Author: venbit

As most Americans these days, I have a small window opportunity every day to sit down and actually read about the news.  With networks prioritizing news of tensions building up abroad, it was no surprise that the recent bill president Trump just signed to improve veterans health care fell below the news radar.  The bill is meant to improve the program by removing the August 7th, 2017 expiration date.  In a nutshell, the program allows veterans to utilize private health care if for certain reasons, the closest VA medical facility is not able to provide treatment within 30 days, the facility is more than 40 miles away from the member’s residence or travel to the facility for the member is too arduous.  If not for the bill, this crucial program for our vets in need would have disappeared.  Being in the Pacific Northwest, the geographical location of most veterans in need of treatment fall under at least two of the situations that qualify for this program.  As a veteran myself, it is my duty to spread the word to as many people as I can to get awareness of this.  If you are a veteran or know of one who may qualify for this, click here to get more information.

Here is an excellent article detailing the new realities of housing in the Puget sound. It’s not our imagination, “The Seattle region has had the fastest-rising home prices of any metro area in the country for the last five months, according to Case-Shiller.” Click the link below for more details.

Seattle’s Median Home Price hits record; $700,000 double 5 years ago

Hey Everyone!

In my 2nd edition of “Straight Talk with Sofia” I debunk a mortgage myth and popular marketing scam. Check it out! 🙂

Hey Everyone!

I’m proud to announce a new video series entitled “Straight Talk with Sofia.” This series focuses on real life mortgage problems, and solutions, I’ve helped my clients with. I hope these experiences will help you make more informed decisions for your mortgage. 🙂

Here is an excellent article that discusses the major factors involved in the decline in homes for sale that we are seeing in today’s real estate market. The article also makes specific mention of Seattle and how a dwindling supply of homes has escalated the competition and increased pressure on buyers to offer more money and accept less favorable terms.

Mission nearly impossible: finding a home to buy

To most Americans, April 1st is a day of play, finding creative ways to trick their friends and family.  On the same day of every year since 1893, United States Navy Chief Petty Officers have used this day to remember those who have served and are currently serving the world’s finest Navy.  Regarded as the birth of the rank of Chief Petty Officer, Navy Chiefs around the world take the time to celebrate and honor 124 years of Leadership and keeping Navy tradition alive.  Cheers to my brothers and sisters!  To read about 10 interesting facts about the Navy Chief Petty Officer, click here.

Hello Friends!

I am so excited about our new website, and our ability to better connect with you through blogging! With the tax deadline just around the corner, what better topic for my first post?

If you have a mortgage there are a few things you need every year when you file your taxes, but when you make changes to your mortgage, that documentation can change. If you made one of the following changes last year, here’s a quick look at what you’ll need. Continue reading “Tax Time and Your Mortgage” →

Time to go home décor shopping!

What’s your favorite new trend? Did it make it on House Beautiful’s top 10 list? Check out the list Here.

My personal favorite is the indoor vines and the marble wallpaper, what a brilliant idea!

Credit cards can be great tools when they are used responsibly. Aside from earning points and rewards they often provide extra insurance on things like rental cars and cell phones. They are often necessary when booking hotels and vacations and can be very useful in managing monthly bills. However, the opposite can become true when balances accrue and payments aren’t made on time. Credit card debt and late payments can become a major hurdle when trying to qualify for a mortgage. Here’s a wonderful article from CNBC that talks about how to ask the right questions to your credit card company and get your rate and fees lowered, and it works 80% of the time.

Click the image below to read the article! Credit can be a fickle thing let me know if you need help understanding your credit scores.