Spark Your Creativity

So, you have decided that you want to change things in your business and your life.

You feel that you are stuck in a rut and just can’t seem to get out of it.

You sit down to write social media posts and can’t think of anything to say.

Your real estate business is going nowhere and you realize that you have to change the way you are doing business.

Or, you’ve reached a pinnacle of success and now you want more.

That’s where creativity is your friend.

Here’s the thing — we constantly hear about artists who have a “natural talent.” In reality, talent has little to do with it.

Creativity is a skill, just like playing baseball. It can be developed. It takes practice.

So, if you’d like to “learn” how to become more creative when it comes to your business, social media or marketing strategies, here are nine ways (that the experts suggest) to jump start your creativity.

1. Doodle – In the book The Doodle Revolution, Suni Brown says that people like Henry Ford and Steve Jobs used this method. It can activate unique neurological and cognitive breakthroughs. Try it for 10 minutes and see what happens.
2. Sign Up for Something You’ve Never Done Before – Push yourself outside your comfort zone. Sign up for an adult education class. Try painting, pottery or something artistic in nature. This is the “practice” part of the equation.
3. Create an Environment – It’s all about location! Leave your office. Go to Starbucks or a park. Or close the door with a Do not Disturb sign. The goal is to create a place where you feel relaxed or stimulated — but with no distractions and no judgmental comments from others.
4. Move Your Body – Go for a walk. A hike. It’s been shown that physical movement has a positive effect on creative thinking.
5. Use a Notebook – Carry it with you wherever you go. When an idea pops into your head, write it down—and don’t judge it. Some of your ideas will not see the light of day. Others may not work “right now.” Review what you have written every 30 days and you’ll be surprised that some of your ideas can actually be implemented.
6. Keep Toys on Your Desk/Drawer – Think Lincoln Logs, Legos, Rubik’s Cube. Do something creative with your hands and mind.
7. Practice Writing – Short stories. Fiction. Real-life scenarios. Only 100 words, but with a beginning, middle and end to the story.
8. Take the 30-Circle Test – Draw 30 circles on a piece of paper and, in one minute, adapt as many circles as you can into objects. One circle could become the sun. Another could be an apple. Take quantity over quality. Here’s a link to a TED talk by Tim Brown and download a PDF with the circles already drawn for you.
9. Role Play – Even if you already know or feel what something else is thinking, physically role-play situations where you place yourself in the role of “your clients” and have someone ask you questions or make a presentation to you. It’s like producing your own “play.” Note how YOU react to being the client instead of the real estate guru.

So, what do you do to get into a creative mood?

 

Based in Folsom, California, Sierra Pacific Mortgage has 144 offices nationwide. The Easterbrook Team at Sierra Pacific is associated with the #1 office in the nation for SPMC for 2015.  We want to thank you so much for the support.  Come by and visit our office at 806 Bidwell Street in Folsom.  Keep the loans coming and we’ll keep closing them at lightning speed with a positive,

Winners and Losers

It’s an election year and the Fed would love to deliver on their promise to raise interest rates even higher.  A lot of folks would stand to gain with a rising dollar (banks, corporate investors, and life insurance companies), but some folks are going to get hit hard by the Fed’s move to raise rates (the Euro, gold, and oil).  This is a good article that explains the delicate balance the Fed has to strike to grow our economy (CLICK HERE).

 

Some are very critical of the Fed, saying that they are retreating from their monetary policies – that they are freaking out right now because the markets aren’t reacting the way they want – unemployment has not improved, oil prices are very low, and European and Asian markets are weak (CLICK HERE).  In fact Japan shocked the world when they lowered their cost of funds rate to a negative number - .1%.  That means that they’re lending money to banks at a loss to stimulate their economy – OUCH!  (CLICK HERE).

 

But HERE in the good ol’ USA, things aren’t that bad on the housing front.  We have more demand than supply and rates should stay low through Spring and some predict longer (CLICK HERE) – YOU’RE A WINNER!!! (if you are connected to real estate in any way).

Check out OUR rates, we’ve got some of the best in town!

Based in Folsom, California, Sierra Pacific Mortgage has 112 offices nationwide. The Easterbrook Team at Sierra Pacific is associated with the #1 office in the nation for SPMC for 2015.  We want to thank you so much for the support.  Come by and visit our office at 806 Bidwell Street in Folsom.  Keep the loans coming and we’ll keep closing them at lightning speed with a positive, smooth, and transparent experience.  Call us at (916) 850-6050.    

Yikes! 6 Reasons Home Deals Can Go Straight to Hell

You fell deeply in love with an updated Victorian, knocked a few grand off the asking price, and maybe even bought a spiffy camelback sofa for your new living room. Sweet! Still, until you close and the keys are in hand, there’s a sliver of dread in your mind: What if your dream of homeownership falls apart at the last minute?
This possibility does exist: A survey by the National Association of Realtors® found that 1 in 16 home deals falls through. Here, Realtors® explain why it happens—so you, dear home buyer, can learn how to keep these curveballs from crashing into your dreams.

Reason No. 1: A change in credit score

Credit scores can fluctuate between loan approval and closing. Just one missed bill payment could lower your FICO score and increase your mortgage payment, or even make you ineligible for the mortgage.




To Continue Reading this Article Click Here!




To discuss your home buying needs please contact The Easterbrook Team Today!
John Easterbrook-916.224.7653
Patty Aguon-916.833.5063
EasterbrookTeam@spmc.com

Here's a Freebie on Us!

We are currently offering an amazing co-branded (that’s you and us) product that is easy to share and completely free to our Realtor friends and your clients.  You can co-brand with us, easily share the information on social media with one click, or just use it to help your borrowers make informed decisions about the market and when to lock.  Information is always a good thing.  For a preview, CLICK HERE.  Just call us at (916) 850-6050 and we’ll do the rest. 

An old-school tactic to take your real estate game to the next level

You had everything set up perfectly. Light music played throughout the house and trays of hors d’oeuvres were set strategically next to chilled bottles of white wine to compliment the occasion.

The ad listings you put up online were thoughtful and succinct. But at the end of the day, no one showed up. No leads on the sale, and now you’ve just got a lot of nice cheese in your fridge. You ask yourself: What happened here?
Chances are if you’ve sold homes before, this has happened to you at least once.
Even if the housing market you’re trying to sell in is pretty hot, getting the word out about a property can be tough. Listing websites can get cluttered with dozens of listings in a neighborhood — many of which are paid promotions — and unless your house stands out, it can easily get lost in the fuss.


To Read The Entire Article Please Click Here!


To discuss your home buying options or refinance needs call The Easterbrook Team at 916-850-6050.

Based in Folsom, California, Sierra Pacific Mortgage has 144 offices nationwide. The Easterbrook Team at Sierra Pacific is associated with the #1 office in the nation for SPMC for the 3^rd month in a row!  We want to thank you so much for the support.  Come by and visit our office at 806 Bidwell Street in Folsom.  Keep the loans coming and we’ll keep closing them at lightning speed with a positive, smooth, and transparent experience.  We are TRID ready! 

The Federal Open Market Committee Leaves Key Interest Rate Unchanged

It was a 9-1 vote
They down played global weakness, which was one of the main reasons for skipping a rate hike in Sept
They cited a slowdown in the labor market and that measures of inflation are below their target rate.
They said the economy continues to grow at a "moderate" pace.
This is statement was artfully crafted to leave the door open for a December rate hike but did not telegraph one.






Now is the time to refinance or purchase a home or second home.  Call The Easterbrook Team Today!


916-850-6050 easterbrookteam@spmc.com


John Easterbrook NMLS #226555
916-224-7653


Patty Aguon NMLS# 994635
916-833-5063

5 Things to Consider When You Move to a New City

Moving can be an exciting opportunity to experience new things, but it’s a good idea to look into some details about your potential new city before calling it home. Many cities have very different price tags—from international capitals such as Prague to London and even between those in the same state such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. So what does cost of living really mean? What else will affect your future if and when you move to a new place? Check out some of the factors you need to consider when comparing city experiences.

1. Cost of housing

Apartment and home costs can vary significantly, and some cities are friendlier to renters. If you are thinking about buying a home and getting a mortgage in your new location, it’s important to look at what other homes are going for and what they have to offer. (You can calculate how much house you can afford.) Your credit score is a major factor in the interest rate you’ll be approved for on the loan, so be sure to keep an eye on your credit in the months before applying. You can check your credit scores for free every month on Credit.com.

2. Basic needs

Housing is often the biggest, but not the only, expense you will face in your new city. The price of basic utilities, health care, and even groceries can vary greatly between places. Some goods are also more or less available depending on where you are located. Finally, it’s important to factor in the cost of transportation. Is there public transit? Can you walk to work? Do you need a car? This can make a big difference in your monthly costs.

To see the next three reasons click here!

Based in Folsom, California, Sierra Pacific Mortgage has 144 offices nationwide. The Easterbrook Team at Sierra Pacific is associated with the #1 office in the nation for SPMC for the 3^rd month in a row!  We want to thank you so much for the support.  Come by and visit our office at 806 Bidwell Street in Folsom.   


Call us today! 916-850-6050 or email: easterbrookteam@spmc.com


John Easterbrook-NMLS 226555  Patty Aguon-NMLS 994635

How to Improve Your Cellphone Signal at Home

It’s not just fancy new high-rises that can have spotty cellphone service. Dropped calls and slow data can be caused by everything from the construction materials used in a building to topographical obstructions like hills or mountains. Here are some ways to improve cellphone reception, whether you live in the basement of a brownstone, in a penthouse of a prewar apartment building or in a house deep in the country.

Get a Personal Cell Site

If your cellphone doesn’t work inside your home or even when you step outside the building to make a call, you might consider a femtocell. Often described as a mini base station, this small wireless device connects to your carrier’s network via your home’s broadband connection, enabling you to make calls and send data, usually between 3,000 and 5,000 square feet from where it is placed. Devices like AT&T’s MicroCell and Verizon’s Network Extender cost between $150 and $250.

Use Wi-Fi

If you have access to Wi-Fi, you can make calls and send text over the Internet using apps like Viber and Skype at no charge, so long as the person you are calling or messaging also has downloaded the service. T-Mobile, AT&T and Sprint also support Wi-Fi calling.

To Read Even More Tips Click Here!

Based in Folsom, California, Sierra Pacific Mortgage has 144 offices nationwide. The Easterbrook Team (John Easterbrook, Patty Aguon, Lorae Oliver, and Kelly Mickelson) at Sierra Pacific Mortgage Corporation is associated with the #1 office in the nation for SPMC for the 3^rd month in a row!  We want to thank you so much for the support.  Come by and visit our office at 806 Bidwell Street in Folsom or call (916) 850-6050.

Is It Time to Downsize? Ask Yourself These 4 Questions First

When is the right time to “rightsize” to a home that’s better suited to your needs? Well, if you’re in the 60+ crowd (or have a parent in that demo), there are plenty of things that can go into that decision. Maybe you’re finding yourself in a (more or less) empty nest. Maybe you want to (finally!) get serious about retirement planning. Maybe all that maintenance on your current home is more than you can or want to handle. Or, heck, maybe you just want to simplify your life.
Whatever the scenario, you’ll find that you have plenty of company. The U.S. Census Bureau’s population projections forecast that the number of Americans aged 65 and older will more than double by 2030, increasing from 35 million in 2010 to an estimated 72 million.
Of course, getting older doesn’t mean you have to slow down or compromise on the lifestyle you want. It just means you have to make informed, calculated decisions on how best to achieve it. And that’s especially true when it comes to homeownership.
So if you’re thinking about downsizing, ask yourself these questions first:

Q: What kind of lifestyle do I want after I downsize?

For some folks, it’s a matter of living a simpler life focused on family. Some might want to cross off travel destinations on their bucket lists. Some might want a low-maintenance community with high-end upgrades and social events. Decide what you want to achieve from your move first, and you’ll be able to better narrow down your housing options.
Alex Haigh, a Realtor® with Illustrated Properties in Stuart, FL, says most folks come to South Florida for the warmer weather and amenities, and he’s seeing more seniors who are still working—because they enjoy it or want to have an extra cushion in their budgets.
Debra Whitfield, a Realtor in Charleston, SC, who specializes in working with seniors, sees her older clients making two types of moves.
“The first move are retirees looking to enjoy their freedom, so they come down to Charleston to find active adult communities where they meet like-minded people that they can befriend easily,” Whitfield says. “The second comes after retirees have enjoyed their freedom for 10 years or so and they decide to move one last time to live closer to family to have the physical, emotional, and spiritual support they need.”

———

Q: What should my buying budget look like? 

If you’re planning to retire soon or have already entered those coveted golden years, you’ll likely be on a fixed income. Downsizing might net you a decent profit, especially if the home you’re buying next costs considerably less than the one you’re selling. Consider other expenses as you age: medical bills, health and life insurance, travel, estate planning, final expenses, and home maintenance. The common rule of thumb: Spend no more than 30% of your monthly income on housing. But in theory, it should be a lot less if you’re downsizing.






To Read This Entire Article Please Click Here!




To discuss your home buying options please give us a call at 916-850-6050. 


The Easterbrook Team with Sierra Pacific Mortgage
806 Bidwell Street
Folsom, CA 95630


John Easterbrook NMLS#226555
916-224-7653
easterbrookteam@spmc.com


Patty Aguon NMLS#994635
916-833-5063
easterbrookteam@spmc.com

The Six Most Common Open House Mistakes

One of the key factors to a successful career in real estate is hosting successful open houses. They provide an opportunity to expose buyers to homes, grow your client database and expand your business. However, many agents make crucial mistakes when conducting these events. To learn more about the worst kinds of errors, we spoke with two experienced agents, Frank Montro of Frank Montro Homes and Connie Tomlinson of Realty Executives.
1. Not Reaching Out to Potential Clients One of the most common mistakes real estate agents make at open houses is thinking that success means just selling the house. With dozens of people walking through the home, connecting with potential future clients is often more important than trying to close a deal on the house. “Most people don’t walk into an open house and whip out their checkbooks,” say Montro. “Real estate isn’t a transaction business; real estate is a relationship business. You’re looking to meet that one person who gives you four or five referrals. If you sell a house, and you do not get two, three, four, five referrals out of it, then you’re not selling. You’re just handling a transaction.” Tomlinson agrees, adding that the people walking through could serve as free advertising. “If you get multiple buyers through who show interest, they could spread the word that it’s a great house, and get that exposure out there.”
2. Doing Minimal Cleaning Cleanliness is paramount. But that doesn’t just mean wiping down the counters. The front lawn, the first thing potential buyers will see, should be trimmed and mowed so that people are excited to walk in. Indoors, everything should be spotless. “It’s amazing how important it is to have a clean house,” says Montro. “Nothing turns somebody off faster than to walk into a house that’s dirty.” Buyers have sharp eyes, so do not forget to double-check the nooks and crannies where dust or dirt might have built up. A solid understanding of the house will help with this, says Tomlinson. “You need to know the house, and go through the house ahead of time.” - See more at: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/the-six-most-common-open-house-mistakes/#sthash.eo838ZKp.dpuf




To have a superior recommendation for a listing or buying agent please give The Easterbrook Team a call! 


The Easterbrook Team
916-850-6050
Easterbrookteam@spmc.com


John Easterbrook-NMLS# 226555


Patty Aguon-NMLS#994635

5 tips to protect sellers’ homes during a showing

With strangers wandering through the house, these precautions will make your sellers feel more comfortable


Takeaways:

• Encourage the sellers to hide any valuables during a showing, including medication.
• Hide personal photos that show the homeowners’ faces.
• Make sure the sellers lock all doors except for the primary entrance where visitors will be entering.

There is a lot that goes into selling a home, and many homeowners often feel overwhelmed throughout the process. As a real estate agent, it’s your responsibility to make them feel at ease.
Homeowners might feel concerned about leaving their home during a showing — and rightfully so. Depending on the showing, there could be hundreds of strangers walking in and out of their home.
It’s easy to get caught up in making a home look perfect for a showing, but it is just as important to help clients keep their belongings safe while their home is on the market. There are things that both the agent and homeowners can do to stay safe.


It’s vital to help clients keep their belongings safe while the home is on the market.


To Read The Entire 5 Reasons in Detail Please Click Here!






To discuss your home buying options or refinance needs call The Easterbrook Team!
916-850-6050* 806 Bidwell Street Folsom, CA 95630*Sierra Pacific Mortgage


John Easterbrook-NMLS# 226555-916-224-7653
Patty Aguon-NMLS#994635-916-833-5063


EasterbrookTeam@spmc.com

CalHFA Changes & Updates

Based in Folsom, California, Sierra Pacific Mortgage has 144 offices nationwide. The Easterbrook Team (John Easterbrook, Patty Aguon, Lorae Oliver, and Kelly Mickelson) at Sierra Pacific Mortgage Corporation is associated with the #1 office in the nation for SPMC for the 3^rd month in a row!  We want to thank you so much for the support.  Come by and visit our office at 806 Bidwell Street in Folsom or call (916) 850-6050.

Communication with an Appraiser

Dos and Don'ts of Appraiser Communication

Forget the rumors that you have to keep silent. But that doesn’t mean your communications still can’t get you in trouble.

Real estate professionals and appraisers both play an essential role in the process of buying or selling a home. It is critical that these two parties work together to ensure that an appraiser provides an independent, impartial, and objective opinion of value that accurately reflects the marketplace. However, we often hear from brokers and agents that they’re unaware of how much interaction they may have with an appraiser, what they’re allowed to say, and what information they can provide. Some incorrectly believe that they are prohibited from speaking to an appraiser at all

To Read This Entire Article, Please Click Here!

The Easterbrook Team with Sierra Pacific Mortgage Company

John Easterbrook & Patty Aguon

NMLS#-226555 & 994635

806 Bidwell Street

Folsom, CA 95630

916-850-6050

EasterbrookTeam@spmc.com

The Short List: The 4 Things Agents Need to Know about Millennial Renters

We’ve all heard it – “the Millennial renters will soon make the leap to purchases.” The real question, though, is “when will these renters take that step?” How can we separate long-term renters from short-term renters?
From leasing over 220 apartments in 2015 to working with a management company owning 2,000+ units, we’ve noticed a trend – Millennial renters coming to the realization that the dream of owning may be a bit further than they had initially thought.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled a short list of four important elements of Millennial renters, which can help agents prospect and convert renters to buyers.
4. Millennial renters are worried about rent renewal increases. As many renters are aware, landlords often increase rent year over year. When signing a lease with potential tenants, the question of “how much will my rent increase next year?” seems to be the main concern for many Millennial renters. This year more than ever, our tenants have placed an emphasis on staying in their current apartment until they can afford to purchase or are moving to another apartment.
Renters are looking forward with the mindset of how will rent increases impact their ability to purchase in the near future. If rent increases, their first choice is to look on Craigslist for roommates to bring down expenses or move to another apartment in a slightly cheaper neighborhood. With social media playing a significant role, it is even easier to find sublets & roommates.
Not only do renters worry about rent increases – they also worry about job security and salary. Millennials starting a new career do not have the salary necessary to purchase or enough money saved for a down payment. Top that with student debt, medical bills and roommates, and you have yourself a recipe for a longer-term renter.


To read the top 3 reasons click below.
- See more at: https://chicagoagentmagazine.com/the-short-list-the-4-things-agents-need-to-know-about-millennial-renters/#sthash.4wVizW9e.dpuf


To discuss becoming a homeowner and or refinancing your loan today give The Easterbrook Team a call at 916-850-6050 or e-mail: easterbrookteam@spmc.com

How to Score a Deal on a Home After School Starts

Wow, is it back to school time already? Not a moment too soon! Parents everywhere are high-fiving as their kids finally return to classes. (And can you really blame them?)
But with summer sputtering to a close, parents aren’t the only ones who should be celebrating. Would-be home buyers, rejoice! If you’re looking for a good deal on the right home, now is your time.
Maybe you thought spring and summer were the prime time for buying. Truth is, the end of summer has some distinct advantages for home buyers who aren’t tied to the academic calendar.
So, with the kiddos back in school, you might be able to swoop in and score a deal. Here are four ways to make it happen.


1. Stop procrastinating and get started
2. Ask for concessions, but stay flexible
3. Take your time
4. Research comps—and be ready with the right offer


To Read This Entire Article Click Here!




To Discuss Your Home Buying Options

Easterbrook Team with Sierra Pacific Mortgage

John Easterbrook (NMLS#226555) and Patty Aguon (NMLS#994635) can both be reached at

(916) 850-6050.  We can also be emailed at easterbrookteam@spmc.com. 

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Do You Have Lender Paid Mortgage Insurance?

Mortgage Insurance vs. LPMI

 

Do You Have Lender Paid Mortgage Insurance?

 

When purchasing a home with a loan, in addition to this being a great idea, you are required to have homeowner’s insurance (sometimes called fire insurance or hazard insurance).  Contact your Insurance Agent to provide you with that type of coverage. When your loan to value is over 80% on your loan, mortgage insurance is typically required. 

 

Mortgage insurance is entirely different from other types of insurance in that it covers the lender against a loss.  There are several factors that determine the cost of mortgage insurance – FICO score, loan to value, and loan type.  The standard option for most buyers is monthly mortgage insurance.  There is, however, another excellent money saving option – Lender Paid Mortgage Insurance (or LPMI).

 

LPMI is paid by the lender by slightly increasing the rate.  Typically, the higher the buyer’s FICO score, the lower the cost of the LPMI.  Unlike most lenders that offer LPMI, Sierra Pacific Mortgage offers savings for borrowers beyond 740 FICOs.  If you are a higher FICO buyer requiring or currently having to pay mortgage insurance, then call us for a comparison—you’ll probably be able to save some money.

 

On a $400K purchase at 95% loan to value, the typical buyer with a 740 FICO will save over $135 per month over traditional monthly mortgage insurance.  In addition, LPMI may allow them to buy more house! 

 

Another benefit of LPMI is for borrowers that want to refinance out of their monthly mortgage insurance, but don’t have the 20% yet in equity to remove it.  LPMI bridges the gap to entirely remove the mortgage insurance up to 95% loan to value. 

 

As home loan interest is typically tax deductible and mortgage insurance is currently not, LPMI may provide additional tax savings too. Confirm with your tax professional.

 

For LPMI or other mortgage questions, call the Easterbrook Team at Sierra Pacific Mortgage.  John Easterbrook (NMLS#226555) and Patty Aguon (NMLS#994635) can both be reached at (916) 850-6050.  We can also be emailed at easterbrookteam@spmc.com. 

Any Benefit of Weekly Home Mortgage Payments?

A bi-weekly schedule beats a monthly one in terms of shortening the term of a home mortgage. Weekly payments, however, make little difference.


Typical borrowers make their mortgage payments monthly. Some, however, make bi-weekly payments to reduce the term of their loans. Could weekly mortgage payments speed the payoff even further?
The answer in some cases is yes—but usually not much more than with bi-weekly plans.
Converting to any schedule that increases payment frequency reduces the principal loan amount faster, resulting in less interest owed and a shorter mortgage term, says Jack Guttentag, professor emeritus of finance at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The biggest benefit of weekly payments, however, is not cost savings, but convenience for people who are paid weekly and like to handle bills accordingly, he adds.


To View This Entire Article Please Click Here




To discuss your monthly payments and how you can reduce your monthly payment through refinancing and be able to afford increased payments call us today. 









The Easterbrook Team with Sierra Pacific Mortgage
806 Bidwell Street
Folsom, CA 95630
916-850-6050
EasterbrookTeam@spmc.com


John Easterbrook
NMLS# 226555
916-224-7653
John.Easterbrook@spmc.com


Patty Aguon
NMLS# 994635
916-833-5063
Patty.Aguon@spmc.com

Good news: Homeowners spend like it's 2006

U.S. housing is finally lifting itself off the mat.

The latest evidence came from Home Depot (HD). The world's largest home improvement retailer on Tuesday revealed it experienced a record number of transactions in the last three months. On average, shoppers spent more than at any point since 2006 and sales at stores open for a year or more jumped 6%.


To Read This Entire Article Please Click Here!




Contact The Easterbrook Team Today for Your Home Loan Needs


John Easterbrook
NMLS#226555
916-224-7653
John.Easterbrook@spmc.com


Patty Aguon
NMLS# 994635
916-833-5063
Patty.Aguon@spmc.com


The Easterbrook Team
806 Bidwell Street
Folsom, CA 95630
916-850-6050
Easterbrookteam@spmc.com

More millennials stuck renting for years before buying home

WASHINGTON

Home ownership, that celebrated hallmark of the American dream, is increasingly on hold for younger Americans.
Short of cash, burdened by student debt and unsettled in their careers, young adults are biding time in apartments for longer periods and buying their first homes later in life.

The typical first-timer now rents for six years before buying, up from 2.6 years in the early 1970s, according to a new analysis by the real estate data firm Zillow. The median first-time buyer is age 33 — in the upper range of the millennial generation, which roughly spans ages 18 to 34. A generation ago, the median first-timer was about three years younger.
The delay reflects a trend that cuts to the heart of the financial challenges facing millennials: Renters are struggling to save for down payments as wages have largely stagnated. Increasingly, too, they're facing delays in some key landmarks of adulthood, from marriage and children to a stable career, according to industry and government reports.

These shifts help explain why homeownership, long a source of middle class identity and economic opportunity, has started to decline. The share of the U.S. population who own homes has slid to 63.4 percent, a 48-year low, according to the Census Bureau.




To Read This Entire Article Click Here!






To Discuss How You Can Become A Home Owner Call The Easterbrook Team
916-850-6050 or E-Mail: Easterbrookteam@spmc.com

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/news/business/real-estate-news/article31283318.html#storylink=cpy

Seller motivation: ‘Have to’ versus ‘want to’ sellers

Takeaways:

• Seller motivation is big for your real estate business.
• The important factors that determine how motivated any particular seller might be.
• Unmotivated sellers have a “take it or leave it” attitude, and that can result in expired listings.

If you want to be a top producer, then you’ve got to buckle down and focus your efforts on the dollar-productive tasks most likely to generate a financial return.


If you want to read this entire article please click here!


If you would like to discuss selling or buying a home please give The Easterbrook Team a Visit, Call or E-mail!


The Easterbrook Team is with Sierra Pacific Mortgage located at 806 Bidwell Street in Folsom, CA.  To reach John Easterbrook directly please dial 916-224-7653.  To reach Patty Aguon directly please dial 916-833-5063.  To reach them both via email use easterbrookteam@spmc.com