Brad Patshkowski - Home Loans Spokane, WA

Don’t Know All The Answers

Do you pretend that you know the answers at work when you really don’t? If you have, then you know it takes a lot of energy to pretend to know when you don't. And most people can see right through the veneer of what you’re saying, usually because there’s no substance behind it.

People pretend they know answers when they don’t for varied reasons. Some people are insecure about looking foolish or stupid. Some people want to be respected. Some people want to be seen as problem solvers. Whatever your reason for pretending to know more than you do, though, it’s a good idea to stop participating in something that can undermine your credibility with others when they find out you don’t really know what you’re talking about. And in our business, credibility is sometimes the most important thing we can convey to our clients. This makes them feel comfortable doing business with us and builds trust in our relationship.

Use your energy instead to find the answer to what you don’t know. Start by admitting it: Say simply, “I’m not sure what the answer to that is, but I’ll try to find out.” Then follow through with your promise of looking into it. Or accept graciously the information others are likely to offer you when you admit up front you don’t have all the answers. You’ll find that this takes less energy, is more rewarding, easier – and will give you the reputation you desire as someone who knows how to find out whatever needs to be known. We have all heard this but implementing it into our everyday life and business is the trick. One trick I would suggest is to get a smart phone with a reliable internet connection, like a Blackberry, Palm, or iPhone. This way, you can find the answer quickly and it shows your clients that you are prepared and dedicated to your service.

“If it is not right do not do it; if it is not true do not say it.” -Marcus Aurelius

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How to Conquer Your Shyness and Feel Comfortable Around New People

Even the most successful people have moments when they feel shy and uncomfortable. For most of us, meeting new people is difficult, and making conversation with someone we’ve just met can feel like getting a tooth pulled. The good news is you can overcome and control your shyness. Here are some strategies for becoming the life of the party – or at least not the wallflower:

Explore the causes. Shyness is usually caused by excessive self-consciousness, a negative self-image, or excessive preoccupation with yourself – or a combination of all three. When you’re feeling shy, analyze your thoughts and emotions to find out what’s holding you back. You’ll be better able to address the problem when you understand what’s behind it.

Underline your own strengths. Instead of thinking about what you can’t do in social situations, remind yourself of what you’re good at. Most of us usually don’t have trouble talking about subjects where we feel confident and experienced. Focus on these areas instead of any flaws you think you may have.

Focus on other people. Ask questions that let other people talk, and encourage them to open up and share their opinions. You’ll be less worried about saying something wrong, and you’ll probably find enough common ground on which to build a real conversation.

Practice greeting people. Make a point of saying “hello” to the people you see every day – the bus driver, the barista at your coffee shop, your coworkers, and so on. Once you get into the habit, you’ll find it easier to smile and offer a friendly greeting to the people you meet in social situations.

Look your best. You don’t need a complete makeover, but you’ll feel more confident if you know you’re presenting yourself well. Work with someone you trust on wardrobe and groom

ing issues. Don’t overdo it – just be sure you’re appropriate for the occasion.

Good Luck out there! -Brad Patshkowski-

WWW.HeritageHomeLoans.Org

June 6th is National Cancer Survivors Day

I have had several friends and family diagnosed with cancer in way way or another. Some did not make it, some did, and others are living with it. Chances are someone you know is a cancer survivor, “survivor” defined as “anyone living with a history of cancer – from the moment of diagnosis through the remainder of life.” Sunday, June 6 is the 23^rd annual National Cancer Survivors Day, a worldwide celebration of life held in hundreds of communities throughout the U.S., Canada, and other participating countries. It was the brainchild of Richard Bloch, a co-founder of H&R Block and cancer survivor himself, who wanted to demonstrate that a diagnosis of cancer is not an automatic death sentence.

The non-profit National Cancer Survivors Day Foundation (www.ncsdf.org) supports hundreds of hospitals, support groups, and other cancer-related organizations that host National Cancer Survivors Day events in their communities by providing free guidance, education and networking. Its primary mission is to educate the public on the issues of cancer survivorship in order to better the quality of life for cancer survivors.

Visit www.ncsdf.org to learn how to honor these survivors and better their lives. -Brad Patshkowski-

WWW.HeritageHomeLoans.Org

Tax Credit Fever!!!

So...the end of June is fast approaching, and the last of the buyers who wanted to take advantage of the First Time Homebuyer and Move Up Buyer Tax Credits are praying that their loan funds before the 30th. I have a few questions, and some advice from the perspective of a Lender.

First...Advice:

1. As a Buyer or Realtor involved in a transaction where a tax credit is involved, be very diligent in your correspondence with the lender. As the end of the month nears, some Lenders may run into a capacity issue when trying to fund all these loans at the same time. This may cause delays in funding that could push the closing until after the 30th, hence negating the tax credit eligibility. Not to mention the amount of paperwork that has to be filled out, reviewed, reviewed again, funds wired and deeds recorded. If it is a domino transaction where the purchase is contingent on the sale of a home, then you have to make sure you are talking to both Lenders and agents involved to make sure there are no delays.

2. If at all possible, try to get your clients in to sign early. Most Lenders will take fundings on a first come first serve basis, especially in this unique circumstance. We usually try to prioritize fundings on a need basis, but in this situation this will likely be impossible since everyone needs the same things on the same days.

3. If your buyer was depending on the USDA Rural Development Program to purchase their home, and were not able to get it done before USDA funds ran out, USDA has had an injection of money from the federal government to keep the program afloat. However, there have been some changes in the program that have to be followed in order to fund loans under the new guidelines including an increase in the Guarantee Fee and new Commitment Letters need to be issued before a Lender will fund the loan. So again, eluding back to my first advice, contact the Lender and make sure everyone is on the same page to prevent delays.

Next...Questions:

1. What do you all see as possible ramifications of a purchase getting delayed past the June 30th cutoff date where the buyers may have borrowed their down payment from a family member with the caveat that they would be paid back after they received their tax credit? Your answers could be legal, personal, or business related.

2. Do you think the Govenrment should have extended the credits at least until the end of the year instead of stopping them in the middle of what is historically the bussiest time for home sales?

3. What do you see is going to be the trend in home sales beginning August?

I truly believe this is a time for us as Agents and Lenders to really show what we are made of and take advantage of an opportunity to show our clients how hard and well we work for them. If we do it right...I think that referrals should naturally follow.

Good Luck out there!!! -Brad Patshkowski-

WWW.HeritageHomeLoans.Org