licensed: Uneducated and Vulnerable
- 12/10/15 03:41 PM
This is not an insulting blog about people that didn't finish school. It is a realization that none of us are an EXPERT at everything. Yes, we've called people a "know-it-all" or had that term pointed at us but it just ain't so. Here's the deal. Some people actually understand sophisticated calculations but are stymied when they try to decipher a mortgage. People with college degrees and doctorates look at me with that "deer in the headlights" look when I put a mortgage package in front of them. Don't be intimidated folks. Mortgage loans ARE NOT EASY to figure (5 comments)
licensed: The "NEW" three most powerful words in real estate
- 12/08/15 05:14 PM
For people in real estate, the profession has long recognized the phrase "Location, Location, Location" as the three words that describe the industry. You were always looking for the right school district, the right tax district, close to shopping or close to work. The location of the house was critical. Having been in the industry as a lender for over 30 years, I have seen a lot of changes but that phrase has remained applicable for a long time. In the days of not too long ago, potential buyers would feel well served by someone who kept them focused on (44 comments)
licensed: My phone blew up today and it's your fault, ActiveRain
- 12/08/15 04:07 AM
I had a tough day yesterday. I had a deal that took a U-turn and I spent most of the day trying to restructure and rescue it. I was also a little under the weather and my thumb is still hurting (previous blog). I came home last night and crashed hoping today would be a better day. Even before my alarm clock went off, my phone did. Not just once but over, and over, and over. After a while, I couldn't ignore it anymore, I had awakened the sleeping giant. It appears the term "early risers" (24 comments)
licensed: I can't believe I finally did it, I'm into SIX figures ! Wooo hooo !
- 12/06/15 06:38 PM
When I started this blog many years ago, I was not diligent about writing and posting. I didn't realize how important it was to put my thoughts into the mix of ActiveRain knowledge and experience. Despite my slow start, I did occasionally offer a post expressing my opinion or insight. As a beginner, I wasn't sure anyone cared. I didn't think anyone read what I posted. I wasn't getting any comments or responses from my blog and for a time, I abandoned it. After a while, it got easy not to do any postings. Then one day, someone (44 comments)
licensed: I do DOUBLEWIDE Mortgages and Refinancing
- 12/06/15 03:52 PM
Franklin County, Virginia is a wonderful community and it has a diverse makeup of housing options. We have stick built homes and modular homes as well as manufactured housing. I find that there are a number of options for financing bricks and sticks homes but not as many for DoubleWides. At American National Bank and Trust, we have home mortgage loans for DoubleWides. We are your local community bank and we service the needs of our community. So if you are considering the purchase of a DoubleWide, we need to talk. There are some potential problems we (3 comments)
licensed: I saw it happen first hand !
- 12/04/15 03:53 AM
Last night, I went Christmas shopping with a whole lot of friends, colleagues and neighbors. We also went to the community's annual Christmas tree lighting. There was the usual assortment of carolers, dancers and speakers. There was the big shopping spree giveaway, too. The young girl running the drawing said "we called the winner's name and SHE already picked it up". I said "no I didn't". It took a second and then she laughed along with me. As I was going in and out of stores, I was busy looking at all the displays and checking out prices. (12 comments)
licensed: Home Loans and Refinancing in Callaway, Va.
- 12/01/15 05:26 AM
I like being the mortgage loan originator for Callaway, Virginia. It gives me a reason to be in this quaint community at the foot of the Blue Ridge mountains. From my earliest days here, I've always enjoyed taking a drive through the winding roads of western Franklin County, Virginia. Whether you are looking for a lot, building a home on your own land or purchasing a new home, I am here in the community. I am available to sit down with you, one on one, so we can go over your home mortgage options. My name is Deanna Early and (2 comments)
licensed: Life can truly be wonderful !
- 11/30/15 04:10 AM
As everybody will attest to; Thanksgiving is over . . . . . . or is it ? I have spent the last week preparing for, greeting, feeding, chatting, hugging, and yes; even kissing my relatives, friends and family who have spent the whole week or just last Thursday in and out of our home. Yes, I need some rest ! As much as it would seem to be work to host this gathering, it isn't. I love all of them and feel it an honor when they come to our home to join my husband and I for (11 comments)
licensed: Mortgages and Refinances in Bedford County
- 11/26/15 11:53 AM
I know there are people right now that are living or moving to Bedford County, Virginia that need my help with a mortgage or refinancing. I know this is true because I am hearing it from Realtors, friends and clients who live and work in many different areas within Bedford County. Whether you live in Moneta, Virginia or Huddleston, Virginia; you are in my area near Smith Mountain Lake. If you live in Goodview, Virginia or Body Camp, Virginia, I am right here to help you with your loan needs. As a long time resident of this area, I was here (1 comments)
licensed: I made my mother-in-law happy today !
- 11/26/15 12:04 AM
Yes, it's Thanksgiving Day and the whole family, In-Laws and Out-Laws alike, are here at the house to celebrate. Of course, being the cook I am, I started days ago with preparations and got up in the wee hours of this morning to finish the process. My husband and I host the annual gathering and this year is no different, . . . well, for the most part anyway. Unfortunately for me, this year IS different. Earlier this week I was doing my normal running here and there serving my client's mortgage needs. Because I have multiple offices (11 comments)
licensed: First Impressions . . . DO . . . Make A Difference !
- 11/24/15 08:48 AM
WARNING: I am about to climb up on my soapbox and discuss a topic that may concern some people and upset some other folks so if you don't want to hear my rant it may be better to switch to reading someone else's posting today. As I read a lot of blogs, I see many different styles and compositions. I am always looking for ways to improve my own writings. When a person is online and searching for information or inspiration on a particular subject, they usually do not know anything about the writer of a blog offered on (10 comments)
licensed: As the days grow shorter
- 11/23/15 09:07 AM
For people that have outdoor occupations and depend on daylight to perform their job tasks, the ability to produce income is often reduced at this time of year. Many seek second jobs to supplement their pay and that falls in line with many employers who are looking for temporary employees. Though the added income from these second jobs can help pay basic expenses, there are many variables that come into play when applying for mortgage financing and whether those funds can be used to qualify. If you are thinking of buying a new home or refinancing your existing home, it is a (11 comments)
licensed: Ready or not, here they come !
- 11/16/15 04:27 PM
At this time of year, things start to really pick up around here. During the summer, we have frequent guests and enjoy entertaining friends and family alike here at Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia. Most everyone loves to go for a relaxing boat ride or take a nice cool swim on a hot summer day. As the summer winds down and guests are less frequent, the temptation arises to just relax. "Oh, that can just sit there" or "no problem, I'll move it in a minute" become easy excuses for letting things go. That won't do now. Thanksgiving is (3 comments)
licensed: Like A Duck Gliding Across The Lake
- 11/16/15 03:02 PM
The other day, I was looking out the window just after sunrise and the water was still. There were no boats racing by and no fishermen in our cove. The water was so still that it looked like a mirror. There was a bright shining sun illuminating the trees along the shore causing their likeness to reflect clearly off the water. It was a beautiful sight indeed and so peaceful. As I gazed at this wonderful sight, in the distance, I could see one lone duck coming toward our seawall. As it went, it left an even (7 comments)
licensed: Don't do it, . . . It's a scam !
- 11/14/15 02:31 PM
I saw a story on the news the other night that really bothered me. The story was of an intelligent person who had been scammed and it told how the scammers did it. I have heard of it before and thought most people would be smarter than to believe this but I was apparently wrong. Because I care about each and every one that reads this blog, I want to reiterate that you should never give out your personal information such as bank account numbers or credit card numbers unless you are absolutely certain of who is on the other (15 comments)
licensed: This one should do it !
- 11/14/15 10:05 AM
I have been writing blogs for years on my ActiveRain site. I have been reading and commenting on other ActiveRain blogs as well. I have participated in several ActiveRain contests. I have even submitted critiques to ActiveRain that were accepted and implemented. Over the years, I have used my ActiveRain blog to share valuable information with my clientele. I have also been able to share a joke or two. I have blogged about personal triumphs and heartbreaks. I have drawn attention to important subjects and events through my ActiveRain blog. By being part of the ActiveRain community, (8 comments)
licensed: Prayers for Paris, for France and for our World
- 11/13/15 08:16 AM
By now many of you have seen the reports on TV of the terrorist attacks in Paris. We are all horrified by the sights and sounds. Most of us think back to September 11, 2001 and how we felt that day. The people of Paris are on lock down and their country is under military law. All people, in France and around the world, are hurting for the innocents who were hurt or killed. This isn't about mortgages or refinancing; nor is it about the local towns we serve at American National Bank and Trust. This is (10 comments)
licensed: Smith Mountain Lake Mortgage Financing
- 11/10/15 06:05 PM
I was here when Smith Mountain Lake was a river. OK, technically it still is a river; but I was here when it was JUST a river. I was here before the water began backing up into the valleys and creeks and swelled to the current shoreline. Why is that important you ask ? Being here all these years has given me knowledge, background and experiences that no online Internet bank is going to have. I know areas and roads and things that no "Johnny come lately" is going to know. I know that I am the (2 comments)
licensed: Second Home Financing or Investor Loans
- 11/08/15 12:26 PM
A lot of people in Virginia and especially in resort communities like here around Smith Mountain Lake are buying properties for purposes other than their primary residence. Around the lake, it is commonplace for people to purchase homes for the purpose of vacationing during the summer. There is also a vast market for vacation rentals that leads to buyers purchasing homes and then renting them out. There are management companies available to take care of the home and make arrangements for those rentals so the investor's involvement can be minimal. At American National Bank and Trust, we have an array of loan (2 comments)
licensed: Mortgages and Refinancing in Vinton, Virginia
- 11/08/15 11:37 AM
Hi, neighbor. That's right, we're next door neighbors or maybe next town neighbors. I am Deanna Early and I do mortgages and refinances in Vinton, Virginia. Though my office is physically located in Hardy, Virginia, those of us who are locals know the two are right next to each other. Now I know what you're thinking, we have a bank here in town; right ? OK, I'll give you that one but do you have a "Deanna Early" in your town ? If I'm not around, I doubt it. So what is a "Deanna Early" anyway (4 comments)