#1 Are You Ready?


                               


You might be right on the edge of a big decision! Choosing between renting or buying a home is huge. And when the details of taking on the process are so daunting it keeps you awake nights – well, it’s time to get the picture in focus, get the right information from the right source, and get on with it!

I’m Jacie Casteel, of Sterling Mortgage.  Finding solutions is what I do best!  In fact, in this new column, Demystifying The Mortgage Maze! (scheduled to appear two times monthly) I hope to bring important insights about home buying and mortgage lending to our Record Bee readership.  

With fifteen years of experience in mortgage lending, and with associates of the highest caliber, I decided that I could help!  I can help by communicating – in small bites – what the process is, how to prepare for it, when to begin and where to start.  With the proper guidance, your experience could move from utter frustration to a new beginning.

I am looking forward to shining some light on a lot of things about the home mortgage process.   Most of us know what we don’t know, but not always how to get from there to what we need to know concerning the path to home ownership.    

What I do know is that there is a lot of misinformation and confusion out there that often discourages hopeful home buyers.  Like many other procedures in our personal lives, we are influenced by the experiences of others.  Friends and families have great stories – even horror stories! –that are gladly shared.   Their information definitely influences us; up or down.

If you can relate to what I have discussed above, then it pleases me you have read this far!   It’s important to sort thru the information one has and accurately identify the facts!  It is true that there are many factors of importance that can delay the home buying process.   It’s also important to know that assuming your situation is hopeless may be the worst conclusion for you to reach.  It can set you up for lost opportunities, lasting disappointment and the loss of valuable, hard-earned funds spent on rentals.

Most of us want to own our home.   It’s a core goal that signifies security, stability and personal accomplishment.  Considering buying (probably after years of rental issues) opens many doors and brings many questions.  I plan to tackle some of the most common circumstances and questions that I’ve encountered over my career as a Certified Loan Officer.

Anticipating home ownership, should begin on a high note!   Anticipating a struggle usually just goes nowhere.  There may not be any insurmountable barriers!

I am hopeful that through my column you may see the process more clearly!  It really is a matter of looking squarely at your financial picture, getting the relevant ducks in a row and being patient with the process.

I also hope that I will hear from anyone who has a question about the mechanics of getting started.  I’ll add your question to the list and do my best to clarify!   (Of course, the column is not appropriate for very specific, personal matters.) 

You will know when the time is right and when you feel ready to begin.   Also, it’s good to remember that professionals in the field of home mortgage lending have very probably had experiences similar to your own.


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