Jan 18, 2023 | Real Estate Tips
There are not many parts of your life that are private anymore. Today, it is relatively easy for someone to go online and look up your address in just a few minutes. At the same time, there are some people who have an easier time keeping their lives private. Celebrities, public officials, and other people who are frequently in the public light are able to conceal their addresses. Even if you aren’t famous, what do you need to do to hide your address?
Talk To A Real Estate Agent
If you want to keep your address private, the first thing you should do is talk to your real estate agent. There is a great chance that they have worked with someone who wanted to keep their address private in the past, and they can provide you with a list of steps you should take. Make sure the home you purchase is pulled off the MLS quickly. That way, someone has to go to the local Town Hall if they want to look up your home.
Use A Trust
You may also want to consider placing your home in a trust. A trust will specify how your assets are distributed after you pass away. You can use a trust to hide real estate purchases, meaning that only the name of your trust is going to be listed in public records. That way, people cannot find your address by simply looking it up online, as they will simply see your trust represented.
Form An LLC
You may also want to consider forming an LLC, also known as a limited liability company. The vast majority of locations do not restrict LLC ownership. This means that you can set up an LLC, specify the LLC as the owner of the property, and keep your name out of the public light. You may want to reach out to an attorney who can help you form an LLC.
Keep Your Address Hidden
The internet is a powerful tool, but you should not resign yourself to having your address listed online. Consider checking out a few of these options, and reach out to a professional if you would like help hiding your address after you purchase a new house.
Jan 4, 2023 | Market Outlook, Real Estate
As a mortgage loan professional, you know that the housing market can be unpredictable and challenging at times. But despite the ups and downs, it’s important to stay positive, motivated, and active in order to succeed. Here are a few ways to stay positive and motivated in the mortgage industry:
1. Keep learning and growing. The mortgage industry is constantly changing, and it’s important to stay up to date on new laws, regulations, and best practices. Consider taking continuing education courses or joining a professional organization to stay informed and sharp. Take advantage of opportunities such as online courses or in-person seminars, and seek out mentors or colleagues who can share their knowledge and experience. You might also consider earning additional certifications or accreditations, such as the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Certified Mortgage Banker designation.
2. Network and build relationships. Building a strong network of professionals in the mortgage industry can help you stay connected and informed about new opportunities. Attend industry events and conferences, join professional groups or
associations, and participate in networking events or groups within your community. Connect with colleagues and industry professionals on social media or professional networking sites, and consider joining a mentorship program or finding a mentor to help guide your career development. Collaborating with other professionals on projects or initiatives can also help you build relationships and expand your network.
3. Stay focused on your goals. Whether you’re working towards becoming a top loan originator or building your own mortgage company, it’s important to stay focused on your long-term goals. Identify specific, achievable goals and break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Set deadlines for completing each task or achieving each goal, and use a planner or project management tool to track your progress and stay organized. Celebrate small victories along the way to stay motivated, and seek feedback from colleagues or mentors to ensure you’re on track.
4. Find ways to stay energized and motivated. Working in the mortgage industry can be demanding, so it’s important to find ways to stay energized and motivated. Set aside time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies. Take breaks throughout the day to stretch, walk around, or get some fresh air. Prioritize self-care by getting enough sleep, eating well, and taking care of your physical and mental health. Find ways to reduce stress, such as by delegating tasks or setting boundaries, and seek support from colleagues, friends, or a professional counselor if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Consider joining a support group or seeking guidance from a mentor or coach, and find ways to stay positive and motivated, such as by setting goals, finding inspiration, or focusing on your accomplishments.
5. Remember why you got into this industry in the first place. When times are tough, it’s easy to lose sight of your passion for helping people achieve the dream of homeownership. Take a moment to remind yourself of why you got into this industry in the first place and how you can make a positive difference in your clients’ lives. Reflect on what motivates you and the positive impact you can have on your clients’ lives. Remember the satisfaction you get from assisting clients in reaching their financial goals, and keep in mind the long-term rewards of your hard work, such as career advancement or the opportunity to own your own business. Find inspiration in success stories or testimonials from satisfied clients, and focus on your strengths and the value you bring to your clients and colleagues. Find ways to give back to the community, such as by volunteering or supporting local causes related to housing or financial education.
In conclusion, staying positive, motivated, and active in the mortgage industry is key to success. By staying informed, building relationships, focusing on your goals, and finding ways to recharge, you can weather any market challenges and achieve your professional dreams.
Dec 16, 2022 | Home Buyer Tips
Did you recently receive your annual notice that the rent is going up? If so, you’re not alone. Millions of renters are seeing more and more of their income drained away due to higher rents. To make matters worse, every dollar in rent is one that you are not saving, investing or using to build your net worth. If you’re feeling the pinch of higher rents, it might be time to buy your first starter home.
Comparing Rent With A Mortgage
Have you ever done the math to understand how close your monthly rent might be to a mortgage payment? Here’s a quick and easy exercise. Multiply your monthly rent by twelve, and then multiply that number by 25. For example, if your rent is $1000 per month, that is $12,000 per year and $300,000 over 25 years. So if nothing changed from today, you could afford a $300,000 mortgage.
Homes Are More Affordable Than You Think
Many first-time home buyers are convinced that they can’t afford to enter the market, but that is not the case. There are homes available that fit almost every budget or price range. In fact, it is less important to worry about the total cost and more important to worry about location, size and local amenities like schools and parks.
Remember, when you buy a house you aren’t just locking yourself into a rental contract. You are investing in a home and property have the potential to gain in value over time.
A Few Other Considerations
Of course, there are some considerations that you will need to make as you start down the path to homeownership. The first is that your mortgage is unlikely to be your only monthly expense. You will also encounter property and other taxes, utility fees and if you buy a condominium or apartment, homeowners’ association fees. You will also be responsible for maintenance and upkeep since you own the home. But that also means that you are free to customize and renovate as you see fit.
Keep in mind that it is never too late to escape the rental trap. When you’re ready to start building your future by investing in your first home, contact us. Our experienced real estate team is happy to share beautiful local home options that will suit your needs and budget.
Dec 15, 2022 | Real Estate Tips
If you are tired of deploying sprinklers and standing over your yard with a hose, you might be interested in some irrigation options. There are plenty of choices available, and you need to think about all of your options before you decide which one is best for your needs. What are a few examples to consider?
A Drip Irrigation System
A drip irrigation system delivers water directly to the roots of plants. It delivers water at a slow, steady pace using micro-sprayers, bubbler nozzles, or inline emitters. The biggest advantage of this type of system is that it uses significantly less water when compared to other watering systems. There is no runoff or wastewater because the water itself is delivered directly to the root system. On the other hand, a drip irrigation system requires a significant amount of maintenance to prevent mineral buildup and system clogs from forming.
A Spray System
A spray system is arguably the most popular method to deliver water to just about every type of landscape. It typically consists of a controller system, a series of valves, and sprinklers that will automatically distribute water. The biggest advantage of a spray system is that it can cover an immense amount of area with ease. The downside is that it may have a difficult time keeping the water evenly dispersed on a sloped landscape.
A Rotor System
A rotor system is very similar to a spray system; however, the sprinkler heads rotate on a rotor system. They do not rotate on a spray system. A rotor system typically distributes water more evenly when compared to a traditional spray system. The downside is that a rotor system requires higher water pressure than a spray system, which means that it might be more expensive.
Choose The Right Irrigation System For Your Yard
In the end, these are a few of the most popular options if you are looking for an irrigation system for your yard. Each system has its benefits and drawbacks, and the right option for one person is not necessarily the right option for you. If you are having a hard time deciding which system to go with, consider reaching out to an expert who can help you.
Dec 14, 2022 | Real Estate Tips
Ask any friend or family member that owns a home and they will share that it takes a bit of management to keep all the expenses under control. Let’s explore the concept of PITI and why it is vital to have a clear picture of how much your home is costing you each month.
Just What Is PITI, Anyway?
PITI is an acronym that stands for “principal, interest, taxes and insurance,” which are the four main components that make up your housing costs.
Principal – this is the amount that you are paying against the total amount that you borrowed when you purchased the home. For example, if you used a mortgage to cover $200,000 of the home’s purchase price, the remaining balance of that $200,000 is the principal. A part of your monthly mortgage payment goes to paying down the principal.
Interest – this is the extra cost that the lender charges for the service of lending you the principal amount. For most mortgages, you will see this expressed as an “interest rate” which is a small percent charged on the loan. A portion of your monthly mortgage payment goes to paying down the interest owed.
Taxes – tax costs are not included in your monthly mortgage payment, but will be added by your lender as part of your yearly expenses when calculating your debt-to-income ratio (see below). Property taxes and other assessments will need to be paid each year.
Insurance – this is the cost of insuring your mortgage and your home. Like taxes, your mortgage lender will typically include some insurance costs in your DTI ratio calculation.
How Lenders Use PITI
Many mortgage lenders use some form of PITI calculation when determining your debt-to-income ratio. This ratio helps the lender understand your ability to manage your monthly mortgage payments without being at risk of missing one. The lower the ratio, the more likely you can afford all your monthly expenses.
Don’t Forget Your Other Monthly Expenses
Finally, don’t forget that along with PITI you will have a variety of other monthly expenses that need to be budgeted for. Leave some space for utilities, repairs and other renovations that need to be made throughout the year.
Once you have the full picture of what is coming in and going out each month, managing your expenses is easy. When you are ready to discuss or apply for a mortgage, get in touch with us. Our friendly team of mortgage professionals is happy to help.
