Don’t make this mistake when buying your new home. 🏠
When it comes to choosing your home and securing a mortgage, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of interest rates.
While they do play a significant role in determining the overall cost of your mortgage, it’s important to shift your focus to the monthly payment.
✅ You ensure your budget remains manageable and that you can afford your home.
✅ It provides you with the ability to pursue other passions, invest in experiences, and take care of unexpected expenses that life may throw your way.
✅ It allows you to meet your mortgage obligations while enjoying the things in life that you enjoy.
Remember, your mortgage interest rate is just one piece of the puzzle 🧩
After all, life is about more than just numbers on a spreadsheet.
Take a step back, evaluate your budget, and choose a monthly payment that aligns with your life and goals.
Your future self will thank you for it!
#realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #buyahouse #interestrates #mortgagetips
What’s the Secret no one wants to talk about when Buying a Home?
Trigger Leads
A mortgage trigger lead refers to the information generated when a consumer applies for a mortgage or seeks pre-approval from a lender.
This information is then sold by the Credit Bureaus to other mortgage companies, credit agencies, or lead generation companies.
There is a game-changing solution for you to stay one step ahead of trigger leads and safeguard your peace of mind.
🔐 With a soft credit pull, you gain valuable time to Opt Out and dodge those unwanted calls.
🔐 By opting for a soft credit pull, you can eliminate the 50+ unwanted calls and texts, knowing your personal information remains secure and confidential.
🔐 The Mortgage Bankers Association has pushed Congress to eliminate trigger leads once and for all!
🔐 Legislation is in the works to protect your sanity and privacy, giving you the power to say NO to those intrusive calls and texts.
💬 Have any questions or concerns about trigger leads and how to navigate this landscape?
Feel free to reach out to us, and we’ll be more than happy to assist you.
🔐 Your privacy matters to us. We’re here to support you every step of the way! 🫱🏼🫲🏽✨
#Realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #buyahome #mortgagetips #realestatetips #realestatetipoftheday
Your ultimate secret weapon in the home-buying process is the Realtor you choose.
They are your greatest asset!
1️⃣ Expertise: Realtors live and breathe real estate. They possess in-depth knowledge of the market trends, neighborhoods, and pricing strategies, ensuring you get the best deal possible.
2️⃣ Negotiation Ninja: Realtors are skilled negotiators who will fight to get you the best price for your dream home or maximize your profit when selling.
3️⃣ Time-Saver Extraordinaire: Say goodbye to countless hours spent searching for listings or dealing with paperwork.
4️⃣ Network Powerhouse: Realtors have an extensive network of industry professionals at their fingertips, from the best mortgage lenders to home inspectors. They’ll connect you with trusted experts, making your experience seamless and stress-free.
5️⃣ Emotional Support: Buying or selling a home can be an emotional rollercoaster. Your Realtor becomes your cheerleader, guiding you through each step, providing support, and keeping you going when you’re ready to call it quits.
Don’t go through this journey alone or with a sub-par Realtor! There are amazing ones out there ready to insure the best experience and be your ultimate asset. 🤝💼🏡
#realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #findarealtor #buyahome #houstonrealestateagent #podcasting #mortgageexpert
Networking vs Relationships
What was the secret that unlocked my opportunity to build a thriving business and lead a fulfilling life?
It came down to stopping the drain of networking and embracing a lifestyle and business built on relationships.
Relationships are the key to a successful business but the benefits go far beyond increasing your numbers.
🌟 Cultivate Trust and Loyalty
Networking may be focused on short-term gains, but relationship building is all about the long game. By investing time in building meaningful connections, you create a foundation of trust and loyalty.
🌟 A Supportive Community
Relationship building creates a strong support system that can help you navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
🌟 Collaboration and Learning
One of the greatest aspects of relationship building is the potential for collaboration and continuous learning.
🌟 Personal Growth and Fulfillment
Building relationships isn’t just about business wins; it’s a source of personal growth.
Success is about building a business and life that are truly fulfilling!
Share your thoughts on relationship building vs. networking in the comments below!
Big thanks to @juliepetersvp for inviting me to that Networking Luncheon. Forever grateful for our friendship! 💗
#Realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestategrowth #houstonnetworking #networkmarketing #businesstips #entrepreneurship #mortgagelife #podcast #interview
Do you panic or celebrate when home prices increase?
Just like stocks and other financial assets, homeowners should view their homes as investments that can appreciate over time. When home prices increase, it’s a reason to celebrate the growth of your asset.
📈 Rising home prices means you’re building equity in your property. Equity is the portion of your home’s value that you truly own, and it can be a significant source of wealth.
🔒 As home prices rise, it often indicates a stable and healthy real estate market. This stability is assurance that your investment is growing in value.
💪 Increasing home prices can create opportunities for homeowners to leverage their equity. You can access your home’s increased value through refinancing, home equity loans, or lines of credit to fund other ventures or investments.
🏡 Higher home prices can offer you the opportunity to upgrade to a more desirable property or neighborhood.
When home prices increase, it means your investment is paying off. It’s a reason to celebrate your success as a Homeowner / Real Estate Investor.
#realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #buyahome #househacking #investinrealestate #houstonrealestate
No matter where you are in your career…starting out, starting over or at the pinnacle of success, there are rules to success.
We all need standards we hold ourselves to, in order to stay the course.
🌟Know your worth.
🌟Know your vision.
🌟Have a clear plan.
🌟Attract those that align.
🌟Never settle.
🌟Stay focused on the long game. It’s the only one worth playing.
#realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting
Want to reduce your mortgage payment and build wealth at the same time? By eliminating your Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI), you can free up some extra cash each month that you can use to pave your way towards a better financial future.
🔎 PMI, also known as Private Mortgage Insurance, is typically required if you put less than 20% down payment on your home. While it provides valuable protection to your lender, it can add a significant chunk to your monthly mortgage payment.
💡 Here’s how you can eliminate your PMI:
1️⃣ Re-evaluate your home’s value: As you pay down your mortgage and your home’s value increases, you may reach a point where your equity surpasses the 20% mark. When that happens, it’s time to take action! Contact your Mortgage Servicer to determine if you’ve reached the magic number.
2️⃣ Submit a formal request: Once you’re confident your home’s equity has reached or exceeded 20%, submit a formal request to your lender to cancel your PMI.
3️⃣ Crunch the numbers: Once your PMI is eliminated, calculate the exact amount you’ll be saving each month.
This newfound cash can be a game-changer for your financial future! You can use it to…
✅ Build an Emergency Fund
✅ Pay off High Interest Debt
✅ Invest in your Future with a 401K, Roth or IRA
✅ Renovate or Upgrade Your Home
bt, you’ll improve your credit score and free up even more money in the long run.
Eliminating your PMI is the first step towards financial freedom. By using these savings wisely, you have the power to build wealth and secure a better future!
#Realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #budgeting #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #buyahome #buyahouse #mortgagetips
The biggest question in Real Estate today is, “Should I buy a home now or wait for rates to drop?”
Our savvy Real Estate Investors and high net worth clients are still buying. And they’re buying because they understand the economics of it. They look at Real Estate as not just a place to live, but as part of their investment strategy. And you can, too.
Let’s break it down…
$400,000 house 🏡 with 10% down = $40,000 initial investment 💰
🏡 $400k house appreciates at a super conservative 3% per year over 5 years (15%) The home value has now gone up in value $60,000 which equals a 150% return on your investment!
🏡 Not to mention some of the money you are paying towards the mortgage is applied to the principal balance of the mortgage. Where else can you get 150% ROI?
Homeownership is the best investment out there, in my opinion.
🏡 Yes, interest rates are higher right now, but it’s temporary. The opportunity cost/loss of waiting far exceeds the difference in rates.
🏡 The question I have for you is would you rather have the 15% appreciation on a $400k house or a $600k house?
🏡 3% annual appreciation on a $600k home equals $18,000, The difference in interest paid between a 7.5% loan and a 5% loan annually is $10,583. That’s a benefit of $7,417 in to you.
🏡 Everything we’re hearing is rates will come down, likely next year. Real Estate Values (prices) will raise more when that happens.
Be bold and follow the math. This is the time when you should be buying, when there is fear in the market.
If you are ever going to push yourself on something, push yourself on Real Estate. Get uncomfortable. A big chunk of my wealth has come from pushing myself on my Real Estate.
So the answer to the question, “Should I buy a home now or wait for rates to drop?” is a resounding yes…you should buy!
#Realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #buyahome #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonmortgage #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor ##realestateinvestor #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting
The greatest roadblock to your success could be your belief that you must do everything ourselves.
Most of us fall into the trap of thinking we have to be the ultimate multi-tasker, capable of handling every single aspect of our business.
It’s time to let go of that superhuman cape and embrace the power of collaboration.
The only way to drive your vision forward and steer your business to new heights, is by embracing the team concept.
And that can start with 1 hire … part time or even virtual.
🚀 Hiring talented individuals or outsourcing certain tasks doesn’t mean you’re relinquishing control; it means you’re empowering yourself to take on more opportunities.
🚀 You’ll have more time and energy to concentrate on strategic planning, innovation, and building meaningful relationships with clients and partners. And that is the highest and best use of your time!
🚀 Embracing collaboration allows you to tap into other perspectives and skills that can take your business to places you’d never imagine on your own.
🚀 It fosters creativity, boosts efficiency, and ultimately propels you towards your goals faster than ever before!
Once you understand the importance of surrounding yourself with a reliable team, your business and your life will begin to change…for the better!
#Realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestategrowth #realtorlifestyle #entrepreneurlife #leverage
Who you choose to do life with is more impactful than you may realize.
In business and life, it’s important to surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you. People who are improving themselves, who are invested in making an impact. People who don’t look at success as an individual sport, but rather an opportunity to collaborate, share and bring value to those around them.
The group we have is just that. It has been curated with intentionality. It is cultivated daily, by each of the people part of our tribe.
I was able to spend the day with these guys yesterday…they are truly some of the very best at what they do. In the past 3 years we have done $1 billion in home financing in the Greater Houston market.
It’s rare air in this office. But it’s also the most collaborative space you could have the opportunity to visit.
I am humbled daily to serve each of them, their teams and the other amazing Loan Officers who are part of our small, curated, phenomenal tribe.
I hope you have a group like this. I hope you are being encouraged and loved and served by your colleagues.
Not one of us is like the other. And yet, we are a family who is intent on being the best we can and making sure each of the people we work alongside are the best they can be.
Who you work with matters.
#Realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #houstonmortgage #houstonheights #houstonheightslife #mortgagelife #mortgageloans #fairwaymortgage
Wondering what a mortgage escrow account is? 🧐
It’s like a financial safety net for you!
A Mortgage Escrow account holds your funds to cover property taxes and insurance premiums, ensuring they’re paid on time. ⏰
Your Mortgage Lender will create your Escrow Account for you, by collecting money from you at closing.
Then, each month, when you make your Mortgage Payment, part of that payment is deposited into your Escrow Account with your Mortgage Lender.
Each year, when your Property Taxes and Homeowners Insurance are due, your Mortgage Company pays the bill, on your behalf.
This simplifies budgeting and protects your investment by making sure your bills are paid.
Want to learn more about this smart financial tool and how it can benefit you? Let’s set up a consultation to discuss your Mortgage and Escrow Account.
#Realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #financialsecurity #mortgagepayment #firsttimehomebuyer #buyahome #househacking #howtobuyahouse
Actually, I just woke up one day and decided I didn’t want to feel that way anymore, or ever again. So I changed.
Just like that.
This has been my rally cry for over a decade. It shows up in my memories every year the first week of July.
I remember the day I woke up and knew that day would be different…and every day after that. I knew it would not be easy but I knew it was necessary in order for my life to change.
That’s the beauty of our lives. We choose what we accept. We choose to move forward. We choose to want better. We choose to not settle. We choose to take the path less traveled. From that choice comes growth. And growth is good. It stretches us, it strengthens us, it prepares us, it grows us.
Most importantly it provides us the ability to know the way, go the way and show the way. To be the change that inspires others to take the risk and step towards growth.
Maybe you need change. You choose. You get to make the change. And it all starts with that one decision. 🦋💚
#realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach
We had the best time celebrating Independence Day one last time at The Bowman Ranch. It will be hard to say goodbye, but after 25 years of retirement for Mom and Dad, Dad is closing on his new home in Del Webb, 7 minutes from our home.
It’s bittersweet…all my kids’ memories with my Mom, including her final days, were here. And memories with my brother, Carl were made here.
They learned about family…our big family here. They learned about nature, gardening and livestock, cooking and canning, and exploring the woods and creek…feeling like they were exploring far away, when they were still in the confines of the farm. They learned about a different way of living and a broader sense of loving.
I wish I had more photos of the day but we have a lifetime of photos and memories to sort through. I’ll forever be grateful for this little slice of heaven we’ve been fortunate to call our family homestead and grateful my Mom & Dad chose to make this home for so many years. ❤️
What’s the key to take your personal or professional life to the next level?
A coach and your commitment to being coachable!
When you look at the best in their fields, whether its Professional Athletes, Leadership Executives, Sales Professionals, Little League players or Gymasts, the difference in the good and great is almost always their coach.
A coach helps you…
💪🏽 Determine your vision while showing you what you can be
💪🏽 Build a business that can thrive in any economy
💪🏽 See greatness in you, when your vision is cloudy
💪🏽 Provide accountability
A coach is one of the most invaluable investments you will make into yourself and your business. They have the ability to change your business and your life.
#realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realtorcoach #leadershipdevelopment #loanofficers #realtorlife
I think one of our greatest missed opportunities in life is to trust ourselves.
We allow ourselves to think ourselves out of greatness. Don’t get me wrong, we have to plan. We have to learn. We have to prepare.
But, we must decide. We must take action. We must stop overthinking our decisions and we must act.
We must trust ourselves.
One of my favorite and simplest reminders to myself is Don’t Think.
Don’t Think. Do. Take action. Take massive action. Do the things that get you closer to your goal.
You will find yourself in the extraordinary zone when you trust yourself.
What is holding you back right now from being extraordinary?
#Realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #beextraordinary #trustyourself #entrepreneurlife
What’s the secret to save for the down payment for your new home…
It really is simpler than you think and can be broken down into a few easy steps.
💰 Talk with your local, trusted Mortgage Lender (Loan Officer) to really understand how much you need to buy your new home - it might be less than you think!
💰 Look at your most recent 2 months of bank statements and make a list of what you are spending and what you can stop.
💰 Set up a Direct Deposit from your pay or deposit the money into a separate High Yield Savings Account (some banks are paying 4%+)
💰 Remind yourself regularly why you are saving - have a Vision Board with a photo of your New Home on your phone, your computer or hanging on the wall. Seeing your future Home will remind you why you’re doing this
You’ll reach your goal before you think, if you stay disciplined and focused on the goal of your New Home!
#realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #buyahome #downpayment #downpaymentassistance #firsttimehomebuyer #firsttimehomebuyers #homebuyingtips #househacking
My goal in business and life is, and has always been, to create a significant impact in the people and communities I serve.
When I started in this business as a young single mother, the dream of homeownership was not quite in my grasp. But I served others with a fierce determination to succeed, and along the way provide a home for my young daughter and I.
There is power that comes from owning a home for yourself, when raising a family, planting roots in a community, building equity, and passing down generational wealth to continue the American Dream for generations to come.
Everyone deserves the chance to own a home they have dreamed of and worked for.
Homeownership ultimately serve as a means to unlock generational wealth-building opportunities in the lives of everyone with the will to try.
You simply need a goal, a great Realtor and a trusted, local Mortgage Lender committed to helping you achieve that goal.
Happy Homeownership Month!
I hope this is the month you believe in your dream and take the first step towards changing your life.
#realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #homeownership #homeownershipgoals #buyahome #firsttimehomebuyers #homeownershipmatters
You’ve decided now is the time to buy a new home but you know you have to get ready.
What’s the mistake I see so many people make that puts their dream of that new home further down the road?
Giving up!
The home buying process can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. For some, it’s a quick 45 days from decision to buy to closing. But for most, it takes months and sometimes over a year from decision to buy to closing on your dream! 🏡
Buying a home requires a plan and the grit to work through the plan. And each plan is different because each of your situations are different.
✅ Your plan may include saving money for your down payment or paying down credit cards.
✅ Some of you may need to establish credit while others need to repair their credit to improve your credit score.
✅ Your plan could include staying at your job for an additional amount of time to have enough income to average to qualify for the home you need.
Whatever your plan requires, don’t lose focus and give up. With the help and guidance of your trusted, local Mortgage Lender, you can create a plan best suited to your goals and work through that plan together.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. Talk with your local Realtor and trusted Loan Officer. Trust the guidance of a professional. You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, you shouldn’t do this alone.
And remember…setbacks and obstacles are a natural part of any big goal. Don’t let them discourage you. Use them as opportunities to learn and grow!
Don’t give up! You can achieve your dream of buying a new home! 🏡
#realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #firsttimehomebuyer #buyahouse #househacking #katyrealtor #cypressrealtor #theheights
What’s one thing you should focus on when preparing to buy your new home?
Your Credit Cards 💳
Your credit cards have the single biggest impact to your credit score. And your credit score plays a significant role in your mortgage interest rate.
Let me break it down for you…
💵 The amount of credit card debt you have affects your Credit Utilization Ratio, a key factor in determining your credit score. The higher your Credit Utilization Ratio, the lower your credit score will be.
💵 A higher credit score means you are less risky, which can lead to a lower interest rate on your mortgage.
💵 A lower interest rate can save you thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage.
By focusing on paying down your credit card debt and improving your credit score, you can potentially qualify for a lower interest rate and save money on your mortgage payments.
Are you planning to buy a home in the next 3-24 months? Now is the time to create a plan with your trusted, local Mortgage Lender.
#realestate #mortgage #loanofficer #mortgageloanofficer #loanofficerlife #thewoodlandsrealestate #entrepreneur #houston #houstonrealtor #houstonrealestate #thewoodlandsrealtor #homeownership #mortgagerates #localrealtor #businesscoach #realestatecoach #realestatecoaching #mortgagecoach #realestateinvesting #creditscore #buyahome #househacking #mortgageloans #firsttimehomebuyer
Date night with my man. Empty nesting isn’t the worst.