Neighborhood Newsletter
A Note From Jeanie…..
Well, it’s official! The Marten Team is up and running! A long time local Realtor, Mary Strawn has joined me in helping you with all of your real estate needs. She has been a very well respected and loved associate for years and I am so excited about the joining of our families. Mary, with her husband, three daughters (when they are home from college) and niece live right around the corner in Park Lake Estates. Mary’s focus will be helping buyers find the perfect home. Welcome aboard!
Independence Day for us was about celebrating our freedom with our neighbors and friends. About 20 of us gathered for some good food and Sachse fireworks in my backyard. It really has me thinking about how much my neighbors do for me and my family. They come running when we need help or are up for the bottle of wine and Scrabble game on the patio. They catch my Houdini of a dog and return him safely to our yard. Our children are growing and playing together. I love Sachse for many reasons but the biggest is my neighbors. I would like to hear about your great neighbors. Please email your stories and every month I will pick a story to share with Sachse. I will post it to my website and submit it to the Sachse News to see if they will run it. I am also having a sign made for their yard that says “Sachse Great Neighbor”…….hopefully the HOA’s won’t give me too hard of a time. I want to hear good stories for a change. Stories about people helping people instead of the 6 o’clock news type stories, if you know what I mean. Please take just a minute to email me at Jeanie@JeanieMarten.com with your great neighbor story.
Who do you know that is looking to buy or sell a home? I would love to help. Please feel free to call or email any questions that you may have. I am always available for a free market analysis and remember that when I come thru the door I bring a team of experts with me.
Jeanie
Minute With Linda….
One of my favorite songs (and scripture verses) is “To Everything There Is A Season”. I feel that way with the mortgage industry- this, too, shall pass. Even with all the overwhelming amount of changes, it is such a joy to be a part of helping people achieve their dream of owning a home and I thank God that he has entrusted me.
But……Mortgages are STILL being given! We actually have had a great first half of the year and it has been our pleasure to assist hundreds of families in obtaining their mortgage. So what are the major negative changes? Tighter credit guidelines (need a min of 620 credit score with no late payments or collections for at least 12 months); higher down payment required (FHA currently is 3.5% down but is rumored to go higher by the end of the year, Conventional is min of 5% down); lower ratios (typically should be no more than 45% gross income vs. monthly payments); and boutique programs such as Stated Income and Subprime (lower credit scores) are gone. We are in a world of over-documentation where nothing is assumed and every is verified (and re-verified).
So what is positive right now? Interest rates are historically low (that should change by the end of the year), Inventory is high, two loan products still have $0 down payment requirements (VA and USDA) and it is still an Amazing Time to Purchase!
Join Us on Facebook for daily updates, financial tips and lots of fun “did you knows”. Search for us on Facebook at mymortgagegurulindadavidson. When you have questions or we can be of assistance, we are only a phone call away at 972-278-3400 or email us at ldavidson@servicefirstmtg.com.
Linda
