Pardon The Interruption, Back To Real Estate...

  In only 5 years in this biz, I dare say I've learned a lot and have a lot of growing and learning to do along the way.  I do certain things extremely well, other things I hope I get better at.  One of my faults, at times, is I love writing.  I tend to write or want to write about anything I can if only given the forum to do so....I was given the forum, AR arrived, I've done so.

Too often, I lack the mental discipline to focus entirely on what this forum is about and that leads me into tangents and subjects that tend not to offer others who may in fact read my posts anything other than whimsical writings of a sometimes wise-soul.  Sorry for that.  Actually - you know what, I'm not.  I write because I love to write, I hope along the way to learn from mistakes, grow because I put 'myself' out there, and am smart enough to realize what we do for a living affects other people.  What we do is important.  What we do, in a bunch of different capacities, involves somebody's roof over their head.  Our role is simple, doing our job as we would want it to be done on the other side.  Whether you are religious or not is of no importance, The 'Golden Rule' is an Awesome Philosophy To Live & Die By...

I'm getting off track here.  Shocking, I know!  Rates have risen above what they once were.  If you are looking for a 30 year mortgage with a fixed rate that starts with 5, be prepared to pay heavy for it in the form of 'Discount Points.'  If you are looking to buy a home with no money down, you better have the credit scores and be able to not only document your income....but your rental history as well.  Creative Financing will always be a reason to implement the services of a Mortgage Professional, but it will never replace Common Sense Financing that the same Mortgage Professional should be able to provide as well.  When bidding out for our services, my advice to the consumer is simply this...Trust not only the character but the content of whom you are talking with, make sure they have that one ingredient that separates them from the rest.  That isn't necessarily product (though some have what other's don't.)  It isn't necessarily rate (though some will give you what other's won't.)  It's about two things in my mind, two things to look for:

PASSION & INTELLECT

Buying a home is rarely a bad financial idea in any market (I'm going to get heat for that one, I know).  Refinancing your home is another story.  If you have used or plan on using your home as an ATM Machine, bad financial idea.  Find somebody who is passionate enough to care about your needs not only today, but 5 years from now.  Find somebody who is smart enough to lead you to the direction you should go.  Find somebody who lives, breathes, and appreciates, LIFE first....and their work one step behind.  Folks, it isn't the easiest time getting involved in a market like Real Estate, but always know Real Estate rarely is an easy market.

Live Well, Breath Steady, & Turn The Lights Off When You Go To Bed!!!