Finance With Factor

I share some perspective, misconceptions, and facts regarding the recent headlines that lower  #creditscore , borrowers are getting better  #rates  than  #homebuyers  with better  #credit . I also discuss the proposed DTI adjustments that should have grabbed the headlines and why organizations like,  @nardotrealtor  and  @mortgage_bankers_association  are celebrating an important victory to repeal...

New England summer rentals from the coast of Maine to the NH Lakes to the Cape and Islands are nearly booked solid (already). The desire to own a second home or investment property in these areas can be tempting. Dan Neske, realtor with The Agency - Cape Cod, shares his experience and insights on recent trends and why balancing your short-term vs. long-term goals is the key to finding the right dr...

When buying a condo, apartment, or townhouse, condo approval is an important part of the process.  It can also be the "scariest" part of the process...but it doesn't have to be, if you take the time as a buyer, lender, realtor, or homeowner to do your homework and understand the unique nature of your unit and the process.  Tonia Magliaro, one of the nation's top producing condo s...

DON'T believe all the headlines you read about the recently announced loan level price adjustments (LLPAs).  You should NOT take the advice of your favorite new reader or TickToc realtor suggesting that you should tank your credit to get better rates!! This is NOT true!!  I briefly discuss the LLPAs  (which were implemented in early January)  to try and change the narrative on this incorrectly...

As Shakespeare wrote (in the original script), "to claim or not to claim that is the question."  Joel Fanjoy, of William Raveis Insurance, shares tips and advice on when to speak with your agent, when to place a claim, and the impact certain variables can have on your premium and renewals. A short episode that can potentially save you or your real estate clients a lot of money over the y...

In MA, a onetime fee of $35 and gives your $500k in Homestead Insurance coverage. But, what is it, why is it such a good buy, and why should I get it? Luke Brown, real estate attorney with Crowley and Cummings, teaches us why every homebuyer (in any state) should make sure they have Homestead Insruance, when buying a new primary home.

If you plan to buy within the next 2 years or you purchased a home (but want to refi as soon as rates fall), your tax returns can make a dramatic impact on your qualifications.  I highly encourage real estate owners, investors, and self-employed business owners to listen to this episode. Sheila May, of May Tax Services, shares important tips and tricks homeowners and aspiring homeowners shoul...

Realtors, like many small business owners, often feel like they are a one-man band responsible for every aspect of their business. The reality is most of us got into the our business because we are good at a particular skill set. Laryssa Hiller, owner of Compass Points Accounting, and I discuss our experiences, growing pains, and the new opportunities that came with learning to let go of certain t...

Mortgages are like pizza...wait!?! what!?!  No really, they are.  Give me 4 mins and I can explain why, when working with the right lender, financing your home is like finding the perfect slice of pizza!

Erin Richardson, of Richardson Insurance, value community service projects as part of their marketing strategies. She explains how they pick where to get involved and how that involvement has grown naturally (and strategically) over the years…as proof, we met because they sponsored my son’s t-ball team. If you are a realtor or small business owner looking to build your name within the community, E...

The Griddy is an overdone touchdown dance.  The gritty are people who win.  But, what is "grit" and why is it so important in any competitive profession. Lee Moses, owner of Moses Fitness, has trained everyone from weekend warriors, youth athletes, and professional athletes. He shares his views on staying motivated, competitive, and driven to achieve your goals.

Making plans with a friend or writing copy to attract attention, words matter. Heather Lattuca Ferrari, realtor with Jones Group Realtors, shares the impact of being thoughtful with your language. Great tips for everyday conversations (at home or work) and advice as agents get ready to list this spring!

Anyone with a phone and an idea can produce content--sometimes even quality content. However, creating video story content that sticks with you can be a well-practiced art form. Nick Gould, Owner of Avenue One Productions, has produced everything from music videos to social media advertising to large marketing campaigns. He shares tips that anyone can use to create more professional looking and mo...

Professional broadcaster and voiceover artist, Meryl Goldsmith, discusses the art of public speaking, recording quality content, and being authentic while still entertaining.

Fresh out of The Agency's annual company retreat ("Forum"), Jacqueline Fonseca, realtor with The Agency Boston, shares her the lessons, insights, experiences, and trending take-aways from this year's conference.  She shares tips we can all learn from and impliment as part of our 2023 goals and New Year's resolutions, including two that I’ve already started using myself!

What do three realtors, two national real estate websites, and an appraiser all have in common? They are all suggesting different values for your home. But, why?!? Laurie Henighan, Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Page Realty, (IG: listwithlaurie) shares why a suggested list price can be so varied and the ways sellers can select the best strategy (and listing agent) for them and their...

In honor of Veteran's Day, Realtor and Military Relocation Specialist, Dave Doucette, shares the challenges and myths of buying with a VA loan. We also discuss our strategies to get VA offers accepted.

Real estate is often at the center of many separations. How to manage the marital home is even more complicated a homeowners have historic amounts of home equity and we navigate a "high rate" environment. Rebecca Neale, Principal Attorney at Bedford Family Lawyer, shares how couples to build a team around you to best navigate these conversations.

"Insurance" is a scary word, but add "mortgage" and you get Mortgage Insurance (MI)...EEEEK!  Many homebuyers may think the Amityville Horror House is a less frightening investment.  Greg Korn, MGIC NE Sales Manager, shares how homebuyers and real estate professionals can change the scary-serial-killer-jumps-out-type of "EEEEK!" into the excited we just got our house under budget squeal...

Anyone with a to do list can think of a time they found ways to push off the "tough" or "less fun" tasks.  Bill Moody, of Commonwealth Financial, shares how he has learned to prioritize the most timely tasks and revenue generating activities each day, even if they are actually his least favorite items on the to do list.  If you have ever had one of those busy days where you don't get any...

Brian Koss, VP of Marketing and Residential Lending at Mortgage Network, shares his takeaways from the recent New England Mortgage Bankers' Convention.  He provides stats and perspective on how realtors and real estate professionals can comfort customers and coach colleagues through a rapidly shifting market (a real estate market that many of us haven't seen or at least haven't seen in the la...

Sales, negotiations, and customer service are all about responding to the other person’s anxieties, comforts, and needs. I speak with a professional poker player on how he learned to read “tells” and ways we can apply that to improve our business.

Social media is an efficient way to spread brand awareness and sell product, but how do you service professionals use it to build relationships and generate leads with new prospective clients? Jenn Vinson, Dr of Business Development at Cosmopolitan Title Agency, LLC, shares how she has leveraged social media to foster new friendships with potential referral partners.

“Pauly Parlays" a fantasy football expert shares sleepers, must haves, and a variety of fantasy football tips…I share how we can learn from fantasy football to improve our credit scores.  Good credit doesn’t have to be a fantasy, you can apply the same logic you use to build your fantasy line-up to improve and maintain your credit score.

Moving means a lot of changes. For many, new schools are one of the most important and stressful. Lisa Kingsley, an experienced teacher and school administrator, shares ways that parents can help their kids adjust smoothly and quickly to a new school this year.  She even shares a few tips on how your real estate team can help you evaluate schools and start the registration process. E85-R122