For a Senior homeowner, there comes a time when the family home is no longer a good fit for their needs.  The home may be too large, too expensive, or too much work to maintain and the Senior needs to downsize.

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Join me today as my guest, Sam Benson, a Walnut Creek California Real Estate Broker, and I discuss the strategy and process involved in senior downsizing.

Is a smaller home an option?  Or is an “over 55” development, an independent living, assisted living, or skilled living facility a better choice? What are the Senior’s needs?  Do they have family members nearby?

Some of the topics we will be discussing include:

The post Surviving the Credit Crisis – Are You a Senior Needing to Downsize Your Home? appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

How do you create real everlasting wealth?  The kind of wealth that is here today and tomorrow!

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Join me today as my guest, Chris Miles also known as “The Cash Flow Expert” and I discuss the 3 steps to everlasting wealth. It’s all about working smarter not harder and mindset plays a big part to your success!

Learn how cash flow, savings, and the right secure investments will change your life!

Real estate is always a long-term secure investment and getting a “Right Fit Mortgage ®” will contribute to that goal. Liquidity and guaranteed cash flow will provide you with the security and peace of mind you need!

It’s not about how much money you make…it’s about how much money you keep!!!

The post Surviving the Credit Crisis – The 3 Circles of Wealth appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

When I’m working with a client on a new home purchase, one of the first things I recommend to them at application is to start shopping for homeowner’s insurance.  There are so many things to think about when shopping for insurance and building a lasting relationship with your agent!  Not only do you want to have the right coverage, but you also want to work with someone that’s going to be there when you need them!  So many people seem to leave this critical part of the home buying process to the last minute and then they are scrambling to get coverage two days before closing!

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Join me and my guest, Karen Brannon, a Farmers Insurance Agent here in Central Oregon, as we discuss the step by step process to shopping for homeowner’s insurance.

Some of the topics we will be discussing include:

What is a fire protection class and how does that affect the cost of insurance?

Knowledge is power!

The post Surviving the Credit Crisis – What You Need to Know About Homeowner’s Insurance BEFORE You Buy a Home… appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Every day, I speak with potential home buyers looking for their piece of the real estate dream.  But with a tight inventory and lower priced homes in short supply, prices continue to climb and we are back to the days, pre-credit crisis, when multiple offer situations were a normal part of business!  Clients tell me that they find a house that they’re interested in and it’s gone before they have a chance to make an offer or they’re in a multiple offer scenario with prices quickly rising above the listed sales price. This type of thing is happening all over the country, so what does that mean?  Is now a good time to buy or should they wait to see if prices come down?

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Join me as my guest, Christine Browning, owner/principal broker of HomeSmart Central Realty and I discuss today’s Central Oregon real estate market and the biggest misconceptions potential home buyers face in any market today!

Some of the items that we will be discussing include:

A big part of success in finding your dream home is knowing about the “Right Fit Mortgage ®” process and finding the right home to fit your budget.  It’s important to know that a lender can’t tell you what you can afford.  They can only tell you what a lender is willing to lend.  It’s up to you to determine what you can afford and that is not always the same amount.  I can help you understand your options, so get started on your home buying journey today!

The post Surviving the Credit Crisis – Are We in Another Real Estate Bubble? appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Manufactured Homes can be a lower cost option for many home buyers, especially those looking for acreage.  But…they are a unique product type and come with a separate set of lending requirements.  Due to the credit crisis these last few years, lenders are being a lot more critical and cautious when it comes to what they consider to be higher risk properties.  With all the different levels of manufacturing quality, age, economic life elements, and the fact that a lot of these properties are bought by first time home buyers, fewer lenders are choosing to take the risk.

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Join me today as my guest and very knowledge teammate, Tyrell Hobbs of Academy Mortgage and I discuss everything you ever wanted to know about Manufactured Home Financing.

Some of the topics we will be discussing today include:

Success in having a pleasurable home buying experience in today’s market is often determined by whether or not you working with an experienced, knowledgeable mortgage professional!  If you need help in your home buying journey, contact Tyrell or me today!!!!

Disclosure information: 

Tyrell Hobbs, NMLS#461657 & Karen Simpson-Hankins, NMLS#272836.  We are located at 1033 SW Highland Ave., Redmond, OR  97756.  Corp. NMLS#3113.

Licensed in Oregon.

Academy Mortgage Corporation  is an Equal Housing Lender.

The post Surviving the Credit Crisis – Why is getting Manufactured Home Financing So Difficult? appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

In the past, retirement used to be constructed like a 3-legged stool with pension, social security and savings. But in today’s environment many companies are doing away with pensions and social security is being delayed, taxed or potentially reduced! This is requiring consumers to save more now to ensure that they will have a sufficient cash flow for retirement down the road.

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Join me today for an exciting, but a little scary discussion, on why you will not be able to rely on social security to fund your retirement needs. My guest, Barbara Seaman is an independent holistic financial planner with Cornerstone Financial Group LLC. She has over 28 years of experience helping her clients navigate and increase investments by reducing or eliminating taxes, and maximizing their social security and Medicare supplements. In addition to experience as a retirement professional, Barbara has experience in retail management, as a business owner, and a business instructor at a local community college. With this kind of experience in your corner…You’re In Great Hands!

For more help in determining a budget or tracking your expenses, check out my home buyer education information here! To find out how to get a credit readiness review or begin your home buying journey, contact me today!

Knowledge is power! Take back your control and put yourself in the driver’s seat!

Required disclosures:

Representative is registered with and offers only securities and advisory services through PlanMember Securities Corporation, a registered broker/dealer, investment advisor and member FINRA/SIPC. 6187 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA. 93013, (800) 874-6910. Cornerstone Financial Planning Group LLC and PlanMember Securities Corporation are independently owned and operated. PlanMember is not responsible or liable for ancillary products or services offered by Cornerstone Financial Planning Group or this representative.

The post Surviving the Credit Crisis – Do You Have Enough Funds for Retirement? appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

With the continued tightening of underwriting guidelines by lenders, an appraisal is the most critical component in determining risk by the lender. But…from a consumer point-of-view, I am continually asked, “Is an appraisal really necessary?” I don’t believe that most consumers really understand what an appraisal actually is, what it includes, and how a lender will evaluate that information when approving or denying a loan!

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Join me today as my guest, Gail Wood of High Desert Appraisal, and I discuss some of the most common consumer appraisal questions!

Including:

1. Does an appraisal include a home inspection?

2. What does a typical 1004 appraisal include?

3. Where does an appraiser get the information needed to complete an appraisal?

4. What is a market approach?

5. What is market value?

6. What does highest and best use mean?

7. And much, much more!

Gail has been serving the residential appraisal needs here in Central Oregon since 1999 and this gal knows what’s going on in the market around here! She can be reached at (541) 548-5533 if you have questions.

If you are ready to look for your next home, learn the 4 common mortgage mistakes that consumers make and how to avoid them before YOU go shopping! Also, learn the 9 critical questions that you always ask a lender. It will save you time, stress, and money!

The post Surviving The Credit Crisis – Are Real Estate Appraisals Really Necessary? appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Join me today for another episode of “Ask Karen” where I dedicate the entire show to answering your questions. We’ve been getting a ton of questions from Facebook, LinkedIn, and my blog and I’m sure we’ve got the answers that you’ve been looking for!

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The topics we will be covering today include:

· What is a full-documented loan?

· When does it make sense to refinance?

· What is a conforming loan?

· What is the difference between a pre-approval and a pre-qualification?

· What are the other types of loans?

· What is a Good Faith Estimate?

· What is a rate lock?

· What is a jumbo loan?

· Will I save money going to my local bank?

· What is the difference between a mortgage broker, mortgage lender, or a bank when is coming to home loan products?

If you would like to ask a question for next month’s show, please email me or you can ask me on Face book, even in a private message, if you’re looking for an answer right away. If you are starting the home buying process now, there are 9 critical questions that you should always ask a lender. If you need to do some work on your finances before you’re ready to buy, I invite you to check out my other home buyer education programs located here!

The post Surviving the Credit Crisis – Questions and Answers for Today’s Savvy Home Buyer! appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Very few options remain in this new real estate economy when it comes to zero down payment options, but the USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing Loan may just be the home loan program that you are looking for. It can be the perfect option for low to moderate income home buyers and the best part is…you don’t have to be a first-time home buyer! The program is also available to repeat buyers as long as you qualify under the program income and property guidelines. Don’t wait another minute just because you “think” you don’t qualify!

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Join me Today as my guest, Tyrell Hobbs of Academy Mortgage Corporation* in Redmond, Oregon and I discuss the features and benefits of this wonderful program.

*Required compliance disclosure

Contact Info:

Tyrell Hobbs, Loan Officer – Academy Mortgage Corporation, 1033 SW Highland Ave., Redmond, OR 97756 Office: (541) 316-5581, NMLS #461657.

Karen Simpson-Hankins, Loan Officer – Academy Mortgage Corporation, 1033 SW Highland Ave., Redmond, OR 97756 Office: (541) 420-5736, NMLS #272837.

Academy Mortgage Corporation is an Equal Housing Lender. Corp. NMLS #3113, OR ML #2421.

The post Surviving The Credit Crisis – No Money for Down Payment? No Problem! appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.

Did you know…It’s a fact that many people fail to get the best deal possible when shopping for a home loan? It’s true…and they end up paying more in upfront fees and unnecessary interest that can last the entire life of their home loan, primarily, because they don’t know the proper questions to ask when interviewing a lender. Yes…YOU heard me right! You get to interview the lender, not the other way around!

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In the past, consumers have been led to believe that banks control the process. Today, more than ever, consumers need to be in the driver’s seat! With just a little research and homework you can “Conquer Your Closing” and know at closing that you got the best deal available and received your “Right Fit Mortgage .

Join me today as we discuss:

· How to take back your control and become empowered by learning how the “home buying process” works and how shopping for a lender can save you time, money, and stress.

· Learn the truth about pricing and how “add-ons” to pricing cost you more.

· Insider secrets on how to “Lock-in” and get a lower interest rate.

· Why private mortgage insurance options need to be considered when evaluating which product is best for YOU.

· Learn how to establish a savings habit and why having a financial “back-up” plan is critical.

By planning ahead, you will be more successful at protecting your overall financial health, you will be able to maintain the health and safety of your home, and live a healthier, happier, less-stressed life style.

Wishing you financial success!

The post Surviving The Credit Crisis – Turn the Tables on Your Local Bank and Get Your Mortgage Your Way! appeared first on WebTalkRadio.net.