Charlie Smiley, Loan Advisor- NMLS 1967796

10/25/2023

From a 2021 survey, people who bought haunted houses report these paranormal experiences.

And as a mortgage friend, I would say if a ghost needs to improve her or his credit, they should sign up for Experian Boos.

10/19/2023

STAT OF THE DAY
About 29% of Americans believe they’ve lived in a real haunted house — up slightly from 24% who said the same in 2022. Of those who have lived in a haunted house, 27% knew the house was haunted before they moved in and still chose to live there.
Source: Real Estate Witch Haunted House Survey, September 2023

10/14/2023

More Halloween Real Estate stats (I love doing this newsletter... and yes, I would love to help you with financing for a haunted house if that's the direction you want to go):

Over half of respondents who had no paranormal experiences said they would be willing to buy a haunted house, but 59% expected to pay less because it was haunted. Only 60% said they would tell potential buyers about a haunting in their own house.
Source: Cinch Home Services Survey, 10/12/2021

10/12/2023

Found this interesting: when pulling together stuff for this morning's newsletter:

Out of more than 700 respondents planning to buy a home in the next year, 29% have already moved in with their parents to save some money, and another 22% would consider doing so.

Source: Survey from Realtor.com and Censuswide, released October 2023

10/06/2023

As most of you know, I put out a real estate/mortgage newsletter every day. It's a labor of love.

What most of you may NOT know is that Halloween is my favorite holiday. It isn't about faith, or family... it's about community. It is that one day of the year when tradition charges us to dress up like Batman, walk around knocking on neighbors' doors whom we would otherwise never interact with, tell them to smell our feet, and then they laugh and shower us with candy. We decorate our homes, not to show off our tastes or values, but to amuse (or startle) others in the community. BEST... HOLIDAY... FULL STOP.

This month I have already lined up a bunch of real estate related stats and news articles that are Halloween themed. Here is one of them. (And hit me up if you want me to put you on this thing... if you are a real estate pro or real estate curious, I think you'll like it!)

Cast yourself in a scary movie with a night in these frightening film locations.

10/05/2023

Would you know it? I'm licensed in 6 of the 9 places listed. There are great ways to make a retirement-driven move a lot more affordable, even in this environment. Ask me. I'd love to chat. :)

And yes... this top 10 list only has 9. King City, OR must count double.

For those nearing retirement, one of the most pressing questions to answer is this: Where should you spend those golden years?

10/03/2023

Right now, we need more housing. And homeownership should be obtainable to everyone who honestly strives for it. There are a lot of friendly faces in the real estate and mortgage industry who can help if you're on the outside looking in.

LGBTQ+ homebuyers are more likely than non LGBTQ+ buyers to work a second job in order to come up with a down payment.

08/24/2023

In my newsletter this morning, I raised this scenario but said you would pay off your mortgage 14 MONTHS sooner instead of 14 YEARS. Oops... I undersold it a bit.

Rolling the savings from a debt consolidation refi into your payment every month to pay down extra principal can be your ticket to retirement, financial freedom, and security. In a recent YouGov survey, 53% of respondents said they had less than $5000 in savings (17% preferred not to answer, so that number is probably even higher). If you own a home, that appreciation may just be your saving grace.

You refinanced your super low interest mortgage to consolidate debt at a higher rate. You may not be able to brag about your 2.75% note rate anymore, but you...

07/28/2023

As you all know... the Fed increased that Fed funds rate another 25 basis points. Among other things, that means your credit card rates may begin to inch up further. According to Forbes, the average credit card rate is 24.52%, and I've seen some people with rates as high as 29%.

Let's look at a scenario where someone can use the equity in their home, even at a rate twice as high as before, to save over $800 per month. Here's the back of the napkin math:

Charlie tells us about some great ideas to pay off loans using your mortgage even in this crazy inflationary time. Charlie is a real expert in the mortgage ...

07/13/2023

Episode 3 of my thing: You are not a loan with Charlie Smiley
https://youtu.be/rxWfr0TWJJM

By the way... if you are a real estate professional or among the real estate curious, sign up for my daily newsletter. Not to brag, but it's pretty good! And if you don't like it, let me know and I'll take you off the list and give you your money back (it's free... that was a joke). :)

You Are Not A Loan! Ep. 3 (07/13/2023) from your mortgage friend Charlie SmileyTo sign up for my newsletter, ask a loan question or to get pre-approved emai...

06/26/2023

On Friday I had the pleasure of joining forces with some very good friends to work on a Habitat for Humanity home. In addition to painting some trim, I hung a few doors. Luckily for the deserving family who eventually moves in, I was properly supervised. :)

06/22/2023

https://youtu.be/HyXTMkveR9o
If you want to buy a home but have deferred student loans, you may want to watch this... NOW!

Trying to buy a home but have deferred student loans? You need to watch this NOW!Charlie Smiley, NMLS ID 1967796, is a mortgage advisor with SecurityNational...