"One of the most important lessons we've learned in living through this pandemic is that work-life fit lies in an authentic commitment to communication, flexible thinking, connection and respect." Read more about these work-life balance best practices.
HBR.ORG
4 Strengths of Family-Friendly Work Cultures
One of the biggest challenges we continue to face during the pandemic is how to maintain and foster connections with our communities. Here are several ideas on how you can better connect with--and help--those in need in your community.
BLOG.SWBC.COM
Strengthening Community Connections Amid the Coronavirus
Happy #GrandparentsDay!
Today we pause to honor those that lost their lives on 9/11. #NeverForget
Have a safe and enjoyable Labor Day. You've earned it!
Here is our final answer to the question, “Is now a good time to buy?" #5: Depending on your situation, a government-backed mortgage may be the ideal loan for you to get into a new home. These options may include VA, FHA, and Affordable Housing Programs, as well as conventional loans with lower down payments. Call me today to learn more!
From decorating your "Zoom Room" to creating more storage in unexpected places, 2020 has had a profound impact on home improvements and decor. Learn more about the emerging trends that are making homes more livable this year.
APARTMENTTHERAPY.COM
16 Home Decor Trends that are Going to Rule the Rest of 2020, According to Designers
Friends, I have a brand-new webpage that I would love for you to check out! There are some great resources on the homebuying process, along with an easier way to begin your mortgage application process. Take a look and let me know what you think!
SWBCMORTGAGE.COM
Mike Thomas | SWBC Mortgage
MBSHIGHWAY.COM
MBS Highway
Warm congratulations to our own Susan Stewart, CEO of SWBC Mortgage, who has been sworn in as the new Chair of the Mortgage Bankers Association! We're all very proud of Susan and her ongoing accomplishments as a terrific leader for our company and as a leading voice for the mortgage industry! #MBAAnnual2020
https://swb.us/2T8jzIt
Human-resources professionals report that maintaining employee morale is their most difficult Covid-19 workplace issue. Learn how managers can better identify employee malaise and improve morale, especially as working at home is the only option. #makethemost
WSJ.COM
Battling Pandemic Blues: How Managers Can Rally the Troops
Just a friendly #DayLightSavings reminder:
Wishing you a very scary #Halloween!
Serving America means ‘honor and duty’ to Senior Loan Officer CJ Wyatt, as SWBC Mortgage continues to salute our veteran employees and all of those who unselfishly have served our country. #veteransday
“My military service is the foundation for the person I am today,” states Lee Barroll, U.S. Army veteran, as SWBC Mortgage continues this week to honor the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans and active duty military members. #veteransday
“Proud to have served in a brotherhood that few who don’t serve would understand. One flag, one land, one heart, one nation….ever more!,” states SWBC Mortgage’s Jimmy Alexander, who is still serving the military community as our assistant branch manager and senior loan officer in Temple and Killeen, Texas. Jimmy works closely with active duty and retired veterans including those who serve at Ft. Hood, the most populous U.S. military installation in the world. #veteransday
SWBC Mortgage honors one of our newest veteran employees, Blair Gonzales, who states, “Serving in the military means sacrifice for those you love, and upholding a standard of honor and integrity in all that you do.” #veteransday
SWBC Mortgage honors the service and sacrifice of our nation's veterans and active duty military members. This week we’re highlighting several of our employees who have served in this nation’s armed forces. Meet veteran and loan processing specialist Lyndsie Brinkman, who states “It was an honor to be willing to sacrifice everything to serve God and protect my country.” #veteransday
If you know a veteran, make sure you take time today to thank them for their service. Happy #VeteransDay!
Announcing FHFA Loan Limit INCREASES for 2021! This gives you more options in choosing your dream home. New Conforming Loan Limits for one-unit dwellings will increase to $548,250 in 2021. At SWBC Mortgage, we can offer these new loan limits immediately, so contact me today to learn more about what this could mean for you.
We’re thankful for all of you! Happy #Thanksgiving!
Best wishes from the SWBC family this holiday season! How does your family celebrate the holidays?
Improving personal finances is an always-popular New Year’s resolution. If spending less and saving more is on your 2021 list, learn how to set and meet realistic financial goals.
BLOG.SWBC.COM
5 Ways to Make Your Financial New Year’s Resolutions Stick
I'm happy to announce I've joined the ranks of Certified Mortgage Advisors! It's important to have a trusted advisor at your side to guide you through the purchasing or refinance process and to help you choose the wisest strategy. Text "mortgageguy" to 36260 for my free toolkit or call me direct @ 443-752-4173.
We expected the ADP report to show a 130k loss, but it came in at 123k loss. Looking forward, we have more important BLS Jobs Report (non-farms employment) coming out this Friday. This report includes AVG weekly and hourly earnings. Weekly is the more important factor to look at since you can make more per hour but with less hours make less per week.
Mortgage Backed Securities off all time highs (lowest rates) after yesterday's reversal as we tested the price ceiling.
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MBSHIGHWAY.COM
ADP Employment Report
Happy #NewYear! What are some of your goals for 2021?
The Citigroup Panic/Euphoria Model now stands at 1.83, which is more than 4 times the euphoria threshold of 0.41 and at some of the highest levels in history. For a point of reference, during the dot com bubble the model showed a Euphoria reading of 1.5. While there are many factors, this is a contrarian indicator that suggests there could be a Stock market correction. If that were to occur, the Bond market would likely be the beneficiary.
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MBSHIGHWAY.COM
Citigroup Panic/Euphoria Model
Join us to celebrate the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America - Martin Luther King Jr. #MLK
https://www.mbshighway.com/gallery/jobless-claims-1-14-2021-png Initial Jobless Claims, which measures individuals filing for unemployment benefits for the first time, increased by 181k last week to 965,000. The estimates were for 765k. For perspective, we were seeing around 200k claims pre-covid, so this is still 5 times that amount this far into it. Continuing Claims, or those that continue to receive benefits, increased by 199k to 5.3M. The Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Claims, which gives individuals benefits who would not usually qualify, dropped by 941k to 7.4M. Pandemic Emergency Claims, which extends claims by 13 weeks after regular benefits expire, decreased by 325,000. This is likely due to those benefits expiring.
MBSHIGHWAY.COM
Initial Jobless Claims
Here are a few recent Google Reviews received - thank you!
Thane Hash
3 hours ago
If I could give 10 stars I would! Mike made the refi process painless and easy for my wife & I. He was very patient when we had questions(which we had a ton of!) & was very thorough when it came to explaining every step of the process. If you want to refiance your home the best thing you can do is give Mike & his team a call.
Ken Malecki
2 reviews
a day ago
Patience, kindness, diligence, ability and assistance!!! The team was fantastic!
Amy Hummers
3 reviews
a month ago
Between me and my husband - we have now used Mike T. three times for mortgages/refinance. He was recommended by my real estate agent originally and we will never use anybody else. Mike will always have a stellar reference with us. Extremely informative, especially with first-timers. He walks you through the entire process, explains options along the way, and he makes sure you understand EVERYTHING. A+++
Can't help but think of these sayings while looking at this chart: What goes up must come down and the bigger they are the harder they fall (right)? fall.&body=https://www.mbshighway.com/gallery/Citi-Panic-Euphoria-1-19-2021-png
MBSHIGHWAY.COM
Citi Panic/ Euphoria index
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MBSHIGHWAY.COM
Initial Jobless Claims
Barry Habib - "Why CMA?" - Please watch this short video if you are looking for a mortgage lender: http://m.bixel1.net/ber4z5
GET.HOMEBOT.AI
What's my home worth? (It's free for homeowners!)
Happy #GroundhogDay!
Happy #PresidentsDay!
Hope your day is filled with the sweetest treats! #ValentinesDay
Working and spending more time at home has created significant demand for remodeling, especially in our all-important kitchens. Read more about the latest kitchen design trends for 2021 and beyond.
REALTOR.COM
Good Riddance to Open Floor Plans and Cabinets Galore: Top Kitchen Trends of 2021
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) announced that individuals classified as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) can now obtain FHA financing. These individuals are now eligible for an FHA mortgage under non-permanent resident alien guidelines. If this applies to you, contact me today to learn more about your options for homeownership.
Ever wonder how your credit score is actually determined? Learn more about your number, and what factors can help or hurt your score.
BLOG.SWBC.COM
How Does Your Credit Score Stack Up?
Wishing you good luck and laughter this #StPatricksDay!
Remember to adjust those clocks for tomorrow.
