Giving July 7, 2023

Friends of the Children – Q2 GIVE

Q2 2023 GIVE

This quarter we raised a bunch of money for Friends of the Children/Lane County!

Thank you to everyone who participated with an RSVP and who gave during our event!  We raised just over $2400!

For those of you who are new to my blog- here’s the run down.  Each quarter I combine my client event with a GIVE to raise funds for a local non-profit.  In addition to my standard quarterly GIVE, I commit an additional $10 for every family that RSVP’s (even those unable to attend!).  In addition, sometimes clients and/or collaborators contribute as well!   My GIVE has evolved over the years, and I now focus on supporting healthy and active youth in our community.

This quarter, I offered a Mucho Gusto catered lunch at Hendricks Park.  KMR Trio joined us and provided live jazz music during the event.  We had a great time socializing, eating tasty food, and raising money to support kids in our community.

Friends of the Children started 30 years ago in Portland, OR by founder Duncan Campbell.  Our local chapter started the Summer of 2020.  They continue to grow and expand to serve more kids and their families.  I have since joined the board as I have been impressed with their science background to making lasting change through a 12+ year commitment to the kids in the program.  Friends of the Children/Lane County is currently expanding into Springfield and our campaign has a matching donor!  If you haven’t already – you can give here and your donation will be matched! Learn more here about what they do here.

If you are interested in being part of these events and you aren’t already – let me know!  They are a fun way to connect with each other and with organizations doing great things in our community!

 

GivingLocal news September 20, 2022

Friends of the Children – Q2 GIVE

Q2 2022 GIVE

Quarter 2 this year brought a fun event in the sun with food carts and raising money for a good cause!  We had a fun event and raised a bunch of money for Friends of the Children / Lane County.

For those of you who are new to my blog- here’s the run down.  Each quarter I combine my client event with a GIVE.  In addition to my standard quarterly GIVE, I commit an additional $10 for every family that RSVP’s (even a no RSVP!).  In addition, sometimes clients and/or collaborators contribute as well!   My GIVE has evolved over the years, and I now focus on supporting healthy and active youth in our community.

This quarter for the event I offered lunch via 2 food trucks: Sammitch and Red Five Hotdog Company.  Both carts were amazing with their food selection, customer service, and fun attitudes.  Sammitch Food Truck can often be found at lunch time during the week downtown.  I’m already thinking how I can incorporate them again into a client event!

This quarter the GIVE was for Friend of the Children/Lane County!  They are a local organization that provides mentorship for kids – committing to 12 years + no matter what.  Wow!  As I’ve learned more about their mission and service I am blown away by their commitment to the kids and their families for the long haul as well as their commitment to the science behind it all. I have recently joined their board and am excited to support them in more ways going forward. If you want to learn more please see the link below.

Blu-inc. Capital agreed to match donations from the RSVP’s and any client donations as well.  In total we ended up raising $3900!  This is the most my GIVE campaign has given in a single quarter and it’s exciting to see it grow!  If you are looking for a private money lender, a new way to invest, or a solution to a tricky financing situation – check out Blue-inc. Capital!

If you are interested in being part of these events and you aren’t already – let me know!  They are a fun way to connect with each other and with organizations doing great things in our community!

Friends of the Children/Lane County: https://friendslanecountyor.org/

Blue-inc. Capital: https://blue-inc.com/

 

Giving February 18, 2021

Kids FIRST – Q1 2021 GIVE

For those of you that haven’t been following my blog, here’s what I’ve been up to!  Each quarter, I donate a portion of every commission to a different non-profit.  It has been an amazing experience getting to know various non-profits in our area and partnering with them.  I’ve been able to do this for a couple years now, donating over $20,000 to local non-profits.

The mission and philosophy behind my GIVE to non-profits is to support health awareness and physical activity for youth in our community. My passion for youth wellness comes from 20+ years of coaching and continues to grow in partnership with various non-profits who support a similar mission. This last year, started pairing my client events with my GIVE.  It has challenged me to GIVE even more and allowed me to bring more awareness to the non-profits I’m passionate about through education.

This quarter, I partnered with the Oregon Wine Lab togift my clients a bottle of wine and a real estate trivia game I created myself!  For each family who participated, I donated an additional $10 to Kids FIRST.  If you haven’t been to or tried the wine from the Oregon Wine Lab be sure you do!  They are one of my favorite wineries and local tasting rooms here in Lane County. You’ll find Da-Nang food cart, covered outdoor seating, and they even deliver!  Check them out here: https://www.oregonwinelab.com/   Shout out to Mark, the wine maker/owner, for supporting this event and Kids FIRST!

 

 

Supporting kids this quarter took a foundational approach by supporting kids who have been victim of or witness to violent crime.  Kids FIRST does just that!  Their mission is: “to provide intervention and advocacy to children who are victims of, or witnesses to, crime. Children are referred to us directly by our community partners: law enforcement, DHS Child Welfare, and medical professionals. Kids FIRST most often serves children for child sexual abuse, physical abuse, severe neglect, or witness to domestic violence. Approximately 3/4 of the children we serve are under age 12.”  Did you know not all child advocacy centers are accredited?  Kids FIRST is and just went through the process to renew!  They use their leadership and connections throughout the state to assist other organizations through the process to help serve even more kids.

Learn more about Kids FIRST here: https://www.kidsfirstcenter.net/

Get involved here: https://www.kidsfirstcenter.net/get-involved

Donate to Kids FIRST here: https://www.kidsfirstcenter.net/donate

Giving April 13, 2018

First Quarter GIVE

Wow – the first quarter has come and gone.  This year I am donating 5% of each commission to a different non-profit.

I have just done my first quarter give to Emerald Aquatics – www.emeraldaquatics.org.  Check out their website if you want to give to them as well!  Donations help keep the monthly fees down, youth scholarships, and equipment.  They provide swimming for kids and adults and do so while fostering an environment of excellence and personal growth.

This year a new EA award was added.  It’s called the “Dhom Character Award” and goes to the swimmer that exemplifies leadership and our weekly themes at swim team and in their daily life.  Some weekly themes examples include Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Winning and Learning, and Integrity.  This year the first award went to Gracie!! I am so proud of the young woman she is becoming!

So excited to have exceeded my GIVE goal for the 1st quarter!  So excited to be able to contribute to the sport of swimming in this way!  Gratitude and a big thank you to everyone who has walked part of this first quarter with me.  You have helped make a difference in these kids’ lives!

#happyrealtor #giveproject #coachginarealtor #emeraldaquatics

         

Market News October 1, 2015

New TRID requirements

October is here! 

October always means – leaves are changing, warm drinks abound, and Halloween is coming (scary movies, costumes, and candy!).  It’s a fun month that usually brings great weather.

This year – we are seeing a big change coming to all levels of real estate.  TRID requirements are rolling out.  It is the last of the federally mandated changes rolling out because of the crash (Dodd- Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act).  This will affect escrow, lenders, and real estate agents – but ultimately buyers and sellers.

Here’s some of the changes as I understand them.  How they play out will varry depending on your agents involved on all levels.

1) This will affect loan apps taken after today.  So if you are currently in a transaction it should not affect you.

2) Standardized Loan Estimate and Closing Disclosure forms.

3) Closing Disclosures to be signed 3 days before closing.

 

What does this mean for the buyer and seller?

1) If you are looking at buying or selling in the near future: talk with me!  There are things to be aware of and educated about so you can move through this transititon seamlessly!

2)The new forms are CLEAR!  This is a very good thing.  It will be easy to see what you are signing up for (loan) and what your terms are.  It will also make shopping around and comparing lenders easier due to the standardized forms.

3)With the closing disclosures to be signed 3 days before closing there will be an extension to the amount of time a standard loan can close.  We will probably be seeing more 45 day closes.  If there are changes after the closing disclosures are signed they will need to be RE disclosed and another 3 day waiting period.  The intent is to protect the consumer and require lenders and closing officers (escrow) to be VERY accurate.  Change of APR by more than 1/8%, adding a prepay, or a change in loan program will all REQUIRE a redisclose and another 3 day waiting period.

As with any change there will be bumps.  Expect some delays as all of us helping you through your transaction figure out the new regulations.  In the long run this will be a good thing for the industry.

Please don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions about this or any other real estate need.  I am here to help!

 

Financial advice September 24, 2015

Happy Fall! and FHA changes

Today is the second day of fall.  As I exhale into a new season and break out the sweaters and warm drinks; I reflect on change.

The leaves are changing. The air is crisp.  Here in Eugene, OR we have some rainy and some sunny days still.  A new season of swim and coaching has started with a renewed sense of vigor and focus.  Kids are back to school in a new grade, some are at new schools, new teachers, perhaps new friends.  Fall brings with it a sense of excitement for a new year and a release of summer and the last year.  Release.  Release the past and focus on the present.

Today, at the office, was a class taught by David Kammerere and Robyn LaVassaur from Summit Funding.  We talked about changes.  Mostly changes to FHA loans that took effect Sept 14.  Fall is still a great time to buy.  If you are thinking of going FHA for your home loan make sure you talk with your lender about these changes.

  • Gift Funds – must be sourced (even if wired).  I’m imagining a young couple buying their first home and perhaps Mom and Dad are gifting their down payment.  Now Mom and Dad need to prove to the lender they had the money to give.

 

  • Student Loan Payments – whether deferred or not, will have to be counted either with the scheduled payment due after deferment or 2% of the total amount.  This had not been the case before.  I would caution families looking to college to consider how this will affect their buying power once out of college.  Consider carefully your degree program and your funding needed and will it make sense once you are out?  This also makes me think it is a more accurate assessment of a person’s financial position.  It also seems to divide those that have and those that don’t with the continuous rise of higher education prices.

 

  • Authorized User Accounts – have to be counted in the debt ratio unless you can get 12 months of canceled checks from the owner on the account. Business card?  On a parents credit card?  Now your business or place of employment needs to show they are making the payments and not you.  Sometimes this is an asset when a parent can help a young person establish credit.

 

  • Voluntary Alimony and Child Support – now accepted by FHA with 6 months receipt to document.  This is a positive thing for those that didn’t go through the courts to establish payments.  Yay!

 

  • 30 day accounts – can be omitted from the DTI (debt to income) with 12 months evidence of the balance being paid in full and on time.  If unable to document 5% of the balance will be included in the DTI.  This is important for those of us with mileage cards who charge everything and then pay it off every month!  Although if you are this diligent with your money you may be going conventional.

 

  • Social Security – gross will be adjusted 15% instead of 25%.  Not a huge change, really.  Those on fixed income got to count up their income because it wasn’t taxed.   Hmmm, the money still isn’t there – so the whole concept seems weird to me.  Never the less – that’s how this one works.

 

  • Employment – If employee has changed jobs more than 3x in the last 12 months or has changed line of work, it will be more difficult to document stability.  This is the human component!  A human underwriter is looking at your life an deciding if they will put their name on your loan and rate you as stable.  Interesting!  I’m glad there is a still a human component, actually.  If this is your situation this may be a time where an explanation letter goes a long way.  Hope you were paying attention in English class.

 

  • Unemployment Gaps – If more than 6 months, will require at least 6 months on the new job before the case number is pulled.  Did you realize you do not need to show 2 years at one job?  Did you know if you have a steady contract job but the work is seasonal that doesn’t apply here?  No shopping for homes until you have 6 months on a job after a 6 month hiatus.

 

  • Short Sales, Foreclosures, and Bankruptcies – must be seasoned per normal guidelines prior to pulling the case number.  Again – no home shopping until the seasoning period is over.  You cannot have a case number til then.  Wow!  This used to be the close date!  Check with me or your lender if you are not sure of your seasoning date!  Did you know foreclosure seasoning dates start when the bank takes title?  Not when you are moved out.  Check to make sure title has transferred!

 

  • NHF Platinum – GRANT money, not a second mortgage and doesn’t have to be your first home!  This is intended to help with your down payment.  It does need to be a primary residence, BUT you can be leaving one that you will rent and purchasing another.  What?!?!  Sounds awesome – cause it is :).  Check with me or your lender today to see if this is the right program for you!!

What other change is right around the corner??  New TRID guidelines that will affect escrow, lenders, buyer, sellers….everyone in the real estate market.  Let me know if you’d like to know more!

– Coach Gina

“Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find resources of strength that will endure as long as life lasts.”

Rachel Carson