I've been talking with several folks recently all of whom are asking for advice? Should we pay off our debt? If we could pay off our mortgage would that be wise? I have good credit but my lender won't let me do a rate reduction to lower my payment unless I'm a few months late on my mortgage payments. Should I just not pay my mortgage? These are just a few of the questions I receive pretty regularly.
Who are you seeking advice from? If your answer is God, then you've answered correctly. It is not only the best advice you'll ever get, but there is no substitute for the wisdom God can provide you. God is much wiser than any man!
If you're advisor is one who seeks the Lord for wisdom and counsel, then that is who I'd recommend. The bible tells us to seek the kingdom of God first and His righteousness, and all things will be added unto you. Matthew 6:33. How do you know if your advisor is someone who follows God's Word? Ask? Find out what organizations they belong to? Find out where they've got their training?
One of the organizations I belong to and have become a qualified member of is Kingdom Advisors. (www.kingdomadvisors.org) Kingdom Advisors is an organization that equips the finacial professional with ongoing education to walk out biblical financial stewardship in our own lives as well as helping our customers make sound decisions.
Crown Ministries (www.crown.org) is a ministry whose purpose is to also teach and equip the believer to understand money God's way. One main thing I've learned through their ministry and study groups is that God owns it all! Money is not really yours. God owns it and has ultimate control over it (whether you realize it or not). God provides our every need (Phil 4:19). Once we learn to surrender to this realization, a weight comes off our shoulders. A pressing need to worry about our finances is lifted. That's why I highly recommend you work with an advisor that has this background!
There are many I can discuss and share with you but these are just a couple I am fond of. When we seek advice, we should first go to God for His infinite and timeless wisdom. "Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked."
If you are looking for a professional who can help you with sound financial wisdom, God's way, please email me and I will make the connection for you!
Blessings abundant to you and your family this Christmas Season!
Michele "MAC". A. Cole
Business Development
The InSight Team
michele@wantinsight.com
If you are looking to refinance or purchase a home, please let the InSight Team lend insight in your home financing needs!
Showing posts with label mortgage professional. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mortgage professional. Show all posts
Friday, December 4, 2009
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
More Encouraging News
Hidden underneath all the headlines and stories on the proposed government health plan, there are signs of encouraging news that the recession may be easing.
The first full week of August saw some positive results in economic activity, but the news of the declining unemployment rate made investors optimistic. For the first time in the past 17 months fewer job losses were posted and we saw an improved unemployment rate. July saw the lowest number of job losses all year, and the number came in much lower than anticipated. The stock market climbed upward as well. The Dow is now up almost 7% for the year.
This isn’t to say the recovery is in full swing yet, but don’t we all deserve some good news!
And, we saw another positive housing report too. Pending home sales jumped an unexpected 3.6%, when a 0.7% increase was predicted by the experts. We’ve now seen 5 consecutive months of gains in pending contracts. That’s the first time since July 2003 we’ve seen that happen! Affordable home prices and low interest rates have been driving the market upwards. Construction spending was up slightly as well, much better than the drop that was expected.
The 28 major markets the real estate experts watch saw a drop in inventory of 2.5% from June. (The average drop over the last 25 years from June to July is 1%) AND, compared with the inventory in July 2008, there was a big drop of 27%!
Mortgage interest rates are still holding at low levels as well.
At InSight Mortgage Group we’re available to answer your questions regarding new home purchase loans or refinancing your current loan. Call us, 913-642-3334 or email us at michele@wantinsight.com or dickw@wantinsight.com. Look to us for integrity and ethical handling of your financial transactions. Blessings.
The first full week of August saw some positive results in economic activity, but the news of the declining unemployment rate made investors optimistic. For the first time in the past 17 months fewer job losses were posted and we saw an improved unemployment rate. July saw the lowest number of job losses all year, and the number came in much lower than anticipated. The stock market climbed upward as well. The Dow is now up almost 7% for the year.
This isn’t to say the recovery is in full swing yet, but don’t we all deserve some good news!
And, we saw another positive housing report too. Pending home sales jumped an unexpected 3.6%, when a 0.7% increase was predicted by the experts. We’ve now seen 5 consecutive months of gains in pending contracts. That’s the first time since July 2003 we’ve seen that happen! Affordable home prices and low interest rates have been driving the market upwards. Construction spending was up slightly as well, much better than the drop that was expected.
The 28 major markets the real estate experts watch saw a drop in inventory of 2.5% from June. (The average drop over the last 25 years from June to July is 1%) AND, compared with the inventory in July 2008, there was a big drop of 27%!
Mortgage interest rates are still holding at low levels as well.
At InSight Mortgage Group we’re available to answer your questions regarding new home purchase loans or refinancing your current loan. Call us, 913-642-3334 or email us at michele@wantinsight.com or dickw@wantinsight.com. Look to us for integrity and ethical handling of your financial transactions. Blessings.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Ethical Actions
Daily we are all faced with making ethical choices, some more obvious than others. And, as a business owner and manager, I must make on the job decisions that affect the success of the business, my staff and their careers. Success to me is defined by strong values and high integrity and not by dollar signs!
After many years as a mortgage consultant for other companies, (nationally known names) I became increasingly aware of the sometimes not- so- straightforward methods employed by these companies to obtain mortgage loan business. Clients weren’t individual with specific needs, they became a “transaction”, a number to add to the volume closed that month. So, we chose to put our client’s needs first and foremost. Thus, InSight Mortgage Group was founded on the principles of integrity, superior customer service, and biblical principles of stewardship. I am a qualified member, one of three mortgage professionals in the entire country, of Kingdom Advisors. Kingdom Advisors is an organization that equips the financial professional to walk out their faith and biblical principles in the marketplace and to pass along sound financial wisdom to their clients. You can learn more about them at www.kingdomadvisors.org.
We’ve promised to deliver the best possible solution to our clients needs even if that means losing the loan. It disturbs us to see what many mortgage companies are continuing to do these days: over promising and under delivering. And in this tough economic climate it’s happening a lot. Typically what happens is a lender quotes a lower rate than the competition, and is charging additional fees and not disclosing them, or hiding them under the guise of other charges. And what impact does this have? First, the client who has just experienced a closing with unexpectedly higher costs, feels trapped at the last minute without other choices and ends with a highly negative attitude and end result. Then, the bad experience reflects poorly back on the industry as a whole, possibly lumping all mortgage consultants together as crooks or liars.
Proverbs 11:18 teaches us: “The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”
We believe in building relationships and have appreciated the repeat business of many clients, and the referral of business from their family, friends and associates. It’s a foundation of trust and the knowledge of being treated with respect and honesty. A mentor and friend, Rick Boxx, said it best, “Selling with integrity can be very difficult. It takes self control and a relational approach, rather than a self-serving transactional approach.”
"Michele is Believer who has based her Mortgage company, Insight Mortgage Group, on all the Christian principles from the Bible, and who does not believe in gouging the clients. In fact, her whole company is based on Christian love and care for each other and making sure that her clients are getting the best deal possible within the Mortgage industry. Of course, just like you, she needs to make a living along the way, but she does not make her living hi-jacking unsuspecting buyers. God rewards his trusted Christian believers for their service and for their honesty and caring of our fellow man." - V. Thomas
There will be daily temptations to give in to greed, take advantage of others, and cut some corners. Stand strong and do what you say you’re going to do, speak honestly, be responsible and accountable for your actions and make good ethical decisions. Let your actions show that you are a person of integrity. Talk is cheap. Do you want to work with someone who talks a good talk but then doesn’t deliver? Remember this one: Actions speak louder than words.
"What I can testify is the fact that Michelle, after many tearful phone calls of desperation, took a clear and unbias look at our situation and clearly explained our options, sure we could refinance or try to move and solve the short term problem. We would have been stuck with a crazy interest rate and a larger monthly payment, and have lost some equity in our home, but in my eyes we would have skipped a house payment, stopped our late pays and late credit reporting, and avoided foreclosure. Michele also gave me some hard words to hear in terms of dealing with our financial situation, it would not be in our best interest, and the amazing part is she put our best interest first in turning our eyes upon the true inner nature of our situation. I know she could have made money off of our unfortunate situation, but she didn't. She gave us some wonderful contacts and advice to dig in and work with our mortgage company to resolve the issue, save our home, and face the bad habits that put us in that situation to begin with. Looking back I am so UNBELIEVABLY thankful we never refinanced and put that bandaid on a quite larger wound. We worked with our mortgage company, had our loan modified, became current with our mortgage, and we learned some hard but awesome life lessons along the way. She will always have our business. And because we learned(and still learning) how to manage and handle our finances, that in turn enables us to move in the near future" E. Hammond
A principle we strive to embody is from Philippians 2:4 "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others”.
At InSight Mortgage Group we want to help people make good sound choices, ones they can live with today and in the future. Please call us at 913-642-3334 or email us at michele@wantinsight.com or dickw@wantinsight.com for trusted, client-focused answers to your mortgage or financial questions. Blessings
After many years as a mortgage consultant for other companies, (nationally known names) I became increasingly aware of the sometimes not- so- straightforward methods employed by these companies to obtain mortgage loan business. Clients weren’t individual with specific needs, they became a “transaction”, a number to add to the volume closed that month. So, we chose to put our client’s needs first and foremost. Thus, InSight Mortgage Group was founded on the principles of integrity, superior customer service, and biblical principles of stewardship. I am a qualified member, one of three mortgage professionals in the entire country, of Kingdom Advisors. Kingdom Advisors is an organization that equips the financial professional to walk out their faith and biblical principles in the marketplace and to pass along sound financial wisdom to their clients. You can learn more about them at www.kingdomadvisors.org.
We’ve promised to deliver the best possible solution to our clients needs even if that means losing the loan. It disturbs us to see what many mortgage companies are continuing to do these days: over promising and under delivering. And in this tough economic climate it’s happening a lot. Typically what happens is a lender quotes a lower rate than the competition, and is charging additional fees and not disclosing them, or hiding them under the guise of other charges. And what impact does this have? First, the client who has just experienced a closing with unexpectedly higher costs, feels trapped at the last minute without other choices and ends with a highly negative attitude and end result. Then, the bad experience reflects poorly back on the industry as a whole, possibly lumping all mortgage consultants together as crooks or liars.
Proverbs 11:18 teaches us: “The wicked man earns deceptive wages, but he who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward.”
We believe in building relationships and have appreciated the repeat business of many clients, and the referral of business from their family, friends and associates. It’s a foundation of trust and the knowledge of being treated with respect and honesty. A mentor and friend, Rick Boxx, said it best, “Selling with integrity can be very difficult. It takes self control and a relational approach, rather than a self-serving transactional approach.”
"Michele is Believer who has based her Mortgage company, Insight Mortgage Group, on all the Christian principles from the Bible, and who does not believe in gouging the clients. In fact, her whole company is based on Christian love and care for each other and making sure that her clients are getting the best deal possible within the Mortgage industry. Of course, just like you, she needs to make a living along the way, but she does not make her living hi-jacking unsuspecting buyers. God rewards his trusted Christian believers for their service and for their honesty and caring of our fellow man." - V. Thomas
There will be daily temptations to give in to greed, take advantage of others, and cut some corners. Stand strong and do what you say you’re going to do, speak honestly, be responsible and accountable for your actions and make good ethical decisions. Let your actions show that you are a person of integrity. Talk is cheap. Do you want to work with someone who talks a good talk but then doesn’t deliver? Remember this one: Actions speak louder than words.
"What I can testify is the fact that Michelle, after many tearful phone calls of desperation, took a clear and unbias look at our situation and clearly explained our options, sure we could refinance or try to move and solve the short term problem. We would have been stuck with a crazy interest rate and a larger monthly payment, and have lost some equity in our home, but in my eyes we would have skipped a house payment, stopped our late pays and late credit reporting, and avoided foreclosure. Michele also gave me some hard words to hear in terms of dealing with our financial situation, it would not be in our best interest, and the amazing part is she put our best interest first in turning our eyes upon the true inner nature of our situation. I know she could have made money off of our unfortunate situation, but she didn't. She gave us some wonderful contacts and advice to dig in and work with our mortgage company to resolve the issue, save our home, and face the bad habits that put us in that situation to begin with. Looking back I am so UNBELIEVABLY thankful we never refinanced and put that bandaid on a quite larger wound. We worked with our mortgage company, had our loan modified, became current with our mortgage, and we learned some hard but awesome life lessons along the way. She will always have our business. And because we learned(and still learning) how to manage and handle our finances, that in turn enables us to move in the near future" E. Hammond
A principle we strive to embody is from Philippians 2:4 "Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others”.
At InSight Mortgage Group we want to help people make good sound choices, ones they can live with today and in the future. Please call us at 913-642-3334 or email us at michele@wantinsight.com or dickw@wantinsight.com for trusted, client-focused answers to your mortgage or financial questions. Blessings
Monday, April 20, 2009
REFINANCING HELPFUL HINTS
Even with low, low interest rates and new government recovery programs, it can be a tough road to walk to get to the closing table on refinancing your home loan. At InSight Mortgage Group, we work to smooth out the few bumps you may encounter along the way – it’s our specialty.
Strangely, the tough part isn’t the “approval” process for borrowers, it’s keeping the approval!
I’ve recently blogged about the mortgage industry in general, starting in 2005, being understaffed. With these wonderful low rates, lenders are getting slammed with requests and are having a difficult time handling the volume. An underwriting logjam has been created.
These days taking a mortgage application from start to finish with some lenders can be as long as 2 months! That’s double the time it took about 6 months ago, when the average was 20 days to closing.
You know, a lot can happen in 60 days. More so than in 20 days. And while there are things outside your control which may affect the loan process, there are a number of things you can control.
Mortgage approvals are delicate things and nothing’s complete until it’s complete! Please keep in mind the following “rules” for the period of time when your loan is in underwriting and before it closes.
A. DON’T buy a new car, trade up to a bigger lease, etc. (incur more debt)
B. DON’T start a new company or quit your job
C. DON’T move to a commissioned job from a salaried job
D. DON’T transfer large sums of money between bank accounts
E. DON’T be late on paying your bills
F. DON’T open any new credit accounts -- even if it’s 0% interest for the next year
G. DON’T take a cash gift unless you have all the proper “gift” paperwork filled out
H. DON”T make random, undocumented deposits into your bank account
The above are red flags to an underwriter and only one is enough to slow or even derail the process. Situations arise, and it doesn’t mean that you can’t get a cash gift or buy a new car, it means talk to your loan officer first. We’re here to guide you each step of the way, so call us at 913-642-3334 or email me at michele@wantinsight.com to get started on your refinance.
Strangely, the tough part isn’t the “approval” process for borrowers, it’s keeping the approval!
I’ve recently blogged about the mortgage industry in general, starting in 2005, being understaffed. With these wonderful low rates, lenders are getting slammed with requests and are having a difficult time handling the volume. An underwriting logjam has been created.
These days taking a mortgage application from start to finish with some lenders can be as long as 2 months! That’s double the time it took about 6 months ago, when the average was 20 days to closing.
You know, a lot can happen in 60 days. More so than in 20 days. And while there are things outside your control which may affect the loan process, there are a number of things you can control.
Mortgage approvals are delicate things and nothing’s complete until it’s complete! Please keep in mind the following “rules” for the period of time when your loan is in underwriting and before it closes.
A. DON’T buy a new car, trade up to a bigger lease, etc. (incur more debt)
B. DON’T start a new company or quit your job
C. DON’T move to a commissioned job from a salaried job
D. DON’T transfer large sums of money between bank accounts
E. DON’T be late on paying your bills
F. DON’T open any new credit accounts -- even if it’s 0% interest for the next year
G. DON’T take a cash gift unless you have all the proper “gift” paperwork filled out
H. DON”T make random, undocumented deposits into your bank account
The above are red flags to an underwriter and only one is enough to slow or even derail the process. Situations arise, and it doesn’t mean that you can’t get a cash gift or buy a new car, it means talk to your loan officer first. We’re here to guide you each step of the way, so call us at 913-642-3334 or email me at michele@wantinsight.com to get started on your refinance.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Tips for Searching for a Mortgage Lender
What are some things a prospective borrower should watch for with a lender?
Ask questions, get disclosures, check references. Relationship is most important. God wants us in relationship with Him and with others. If you don’t know anyone, than ask people you love and trust to refer you to someone. Realtor referrals are good source IF you know and trust the realtor as well. Another recommendation is to use http://www.kingdomadvisors.org/ website to select a financial or mortgage professional. The training and education needed to be a qualified member is substantial and is valuable to you the consumer.
Michele "MAC" A. Cole
http://www.wantinsight.com/
Ask questions, get disclosures, check references. Relationship is most important. God wants us in relationship with Him and with others. If you don’t know anyone, than ask people you love and trust to refer you to someone. Realtor referrals are good source IF you know and trust the realtor as well. Another recommendation is to use http://www.kingdomadvisors.org/ website to select a financial or mortgage professional. The training and education needed to be a qualified member is substantial and is valuable to you the consumer.
Michele "MAC" A. Cole
http://www.wantinsight.com/
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