Understanding Your Income
Income is still one of the most difficult things for a consumer to understand; what of their income is considered qualifying income for their debt to income ratios. This is not as simple as saying ok, “I make $15 per hour and work 40 hours per week”. That sounds so simple but may not be. This can be Continue reading
More Than Today
I have always had in the back of mind what my goals and dreams were. Unlike most, mine are written down and have been part of my long term business plan. I meet with many people every month and have a full view of most everyone’s financial picture. Although people are very different, and we’re as different as each other’s finger prints, most people break down into just a few different types when comes to people who are ready to retire.
Some are Continue reading
It’s Just Sneaky
Do you remember when you were a kid and you did a paper or drawing at school and when you got home, your mother would put it on the refrigerator for all your family and friends to see. There is no doubt your mom was proud of you and she wanted the world to know that. She maybe wanted to encourage you to continue to do good work. Maybe the deeper meaning was to teach you as you grew older that if your work was always good enough you should put your name on it for everyone to see.
I know many of us receive letters or postcards in the mail. The mail looks like a check or a notice from your mortgage lender, but Continue reading
Paper Versus Electronic Documentation
It’s funny how we all see things, as a man in his mid-fifties who has been married thirty years, I still never see myself as old – although my kids do! I just think some of my joints have worn out way before their time. I mean, if you live in my community there are people over 100 years old still driving themselves around town. This can make anyone my age feel very young.
After all, I do consider my myself a pretty healthy guy with a little extra coating around the midsection to help keep me warm, oh forget that, I live in Florida. No really, I am pretty healthy especially for my age but recently I have had to make a few trips too many to the VA hospital. Something popped up that gave me a little concern and reminded me that we are all still vulnerable no matter how strong or healthy we think we are.
My point is, after looking around the hospital Continue reading
DIY Mortgages
“Do It Yourself” mortgage loans? Nope I don’t think so. They are almost in existence. Today it’s easy to find places on line to apply on line. Even my business website even has an “Apply Now” button. But what is the difference between applying on line and completing a full loan approval on line without ever talking to someone.
I remember as a kid my Grandfather complaining about all the stupid people who were purchasing stuff from the “Sears Catalogue”. He would say why don’t you just go down to the store. See what you’re actually going to buy. Check out and verify the Continue reading
Banks, Those Dirty SOB’s
Another round of swindling the government and consumer’s money. Another form of the modern-day carpetbaggers. This is the second case I have seen in just a few months and I expect to see more coming out soon.
What I am talking about is this. Continue reading
I know everyone is different and we all have different likes and desires. Some like a home in the country while others like the city life. I always loved the outdoors, the wildlife and going deep in to the forest. I could live on a mountain side forever. My wife on the other hand would rather live in a high-rise condo in the city. Some place where she could just step outside and walk to the store across the street and browse all day long. With all that said it’s amazing we have been married 30 years.
For many people differences in life or life-styles cannot be compromised and therefore their relationships end. For what ever the reason(s) people split, everyone needs Continue reading
Because we care
Last night was no different to many others. During the day I meet with people at my office and. as I know most of you work very hard during the day you cannot always make it to my office during business hours. There are often times I make trips out to visit people in their homes in the evening and last night was no different.
I arrived at 5:30 pm and the couple there were in their 70’s wanting information on reverse mortgages. I brought along my standard information and FHA/HUD booklet for them to have. I like to keep things very simple. I am not a pushy salesman or aggressive, like I am when playing a sport. I am more like a mortgage coach for beginners. I understand my field intimately and I can go head to head with those who think they are the best.
I generally start off with a talk about Continue reading
Debt Versus Savings
I can’t remember how long it’s been since I wrote about debt and the balance between savings. I know what the more famous financial experts say; “Be debt free and increase savings.”
I may not be famous but I like to believe I am more like the consumer advocate Ralph Nader when it comes to consumer financing.
Finding that right balance is just that, a balancing act. I could really write a book on just this subject and give you hundreds of examples of the different scenarios I have worked with over the years. But today I want our focus to be on the preparation process of the loan application and taking it through to the closing of your new home purchase.
Ideally, I would have to agree with Continue reading
Putting Up the Good Fight
I know my family listens, but I often wondered how many others really listen to me when I am retelling stories from my days in the Marine Corps. I have never seen anyone roll their eyes or even get bored when I repeat the same stories. So are they just listening to be respectful or are they tuning into the lessons that maybe within them.
I work with people from all different walks of life. People may come in with Continue reading