#2 Ready! ...or Not?


   

                 


It’s the New Year – that time when resolutions and fresh plans are flying around everywhere!  And, 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.  

Last month, I briefly profiled my intentions to remove some of the misconceptions that can get in the way of exploring a home purchase process.  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 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 there’s a lot of misinformation and confusion out there that often discourages hopeful home buyers.  Like other procedures in our personal lives, we are influenced by the experiences of others.  Friends and families have great stories – even horror stories! – they gladly share.   Their information 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 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 you could reach.  It can set you up for lost opportunities, lasting disappointment and the loss of valuable, hard-earned funds spent renting.

Most of us want to own our home.  It’s a core goal signifying 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.  After all, there may not be any insurmountable barriers!

I’m 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 welcome your thoughts and inquiries.  (Of course, the column is not appropriate for very specific, personal aspects that are unique to each individual.) 

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

 Sterling Mortgage and I look forward to helpful information exchanges that will demystify what seems too complex, and shed light on your understanding of mortgage lending, its requirements, disciplines and rewards!

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