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Holiday Safety Ideas with Jim Bigelow & John Bucanan [video]

Holiday Safety Ideas with Jim Bigelow & John Bucanan. Check out the YouTube video below as they share some good ideas to potentially save your holiday.

http://www.jimbigelow.com

Video Link Here!

Jim Bigelow & John Bucanan on ATV Insurance Coverage [video]

Jim Bigelow & John Bucanan ATV insurance at home and away coverage. Comeback every week for more videos on Tulsa real Estate and Insurance.

For more info contact
Jim Bigelow Group 918-640-4657 Jim@jimbigelow.com

John Buchanan – 918-693-8820

Lindsey Bigelow & John Buchanan on Investment Properties [video]

Lindsey Bigelow Realtor and John Buchanan Insurance expert discuss insurance on investment properties.

For more expert advice please contact:

Lindsey Bigelow – 918-269-7652
John Buchanan – 918-693-8820

*For info on the Jim Stovall Speaking Event in Tulsa please contact John at 918-693-8820

Jim Bigelow & John Bucanan on Roof Insurance [Video]

In this video Jim Bigelow & John Bucanan talk about the importance of roof replacement Insurance. Check back every week for more real estate and insurance insight from Jim Bigelow & John Bucanan.

Flood Insurance Video by Jim Bigelow & John Buchanan

Check out this recently uploaded video about Flood Insurance by Jim Bigelow & John Buchanan

More videos by Jim Bigelow here

First Time Homebuyer Program thru Community Action Project

First Time Homebuyer Program thru Community Action Project

Community Action Program (CAP) has executed a contract with the City. This means that eligible buyers are able to utilize CAP funds for down payment assistance and closing cost up to 5% of the contract sales price not to exceed $5000.00.

To qualify for the down payment assistance/closing cost the homebuyer must complete the Homebuyer Education Class which covers budgeting and money management. This seminar is held on specifically schedule Saturdays.

For More information please contact me direct!

Heather Jobe 918-698-8938
hjobe@firstmortgageco.com
Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for down payment/closing cost assistance up to 5% of the contract sales price up to $5000.

• Complete CAP’s Homebuyer Education Program
• Purchase a home in Tulsa, Creek, Wagoner (Broken Arrow side) or Osage county as your primary residence
• Qualify for bank financing to purchase your new home
• Have a total annual household income that does not exceed the following guidelines:

Are You Paying Too Much for Insurance?

John and I discuss the importance of talking with your insurance agent to discuss your coverage once a year. Your insurance agent should be someone who you get along with and can easily communicate with. We want you to get the most for your money. If you have any questions email me at jim@jimbigelow.com or John at john.buchanan@countryfinacial.com.

Tips To Avoid Mishaps on a Mortgage Application

Tip 1: Try not to move cash around.

During the loan application process, your First Home Mortgage loan experts will have to verify all the income and assets listed as part of your application. Moving these assets around can create a paper trail nightmare. The best advice is to leave everything where it is and discuss any changes you wish to make with First Home Mortgage Loan Officer.

Tip 2: Document large deposits.

Your First Home Mortgage Loan Officer will have to verify all sources of funds for the transaction. We’ll be looking at any large deposits into your asset accounts (checking, savings, money market, etc.). You should be prepared to document all sources — perhaps a copy of a paycheck, bonus check, money from the sale of an asset, etc.

Tip 3: Selling something?

If you’re selling a large asset, such as a car, antique, baseball card collection to come up with the cash for closing, please document the sale. Keep everything, including the check the buyer gives you, car title or a bill of sale. Sometimes you’ll even need to get a certified appraisal of the item. Talk to your First Home Mortgage Loan Officer if you have questions.

Tip 4: Document gifts appropriately

Large cash gifts from relatives are very common when purchasing a home. If you are anticipating receiving a cash gift from a relative toward the purchase of your home, please notify your First Home Mortgage Loan Officer. Also refer to the Gift Letter form found in the First Home Mortgage document library.

Tip 5: Save everything!

Become a paper hound. Keep all of your bank statements, pay stubs, tax returns, along with any W-2s, 1099s or K-1s and any other financial papers from the past two years in a handy place. If you sold a home in the past two years, have your (HUD-1) Settlement Sheet handy. Try to create a file where you can consolidate all of your financial paperwork for easy access. When in doubt, just pop it in the folder. You never know when you may have to produce an item that you did not expect.

Tip 6: Avoid new lines of credit

It is a good idea to avoid any new sources of credit as it will materially change your credit report. Additionally, if you’re planning to pay off major credit debt before closing, hold off until you’ve spoken to your First Home Mortgage Loan Officer. We may be able to pay off those debts at closing without affecting the application process.

Tip 7: Review your credit report

The best way to get a jump start on your mortgage application process is to know what your creditors are saying about you. Request a free credit review with your First Home Mortgage loan officer.

Tip 8: Tell us about a new job

Making a career move? Make sure your First Home Mortgage Loan Officer knows about it as soon as possible so that we can ensure all appropriate changes are made to the loan application.

Exclusive Offer: Job Loss Protection Program

We at the Jim Bigelow Group realize that times are hard and that many homeowners are facing layoffs. That is why we, with Coldwell Banker Select, are the only company in Oklahoma that are offering a Job Loss Protection Program, that will pay your mortgage for up to six months if you involuntarily lose your job. Below is the official press release that outlines the plan. If you have any questions regarding this program please email me at jim@jimbigelow.com.

August 3, 2009 :: Tulsa, OK- The Jim Bigelow Group, part of Coldwell Banker Select, , is the only company in Oklahoma offering the Rainy Day Foundation’s Homeowner Education and Loan Protection service (HELP), which is designed to assist homeowners with their mortgage in the event that they lose their employment. This mortgage protection program will enable homeowners to have security in an economically turbulent time. Coldwell Banker Select, specifically the Jim Bigelow Group, is the only company in Oklahoma offering this Job Loss Protection Program.

In the current economic environment many Americans are concerned with job stability and how they are going to make their mortgage payments if they lose their job. The unemployment coverage included in the Rainy Day Foundation’s HELP service assists in keeping homeowners current on their mortgage payments each month so homeowners can minimize their financial stress while they are looking for a job. The Mortgage Protection Program is designed to provide up to six months of mortgage payment if the borrower becomes involuntarily unemployed. The enrollment process is easy and can cover up to $1800 per month.

When asked about his enthusiasm for the program, Bigelow stated, “We want to ensure that the homeowners that buy with us are taken care of.”

About the Bigelow Group:
The Jim Bigelow Group is a leading Tulsa real estate group that serves the greater Tulsa metropolitan area. Their marketing ensures maximum exposure to the homes listed. For Tulsa home buyers, they will help you to locate exactly the home that fits all your criteria and needs.

What are the Differences Between Home Insurance and Home Warranties?

This week we discuss the differences between home warranties and home insurance. Home Warranties are not insurance, but rather a package that you can get to take care of defects in your home. Home insurance is for catastrophic events such as robberies or natural disasters. If you have any questions email me at jim@jimbigelow.com or John at john.buchanan@countryfinancial.com.

Credit Scores & Credit Reports- Things That Hurt and Things That Help

Ever wondered exactly how the credit reports and credit scores could effect you? Here is a simplified breakdown of what can help you and hurt you regarding your credit.

Credit Score Model
• Scores are Somewhat Counter Intuitive
• 30% of your score is based on Balance to Limits
-Individually & Cumulatively
-Balances normally reported at month End.
• Closing Accounts could hurt credit scores
• Recent Negative Information could be Damaging
-Paying off 5 year old charge off becomes recent and could damage credit rating.

What Can Consumers Do?
• Keep balances low to credit limits
• Some credit issuers don’t issue limits
-Dispute all bureaus to get issuer to report
• Monthly accounts like American Express will demonstrate high balance over time
• Review person credit reports regularly

Annual Credit Reports
• New Federal law provides for annual credit reports
-www.annualcreditreports.com
-Available Annually, Quarterly

Rapid Re-Score
• Independent Credit Re-sellers can provide updated scores based on corrected information
• Most re-sellers part of NCRA or National Credit Reporting Association www.ncra.org
• Potential increases 20-100 points
• Cost ranges from $75 to several hundred dollars based on trade lines involved

Identity Theft
• Identity Theft is the fastest growing While Color Crime
• Can drive scores from 700+ to 580
• It is time consuming to resolve
• Cost incurred can be extensive
• Check your credit report regularly
• Be aware of inquires from Out of the Area
• Dispute with Grantor immediately and file a fraud alert , police report or fraud affidavit
• You may have to file suit to get the identify theft resolved

What about Inquiries
• You can shop for 45 days with a hard inquiry, Mortgage, Auto, etc
• Inquiries pulled from consumer do not count against you

Who else wants to know your Score?
• Employers view credit reports as inexpensive background checks
• Insurance Industry- if under financial stress you may be more prone to cause loss for insurance company- increase rates
• Mortgage Insurance Premiums can be impacted by scores, positively or negatively

Take Advantage of the First Time Homebuyer’s Tax Credit!

Now is the time to take advantage of the first time homebuyer’s tax credit. Check out this video to learn more on how to take advantage of this opportunity. If you have any questions please email me at lindsey@jimbigelow.com.

What Should be Covered Under My Liability Insurance?

John and I discuss the importance of having liability insurance. It is important to protect your valuables as well as be able to protect yourself if for some reason there was an accident on your property. Check out the video to learn some tips about what should be included when you are setting up your liability insurance. If you have any questions email me at jim@jimbigelow.com or John at john.buchanan@countryfinancial.com.

Does it Still Make Sense to Buy versus Rent?

Nearly a full third of households are still renting. If you’re one of them, you could be paying a hefty price.
Before talking about purchasing a house, it’s important to note two things. First—and this is extremely important—the housing market is actually localized. So the outlook in your hometown may be different than another city across the state or on the other side of the country. Second, home prices are tied to employment. For example, if someone feels like their job is in jeopardy, it might be enough to stop them from making a move. So, if your local job market is feeling a pinch, the home prices in your area may be down as well.

But with all those factors under consideration, it still makes sense to buy instead of rent. In fact, renting may be costing you a bundle.

Let’s look at an example…

If you are paying rent at $1,500 per month and your landlord increases your payment by a modest 5% each year, you would wind up paying just about $100,000 over a 5-year period! Worse yet, after forking over $100,000, you still would have nothing to show for it.

And speaking of having nothing to show for it, how about any improvements you might make to a rental property? It’s not uncommon for renters to freshen up the paint, install new light fixtures or plant some nice flowers outside. But guess what… all your efforts, labor and the benefit of that improvement belong to the landlord, not to you.

With convenient down payment options still available for qualified buyers, affordable home prices and low interest rates, the very same money could have been used towards home ownership.

Even using a standard 30-year fixed program, a mortgage of $300,000 could be obtained with a total monthly mortgage payment—including property taxes and insurance—of around $2,200. Assuming a 25% tax bracket, this would be equivalent to the average amount spent on rent during the same period after your tax benefit.

And the benefits of home ownership are quite considerable. Because the mortgage is being paid down each month, equity is being built. After 5-years, the $300,000 mortgage could be reduced to $279,000, adding $21,000 to your net worth!

Visit www.irs.gov and use the IRS withholding calculator. This very handy tool can quickly show you the impact that a change in withholding will do to your net paycheck. Remember to balance this with the expected refund and it is always a good idea to check with your tax advisor.

Should I buy down my Mortgage Rate?

Interest rates are constantly in flux. In fact, the interest rates will likely change between the time you start your mortgage application and the time you are approved.

Locking the interest rate does not become in effect until you have property and contract.
First you need to understand how mortgage rates are priced.

1. The longer out you lock a rate the higher the rate. You will have a higher rate if you lock for 45 days out vs. 30 days out. Make sure if you lock on a 30 day you can close by that time otherwise the rate will have to be extended and additional fees apply.

2. Most buyers should be asking what current rates are WITHOUT any points. This means you don’t want to pay anything to get that rate and you are not buying down the rate. It is also known as PAR pricing.

3. You may decide to buy down the rate to get a lower rate. Have your lender run a good faith estimate for you both ways (buying the rate down and not buying the rate down). Although a lower rate always sounds more appealing it is not always the best option.

4. You need to decide how long you plan to stay in the new residence. For example, if you plan to stay in the new property a maximum of 5 years then it may not be worth buying the interest rate lower. You may not recoup the expense of buying the rate lower.

5. Ask if you lender has a float down option. This means you can lock and if rates go lower do you have an option to get a lower rate prior to closing. Most of these options require an charge up front and some are refundable and some are not. Ask questions.

Roof Inspection

This week we discuss roof inspection in regards to insurance. John recommends that you might want to check the roof of a house that you are considering buying for two layers of shingles. He suggests reasons for why the double of layer of shingles could be a problem. If you have any questions with regards to housing or insurance email me at Jim@jimbigelow.com or John at john.buchanan@countryfinancial.com.

What is the Mortgage Application Process???

Before applying for a loan, you should check the current interest rates, you may want to review your credit report for accuracy, and begin shopping for a lender. When, comparing Mortgage Lenders, consider such factors as lock-in policies, fees and loan options.

Comparing Interest Rates:

Interest rates are constantly in flux. In fact, the interest rates will likely change between the time you start your mortgage application and the time you are approved. Even so, it’s wise to compare the rates offered by different lenders before you apply for your mortgage.

Filling Out the Mortgage Application:

After you’ve chosen a mortgage lender or mortgage broker, you’ll fill out the mortgage application. Be sure to complete the application honestly and completely. If you inadvertently (or intentionally) put false information on your mortgage application, it could seriously hurt your chances of getting approved.
Take your time when filling out the paperwork, and be sure to get all your questions answered by the mortgage lender.

Providing Mortgage Documents:

During the mortgage loan application process, you will be asked to provide a variety of documents to the mortgage lender. Always ask the lender whether or not they need the original document. If they need the original, be sure to copy each document for your own records when you apply for a mortgage.

Mortgage Approval With Conditions:

In most cases, mortgage approval comes with certain conditions. These conditions may include a satisfactory appraisal, termite inspection, etc. Ask your lender what conditions and requirements you need to meet, and be aggressive about completing them on time.

Making Changes to Your Application:

If anything significant changes during your mortgage application process (changing jobs, marital status, etc.), tell your lender as soon as possible. On closing day, you will be certifying that no significant changes have occurred, so it’s important to address changes as they arise.

Conclusion:

Keep in mind that everyone wants you to be approved for the mortgage loan as much as you do. It’s in everyone’s interest to see the process through to successful completion. Be honest and helpful, and things will work out in the end.

Thankful for Our Independence

This week we review our holiday weekends and give thanks to our troops. We are thankful for everyone who has ever fought for our country. In light of the celebration we discuss special insurance needs with regards to fireworks. If you have any questions about insurance be sure to email me at jim@jimbigelow.com or John at john.buchanan@countryfinancial.com.

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