Real Estate Financing...

So, which is better, a Fixed Rate or an Adjustable Rate on your Mortgage?  Why it's such an easy answer, both!  Wait, no, that's not it.  The real answer is neither.  Nope, that's not it either.  Ah-Ha, I have it, the answer is both & neither.  Yep, that's it, that's the answer.  Thanks for stopping by, my work here is done.

I'm kidding of course, there's so much more that goes into answering that question, client to client, case by case.  I should mention though, if you aren't into the whole semantics of money, statistics, charts, & jargon of Economics, this may bore the heck out of you.  In fact, I would recommend skipping the next couple of paragraphs because what will be said will be about as interesting to you as watching Professional Bowling Interviews after a bad hangover would be for me.  That said, I advocate at least trying to learn something about the Yield Curve.  It goes back to that knowledge is power thing, especially for you budding Money Junkies!

If you are a more financially savvy type of guy or gal, Real Estate Professional or Consumer, perhaps you're astute with the what is called the Yield Curve.  To learn more about the what a Yield Curve is and how it works, check out this site.

If you are looking to purchase a home or refinance your current mortgage, here are my thoughts on the Yield Curve:

 *Flat or inverted yield curve in a historically low interest rate environment = I Say Go FIXED*

 *Flat or inverted yield curve in a historically high interest rate environment = A Tough Call.  It REALLY depends on the individual's situation, but I dare say I would lean towards an Adjustable Rate to take advantage of riding rates down through the cycle.*

 *Standard yield curve in a historically low interest rate environment = FIXED if a longer term purchase (10+ years), appropriate ARM if a shorter term purchase.*

 *Standard yield curve in a historically high interest rate environment = Appropriate length ARM*

 *In a standard yield curve, do NOT pay the premium for a 30 year protection when the vast majority of folks will not use the 30 year protection.  Many won't need interest protection any longer than 10 years, hence the reason I like the 10/1.*

Home Equities = eliminating the open end vs. closed end mortgage situations = If Prime is very low I would recommend taking the rate that is fixed, if prime is very high, I recommend an adjustable rate - lock in the low rate when you can get it, use the ability of the ARM to move your payments down when you are at the top of the cycle.

OK, if you aren't dizzy by now, let's go a little bit simpler and look beyond the yield curve in determining rates. 

 A consumer's financial intelligence is rather critical in determining whether they should be put into an adjustable rate mortgage.  A colleague of mine makes a good point, it's called The Sleep Principal.  In other words, even if an ARM is the best option for you or your client, it is not the right option if they are going to lay awake at night worrying about the future rate of their mortgage.  There's something to be said for having the least amount of worries in your life as possible.  The roof over one's head is a terrible worry to have.

That said, what I really would like to concentrate is on all the 2/28 and 3/27 Adjustable Rate Mortgages and all the attention (some very negative) surrounding them.  If you aren't familiar with what those products are, they are actually quite simple. 

    The 2/28 is a fixed rate for the first two years, after those two years, the rate then adjusts....Upwards.       

    The 3/27 works the same, only with 3 years of having a fixed rate. 

Some called them Band-Aid loans, I'm not a huge fan of that term, especially if the customer needed stitches.  Hence, the title to this post.  A lot of what made these so popular is that those rates have been very near that to the best rates on the best market today and of yesterday.  So, if you had credit bumps, bruises, bankruptcies, etc.....you may have been able to attain a rate on one of these programs in the 6% range for that 2 or 3 year time frame.

Then, things change, the rate adjusts and all of a sudden that rate changes and goes up, which means, your payment follows suit. 

Let me point out the Good, The Bad, The Ugly, of these very products....in my own opinion.

The Good:

-It did give people a chance to re-group, get their credit back on the high road, and get further away from the credit bumps and bruises from the past.  I've had numerous clients follow the plan & guidance I helped lay out and it took their scores from a 550 to over 700 when their rate was rate was about to adjust.  It was in these instances that I could then put them in what would probably become their permanent financing, getting the best rates the market had to offer.

The Bad:

-Mortgage Professionals qualifying borrowers off the 2 or 3 year teaser rate to make sure their income qualifies for the loan.  In my opinion, this was and is a bad idea all the way around.  Anybody who is put into an adjustable rate product, should never be qualified off the floor rate.  I'm not saying they should be qualified off the cap rate (or maximum % the rate can go up to) but I figure there has got to be a happy medium.  How about qualifying them off the first rate adjustment?

The Ugly:

-This is the heart-breaker in my eyes.  Take a family who was in a 2/28 or 3/27 and financed 95% to 100% of their home's worth at the time they went into that program.  They did everything right, paid their bills on time, took care of any outstanding credit demons, and now their scores and credit file are in great shape!  Except for one thing.  They go to refinance and you find out they don't have enough equity to do anything at all.  They're stuck and their rate is increasing and payment is following suit.  Many areas have little appreciation, some as of late, none at all.  Generally speaking, a client should not be put into these programs if they are financing more than 90% of their home's worth. 

The bottom line is for the most part, there is no clear-cut answer to whether a fixed-rate is better than an adjustable or vice versa.  It's a situation based answer.  I will say though that the financially savvy people out there are the ones that can handle and benefit from adjustable rates the most.  A large part of our population isn't financially savvy, especially about mortgages.  Our high-schools and colleges need to address this.  For the population who is in that boat, the fixed rate is probably the best way to sail.

One of the better posts I've read that can transcend not only your Real Estate Business, but your life, is by a sister I never had.  This is the post.  'WooHoo' Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman inspired me to write this.  I'm not sure if this is the best time of day to do so.  I'm not sure if I'm in the right mood to do it.  Yet, I'm here and will write it cause I can.  In this life, you never know.

                                              It's Not Easy...But Give It The Best Shot You Have!

To my knowledge, I didn't choose to be here.  To my knowledge, I don't know why I am here.  Life is weird like that, at least to me.  It would be nice to have Anthony Robbins give my eulogy and help put the FUN back in Funeral and a positive spin on my existence, but I'm sure he is booked.  I haven't even begun to give this my best shot, my life, the business I'm in, the people who mean so much to me.  I'm not even close to being what I can become.  Yet, if I couldn't become, I would have to take a look back at my own Legacy or lack thereof.  One day, I'll meet my maker and have a whole lot of questions...some of them answered along the journey of my life.

It's peculiar, my mother sent me an email that I received Friday morning.  She's been a teacher for so many years, teaching the mentally handicapped, at least in our culture's eyes.  I say 'in our culture's eyes' cause quite frankly, I'll say it again, those very individuals are the closest tangible thing we have to God.  That, I'll go to the grave thinking.  Onto the email...

Friday was to be a transitional day for my firm.  And it was.  Tomorrow will be even better because that transition took place.  There is no need to go into specifics but on Friday morning, when I opened up my Mother's email, I looked irony right in the eyes.  I looked legacy into the very depths of its very soul. I don't have her email off hand but will certainly place it below when I do.  A student she used to teach who had pretty severe mental and physical impairments had sent her a letter after all those years from here in Pennsylvania to her down in Raleigh, NC.  After all these years, he sent her a letter expressing his gratitude for what she did and the impact she made on him way back then.  His condition has worsened now.  Even still, he took the time to write a simple freaking letter!

Ladies & Gents, this guy took the time, despite his mental and physical deficiencies, to write my mother a letter years after he had been a student of hers, probably for a short period of time.  You want to talk about legacy, the meaning of life, hell man....That's it!

They say "You only get what you give."  As selfish as I can be, as greedy as I sometimes feel, as simple minded and immature as I reign, I agree with "They."  I have no clue what my legacy will be, I have one hell of a starting point though.  That email I received and will post here tomorrow when I get back in the office, meant everything to me and to my perception of life and business.  Elaine, if you ever read this, I do believe your legacy is written in stone.   

Ok, I battled myself some of this evening on whether to write this at all.  Obviously, I won and I am:-)  My other battle, assuming I won the battle and wrote this which I did, was whether or not to make it public or private for viewing by those here in cyberland.  I decided to make this so anybody can see it if they come across it and choose to read it, for whatever it may be worth to anybody at all.  I left work at about 7:30 P.M. tonight for my humble abode.  It was a good day, a great day!  Full of energy and vigor, another day in Real Estate Paradise....which on a busy day entails most every emotion (good and bad) known to humanity as I know it.

And then I got an email, two emails actually, from two separate individuals on what I write here on the Active-Rain forum, on my little old blog.  The one email basically said that what I write is nice to read, but it's too off topic and I'm not representing the mortgage professionals the best I can.  It said that I "should write more about product and ongoing news within the mortgage industry" and "less about what I feel like writing."  The second email came to my eyes about 10 minutes later and in summary, using their words, said that..."Jason, you are despicable and should stop writing until you get that Real Estate Professionals want to know that mortgage people know what they are talking about, you do not.  Instead, you wax like your Shakespeare."

OK, some will say any publicity or attention or exposure is good.  I won't totally disagree.  I am not making this members only because I think this needs to be addressed.  After-all, why are us Real Estate Professionals Blogging....for the consumer or for ourselves?  I will tell those of you who are Real Estate Professionals and those of you who are not the same thing....I write for both!  I write like I want to live, for me and to contribute to the world the best I can.  That's that, in a nutshell.  There seems to be a dead horse out there I'm beating, we are beating, on why we are writing.  Why should I explain, but I am.  So, as long as I'm explaining, I will retort to each email...individually.

Number 1, I'm not going to name the names of the individuals who sent me these emails.  For whatever reason, they did.  Fine, they have every right.  And I have every right not to give them specific, but anonymous, attention.

So herein lies my feelings, beliefs, and thoughts....to the never mentioned names of the very mentioned emails.

Emailer Number One - I'm glad I'm a nice read, it's nice to add a bit of zest to somebody else's life in whatever facet I can.  As far as me writing more about product and news...I dare say read through the stuff I've written in its totality and I do believe there is a pretty fair balance.  I'll never though, write less about what I feel like writing, that is a total disservice to myself.  And when it is all said and done and I move to the high heavens for a greater cause, I don't want to ever be looking over a bony shoulder trying to figure out why I wasn't more of a ME.  I'll write any way I want amigo, and the public or professionals who may or may not read, may or may not feel like doing business with a guy like me.  That is my choice and theirs.  Get it?  Got it?  Good...................

Emailer Number Two- Oh, you I love.  You almost made me react to that out of emotion rather than the way I should.  I am despicable?  That's a harsh adjective, I'd say.  Not sure I agree with you on that.  I'm a lot of things but despicable isn't one of them.  I don't know what I'm talking about?  Hmmm...tell you what, call or email me any day of the week on an.....Nah.....never-mind all that.  If I don't know what I'm talking about, I'll be the first to tell ya and the first to find out the answer to what I may not know.  As far as Shakespeare, "Doth protest too much, and I may have just done the same."  None the less, you've never done business with me and are a competitor in its natural terminology, I don't want or need your 2 cents on how or what to write about anything, including Real Estate.  Take care of yourself and your clients, I will do the same.  There's no need to concentrate on what I am doing, focus on what you are doing....or not doing for that matter.

If you, the reader, are still in tune and reading as it is typed....good for you and me, I didn't bore you to death.  In our culture, no matter what industry (politics, teachers, news anchors, construction workers, banks, brokers, social workers, lawyers, plumbers, the list could go on and on) we need to remember one thing.  That is, looking out for each-other....call it a lesson in humanity.  I don't mind criticism, if constructive.  I don't mind disagreeing, if passionate and relevant.  I don't mind any of that at all.  Yet, come on, let's be real.  Cause I know who each of you email individuals are...and you can be darn sure I question the motives of why you wrote me.

I should date more.  I've had a bunch of biz referred to me by gals I used to date.  I should dump or be dumped on a more regular basis, it seems good for my business.  Though, bad for the heart.

The following is another example of what has been going on in Real Estate, especially in the past 2 years.  An ex-girlfriend of mine referred a couple who were looking to refinance out of an adjustable rate that when instituted, increased their payment dramatically.  Apparently, when this couple bought the home, the lender they were dealing with gave them a lower rate in what is called a 2/28 by the Mortgage Lending side of things.  That product, quite simply, is a rate that is fixed for the first 2 years years at a lower rate than they would typically qualify for and adjusts (most times upward) thereafter.  The idea, if you do it right from my end, is that person has a 2 year gap to get away from any credit issues from the past, pay their bills on time, and to be in a position to get into a more conventional mortgage that will not only save them money, but better help better define their economic situation by putting them in a better one.

None the less, their time was up, 2 years went by real fast.  But the initial mortgage they were put into and chose as their own didn't kill them.  They took out a second mortgage one year later and ago that is burning them at the financial stake.  Turns out, it was an over-equity mortgage.  Quite simply, that means they owe on their home more than it is worth.  They are, how do ya say, yeah.....Mortgage Screwed!

So after doing some homework and having a little help from my friends...there was only one way I could help them.  And that is, to refer them back to guys & gals who made them the second mortgage.

You see, that company is now in a tough spot.  My guess is that company had no idea that the first mortgage they were lending behind had an adjustable rate.  They probably never did their proper homework.  My guess is that company thought they were safe in viewing a stable credit and job history, despite lending above and beyond what the collateral (the home) was worth.  So, my solution was and is to guide the customers to call the holders of that mortgage and work with them to bring value and solutions to everyone involved.  That solution is save their behinds by watching the behinds of the current mortgages they hold.  Not often do I refer business away from me, yet when it is in the best interest of the consumer...that's the only ethical & human thing to do.

My now former clients owe $312,000 on a property currently not worth more than $300,000.  Time to be creative by communicating.  My guess is that the road they should travel is one not taken.  That is the road of futility by proximity. 

I need to date more,....more referrals, more drama, more chances to make good on what seems not so bad.

Trust who you know, not what you don't know.  

.

I'm killing two blogs with one stone here.  Number one, I'm going to finally address Bob Mitchell's request that I'm Meme'd once again.  Sorry it took so long Mr. Mitchell.  Number two, I'm going to run down some of the things I've learned in my 31 years of existence here on Planet Earth.  31 of them to be exact.  They will address what I've learned from Real Estate, Active-Rain, and Life....about my role in all three.  I know attention spans are lacking these days, so bear with me here. 

As typical, off the cuff and in no particular order:

1)  The Golden Rule is King.  How we treat people, all people, says wonders about us.  It's never too late to wake up tomorrow morning and start treating people like they matter, because we all do.

2)  Bad things happen to good people.  Good things happen to bad people.  I guess you've got to go through Hell to get to Heaven, and vice versa.

3)  I have a big brain, but bigger heart.  I look for the same in those I deal with.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

4)  You can try to inspire, lead, guide, and help anybody, but you can't do it for them.  I've always hated that.

5)  I make mistakes and will continue to do so.  I'm not a fan of such, yet I'm willing to own up to the fact that I'm not perfect, far from.  We all need something to strive for.

6)  Money should be one less worry in all of our lives.  It's still a worry in mine, but so is life.

7)  You probably won't always be fresh, new, popular, and the best....it is the times your aren't any of those that help define you.

8)  I hate pastries...there, I said it!

9)  I'd rather not waste your time and would prefer you don't waste mine.  Time is the most valuable commodity we have, yours is valuable and so is mine.

10)  I want to be a Mentor, a Teacher, a Father, one day.   I'm still working on earning all of those titles.

11)  Nobody owns you!  It's easy to fall prey and hard to hunt what you want when you're feeling down.  If you want to get out of your funk, listen to George Clinton.  Or, just be strong enough to know all of us are at times, weak!

12)  Wow, that George Clinton link was bad audio.....

13)  My lucky number.  If you want to discuss Reverse Mortgages, Pay-Option ARMS, Debt Consolidation, Using the Equity in your Home to its fullest capacity, I'm game.  I can also talk with you about why your kitten sleeps on its back and likes its tummy rubbed.  I'm not lucky, I'm human.  Goes with the territory.

14)  I've been in love and at war, internally & externally.  Love hurts more and rewards far greater.

15)  I would love to copy & paste the next 17 of the 31 things I've learned in being involved in Real Estate, Active-Rain, & Life, but apparently "MR. X" is sleeping.  Inside joke...

16)  I don't want to imitate anyone, I want to be influenced by pretty much everyone!

17)  I take bad pictures but I wouldn't kick me out of bed:-)

18)  Those who are labeled 'Mentally Handicapped' are probably the most tangible thing we have to God.

19)  I am a loner, a wall flower, and when I die....which is inevitable, this song will always follow me.

20)  I laugh when I write, I also cry.  In both cases, literally. 

                                                             And Now I Get Edgy!

21)  As the birthdays accumulate, I don't feel older, even though it's dangerous eating Hot Wings these days.

22)  True story, I have scars.  If you look real close, you can still see them.  I have no tattoos or piercings, but I do have scars.  When I was a youngster, I graduated high-school at a mere 130 lbs with a smart mouth and Personal Roast for anybody who I felt deserving.  That was before I grew into my 6'1" frame and started to make my body stronger/harder to hurt by working out.  I hated confrontation and fights, especially at that time when I knew I may get beat.  So, I came up with a way to try to avoid such instances.  When those circumstances arose, my response was simple.  I'm going to get flack this for this one.   In a totally sober state, I would put a cigarette out on my arm without flinching.  And guess what, it worked....every time!  I never got screwed with...people seem to fear the perception of one feeling little physical pain.

23)  I love The Beatles!  In fact, I had a pro-wrestling persona whose name was derived from a character in a song they sung.  His role in my mind, making fun of professional wrestling while being very damn good at.  The anti-tough guy persona with a very sarcastic mouth....

24)  I want to change the world...one mistake at a time.

25)  It's a wonderful thing being a homeowner, I need a tax break considering I'm a single, white male with no kids!  Ugh....

26)  Most people think I'm tough, physically and mentally.  At least those who know me.  And they are right, the reason they are right is because I embrace weakness and tears.

27)  I love my parents, as I do people here and in the industry I work in, it doesn't mean though I think they should be together.

28)  My cat Baxter means the world to me, and someday I hope I care as much about the world.

29)  I love to write and as much as I hate to admit it, love when people love the way I write.

30)  Silence is deafening.

31)  I'll be here manana as you are reading this tonight or the next morning, and in the end,  I don't care that you care or even rated this post...I'll be content if you just read it.  That is caring to me.

Can You Pick Me Out Of This Crowd?

  When I first entered the biz, one of my mentors took me out to lunch with a gentlemen who also worked in the industry on the banking side of things.  Eventually, the conversation turned to generating business for whatever firm you are working with.  They both told me the same thing.  That was, in their over 30 years of experience, generally speaking, mortgage guys and gals developed business 1 of 2 ways.  They either hit the streets (Realtor Calls, Bank Calls, Etc) or dialed for dollars.  They said that they very rarely saw individuals who were good at both.  This crushed me because I didn't have a car at the time and am not a big fan of driving....people are maniacs out there!  It also crushed me because I hated talking on the phone.  I sipped my glass of water and figured I was destined for doom, time to find another line of work.

My mother's ethnic back-round is German so I guess that's where my form of stubbornness comes from.  That form of stubbornness has me in the same industry over 6 years later.  It wasn't a choice for me....as far as earning business.  I had no car.  So, I had to do it via phone and a little thing they (my mentors & firm) were baffled at......email! 

As I started to close deals for people I never met face to face, their wonder wasn't how I was doing it, but the level of trust and loyalty these individuals had for me considering a somewhat non-traditional way to do business.  That's probably another post entirely, and over a year ago I recalled that conversation and thought to myself, "Self, what if you could become a master of doing business both ways?!?"  Heck, it would increase business & diversify it, I'd had a car for awhile (even though people are still maniacs out there). and I like to shake the proverbial tree of what people think can be done.

I've had mild success with it to this point, yet quite frankly, still do business the way I started out.  It's a comfort zone I suppose.  But I got a knock on my door at 9:00 A.M. this morning that made me ask the question I titled this post with, of myself.  I heard the doorbell and was generally annoyed and irritated that someone would have the gull to ring my bell so to speak, so early on a Saturday morning when I wasn't expecting a soul.  I ran down the stairs in nothing but boxers and a face that hadn't been shaved for days.  When I opened the door, there stood a man from a religious organization who gave me a brief dialogue and flier and then went on meandering to the next home.   As I was about to close the door, I looked down at the flier and then at the man walking away....and I became curious.

"Excuse me Sir, Sir?"

He stopped and looked back, he looked kind of perplexed, if not totally scared.  I sat on the step (being very aware of making sure my package wasn't showing through the boxers:-) and said, "Can I ask you a question?"

The gentlemen responded, "Yes, of course."

"Listen man, I don't mean to be wasting your time because quite frankly I may never join this particular religious organization.  But, I gotta say, it's impressive to me that here you are going door to door so early on a weekend in your little shirt and tie talking to people who may or may not have any interest in what you have to say.  Not to mention, though I guess I am mentioning, it's pretty early and you know, some of you guys get joked about and have a bad rap.  I'm not asking why you do it, but I am interested in how you do it?"

He looked into my eyes and said, "I'll tell you why.  I believe.  As far as how, same answer young man."

I watched him turn around, walk away, and sat on my staircase for a solid five minutes staring at a flier of an organization I really don't buy into.  Gosh, I love life and people are so interesting and maniacs when driving!  To date, I remain in person...mostly to myself.  But what may happen if I had his gull to go out in person to attest to what I believe, in this business at least.

Hmmmmm.....something to ponder

 Despite what your popular infomercial of the day has to say, it ain't easy giving bad news.  And it's not in my nature to take advantage of it.  I wrote a post not too long ago about a transaction that turned real dead, real fast, after the appraisal came back.  An adjustable rate came due, yet they couldn't do a thing...

Adjustable Rates were a popular phenom and always will have their place.  I didn't make them that original loan but I followed up like a madman to try to make sure I'd make them the next, and hopefully, final loan they'd ever need.  This story is like many others though, they were credit challenged and equity poor two years ago, they took a lower rate on adjustable terms to get a lower payment...with the idea of things would turn around.  Things didn't turn around.  Still falling behind on their mortgage, I had spoken to them 6 months after they entered that transaction...haven't let go of them since.

When the the time came that their rate adjusted (higher, which it almost always will be with these programs), I was there trying to work with them to see if there was a way out.  They were finally on-board and an appraisal was done...so was their transaction.  Turns out, they had no equity at all and their credit didn't do them any favors.  So, even though the phone call sucked to make, and I heard tears on the other end as we spoke, I had to give them the best advice I knew how to give them.

Many of you, across the states, may be in the same boat.  You have no equity (you owe what your house is worth and maybe even more than what your house is worth)  and your credit isn't anything to write home to Mom about, despite the fact that was the program you entered trying to correct things in your financial life.  If this is you, in any way, let me give you an alternative means of trying to situate the situation.

* Call the Company Who Currently Holds Your Mortgage!  Trust me on this, they are not in the business of owning houses, especially ones there is not equity in.  If your rate is starting to adjust and you realize you have no equity to refinance out of it into a fixed rate situation and won't realistically be able to afford the payments, call them.  Call them now!  If you are still reading this, you should of already dialed their number.  The worst thing you can do when dealing with creditors is to lack on the communication thing.  Explain your situation, professionally and  persistently and work out something that works for both of you.  That is, in my estimation, the best way in this situation to make things work.  If they are a smart lending entity and you are a consumer of your word, things can and will be worked out.

Banks hate balances that exceed what their collateral is worth, lenders dislike when they aren't being paid.  Both feel the same about the matter, use it to your advantage!  There is breathing room...just remember to breath and to communicate.  Do both with integrity and there will be plenty of air for us all...

I was reminded of something on a long conversation I had with a lady yesterday and yet again after reading a recent post by David Podgursky.   I spend a large part of my life working....I do Mortgages.

CLICK HERE & THEN READ!

Let me explain further.  There are only so many hours in a day, only so many days in a week, and only so many weeks in a year.  Yet, a lot of us spend a large amount of those hours, days, & weeks doing what we feel passionate about doing...our chosen occupation.  Sometimes, I forget to explain what I do and why I do it.

I've pointed out before that I hardly knew what a Mortgage encompassed before entering this industry 6+ years ago.  Then, I caught the bug.  I became enamored with everything I could help with in other's lives, and there was a monetary benefit and intrinsic something you can't put a label on, if I did it well.  That was appealing, still is, always will be.  When I came to Allentown almost 8 years ago, I would of never imagined fancying myself on being a financial guy. 

After garnering a bit of knowledge & experience in this industry, I was hungry for more.  So what is it that I do exactly?

If you are looking to purchase a home or Commercial Property in Pennsylvania, I am here.

If you want to refinance a home or Commercial Property in Pennsylvania, I am here as well.

If you have questions about the mortgage process, I'm a phone call, email, or I even come to you....even though I'm direction-less:-)

Yet, before I ask for business from anyone out there in Cyber-land, I request a couple of things.  I request I earn your trust and you acknowledge my passion for what I do.  The reason I request that is because that is what I look for when doing business with anyone in any facet of life.  I could sit here and type out the numerous products and programs I have access to for every kind of borrower under the sun...but I gotta be honest, my product list is as extensive as pretty much anybody else's.  The difference in the end isn't necessarily the presentation, nor the expectation, but the demonstration and result.

That is what I do.

Why I do it is simple.   It has become my passion.  I love rasslin & writing, but they are hobbies in the face of an Industry I've grown to have an Extreme Passion about.  I like being a financial detective, I adore helping somebody become a homeowner or getting them out of a financial jam.  I love doing my part in the Real Estate Industry in changing it, evolving it, & helping others grow into it and with it.  I feel it my duty, one I don't mind doing at all.

This forum allows us all to reach out to the public and also allows the public to touch back.  Real Estate doesn't have to be some great big mystery or scandal, it very well can be just another aspect of life made easier...if you find the right people to surround you.

That is why I do it.

I never understood the celebrity culture of bright lights and silver spoons.  I never understood why a lot of them just faded away.  I do understand that a lot of individuals reached their particular heights of greatness without a silver spoon and worked their behinds off to get there.  But, I never understood why one moment you are great, and the next, you fade away.

Every once in awhile, I write off the cuff and have no clue of what I'm going to say next.  Mark this as once of those every once in awhile's.

As the preliminary fireworks of Independence Day go off in the background of this here part of the U.S.A, it makes me think of every life lived and breathed to make-up our culture, our world, what it is and isn't for that matter.  My neighbors must have plenty of matches because the gunpowder sounds more like a waterfall of loose firearms marching from the sky.  It sounds like God has a Machine Gun:-)  On this 4th of July, it seems we celebrate by blowing up things....

Back though, to whatever point I was trying to make.  While one moment you can be on top of the world, the next you can be a fistful of apparent confusion of what you have to do next to remain where you really want to be.  The answer, at least to me, is to go out there every day and prove yourself...your cause....your creation...all over again. 

Ego tends to get in the way when others tell you how good you are, how important you are, how much you mean to whatever community you deem to be a part of.  You start believing the hype and forget what got you there, I hope what got you there was none other than YOU.  You is a big thing with me, not you in particular, but the fact of being yourself, staying yourself, and knowing your role and defining it.

Ok, now I'm off on some pseudo-intellectual/philosophical rampage, yet I do want to drive that point, whatever it may be, Home.  Every once in a great moon, we let our Egos get in the way of our selves...our cause...our creation.  I don't want to ever fade away, no matter how valued I am or am not in the culture I live in.

I could sit here and quote you Mortgage Rates, Products, Programs, Up To Date Information & Fannie Mae Guidelines & Ultra Creative Sales Tools and why I'm the best man (or woman for that matter, I had a ridiculous past ;-) to come to when you need to refinance or purchase a home here in Pa.  I don't because I'm a lousy sales guy.  I kind of am proud of that:-)  Though, truth be told, I'm valuable in much greater ways.  My ego isn't too big, it's not too small, I try to make sure it never gets in the way.

  If you know me or have read my little profile here, you probably know that my answer is a biased, "YES!"  Regardless, if you feel inclined, read on dear friends...

I'm a sucker for doing stuff that tends to be controversial in nature.  The part of that which intrigues me is that sometimes I go into it without that intention ever being involved.

I write this now when it should of been written then, but again I was reminded in a phone call I received earlier today.  I'll preface this with the fact that to me, Respect Means The World.  So, if you want to jive....show it.  And to avoid being a hypocrite, I'll give it as it is deserved.  Respect Means The World!

Ring Freakin Ring...  And I answer with..."Hey man, how are you doing?" 

Just wonderful, and you?

No immediate complaints.

What's going on?  Are you still doing that Broker Stuff?

What do you mean, that Broker Stuff?

You still doing that for coin, I mean, come on, I work for a BANK man.  When are you going to get out of that trash?

Trash!!!??? Trash, I didn't say this to my amigo over there in Wonder-Wonder Land, but I'll say it now.  Besides, I used explicatives that wouldn't possibly be right if written here. 

For those of you, Real Estate Professionals Or Consumers Alike, let me clue you in on a little something....

  Unless you have a lot of this to spare, you'll need financing for any Real Estate Venture you may want to enter.  I tell you what, go to your local/preferred/popular bank and apply.  If they will help you, do me a small favor, go shop at reputable Mortgage Broker just to see.  Just to see...

I didn't think at the time that going away from what I was doing and then into this would enter me into yet another industry aloof with confusion, mistrust, & point-blank incompetency.  I was naive because I never thought I'd be labeled by the crowd I'm in.

I read somewhere recently that somebody had said we make so much money.  Let me tell you something folks, it ain't about that.  This industry, this career, this life, has never, ever, been about that.  I was trying to 'Sell' mortgages to individuals whose W-2's were far greater.  And they were social workers and janitors and teachers and lawyers and bartenders and I hope you GET my drift.  It ain't about the money per se.  It's about Respect.  We should earn it, you should know the difference...