Eric McGowan

These Words Come To Mind

• Character Attribute

• Virtue

• Fortitude

In today's environment only the tough will survive. Having sheer determination, "strength", and even prayer will help to guide us to know what to do and how to do it.

I remember growing up how I wished time would come to an end. Today though I do not seem to have enough time in the day. I guess this is the joy of "growing older" (not-old). I am thankful for how life has shaped me as "we are all a product of what made us" anyway.

What has given you strength?

Was it the teacher in elementary school,

the coach in PE,

or maybe the neighbor next door?

Take time and honor those that have influenced, guided, and molded you to help you become the person you are today.

Local municipalities seem to want your money and just will not let it go.

With the shrinking economy how many people have considered property reassessments for their now "devalued properties"? Government officials will not automatically "write down" the assessed value for your home. As the economy continues to shift this is ever more apparent.

As a property owner or potential property owner one should contact the assessing authority and request a revaluation. Or, as a next step, pay for an appraisal and present it to the proper taxing authority. Many areas throughout the country are now experiencing these issues. For instance, after the hurricanes in 2004, Florida saw tremendous value increases. However, as sub prime mortgages began to swing, along with other economic realities, home sales dropped and are continuing to do so.

As a tax paying citizen it is your duty to check on what you are paying taxes on. One cannot blame the governing authority if you do not check into the reality of your taxation.

Join the community for fellowship and make new friends.

Come out and join everyone Saturday, October 18, 2008 from 11 AM to 5 PM.

Festival Advertisement Sponsors

Lovejoy Realty www.lovejoyrealty.com

NuBath Alabama www.mynubath.com

Bowlings Barbeque Odenville, Alabama 35120

Four Star Realty 100 Four Star Lane, Odenville, Alabama 35120 www.4starrealty.net

Town of Margaret, Alabama

WIWIWIG---What I Want Is What I Get!

If only life were this simple.

As a child we pout and more often than not our parents oblige and give in. Today, many "better standing" borrower's believe that they can have "mortgage's their way" as well. After all, they have money, resources, and why do you (the loan officer, underwriter, and down the road--the mortgage company) need to know how and why they get it or any of their business? The answers are simple:

• Fraud
• Times today are not what they used to be
• You have to be able to put up and show up what you claim

Although many view these as irrational requests, those irrational requests hold files up now. I try to be straightforward and present all that is requested, including relevant time frames. After all I do not make these conditions, present obstacles, and definitely do not get paid to hold files up. However, we run into situations now that never arose before. I have one of those borrower's whose financial advisor viewed the request for proof of her IRA distributions as unreasonable. The lady is 53, is in a fortunate yet unfortunate situation, in that she draws from two different IRA's as "living funds" yet has a broader pooled fund that feeds the other two. We tried to get around this condition by a processor's certification and it did not work. Then we went back to ground zero (the dreaded financial advisor) and to the customer.

Again the advisor refused. However, his paraplanner assistant though did review the guidelines that I sent. And, without putting on company letterhead, typed out a simple statement which she signed and dated to the effect:

"If "X" continues with her current monthly gross distribution amount of $X,XXX from her IRA Rollover account, based on a market value of $XXX,XXX (close of business XX/XX/XXXX), then the account could sustain for a period to exceed 36 months."

We received that letter late on a Thursday afternoon, nearly three weeks after our initial request. This was finally sent out to the underwriter on Friday (business day one) and the file was cleared to close on Tuesday afternoon (business day three but for underwriting technically business day two).

My customer, WIWIWIG, though claimed that we missed "her deadlines" by not getting it done on Monday and that she had started processing with another bank. That bank claimed they would have her closed by the end of that week. Guess what, they ran into the same problem and she is not closed.

Life is you know simply "WIWIWIG".

www.stclairlender.blogspot.com

Many of us have to move either by marriage, death, divorce, or job transfer. However, now is more often than not the right time to even consider having to doing so. Tides are still turning with lower values throughout the U.S. Further, most people are scared to think about tomorrow much less the thought of looking for a new home especially with the price of everyday necessities---gas, food, and just keeping the lights on.

Should you be one of those facing these uncertain days and in need to sell their home here are a few helpful hints to get you by:

1) Use a Realtor
A realtor is a professional who can guide you and do things that you just do not have the time to do. Think of it this way, if you need to sell get a professional.
2) Be the "Select Cut"
Your house has to be "the prime rib" or "select cut." Anything that makes one think otherwise has to be addressed. Ask yourself "would you buy this house again?" If not do what is necessary.
3) Price Right
You may have paid $300,000 for it but if you have foreclosures or builder discounted models in your neighborhood it may now be worth significantly less. Most of us don't ever want to have to bite that bullet but this is a reality today.
4) Turn-key Ready
Is your home that gem and turn-key ready? "The average buyer would rather pay a little more...to not buy a fixer-upper".
5) Fresh Air & Clean
Does your house smell like Kitty Kat or Wags de Dog? Well, what we get used too others may not. Take into consideration that some people are allergic to pets. So when getting ready to sell Wags or kitty may have to go visit a neighbor, family member, or friend. At the very least steam the carpets, put in new carpet if able, and paint. The smell of fresh paint and cleanliness often sways buyers.
6) Have you Over improved?
Kitchens and baths sell houses. An over improved home is just that one with nice "bells and whistles" but no other home supports it in the area. Got a pink tiled bathroom though consider having it "re glazed" at the very least.
7) Stage for Success
Just because you never use your dining room don't think that the family there next after you won't. A properly staged home shows enough of how to use the area without emphasizing your personality and how you live in it today.
8) Exposure
Professional photos are best. However, with photo editing software and today's digital cameras we can all be "master photographers". Keep in mind that better photos capture potential buyers eyes and make them "want to come in".
9) Talk it Up
Even with representation nowadays nothing seems to not be the right thing to do in marketing your home. With everyone you meet bubble over about your home in praises and how it is "just waiting on the next family to shelter them from the storm".
10) Plan
Just saying this house is for sale will not work. Properly planning, preparing, and setting realistic goals is key.

Remember, neutrality is key to making someone else want to take over your keys!

reference: http://www.intouchtoday.com/

Posted by Eric McGowan at 2:22 PM Labels: Alabama Home Sales, Alabama Mortgages, Alalender, Central Alabama Mortgages, St. Clair County Mortgages, St. Clair County Real Estate, Trussville Mortgages, Trussville Real Estate