Dana Mundy

Three years ago I started the first BNI chapter in the Tri-City region. I was leary at first of the "Amway" feel to the organization plus weekly meetings...forget about it! Since that time I have closed nearly $100,000 is business from my BNI affiliation. In addition the skills that you learn as a BNI members are invaluable. Networking properly is an artform. It is most often a learned behavior. Few are "natural networkers". Word of mouth is the most powerful form of advertising with the biggest ROI that I know of. You can find a list of BNI chapters in your neighborhood at www.bni.com. Each group has a different "culture/vibe" visit several before you find the right fit for you! Remember "Givers Gain!"

In December one of my Reatlor partners referred a client to me. A recent transplant to the Tri-Cities they were anxious to purchase a new home. A new business, low credit scores to name the top two challenges. Since the business was new, I could not count the income so the husband and his debts were removed from the loan. Her credit score was 560 when we started. After running a credit simulation I determined that in order to get the score over 620 some debts would need to be paid down...not off just down. She did that and the score was immediately improved to 660. We were in business. She was pre-approved to $250,000. Of course the home she loved was $300,000....more debts would need to be taken care of and a larger down payment was made.

Without letting the client know, I went back and had another rescore done. Her score again improved and was now up over 700. When the client arrived at closing she found that her rate was improved by 25%. Now that is the type of surprise clients should be happy to have!

A huge fuss is being made that time is running out to buy a home. Not true. Time is running out to take advantage of the first time home buyers tax credit. That is not the end of the world. The tax credit has only been available for two years. It was a good idea to buy a home before that and it will still be a good idea after. Right now seller's have the upper hand because there is an extreme shortage of home for sale under $200,000 in the Tri-City market. Once the tax credit expires the advantage will begin to shift back. The perceived feeding frenzy will diminish and buyer's will be able to negotiate lower prices.
Interest rates are low and zero and no down payment options are still available. It is always a great time to buy the right home!

It's official, Seattle Bank is now the official bank of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC. To read the official press release: https://base.firstroi.com/custom/fi/seattlebank/fb/disclosure/Seattle-Bank-Announcement.2.pdf

The entire team at AmeriChoice Home Loans is excited about our new partnership!

One of the most frequently asked question from home buyers is "What can I expect during the process?" The answer to that question is "it depends"! It depends, number one, on who you choose to do business with. Is the company you are working with local? AmeriChoice Home Loans is an affiliate of Seattle Mortgage and Seattle Bank. Seattle Mortgage has been lending in the State of Washington since 1944. Seattle Bank was recently named the official bank of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC. Is your lender experienced? I am a certified mortgage planner and have over 17 years lending experience. Does your lender have experienced, in-house processing? Jennifer Bocek has been a member of the AmeriChoice Team for over 6 years and has over 10 years experience as a loan processor. Your entire transaction is processed locally. What kind of communication can I expect? A common complaint among home buyers is their loan officer and loan processor are not reachable. At AmeriChoice we proactively communicate with you every step of the way. In addition, our client appreciation program will lavish you in unexpected and fun ways! From start to finish with AmeriChoice Home Loans, you will know excactly what to expect. If your lender is keeping you guessing consider switching to AmeriChoice Home Loans in Richland, Washington.