As a real estate agent, I often have people ask me for referrals to mortgage professionals when they want to buy a home, refinance a mortgage, buy a vacation property, or buy an investment property.
Lately, I've been getting more requests for information about "Reverse Mortgages", so I decided to do some research, and see what information I could find to share with all of you.
First of all, the main thing is to do your research first! Don't just decide "this is what I need right now" and rush in.
Learn what questions you need to ask, and learn about the programs available. There are several types of reverse mortgages, and they aren't for everyone. You can even buy a new home using a Reverse Mortgage. When contemplating a Reverse Mortgage for any reason, the first consideration is that the youngest homeowner must be at least 62 years old.
From the Reverse Mortgage Guides website:
Reverse Mortgage Guides is a reverse mortgage education site that explains the pros and cons of FHA reverse mortgages. We publish articles and tools for seniors who are considering a reverse mortgage and want to become fully educated before making a decision.
A reverse mortgage is often used to fully pay off an existing mortgage and thereby cease making monthly payments. The second most common use, according to the AARP's 2006 survey, is to pay for medical and daily living expenses.
The website has many articles explaining reverse mortgages. You will want to spend time reviewing all of them. In addition, they discuss "Six Situations When a Reverse Mortgage Should Not Be Used".
The HUD / FHA program also certifies housing counselors all across the country to give homeowners impartial education about reverse mortgages.
Another informative website is from the National Reverse Mortgage Lenders Association (NRMLA).
According to their website: "Established in 1997, NRMLA is the national voice for lenders and investors engaged in the reverse mortgage business. NRMLA fulfills several roles, which include educating consumers about the opportunity to utilize reverse mortgages, training lenders to be sensitive to the needs of older Americans, developing Best Practices and enforcing a Code of Conduct to make sure lenders participating in the program treat seniors respectfully, and promoting reverse mortgages in the media."
Here are some links to some very informative websites.
Reverse Mortgage Guides
Reverse Mortgage Eligibility
FHA/HUD Certified Reverse Mortgage Counseling (FREE)
When Is A Reverse Mortgage a Bad Idea?
If you are thinking that you or a family member has interest in a Reverse Mortgage, or even buying a new home using a Reverse Mortgage, these informative websites should be helpful. I do know several trustworthy mortgage folks who specialize in doing Reverse Mortgages, both for existing residences, or for a new purchase.
Contact me at leannefinlay@gmail.com
Friday, November 6, 2009
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Small Business: Getting Government Contracts
You might think, ‘why is this real estate agent writing this article? As an independent contractor, a real estate agent runs their own ‘small business’. Many of our clients also own small businesses, or are thinking about leaving the safety net of the corporate world, and starting a small business. I’ve done that too.
Today I read an article titled “Getting Government Contracts” in the New York Times.
The first paragraph caught my attention: There are many federal contracting opportunities for small businesses, but to take advantage of them you have to know the ins and outs of the government’s contracting rules and regulations. Of the more than 20 million small businesses in the United States, only about 500,000 are currently in a position to do business with the federal government. That’s not because they are the only ones capable of doing the work; it’s because they know how to get the work.
Only 500,000 small businesses out of more than 20 million small businesses are currently in a position to do business with the federal government. That means opportunity!
The second paragraph is especially interesting for small businesses: Here’s how big the opportunity is: small companies are eligible to bid on any size contract, but the government is required to reserve all federal purchases between $3,000 and $100,000 for small businesses — unless the contracting officer can’t get offers from two or more small businesses that are competitive on price, quality and delivery.
How can your business capture some of these contracts? Click on the link above, read the article, and notice on the right sidebar there are “Quick Tips”.
Note also the links and information in the main article – the authors spent a lot of time putting this information together, and there are many links to explore, including some training opportunities.
Today I read an article titled “Getting Government Contracts” in the New York Times.
The first paragraph caught my attention: There are many federal contracting opportunities for small businesses, but to take advantage of them you have to know the ins and outs of the government’s contracting rules and regulations. Of the more than 20 million small businesses in the United States, only about 500,000 are currently in a position to do business with the federal government. That’s not because they are the only ones capable of doing the work; it’s because they know how to get the work.
Only 500,000 small businesses out of more than 20 million small businesses are currently in a position to do business with the federal government. That means opportunity!
The second paragraph is especially interesting for small businesses: Here’s how big the opportunity is: small companies are eligible to bid on any size contract, but the government is required to reserve all federal purchases between $3,000 and $100,000 for small businesses — unless the contracting officer can’t get offers from two or more small businesses that are competitive on price, quality and delivery.
How can your business capture some of these contracts? Click on the link above, read the article, and notice on the right sidebar there are “Quick Tips”.
Note also the links and information in the main article – the authors spent a lot of time putting this information together, and there are many links to explore, including some training opportunities.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
What past clients say about me ...
THANKS FOR YOUR CONFIDENCE
A business person's best client is a previous client or a referral from them. If you're reading this information, chances are you already know something about me. I consider it a great compliment that so many of you refer your friends and relatives, as well as come back to me when it is time to move again. Thank you for your trust and confidence. Here is what some of you have said about my service.
REUBEN & JEN (Bothell): We love being there already, even though we haven't finished moving. We have met a few of the neighbors even. Nancy makes great chocolate cake ;). We really enjoyed working with you and trying to absorb the wealth of information you have to offer. Thanks again for everything. We'll be in touch soon.
RACHEL S (Seattle): I am now dealing with another agent in my new town of Tucson, who is competent but not nearly as good as my Windermere agent, Leanne Finlay. I was most impressed with her knowledge, candor and professionalism. I appreciate also that Windermere supports various charities through The Windermere Foundation.
CAROL Mc (Clinton, Whidbey Island): I was so fortunate to work with Leanne Finlay. She was referred to us by someone who attended the estate sale from my mothers home. We lived 2 hours away from the home, and I really do think if it weren't for Leanne, we would still have an unsold house. She did far more for us than we ever could have expected.
NOREEN A (Shoreline): Leanne Finlay did an awesome job. I've had experience several times w/agents. This time was great. She LISTENED -- showed me what I asked for & could afford. I will recommend her to others.
CATHY & GARY N (Seattle): Leanne, this is just a note to let you know quite belatedly that Gary & I appreciate all of your efforts on our behalf in the selling of our home. You did a fabulous job for us, and we appreciate your work very much.
RIK & LEWJEAN H (Eastlake): Efficient, friendly, effective.
STEVE & MELISSA M (Redmond): Excellent. Leanne Finlay is an extremely patient person who had our best interests in mind.
HARRIETTE S (Fall City): I was VERY pleased, as were my family members. Leanne was very professional, she successfully sold our previous home. She was most helpful in negotiating a number of matters for us. I will gladly recommend her to my friends who will very soon be moving to smaller/retirement facilities.
WILL & ALLIE (Seattle, North Beach): Thank you so much for your many hours of driving, emails & enthusiasm. Your professionalism, fantastic insights (we still cannot forget the VERY first home we saw w/you & thought we could "fix it"), and calm assurances made the entire purchase process a dream!
MARCUS & LISA B (Bothell and Kenmore): (buyer and seller) Leanne Finlay was great to work with: responsive, knowlegable, a pleasure.
LAURA D (Clinton and Renton): Leanne helped me find a fantastic home for under $300,000 on South Whidbey Island. I love the setting and the house, and the fact that I see deer in my yard nearly every day. I sold my home in Renton with Leanne several years ago, and was pleased to see that my agent could help find me a new home on Whidbey.
CATHY R (Renton): 2 years ago I listed my Renton home with Leanne and was so impressed with her work on that, that I called her again for my purchase in 2008.
Excellent strategist ...
TOM W. (Seattle): Excellent strategist. Knowledgeable about the transaction.
MAGNUS & HEATHER H(Bellevue and Redmond): Leanne did a great job in both the purchase of our new home and the sale of our old home.
ALISE & LARRY F. (Bellevue): We listed our house with Leanne and it sold right away! When we bought we were in a multiple offer situation & particularly appreciated Leanne's expertise in making our offer competitive against two other offers which enabled us to get the house.
VISHAL & GAYATRI N. (Redmond): Very professional, timely, courteous, educational & guiding. In the midst of a turbulent closing, she stood by us; her support meant a lot.
JIM & CHRISTINE C.(Wallingford and Sunset Hills): Excellent service, she not only helped us get the house we wanted, but helped us not buy the wrong house. Leanne was "the voice of reason".
DEBBIE & KEVIN (Whidbey Island): Our Whidbey place is perfect!
... apparently we have actually sold the house, and the money is in our bank...
RICHARD & MOLLY G. (Edmonds): The paperwork is all in, and the money is in our bank, so apparently we have actually sold the house! Having a real estate agent that worked at selling the house as opposed to waiting for the house to sell, made all the difference. We are glad that you were so enthusiastic, helpful and eager.
AMY & DWIGHT (Greenlake/Seattle): We want to thank you for all your professional expertise and personal warmth you shared with us, as our agent. You did a great job of advising and encouraging us as we readied our home of 30+ years for sale. You did an outstanding job of: staging our home, printing fliers, setting up the computer site, and running the open houses. When we had more than one bid, you expertly assisted us through that process and in all the paperwork that followed. Leanne, we appreciate your job well done, as well as the extra touches. We've already highly recommended you to others and will continue to do so.
MICHAEL R. (Ballard & North Beach): I was referred to Leanne by an independent real estate consultant. Leanne is a great agent!
RICK M. & JENNIFER K. (Magnolia/Seattle): Our agent was experienced and knowledgeable foremost. She was able to understand our sometimes changing and hard-to-define desires in order to give us informed and appropriate recommendations for each property considered.
DEBBIE & JEFF D (Seattle): Leanne Finlay was excellent; just soft enough to allow for trusting communication & hard enough that we knew we had a hard-ball professional if that was necessary. She was smooth!
LES A (Seattle building lot): The experience of working with Leanne was very good. She made a difficult situation during difficult times (post 911) go far better than I had hoped. If ever again I need to sell a home, I would go back to Leanne.
SANDRA Z (Seattle): I got to know my sellers well, and they told me several times that even though Leanne was my agent and not theirs, they appreciated the professionalism Leanne brought to the transaction. I was impressed they noticed!
EDIE & BRIAN H (Arboretum/Seattle): Our house felt like home from the first day, thanks!
A business person's best client is a previous client or a referral from them. If you're reading this information, chances are you already know something about me. I consider it a great compliment that so many of you refer your friends and relatives, as well as come back to me when it is time to move again. Thank you for your trust and confidence. Here is what some of you have said about my service.
REUBEN & JEN (Bothell): We love being there already, even though we haven't finished moving. We have met a few of the neighbors even. Nancy makes great chocolate cake ;). We really enjoyed working with you and trying to absorb the wealth of information you have to offer. Thanks again for everything. We'll be in touch soon.
RACHEL S (Seattle): I am now dealing with another agent in my new town of Tucson, who is competent but not nearly as good as my Windermere agent, Leanne Finlay. I was most impressed with her knowledge, candor and professionalism. I appreciate also that Windermere supports various charities through The Windermere Foundation.
CAROL Mc (Clinton, Whidbey Island): I was so fortunate to work with Leanne Finlay. She was referred to us by someone who attended the estate sale from my mothers home. We lived 2 hours away from the home, and I really do think if it weren't for Leanne, we would still have an unsold house. She did far more for us than we ever could have expected.
NOREEN A (Shoreline): Leanne Finlay did an awesome job. I've had experience several times w/agents. This time was great. She LISTENED -- showed me what I asked for & could afford. I will recommend her to others.
CATHY & GARY N (Seattle): Leanne, this is just a note to let you know quite belatedly that Gary & I appreciate all of your efforts on our behalf in the selling of our home. You did a fabulous job for us, and we appreciate your work very much.
RIK & LEWJEAN H (Eastlake): Efficient, friendly, effective.
STEVE & MELISSA M (Redmond): Excellent. Leanne Finlay is an extremely patient person who had our best interests in mind.
HARRIETTE S (Fall City): I was VERY pleased, as were my family members. Leanne was very professional, she successfully sold our previous home. She was most helpful in negotiating a number of matters for us. I will gladly recommend her to my friends who will very soon be moving to smaller/retirement facilities.
WILL & ALLIE (Seattle, North Beach): Thank you so much for your many hours of driving, emails & enthusiasm. Your professionalism, fantastic insights (we still cannot forget the VERY first home we saw w/you & thought we could "fix it"), and calm assurances made the entire purchase process a dream!
MARCUS & LISA B (Bothell and Kenmore): (buyer and seller) Leanne Finlay was great to work with: responsive, knowlegable, a pleasure.
LAURA D (Clinton and Renton): Leanne helped me find a fantastic home for under $300,000 on South Whidbey Island. I love the setting and the house, and the fact that I see deer in my yard nearly every day. I sold my home in Renton with Leanne several years ago, and was pleased to see that my agent could help find me a new home on Whidbey.
CATHY R (Renton): 2 years ago I listed my Renton home with Leanne and was so impressed with her work on that, that I called her again for my purchase in 2008.
Excellent strategist ...
TOM W. (Seattle): Excellent strategist. Knowledgeable about the transaction.
MAGNUS & HEATHER H(Bellevue and Redmond): Leanne did a great job in both the purchase of our new home and the sale of our old home.
ALISE & LARRY F. (Bellevue): We listed our house with Leanne and it sold right away! When we bought we were in a multiple offer situation & particularly appreciated Leanne's expertise in making our offer competitive against two other offers which enabled us to get the house.
VISHAL & GAYATRI N. (Redmond): Very professional, timely, courteous, educational & guiding. In the midst of a turbulent closing, she stood by us; her support meant a lot.
JIM & CHRISTINE C.(Wallingford and Sunset Hills): Excellent service, she not only helped us get the house we wanted, but helped us not buy the wrong house. Leanne was "the voice of reason".
DEBBIE & KEVIN (Whidbey Island): Our Whidbey place is perfect!
... apparently we have actually sold the house, and the money is in our bank...
RICHARD & MOLLY G. (Edmonds): The paperwork is all in, and the money is in our bank, so apparently we have actually sold the house! Having a real estate agent that worked at selling the house as opposed to waiting for the house to sell, made all the difference. We are glad that you were so enthusiastic, helpful and eager.
AMY & DWIGHT (Greenlake/Seattle): We want to thank you for all your professional expertise and personal warmth you shared with us, as our agent. You did a great job of advising and encouraging us as we readied our home of 30+ years for sale. You did an outstanding job of: staging our home, printing fliers, setting up the computer site, and running the open houses. When we had more than one bid, you expertly assisted us through that process and in all the paperwork that followed. Leanne, we appreciate your job well done, as well as the extra touches. We've already highly recommended you to others and will continue to do so.
MICHAEL R. (Ballard & North Beach): I was referred to Leanne by an independent real estate consultant. Leanne is a great agent!
RICK M. & JENNIFER K. (Magnolia/Seattle): Our agent was experienced and knowledgeable foremost. She was able to understand our sometimes changing and hard-to-define desires in order to give us informed and appropriate recommendations for each property considered.
DEBBIE & JEFF D (Seattle): Leanne Finlay was excellent; just soft enough to allow for trusting communication & hard enough that we knew we had a hard-ball professional if that was necessary. She was smooth!
LES A (Seattle building lot): The experience of working with Leanne was very good. She made a difficult situation during difficult times (post 911) go far better than I had hoped. If ever again I need to sell a home, I would go back to Leanne.
SANDRA Z (Seattle): I got to know my sellers well, and they told me several times that even though Leanne was my agent and not theirs, they appreciated the professionalism Leanne brought to the transaction. I was impressed they noticed!
EDIE & BRIAN H (Arboretum/Seattle): Our house felt like home from the first day, thanks!
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