Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Friday, September 25, 2009
Eight Choices You Can Make Today
Eight Choices You Can Make Today That Will Change Your Life Forever
by Chris Widener
The direction of our lives is determined by the choices we make every day. They accumulate and add up to our ultimate destiny. Here are eight choices you can make—choices that will create for you abundance and prosperity in all areas of your life.
1. Choose to grow personally. This sounds simple but many people only wish to grow personally. They never choose to grow by taking action, such as actually exercising, saving more money, etc. Make a decision today to be a person who is on the never-ending journey of personal growth.
2. Choose to always treat others right. We come across all sorts of people, many of whom will treat us poorly. We can choose to treat them right, no matter how they treat us. When they lie, we will tell the truth. When they cheat, we will play by the rules. We may get the short end of the stick sometimes, but in the long run we will win. And most important, we will be able to sleep at night.
3. Choose to break a bad habit. Take the biggie first. Tackle it head on. If you don’t know what it is, ask a friend. Then spend every effort you can to break that habit. Forget about the others, as you will get to them later. Stop smoking, get out of debt, lose your excess weight. Exercise the power to choose!
4. Choose to work smarter. Many people I work with feel like they are out of balance. One of the first things I do is try to find out how much time they are wasting at work, which makes them work longer, which throws the rest of their life into chaos. Getting your work done by diligently working in the time you have will free your life up extraordinarily.
5. Choose to see your work as a way to help others, and not a way to make money. If you put your heart into helping others, the money will most assuredly come. Spend time helping others grow and your finances will grow with it.
6. Choose to become balanced spiritually, emotionally and physically. Our lives are best when we have these three major areas in balance. Spend some time cultivating your spirituality, becoming emotionally healthy, and physically fit.
7. Choose to sow more than you reap. There are many takers in this world, but our lives will be better as we become givers. The world will become better as we become givers. Give away your time, give away your money, give away your love.
8. Choose to get home for dinner more often. The family is the most important group of people you will ever belong to. Make a decision today to grow in your relationship with your parents, siblings, spouse and children. This one choice you will never regret.
by Chris Widener
The direction of our lives is determined by the choices we make every day. They accumulate and add up to our ultimate destiny. Here are eight choices you can make—choices that will create for you abundance and prosperity in all areas of your life.
1. Choose to grow personally. This sounds simple but many people only wish to grow personally. They never choose to grow by taking action, such as actually exercising, saving more money, etc. Make a decision today to be a person who is on the never-ending journey of personal growth.
2. Choose to always treat others right. We come across all sorts of people, many of whom will treat us poorly. We can choose to treat them right, no matter how they treat us. When they lie, we will tell the truth. When they cheat, we will play by the rules. We may get the short end of the stick sometimes, but in the long run we will win. And most important, we will be able to sleep at night.
3. Choose to break a bad habit. Take the biggie first. Tackle it head on. If you don’t know what it is, ask a friend. Then spend every effort you can to break that habit. Forget about the others, as you will get to them later. Stop smoking, get out of debt, lose your excess weight. Exercise the power to choose!
4. Choose to work smarter. Many people I work with feel like they are out of balance. One of the first things I do is try to find out how much time they are wasting at work, which makes them work longer, which throws the rest of their life into chaos. Getting your work done by diligently working in the time you have will free your life up extraordinarily.
5. Choose to see your work as a way to help others, and not a way to make money. If you put your heart into helping others, the money will most assuredly come. Spend time helping others grow and your finances will grow with it.
6. Choose to become balanced spiritually, emotionally and physically. Our lives are best when we have these three major areas in balance. Spend some time cultivating your spirituality, becoming emotionally healthy, and physically fit.
7. Choose to sow more than you reap. There are many takers in this world, but our lives will be better as we become givers. The world will become better as we become givers. Give away your time, give away your money, give away your love.
8. Choose to get home for dinner more often. The family is the most important group of people you will ever belong to. Make a decision today to grow in your relationship with your parents, siblings, spouse and children. This one choice you will never regret.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
This is not good news
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) today announced several significant policy changes that are intended to improve their exposure to risk. The changes, effective January 1, include:
• Modification of Procedures for Streamline Refinance Transactions
• Adoption of Home Valuation Code of Conduct Guidelines (some not all)
• Updated Appraisal Validity Period
• New Appraisal Portability Regulation
• New Requirement of Lenders to Submit of Audited Financial Statements for Review
• Adjustments to the Approval Process for Participation in FHA Loan Origination
• Increased Net-Worth Requirements for Lenders
Grabbing the attention of mortgage professionals was FHA's decision to adopt language from HVCC appraisal guidelines. The HVCC, which has been the subject of heated debate within the industry, was implemented by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on May 1, 2009. At that time the FHA decided not to adhere to the policy. This undoubtedly increased demand for FHA loan products as originators quickly adjusted. The new requirements will prohibit any commissioned based lender staff member from ordering an FHA appraisal.
The announcement is only two days old and as more information comes out we will be sure and update you.
• Modification of Procedures for Streamline Refinance Transactions
• Adoption of Home Valuation Code of Conduct Guidelines (some not all)
• Updated Appraisal Validity Period
• New Appraisal Portability Regulation
• New Requirement of Lenders to Submit of Audited Financial Statements for Review
• Adjustments to the Approval Process for Participation in FHA Loan Origination
• Increased Net-Worth Requirements for Lenders
Grabbing the attention of mortgage professionals was FHA's decision to adopt language from HVCC appraisal guidelines. The HVCC, which has been the subject of heated debate within the industry, was implemented by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on May 1, 2009. At that time the FHA decided not to adhere to the policy. This undoubtedly increased demand for FHA loan products as originators quickly adjusted. The new requirements will prohibit any commissioned based lender staff member from ordering an FHA appraisal.
The announcement is only two days old and as more information comes out we will be sure and update you.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
5 Tips for Shopping for a Mortgage
Federal Reserve's '5 Tips for Shopping for a Mortgage'
by Broderick Perkins
Financing the purchase of a home could be the most complex financial decision you'll every endure.
You need all the help you can get.
To help get you started with the basics, the Federal Reserve offers "5 Tips for Shopping for a Mortgage," because, well, the fundamentals always apply.
Don't bite off more than you can chew. Check your budget. You must have a budget so you can estimate what you can afford to pay for a home, including the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and monthly maintenance and utilities.
You also have to have enough to save for emergencies. Plan ahead to have enough to afford your monthly mortgage payments for several years. Check your credit report to make sure that the information in it is accurate. A higher credit score may help you get a lower interest rate on your mortgage.
Shop around. Shopping around is a bear, but it can save you thousands of dollars.
Understand costs. Shopping around means scrutinizing loan costs and fees not just the annual percentage rate (APR) On any given day, lenders and brokers may offer different interest rates and fees to different consumers for the same loan, even when those consumers have the same loan qualifications. Keep in mind that lenders and brokers also consider the profit they receive if you agree to the terms of a loan with higher fees, higher points, or a higher interest rate.
Learn risks, benefits of loan options. Mortgages have many features -- fixed interest rates, adjustable rates, payment adjustments, interest-only payments, prepayment penalties, balloon payments and more. Consider all the features, including the APR and the settlement costs.
Have your lender calculate how much your monthly payments could be a year from now, and 5 or 10 years from now. A mortgage shopping worksheet can help you identify the features of different loans. Mortgage calculators can help you compare payments and the equity you could build with different mortgage loans.
Get advice from those you trust. Ask family, friends, co-workers, professional associates and others you trust for referrals. Talk with a trusted housing counselor or a real estate attorney that you hire to review your documents before you sign them.
by Broderick Perkins
Financing the purchase of a home could be the most complex financial decision you'll every endure.
You need all the help you can get.
To help get you started with the basics, the Federal Reserve offers "5 Tips for Shopping for a Mortgage," because, well, the fundamentals always apply.
Don't bite off more than you can chew. Check your budget. You must have a budget so you can estimate what you can afford to pay for a home, including the mortgage, property taxes, insurance, and monthly maintenance and utilities.
You also have to have enough to save for emergencies. Plan ahead to have enough to afford your monthly mortgage payments for several years. Check your credit report to make sure that the information in it is accurate. A higher credit score may help you get a lower interest rate on your mortgage.
Shop around. Shopping around is a bear, but it can save you thousands of dollars.
Understand costs. Shopping around means scrutinizing loan costs and fees not just the annual percentage rate (APR) On any given day, lenders and brokers may offer different interest rates and fees to different consumers for the same loan, even when those consumers have the same loan qualifications. Keep in mind that lenders and brokers also consider the profit they receive if you agree to the terms of a loan with higher fees, higher points, or a higher interest rate.
Learn risks, benefits of loan options. Mortgages have many features -- fixed interest rates, adjustable rates, payment adjustments, interest-only payments, prepayment penalties, balloon payments and more. Consider all the features, including the APR and the settlement costs.
Have your lender calculate how much your monthly payments could be a year from now, and 5 or 10 years from now. A mortgage shopping worksheet can help you identify the features of different loans. Mortgage calculators can help you compare payments and the equity you could build with different mortgage loans.
Get advice from those you trust. Ask family, friends, co-workers, professional associates and others you trust for referrals. Talk with a trusted housing counselor or a real estate attorney that you hire to review your documents before you sign them.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Mortgage Rates Still Holding Range
Mortgage rates were mostly unchanged....AGAIN. I don't want to come across as upset about that in anyway. After a summer long battle with volatility it has been nice to work in a more stable environment. Lets just hope the recent range holds!
It appears that consumers are getting out there to buy a home before the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit expires in November. The Mortgage Bankers’ Association this morning released the weekly mortgage applications index. This report measures the changes in mortgage applications at major lenders. Also included with this report is a measure of refinance activity. Higher refinance activity is another positive economic indicator as most people that refinance move to a lower interest rate and lower mortgage payment. Today's data shows that both purchase and refinance activity increased last week. If you are a first time home buyer looking to take advantage of the tax credit, I would suggest that you get out there and find a home. Many consumers will be trying to beat the deadline, and I suspect that volume at lenders will pick up as the deadline approaches which can slow down the process. If you close on December 1st, you do not get the credit so it will be extremely important that your application and processing go smoothly.
Call your loan professional and get them the required documentation as soon as possible even if you haven’t found a home yet. Time is of the essence.
It appears that consumers are getting out there to buy a home before the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit expires in November. The Mortgage Bankers’ Association this morning released the weekly mortgage applications index. This report measures the changes in mortgage applications at major lenders. Also included with this report is a measure of refinance activity. Higher refinance activity is another positive economic indicator as most people that refinance move to a lower interest rate and lower mortgage payment. Today's data shows that both purchase and refinance activity increased last week. If you are a first time home buyer looking to take advantage of the tax credit, I would suggest that you get out there and find a home. Many consumers will be trying to beat the deadline, and I suspect that volume at lenders will pick up as the deadline approaches which can slow down the process. If you close on December 1st, you do not get the credit so it will be extremely important that your application and processing go smoothly.
Call your loan professional and get them the required documentation as soon as possible even if you haven’t found a home yet. Time is of the essence.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Home Run Program is Back!!!!
As announced by Gov. Gary R. Herbert, there is a new $4,000 grant (Home Run 2 Grant Program) to assist home buyers who are:
1. Hiring a builder to construct a new personal residence,
2. Purchasing a partially-finished residence and contracting to have it completed, or
3. Purchasing a newly-built, never-occupied, completed residence.
This cash grant, coupled with low interest rates, stable home prices and the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit for first time home buyers will enable many Utahns to achieve the dream of owning a new home.
As with the original Home Run program, the Home Run 2 Grant will be administered by Utah Housing Corporation. Grant funds will be wired to the settlement agent closing the home purchase transaction. Funding will be available for approximately 1,950 grants. The approximate number of remaining grants may be viewed at all times on the Utah Housing website at www.utahhousingcorp.org.
To expedite the Home Run 2 Grant Program, income calculations have been simplified and will now be verified based on the Adjusted Gross Income shown on the 2008 Federal Income Tax transcript for each person taking title.
To become eligible to assist qualified clients in applying for this grant, Utah lenders must execute a Home Run 2 Grant Funding Agreement ("Agreement") and furnish the original dated, signed copy to Utah Housing.
The Agreement, together with the necessary program forms, is available on the Utah Housing website by clicking on the link for Program Forms inthe Home Run 2 box.
Or just contact me and we can get everything in place.
There are a few changes than the original program, as more info comes available we will make it known to you. It is exciting to have this program back, now let's get out and sell some houses.
1. Hiring a builder to construct a new personal residence,
2. Purchasing a partially-finished residence and contracting to have it completed, or
3. Purchasing a newly-built, never-occupied, completed residence.
This cash grant, coupled with low interest rates, stable home prices and the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit for first time home buyers will enable many Utahns to achieve the dream of owning a new home.
As with the original Home Run program, the Home Run 2 Grant will be administered by Utah Housing Corporation. Grant funds will be wired to the settlement agent closing the home purchase transaction. Funding will be available for approximately 1,950 grants. The approximate number of remaining grants may be viewed at all times on the Utah Housing website at www.utahhousingcorp.org.
To expedite the Home Run 2 Grant Program, income calculations have been simplified and will now be verified based on the Adjusted Gross Income shown on the 2008 Federal Income Tax transcript for each person taking title.
To become eligible to assist qualified clients in applying for this grant, Utah lenders must execute a Home Run 2 Grant Funding Agreement ("Agreement") and furnish the original dated, signed copy to Utah Housing.
The Agreement, together with the necessary program forms, is available on the Utah Housing website by clicking on the link for Program Forms inthe Home Run 2 box.
Or just contact me and we can get everything in place.
There are a few changes than the original program, as more info comes available we will make it known to you. It is exciting to have this program back, now let's get out and sell some houses.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
12 things to help you remember more.
1. Keep your attention focused on the needed information to be stored in your memory bank.
2. Utilize the most ideal sense or senses when gathering information. This is what we call acuity in sensing our environment.
3. Relate memory to taste, smells, and other senses.
4. When you're not sure that the information that you are about to remember would really be retained by your brain, write it down.
5. Maintain a balanced diet. A well proportioned diet will result to a conditioned memory.
6. Don't deprive yourself with enough rest and sleep.
7. Take time to relax.
8. Stay positive, creative and energetic.
9. Your memory needs to be within a circle of various things. Continuously excercise your memory by reading, doing crossword puzzles and other cognitive activities.
10. Drag out the times tables or count backwards from 100.
11. Organize your day.
12. Make time for the things that require some extra attention to increase your ability to focus.
1. Keep your attention focused on the needed information to be stored in your memory bank.
2. Utilize the most ideal sense or senses when gathering information. This is what we call acuity in sensing our environment.
3. Relate memory to taste, smells, and other senses.
4. When you're not sure that the information that you are about to remember would really be retained by your brain, write it down.
5. Maintain a balanced diet. A well proportioned diet will result to a conditioned memory.
6. Don't deprive yourself with enough rest and sleep.
7. Take time to relax.
8. Stay positive, creative and energetic.
9. Your memory needs to be within a circle of various things. Continuously excercise your memory by reading, doing crossword puzzles and other cognitive activities.
10. Drag out the times tables or count backwards from 100.
11. Organize your day.
12. Make time for the things that require some extra attention to increase your ability to focus.
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