maryland mortgage mama: How Can I Pay Off My Debt Quickly? Part 1
- 01/02/25 07:39 PM
How Can I Pay Off My Debt Quickly?
It's a new year and a common goal is to get healthy. For some getting healthy means losing weight, getting more exercise or more sleep, but the focus of this post is going to be getting financially healthy (I am the Maryland Mortgage Mama after all!)
I bet you will be surprised that once you start getting financially healthy, some of the other health goals will start to fall into place. Debt can be a big cause of stress, which can lead to lots of other problems!
First things first. Let's determine where you are … (5 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: Buying a Maryland Home in 2025-Credit
- 01/02/25 05:49 PM
Buying a Maryland Home in 2025-Credit
Understanding credit is essential for first-time homebuyers, as it significantly influences your ability to secure a mortgage and the terms you'll receive, not only on a home, but on all other lines of credit as well. Let's break down the basics of credit to help you on your home-buying journey.
What Is Credit?
Credit is an agreement where a lender allows you to borrow money with the promise that you'll repay it later, usually with interest. Your credit history records how you've managed borrowed money, including credit cards, loans, and other debts.
What Is a … (2 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: Buying a Maryland Home in 2025-Docs Needed
- 01/02/25 05:48 PM
Buying a Maryland Home in 2025-Docs Needed
Welcome to my series on buying a home in Maryland. Be sure to check out my previous posts for additional information.
When you're getting ready to buy your first home, one of the first steps is getting pre-approved for a mortgage. This means a lender looks at your financial picture to decide how much money we can lend you. To do this, you'll need to gather several important documents. One of my clients said that it is like getting financially naked. It is best to review your whole story with the loan officer so they … (4 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: Buying a Maryland Home in 2025-Closing Costs
- 01/02/25 05:30 PM
Buying a Maryland Home in 2025 - Closing Costs
Welcome to my series on Buying A Maryland Home in 2025. Some of the topics I will cover in this series are closing costs, down payment options, credit -be sure to check back and check out the post I wrote on the importance of the pre-approval!
Let's get started with closing costs. You’ve probably heard about “closing costs,” but what are they, exactly? Let’s break it down:
What Are Closing Costs?
Closing costs are the fees and expenses you pay to finalize your home purchase. They usually add up to 3%-6% of the home’s price. The lower … (3 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: A beautiful sunset in Ellicott City, Maryland
- 01/02/25 04:42 PM
A beautiful sunset in Ellicott City, Maryland
Often I am working in my home or in meetings at sunset, so it's easy to miss the beauty. This afternoon I had to update an account at my local bank and it took a bit longer than I expected. It was fine, I wasn't in a hurry, the service rep was lovely and was working to get the issue resolved for me.
I walked outside to this beautiful sunset! How lucky for me that I had an issue at the bank and it took longer than I thought it would to resolve! I may have … (8 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: Why is a mortgage pre-approval so important?
- 12/30/24 11:08 AM
Why is a mortgage pre-approval so important?
Obtaining a mortgage pre-approval is a crucial first step in the home-buying process, especially in Maryland's competitive real estate market.
What is a Mortgage Pre-Approval?
A mortgage pre-approval is a formal evaluation by a lender to determine your eligibility for a home loan and the maximum amount you can borrow. It is also important to review your comfort level for a payment. Often what you can qualify for on paper is significantly higher or lower than your comfort level, a good lender can work with you to meet your comfort zone. The process involves a comprehensive review … (8 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: Communication is KEY in Real Estate
- 11/22/24 09:06 AM
I have been part of many real estate transactions in almost 25 years in real estate financing. Most of them are super smooth and the agents really work to make the transaction work for all parties. It's great when agents and lenders do their part, title does their part, buyers and sellers are on board with providing information needed to move forward and the communication is flowing.
Sometimes that is not the case and there is a breakdown in communication between parties. If the agents don't like or trust each other in a transaction, it can make the process much more challenging. In … (14 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: Maryland Home Buyer Grant 2024
- 11/06/24 03:06 PM
I am so proud to work for a company that innovates ways to help home buyers and sellers in Maryland. With the competitive nature of a market plagued by limited inventory, like so many across the United States, having programs that help clients is more important then ever!
Introducing the SWBC Move -Up Program! This program offers up to $10,000 in a non-repayable (forgiven at closing) grant(s) for eligible buyers living in OR moving to designated census tracts.
How are we expanding affordable housing opportunities with this exclusive program?
1. NOT limited to First time Homebuyers
2. Income Limit is 140% o f the Area … (2 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: Gratitude--Kenyan Daughter Graduating
- 11/06/24 01:32 PM
Way back when I started blogging on ActiveRain in 2007, I met Audrey June Forshey, a wonderful woman and an agent in Gaithersburg, MD. Audrey had "met" Jeff Turner and his wife Rocky on ActiveRain and Jeff had blogged about Rocky's volunteer trip to Kenya.
The blog talked about Rocky's visit at St Monica's Children's Home, a home for orphaned and underserved girls outside of Nairobi. She fell in love with the girls there and wanted to help. She started fundraising to help and Mothers Fighting For Others was born. Audrey and many friends wanted to help and held a Gift of … (8 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: I WANNA BE RICH!! How about you?
- 07/16/18 08:05 PM
Maryland Real Estate Continuing Education and Professional Development
July 23rd Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR) REALTORFEST
I WANNA BE RICH! Taught by Bridget McGee
Morning 11:15 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. sessionNO CEU's
How many more clients / closings would you have if you were taking Action and not Sabotaging your Success?
What would it be like to have enough money to do all of what you need to do, do more of what you want to do, and to support people and causes you care about?
What would it be like to have a personalized step by step action plan to stop living pay check … (1 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: Summer Movies at THE WINE BIN -Ellicott City, MD
- 05/01/17 10:53 AM
Summer Movies at the WINE BIN -Ellicott City, MD
Summer movies are back at the Wine Bin. Popcorn, treats and water available. Of course the Wine Bin is open for adult treats! Be sure to check out and bookmark this list of great flicks (not all are appropriate for kids!).
Most movies start at 8, but you will want to get there earlier to secure a good spot!
BYOC (chair) and picnic-Beer and wine available for purchase (no outside beverages please!)
2017 Movie Schedule 8pmMay 26: James Bond-The Man With The Golden GunMay 27: James Bond-SpectreJune 3: ETJune 10: Magnificent Seven 2016June 17: Notting HillJune … (0 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: HOMEMADE Chocolate Covered Easter Eggs-CATONSVILLE, MD
- 03/21/17 10:27 AM
If you are looking for a special treat for Easter, you have come to the right place!
Decadent homemade
chocolate covered Easter Eggs
only $5.75 each!
Not only are the homemade chocolate Easter eggs delicious, purchasing them supports community outreach programs provided by Trinity United Methodist Church in Catonsville, Maryland!
These 7½ -ounce chocolate covered eggs come in 4 flavors-all handmade by the Church community and the secret recipes have been perfected by the members.
Vanilla Butter Cream
Chocolate Butter Cream
Peanut Butter
Coconut
According to Diane Bowman, church member, the sales of the Easter Eggs go into the church’s general fund to help cover the general operating cost … (0 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: TOP TWO Words YOU NEED to KNOW To BUY a HOME!
- 03/08/17 07:20 PM
If you are ready to talk about your home buying goals and ready to use these two words to meet those goals in 2017, let's talk! Call me at 410-960-2061.
You can fill out an application online at www.marylandmortgagemama.com
Can't wait to help you to reach your GOALS!!
… (0 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: SPRING REAL ESTATE HAS SPRUNG IN MARYLAND!
- 03/08/17 06:08 PM
SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
In Real Estate everyone talks about the Spring being the best time to put your home on the market. In Maryland, many agents have been saying that the Spring Market started in January! Things have been BUSY!! Now that we are closer to the actual Springtime, new listing signs are popping up along with the flowers!
There are lots of reasons for spring being a great time to buy or sell. Here's just a few reasons:
1. Warm weather and longer daylight-better for touring homes.
2. Families with kids in school would be looking to buy and/or sell with the thought that … (1 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: FEELING TAPPED OUT FINANCIALLY? TIME SENSITIVE!
- 02/07/17 04:44 PM
You may be aware that I always try to find things that help my partners to be more successful, coming from a place of contribution! This is so exciting and may sound super woo woo, but these scientifically proven techniques, using step-by-step processes have helped me to make a huge difference in my business, my finances and in my coaching practice!
Read on to learn about a FREE webinar hosted by Margaret M Lynch, my friend and mentor, to get a taste of what I will be offering in my upcoming SPECTACULAR SEVENTEEN (online) SEMINAR SERIES! I am so excited to … (0 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: 15 YEAR OLD MISSING FROM CATONSVILLE, MD
- 02/03/17 05:23 PM
15 YEAR OLD MISSING FROM CATONSVILLE, MD
UPDATE: SHE HAS BEEN FOUND! She was missing for 10 days and is now back home. Prayers and good thoughts are still needed I am sure!
Michelle Simmons, a 15 year old from Catonsville, MD has been missing since last Friday (1/28/2017)
Michelle's mom is Cheryl Simmons, a real estate agent with Century 21 New Millenium. As you might imagine, the family is desperate to bring her home.
I have an 11 year old and can't even imagine what this family is going through. I was also 15 once. I made bad decisions, but at the time there … (1 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: Get More of What You Want In Your Business!
- 01/31/17 01:54 PM
Get More of What You Want In Your Business!
What are you holding onto that is no longer serving you?
What is the best way to get more of what you want in your business? Check out this video for a quick tip for the answer!
What will you give up today to allow more good things to come into your life and your business?
Get More of What You Want In Your Business!
… (2 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: Financially Naked- Documents Needed For A Mortgage
- 01/30/17 07:20 PM
Financially Naked- Documents Needed For A Mortgage
What Documents Do I Need For A Mortgage Approval?
To determine if you qualify for a loan lenders require a lot of documentation. The day of the "NO DOC" loan is gone. These days, most lenders require you to get what a client once called "financially naked".
Don't shoot the messenger, believe me, if it wasn't required, loan officers wouldn't ask for it!
One of the first things that will be done for a mortgage review is a credit review. This will help to determine your total amount of debt in addition to your credit score. It will … (3 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: How To Handle Conflicts In Real Estate and In Life
- 01/24/17 07:52 AM
How To Handle Conflicts In Real Estate and In Life
A collegue of mine shared this fantastic conflict resolution tool. Unfortunately I am not sure who the original author was, but it sure makes a lot of sense to me! Can you see how this can be useful in dealing with co-workers, clients, contractors, colleagues and even family members?
AAA Failsafe Feedback Framework
1. “I want to talk to you about (issue).
My positive intention for this conversation is….”
2. “I noticed / saw / heard….”This is where you objectively state facts without emotion
3. “I was thinking….”My opinions, fears, concerns, conclusions I drew, meaning … (4 comments)
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maryland mortgage mama: 2017 FHA MIP Change That Wasn't
- 01/20/17 07:25 PM
2017 FHA MIP Change That Wasn't
I have seen so many facebook posts about the FHA MIP mortgagee letter that "postponed" the .25% MIP reduction within 1 hour after Donald Trump was sworn in as the President of the United States.
Here's a few:
But he just nullified the fee reduction for first time FHA buyers, making it more expensive for poor people to buy a home.
...and homeownership just got more expensive
And Headlines:
Early Trump Moves Makes Housing More Expensive For Millions
Trump Suspends Order That Would Have Made Mortgage
Insurance Cheaper for 1M Households NBC New York
First Act Of Trump Administration Make Housing More Expensive … (3 comments)
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How Can I Pay Off My Debt Quickly?
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