Homeownership is almost always the clear winner, but in this economy, you can’t afford not to invest in a home.
Tag: j.d. crowe
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader, Thought Leadership
Homeowners Associations in Georgia
Though homeowners associations often have a reputation for having strict rules, HOAs can add significant property value and curb appeal to a neighborhood.
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader, Uncategorized
Harness the Power of Appreciation
As we approach Thanksgiving, a traditional time of family, friends, celebration and feeling grateful for what we have, now is a great time to take a moment to count your blessings and say thank you. Often overlooked during this time of year are the people who have been instrumental in building our career and our […]
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader, Uncategorized
Enticing Potential Buyers to Your Home
Before that “For Sale” sign goes in your front yard, take a good look around your home and make sure you will be showing it off to its best advantage.
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader, Uncategorized
Top Myths About Mortgages
There are many types of mortgages available, which is good for the consumer, but also leads to a lot of confusion. Here are some of the top myths about mortgages we encounter.
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
Home Advice for Homebuyers
As a thought leader in the mortgage industry, I was recently asked to comment on what the increase in mortgage rates means for homebuyers right now. A reporter from Fox 5 came to the Southeast Mortgage offices to interview me on the topic and the segment appeared on “Good Day Atlanta,” in a report by […]
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
Invest in Maintenance and the Right Renovations for Resale
Spending money to maintain your home isn’t as much fun as renovating it. But maintaining your home is critical to keeping its value and knowing which renovations add value is important before you undertake that expense.
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
Interest Rates Inch Up
They say what goes up must come down. The reverse is true of mortgage rates. We’ve been enjoying historically low rates but it seems that they are on the rise.
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
Housing Market Turnaround Takes Time
The lack of construction right now could be in part due to the need for the employment rate to go up – and whether or not the growing workforce will move at the same pace of needed construction.
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
Realtors Confidence Index Supports Optimism in Industry
According to the Realtors Confidence Index produced by the National Association of Realtors, Realtors’ confidence in the market stems from strong buyer demand and a tight inventory.
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
The New York Times Agrees: Now Is the Time to Buy
Mortgage rates are expected to rise slightly over the year and home prices are expected to rise rapidly. Many homebuyers may be wondering, “Is now the time to pull the trigger?”
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
Housing Takes the Lead in Economic Recovery
Housing is leading the way in the economic recovery because of the ripple effect it’s creating for corporations. The Wall Street Journal reported the phenomenon and explained how many corporations have reported increased sales and earnings as an effect of the housing market picking back up. “While the incoming data continue to be mixed, evidence […]
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
MLOs Will Become More Professional in 2013
If you want someone to renovate your house, you don’t just hire a neighborhood kid with a decent set of tools. You get references from your neighbors and hire a professional who is experienced at home renovation. So why should applying for a mortgage be any different? As we’ve written in a past Thought Leadership […]
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
New Year’s Goals Should Be Long-Term And Sustainable
The holidays have passed and our focus is now on the year ahead. At this time, many people begin hitting the gym more, eating healthier, or making other lifestyle changes — a result of New Year’s resolutions. Studies show that on average, nearly 80 percent of those who set a New Year’s resolution fail. A […]
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
Why the Housing Recovery Matters
Recently news outlets have been reporting small gains across the country in the housing market. Home prices improved in 20 cities, including Atlanta, and reporters were quick to add that an improving housing market will benefit the economy as a whole. No one followed up with an explanation of why a healthy housing market has […]
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader
Thirty Days is Long Enough for Mortgage Closing
For as long as I can remember – and I expect much longer than that – contracts for the purchase of residential real estate in Georgia have been written for 30 days as a normal practice. Today, we are seeing many real estate professionals writing extended contracts, for 45 to 60 days, and even longer […]
Posted inHome Mortgages, Thought Leader, Uncategorized
Lobby Day Beneficial for Consumers, Industry
The mortgage industry has had to deal with so much new legislation on the federal level lately. We’d prefer to just be able to do our jobs without dealing with the consequences of new laws. Fortunately, on the state level, we are able to meet personally with legislators and educate them on possible consequences of […]
