California Governor Gavin Newsom’s Mismanagement has Santa Ana winds forcing wildfires to a new catastrophic level. January 8, 2025, marks one of the worst wildfire emergencies in Los Angeles’s Pacific Palisades neighborhood. The Palisades Fire was amongst its most destructive fires historically.

Fire Progression and Impact

Size and Containment:

• In no time, the Palisades Fire has expanded to consume over 15,832 acres without containment.

Destruction:

• This fire burned at least a thousand structures and broke the Sayre Fire (2008) and Bel Air Fire (1961) records.

Casualties:

• There have been five confirmed deaths as well as many casualties, such as a firefighter aged twenty-five years who suffered serious head injuries.

Evacuations:

• Around 70,000 residents have been required to leave their homes by law, and shelters are being used to house them.

Contributing Factors:

Weather Conditions:

• Strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts of more than 100 mph and very dry conditions, have spread the fire far more quickly and hampered efforts at containment.

Power Outages:

• Due to the fires, approximately 400,000 customers in Los Angeles County and surrounding areas have no electricity.

Community and Culture:

Historic Sites:

• This includes Will Rogers State Historic Park, which has lost its Stables and Will Roger’s house, and Topanga Ranch Motel in Topanga State Park.

Educational Institutions:

• Palisades Charter High School and Palisades Elementary School suffered severe damage, which disrupted education for many learners.

Entertainment Industry:

• The Critics’ Choice Awards and several movie premieres are some cultural events postponed or canceled due to this predicament.

Emergency Response:

Government Action:

• Governor Gavin Newsom declared an emergency and obtained federal support against these flames.

Firefighting Efforts:

• Over 1,400 firefighters are fighting the firestorm with help from other states’ resources.
• Harsh weather conditions led to an array of problems.

https://youtu.be/BeaHDHYJAqA?si=7frG0Hq1odigks7U

• This discussion was modified 1 week, 2 days ago by  Gustan Cho.

Value of Silver will outpace Value of Gold as precious metals skyrocket. Silver trade in a thin market. Plus Silver has investment Value as well as practical industrial Value. In 2011 Value of Silver doubled to $45 per ounce. Trading of Silver opened higher today. Start stacking Silver today.

https://youtu.be/jYV3vi-ysPk?si=oC1zFZqFGjY8B6AU

The City of Chicago has a major budget deficit. Chicago is outspending Los Angeles, New York, and other major big cities

What Chicago needs is an office of government efficiency. Get rid of Incompetent Mayor Brandon Johnson and other leaders without a clue

https://youtu.be/zVJli70qr7Y?si=kPQ9oqtxhT7JqsqH

Are There Any VA Lenders In Chicago With No VA Lender Overlays?

Very controversial topic that needs Fact Checking

What happens if Artificial Intelligence turns on us? Anyone?

Lennar Homes are slashing their new home prices by 25% in 2024. CEO of Lennar admits their mortgage division is experiencing delinquencies and a higher number of debt to income ratio from consumers. Lennar Homes is America’s second largest New Home Builder.

https://youtu.be/6mmQ2TEoK-g?si=nj2aidmYgL_awc8N

I still do not have the right answer on the question I have been asking what is an FHA case number. Why is it mortgage lenders make a big deal about transferring an FHA case number from one lender to another.

Does your credit scores impact your homeowners insurance premium and auto insurance premium?

Buying a house in New Mexico, like purchasing property in any other state, involves several steps and considerations. Here is a general overview of the process:

1. Determine Your Budget:

   • Calculate how much you can afford to spend on a house. Consider your income, expenses, and any available savings for a down payment.

2. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage:

   • Contact a mortgage lender or a bank to get pre-approved for a home loan. This will give you a better idea of the price range you can consider.

3. Choose a Real Estate Agent:

   • Hiring a qualified real estate agent can be extremely helpful. They can provide insights into the local housing market, show you properties, and negotiate on your behalf.

4. Start House Hunting:

   • Begin searching for properties that meet your criteria, such as location, size, features, and price. You can use online listings, work with your agent, and visit open houses.

5. Make an Offer:

   • Once you find a house you like, you can make an offer through your real estate agent. Be prepared for negotiation with the seller.

6. Home Inspection:

   • It’s essential to have a professional home inspector evaluate the property’s condition to identify any potential issues or necessary repairs.

7. Appraisal:

   • The lender will require an appraisal to determine the fair market value of the property. This ensures that the property’s value matches the loan amount.

8. Secure Financing:

   • After your offer is accepted, work closely with your lender to finalize your mortgage application and secure financing.

9. Closing:

   • The closing process involves signing the final paperwork, transferring ownership, and paying closing costs. This typically takes place at a title company or attorney’s office.

10. Obtain Homeowners Insurance:

    • You’ll need to secure homeowners insurance before closing on the property.

11. Move In:

    • Once the closing is complete, you can take possession of the property and start moving in.

When buying a house in New Mexico specifically, here are a few state-specific considerations:

• Property Taxes: Research property tax rates and how they vary by location within New Mexico. Property tax rates can significantly affect your ongoing homeownership costs.

• Homeowners Association (HOA): If you’re purchasing a property in a planned community, check if there’s an HOA, as it may have specific rules, fees, and regulations.

• New Mexico Real Estate Market: Stay informed about the local real estate market trends, as they can affect property prices and availability.

• Legal Requirements: Consult with a real estate attorney to understand the legal aspects of buying property in New Mexico, including the closing process and any state-specific laws.

Remember that real estate transactions can vary, and it’s crucial to work with professionals like real estate agents, inspectors, and lenders to navigate the process successfully. Conduct thorough research and due diligence to ensure you make an informed decision when purchasing a house in New Mexico or any other location.

HUD, the parent of FHA, does not allow credit disputes on the following:

1. Outstanding collection accounts that are not medical collections.

2. Charged off accounts

3. Late Payments in the past 24 months

4. Derogatory public records such as bankruptcy, foreclosure, deed-in-lieu of foreclosure, short sale, child support, federal and state tax liens, judgments, delinquent student loans, and other derogatory credit tradelines.

EXEMPT FROM CREDIT DISPUTES

1. Medical collections

2. Non-medical credit disputes that are on-time payments and good standings.

3. Non-medical disputes with zero balance.

4. Non-medical credit disputes with total credit tradelines with under $1,000 Outstanding Balance.

5. Collections and charge off accounts, late payments, older than 24 months.

VA, USDA, NON-QM, FANNIE MAE and FREDDIE MAC are normally EXEMPT from credit disputes. We have a YouTube live video aired today September 25th, 2023 at 10 am hosted from GCA Mortgage Group which we will post on this thread. Contact Gustan Cho Associates if you have any questions.

Stats: 1.5 months having the new car 9.24% Is the rate from my bank 680 was when I got my car. 693 is now my current score. FICO states I could go 8.3%

I have a client wondering whether it makes more sense to just allow her house to foreclose or try to do a short sale.
Her financial advisor advised her she should let it go to foreclosure because if she opts for a short sale, she’ll get a 1099 for the difference between what she owes and what the bank ends up selling the property for. AND of course, she’ll have to pay taxes on that 1099 income.
I’m a Realtor and my thoughts are she should do a short pay because if she goes to foreclosure, she’ll be responsible for that difference PLUS costs which will amount to much more than paying taxes (Plus you can always strike a deal with the IRS for a payment plan without it affecting your credit). The bank that has the deed to her property isn’t going to let her get away free if she forecloses. They’ll come after her for that money with those fees for years, years.
And, with a short pay, the account comes up “settled” in her credit report.

My question: How does one’s credit score differ between a short pay and a foreclosure? Is there a big difference?

Should 2 late payments on a time share stop my refinance from going? Should I wait out filing bankruptcy if debt collectors are leaving me alone?

Should I postpone buying a new car until after you close on your home loan? Should I wait to buy a home when my student loans are in in-school deferment status?

Should I enter into a monthly payment agreement with a creditor $100 a month on a 8k debt so my DTI stays low?

If I have older outstanding collection accounts and charge-off accounts, should I contact the collection agency in the hope that they did not place a lien on me or I have a judgment? And if I do have a lien, can I ask the collection agency or creditor that the lien has not been renewed?

What is a credit supplement and how does it work? Why do we need a credit supplement?

What are reserves and how does reserves work? When do mortgage lenders ask for reserves?

WHY CONSUMERS FILE BANKRUPTCY?

Veterans and Credit History Length: A Journey Through Time

Welcome to Day 15 of our dedicated series, where we continue to equip our veterans with the essential tools and knowledge for navigating the civilian credit landscape. Today, our focus is on the length of credit history and its impact on credit scores, offering insights into how veterans can optimize this facet of their financial story.

Understanding Credit History Length: The Timeline Matters

The length of your credit history, or the duration over which you’ve managed credit, accounts for roughly 15% of your FICO score. This considers the age of your oldest account, the age of your newest account, and the average age of all your accounts.

The Importance of Credit History Length for Veterans

A longer credit history can provide a clearer picture of your financial habits over time. For lenders, it offers a more extended view of how you’ve managed credit. For veterans transitioning from military to civilian life, understanding this aspect is crucial, especially if there were periods of inactivity or limited credit usage during service.

Strategies to Enhance Credit History Length

• Maintain Older Accounts: It might be tempting to close that old credit card you seldom use, but keeping it open can positively influence the length of your credit history.

• Think Before Opening New Accounts: While new credit can be beneficial, opening numerous accounts in quick succession can reduce your average account age.

• Check for Errors: Ensure all accounts listed on your credit report are accurate. If an old account isn’t listed, it might be worth contacting the credit bureau to rectify the error.

Veteran-Specific Insights

• Reactivating Dormant Credit Lines: If you had credit accounts before your military service and they’ve become dormant during deployments, consider reactivating them. This can strengthen your credit history length.

• Military Credit Protections: Some credit protections for active-duty military members can influence credit history length. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and its implications on your credit.

• Leverage Joint Accounts: If a spouse or family member maintained a strong credit profile while you were on active duty, consider being added as an authorized user to their account. This can potentially boost your credit history.

Challenges in Managing Credit History Length

• The Temptation of New Offers: The allure of new credit offers with lucrative benefits can be tempting, but remember that frequently opening new accounts can impact the average age of your credit.

• Being Unaware of Account Ages: Not knowing the age of each account might lead to inadvertently closing an older account. Periodically review your credit report to stay informed.

• Overlooking the Comprehensive Picture: While the length of credit history is significant, it’s just one component of credit health. Maintaining a holistic view is essential.

Credit History in the Grand Tapestry of Financial Health

Your credit history length offers a glimpse into your financial journey over time. It paints a picture of consistency, reliability, and responsibility. For veterans, this timeline is uniquely intertwined with their service, sacrifices, and transitions.

Concluding Day 15: Embracing the Past to Forge a Brighter Future

The length of one’s credit history is, in many ways, a testament to their financial journey’s resilience and evolution. For our veterans, it’s a timeline punctuated with moments of valor, sacrifice, and adaptability.

As we wrap up today’s insights, our dedication remains steadfast: to illuminate the path of financial literacy for our nation’s heroes, ensuring they stride forward with confidence, armed with knowledge and foresight.

Stay with us for Day 16, as we continue to unravel the intricacies of credit, providing our veterans with the strategies and insights they deserve in their financial endeavors.

Veterans and Credit Utilization: Striking the Right Balance for Financial Health

Welcome to Day 12 of our series designed to empower our nation’s veterans with a solid grasp of credit intricacies. Today’s spotlight shines on credit utilization, a pivotal factor in determining credit scores. As veterans reintegrate into civilian life, understanding how to manage and optimize their credit utilization can be key to maintaining a healthy credit profile.

Breaking Down Credit Utilization: More than Just Spending

Credit utilization refers to the ratio of your current credit card balances to your credit card limits. It’s a measure of how much of your available credit you’re using. For example, if you have a credit card with a $5,000 limit and you’ve used $1,500, your credit utilization rate on that card is 30%.

Why Credit Utilization Matters to Veterans

Credit utilization is a significant component, contributing to 30% of your FICO score. A high utilization rate can indicate potential financial strain or over-reliance on credit, which might deter lenders. For veterans transitioning to civilian financial habits, being vigilant about their utilization ratio can help ensure their credit score remains robust.

Guidelines for Optimal Credit Utilization

• Aim for Low Ratios: It’s generally recommended to keep your credit utilization below 30%. This shows lenders you’re not maxing out your credit cards and can manage credit responsibly.

• Regularly Pay Balances: Even if you pay off your balance in full by the due date each month, high utilization can still impact your score if your lender reports the balance before you’ve paid it. Regular payments, possibly bi-monthly, can help maintain a lower utilization ratio.

• Request Credit Limit Increases: Without increasing your spending, a higher credit limit can reduce your utilization ratio. However, only consider this if you trust yourself not to overspend with the added credit.

Tailored Insights for Veterans

• Post-Deployment Debt: It’s not uncommon for veterans to accrue debt during deployments or periods of active duty. Prioritizing paying down these balances can improve both credit utilization and overall financial health.

• Utilizing VA Benefits: Certain veteran-centric financial programs or counseling services can offer insights and strategies tailored to manage credit utilization effectively.

• Avoid Closing Accounts Post-Service: If you’ve been using a credit card during service and are considering closing it post-deployment, think twice. Closing an account can reduce your overall credit limit, inadvertently increasing your utilization ratio.

Avoiding Credit Utilization Missteps

• Only Paying the Minimum: While paying the minimum amount keeps your account in good standing, it doesn’t help reduce your utilization ratio significantly.

• Accumulating Large Balances: Large purchases can spike your utilization rate. If possible, make immediate payments or spread out significant expenses.

• Ignoring Balance Alerts: Setting up balance alerts can help you stay informed and act promptly if your utilization rate goes beyond your desired threshold.

The Broader Picture: Utilization in the Credit Ecosystem

Credit utilization, while crucial, is one of several factors determining credit scores. While it’s essential to optimize it, it’s equally important to maintain a holistic approach to credit management.

Veterans, with their disciplined and systematic approach honed during service, can incorporate these principles into their financial management strategies, ensuring not just optimal credit utilization but overall credit health.

Wrapping Up Day 12: The Art of Financial Equilibrium

The essence of credit utilization is balance – a balance between available credit and used credit, a balance between financial needs and financial capabilities. For our nation’s veterans, mastering this equilibrium can lay the foundation for a promising financial future.

As Day 12 comes to a close, our commitment remains strong: to guide, inform, and empower our heroes in every aspect of credit. Tomorrow, we continue this journey, diving deeper into the multifaceted world of credit, ensuring that every veteran is well-prepared for the financial challenges and opportunities ahead.

The government says inflation is 10%. The government are liars. Have you noticed the cost of goods at the local grocery store. A 12 pack of soda cost $3.99 just a year ago. Cost of a 12 pack of soda is now over $10.00. That’s a 300% increase in price. I remember buying a two liter plastic bottle of RC for 0.99 cents. Now any two litter soda is $3.50 to $4.00. I can go on and on. A fully decked out brand new pick up truck or SUV can cost $100,000. With skyrocketing inflation numbers, Mortgage rates surpassing 8%, wages remain the same. I remember not to long ago a $100,000 annual salary was considered high income and wealthy. $100,000 with the inflation rates today is lower middle class. If you work for the government, you will get raises because the government print dollars through their printing press. There needs to be a change and people need to wake up and stop being in a state of denial

Veterans and Credit Inquiries: Navigating the Landscape of Hard and Soft Pulls

Welcome to Day 10 of our series dedicated to guiding our nation’s heroes through the intricate maze of credit. Today, our focus shifts to the realm of credit inquiries. For veterans reestablishing their financial footprints in civilian life, understanding the nuances of credit checks can play a pivotal role in safeguarding their credit health.

Demystifying Credit Inquiries: Hard vs. Soft Pulls

Credit inquiries, or pulls, happen when an entity checks your credit report. There are two main types:

• Hard Pulls (Hard Inquiries): These are initiated when you apply for a new credit line, be it a mortgage, credit card, or loan. A hard inquiry can impact your credit score for up to 12 months and remain on your report for two years.

• Soft Pulls (Soft Inquiries): These do not affect your credit score and occur when you or a company checks your credit for non-lending purposes, like pre-approvals or background checks.

The Importance of Monitoring Inquiries for Veterans

While inquiries contribute to only about 10% of your FICO score, an excessive number of hard pulls in a short time can signal desperation or financial instability to lenders. For veterans transitioning to civilian financial norms, being aware of the inquiries made on their report is crucial.

Strategies to Manage and Monitor Inquiries

• Space Out Applications: If you’re considering multiple credit lines, space out your applications. Lenders might view multiple hard pulls within a short span as credit-seeking behavior.

• Inquire About Inquiry Type: Before authorizing a credit check, ask if it’s a hard or soft pull. This can prevent unwanted dents to your score.

• Review Your Credit Report: Regularly check your report for any unauthorized or mistaken hard inquiries. If found, dispute them promptly.

Veterans and Credit Checks: Special Scenarios to Consider

• Rate Shopping: Many veterans, when seeking loans (like auto or mortgages), might shop around for the best rates. Credit scoring models usually consider multiple inquiries for the same type of loan within a short period (14-45 days) as a single inquiry.

• VA Loans: For veterans considering VA home loans, the lending institution will initiate a hard pull. However, the favorable terms and benefits of VA loans often outweigh the minor impact of the inquiry.

• Security Clearances: Some veterans may need security clearances for certain jobs, which could entail a soft pull on their credit.

Staying Informed: The Power of Knowledge

• Stay Updated: Ensure you’re aware of the latest credit scoring models and how they handle inquiries, especially if you’re rate shopping.

• Educate Yourself: Some credit monitoring services offer insights and tips about managing inquiries, which can be particularly useful for veterans unfamiliar with civilian credit norms.

• Seek Expert Advice: If unsure about the potential impact of an inquiry, consult with a financial advisor or credit counselor.

Avoiding Missteps in the World of Inquiries

• Impulse Applications: Avoid applying for credit impulsively, especially for store credit cards that might seem tempting at the checkout.

• Ignoring Your Report: Regularly check your credit report to ensure there are no unauthorized inquiries. This not only protects your score but also helps in early detection of potential identity theft.

• Uninformed Decisions: Not all inquiries are created equal. Be clear about the type and potential impact of each credit check before giving consent.

Wrapping Up Day 10: Inquiries as Gatekeepers of Credit Health

Credit inquiries, in many ways, act as gatekeepers. They’re the checkpoints that can either pave the way for financial opportunities or serve as hurdles if not navigated wisely.

For veterans, who’ve navigated far more challenging terrains, understanding the landscape of credit inquiries becomes another mission to master. And with the right knowledge and strategies, this mission, like many before, is entirely achievable.

As we conclude our insights for the day, our promise remains: to accompany our veterans, step by step, through their financial transitions, ensuring they’re equipped with all the knowledge they need.

Join us tomorrow as we continue our journey, further illuminating the path for our nation’s heroes in the world of credit.

Modular homes look great and are better than stick built homes for a fraction of the cost and time to build. Hands down a lot of house for the money. https://youtube.com/watch?v=e3sSdeQlBSM&feature=share8

Yes, it is possible to get a mortgage in Minnesota (or any other U.S. state) with bad credit, but it can be more challenging. Here are some things you might want to consider:

1. **FHA Loans:** Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans are often a good option for those with bad credit. They are insured by the government and lenders are more willing to take on borrowers who are seen as higher risk. The minimum credit score for an FHA loan is generally around 580, but some lenders may work with borrowers who have lower scores.

2. **VA Loans:** If you’re a veteran or active-duty military, you may be eligible for a loan from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans typically don’t require a minimum credit score, but the lender you choose might have its own requirements.

3. **Subprime Mortgages:** These are offered to home buyers with poor credit. However, they usually come with higher interest rates and fees to compensate for the additional risk the lender is taking on.

4. **Credit Union Mortgages:** Credit unions may be more willing to work with you if you have bad credit, especially if you’ve been a long-time member.

5. **Co-signer:** If you have a trusted friend or family member with good credit, they may be willing to co-sign the mortgage loan. This means they’re agreeing to take responsibility for the loan if you can’t make the payments.

6. **Work on Improving Your Credit:** Even if your credit is bad now, it might be worth it to spend some time improving your score before you apply for a mortgage. This could involve paying down debt, getting any errors on your credit report corrected, or simply making sure to pay all your bills on time.

Keep in mind that even if you can get a mortgage with bad credit, it might not be the best financial decision. You’ll likely end up paying significantly more in interest over the life of the loan than you would if you had better credit. Before you decide to get a mortgage, you should talk to a financial advisor to understand all the implications.

There has been a trend in recent years of Americans moving from higher-cost, typically more liberal-leaning states to states with a lower cost of living, many of which lean more conservative. This is a complex issue that involves many factors beyond politics, including housing costs, job opportunities, taxation, quality of life, and climate.

As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there’s been a significant outflow of residents from states like New York and California to states such as Texas, Florida, and Tennessee, among others. While these trends may be influenced by political preferences for some, it’s important to note that not everyone’s reasons for moving are political. Many people are likely motivated by economic factors such as the cost of housing and the job market.

It’s also worth mentioning that migration trends can change over time due to shifts in the economy, changes in state and local policies, and evolving societal attitudes. For example, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected migration patterns as more people started working remotely, giving them more flexibility to live in places with a lower cost of living.

The impacts of such migration trends can be significant, affecting the economies, demographics, and political landscapes of both the states people are leaving and the ones they’re moving to. It can lead to shifts in political power, as reflected in the decennial redrawing of congressional district boundaries and the apportioning of seats in the House of Representatives.

To get the most current information, please refer to the most recent census data, state demographic data, or surveys from moving companies, as these sources can provide a more accurate and updated picture of migration trends.

Besides NEXA Mortgage, what other mortgage companies  offer revenue share and residual income and how does it work?

What are the Alternative Credit Tradelines, when and how to use?

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the two largest institutional buyers of mortgage-backed securities on the secondary market.

Many manufactured homes are hands down better than stick built homes. You cannot tell its a manufactured home. Double wide manufactured homes are reasonable and affordable. Architecturally elegant, strong, and has all the upgrades of stick built custom homes.