Yesterday, Callie Waterhouse and I taught a blogging class that was sponsored by the Groovy Title Chick at Land America.  It is so fascinating how many people want to start using a blog to attract more clients to their business and sometimes getting a blog started is the hardest part. 

This class was very basic.  We covered a lot of information in a 2 hour window that hopefully helped the newbie’s of the world with blogging.

I remember when I first started to blog that I really had no coaches.  I pretty much just read a lot of blogs and learned as I went.  However I wish I would have had a blog coach. 

So for all you newbie’s out there to the blogging world please feel free to cling to your fellow bloggers for help.  You be surprised how much we give back.  Heck I might even be willing to coach a few of you.

So the decision has been made and divorce proceedings have been started.  For many couples who go thru this chapter in their life are really not sure where they stand in terms of being able to keep the home.  Some couples just want to sell and move on and others want to stay due to the children, school districts and other sentimental reasons.  In the current state of the real estate market selling might not always be your best option.  Actually it might set you back worse than refinancing and splitting the home equity position.  This is when someone like myself can come to the rescue and help work out a plan to help both parties in distress. 

I have worked with many clients over the years who have had to make this hard decision and knowing where you stand financially can make the situation easier to conclude. 

Here are some questions to ask before putting the home up for sale.

1.  Could I qualify for the mortgage on my own?

  Most couples think that they need the other spouses income to qualify and sometimes this is just not the case.  Let the mortgage lender make this determination for you.

2.  Is this the right market to sell in?

Right now might not considering the costs to pay a realtor, moving costs, etc.  A lot of times the costs to refinance might be a cheaper option.

3.  Do my children want to move?

Moving is hard on everyone especially children.  If your children are in a school district and has friends moving them away from that environment might not be smart.  Talk to your children and ask for their guidance as well.

4.  Are there any tax benefits for moving or staying?

You will want to talk with your CPA and know this before packing the boxes.

5.  Will my departing partner cooperate with me on this decision?

Divorces can be tough, but it’s very important to get the other spouse on board with this decision.  An uncooperative spouse might not allow a refinance to happen.  Get this worked out upfront.

By asking these questions, you will know really quickly what the best decision is for your unique situation. 

We are unique people out there.  We expect better then “would you like fries with that drink”.  I just have learned to use my Midwest values and transfer them into my mortgage business.  If you are looking for something a little more unique in your next mortgage loan, please do not hesitate to get a hold of me. 

My name is Gary Miljour and this is what I do best.

Like the real estate market can not get tougher on all of us survivors, but now with the government playing God to balance market corrections, we are in for the craziest times since I road “Mr. Toads Wild Ride” at Disneyland. 

It only took 3 weeks to turn every-one’s life upside down.  Clients and consumers are running for the hills and are not in any hurry to buy property.  Why?  The Market!

The market has everyone right now a little scared and folks are wondering if they will be employed come tomorrow. 

So here is my 2 cents from the perspective of being just a small cog in a big machine. 

• The housing market right now is seeing some of the best prices it has seen in the last 5-6 years.  If you have a secure job and can afford to buy a home, I would still take advantage of this market.  
• Long term interest rates are very attractive.  The rates right now are fluctuating between 5.5%-6.5% depending on fees and costs.  These rates make the long term payment affordable.
• A house is a tangible asset.  This is not a stock or a piece of paper but rather a building that will appreciate over the long term. 
• Real Estate offers tax deductions.  The mortgage interest you pay can be tax deductible on your return. 

Take advantage of all the benefits and turn off the Jim Cramer’s of the world.  The market will correct itself.

As for my vacation it was nice to get a break from the crazy roller coaster ride called the housing market and all its implications. 

I am just a survivor and am making the best out of this market as I can.