Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Home Mortgage: Don't Ruin Your Finance Chances
How can a fully approved loan get denied for funding after the borrower has signed loan docs? Simple! At the end of the transaction, the underwriter pulls an updated credit report to verify that there hasn't been any new activity since original approval was issued and the new findings kill the loan. This generally won't happen if closing in a 30 day time-frame, but borrowers should anticipate a new credit report being pulled if the amount of time from an original credit report to funding is more than 60 days.
To help ensure a smooth loan process, here are some credit Do's and Don'ts. These tips don't encompass everything a borrower can do prior to and after the Pre-Approval process, however they're a good representation of the things most likely to help or hurt an approval.
1. DO continue making your mortgage or rent payments
2. DO stay current on all accounts
3. DON'T make a major purchase (car, boat, big-screen TV, etc…)
4. DON'T open a new credit card
5. DON'T close any credit card accounts
6. DON'T open a new cell phone account
7. DON'T consolidate your debt onto 1 or 2 cards
8. DON'T pay off collections
9. DON'T take out a new loan
Keep in mind that the mortgage financing process has changed over the last few years and lenders have become more strict. When in doubt: Wait until AFTER the loan closes for any major purchases, loans, consolidations, and new accounts & ALWAYS consult with your loan professional regarding advice and the strategy for closing your loan.
Small Business Tip: Be 'Easy' to Do Business With
By Ashlei Jackson, Qlixite
It’s spring which means it’s time to evaluate and renew your customer’s love of your products and services. How do you rank...on quality...on professionalism...on easiness? Did you know that people are 50% more likely to buy from a business that is easy to deal with even if it costs more? Here are 3 tips to up your ‘easy’ factor so your customers will choose you over the big guy every time!
• Limit the SPAM filters on your general business email - We all hate junk mail but unfortunately, sometimes legitimate emails fall through the cracks (usually because they are from a new sender...as in a new customer). Create a general email - like info@yourdomain.com - and post this on your website and advertising. It may be annoying to sift through the spam but you are less likely to miss the emails you really want.
• Post Contact Info at the Top and Bottom of Your Website - Web visitors move fast and don’t want to have to hunt for ways to get in touch with you. By putting your info in both places, people will have less scrolling to do.
• Create a Professional Voicemail - Hearing the mechanical voice recite, “Please leave a message,” does not instill any kind of confidence in your business’ professionalism. In fact it can make people believe you aren’t a real business. Create a clear and concise message that informs people of your hours or other ways to get connected. “Sorry we missed you! Leave a message or find us online at [insert website] which has a full list of prices & specials!”
Bonus Tip: Don’t be afraid to ask your customers for ideas and ways to make their experience easier.
Meadow Vista Collaboration of the Arts 2013
The Collaboration of the Arts 2013 is in its fifth year as a Meadow Vista community event and will host their concert and art exhibit on Friday, May 3rd & Sunday, May 5th - opening at 6:30pm. The concert will commence at 7:30pm each evening at Foothill Christian Fellowship at 1100 Sugar Pine Road in Meadow Vista. Young artists, musicians, photographers, dancers, actors integrate the visual arts and performing arts into a unique blend making for an exceptional evening.
The original artwork and photography exhibits are delightful and the music combines classical concepts with plenty of youthful energy and whimsical surprises. The scrumptious hors d'oeuvres are, of course, enjoyed by all! The result of the young people's effort is a delightful and truly unforgettable evening.
In the interest of promoting the arts among young people, The Collaboration of the Arts encourages an active involvement in art and music, rather than just a passive enjoyment. This event, throughout the year, serves the purpose of helping children and young people to create art rather than just look at it; to make music rather than just enjoy listening to it.Over fifty young people (21 years and under) are involved in the art and music projects which combine to produce this unique event.
Right now the young people continue to work hard as they complete musical and artistic preparations for their performances on May 3rd and May 5th. Mark your calendar and treat yourself to a wonderful evening with our young people! For more information, contact Artistic Director Joy Olender at 530-305-4049.
"Zoo Goofs" - Local Author Offers an Inside Look at the Humor of Zoo Life
Looking for a spring read? You may be pleased to find out you can now “Read Local” when you pick up Zoo Goofs by local Meadow Vista resident, Kristin Hilton.
“What’s it like to be a zookeeper? And what if something goes wrong? Zoo Goofs reveals how a routine day at work at the zoo might quickly become a fiasco. Animals do unexpected things, the public does foolish things, and sometimes keepers get lazy or make mistakes--some of which could lead to life-threatening situations.”
According to Hilton’s website, she worked for 18 years at three different zoos as a zookeeper and curator of birds. This vast amount of experience allowed Hilton to compile dozens of true behind-the-scenes experiences that can easily bring you to tears of laughter or heartache. Her quick, informative tales offer firsthand insight into the realities of working in the realm of animals and zoo life.
Zoo Goofs is packed with exceptional photographs and artwork and many of the stories would make excellent family reads. For more information, visit Hilton’s website.
Bad Teeth in Children Leads to Bad Grades
By Dr. Scott Thompson, DDS, Winning With Smiles
A recent study at USC and published in the Journal of Public Health verifies that children with poor oral health have, on average, lower grades. They also miss more days of school due to tooth aches and dental appointments. It also pointed out that parents of these students miss more days of work due to the need to care for their children's dental appointments.
One of the tragedies here is to know this is so simple to prevent, though without adequate information, parents find it difficult to accomplish. An early start (age 1) with good instruction will demonstrate to parents how simple it is to give children an excellent start to a lifetime of good oral health. Cavity free, healthy, beautiful smiles.
The most significant challenge facing parents and making difficult the simple task of creating good oral health is the food culture of modern society. It starts as infants when parents wean their children from milk/formula to juice rather than water. Two generations of mis-information have led our culture to believe juice is healthy. In some respects juice is worse.
Re-Connecting with the Meadow Vista Library
By Erika Holm, Meadow Vista Library Page
Finding the Meadow Vista Library can be a bit of a hunt, with its hidden location underneath Holiday Market, but the treasures found within make it well worth the effort. Highlights of the Meadow Vista Library include NEW more convenient hours, an awesome children's program, an adult Book Club, free computer use and wireless access, and an active “Friends of the Library” group. Patrons can request the very newest books, movies and music, and also access free materials online.
The current hours make it easier for both school children and adult users: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Wednesday, 2 p.m.- 6 p.m., and Saturday, 1- 5 p.m.
Kids can join in the fun at a number of free activities. The children's programs include Preschool Story Hours each Tuesday at 11 a.m., Pajama Story Time each Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. and craft events offered the third Wednesday of each month at 3:30 p.m. A really exciting summer program is being planned, which will include free entertainment and prizes!
Everyone is welcome at the monthly Book Club for a lively discussion of a well chosen book. Plenty of copies of the selected book are available at the library.
Does your group need a space to meet? The library is currently offering its back area for small group meetings on Wednesday evenings. Call to reserve.
Interested in getting involved? The active “Friends of the Library” group is always looking for new members. Highlights of their calendar include twice yearly (Continued on pg 14)
book sales. Be sure to mark your calendar for the next book sale: June 19, 2 -7 p.m. and June 20, 11 a.m.- 4 p.m..
If you haven't visited the library in a while (or ever!) now is the time to check it out. There is a lot going on here that you won't want to miss!
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