Bridget McGee

I don't have many memories of my childhood. I don't know why. I do have some very strong memories. (If there are some psychologist/realtors/lenders out there, I would probably make a great case study!)

One of the strongest memories I have is a trip to Walt Disney World in Florida when I was about 11. This was a family trip taken when my mom was in remission from Colon Cancer. It was a big deal, we stayed at The Contemporary Resort, the one the monorail runs right through. There were lots of rides and treats, and tons of sun. My poor mom (a very proper lady) even almost lost her lunch in one of Disney's trash can's after having been talked into riding the Apple Turnover with us.

The ride I remember most, even more than one of the coolest rides of all time, Space Mountain (a roller coaster in the dark) was the "It's a small world" ride. We waited and waited and waited in a line that snaked around outside. We excitedly entered the building thinking we were close, only to wait and wait and wait again in a line that snaked inside. It was finally our turn to board the boats that would take us on the much anticipated ride. We just knew that it would be so worth the wait. Well, it wasn't. The boat slowly rode along a river with murals, and dolls, and sculptures from all around the world while the song "It's a small world after all, it's a small world after all, it's a small world after all. It's a small, small world" played over and over and over again.

I have been reminded how small the world really is quite a bit lately. I was in my office the other day when a sales rep stopped by. Steve sells wholesale cabinets and was hoping to meet with one of our Realtor partners. We talked a bit, and since I am looking to remodel my kitchen I gave Steve my card so that he could contact me about setting up a time to see my house. Always on the look out for referrals, as I handed him my card I said "By the way, if you happen to know anyone who may need some help purchasing or refinancing, we would love to help." He said he couldn't think of anyone at the moment but his Aunt is a realtor in Carroll County, MD and he would be happy to give her my information. I asked her name. It turned out his aunt is Carol Fertitta of Lederer and Company. I had met Carol at an open house about 6 months ago. We had just closed a loan for one of her buyer's the day before, and I had just gotten off the phone with her minutes before Steve walked in. Small world.

It get's smaller. Carol is sponsoring an open house event in the Elmwood neighborhood of Parkville, MD on November 15th from 2-4. She has invited all eight of the houses for sale in that area to hold an open house on the same day. There will be prizes and discounts and a wide variety of homes for sale.

I am working with Carol to help to market this event, and will be there to offer information and mortgage pre-qualifications. I contacted the realtors who are to be a part of the event and had a lovely conversation with one agent in particular, Laura Christensen of Homes by Riley. We talked about business philosophy, but we also spoke about our lives. It turns out that Laura currently lives in northern Baltimore County. She grew up in Catonsville (which is where I live now). Her kids went to the same pre-school my daughter attends. Her kids now attend the school where my nephews attend. Small world. It gets smaller. After Laura and I got off the phone I sent her an email about the event and a great co-marketing program we sponsor. She later emailed back to say that my nephew and her son had plans to trick or treat together the following night.

It's a small world after all! I wonder where the next connection will be!

Oooh, this is a little wierd, but just as I was finishing this post Jimmy Fallon told an "It's a small world" ride joke on Late Night. It is a small world!!

FREE HOMEBUYER SEMINAR

"How to Purchase and Finance Your First Home"

A community service sponsored by Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corp and REMAX Classic

Come learn the five most important things you must know before you buy and finance your first home. This free, no obligation seminar will help answer your questions and get you started off right! With interest rates low and hundreds of affordably priced homes on the market, and up to an $8,000 tax credit for anyone who has not owned a home in the last three years, NOW is the time to BUY!!

"How to Purchase and Finance Your First Home"

Baltimore County Public Library Arbutus Branch

1581 Sulphur Spring Road Ste 105 Arbutus, MD 21227

Saturday May 30^th 9:30 AM-11:30 AM

Reservations Required Call Bridget McGee at 410-960-2061 or email bmcgee@alliedhomenet.com

FREE credit report just for attending!!

FREE REPORT on GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS!

WWW.mymdhomeloan.com

PRESS RELEASE November 25, 2008

Allied To Offer FHA Homebuyers

New Rainy Day Foundation HELP Program

First-time Buyers Receive Counseling, Support To Make Payments

(Houston, TX.) - Allied Home Mortgage Capital Corporation, the Houston Based nationwide lender, today announced it is the first nationwide lender to partner with the Rainy Day Foundation, a national non-profit organization to offer educational tools and mortgage loan protections services through their new Homeowner Education and Loan Protection program (H.E.L.P.)

"The Rainy Day Foundation, headquartered in Washington, D.C., encourages responsible home ownership. Through its HELP program it teaches home buyers how to position themselves for success with their new mortgage. It educates them about home ownership and teaches them how to resolve problems that may arise," said Jim Hodge, chief executive officer of Allied Mortgage.

Participation in the Rainy Day HELP program is made available to all FHA borrowers who finance their homes through Allied, at no cost to the borrower. "We feel that it is essential that we do our part to provide financial stability to our borrowers," added Allied.

The program provides:

* Monthly communication and newsletters that focus on budgeting and offers solutions to home ownership challenges for a period of two years.

* Direct communication between the non-profit and borrower for a period of twelve months after the loan closes to reinforce standards, answer questions and gauge financial challenges.

* A job loss insurance policy that is in effect for the first year of the home loan. Depending on circumstances, the policy will pay up to six months of a borrower's mortgage, up to a maximum of $1,800 (principal, interest, taxes and insurance).

* The ability for the homeowner to apply for an emergency grant to resolve short term financial challenges. These grants are specific for mortgage assistance.

"We know that many borrowers today don't have the ability to navigate through real life issues. These are trying economic times and we believe that we want to give our customers every chance at successful homeownership", said Hodge. "No one, including banks and lenders, wants a homeowner to default on a loan. We feel the Rainy Day program will proactively address problems that our borrowers might encounter"

This year alone it is anticipated that the Foundation will enrolled more than 20,000 homeowners, a figure that is projected to double in 2009.

"What happens when homeowners suddenly are scheduled for less hours at work, or they encounter unexpected medical expenses?" asks Rick Del Sontro, chief executive officer of the Rainy Day Foundation. "Life happens and there is no way to underwrite a loan to life. Our goal is to help families achieve and maintain the American Dream. We applaud Allied for taking this significant step and proving that not only do they care about making a loan, but those they want to create successful homeowners"

About Allied:

Founded in 1991, AHMCC is the largest privately held mortgage banker/broker in the U.S., with hundreds of offices licensed in 50 states and the United States Virgin Islands. It offers a wide variety of mortgage products and services from hundreds of lenders.

In 2004 the company funded over $12 billion in loans and was named as one of "The Top 25 Tech-Savvy Lending Firms" by Mortgage Technology magazine.

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Whenever I see an event that will benefit breast cancer patients and their families, I strongly support it. One of my best friends was diagnosed at 33 with Breast Cancer. It was then that we learned about the Red Devils. Red Devils is a service organization that works to improve the quality of life for breast cancer patients and their families. They provide services like house cleaning, meal prep, rides to doctor appointments, and other things we take for granted. Red Devil is a common name for a bright red chemo drug that many breast cancer patients have to endure. My friend is doing great and because of a very supportive group of family, friends and the Mom's Club of Catonsville, she didn't utilize the wonderful services of the Red Devils, many are not as blessed as she was. My friend is doing great, thank God. Please think about going to this benefit and support a great organization. You never know when you or someone you know will need it!

You are cordially invited to attend the 2nd Annual Hope for a Cure dinner to benefit The Red Devils.

When: Saturday, October 18, 2008

Where: Patapsco Masonic Center

2 Trading Place, Dundalk, MD 21222

Admission: $75.00 per person, and includes the Longaberger^® 2008 Horizon of Hope^® basket of your choice (White Washed or Warm Brown).

In Advance ONLY, No tickets at the door

Time: 4:00pm - 9:00pm (Dinner will be served at 5:00pm)

Doors will open at 3:30pm

Please RSVP by September 15, 2008. Seating is limited to first come first served.

Dress is casual attire

The evening will feature a silent auction, raffle, and many door prizes. You'll also have the opportunity to purchase the accessories set (liner, protector and lid) for your Horizons of Hope basket, the new Woven Traditions^® Travel Mugs (set of 2), and the new 2008 Horizon of Hope^® Pink Ribbon Basket Set.

If you have any questions contact

Anthony N. Makres

Independent Longaberger^® Branch Leader

443-801-5678 BasketDude5678@aol.com