Are you just a Realtor? Or are you a trusted resource in the mind of your client?
According to “First Tuesday,” there is a total of 171,826 active agents, and 104,171 brokers in California. To stand out from other Realtors and agents, you need to think of yourself as being more than just one of 100,000; you need to be a resource that your past clients are comfortable referring their friends and family too.
One of the ways in which you can become an authority is by educating your clients on all matters real estate, like a 1031 exchange.
In fact, you could use the 1031 exchange seminar to reach out to past clients who may be interested in upgrading to a better property, and who want to defer their capital gains taxes.
Imagine being the person who is in the right place and the right time for your client.
Register today at www.March1031Exchange.eventbrite.com
Myth Buster of the Week:
True or False: You must be a citizen to get a mortgage.
FALSE!Your client can have a resident alien card and she can even be on a work Visa with no credit in the US and still qualify for a loan. We are one of the few mortgage brokers with a program for ex-patriots.
And YES we still have interest only loans!
Economic News
Janet Yellen, the new head of the Federal Reserve, clarified that unless there is a major upset, they will continue to scale back the Quantitative Easing (QE3) program.
In other news, weekly unemployment filings were up, and the 2 year, 5 year, and 7 year note auctions had solid demand which was a good sign for rates staying the same.
The GDP was revised down from 3.25% to 2.4% which also had little effect on the markets. The biggest thing from economists this week: Blame it on the weather. Next week is a bigger economic news week so hang on tight.
Remember, rates can be locked in over the weekend!
Your Weekend Mortgage Rate Sheet
**conforming means loans under $417,000. Conventional means Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
*** A no cost loan is where the bank credits you money to cover the third party costs such as title, escrow, notary, and recording fees.
If you have a client who is close to having an offer accepted and is nervous about rates, don’t worry because interest rates can be locked in over the weekend.
Remember we also have the float down: if rates improve more than .25% after lock-in the client gets the lower rate.
All rates are quoted at a 45 day lock in and assume a 720 credit score with 20% down except for FHA.
1 point is 1% of the loan.
Programs quoted as having 1 point also have the option of 0 points and the option of the 0 cost loan.
Jumbo loans are loans that have a loan amount of $625,501 and above on conventional programs.
Have a great weekend. Cheers!
Athena Paquette