more! Experience the Symphony of Lights in a group setting by taking a 1.4 mile stroll through the light displays and make this your group’s holiday tradition. *Registration Required!* Please call 410-740-7840 for reservations, the Blinkin Binkies 1.4 mile walk especially of the little ones (Thursday, December 6th 4:30 - 5:45 p.m.) or the Tail Lights - Back by popular demand! Treat yourself and your dog to a walk through the 1.4 mile Symphony of Lights. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy the holiday season and to make this dog friendly walk your families new holiday tradition. (Tuesday, December 11th 4:30 - 5:45 p.m.)

ICE! at the National Harbor's Gaylord National Resort

This year's ICE! at the National Harbor's Garlord National Resost Dreamworks' "Merry Madagascar." Dozens of attisans have migrated from Harbin, China, to carve the elaborate dispaly of the Dreamworks' holiday TV special from two million pounds of ice. It takes them nearly a month of working 12-hour shifts to transform Gaylord National Resort's 15,000-square-foot refrigerated tent into an ice spectaci;ar. Open Friday, November 18th - Sunday,January 8th. See Events & Activities at Christmas on the Potomac

Brookside's Garden of Lights

The Garden of Lights. Visualize close to one million twinkling colorful lights shaped in imaginative displays throughout the gardens. Enjoy the four seasons illuminated as giant summer sunflowers, autumn leaves, winter snowflakes, spring flowers, rain showers, and more. Walk along the easily accessible paths and you’ll see what sets this light show apart from others; it’s the hundreds of wrapped trees and shrubs, beautifully lighted gazebos, cascading fountains, and the individually formed displays in the shapes of blooming flowers and wild animals. Look for moving displays such as a flock of geese, or an 11 foot giraffe covered with 9,000 lights. November 23rd through January 6th. Open every night except closed on December 24 & 25, and January 1-3. Open New Year’s Eve until 10 p.m. with last car admitted at 9:30pm. Hours: Weekdays: 5:30 to 9:00 p.m. with the last car admitted at 8:30 p.m Weekends (Friday – Sunday) 5:30 to 10:00 p.m. with the last car admitted at 9:30 p.m.

The Annual Festival of Lights

The Annual Festival of Lights is held on the grounds of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Washington. D.C.Temple from November 30th - January 1st. The display includes more than 500,000 lights 16 decorated Christmas trees, an international creche exhibit and a life size outdoor nativity scene. There are nightly musical performances. All events are free.

Shadracks's Christmas Wonderland as Adventure Park

Christmas Wonderland at Adventure Park in New Market presents the world’s largest drive-through and fully synchronized LED Christmas light and music show. Hundreds of thousands of lights have been programmed to perform in sync with a selection of Christmas music. No less than 1600 channels simultaneously direct What Shadrack calls “an orchestra of lights.” After driving through the show, get your photo taken with Santa (weekends) and enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, kettle corn and other holiday treats inside Adventure Park’s main building. Nov. 19th through Jan. 3rd dusk to 10 p.m., including holidays.

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross

Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

How To Easily Create A Custom Video From Santa Claus!

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Sat, 08 Dec 2012 12:10:54 -0800

How To Easily Create A Custom Video From Santa Claus!

Christmas is just around the corner. So what can you do that is fun and unusual for both kids and adults?

How about a custom video from Santa Claus.

It takes just a few minutes to create a personalized video from Santa Claus for your children, family members, friends or colleagues.

It's easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Be sure to have some pictures you would like to use in the video ready to upload/

Other custom items such as letters from Santa, customized books and customized puzzles are available.

It's all new for 2012. Just go to: Portable North Pole

Here's a sample done by my good friend in Michigan Scott Hudsbeth using last years video.

Have a Great Holiday Season

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross
Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

Upside Down On Your Home? Here Is The Help You Need!

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:20:03 -0800

Upside Down On Your Home? Here Is The Help You Need!

The new Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP 2.0) has been in operation for about 9 months. Thousands of underwater homeowners have taken advantage of the program. If you haven't been able to take advantage of the low mortgage interest rates because you home had dropped in value this program may be for you.

To find out more information and to get a FREE Guide To Lowering Your Monthly Payments click the link below. There is also a short video answering many of the questions you may have.

The HARP loan program allows homeowners having a hard time refinancing their mortgages due to a drop in their home values to take advantage of the low mortgage interest rates. The loan must be owned or guaranteed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. (Note - this will not be who you are making your payments to.)

If you would like more information go to: HARP 2.0 Home Affordable Refinance Program

We can help you with your loan in all 50 states.

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross

Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links

Remembering The Twinkie

Alan Gross (PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company) — Sun, 18 Nov 2012 08:21:39 -0800

Remembering The Twinkie

It happened this week - The Twinkie died.

Invented in 1933 by James A Dewar, the Hostess Twinkie became an American iconic snack food. Dewar worked at the Continental Baking Company whose products included "Wonder Bread" and a creamed filled strawberry shortcake.

The strawberry shortcake was seasonal and the equipment sat idle the rest of the year. Dewar came up with the idea to use the equipment to make a snack cake filled with a banana filling and only charge a nickel for a package of 2.

The name "Twinkie" was thought of when Dewar was driving by a billboard that had an ad for shoes from the "Twinkle Toe Shoe Company". He shortened the name to "Twinkies".

The Twinkie rose to popularity in the 1950's in in great part due to Hostess sponsoring the Howdy Doody show, featuring the "Twinkie".

If you're old enough you may remember this ad from the show.

What are your favorite "Twinkie" memories?

Hopefully another company will buy the "Twinkie" brand and "Twinkie" will live again!

Have a joyous holiday with those around you, and please let me know if you need anything.

Your source for Conventional, FHA and VA loan information.

My direct line is 240.813.0614. So let me hear from you! Remember...it doesn't cost a penny to talk...so call right now and I will answer all your questions.

Alan Gross

Senior Mortgage Consultant

PrimeLending, A PlainsCapital Company
704 Quince Orchard Rd., Suite 230
Gaithersburg, MD 20878

Home Office: 240.813.0614
Email: agross@primelending.com
Web: www.mtg-info.net
Web: www.DCMilitaryVALoans.com
NMLS#217388

Web Page and Facebook Links