I constantly run into people who are afflicted with real estate indecision. Do I refinance now or wait for rates to improve? Should I buy that vacation home? Is now the right time to move into the neighborhood of my dreams?

Enter the Buyer Confidence Consultation. In roughly 20 minutes, in person or via web conference, I'll help you identify whether you're ready to take the next step or, if not, what steps you need to take to be ready. This consultation is free.

Don't look at marketplace myths and so-called common knowledge. Most of that stuff is fear-based or fear-inducing. You need to deal in facts. A Buyer Confidence Consultation will identify the facts you need to make the best decisions.

Contact me today to get started.

There are two parts to a mortgage transaction:

1. Part One: getting to the POINT of applying for the RIGHT mortgage
2. Part Two: the application process

Too many people jump to Part Two because they've found the house they want and believe the only hurdle is qualifying for the lowest possible interest rate.

WRONG!

Start With the House is all about identifying the right home AND mortgage that enables you to meet the many financial goals of your lifetime.  When I help clients develop a mortgage plan I ask and help them find answers to questions like:

• How much money should be set aside for your standard of living/retirement/college savings? Then how much does that leave for a mortgage payment?
• Does it make more sense for YOU to pay points for a lower mortgage or go with a higher interest rate and less out of pocket at closing?
• Is a fixed or adjustable or interest-only mortgage the best choice to help you meet your other financial goals?

No matter the smoke and mirrors used to market mortgages, the mortgage holder ultimately pays for closing costs, appraisals, inspections and so forth. When you work with me, you'll have all the so-called "hidden" costs of each mortgage option laid out clearly and we'll walk through the options in light of your other financial goals. THEN (and only then) it will be time to address Part Two, the actual application.

Without a plan, any road will take you somewhere. Contact me to be sure the road you're taking leads to the destination that YOU choose.

Next week we hit the midpoint of 2010. Time check your progress toward your Financial New Year's Resolutions.

If you haven't made the strides you'd planned, don't waste your time with self-recriminations. It's never too late to do something positive, including:

1. Build an Emergency Fund
2. Pay off any debts that aren’t increasing your wealth 
3. Make sure you have the right insurance policies in place
4. Re-balance all your assets – make sure your money is where you want it to be
5. Review your mortgage
6. Buy an investment property or help someone buy their first home
7. Increase your 401k or IRA savings
8. Save for your kids' college education
9. Buy the home you really want 
10. Buy your retirement home now, and then rent it until you need it.

Some of these items may require the additional input of a financial advisor, investment counselor, life insurance agent or accountant. I've had the privilege of working with the best in this region and will be happy to suggest someone to help you achieve your goals.

Don't lose your New Year's Resolve! Perhaps an accountability partner (me) can help you stay the course.