Diversify Your Network and Create Opportunities

Posted on Wednesday, 18th January, 2012 by

We all know the saying: “Birds of a feather flock together.” People have a tendency to gravitate toward others who share their interests and similarities. In many ways, this is a good thing, but in many ways, it can be limiting. Internet technology multiplies this effect by narrowing our searches, our circles, etc. In a recent post, Keith Ferrazzi gives five tips to counteract “the filter bubble”:

  1. Audit and re-shape your social network
  2. Revise your conference calendar.
  3. Get more out of your social gatherings.
  4. Act out diverse facets of yourself.
  5. Share an experience in an unfamiliar situation.

To my strategic partners: Let’s carve out some time to broaden our horizons in 2012. You never know who you may meet by diversifying your network and what sort of positive contribution you may be able to make into their lives.

To my clients: Is there someone in your network who I could help? Someone who I might not otherwise meet, but is planning to purchase or refinance a home? I would be happy to give them a call.


Freddie Mac Loosens Refi Credit Score Requirements

Posted on Wednesday, 11th January, 2012 by

The Federal Housing Finance Agency has made a change in order for more people to qualify for the Home Affordable Refinance Program, or HARP. For borrowers with twenty percent equity, Freddie Mac has removed minimum credit score requirements. This may be a small segment of people, it is hopefully the first step in easing refinance requirements in general.

According to HousingWire:

Freddie Mac eliminated the minimum credit score requirement for borrowers seeking a mortgage refinance from their existing servicer, as long as they have at least 20% equity in their home, according to guidance released Thursday.

The change goes into effect for any refinances with a settlement date on or after Jan. 5. Previously, Freddie required at least a 620 credit score before allowing such a high-equity refinance to take place.

In October, the Federal Housing Finance Agency instructed Fannie Mae and Freddie to remove barriers to allow more borrowers to take advantage of historically low interest rates through the Home Affordable Refinance Program.

Rates on most mortgage products began 2012 still below 4%. The government-sponsored enterprises removed upfront fees, limits on loan-to-value ratios and certain representation and warranty risk on the old loan file.


A Year of Advice from Top Producing Real Estate Agents

Posted on Wednesday, 21st December, 2011 by

Real estate professionals, utilize Bill Hart’s recap and highlights of 2011’s TalkJet interviews with top producers to determine what your personal strategy should be for 2012, and which ideas would help your business be the best it can be.

TalkJet is a monthly audio interview series that provides Realtors with the information and strategies that top producing Realtors around the country are using. The concept is simple: We want our referral partners to know how the best of the best are achieving success in TODAY’s market.


What is your self-development plan?

Posted on Wednesday, 14th December, 2011 by

Knowledge is only potential power, but without it you don’t even have potential. What you feed your brain will not only impact your thinking but ultimately your behavior.

  • Consider how you start every day and what frame of mind that puts you in.
  • What do you read?
  • What radio stations do you listen to?
  • What blogs do you follow?
  • Do you have a business coach?
  • Do you have a mentor?
  • Do you participate in a mastermind group?

If you are fearful or tentative, you will make fearful and tentative decisions. Feed your mind with the right thoughts and you have a much better chance of making the right decisions. What is your “Brain Food” Plan?


Prepping for Thanksgiving at Northwest Harvest

Posted on Wednesday, 23rd November, 2011 by

On Veteran’s Day, I joined a group of Cornerstone colleagues volunteering at Northwest Harvest. We helped them gear up for the Thanksgiving holiday by packing 9,555 pounds of food, which is 8,686 services provided throughout the state of Washington. Talk about a rewarding experience! Here’s a peek at what our day was like.

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For information on how you can make a difference during this holiday season, visit NorthwestHarvest.org