Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Wisdom about borrowing money

Below is a word from a friend of mine, Rick Boxx. He is President of a ministry - Integrity Resource Center.

To the Very End

When a large sum of money is needed to fund a business plan it's amazing how quickly many will forget their reliance on scripture. Many will turn to a lender first, rather than God. Others will turn to an investor who doesn't hold a biblical worldview. Some Christians will rationalize their leap into debt, or becoming unequally yoked, in an instant.

Psalm 119:111-112 teaches, "Your statutes are my heritage forever; they are the joy of my heart. My heart is set on keeping your decrees to the very end."

If you're faced with a choice between obeying God's Word and financing your idea the world's way, remember the long term view. God's Word is designed to protect you. Practice His Word to the very end!

For more information about Integrity Resource Center, please visit their website at www.integrityresource.org. The ministry provides helpful information about how to walk out your faith in the workplace. Something near and dear to my heart.

Interest rates continue to be in the low 4's. Give us a call and let us lend insight into your home financing needs.

Blessings!

Michele "MAC" A. Cole
Business Development Rep.
Jewel Callahan
Mortgage Consultant
The InSight Team
Mid America Mortgage
816-510-1399

Thursday, July 15, 2010

HOME MORTGAGE RATES ARE AT ALL TIME LOW!!! NOW IS THE TIME TO REFINANCE!

I'm republishing a portion of a previous post primarily because it still applies but also to let you know the urgency to refinance or purchase if you re considering that??

I also wanted to let you know of an upcoming event being hosted by BFI - Business Fellowship International. You’re invited! Don’t miss Wednesday, July 21(11:30-1:00 pm) at Deer Creek Golf Club. The featured speaker will be economist Bill Helming, author of What Goes Up Eventually Comes Down. Bill is widely acknowledged as an expert economist whose economic forecasts have been uncannily accurate and on-target. Hear first hand what Bill has very good reason to believe we will all be facing economically between now and 2014 – and how to plan accordingly. Proverbs 22:3 states, “A prudent man foresees the difficulty ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.” TO REGISTER GO TO: http://www.acanetwork.org/clubportal/EventDetailPublic2.cfm?clubID-1259&EventID=12415> ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED!

If you have been considering buying a home or even refinancing, you've probably been asking one of these questions? Should I refinance now? Should I buy now? What if rates go down again? With the economy this way, surely rates will have to drop again? I heard the Feds are going to lower rates again to stimulate the economy, should I wait to lock in an interest rate then?

These are all great questions and very valid. In the past, before all the housing bubble began, the answer to these questions might of been to wait. Times have changed! It's a whole new game in the mortgage world. If you are considering waiting to buy or refinance, below is a few reasons not to:

1. Mortgage Lenders are tightening guidelines to protect against future losses. Mortgage lenders are reducing loan to value limitations. They may require you to have 20% equity or more? If you are an investor or a jumbo borrower, those equity requirements are even higher. Someone who could qualify today, may not be able to qualify tomorrow.

2. The value of your home could decline, maybe it already has and could again? Foreclosures and short sales lower the market value of every home in your neighborhood and surrounding areas. A home that is comparable to yours that ends up selling for less than yours is going to lower your home's value. Lower appraisals lead to higher loan to values and, often, higher mortgage rates.

3. Have you or someone you know lost their job in the last two years? Job losses are happening at a very rapid rate. Many are being laid off as employers fear for the future stability of the company. Many are downsizing to offset lower prof ts (or no profits at all). Without a job and a steady paycheck, lenders won't give you a mortgage loan. I work with Business Fellowship International, a ministry that helps folks get connected and possibly into a new job. If this is you, please email me and I will help you in any way I can.

4. Another rise in cost is mortgage insurance or PMI. This is required if you have less than 20% equity or down payment in your home. PMI is an insurance that protects the lenders in the event of default. Remember hurricane Andrew and the impact it made on the insurance carriers? What's going on in the housing market right now, is comparable to that. Mortgage insurance carriers are raising rates and tightening guidelines as well, making it very hard to qualify or not allowing your payment to drop with the interest rate reductions.

5. What is your credit score? Most people assume their credit is good. But what is good anymore? To get the "preferred" or "going" interest rate, you have to have excellent credit scores, that means over 700 and sometimes over 720/740. Now don't get me wrong, we are still able to do loans under 700, but we would need to review your situation to see if it makes sense for you.

If you are thinking about buying or refinancing, now's the time to do it. The pendulum for mortgage loans has swung from one extreme to the other and it may be a long long while before lenders will consider loosening guidelines again. Financial crisis has it America.

Jewel and I, the InSight Team, are here to help you make sound choices with your mortgage. We have many valuable resources and offer a variety of mortgage products. Please give us a call or email us or visit us on the web at www.wantinsight.com.

Most Cordially

Michele "MAC" A. Cole
Business Development
michele@wantinsight.com

Jewel Callahan
Mortgage Consultant
816-510-1399

Monday, May 10, 2010

Economic Crisis? Can this be turned around?

Last Thursday was the National Day of Prayer. IAll over the country, in businesses, churches, homes, etc people were praying for our nation, the United States of America.

As I was praying and joining in with the others around the country, I felt the Lord speak to me about paying off the national debt. What I mean is, I sensed God would like us to join in unity and do our part, make an effort to pay off the national debt. Is it even possible? I don't know but with God all things are possible. I do not know the first thing to do or how to even begin to organize this. What I do know is that America was built on biblical principles. Our founding forefathers would probably roll over in their graves if they knew the debt America and it's people are in. So many of us have a consumerism mentality - some because that's just how we were raised. I'm not condemning anyone because I play a role in that too. Over the last 8 years, the Lord has shown me how important it is to learn how to live within your means, meaning don't buy something unless you have the cash to do so. Debt isn't a sin, but it can lead you into bondage. A favorite Scripture of mine is found in Proverbs 22:7, Just as the rich rule the poor, so is the borrower servant to the lender. I don't know about you, but when i have credit card debt that I cannot pay off when the bill comes, it puts me into a sense of "bondage". Maybe you're not feeling the squeeze others are? If not, that's great!!

With so many folks losing jobs due to downsizing and company closures, we are seeing more and more folks feeling the "heat" or the bondage of the debt load they carry. I recently received this video from an economist I know and it sure is eye-opening but not surprising to me. I wanted to share it with you so you could also do some research and see what you can do personally to get your family into a better place. If Americans would pay their debt off as quickly as they can and invest in American products, we could see a positive change. If we drag our feet and wait too long, we could face the worst of times this country has ever seen. I know that some will remain in denial and say "this won't happen to me"... but time will tell.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1VbGcaVvFM - Check this out!

Now, on a positive note - there is hope - Jeremiah 29:11 says For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord. They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. If you are a follower of Jesus, this promise is for you. We must turn to God and seek him with all we have and do. He is our strong tower, our place of refuge and His arms are opened wide waiting for you to come to Him. Jesus doesn't shield us from difficult circumstances but He examines (tests) both the righteous and the unrighteous. Use this as an opportunity to grow in a relationship with God. Whenever things go wrong in our lives, we have to believe and trust that God is still for us. We contend for the promises, but we trust Him for any outcome. He knows what's best for us. Read Psalm 3. As we depend on God's mercy, we can be at peace about anything. We can conquer fear by trusting in the Lord.

Jewel and I focus on helping clients make good choices in their home financing decisions. Our choices today affect our tomorrows. We want you to be able to weather the economic storm this country is facing. I pray that you become encouraged and motivated to make changes in your life that will prepare you for what could happen. If we can be of assistance in that, please feel free to call or email. Visit us at www.wantinsight.com.

Blessings Abundant!

Michele Cole
Business Development Rep
Jewel Callahan
Mortgage Consultant
The InSight Team
Mid America Mortgage
www.wantinsight.com

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Is Now the Time to Refinance - How to survive the economic crisis!

Do you know someone is who feeling the impact of the ever changing economy? Is someone you know experiencing a financial crisis? Bankruptcy? Foreclosure? Job loss? I sure have. Being in the mortgage industry, this is something I see or hear about every day. It's very sad. Some folks are experiencing these things because of the poor choices of others or because of their own poor choices. We all do this from time to time. Unfortunately, it's a fact of life. When we spend money on things such as nice homes, sports cars and other pleasures of life and if we do so without having the ability to pay cash for it, we can be setting ourselves up for financial destruction. We reap what we sow! Our national debt is a number too large for me to even fathom. The bible says, that just as the rich rule the poor, so is the borrower servant to the lender. When we take on debt that we cannot pay off, it puts us in a position of "bondage".

But there's hope! I know many people who can help you and offer you solutions. Sometimes refinancing is an option and sometimes it's not. Interest rates are still very good but now is the time to act. With the ever changing economy, the only way we can survive as a country is through inflation, which means interest rates go up.

For an honest approach - free consultation on what options you have, please give us a call or email. We care and we want to see you freed from bondage!

Blessings from The InSight Team
Michele "MAC" A. Cole
Business Development Rep
michele@wantinisght.com

Jewel Callahan
Mortgage Consultant
jewel@wantinsight.com
816-510-1399

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Tax Credit Deadline Approaching - No fooling!

No fooling around, the tax credit for home purchases is approaching fast!!

Home buyers will qualify for the tax credit until April 30, 2010* (as long as they have entered a binding contract), and have an additional 2 months (until June 30, 2010*) to close the transaction. Borrower income limits have been increased to $125,000 for individuals and $225,000 for couples (up from $75,000 and $150,000 respectively under the current program). The legislation includes a tax credit not exceeding $6,500 for move up buyers who have owned their current homes for at least 5 years.

If you are considering a move and buying a new home, NOW is the time to act. Not only for first time buyers but for buyers wanting to downsize, or up size who have owned their homes for 5 years or more, you qualify for some credit as well!

Interest rates have been staying stable and are still at record lows!!! There are still no downpayment loans available thru VA loans. Contact us to see how you may qualify!

You probably know someone who has been hurt greatly by the economic times. The InSight Team's heart is to help point you towards the right product for your home financing. One that even with economic uncertainity, you can have peace.

For an Honest Approach to Home Financing, please give us a call at 816-510-1399 or visit us at www.wantinsight.com

Michele "MAC". A Cole
Business Development
Jewel Callahan
Mortgage Consultant
www.wantinsight.com

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Want an Honest Approach to Home Financing? Tips from a follower of Jesus striving to be authentic with my faith!

77% of Americans would call themselves a Christian. Have you heard the phrase, Beware of the Fish? People today are hungry for authentic Christianity. They want to see the real deal? God is also seeking people who are “completely” His.

His Word says in 2 Chron 16:9 - For the eyes of the Lord search to and fro throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His. What this says to me is that God is looking for people He can strongly support. He looks at our heart. When God looks at your heart, what does He see? Does He see a heart that is fully His?

What does a heart look like that is fully His?

- Its when we surrender our will to the will of the Father. We have to die to self, forego our agenda and seek God’s instead. Matthew 6:33 says Seek Ye the Kingdom of God first and His righteousness and all things will be added unto you.

- It’s a love relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? The only way to fall in love with our Creator is to spend time in His word daily. Get to know Him. The Word says we are friends of God. When you get together with your friends, do you do all the talking and never find out what your friend has to say? Ask God to speak to you. He has good plans for us but we won’t know what those are if we don’t spend quality time with Him.

Christ is in us and the Holy Spirit helps us to apply God’s Word in our walk with Him. He promises us to never give us more than we can handle and He says we can do all things in Christ Jesus who gives us strength.

- It’s about trusting God and being obedient to His word no matter what the circumstances. Not giving in to temptation or fear, but believing God’s word is true. In Phillipians 4:19, it says God will supply all of your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. The Lord had me do a word study on some of the words in this verse – and here’s what I got when I add the additional meanings:

- God shall, intends to, plans to, expects to, is determined to, definitely will and is obliged to supply, to furnish, to provide, to satisfy all, totally, entirely, all kinds, beyond all doubt, your needs, or lack of something, wanted or necessary, a requirement, an obligation you have and a longing or desire according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus! Doesn’t that just give you more confidence that God is sovereign and is in control (if you let him) and that “whatever” your needs are, He will provide them.

- It’s about loving your neighbor as yourself. It’s about speaking a word of encouragement or giving to someone in need. Everywhere we go, there are people hurting, people in need. What has God given you that you can give away to someone in need? It can be money, time, a listening ear? Just be open to being used.

All believers are called to be an agent of the Kingdom of God and to carry the mission of God wherever we go. The more we become like Christ, the more we will be used this way.

If you are interested in this and want to learn how you can walk this out in your workplace, email me! I'd love to hear from you.

Jewel and I focus on providing home mortgages with a lender you can trust! We are committed to do the right thing for YOU. We strive to walk out our Christianity the way God would want us. We aren't perfect but we try to improve where we lack!

Bless you!

Michele "MAC" A. Cole
michele@wantinsight.com
The InSight Team
Jewel Callahan
Mortgage Consultant
jewel@wantinsight.com

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Do You Believe God Can Heal today???

Where to begin? Several years ago, the Lord showed me that the healing we saw in the bible is real today, that He still performs miracles. Some lady I didn't even know, at that time, approached me and told me she had a dream about me. I was kind of startled and thought she must of been talking with someone else behind me? I looked around and there was no one there. She told me the dream was about God giving me the gift of healing and that I would pray for folks and see healing actually happen. I didn't know much about the "gift of healing" at that point but God put people in front of me that could teach me.. and what I learned was to just listen to God still small voice and hear what and who He wanted to touch. His desire is to heal, His desire is that no one suffer. He loves us all and He uses those who are willing vessels to bring healing to others. Do you want to be healed?

A couple of years ago, I met Lee and Doris Harms. They came to our church during a conference and had a breakout session on Healing. I saw many who were healed just by simple prayer and two humble vessels. My husband and I went out to where they practice their healing ministry and my husbands back pain was healed that night. Below is more information about them and I highly recommend you visiting them sometime. Just believe! Nothing is impossible with God!

Heartland Healing Rooms provide prayer ministry to those physically or emotionally ill who seek a touch from the living, loving Lord Jesus Christ. Ministry is conducted by a small team of two or three trained persons who minister to the sick under the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Heartland Healing Rooms is under the direction of Doris and Lee Harms who have over 30 years experience, national and international, in ministering healing and deliverance. Heartland Healing Rooms are open each Tuesday evening from 7 until 8:30 at 401 NE Chipman Road (use the north entrance of Christ Triumphant Church) in Lee's Summit. An appointment is not needed and the prayer ministry is free of charge. Donations are accepted and are tax deductible. The healing rooms have been operating since 2002 and have many recorded testimonies including A couple of testimonies given below.

Michael – I came to prayer with a headache; I have had them daily for at least one year. The headache is now gone (after prayer). The team also prayed for my back. I feel like something happened there and my arms feel very relaxed, almost like rubber. Thank you, Lord and team.

Linda – I received prayer for my back; I was in the habit of getting it adjusted about once a week to relieve the pain. After prayer I did not get an adjustment for a couple of months. Since I hadn’t been in for awhile, I decided to go back to my chiropractor. I was told I was fine and didn’t need an adjustment.

Matt – This young man got into an altercation while defending a friend; the result was a fracture in his hand and a very large separation from the wrist and lower arm. His mother coaxed him into coming in for prayer; today she writes: “We went to the hospital downtown today to see if Matt needed surgery, and after 3 x-rays, she said all Matt had was a sprain. What stress relieving news!” 12-3-09

12 yr old – His mother brought him to the healing rooms for ministry as he had been having problems with fear. During ministry, he had a vision of a spirit in his closet at home that was screaming and being pulled down to hell. He felt something get pulled off of him. His mother tells us, “my son feels and acts like he used to.” PTL. 4-22-09

Jeff – He called to say that he had been freed from his asthma for several months. After prayer at the healing rooms he was able to discontinue his medication and did not need to use his inhaler. 4-28-09

If you are wanting a healing touch from the Lord, I encourage you to visit the Heartland Healing Rooms.

I would also like to pray for you, please email me at michele@wantinsight.com.

Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Humility

This is a post from Vern Cushberry of Cush Capital Management LLC. More information about him at the bottom of this post.

I met with Vern a few weeks ago as we continue to run into each other at different venues. All of the venues were places that we could grow deeper in our faith with the Lord and network with individuals who have God at the forefront of their lives, their business and their relationships. Vern shared with me an article from his last newsletter and it hit home. I have been reading and meditating on a book, "Humility", by Andrew Murray. So when I saw this article in his newsletter, I asked him I could reprint it for my readers. Of course, he said yes and here it is for you.

"I’d like to share a beautiful prayer written by Rafael Cardinal Merry del Val (1865-1930), Cardinal Secretary of State of the Holy See under Pope Saint Pius X.

Litany of Humility
O Jesus! meek and humble of heart, hear me.
From the desire of being esteemed, deliver me,
From the desire of being loved, deliver me,
From the desire of being extolled, deliver me,
From the desire of being honored, deliver me,
From the desire of being praised, deliver me,
From the desire of being preferred, deliver me,
From the desire of being consulted, deliver me,
From the desire of being approved, deliver me,
From the fear of being humiliated, deliver me, O Jesus.
From the fear of being despised,
From the fear of suffering rebukes,
From the fear of being calumniated,
From the fear of being forgotten,
From the fear of being ridiculed,
From the fear of being wronged,
From the fear of being suspected,
That others may be loved more than I, O Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.
That others may be esteemed more than I,
That, in the opinion of the world, others may, increase and I may decrease,
That others may be chosen and I set aside,
That others may be praised and I unnoticed,
That others may be preferred to me in everything,
That others may become holier than I, provided that I may become as holy as I should, O Jesus, grant me the grace to desire it.


A word of caution: praying this prayer can result in severe injury to the human ego. Humility is said to be the foundation of the spiritual edifice and inferior only to faith. However, humility is considered the first virtue inasmuch as it removes the obstacles to faith (e.g., pride), and makes a man a fit recipient of grace. According to the words of St. James, "God resisteth the proud, and giveth his grace to the humble" (James 4:6). The eternal benefits are found throughout scripture including Matthew 5:5 – “The meek shall inherit the earth.” But there is another reason I ask for humility this year. I know from practical experience that portfolio managers who practice with humility also tend to have a better understanding of the risks they are taking on behalf of clients.

Pride leads to disgrace*, but with humility comes wisdom – Proverbs 11:2
* e.g. AIG, Lehman, Bear Stearns, et. al.
Overconfidence has led to the downfall of many brilliant Wall-Streeters. Indeed, one truth about money management is this: certainty sells. False promises and baseless predictions have enriched many portfolio managers and bankrupted many clients. It’s unfortunate we are often drawn to those who eschew humility.
“Early in life I had to choose between honest arrogance and hypocritical humility. I chose the former and have seen no reason to change.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
While arrogance can be attractive, it usually proves to be a fatal flaw in this industry. That is why this Christmas I am asking God for humility. By recognizing my shortcomings I am less likely to take undue risks. It sounds paradoxical, but because I recognize the possibility that an individual investment will fail, our portfolio is actually more likely to succeed. We strive to emulate a select handful of our peers who do this well. Consider the following from famous value investor Seth Klarman:
“Every day, every investor squints into the murkiness of present-day ambiguity and an unknowable future and has to make decisions. Even when these decisions are made for the right reason-not based on greed, not under undue pressure, not from intellectually dishonest motives, but because the investments appear sound and secure - much can still go wrong . . . our performance in the years ahead"

Vern Cushenbery, CFA, CPA
Chief Executive Officer
I founded CUSH Capital to deliver my clients the kind of trusted financial advice and portfolio management that is so rare in the financial community.
CUSH Capital pioneered the concept of wholesale investing. We do our own research; we don’t outsource, we in-source. Not only does this keep us independent, but it also lowers your fees. I invite you to become a part of our team. Visit our website to subscribe to this newsletter today, or call me. I will be happy to answer any questions about your financial future.

CUSH Capital Management, LLC
www.cushcapital.com

My last post had a scripture verse in about humility - 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. I pray that Americans will rise up and learn the art of humility, so that God will save our land!


If you're looking for an honest approach to home financing, give Jewel or I call at 816-510-1399 or visit us at www.wantinsight.com

Michele "MAC" A. Cole
Business Development Rep