One of the scarier parts of the home buying process is the mortgage, it is just such a huge financial commitment. But you must remember, big risk big payoff. When you take on the responsibility of a mortgage and get to the end of the tunnel, you are that much wealthier for you and your family. That is an incredibly worthy award for the scare of a mortgage! What is a mortgage? A mortgage is the borrowing of money (loan) secured by a real estate property (mortgage). You can obtain your mortgage loan from banks, credit unions, and mortgage broker. You start by submitting an application detailing your income, assets, and debts. Once the loan officer has all the information, they look at what financing option is best for you. Your application then goes to an underwriter and the institution decides how much they are willing to lend you. This is preapproval. Next, talk to your loan officer about specific packages they offer. Shop referrals not rates! Even though there are a lot of number...

Now that we have made the decision to buy your first home, scary I know-time to find a real estate agent to help you do it! What does a real estate agent do for you exactly? They are your market consultant, home guide, your liaison for other partners in the home buying process, negotiator, and the closer. They wear a lot of hats, for this reason it is a very good idea to have conversation with them and get to know them as a person and as a professional. Here are some great questions to ask them: 1.       Why did you become a real estate agent? 2.       Why should I work with you? 3.       What do you do better than other real estate agents? 4.       What process will you use to help me find the right home for me? 5.       What are some mistakes that you think people make when buying their first home? 6.       What are ...

A person’s firsts are so iconic-your first car, your first kiss, and especially your first home. It is the most memorable and equally terrifying experience for buyers. You can ask any buyer, even if the process is the same for buying each house there is no time quite like the first time. One of the biggest reasons to purchase your first home is to start building your wealth. What are some fears about buying your first home? I can’t afford to buy a home right now. I should wait until the real estate market gets better. I don’t have the money for the down payment. I can’t buy a home because my credit is not good. I can’t afford to buy my dream home. I should wait to buy a home until I get married. Buying a home seems way to complicated. You can’t afford to not buy a home right now. If you don’t own-you rent right…and you will pay less owning a home monthly than renting with tax savings. There is never a wrong time to buy the right home. Real estate is a long term investment and tryi...

Recently November, we had the honor of attending the 18th Financial Round Table from United American Mortgage on Thursday November 14, 2019. Leigh McMahon and Ted Learakos opened up with a millitary term that could very easily be applied to the Real Estate Industry: VUCA V: Volatility U: Uncertainty C: Complications A: Ambiguity But the military is prepared for this and with United American Mortgage as one of our lending partners, so are we. Next to speak was Al Hensling, who was so kind to remind us that the only thing that is consistent in Real Estate is change-so they are changing with the times to offer on the spot technological advances to get answers to the consumer faster. Next to speak was the loan agents to speak about some of the loans they are passionate about: Jessica McClure: VA/FHA Vance Long: Reverse Purchase Marc Halliburton: Seller Buy Down David Lara: Bank Statement Progam German Santibanez: CALFHA Steven Hensling: Construction of a Loan Ending with ...

Last time we spoke of ways to improve your Curb Appeal, and yet we so barely touched on Yards that I felt taht it deserved its own blog. So here we are, getting ready to help our yard. Here are a couple of things you can do to help your yard and curb appeal: 1) Design It Right Look at the yard you are working with and optimize it for its existing curves. Focus on areas where you see lots of lights and rain gather for plants and avoiding wind. 2) Amend Your Soil If you want healthy plants, you have to start with healthy soil. Be sure to use compost to help your soil retain water absorption and help in warm weather. 3) Group Plants Together Based on the plants you have/want, and their needs, group plants accordingly to help give them and your yard the best chance of shining. 4) Incorporate Native Plants There is a massive movement towards minimizing water use, and a great way to do that is to use plants that are native to the area and are used to conditions such as rain f...

Anyone who currently owns a home that is thinking of selling may be wondering, what can I do to increase the appeal of my home? One suggestion I would say is: Curb Appeal. First Impressions are truly invaluable, and completely created by Curb Appeal. So what do you need to do to improve it? 1) Wash The Exterior A house could have good bones, but the exterior may show the years of the home. Give the home a clean look by using a pressure washer and getting rid of any Dirt or Cobwebs that may have gathered there over the years. Windows, Rain Gutters, and Garage Door cleanings helps wonders as well. 2) Paint A fresh coat of paint goes a long way in giving the front of your home a clean new look. Be sure to paint the home in a trending color, and to paint any trim and shutters. Be sure to have a professional do it, or do it right and help the paint to last a while. 3) Repair or Replace The Roof Have your Roof cleaned if it is in good shape, otherwise if it is not in good shape- ...

As a Real Estate Agent, I look to provide value at any given time in the relationship between me, the agent, and you, my client. Real Estate is a relationship based industry, utilizing not only the cooperative nature of the business between agents - but also that of vendors used during the process of buying or selling a home. After a sale has happened, I will tell you to contact me if you, or someone you know has a question about Real Estate. This is called a Referral. But here, I am asking, what value do I have for your referrals? Why should you call me after the transaction? 1) Relationships Are More Valuable Than The Transactions One can assign a certain value to a transaction, a single paycheck. But a good relationship with a client has so much more value than that. One of my favorite things to do is to see a client grow from a starter home to an investment home as they build wealth. Not only is it continued business, but growth of the client's life. 2) Balls In Your Cour...