Monday, December 22, 2014


The Power of  Random Acts of Kindness (RAC).

RAC is a very simple concept, being kind to others. Being kind without expecting anything in return! One simple act of kindness can turn around someone’s day and you do it usually makes your day that much better too.
It’s also being aware of how our conduct affects others and holding ourselves accountable and responsible for the way we treat others. Remember the “golden rule” do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Another benefit to RAC is it is contagious. This is a real win/win/win  for everyone. The person you are being kind to benefits through your help, you feel good for helping someone and the world benefits from your kindness. Imagine if everyone practiced just one random act of kindness every day how much better the world would be.

 From research done on Buddhist monks’ brains, we are beginning to believe that when we think positive thoughts — about gratitude, kindness, optimism, and the like — we activate our left prefrontal cortex and flood our bodies with feel-good hormones, which give us an upswing in mood in the short run and strengthen our immune system in the long run. Conversely, when we think negative, angry, worried, hopeless, pessimistic thoughts, we activate our right pre-frontal cortex and flood our body with stress hormones, which send us into fight or flight mode, depresses our mood, and suppresses our immune system. In other words, we are bathing our body/minds/spirits in good or bad chemicals based on our thoughts.

Here are a few ideas for Random Acts of Kindness:

  • Open the door for someone
  • Give a compliment to a waiter/waitress, their manager
  • Pay for a strangers cup off coffee next time you’re at Starbucks
  • Pay the toll for the car behind you at a toll booth
  • Send a hand written note to someone
  • Help an elderly person carry a bag or get an item from a high shelf in the store
  • Tell your family members how much you appreciate them
  • Let someone else have the parking space you were waiting for
  • Buy a lottery ticket for a stranger
  • Cut the neighbors hedge or rake their leaves
  • Help a co-worker
  • Let someone go in front of you in traffic
  • Let your teacher know you appreciate him or her
  • Wash a friends or family member’s car for them
  • Bring in your neighbors trash cans for them
  • Pick up someone else’s trash when you see it
  • Volunteer – homeless shelter, food bank, special Olympics,
hospital, animal shelter…
  • Compliment someone
  • Bake cookies/muffins and take to a friend for no reason or to the office
  • Smile

I hope you experience the joy of helping others. This is a great lesson to share with your children too.

Just Say “No”


At this time of year we are so busy with our everyday life, the holiday’s, friends, family, events, etc.  It is also a time of year for giving and most everyone tries to give back in some way by volunteering, donating, etc. Sometimes the best thing we can do is just say no and realize we are only human and can only do so much or spend so much for our own wellbeing.  Say it nicely, and don’t give it a second thought, you owe this one to yourself.  The following suggestions on easy ways to say no came from Christine Carters article.  Hope you all have a happy, safe, and fun holiday week.

1.  Just No: “Thanks, I’ll have to pass on that.” (Say it, then shut up.)
2.  Gracious: “I really appreciate you asking me, but my time is already committed.”
3.  I’m Sorry: “I wish I could, but it’s just not going to work right now.”
4.  It’s Someone Else’s Decision: “I promised my coach (therapist, husband, etc.) I wouldn’t take on any more projects right now. I’m working on creating more balance in my life.”
5.  My Family is the Reason: “Thanks so much for the invite, that’s the day of my son’s soccer game, and I never miss those.”
6.  I Know Someone Else: “I just don’t have time right now. Let me recommend someone who may be able to help you.”
7.  I’m Already Booked: “I appreciate you thinking of me, but I’m afraid I’m already booked that day.”
8.  Setting Boundaries: “Let me tell you what I can do…” Then limit the commitment to what will be comfortable for you.
9.  Not No, But Not Yes: “Let me think about it, and I’ll get back to you.”
(Renee’s list is from her book The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal.)
10. I am all Maxed Out: “I just have more on my plate than I can handle right now, but I really appreciate you asking.


What is your favorite way to say no?

Thursday, December 18, 2014

3% Down Is Back in 2015




Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac announced a new low 3% down mortgage program for 2015.  This will make it a lot easier for some people to get into a home this next year.  The new program is geared to help new first time buyers, repeat buyers, and homeowners wanting to refinance their homes, with fewer restrictions.  Because mortgage programs need to be tailored to the individual needs of the buyer it is important to work with your lender in finding the best program available for you.  What this does do is open the door for many people to be able to buy a home who before just didn't have that needed down payment.   This new program coupled with the low interest rates should incent more people to become homeowners in 2015.  

Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Preparing to Look At Homes




You will get the best results when looking at homes if you start out with what the home of your dreams looks like.  Make a list with two columns one with your have to haves and the other your like to haves. Your have to have side should have everything on it that you won’t buy a home unless it has all these things, and your like to haves are that wish list but if you found the right home that didn't have these things it wouldn't be a show stopper.  This list helps keep you on track when looking at homes and prevents you from buying a home you really weren't looking for.  This list will also help your Realtor in finding the right home for you.  Be realistic about the home you can afford (About 30-35% of your pre-tax income on all home costs, payment, taxes, and insurance, is average) and what it looks like. (Your Realtor can help you with being realistic based on the area you are looking in)  Also keep in mind location, location, location is very important. Often times it is better to take a smaller home in a better neighborhood or a home that doesn't meet all your likes in a better school district. 

For more information on buying a home please see our web-sites  www.sborchelt.golyon.com or www.skrohn.golyon.com

Tuesday, December 9, 2014

Goal Setting for the New Year

As we get close to the new year this is a great time to sit back reflect a little on what you have accomplished this year and set your goals for the new year.  I found this great article about setting goals and wanted to share it with you.

Are Your Goals Too Easy? 

Mark Murphy, author of "HARD Goals: The Secret to Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be," says getting from where you are to where you want to be in your career, business and life is more about attempting a difficult target—even if you miss—than attempting an easy target and succeeding. 

"An appropriately difficult goal is going to require you to learn," Murphy says. "It's going to stretch your brain, excite some neurons, amp you up and awaken your senses." 

Murphy's leadership training consultancy studied nearly 5,000 workers across a wide field of businesses, and what he discovered is that HARD Goals engage the brain in a way that is totally different from the goals most people set. What's a HARD Goal? The acronym stands for:
  • Heartfelt: You're emotionally attached to it.
  • Animated: You've got a vision of its accomplishment.
  • Required: You feel such a sense of urgency that you must act now.
  • Difficult: You must be challenged by it.
According to Murphy's research, people with HARD Goals are up to 75 percent more fulfilled than people with easy ones. But how can you know if the goal you've set is too hard—or too easy? Take each of your goals and measure them against your comfort zone. You will notice there are five possibilities:
  1. The goal is totally within your comfort zone, and feels easy.
  2. The goal is "pretty much" within your comfort zone, but not exciting.
  3. The goal is a little outside your comfort zone, and makes you nervous.
  4. The goal is definitely outside your comfort zone, and makes you uncomfortable.
  5. The goal is way outside your comfort zone, and causes anxiety.
While No. 1 Goals are probably only items on your daily to-do list, and No. 5 Goals are probably those you aren't meant to achieve, it's the No. 4 Goals you should pay the most attention to. Goals that take you into uncharted territory but don't leave you paralyzed by anxiety are the ones that will give you the most challenge and satisfaction. 

Try this simple analysis of your goals and see! 

Friday, December 5, 2014

Great Ideas for your Smart Phone

Your New Recordkeeping Tool
 

Image: TECH, December 2014Your smartphone camera can handle more than just selfies. In fact, it can help you save time, keep records, and increase your family's personal safety. Here are nine brilliant ideas for pictures you should start snapping immediately:
  1. Mark where you park so you don't lose your ride in big parking lots. This will help avoid the stress of forgetting where you left your car.
  2. Capture your cartridge. Refill printer ink easily by taking a snap of the cartridge model.
  3. Snap shoes and shirts and never forget your kids clothing and shoes sizes when you spot a great deal.
  4. Get fresh air by keeping the measurements of your home's air filter part number or dimensions close at hand.
  5. Travel in style by snapping your flight and hotel confirmation numbers. Here's how to take screenshots for iPhone and Android.
  6. Kitchen shots of grocery lists from the dry erase or chalkboard will save transcribing time.
  7. Preserve your pets' IDs and vaccination records. If you're out and about and your dog goes missing you can report it immediately.
  8. Corral your kids for a quick pic before attending crowded events, amusement parks or sport stadiums. If you're separated you'll have immediate and accurate descriptions to provide to event security staff.
  9. Screenshot street views and online map routes in case you drive into an area where you'll lose GPS or want to avoid roaming charges.
For more sensitive or private information, keep it hidden in secure password-management apps like Folder Lock and Smart Lock Free. Examples include:
  • Prescriptions and medications to save both names and dosage.
  • Driver's license and passport; include your license plate, too.
  • Rewards programs or warehouse and store membership cards.
These are just a few ways you can use your smartphone's camera to keep track of important information. With a little imagination you'll be inventing your own uses in no time. Happy snapping!

Sources: Apartment Therapy, One Good Thing

Thursday, December 4, 2014

How to Protect Yourself From Fraud

Most banks take these same steps as American Express

In an effort to safeguard your information, American Express helps to actively protect and monitor your account in multiple ways. If our monitoring systems detect signs that your Card or your identity may have been compromised, we will take measures to monitor your account and/or we may contact you. 

Online Protection

At American Express, we take various measures to help ensure the safety and security of your online account(s), for example: 

• Self-Selected User ID and Password
When you sign up to manage your account, American Express will ask you to create your own User ID and password that you’ll use each time you access your account online. This confidential information is automatically encrypted during transmission using 128-bit encryption technology. 

• Secure Website for Servicing your Account
We use 128-bit Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology for secured transmissions online. This means that when you are on our secure website, the sensitive data transferred between you and American Express is encrypted. 

• Automatic Time-Outs
For your safety, we automatically log you out after 10 minutes of inactivity and require you to log in again to re-access your account on AmericanExpress.com. This prevents you from accidentally staying logged in on a public device beyond that period of inactivity.

• Email Confirmation of Password Recovery
American Express will send you an automatic email confirmation request when you try to recover your password. If you received such an email and did not try to recently recover your password, call us at the number on the back of your Card. 

• Personal Security Key
The Personal Security Key is one of several authentication measures we can utilize to ensure we are conducting business with you, and only you, when you contact us for assistance. If you would like to set up or change your existing Personal Security Key, simply call us at 1-888-654-0019.

Fraud Protection

American Express takes various measures to help protect your Card from fraudulent use for example: 

• Pre–Purchase Verification
When you use your American Express Card to make a purchase, you may be asked to provide your billing zip code and/or security code printed on the face of your Card. American Express uses this information to help confirm that it is you using the Card and that the Card is authentic. 

• Monitoring Your Account for Suspicious Transactions
American Express has monitoring systems and controls in place to detect fraudulent activity and help protect your accounts from misuse. 

• Irregular Account Activity Alert
If we detect a questionable transaction on your account, we will take measures to monitor your account and/or we may contact you to verify its legitimacy. Phone calls are generally attempted, however most verifications can also be conducted electronically, and in some cases within minutes, though use of our digital tools. Card Members may opt to receive text messages or Push Notifications through the American Express mobile app available for Apple or Android smart phones, and can receive emails or log in to our secure website to resolve. 

• Account Alerts
Stay in control of your accounts with Account Alerts, which notify you via email or text messages about payments, spending and potentially fraudulent activities. Click here to enroll in Account Alerts.

Communicating with Us Online

Below are some examples of how we take steps to let you know that a communication is legitimate and also help ensure that you can securely communicate with American Express. 

• Personalized Email Communications
Nearly every email you receive from American Express related to your account will contain your first and last name and the last few digits of your account number. If you receive an email regarding your Card account that does not contain this information, it may be fraudulent. If you are concerned about the legitimacy of an email from American Express forward the email tospoof@americanexpress.com so we may take the appropriate actions. 

• Secure Online Chat Experience
American Express offers a secure online chat on AmericanExpress.com if you have questions while on our website. To help ensure you are talking with American Express, start the chat by: 
  • Logging into your online account
  • Clicking the "Contact Us" link on your Account Home
  • Selecting "Online"

Types of Fraud

I got this great information from American Express and wanted to pass it along to you.


Identity Theft

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your name and personal information to assume your identity either to open new credit accounts, bank accounts, mobile phone accounts, and more in your name or to assume ownership of existing accounts you may legitimately hold.

What to watch out for:

While identity theft may begin with the loss or theft of a wallet or purse, there are a number of other ways that identity thieves can obtain your personal information: 

• Phishing occurs when someone tricks you into divulging personal, financial or account information. Posing as well-known companies, thieves will send out e-mails asking you to reply, or direct you to a fraudulent web page that asks you to provide personal information, such as your credit card number, Social Security number or account password. 

• Phone Phishing (also called "Vishing") is another way thieves try to collect sensitive information from you. In this type of fraud, they will either contact you by telephone or send you a fake e-mail and ask for you to respond by telephone. 

• Thieves may acquire records containing your personal information and/or account information from intercepted or discarded financial statements, payroll stubs, or other records sent to you or from third parties with whom you interact in your normal course of business where such information is disclosed.

Credit Card Fraud

Fraudulent transactions attempted on legitimate credit card accounts have risen sharply in recent years. While in some instances, credit card fraud occurs when someone's physical credit card is lost or stolen by another party who uses it, credit card fraud is driven primarily by compromise of credit card account data during their normal course of usage. Such compromises can range from theft of data by skimming (copying) the information contained on a small number of credit cards' magnetic stripes to large scale data breaches where millions of credit card accounts are compromised through exploitation of a data security weakness at an online or physical store or chain. Stolen credit card data is then often used to attempt fraudulent online purchases or to create counterfeit credit cards to attempt fraudulent in-store purchases.

Travelers Cheque and Gift Cheque Fraud

While the vast majority of Travelers Cheques and Gift Cheques in circulation are authentic and may be reimbursable if lost or stolen (subject to terms and conditions – click here to learn more), there are attempts to use counterfeit cheques in scams, particularly those perpetrated online. Cheque fraud typically begins when someone gives you a realistic-looking check and asks you to send cash or wire money somewhere in return.

How American Express Helps Protect You:

Your security is very important to us. American Express helps protect you from credit card fraud through a sophisticated monitoring system designed to detect fraudulent activity and protect your from Card from misuse. 

If we suspect any unusual activity, we will take measures to monitor your account and/or we may contact you. In fact, we offer a variety of digital solutions to enable instant contact and immediate resolution of most concerns. And remember, when you use your American Express® Card, you are not liable for fraudulent purchases. 

Wednesday, December 3, 2014

Best Way to Start Your Home Search


Ways of Searching:

Internet:  There are many web-sites available but a lot of them are not current with the homes that are available today on the market.  (Many are in contract, sold, or taken off the market)

Open Houses:  It can be fun going to open houses but they are really a shot in the dark.  You don’t know if the home you are going to meets the requirements you are looking for.  (Price, size,# of bedrooms, lot size, etc.

Signs:  Driving around looking for signs, again it is a shot in the dark.

Best Way:  Have your own Realtor   (no cost to you)

It is very important to have an interviewing session with a Realtor before you start looking.  The importance of this session is very beneficial as it usually takes place in their office giving you an opportunity to visually see the company and the agent you are hiring to help you. (In an earlier blog (11/7/14) we gave you tips on picking a real estate company and agent with good questions to ask when interviewing an agent.)

Benefits to you and your Realtor:

·         Safety:  Who are you going to get in a car with or into vacant homes with and is the company a well established company.
·         Learning: 
1.      Compatibility, is this someone you feel comfortable working with?
2.      Do they have the tools to select homes for you that meet your specific needs?
§         Access to MLS
§         Programs that they can set with your specific needs and will send homes to you as quickly as they come on the market?
§         Mobile ability to check homes right on the spot in areas you like?
3.      Do they have market knowledge about the area you want to look?
4.      Are they providing solid expectations and have valuable suggestions for how they can help you?
5.      Do they work full time and can you reach them when needed?
6.      Do they communicate well with you?  (This is the biggest concern most people have with their Realtor, they don’t communicate well)
7.      Are they asking good questions to help you understand your needs and wants?  (Have your expectations ready to share so your Realtor can better help you)

Let’s go look at homes…       




Monday, December 1, 2014

Our Outlook for the Month of December


We have just come off the holiday weekend and ready to begin a new month.  Several reports that effect our economy will be out this week, but housing market reports for November won’t be out until the middle of the month.  Look for those then.
Here are our thoughts for the month of December, home loan rates seem to be holding at an 18 month low.  Building permits for new housing reached it’s highest level since last year, a good indication that builders still believe there is a strong market for new homes going forward.  Both signs of the housing market being strong.
From reports early this morning there was less than expected spending for the Black Friday weekend, which means inflation is in check.  Remember inflation is a key factor in the bond market and the bond market is tied to the mortgage rates. We do have several reports coming out this week that effect the economy, and of course today is the big online shopping day, but at this point it looks like mortgage rates may stay low for the month of December.  Making this still a great time to buy a home.    

Have a great week and enjoy the big countdown to a new year and all the events this season has to offer.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Let’s Talk Types of Mortgage Lenders Which one is best for you?


When you apply for a mortgage, you are most likely going to apply with one of these three types of mortgage lenders- Credit Unions, Banks, or Mortgage Brokers/ Lenders.  The main things that will play into your decision of which type to use are your credit score and the type of relationship you want to have with your lender.  Each of the three are different in some very important ways.

Mortgage Brokers:

·         Mortgage brokers have access to several lenders and different mortgage programs.
·         Mortgage brokers often can offer better loan programs and rates.
·         They can better meet your individual needs.
·         Mortgage brokers usually have access to wholesale rates and financing options.
·         Mortgage brokers must disclose all of their compensation to their borrowers.
·         Mortgage brokers only pull your credit once, then search for the best lenders for your
       personal needs.
·         They can also find the lenders who specialize in special market niches such as Condo’s,
       Mobil Homes, Manufactured Homes, Land Loans, and Construction Loans.
·         Most often if a mortgage broker cannot meet your needs they suggest other places for you to
       go.
  
Credit Unions:

Most people think that you have to belong to a special group to belong to a credit union,  but more and more we are seeing several credit unions opening up to the general public.  Credit Unions do mortgage loans and are a really good source.

·         Credit Unions are non-profit organizations, they are funded through their members.
·         Credit Unions because of their non-profit status don’t pay taxes which usually result in lower
       rates passed onto you for comparable products.
·         If you have an account with a credit union you are treated as an owner and you get to vote
       on important matters.
·         Credit Unions usually keep their mortgages they write in their own portfolios.  Loans are
       written to their own standards as they don’t usually need to sell your loan.
·         Credit unions usually have lower income requirements.
·         Credit unions don’t usually offer sub-prime loans so they don’t take as many losses which
       can also result in lower rates.
·         Credit Unions are usually insured through the federal government.
·         Credit Unions have less fees

Banks:

Banks usually have many more restrictions.  Here are some of the things to consider in using a bank:

·         Banks usually have only one set of underwriting guidelines and only offer loan programs that
       they have available.
·         Banks will either approve, decline or counter-offer you on their programs as they don’t have
       available different lenders to offer.
·         Banks are usually not required to disclose all of their compensation to their borrowers.
·         Banks have often been known to take longer to process the loan resulting in a longer close
      of escrow period.

My personal opinion on the subject of choosing a lender is to check out each type of lender as the differences above can vary with each individual person’s situation.  Also, lenders often change their guidelines and restrictions so I always suggest to check out your options up front. 

Important:  Check out your options well before you get into an offer on a home as once you place an offer and are accepted there are very strict time frames you must meet to close the sale.  Not planning ahead can lead to loosing the option to buy the home you fell in love with.

Buying a new home there are still many benefits to having your own agent (no cost to you) and you will often do better by using their financing as they may offer many benefits for using them. 

Be careful with on line company's they may offer rates sounding too good to be true and promise quick closing. Often the rates they quote are only for specific clients and not something offered to everyone and a lot of them never meet the quick closing promise.  It can make a big difference having a live person who is in the area, has access to the loan processors and underwriters, and can even visit them personally if issues arrive.  This can make the difference of closing on time or not.