5 Tips to Perfect Your Holiday Budget

5 Tips to Perfect Your Holiday Budget

The holidays are upon us and with that comes the season of giving and sharing with the less fortunate. The problem with this time of year is that many people tend to overspend their holiday budget. To avoid this, I will share an article I discovered from Practical Money Skills that details five easy steps for creating a holiday budget.

1. Set Your Budget
The best place to start making a holiday budget is to look at your spending during last year's holiday season. In what areas did you spend more than planned? Next, make a list of the holiday purchases and events you plan to spend money on this year. Consider all of your major spending categories: gifts, entertaining, meals, and travel–then estimate how much you can afford to spend in each category. Knowing your spending goals long beforehand will help you stay on track financially as the season heats up. This easy-to-use Holiday Budget Calculator can help.

2. Get Creative
One great way to save money and wow friends and families is to get creative. Store-bought gifts are great, but homemade gift are often more meaningful and most recipients truly appreciate your time and effort. Ideas for creative gift projects are plentiful online. Sites like this one should give you a few ideas to start with. If you like the idea of a personal touch and affordability but don't have the time or skill to make gifts yourself, the ultimate marketplace for homemade gifts is Etsy, where you can find crafty items from over 200,000 sellers.

3. Join Together
Instead of excessively spending on each other this year, join together with family members to help those who may be less fortunate. Online opportunities are easy to find, and there are several in this article, "Helping others when money is tight." Other opportunities for online giving can be found at the websites for Oxfam International and ACCION.

4. Travel Wisely
If you plan on traveling, take some time to determine how much it will cost you with our Holiday Travel Planner and don't forget these holiday travel planning tips.

5. Entertain for Less
Holidays are a wonderful time to entertain, but a little planning and budgeting can help you avoid financial headaches. Let our Holiday Entertainment Planner help you ensure a fun event that won't tax you financially. Also check out these holiday entertainment tips to help you keep your holiday budget in shape.

Remember, Terry Williams: see you on the other side.

18 Ways You Can Enjoy Halloween With the Whole Family in the Omaha Area!

The leaves are changing, football is in full swing and the chill in the air brings one of my favorite holidays, Halloween. Halloween in the Omaha area is truly special; the thought of the short drive to corn fields and dirt roads builds the perfect fall atmosphere. There is never a shortage of activities whether you’re looking for haunted houses, pumpkin patches or corn mazes.

If you are looking to take the family through a corn maze with all the attractions of a pumpkin patch, there are many to choose from. Within the Omaha area, there is Skinny Bones Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze which is located in Blair, Camp Fontanell Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze in Fontanell, NE, Roca Berry Farm which is just south of Lincoln in Roca, NE, Wenninghoff’s Farm and Pumpkin patch located on the corner of Wenninghoff Road and Sorensen Parkway and Uncle LeRoy’s Pumpkin Patch located in Denison, IA.

If you are looking for a more traditional pumpkin patch (most include haunted attractions as well), there are many area favorites. Entering its 29th year, Vala’s Pumpkin Patch is located in Grenta, NE and has become a staple in Omaha culture. Other great options include the Bellevue Berry Farm and Pumpkin Ranch, Bloom Where You’re Planted in Avoca, NE, Martin’s Hillside Orchard  in Ceresco, NE and across the river there is Pioneer Trail Orchard and Pumpkin Patch in Council Bluffs, IA.

If a truly haunted experience is what you are looking for, there are nearly a dozen in the Omaha area. Mystery Manor is located in the heart of downtown Omaha, "Nightmare on Q Street" at Fun-Plex, Scary Acres, The Shadow's Edge, Eagle Hollow Haunts which located at Eagle Raceway, Spooktacular  that is set up in the Henry Doorly Zoo, the Gateway of Chaos in Malvern, IA, Haunted Hollow Haunted Theme Park, Blood Lust Ultimate Haunted Attraction and the Terror on 12th Street in Crete are just a handful to mention that are just minutes from the Omaha area.

With all of these Halloween attractions, it is hard not to feel the buzz in the air around Omaha. I hope I was able to give your family some great options for the upcoming weekends and hope you have a safe Halloween. Thanks for reading and talk to you soon!

Government Shutdown Risks Hurting The Housing Recovery

Government Shutdown Risks Hurting The Housing Recovery

From: http://www.forbes.com/sites/morganbrennan/2013/10/01/heres-how-the-government-shutdown-will-affect-housing/

By:  Morgan Brennan, Forbes Staff

The government shutdown is here. Whether it’s not being able to get a new Social Security card or visit a national park, Americans will immediately feel the effects. But there’s one bright spot of the economy that stands to be affected as well: housing.

One of the biggest questions regarding the shutdown and how it will affect housing has revolved around the mortgage market, specifically prospective buyers’ access to new home loans. After all, more than 90% of all loan activity is underwritten, insured, or owned by the government and its affiliated entities.

Initially at least, the mortgage market is likely to be only minimally impacted. New loans will continue to push through most government agency pipelines. What will change is how long the process takes, as many agencies expect to experience delays.

Mortgages purchased and securitized by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be unaffected because their operations are paid for by fees charged to lenders. And the Department of Veterans Affairs will continue to guarantee mortgages for Americans that have served in the military since these loans are funded by user fees as well.

But if the government shutdown of 1995-1996 is any indicator, the process will take longer than usual. “Loan Guaranty certificates of eligibility and certificates of reasonable value were delayed,” the VA warned in its September 25th contingency plan.

Where there has been mounting concern is the Federal Housing Administration, which currently endorses about 15% of the entire single-family mortgage market. Several media outlets recently reported that the FHA would be unable to endorse any single-family loans and that no staff would be available underwrite and approve new loans.

That prospect would be somewhat worrisome – if it were actually true. The FHA’s Office of Single Family Housing will indeed remain open for business, albeit with a smaller staff. “FHA will be able to endorse single family loans during the shutdown. A limited number of FHA staff will be available to underwrite and approve new loans,” the report now states. In other words, other lenders’ loans will continue to be insured and some in-house lending will continue to take place at a reduced rate.

The reason for that mix-up: the initial draft of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s contingency plan mistakenly stated that single-family loan operations would cease. The report was amended over the weekend.

The FHA’s single-family loan operations are funded through multi-year appropriations, meaning their budget is not tied to the government’s standoff over funding for the new fiscal year that starts in October. On the other hand, what will be more affected is the agency’s Multifamily Housing Office, which is funded through yearly appropriations.

“Because we are able to endorse loans, we don’t expect the impact on the housing market to be significant, as long as the shutdown is brief,” continues the HUD report. “If the shutdown lasts and our commitment authority runs out, we do expect that potential homeowners will be impacted, as well as home sellers and the entire housing market.”

One government lender that will indeed suspend its home loan activity, however, is the Department of Agriculture. The USDA says that no new housing loans or guarantees will be issued through its Rural Development programs in a shutdown. The department also warns that such a scenario could cause “a setback in construction start-up,” and if the shutdown lasts for an extended period, “a substantial reduction in housing available in rural areas relative to population.”

“The government doesn’t generally approve loans, they basically just insure them,” says Don Frommeyer, president of the National Association of Mortgage Brokers and a vice president at Amtrust Mortgage Funding. “For the most part you aren’t going to see much of a hit in the mortgage market unless it goes for a long period of time.”

If it does stretch on, he adds, the worry will be what mortgage rates do in a market shrouded in fiscal uncertainty and how that will affect the home buying, especially in light of recent rate spikes.

Home lending aside, many economists and real estate experts are keeping a close watch on how Americans will react to this shutdown. “Administratively everything should keep moving along, but it’s more about the confidence of consumers and whether they perceive that the government shutdown could lead to a recession,” says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors.

Moody’s Analytics chief economist Mark Zandi recently told the Senate Budget Committee that a partial shutdown could shave as much as 1.4 percentage points off of fourth quarter economic growth if it drags on for several weeks.

Americans’ confidence in their ability to buy and sell homes hit a record high in May, according to a Fannie Mae survey. Since then, as mortgage rates jumped more than a percentage point, that confidence level has plateaued.  If prospective homebuyers fear that the country’s economic recovery will stall, or worse slip back into recession, they will pull back on purchases, worries Yun.

“Home sales is always the first housing variable that changes so one would see sales declining and that would naturally lead to more inventory on the market and eventually put pressure on prices,” he says. But that would be a worst-case scenario based on a long-term shutdown.

Jed Kolko, chief economist at Trulia TRLA +6.43%, notes that if the shutdown lasts longer than a few days, the first places to feel the impact will be local economies with large concentrations of federal government workers. Metro areas like Washington, D.C. and Bethesda, Md., where 19% and 13% respectively of total local wages go to federal employees, would be the feel the negative effects of unpaid furloughs and with them, tightened consumer spending and weakening local economic growth. Though not all will be equally affected, other metro areas like Virginia Beach, Va., Honolulu, Hawaii, and Dayton, Ohio are areas that Kolko is keeping an eye on: “Whether there is a big effect depends on how long the shutdown lasts, how long people think the shutdown lasts, and whether people get back-pay. All those things matter for the impact.”

Still others are worrying even more about the next fiscal standoff, in  mid-October, surrounding the debt ceiling debate and its accompanying threat of debt default by the U.S.  ”With the threat of an impending partial government shutdown and yet another battle over the nation’s debt ceiling, in particular, we are really messing with fire right now—even if it doesn’t seem to bother some legislators,” says Stan Humphries, chief economist at Zillow.

“But the effects of a government default associated with the impending debt-ceiling deadline would be more pronounced because of its greater impact on domestic and international markets. This will rattle consumers and investors alike, slow down the overall economic recovery and further slow the housing recovery, which is already undergoing a moderation in the pace of home value gains due to rising mortgage rates,” he warns.

New Mortgage Rules Rushed

New Mortgage Rules Rushed

Our market has been great this last year. While we aren’t fully recovered, we are on our way. How do we make sure we don’t’ experience the same crash we did just a few years ago?

You may have heard of the recent new rules regarding mortgage lending soon to be effective Jan. 1st of next year. The new rules are intended to prevent abuses such as banks lending to those who can’t repay or lending too much money in ratio to the real estate property.

The new Ability to Repay (ATR) Rules will require Qualified Mortgage (QM) loans to follow a specific template.

Sounds like a good idea, right? Bankers agree with the new regulations, they need more time, though, to get ready for the new rules.  In a recent article from the Omaha World Herald, Matthew Williams, chairman of the American Bankers Association, said banks need a delay of at least six months. If not, some banks will have to stop mortgage lending to ‘avoid legal problems and other issues’.

It may seem simple, enough; why do banks need more time? Software companies are still developing the programs needed to follow the new regulations. Once the programs are complete, personnel will have to be trained on how to use the system.

More than 50 banks from both Nebraska and Iowa signed a letter in July asking for a delay. Williams said he spoke with Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to President Obama about the new regulations and their need for a delay. He believes she understood the issue.

If you have questions about the new regulations and how they affect you in the buying process, call the Mortgage Doctor!

Why You Can’t Afford to Wait to Buy!

 Hey, guys! Thanks for joining me today!

If you’ve watched the news lately, you’ve probably heard about the increasing home prices and the increasing mortgage rates. In fact, home prices have increased by 12 percent since May of this year!

Why are prices increasing? According to economist Erik Johnson the “record-low rates, a lack of new homes on the market and years of pent up demand have been the driving forces behind the recent home price spike.”

That trend is expected to continue. What does that mean for you? The longer you wait to buy a home, the more it will cost you. You literally can’t afford to wait!

So, if you’re looking at homes on the market, give the mortgage doctor a call! I can help you get preapproved so you can take advantage of today’s market!

How an FHA 203k Loan Can Get You the Home of Your Dreams

How an FHA 203k Loan Can Get You the Home of Your Dreams

When most people look for a new home, they want a ready to move into property. The cost of having to fix and renovate a home can seem daunting. What if you could get a loan, though, that covered both the cost of the home, as well as the cost of repairs?

The FHA 203k loan is used to encourage lenders to fund what might be considered ‘risky’ home purchases. The purpose is to revitalize neighborhoods and drive more home ownership opportunities.

There are two types of FHA 203k loans: regular and streamlined. A regular 203k loan is for homes that need structural repairs, while streamlined are for homes that have nonstructural needs.

While the credit requirements vary, eligibility is considered more flexible and as little as 3.5 percent down payment is required on a purchase or up to 97.75%  loan to value on a refinance.

So, what kind of homes and repairs can qualify you for a FHA 203k loan? You first must plan to live in the home you are repairing. Then, if you have any of the following types of residence, you qualify:
• Tears-downs (foundation must remain)
• Existing construction of at least one year
• Single-family, two-family, three-family or four-family dwellings
• Condos (if they have been approved for FHA loans)
• Mixed-used property

Which repairs qualify? Below are some of the repairs that qualify. If you would like the full list please click here and download it.
• Disability access
• Plumbing
• Finishing an attic or basement
• Roofing and flooring

FHA 203k loans are great ways to build and design the home of your dreams, especially if a brand new home is out of your price range. If you have any more questions or are interested in applying for the loan, please give me call at 402-301-4500 or send me an email at terry@terrywilliams.com

Divorce – Not a Fun Topic but a Crucial Matter In Mortgages

There is a Chinese Proverb that is often used by collaborative professionals: “Never cut what can be untied.”

When going through or considering a divorce, we all know the expense it can cost, not just financially but, mentally, physically and emotionally as well.

What does divorce have to do with your mortgage?  If two parties share joint credit, and scheduled payments by either spouse are not made timely as required by the creditor, an individual’s credit health can be damaged.

The collaborative model is designed to assist divorcing spouses work through their disputes constructively and peacefully. It is process by which couples work through issues of child custody, parenting time, division of financial assets and payment of marital bills and expenses through non-litigation techniques guided by specially-trained, experienced family law attorneys with the assistance, if necessary, of collaboratively trained professionals, such as child and financial specialists.

There are countless benefits to this approach: time, money, power of your own destiny and maintaining respect and civility. Moreover, each party is given the time necessary to process, evaluate, and apply the information to his/her individual circumstances. 

If you are interested in knowing more about the collaborative process, please contact Janice, a collaborative divorce attorney.  She would be glad to answer any questions you may have!

Janice Mandla Mattingly
402.507.5214
jmattingly@hzlegal.com
www.hzlegal.com

The Mortgage Doctor with the Granite Doctor

A special thanks this week to Barb Kadrlik of the Granite Doctor.

Please contact them with any questions or if you would like to schedule service:

Granite Doctor
4383 Nicholas Street, Ste 102
Omaha, NE  68131
Phone: 402-884-1101

Learning about stone has been very exciting!  What may be obvious to many people has been a new education for me.  There are 2 types of stone…calcium and silicate.  The calcium based stones are softer stones like marble, limestone.  The silicate stones are harder like granite, slate.  But all stones have four things in common:  pH, absorption rage, breathability and natural attraction.

Stone with a higher pH will react to acid – meaning that if you were to drop acid onto marble, it will bubble and fizz.  That will not happen with granite.  Stone absorbs like a sponge – pores and capillaries are the highway through stone.  Natural stones need to “breathe”.  If they are not able to breathe, the eventually die – which means harder stones lose their luster and softer stones can actually crumble.  The above three items make natural stone naturally attractive to contaminates – all kinds.

Sealing stone keeps out contaminates.  Too much sealer will make it difficult for your stone to breathe…which results in Moisture Vapor Transmission…a natural force of nature…and can cause damage or even “death” to your stone.

Sealing will NOT guarantee stone will not chip, stain or crack.  It helps keep the stone looking its best AND prolongs the health of the stone.  Sealing should be done based on usage of the stone.  More use…more often it needs to be sealed.

One of the most frequently asked questions is, “Do I really need to seal my granite counter?  Seems like a pain….”

Answer:  Although granite is one of the hardest surfaces on earth, it is surprisingly absorbent.  Like all organic materials it needs to be sealed because it is very porous.  Sealing will not keep your stone from staining or even getting damaged by extreme heat…but it will give you the time to get a spill picked up before a stain sets in.  Sealing keeps contaminates out of the pours in the stone so it maintains its luster.

The next question asked most often is, “ Why is my stone dull”?

Answer:  That is easy, when the seal wears off contaminates fill the pores and the stone becomes dull.  To fix that you need to get the stone cleaned and resealed.  This is not something a home owner wants to tackle on his/her own.  This is when they need to contact the Granite Doctor.  We will be able to determine whether or not we can help repair the stone.  At the very least, we

How often should I seal my countertops?  

Answer:  That depends….how much use do they get?  If you wax your car in the spring and leave it in the garage all summer, you won’t need to wax it again in the fall.  However, if you wash it every week, you will most likely get another wax before winter.  Why?  The wax wears off….just like the seal on your countertop.  Washing it daily wears the seal down, but washing it with chemicals makes it wear off sooner.  Constant working in a single area also wears the seal off.  So, one portion of the countertop may need resealing sooner than other sections.  However, it is recommended that you get it cleaned and resealed at least once every 3 years.

How do I clean my countertops?

ANSWER:  It is not necessary to spend a lot of money on cleaners. We recommend plain soap and water.  Most important is to dry the stone after it is cleaned.   This should be done daily.  Don’t let water sit, especially if you have hard water.

Why NOW is the Time to Buy

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my video blog!

I want to tell you about what’s been going on in the housing market lately. We’ve all heard how the market is booming and interest rates have been at an all-time low. Is the market still hot?

Unfortunately, interest rates are on the rise and since July 1st have surged to the highest level in close to two years. Mortgage rates are up 45 percent in just the past six weeks. Analysts called this a "credit event unlike any pure rate spike in recent housing market history."

The good news, though, is despite the increase, interest rates are still historically low.

Why are interest rates rising?

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke reported the central bank may discontinue buying bonds as the economy continues to improve. These bonds have helped stimulate the economy by fueling spending and driving up stocks. Now that unemployment is falling and the economic growth continues, Bernanke said the central bank may pull back.

You might be wondering then what all this has to do with you? To buy or not to buy? Will interest rates go down?

Now is the time to buy. Interest rates will not drop to their previous 3% again anytime soon. As a buyer, you want to lock in that lowest interest rate possible now! If you wait too long the rising rates could price you out of the market.

So give the Mortgage Doctor a call! Let’s figure out what the next best step for you is!

Fourth of July Events in Omaha

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The Fourth of July is fast approaching and there a number of events around Omaha celebrating. Below is a list of festivities and firework shows. I hope you find this helpful in celebrating the holiday, and as always be safe!

Bank of the West Celebrates America

When: June 28^th 6 p.m. (Fireworks 10 p.m.)

Where: Memorial Park, 6005 Underwood Ave

What: Performance by Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo, and Loverboy

Information: www.bankofthewest.com

7^th Annual StoneBridge Fireworks Bonanza (Omaha)

When: June 30^th, festivities at 6 p.m. and outdoor community worship 9 p.m. (fireworks at dusk)

What: Festivities, outdoor worship service and fireworks

Where: StoneBridge Christian Church, 15801 Butler Avenue

www.stonebridgeonline.net/home/new-here/special-event

Werner Park’s Independence Fireworks presented by First National Bank

When: July 2 & 3 (After Storm Chasers’ games)

Where: Werner Park, 12356 Ballpark Way

What: The “Biggest, brightest, loudest fireworks in the Omaha metro area celebrating our freedom”

http://www.milb.com/promotions/index.jsp?sid=t541

“Uncle Sam Jam 2013” (Lincoln)

When: July 3

Where: Oak Lake Park, 340 Charleston St. & Sun Valley (Lincoln)

What: concert, fireworks show and family activities including canoeing, disc golf, volleyball, bocce ball, horseshoes, carnival games, potato sack races, box hockey

www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/mayor/media/2013/061313.htm

Omaha World Herald Fireworks

When: July 3, 7:30 p.m.

Where: TD Ameritrade Park, 1200 Mike Fahey St.

What: TD Ameritrade College Home Run Derby (Fireworks following)

www.collegehomerunderby.com

Ralston Independence Day Parade & Celebration

When: July 3 & 4

Where: Ralston, at 80^th Street and Park Drive (July 3) 77^th and Main Street (July 4)

What: Community celebration with picnic in the park July 3 and fireworks on July 4

www.ralstonareachamber.org

“Star-Spangled Celebration” at the Omaha Children’s Museum

When: July 3, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Where: Omaha’s Children Museum, 500 South 20th Street

What: Star Spangled Science Show, “Firework” Painting, Make Your Own Sparkler

www.ocm.org

2013 Newport Landing Homeowners Association Fireworks Display

When: July 4^th (dusk)

Where: Newport Landing Lake, Bennington

What: Firework Display

http://newportlanding.weebly.com/news-and-events.html

Boys Town Firework Show

When: July 4^th, 9:45 p.m.

Where: 4100 Crawford Street (Football Field)

What: Fireworks Show

www.boystown.org

Omaha Champions Run Firework Show

When: July 4^th, 10 p.m.

Where: 13800 Eagle Run Dr.

What: Fireworks Show

www.championsomaha.com

Omaha Country Club Fireworks

When: July 4^th, Dusk

Where:  6900 Country Club Road

What: Fireworks Show

*Omaha Country Club is having a smaller firework display this year due to Senior Open. Staff suggests parking in parking lots near 72^nd Street.

www.omahacc.org

Professional Loan - For Doctors, CPAs, Attorneys, etc.

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Normally I tell my clients when applying for a loan they need to be employed and have a paycheck. The professional loan, though, offers a great opportunity to professionals: doctors, accountants, CPAs, attorneys, etc.

The professional loan can qualify you to buy a home with as little as 5% down before you even start your job. Conditions of the loan require an employment contract (a contractual agreement of wages, start dates, responsibilities), a minimum credit score of 700 as well as an evaluation of debt ratio and assets.

This loan isn’t for everyone; please call the Mortgage Doctor at 402-301-4500 for details and see if you qualify for a professional loan.  

How to Prepare for an Emergency

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We are at the height of tornado season and this can be a very scary time for people.  Though tornados have proven their potency for destruction time and time again, you can keep your family safe and sustain some piece of mind by coming up with an emergency plan. In this article I have provided you with 5 key tips to helping you prepare for an emergency such as a tornado as well as links to other sources with even more emergency preparedness tips.

Identify a Safe Place

The first thing that you must do to develop an emergency preparedness plan is to identify the places and routes which will get you out of harm’s way quickly. During a storm, you want to find the lowest level in the building. If there is no level lower than the first, find the most interior room of the floor as far away from windows and doors as possible. Closets, hallways interior stairwells work best. Map out two escape routes from each room of your house in event of a fire and write down each of these routes. Make sure everyone in your family is aware of your emergency plans and if you have small children, it is not a bad idea to have drills so they will get familiar with the family emergency plan.

Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit

You should keep enough supplies at home to meet the needs of you and your family for at least 3 days.  This includes water, dry food, dry clothes, battery powered radio, flashlight with extra batteries and a first aid kit.  If you purchase these items in small quantities at a time and stow them away for use solely in an emergency, it need not be expensive and you need not encounter the crowds that descend upon retail stores in the days and hours before a disaster strikes. Make sure your emergency supplies include a crank radio. Even though we have a great deal of devices that work to get news during a disaster, these all are battery operated and may not last the duration of the emergency.

Establish and Communicate a “Safety Plan”

Having a plan set in place is the best way to avert disaster in times of crisis.  First, have a family meeting so everyone is on the same page.  Establish the best escape routes from your home and pick a place to meet after everyone is out of harm’s way.  If you have small children, make sure they know how to spell their last name, an adult’s contact phone number, and how to dial 9-1-1 in case they become separated.  Mark your calendars to review your plan every six months.

Draft and Maintain a Will

Though many people may find the idea of drafting and discussing their living will and testament a little uneasy, it is very important to have one to prepare for the worst case scenario. If you or your spouse perish in an emergency, having a will will make sure your family is secure after you are gone. If you do not have a will, contact a lawyer immediately to prepare drafting one.

Be Able to Adapt

We may think that if we have a set plan, then we will be ready for any emergency that comes our way. Having a plan will be EXTREMELY beneficial to you and your family during a crisis, but you must always be able to adapt during times of crises. Having a second, third or even fourth back up plan will help your family not become stagnant during a disaster and know the safest plan of action no matter the situation.

~
Many of us have heard of the devastating effects of tornadoes and storms over the past few years. And though the financial damage has been devastating in the affected areas of these storms, many lives were saved due to the preparedness of the citizens of these locales.  To learn more about how you can keep your family safe during a disaster, click the following links.

http://dmh.mo.gov/docs/diroffice/disaster/30Tips.pdf

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/how-to-prepare-for-a-tornado.htm

http://med.stanford.edu/somsafety/forms/EP_Home.pdf

How to Prepare for an Emergency (vR)

We are at the height of tornado season and this can be a very scary time for people.  Though tornados have proven their potency for destruction time and time again, you can keep your family safe and sustain some piece of mind by coming up with an emergency plan. In this article I have provided you with 5 key tips to helping you prepare for an emergency such as a tornado as well as links to other sources with even more emergency preparedness tips.

Identify a Safe Place

The first thing that you must do to develop an emergency preparedness plan is to identify the places and routes which will get you out of harm’s way quickly. During a storm, you want to find the lowest level in the building. If there is no level lower than the first, find the most interior room of the floor as far away from windows and doors as possible. Closets, hallways interior stairwells work best. Map out two escape routes from each room of your house in event of a fire and write down each of these routes. Make sure everyone in your family is aware of your emergency plans and if you have small children, it is not a bad idea to have drills so they will get familiar with the family emergency plan.

Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit

You should keep enough supplies at home to meet the needs of you and your family for at least 3 days.  This includes water, dry food, dry clothes, battery powered radio, flashlight with extra batteries and a first aid kit.  If you purchase these items in small quantities at a time and stow them away for use solely in an emergency, it need not be expensive and you need not encounter the crowds that descend upon retail stores in the days and hours before a disaster strikes. Make sure your emergency supplies include a crank radio. Even though we have a great deal of devices that work to get news during a disaster, these all are battery operated and may not last the duration of the emergency.

Establish and Communicate a “Safety Plan”

Having a plan set in place is the best way to avert disaster in times of crisis.  First, have a family meeting so everyone is on the same page.  Establish the best escape routes from your home and pick a place to meet after everyone is out of harm’s way.  If you have small children, make sure they know how to spell their last name, an adult’s contact phone number, and how to dial 9-1-1 in case they become separated.  Mark your calendars to review your plan every six months.

Draft and Maintain a Will

Though many people may find the idea of drafting and discussing their living will and testament a little uneasy, it is very important to have one to prepare for the worst case scenario. If you or your spouse perish in an emergency, having a will will make sure your family is secure after you are gone. If you do not have a will, contact a lawyer immediately to prepare drafting one.

Be Able to Adapt

We may think that if we have a set plan, then we will be ready for any emergency that comes our way. Having a plan will be EXTREMELY beneficial to you and your family during a crisis, but you must always be able to adapt during times of crises. Having a second, third or even fourth back up plan will help your family not become stagnant during a disaster and know the safest plan of action no matter the situation.

~
Many of us have heard of the devastating effects of tornadoes and storms over the past few years. And though the financial damage has been devastating in the affected areas of these storms, many lives were saved due to the preparedness of the citizens of these locales.  To learn more about how you can keep your family safe during a disaster, click the following links.

http://dmh.mo.gov/docs/diroffice/disaster/30Tips.pdf

http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/home/how-to-prepare-for-a-tornado.htm

http://med.stanford.edu/somsafety/forms/EP_Home.pdf

The Mortgage Doctor Offers You Options, Not Limitations

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No matter what industry you are working with, you want someone who is able to provide you with the highest amount of options; not someone who limits your choices. When it comes to your mortgage, if you think it is too much to ask for a professional, trustworthy representative AND someone who can work around your schedule and provides expert solutions, then think again. The Mortgage Doctor is here for you and here are three of the main ways I offer you the most options.

50 State Coverage
When you work with the Mortgage Doctor, you’re mortgage needs aren’t just covered here in Nebraska. I offer you coverage throughout the entire United States. That means if you are buying a second home, an investment property in another state or relocating, you don’t need to go out and search for another mortgage banker; you will be able to use the banker you trust the most.

All Loan Programs Available
No matter what type of loan program you are looking for, the Mortgage Doctor has you covered. I deal with FHA loans, VA loans, Conforming loans and all types of HARP loans. So whether your credit is in perfect health or have challenges with loan amount or credit, I will be able to find the loan that will work best for you.

Technology
The Mortgage Doctor understands that your time is precious. That’s why I use cutting-edge technology to cater my business to you. Though I appreciate every opportunity to meet with my clients face-to-face, I understand my client's time is valuable. I utilize e-sign loan documents and web portals that not only make efficient use of your time but allow you to become involved in the process. Because of these systems, there will never be a need to get in your car and drive across town to sign a document. You can just upload and send your signed documents to me digitally. If you are unsure how this works, I’ll be more than happy to walk you through the steps to save you time in the future. Whether you want to talk via cell phone, email or text, I’ll respond right away.

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While most consumers work on a mortgage an average of every three years, I would like to remind you that I work on mortgages every day. That's why, although this process may have challenges, I will be able to make it as efficient and educational as possible for you. If you have any mortgage questions or concerns, feel free to give me a call at (402) 301-4500. Thanks!

Omaha Summer Events 2013

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Omaha, Nebraska is a summer gem hidden in the Heartland of America. Activities abound for those living in the metro area or looking for a weekend get-away.  Great food, outdoor activities, baseball, and culture are just some of the options open to those who wish to soak up the summer sun and dive into “The Big O.”

On April 27, USA Swimming announced that the Olympic Swim Trials would be heading back to Omaha for a third consecutive trip. Omaha beat out bigger venues such as St. Louis and San Antonio to solidify its status as one of the hubs of American swimming. Last year’s event was showcased on prime-time network television, giving our city terrific national exposure.

The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo is one of the most heralded zoos in the country and Omaha’s premier family destination. Offering state of the art exhibits and an array of animals from around the globe, a trip to the Henry Doorly Zoo is a memory that is sure to stay with any visitor, young or old.

The Omaha Farmer’s Market occurs throughout the summer on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Customers stroll among the outdoor stands and are able to peruse and choose from the freshest fruit and vegetables from America’s Breadbasket. The annual Taste of Omaha showcases the best food in the area right on the scenic Missouri River waterfront.

Every June, college baseball teams and their fans travel from coast to coast to witness collegiate athletics in its highest form for the NCAA College World Series, this year taking place from June 15 to June 25.  Known as “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” the CWS was played annually at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium for 60 years.  Two years, the tournament moved to a new 21st century facility named TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha’s North Downtown, or NoDo, region.  Children will enjoy the excitement on and off the field as well as an ice cream cone from the world famous Zesto’s. For adults looking to enjoy a night on the town, there is no bigger week than the CWS.  The bars right around the baseball park, in the Old Market, or on Leavenworth Street are always packed with enthusiastic locals and tourists having a great time and making new friends.

The Cox Classic at Champions Golf Course brings in some of the brightest up and coming stars in the PGA-Nationwide Tour. The annual tournament, held this year from August 19 to August 25, is Nebraska’s longest running PGA sponsored event. Before the exciting weekend conclusion to the tournament, lessons and camps are offered to youngsters looking to get on the links and improve their budding golf game. In addition to the Cox Classic, Omaha looks forward to welcoming some of golf’s greats for this year’s Senior Open (July 7-July 14). Held at the Omaha Country Club, Omahans can expect to see some of the games masters up-close and personal.

The Omaha-metro area offers any outdoor lover numerous opportunities to get out and enjoy the sun.  Boating and jet-skiing are available at Carter Lake, Lake Manawa, and the Missouri River for the aquatic enthusiast. Mahoney State Park, DeSoto Wildlife Refuge and Fontenelle Forest offer miles of hiking trails for those looking to get off the beaten path.  Dozens of events geared toward the runner and cycler are taking place all summer in the metro area at places like the Wabash Trail and Big Papio Trail. The Joslyn Art Museum, Durham Western Heritage Museum and the Omaha Children’s Museum offer fun and educational exhibits to all.  Shakespeare on the Green performs the playwright’s great works in the comfortable night air. The Orpheum Theatre brings in some of the hottest acts from Broadway such as The Lion King and Jersey Boys.

From critically acclaimed local bands to the biggest tours on earth, Omaha will not disappoint the music lover.  In addition to concerts at Omaha’s best indoor venues such as The Waiting Room Lounge, The Slowdown and the CenturyLink Center arena, The Maha Music Festival, the Stir Cove Concert Series, Jazz on the Green and Playing with Fire concert series have become staples of the Omaha music scene.