Friday, April 10, 2009
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
The Law of Garbage Trucks
One day I hopped in a taxi and we took off for the airport. We were
driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a
parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his
brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of
the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi
driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really
friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined
your car and sent us to the hospital! 'This is when my taxi driver
taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around
full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of
disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it
and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just
smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and
spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The
bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over
their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets,
so...Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.
Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!
Have a blessed, garbage-free day!
driving in the right lane when suddenly a black car jumped out of a
parking space right in front of us. My taxi driver slammed on his
brakes, skidded, and missed the other car by just inches! The driver of
the other car whipped his head around and started yelling at us. My taxi
driver just smiled and waved at the guy. And I mean, he was really
friendly. So I asked, 'Why did you just do that? This guy almost ruined
your car and sent us to the hospital! 'This is when my taxi driver
taught me what I now call, 'The Law of the Garbage Truck.'
He explained that many people are like garbage trucks. They run around
full of garbage, full of frustration, full of anger, and full of
disappointment. As their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it
and sometimes they'll dump it on you. Don't take it personally. Just
smile, wave, wish them well, and move on. Don't take their garbage and
spread it to other people at work, at home, or on the streets. The
bottom line is that successful people do not let garbage trucks take over
their day. Life's too short to wake up in the morning with regrets,
so...Love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't.
Life is ten percent what you make it and ninety percent how you take it!
Have a blessed, garbage-free day!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Great Quote I Found Today...Had to Share!
"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life.
A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. But to live with a soul mate forever? Nah. Too painful. Soul mates, they come into your life just to reveal another layer of yourself to you, and then leave.
A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so desperate and out of control that you have to transform your life, then introduce you to your spiritual master..." — Elizabeth Gilbert
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Message to me from Ken Cramton
The following is an email that I received and had to blog:
"OUR MORTGAGE INDUSTRY- UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES- IMPORTANCE OF CREDIT SCORES"
Realtors who have been in the industry for years have experienced more changes in how you do business and your clients have become more careful with their decisions on mortgages, housing, and life in general. There is a cloud of doubt with things that many took for granted in the past. Valuations have gone through a radical period of decline. Net worth has gone through a remarkable change in a very short time. Personal assets are under assault and people are generally retreating into a more controlled stance of buying and accumulating wealth. Identifying mortgage solutions has become a difficult task based on how we operated in the past.
Perhaps it would be helpful if I attempted to outline in brief format what we have seen and why people are having a difficult time with the mortgage process. What has happened? With the decline in values and the oversupply of homes on the market we see balances on current mortgages exceeding the value of the collateral secured by the mortgage. Foreclosures galore in all sections of the country, some worse than others, are rampant and this has added to the unsold inventory from which to make a selection. As with the case of any commodity, prices go down when you have an over-supply of anything. The economy, which is based on a vibrant housing market, has declined significantly. Employers are shutting down their businesses, employees are losing their jobs, and there is fear and uncertainty with people’s ability to repay their debt. Credit card issuers are declining credit at record numbers and lowering or canceling open credit lines to lessen the liabilities on their books. Credit has become tight and in some cases banks are not lending as they have their own balance sheet issues.
Congress and Investors have in some cases over-reacted in changing the rules and guidelines. This is always the case when you experience a radical change in the business cycle. Minimum credit scores have been implemented on all types of loans and private mortgage insurance companies have become more selective in those loans they will insure. Down payment requirements have gone up and the standard 30 yr. fixed rate conventional mortgage has been totally re-written to the extent that many heretofore clients can no longer qualify for those mortgages. What used to be an acceptable level of credit score of 620 has now been raised to 680. In some cases, you‘re required to have as high as a 720 or greater to get the best option on a rate. Anything less requires higher adjustments to the rate.
In addition, there are restrictions on the down payment to avoid the higher rate but these are very limited. Private mortgage insurers have stopped issuing mortgage insurance in declining markets which are identified by zip code all over the country. Without mortgage insurance you are required to put minimum of 20% down. In many cases a lender can no longer quote a rate to a realtor/client until a credit report is pulled and the assets to close are verified for the down payment requirements. This has been a radical change to most realtors.
The Federal Housing Administrations FHA loan has become the most popular format of financing in our market because it allows more flexibility in many parts of the underwriting process. Down payments are allowed with as little down as 3.5% although that was recently increased in January of this year. There are more couples who can qualify for this loan and there are some options available to offer reduced payment rates in the early years of the mortgage with the popular 2-1 buy down being offered by many builders. The maximum loan cap has been raised to the $270,000 level in our market and that allows more house than before. There is the popular Alabama Housing Finance Authority (Bond Loan) that is used in connection with FHA lending that provides for 100% financing. This 100% financing is gone on conventional loans as the popular first and second piggy back mortgages are gone as well as the limited documentation loans. All loans must be fully documented now and there is no more stated income product which led to many foreclosures in the past.
In closing, partnerships and business relationships are more important now than ever. The realtor can no longer rely on a business plan used in the past when it comes to getting people qualified for a mortgage. Having a relationship with a lender is paramount to success and having access to that loan officer 24/7 is critically important. If I haven’t left you with any other thought but this please exercise your best judgment and select a partner that can make your sales elevate to another level and remove the current mystery of the mortgage solution process. Competent and proven leaders in our industry are eager to serve you and would welcome the suggestion as a means to help both sides of this equation.
Finally, many changes are currently happening with regard to those lenders remaining and how they have to operate. Brokers will be a thing of the past. If you don’t have your own warehouse line in which to fund mortgages, you cannot succeed. Third party originations are being prohibited and changes are coming in those that can obtain mortgage insurance and how you select an appraiser. Just be on the look- out for that. Thanks for allowing me to attempt to state what some of the changes you have experienced and, why?
Kenneth W. Cramton, Jr.
Regional Vice President
Platinum Community Bank
formerly HMC - Home Mortgages Co.
813 Estella Drive
Fairhope, AL 36532
251-990-5897
251-604-6661
Local MerchantCircle Reviews-III
Written for Christine Linson Gallery in Fairhope, AL
Must See
When visiting our great city, you must stop by the Christine Linson Gallery. Ms. Linson gracefully depicts our wonderful southern hospitality in various ways that you can take home to enjoy the memories of your stay.
February 21, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Tomaso's Martial Arts in Fairhope, AL
Great Family Fun
The Tomaso family gives so much to the community by going into local schools to speak about bullying and self confidence. Mr. Tomaso stresses the importance of physical health and agility through his positive attitude toward Martial Arts. Great atmosphere for kids of all ages to grow.
February 21, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Local MerchantCircle Reviews-II
Written for Storybook Photography in Spanish Fort, AL
Beautiful Work
Some of the most beautiful photographs I've ever seen...children & wedding specialist.
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Merchant Response: "Thank you so much! That really means a lot." - March 13, 2009
Written for Market by The Bay Fresh Seafood in Daphne, AL
People's Choice
Everyone who loves seafood will enjoy the freshest catch here!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Winn Dixie in Daphne, AL
Nice People
This Winn Dixie might not have all the products you are looking for but the people are helpful and friendly. The produce and meats are usually fresh.
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Cartier Fine Home Inspections, LLC in Daphne, AL
Exceptional People
Trust your home inspection to the best! Reliable professionals.
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Merchant Response: "Thank you Christian, It is my prayer that your kindness will be rewarded many times over. A complement from "You" and "KW" is a Great honor! Respectfully, Jerome Cartier Cartier Fine Home Inspections" -March 13, 2009
Written for Punta Clara Kitchen Inc in Point Clear, AL
Southern Sweets
A trip to Punta Clara (Spanish for Point Clear by the way) is a delightful way to sweeten your vacation with homemade goodies.
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Paintn Parrot LLC in Fairhope, AL
Get your creative juices flowing...
kids of all ages will enjoy creating their own masterpiece in this unique Fairhope setting...its the only way i would do ceramics!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Vinnys in Daphne, AL
Great pizza!
if you want something different than Pizza Hut-go here! i can attest that they make great comos, too!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Mancis Antique Club in Daphne, AL
Mushroom & Swiss Burger!!!!!
Amazing place to go with or without kids! Every square inch of this place has antiques and oddities of every sort. Known for the cheeseburgers and something cute in the women's bathroom! Just featured on the Food Network! You have to go to believe it!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Big Daddys Grill At Riverpark in Fairhope, AL
My personal pick!
The best kept secret and local favorite...Big Daddy's! Great family atmosphere, inside/outside dining, go by boat or car! Get a beer and fried pickles on a Sunday afternoon and listen to live music...its the best! Ask for Big Daddy or Stephen
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for The Original Oyster House in Spanish Fort, AL
Local Award Winner
Even picky seafood lovers eat here! Locals know what's good and this place wins the Reader's Choice every year!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Guidos Restaurant in Daphne, AL
A local favorite!
Guidos has great casual dining with a unique approach to the menu. Since everything is freshly prepared, you can read the menu wall for that night's delights!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Andrees Wine Cheese & Things in Fairhope, AL
Fairhope Icon!
Great lunch menu, wonderful wine and cheese selections, & deserts to die for! A must before you leave Fairhope!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Fantasy Island Toys in Fairhope, AL
For the kid in us all...
2 to 102 can enjoy a trip down to Fantasy Island Toys a Fairhope icon. Only the best birthday presents are wrapped from Fantasy Island...sure to get oooohs and aaaahhs!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Mr Genes Beans in Fairhope, AL
I love Mr. Gene!
Mr. Gene's Beans is an icon of Fairhope! Some of my best times were taking my kids there after school for icecream. Great atmosphere for the way things still should be!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Original Bens Jr in Fairhope, AL
A Local Favorite!
don't go to ben's dressed fancy...go there to eat great BBQ!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Cottage on Mobile Street in Fairhope, AL
Location, Location, Location
This cottage is located in the heart of scenic Fairhope walking distance from some of the best food and shopping anywhere. At any time of the year, the city of Fairhope has something special happening. Stroll down the boardwalk in January to see the red tulips in bloom, party downtown for Mardi Gras in February, or wait until March for the tenth largest Arts & Crafts Festival. Fairhope makes every occassion special and why not enjoy it all from the Cottage on Mobile Street with the best sunset in the world!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Self Center, P.C. in Fairhope, AL
Lose it!
Many of my friends have had great success losing weight and getting healthy at the Self Center!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Couture Brides & Belles by Karen Dekay in Fairhope, AL
Unique to our area
Fabulous gowns for the discerning eye!
March 13, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Baldwin County Parent Magazine in Fairhope, AL
A Must Read!
Exceptional quality with timely information on being a parent in Baldwin County. This publication is produced by a native of Baldwin County and her great team strives to give the reader desired information with stimulating photography. A must read!
February 24, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
Written for Fairhope Street Artist in Fairhope, AL
Amazing Talent
Just because Bill Harrison makes painting look simple, it isn't. These Fairhope Street Artist have helped in the revitalization of our downtown merchants. When they began, Mr. Harrison, rain or shine, would set up his easel and paint right on the side walk of Page and Palette. He glorious gives the viewer an insight to the life of the gulf coast. Bold colors, fast and loose strokes, larger than life images makes this one of the top "must see" places in Fairhope. In addition, the art is reasonably priced for an original piece plus he does commissioned work. An amazing talent.
February 21, 2009 by Christian Green, KW Commercial
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