What Motivates the Need for Power in the Workplace?

The need is like a 'drug'. The source of this drug is 'pride'

When working for a leader who needs power for their sense of well being is a demoralizing experience.

Employees become the personal staff of the one in power when working in a power based company.

Can humility be the antidote for this drug?

Humility shouldn't be confused with weakness. Author Jim Collins calls the tension between personal humility and a fierce professional will is the best way to prevent or undo the ravages of pride.

Leaders who are characterized by humility are determined to harness the influence and authority they have been given to achieve results through hard work and innovation.

Humble leaders know their stengths and aren't afraid to use them. Also equally aware of the weaknesses and welcome feedback to stay on course and enhance their leadership

According to Kogan & Company, a leader should not be:

• Rigid
• Small minded
• Insecure or defensive
• Selfish
• Distrustful
• Overly malleable
• Poor Listeners
• Dishonest - financial dishonesty and not following through on their word given

Do you agree or disagree?

Source: Ioma

Answering Anne's Question

ASK AC ASSOCIATES received a question regarding Home Appraisals...

Anne asks.... "I'm putting my house up for sale soon, should I have a Home Appraisal ?"

There are many reasons for having a home appraisal. A new mortgage, a second or home equity loan, estate sale, divorce settlement, insurance claim or when selling your home.

Each requires an appraisal from an appraiser. An appraiser will make note of any improvements, repairs needed or any defects, may take photos of homes that sold in your area, contact real estate agents in your area that sold homes to get additional information regarding those sales. After all the information is collected, you will receive a written report with the opinion of today's market value of your property. When selling your home, you want a realistic view of your home's value. If your expectations are set unrealistically, this can ultimately cause disappointment down the road.

The home appraisal provides information for both the seller and buyer and if you are not offering owner financing, the lender.The lender does not want (owning) property that is overpriced. The lender will approve a loan after an appraisal is completed.

You can see additional information on my prior post: Tips for Pricing your home

Read the Myths & Facts on Home Appraisals: Owners.com

Thank you Anne. I hope I have answered your question. Should you have any other questions , please do not hesitate to ASK AC ASSOCIATES

Ask AC Associates

I have already implemented an "Ask AC Associates" page on my Business web site. The response has been fair, so I wanted to include this question page here as well.

In my efforts to help more home sellers and/or buyers, I would like to determine some of the challenges, the questions, the fears people may have regarding selling or buying their home.

I can then tailor my services and the information I provide to better meet their needs.
This will aid in my belief to provide superior customer service.

I need your input in order to help you and others...

Here's your chance to ask your most burning question and receive an answer.

What is the most important question you have about selling or buying a home?

Simply click here to be forwarded to my ASK AC ASSOCIATES Question Page. Your identity will not be disclosed.

I will answer all questions received as a post in this blog.

Thanking you in advance.

7 Secrets for First-Time Homebuyers

1.) Visit a certified housing counselor at a nonprofit organization.
Housing counselors credentialed through a nonprofit agency provide objective advice and unbiased recommendations.

2.) Get your finances in order.
Find out what your credit report and credit score are and correct any inaccuracies. Lenders look at factors called the four Cs of credit: credit history (timely bill paying), capital (money available for a down payment), capacity (income versus debt), and collateral (the value and condition of the house).

3.) Look for down-payment and closing-cost assistance programs. Some nonprofit organizations and state or local government agencies can help you with down payment and closing costs through grant money or low-interest loans.

4.) Make sure homeownership fits with your lifestyle.
If you will be in a particular community for less than three years, if the local economy is not doing well, if unemployment is rising, or if your future income will not provide you with enough for mortgage payments and other financial responsibilities in owning a home, then renting may provide the better option.
Shop around for everything related to your home purchase.

5.) Follow the “rule of threes” by comparing at least three products, professionals or services before making your final selections.

6.) Get pre-approved for financing before shopping for a home.
Pre-approval is different from pre-qualification, which refers to when a lender calculates how much mortgage you likely can afford based on unverified information. A preapproval is a guarantee that the lender will loan you a fixed amount of money, as long as the property appraises over the amount for which you are qualified and you buy within a certain time period.

7.) Carefully select a location.
Research area schools, property tax rates, insurance rates, and crime statistics. Spend time thinking about things that may be important.

You can use this calculator to determine how much you can afford to spend on a home. However, many additional factors play a part in the loan qualification process.
www.ginniemae.gov

Programs sponsored by your state or local government or other organizations. Just pick your state to search for programs
www.hud.gov

Source: Neighborworks

Technology Impacts Real Estate and the Workplace

The changing nature of how and where people work is transforming corporate real estate. Nearly 40% of employers expect their knowledge workers - those who contribute intellectually to a business, rather than manually - to work remotely by 2010.

Advancing technologies that allow workers to accomplish tasks from anywhere has spurred major employers to rethink the real estate paradigm. Many companies feel that a majority of their infrastructure that supports mobility.

As an example, Sun Microsystems, needed a solution to a slowing work product problem as a result of heavy traffic tie-ups in the San Francisco Bay Area. This was remedied by creating a network of small "drop-in centers" enabling employees to work from various accessible locations.

Employees simply log in at remote work kiosks. Incoming phone calls are routed from a main call center to their temporary workstation.

This new multi-office system has eliminated 7,000 workstations. One employee station now serves 1.5 employees. This has resulted in a reduction of about 1 million, saving $71 million in excess real estate costs in the last year.

(Source: National Real Estate Investor)

Refinancing Do's and Don'ts

How many of you receive those "special offers" in the mail...the ones suggesting you've been pre-approved for a mortgage loan, refinance or streamline? I receive at least 5 each week.

Remember my prior post on "pre-approval and "pre-qualified"?
Review that post to know there are differences between those two terms.

When you are wondering how you are going to pay your mortgage and other bills, it may appear very attractive to borrow against your house. But consider this: if you cannot make your current payments, increasing your debt, even if you get some temporary cash, will make it harder to keep your home.

Refinancing your home may be one of the most important and complex financial decisions you'll ever make.
Below is the top ten list of advice to consider before you sign that loan document.

Use your home's equity carefully. Remember, building equity in your home is a key way to build wealth and financial stability. It builds slowly over time. Homeowners may be able to get some cash by repeatedly refinancing their homes but they will lose equity in their homes. A loss of equity also occurs each time homeowners finance new points and fees.

Never borrow more than you really need. When refinancing, borrow only for items that are needed to protect the home’s equity, such as a lower interest rate, home improvement or other asset building expenditures. Don’t throw away your long term financial security on short term indulgences like vacations or other temporary luxuries.

Think twice before using up equity on unsecured credit. Many solicitations lure borrowers with ideas that they can wipe out their credit card debt with a home equity loan or refinancing their current mortgage. Those debts are unsecured but your home loan isn’t – defaulting on that payment could lose you your house, not just affect your credit rating.

Shop around. Borrowers should talk to several lenders to find the best loan for which they qualify. Understand the best loan terms available in the marketplace and compare the APR (annual percentage rate) of loans from different lenders. The APR takes into account both the interest rate and the points and fees of the loan.

Say NO to "easy money." Borrowers should beware if someone claims "their credit problems won't affect the interest rate." If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If a solicitation is really interesting, get it in writing!

Understand the loan terms. Borrowers should compare loan terms from different lenders. Ask for written estimates that include all points and fees.

Find out about prepayment penalties. Borrowers should know if the loan offered to them has a prepayment penalty. Prepayment penalty should be a choice, not a requirement.

Make sure all the loan documents are complete. A borrower should not sign documents that have incorrect dates or blank fields. Be wary of promises that a lender will "fix it later" or "fill it in later."

Ask about additional fees. Borrowers should question any items they didn't ask for. Borrowers should also beware if they are told that single premium credit insurance is required to get a loan, or that purchasing it will help loan approval. Review every fee and compare different lenders' fees to ensure the most competitive loan terms.

If not sure, don't sign. Seek advice from a trusted financial adviser or local NeighborWorks or other homeownership counseling organization.

Source: Neighborworks

What is Your Carbon Footprint?

I came across an interseting article by Linda K. Schneider while reading Parks & Recreation magazine.

What is Your Carbon Footprint?

How much land do people require to support themselves?

This is called a Carbon Footprint. Everyone impacts the earth with our daily routines, just by being alive. How much we impact the earth depends on our habits and rate of consumption of natural resources: water, wood, coal, gas and oil.

According to http://www.carbonfootprint.com/; Carbon Footprint is a measure of the impact human activities have on the enviroment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced, measured in units of carbon minoxide. At this web site, you can learn how to calculate, reduce and offset your carbon footprint.

We are a culture that turn natural resources into waste faster than any other society on the planet. The carbon footprint is a rough measure of how much productive land any person uses to support their lifestyle. The average Americans carbon footprint has been calculated at 25 acres--that's five times the average Asian or African. If the world's population lived like Americans live, FIVE planet Earths would be needed for survival!!

Small changes can affect someone's footprint: reduce car trips in half by combining errands, go for a walk instead of a drive.

Everyone contributes to this problem daily, BUT everyone can contribute to the solution daily. The goal is to reduce the daily amount of resources used. This problem is quite large, but we can start by thinking small and close to home.

Plant trees. Trees are needed for cleaner air and they give off oxygen. Tress absorb the carbon dioxide that human activites emit. Water is our most precious resource, we can't live without it. Be more aware of the amount of water used for each activity. Energy is used to heat water. Use less hot water, take shorter, cooler showers and baths. Purchase low flow toliets and showerheads. Purchase newer model appliances that are more efficient. Wash your clothes in cold water.

Recycling is another way to reverse the impact on the enviroment. Recycle as many products as you can. Purchase products made with recycled materials.

To learn more about your carbon footprint, find out how you impact the planet, to calculate the size of your footprint, visit the following web sites:
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/
http://www.carbonneutral.com/
http://www.myfootprint.org/
http://www.panda.org/

Web sites can generate higher prices than Realtors

"Three economists decided to investigate whether using a for sale by owner (FSBO) web site could actually make homeowners more money compared to selling a house with a traditional real estate agent. The answer, at least in Madison, Wisconsin, is yes."



read more | digg story

Are You Stuck in a RUT?

After speaking to some potential clients, I realized many people are "stuck in a rut" with outdated thinking when it comes to selling their homes. People are so accustomed to traditional or outdated thinking. Why?

Because it's comfortable, doesn't take a lot of effort, you know what to expect and there might not be a chance of making a mistake.

They think the only option they have when selling their property is using a realtor. Some are fearful of learning about a sales method they never heard of.....afraid to learn something new...or think outside their own"box".

In keeping an open mind you allow yourself to learn, grow and become a successful individual.

Change the way you think...

It's common that a lot of people feel nervous before learning or trying something new, myself included at times.

Have you ever talked yourself out of something because you felt that way? I'm sure some people have. Feeling uncomfortable out of the comfort zone...who likes that feeling...but, it's usually only for a little while. Over time, the new becomes familiar. I remember years ago when starting a new job, I felt that way, but that feeling only lasted a short time and then I became very confident.

New ideas and new ways of doing things can challenge you and bring change in your way of thinking.
Learning something new can be beneficial and the rewards can be satisfying. It can also be exciting and boost your confidence.

If you restrict your way of thinking, you are working against yourself. By learning something new you change yourself to be better, stronger, smarter.

In my business, as I see more and more For Sale By Owner signs going up and offering Owner Financing, I smile....Whether it's due to homeowners wanting to save money, receive more money or having more tools available by way of the Internet.... I'd like to think that more and more people are willing to learn something new, change their outdated and old patterns of thinking and realize they can be successful doing things on their own. It might mean having more patience and doing a little more work, but the rewards are gratifying.

"Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change"
Dr Wayne Dyer

"It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped"
Anthony Robbins

Think About These

Inspirational Quotes by Zig Ziglar


"You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win and expect to win."

*
"You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

*
"You are the only person on earth who can use your ability."

*
"You've got to 'be' before you can 'do', and you've got to 'do' before you can 'have'."

*
"Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude."

*
"Remember that failure is an event, not a person."

*
"People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily."

Understanding Contract Terms

Let me describe the three basic contracts used to secure payment of money owed on a home.

Trust Deed:
A trust deed means just what it says. The deed to the house is held in trust until the balance is paid off. In addition to the trust deed, a promissory note is signed by the person making payments. The note states all terms required of the buyer in paying off the remaining balance. The note is secured by the trust deed. The trust deed document is secured by your home.

A trust deed document involves three people:
1) The Grantor: the grantor is the home buyer. They make you the monthly payments.
2) The Trustee: The trustee holds deed to the house until the balance is paid. If the trust deed goes into default, the trustee is responsible for foreclosing on the house. The trustee would normally be your attorney.
3) The third person on a trust deed is you.

You're referred to as the beneficiary. The beneficiary is the owner of the trust deed & note. They have all rights to the money owed secured by the documents.

Mortgage:
A mortgage does the same thing as a trust deed. However, there is no trustee involved. Again, a promissory note is signed stating how the debt on the mortgage will be paid. A mortgage document involves two people:

1) The Mortgagor: this is the person the home was sold to. They will make the specified payments.
2) The Mortgagee: this is the home seller. They own the mortgage and note, and have all rights to the money owed.

Land Sale Contract:
Land sale contracts can go by many titles in different states; real estate contract, property sale agreement, purchase contract or contract for deed. They all mean the same thing. No promissory note is used. All the terms on how the debt is to be paid are in the contract. Title to the house is held by the seller when using these contracts. When the debt is paid off the seller transfers title to the buyer. The buyer only gets title when you use a trust deed or mortgage.

Some home sellers prefer land sale contracts because they can hold title. If they ever had to foreclose the process is easier. Seek the advice of your attorney on this.

FREE OFFER by AC Associates

When I was interviewed by Hali (see prior post-), I mentioned a free offer by my company would be upcoming. I don't want this sounding like just a sales pitch.


I am proud to offer my 54 guide booklet for free to any home owner wishing to learn an alternate way of selling their property and realize they can receive all cash..This sales method is legal, safe and proven.

Actually, anyone in the real estate business would benefit from using this method of sales, as would developers and/or contractors.

Why am I offering this for free ?

I want to help educate those who show an interest and provide a win-win situation. I want to spread the word that there are other alternatives when selling property.
I strongly believe in helping others.

There is no cost or obligation and I will even pay for shipping.

This sales method gets overlooked far too often simply because many are either not aware they have this option to sell their property or they are so used to the standard, familiar way of selling property. I find that people are afraid to learn something new. Open your minds, knowledge is a wonderful thing! And, how good it feels to accomplish this on your own.

I am in a position to help anyone who wishes to receive all cash by offering owner financing and selling your contract immediately. If you are in a financial position where you don't need all cash, a contract can be a great investment. You can defer paying taxes on the gain, plus you'll get a better interest rate than banks pay. You get a nice income secured by your home. If you need to raise cash in the future, you simply can sell a portion of the contract or sell in it's entirely.

There are so many ways people can benefit from owner financing:
1) Home sellers can sell a house quickly on their own without giving commission to realtors.
2) Real estate agents can sell listings faster.
3) Home buyers benefit by getting terms that are favorable. No bank red tape hassles, no points or origination fees.
4) When Dissolving partnerships, whether in marriage or business, a contract can be easily sold and the proceeds divided.
5) Contractors and/or Developers can (and do) use this method to sell property and receive all cash when selling the new note
6) More individuals are able to purchase homes

The bottom line is owner financing solves many problems and everyone involved is in a win-win situation.

You may be thinking "this sounds too good to be true" and I know the saying goes...it usually is, but not this time. This is a solid offer to receive this guide booklet( with sample forms and checklists) for FREE. It explains this sales method in simple, easy to understand language. I provide all the support necessary to be successful.

Just contact me and request your guide booklet.
andrea@acassociatesusa.com
http://www.acassociatesusa.com

Here’s What One Happy Home Owner Has Said AfterUsing This Program:

“I sold my rental home to the first couple who looked at it. I had it up for sale for only 10 days and I received over 100 calls in the 1st week from following the methods of advertising. I had been so busywith work that I didn’t have the time to show it, or call people back for the 1st ten days. It cost me $50 in all for advertising. My rental unit had been rented out for 3 years with no repair during that time. As a result, it needed $10,000 in repairs. I didn’t even have to repair anything. Your methods found me a buyer that paid me $2000 over the appraised value price.” John Alexander San Antonio, TX

Managing Your Money for Homeownership

For many people, home is more than shelter: it is their biggest investment and a considerable financial asset. The difference between what your house is worth and the amount you owe is called your equity.

The first and most important way to protect your investment is to make sure you have enough money budgeted each month to make the PITI (principal, interest, taxes and insurance) payments on your mortgage loan and set money aside for home maintenance. You made a family spending plan when you were saving for a home. Now it is time to make a new spending plan to include all the expenses of homeownership.


To make a spending plan, meet with your family to budget your normal expenses, plus the new costs of homeownership, including:

Mortgage Payments: monthly principal, interest, taxes and homeowners insurance payments, as well as homeowners association fees and mortgage insurance if required.
Utilities: average monthly costs for electricity, gas, water and sewage, and trash collection
Routine Maintenance and Repairs: monthly savings for preventive maintenance and repairs (1 percent of the purchase price of the house for annual maintenance and repairs divided by 12 months)
Reserves: monthly savings for emergencies and/or goals (at least one month’s mortgage payment divided by 12 months)
*Note: Consider signing up for a “budget” or “average payment” plan with your gas and electric companies. Based on the history of gas and electric use in your home, the company will estimate the annual cost and divide it by 12 months. Once a year, the company will adjust the monthly payment up or down to reflect actual use. Then you pay the new amount for another year.

Paying a set amount each month for some of your utilities helps with budgeting since it spreads the high cost of winter heating or summer air conditioning throughout the year.

Developing a Savings Plan
Put money in savings on a regular basis. Ideally, you want enough savings to cover emergencies, routine maintenance and repairs, and your goals. Financial experts recommend building an annual emergency fund that is equal to one percent of your home’s purchase price. The amount of money you need to set aside to reach your goals depends on what your goals are and when you want to reach them.

Remember the Credit Trap
New homebuyers should not take on any new debt for car loans, credit cards or revolving credit for at least one year after closing. It will take that long to get used to making the new mortgage payments and to really understand how much it costs to take care of your home.

Avoiding Foreclosure

If you can’t make your next mortgage payment, or if you are already behind, you need immediate help. The Homeownership Preservation Foundation has joined forces with mortgage lenders, nonprofit organizations and city government agencies to provide homeowners with assistance and resources to help you get back on track.

Visit the Hope for Homeowners website, or call the homeownership hotline at 1-888-995-HOPE for immediate assistance.

Here are a few tips from NeighborWorks for avoiding foreclosure:

* Take advantage of pre-purchase counseling or financial education offered by nonprofit organizations

* Free pre-purchase counseling is offered through local governments as well as nonprofit organizations.

* Avoid prepayment penalties and balloon payments.
People who refinance their mortgages with loans containing prepayment penalties or balloon payments are more likely to undergo foreclosure, according to a study by researchers at the University of North Carolina. According to the study, a prepayment penalty increases foreclosure risk by about 20 percent. Mortgages with balloon payments were 46 percent more likely to go to foreclosure than loans without. Protect the equity in your home – it’s a valuable source of wealth that will build over time.

* Stay on top of home repairs and maintenance. NeighborWorks organizations provide counseling in home maintenance and repairs and rehabs that improve the value of a home. Too often emergency repairs and less-than-trustworthy contractors push a homeowner into foreclosure.

What should you do if you miss a payment?
More than half of those in foreclosure did not call for help when they fell behind in their mortgage payments. Calling for help is the most important factor in preventing foreclosures.

Notify the bank as soon as you know your payment will be late. Calling when you are 30 or 60 days late is better than calling when you are 120 days late Remember that foreclosure is not in the best interest of lenders – lenders report that it costs up to $50,000 or almost half the loan balance each time they write off a foreclosure.
Work it out. Depending on the situation, the lender may lower the interest rate, lower the borrower’s monthly payment, or enter into a repayment agreement for missed payments.

What are your options if you cannot make payments?

Forbearance – You are allowed to delay payments for a short period, with the understanding that another option will be used afterwards to bring the account current.

Reinstatement – When you are behind in your payments but can promise a lump sum to bring payments current by a specific date.

A Repayment Plan – If your account is past due, but you can now make payments, the lender may agree to let you catch up by adding a portion of the past due amount to each current monthly payment until your account is current.

Modifying Your Mortgage – The lender can modify your mortgage to extend the length of your loan (or take other steps to reduce your payments). One solution is to add the past due amount into your existing loan, financing it over a long term.

Selling Your Home – If catching up on payments is not possible, the lender might agree to put foreclosure on hold to give you some time to attempt to sell your home.

Property Give-Back – The lender can allow you to give-back your property-- and then forgive the debt. Give-backs do, however, have a negative impact on your credit record, although not as much as a foreclosure. The lender might require that you attempt to sell the house for a specific time period before agreeing to this option, and it might not be possible if there are other liens against the home.

Again, if you do fall behind on your mortgage payment, don't waste another minute, call your lender before it's too late.

How To Shop for a Loan

There are hundreds of mortgage lenders that will pre-qualify and pre-approve you for a mortgage loan. Don't let these two terms confuse you. See my prior post on pre-qualify/pre-approval for clarification.



Major categories of mortgage lenders include:

Savings & loans: Also called thrift institutions, savings and loan associations (S&Ls) are the largest traditional lenders of residential home mortgages.

A government cleanup of bad loans at S&Ls that ended in the 1990s left behind the stronger S&Ls. These institutions remain a major source of funding for home mortgage loans. S&Ls are often called savings banks in the eastern U.S.

Commercial banks: Commercial banks offer attractive loan terms, particularly if they evaluate their entire banking relationship with you. Some commercial banks have their own real estate departments and will service your mortgage loan.

Other commercial banks sell their mortgages to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two major government-sponsored enterprises that specialize in buying residential mortgages from lenders.

Mortgage bankers: Mortgage bankers borrow money from banks or pools of investors, underwrite the loans, and sell them to investors for a profit. They often receive a fee from these investors for servicing your mortgage. Mortgage servicing includes collecting monthly payments, sending out loan statements, and collecting on late payments. For more information, see the Web site of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America (MBAA).

Mortgage brokers: Mortgage brokers circulate, or "shop," a loan application among lenders to find the most attractive terms for the borrower. In exchange, a lender pays the broker a fee.

Homeowners: The most overlooked and a financially beneficial method. You may find that the current homeowner is willing to offer financing in exchange for selling the home sooner. This means that the seller becomes your lender. A common means of financing is for the seller to accept a mortgage note. A mortgage note requires you to make monthly payments to the seller instead of a bank or other lender. See my website for add'l info: AC Associates

Credit unions: Since credit unions are owned by their members, they are called cooperative financial institutions. Since they are nonprofit institutions, credit unions may offer attractive mortgage loan rates to their members. Like commercial mortgage lenders, credit unions sell their loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to maintain access to new sources of funds. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) regulates the credit union industry.

Nonprofit community development and housing organizations: Throughout the United States, there are hundreds of nonprofit community-based organizations that work to rebuild neighborhoods that have fallen into disrepair, or to help low-and moderate-income families buy homes. Often, these organizations have money available from government or private grants to loan for home purchases or for home improvement loans. The interest rates are often less than the cost of bank loans and the repayment terms are easier for new homebuyers. Check with your city housing agency and ask for the names of non-profit housing groups in your area or search for local organizations that are part of national nonprofit networks, such as these:

NeighborWorks organizations: These local nonprofit housing advocates provide many services to low-income homebuyers, including homeownership training, financial counseling, foreclosure intervention, loans for rehabilitation and repair of existing properties, and, sometimes, home loans. There are hundreds of these local nonprofits nationwide. Visit www.nw.org for more information.

HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies: These local nonprofit and public agencies offer rental, homeownership and foreclosure prevention counseling. They can also help you obtain mortgage financing directly from them or through referrals to local lenders. Visit HUD's website for more information.

Government Agencies:

State or Local Housing Finance Agencies: Almost every state has a housing finance agency (HFA) that works with state and local groups to revitalize neighborhoods and promote homeownership. They also provide financing for special uses, including rehabilitation of existing home. HFAs may have financing available at lower interest rates or require lower down payments and closing costs for low-and moderate-income or first-time homebuyers. City and county agencies generally perform the same function as state HFAs. Ask your local lender, real estate agent or a nonprofit housing organization about state and local government agencies. You can also visit www.ncsha.org for more information on state housing finance agencies.

100 Quotes from "The Secret"

If YOU believe that YOU CAN and WANT to do better for Yourself...
* write that book, start that business (part time or full time), make more money, use your talents, go back to school, get a new career or job, stop settling for less than you deserve, get motivated, pursue your dreams, become motivated, confident, feel good about yourself, change your life, create the life you want and get the results you want...

1. We all work with one infinite power.
2. The Secret is the Law of Attraction (LOA).
3. Whatever is going on in your mind is what you are attracting.
4. We are like magnets - like attract like. You become AND attract what you think.
5. Every thought has a frequency. Thoughts send out a magnetic energy.
6. People think about what they don't want and attract more of the same.
7. Thought = creation. If these thoughts are attached to powerful emotions (good or bad) that speeds the creation.
8. You attract your dominant thoughts.
9. Those who speak most of illness have illness, those who speak most of prosperity have it..etc...
10. It's not "wishful" thinking.
11. You can't have a universe without the mind entering into it.
12. Choose your thoughts carefully .. you are a masterpiece of your life.
13. It's OK that thoughts don't manifest into reality immediately (if we saw a picture of an elephant and it instantly appeared, that would be too soon).
14. EVERYTHING in your life you have attracted .. accept that fact .. it's true.
15. Your thoughts cause your feelings.
16. We don't need to complicate all the "reasons" behind our emotions. It's much simpler than that. Two categories .. good feelings, bad feelings.
17. Thoughts that bring about good feelings mean you are on the right track. Thoughts that bring about bad feelings means you are not on the right track.
18. Whatever it is you are feeling is a perfect reflection of what is in the process of becoming.
19. You get exactly what you are FEELING.
20. Happy feelings will attract more happy circumstances.
21. You can begin feeling whatever you want (even if it's not there).. the universe will correspond to the nature of your song.
22. What you focus on with your thought and feeling is what you attract into your experience.
23. What you think and what you feel and what actually manifests is ALWAYS a match - no exception.
24. Shift your awareness.
25. "You create your own universe as you go along" Winston Churchill.
26. It's important to feel good ( ( ( (((good))) ) ) ).
27. You can change your emotion immediately .. by thinking of something joyful, or singing a song, or remembering a happy experience.
28. When you get the hang of this, before you know it you will KNOW you are the creator.
29. Life can and should be phenomenal .. and it will be when you consciously apply the Law of Attraction.
30. Universe will re-arrange itself accordingly.
31. Start by using this sentence for all of your wants: "I'm so happy and grateful now that.... "
32. You don't need to know HOW the universe is going to rearrange itself.
33. LOA is simply figuring out for yourself what will generate the positive feelings of having it NOW.
34. You might get an inspired thought or idea to help you move towards what you want faster.
35. The universe likes SPEED. Don't delay, don't second-guess, don't doubt.
36. When the opportunity or impulse is there .. ACT.
37. You will attract everything you require - money, people, connections.. PAY ATTENTION to what's being set in front of you.
38. You can start with nothing .. and out of nothing or no way - a WAY will be provided.
39. HOW LONG??? No rules on time .. the more aligned you are with positive feelings the quicker things happen.
40. Size is nothing to the universe (unlimited abundance if that's what you wish) We make the rules on size and time.
41. No rules according to the universe .. you provide the feelings of having it now and the universe will respond.
42. Most people offer the majority of their thought in response to what they are observing (bills in the mail, being late, having bad luck...etc..).
43. You have to find a different approach to what is through a different vantage point.
44. "All that we are is a result of what we have thought" - Buddha.
45. What can you do right now to turn your life around?? Gratitude.
46. Gratitude will bring more into our lives immediately.
47. What we think about and THANK about is what we bring about.
48. What are the things you are grateful for?? Feel the gratitude.. focus on what you have right now that you are grateful for.
49. Play the picture in your mind - focus on the end result.
50. VISUALIZE!!! Rehearse your future.
51. VISUALIZE!!! See it, feel it! This is where action begins.
52. Feel the joy .. feel the happiness).
53. An affirmative thought is 100 times more powerful than a negative one.
54. "What this power is, I cannot say. All I know is that it exists." Alexander Graham Bell.
55. Our job is not to worry about the "How". The "How" will show up out of the commitment and belief in the "what."
56. The Hows are the domain of the universe. It always knows the quickest, fastest, most harmonious way between you and your dream.
57. If you turn it over to the universe, you will be surprised and dazzled by what is delivered .. this is where magic and miracles happen.
58. Turn it over to the universe daily.. but it should never be a chore.
59. Feel exhilarated by the whole process .. high, happy, in tune.
60. The only difference between people who are really living this way is they have habituated ways of being.
61. They remember to do it all the time.
62. Create a Vision Board .. pictures of what you want to attract .. every day look at it and get into the feeling state of already having acquired these wants.
63. "Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions." Albert Einstein.
64. Decide what you want .. believe you can have it, believe you deserve it, believe it's possible for you.
65. Close your eyes and visualize having what you already want - and the feeling of having it already.
66. Focus on being grateful for what you have already .. enjoy it!! Then release into the universe. The universe will manifest it.
67. "Whatever the mind of man can conceive, it can achieve" W. Clement Stone.
68. Set a goal so big that if you achieved it, it would blow your mind.
69. When you have an inspired thought, you must trust it and act on it.
70. How can you become more prosperous?? INTEND IT!!
71. 'Checks are coming in the mail regularly'... or change your bank statement to whatever balance you want in there... and get behind the feeling of having it.
72. Life is meant to be abundant in ALL areas...
73. Go for the sense of inner joy and peace then all outside things appear.
74. We are the creators of our universe.
75. Relationships: Treat yourself the way you want to be treated by others .. love yourself and you will be loved.
76. Healthy respect for yourself.
77. For those you work with or interact with regularly .. get a notebook and write down positive aspects of each of those people.
78. Write down the things you like most about them (don't expect change from them). Law of attraction will not put you in the same space together if you frequencies don't match.
79. When you realize your potential to feel good, you will ask no one to be different in order for you to feel good.
80. You will free yourself from the cumbersome impossibilities of needing to control the world, your friends, your mate, your children....
81. You are the only one that creates your reality.
82. No one else can think or feel for you .. its YOU .. ONLY YOU.
83. Health: thank the universe for your own healing. Laugh, stress free happiness will keep you healthy.
84. Immune system will heal itself.
85. Parts of our bodies are replace every day, every week..etc... Within a few years we have a brand new body.
86. See yourself living in a new body. Hopeful = recovery. Happy = happier biochemistry. Stress degrades the body.
87. Remove stress from the body and the body regenerates itself. You can heal yourself.
88. Learn to become still .. and take your attention away from what you don't want, and place your attention on what you wish to experience.
89. When the voice and vision on the inside become more profound and clear than the opinions on the outside, then you have mastered your life.
90. You are not here to try to get the world to be just as you want it. You are here to create the world around you that you choose.
91. And allow the world as others choose to see it, exist as well.
92. People think that if everyone knows the power of the LOA there won't be enough to go around .. This is a lie that's been ingrained in us and makes so many greedy.
93. The truth is there is more than enough love, creative ideas, power, joy, happiness to go around.
94. All of this abundance begins to shine through a mind that is aware of it's own infinite nature. There's enough for everyone. See it. Believe it. it will show up for you.
95. So let the variety of your reality thrill you as you choose all the things you want.. get behind the good feelings of all your wants.
96. Write your script. When you see things you don't want, don't think about them, write about them, talk about them, push against them, or join groups that focus on the don't wants... remove your attention from don't wants.. and place them on do wants.
97. We are mass energy. Everything is energy. EVERYTHING.
98. Don't define yourself by your body .. it's the infinite being that's connected to everything in the universe.
99. One energy field. Our bodies have distracted us from our energy. We are the infinite field of unfolding possibilities. The creative force.
100. Are your thoughts worthy of you? If not - NOW is the time to change them. You can begin right were you are right now. Nothing matters but this moment and what you are focusing your attention on.

Source: http://www.jwaits.com

Turn Used Cell Phones Into CASH!

I received a postcard in the mail today from PaceButler. It explains how you can turn your used cell phones into cash. It's simple, fast, and rewarding with their used cell phone buyback program.

They've made it their goal to offer the fastest payment possible. They cut your check within 4 business days of receiving your cell phones!
Not only will you be compensated financially, but by recycling your used cell phone you are taking a stand against environmental degradation by keeping the toxic chemicals in cell phones out of landfills.
Non Profits: Raise Funds By Hosting a Used Cell Phone Drive

Fundraising is easy with their cell phone drive kit. PaceButler ensures that your organization gets a great price for used cell phones and that your payment is sent to you within 4 days of receiving your phone shipment. As a partner, you'll also be listed in the American Cell Phone Drive directory so that local residents can find your organization when seeking a drop-off center. Better yet, for every 250 phones they purchase, your organization will receive a free $50 Visa gift card to spend any way you choose.

4 Easy Steps:

1.) Use the purchase price list to find the buyback value of your phones.
2.) Request a free FedEx pre-paid shipping label so they can pay the shipping.
3.) Box up your phone handsets and batteries (no accessories, chargers, etc.) then ship with their pre-paid label.
4.) Get Cash! They'll issue your check within 4 business days of receiving your cell phones

Here's a chance to make a few dollars instead of your old cell phones taking up space. I know mine are!

Test Your Financial Fitness

Answer the following questions to the best of your ability. Once completed, tabulate your answers to find out about your financial educational needs.
Questions:
1) Late payments on bills are a major problem and can lead to a denial of credit when seeking a loan.

True False Not Sure

2) You should keep enough in your savings account to cover three months of living expenses.

True False Not Sure

3) No more than 25 percent of your income should be used to pay off debts that require at least 10 months of payment before the debt is fully repaid.

True False Not Sure

4) If you don’t have enough money to pay your bills, you should call your creditors right away and tell them.

True False Not Sure

5) A bankruptcy will stay on your credit report for 7 to 10 years.

True False Not Sure

6) The lowest interest rate on a loan doesn’t always mean the best loan.

True False Not Sure

7) Banks are not required to provide customers the best, most competitive rate based on their credit score and financial means.

True False Not Sure

8) When you use a credit card, you are borrowing money from a bank.

True False Not Sure

9) The practice of keeping your ATM receipts is not a sufficient means of financial management.

True False Not Sure

10) Your credit history has an effect on your ability to get a job or rent an apartment.

True False Not Sure

Get the answers here:

http://www.keystomyhome.org/ready/testfitness/indexform.asp?type=results

Pre-Approved or Pre-Qualified?

Don't Confuse "Pre-Approved" and "Pre-Qualified" with a Loan Commitment:

These are debatable terms in real estate because not all lenders apply the same definition to each term. I have learned that one leading real estate dictionary contains neither expression because their definitions are uncertain.

According to one school of thought, when you are "pre-qualified," the lender is making an educated guess about how much you can borrow based on information you've provided. When you are "pre-approved," the lender has verified everything you have told him or her and is offering to lend you up to a given amount at current interest rates -- under certain conditions.

Whether pre-qualified or pre-approved, final clearance and a check at closing -- a loan commitment -- are subject to an appraisal satisfactory to the lender, good title, a last-minute credit check, and other verifications. When meeting with lenders, always ask how they define each term and what additional steps will be required to obtain a loan.

Dress Up Your Porch for Under $100

Spring is here and it’s a good time to put out the welcome mat. Your front door and porch area is an invitation to guests and it also says a lot about you.



Here are five ways to add personality to the porch for less than $100:

Paint Adds Pop
If there’s one thing that says spring, it’s color. Painting the front door is the easiest and least expensive way to dress up your entry. But before running to the paint store for a gallon of fuchsia, look at your home’s existing color palette
.
Dark colors draw more attention ,but extreme contrasts will detract from details, so it’s important to stay in the same color family. That doesn’t mean if your house is beige, you’re stuck with only browns.
Visit a paint store to see brochures of recommended palettes using your existing colors. Also, most paint companies offer color palettes and advice online.
A good quality exterior semi-gloss enamel costs about $15 a quart. Don’t forget to sand the door before painting, just enough to remove the enamel’s gloss finish, or the paint will eventually peel.

Pottery
Regardless of the size of your entry, pottery is always a good choice to direct visitors to your front door. Depending on the size of the porch, a large single pot or a group of three smaller pots (vary the size) will look best. Make sure to coordinate the color of the pots with your front door. They don’t need to be the same color, but keeping them in the same family, as with paint selection, will create a striking look.
The least expensive pots are plastic, which look fine from a distance but aren’t always as charming close up. Ceramic pots are the most expensive, about $25 to $50 for a 12-inch pot. Fiberglass can look as appealing, even up close, and are around $10 to $20 for 10 to 13 inches.
A good choice is the venerable terra cotta, which can be easily painted to work with your scheme. A large 16-inch terra cotta pot is about $16. A 12-inch pot is about $6.50. Make sure to use a sealer to coat the inside or moisture will cause the paint to peel. Use an outdoor-rated paint, such as Patio Paint, which comes in a large variety of colors and costs about $5 for an 8 oz. bottle and $1.75 for 2 oz.

Flowers / Plants
This will also give your front porch some needed curb appeal. Even if you don’t use a pot, place a couple of six-packs of bright flowers in front of or along your porch. Keep in mind your color scheme. You probably don’t want orange mums if you are using blues or lavenders.
A one-gallon plant costs about $4 to $5. If you are using pots, use a larger plant as a centerpiece and surround it with quart or six-pack varieties.

Add a Personal Touch
An inexpensive way to add a personal touch is with a doorbell cover. These come in many sizes and styles, from golfers to lighthouses. A nice brass cover with a pineapple — the universal sign of hospitality — and the word "Welcome" above it online for $14. Expect to spend up to $20 for a nice brass doorbell cover.
If you don’t have a doorbell, consider a door knocker. These also come in many styles for around $20.

House Numbers
Replace tired house numbers with new ones in bright brass, antique brass, chrome or black Prices run about $6 each for 4- or 6-inch numbers. There are many online sites that offer a large selection of specialized font styles at around $11 each.

Other ways to enhance your entry include light fixtures, door kick plates or mailboxes.
Light fixtures can be expensive, but you can find a nice light fixture that isn't very costly. Door kick plates in various finishes are $20 to $30 depending on size and material. A simple mailbox in black or white will run $10 to $20.

3 Simple Ways to Add Value To Your Home

"Families that spent more on home improvements also realize the greatest rates of price appreciation," the Harvard Joint Center study said. "In many regions of the country, homeowners recover as much as 80% to 90% of the cost of home improvements in the form of higher home values. Little wonder, then, that homeowners spent almost $2,300 on average in 2001 to help protect and improve their most important financial asset."

If you're getting ready to sell a house, you want to be among the homeowners who recover 80% or more of their investments in the form of a higher price. The key is thinking like a buyer. And what do buyers do? They drive up to a house and look at it. If they're not repelled by what they see, they step inside and look around.

1) Spend money on what can be seen vs. what can't be seen.
2) Fix up the exterior first, then the interior.
3) Focus first on the "Yikes!" appeal -- clutter, trash and bad smells that drive down a home's value.

The improvements that are most visible are the things you need to focus on.

Do a mini-remodel. Transform the look of your home with paint. It sounds simple, but it works! A fresh coat of paint can make your home look clean and fresh. Color and accessories can change a room's mood.

What color works best for your personality?
Black: You likely proceed with caution when faced with sudden changes and exercise restraint when making decisions.

White: Rational people who rely on their analytical powers and objectivity to solve problems. It helps you free your mind to pursue new options.

Brown: Earthy and sensual. Helps you feel comfortable and secure. It encourages authenticity and living in the moment.

Red: Is fiery, energetic and bold, with a sense of urgency. Self-confident and likes to take risks.

Green: Is natural healing and refreshing. You like to solve problems with a fresh perspective and a dose of quick witted humor.

Blue: You're a steady, stable and compassionate person with a devotion to those you love.

Purple: You rely on your keen intuition to guide you through life's challenges. Others find you mysterious and maybe even psychic.

Pink: Playful, innocent, flirty and fun. Romantics love pale pink. Dynamic personalities go for shock value and like the hotter shades.

Orange: An intense color that appeal to your serious side. You are a ethical decision maker who takes pride in achieving your goals.

Yellow: Your outlook on life is sunny, hopeful and bright. You have a spontaneous and cheery nature that others find inspiring.

The following site Benjaminmoore offers a Paint Calculator. Use this to determine how much paint you'll need for the Exterior of your house or any room(s) within your home. You don't want to get stuck with too much or too little paint.

There is a Personal Color Viewer which is also very useful. Chose the color and the animated room viewer will show you how it will look on the walls. This is a great tool.

*You may have to register to use these tools, but it's free and so worth it. I'm sure you'll visit the site many times for varies home projects.

Another Important Figure You Should Know

When applying for a loan, mortgage loan or other types of credit, Lenders use your debt-to-income ratio (how much you owe on credit cards and loans compared with how much you earn) to help evaluate your creditworthiness.

How You Can Figure Your Debt To Income Ratio:

1) Add up your total net monthly income. This includes your monthly wages and any overtime, commissions or bonuses that are guaranteed; plus alimony payment received, if applicable. If your income varies, figure the monthly average for the past two years. Include any monies earned from rentals or any other additional income.

2) Add up your monthly debt obligations. This includes all of your credit card bills, loan and mortgage payments. Make sure to include your monthly rent payments if you rent.

3) Divide your total monthly debt obligations by your total monthly income. This is your total debt-to-income ratio.

4) Take action if your ratio is higher than 0.36, which industry professionals would call a score of 36. The lower the better. Any score higher than 36 may cause an increase in the interest rate or the down payment on a loan you apply for.

Tips :
When you total your monthly debts, use the minimum payment on your statements.
When calculating your income, a lender will only consider money from a job that you've been at for at least two years.
Unreported earned income cannot be used in the calculation.