If you have any questions or want more information about the home buying process, contact one of our licensed Mortgage Loan Originators. If you are ready to begin the home buying process, click here to get started!
If you’re ready to sell your home, you don’t need to wait until the spring just because that’s the more popular time. There are plenty of benefits to selling in the off season, even a few that can be monetary. Here are our top 5 reasons for why winter is a good time to sell your home.
Low Inventory means Less Competition
Since spring is the most popular season to sell a home, that means the housing market is packed with plenty of houses for buyers to choose from. When the market slows down in the winter, your home will be one among a few. This gives you the opportunity to not only sell your home faster, but also to sell above your asking price because buyers will be competing against each other over the low inventory.
Year-end Bonuses
Many potential buyers have been waiting to purchase a home or upgrade until they have enough money saved. Year-end bonuses and other financial payouts could have provided them with the down payment they need.
Motivated Buyers
With the ability to house-hunt online, cold weather will keep people inside. If you have potential buyers attend your open house, it’s safe to assume they are serious about purchasing. This means you will waste less time on buyers who aren’t ready to pull the trigger and are ‘just looking’ to see what’s out there. These motivated buyers are more likely to be pre-approved and can put down a serious offer.
Relocation
Early winter is the most popular time for companies to do corporate relocation. Some buyers might be moving for a job and need to find a home quickly. Therefore, they don’t have the luxury to take their time when house-hunting. If they find a home that meets their requirements, they will be ready to buy right away.
Landscaping
Depending on where you live, you might experience typical winter weather – lots of snow. While it might not be fun to deal with, it can help you by keeping your landscaping maintenance to a minimum while trying to sell. Just make sure your drive/walk-ways are clear and safe to walk on. The harsh weather also allows potential buyers to see how your home handles it. Whether the snow has accumulated or is melting away, buyers can look for any potential issues they might not have seen if buying in later months.
Bonus: You can light up the fireplace!
Don’t let group mentality get the best of you and make you feel as if you must wait until the spring to sell your home. Take advantage of the slower season and reap the rewards that may come. Keep these 5 reasons in mind when weighing the pros and cons or evaluating the circumstances of why you need to sell.
If you have any questions or want more information about the home selling process, contact one of our licensed Mortgage Loan Originators. If you are ready to begin the home buying process, click here to get started!
Since our 11th annual Support Our Troops Drive in 2018, we have received great letters from soldiers stationed around the world. In November, we sent 220 care packages to 110 groups of soldiers. Today, we continue to send 4 care packages every month as a small way to show our troops how much their bravery and sacrifice is truly appreciated. Please enjoy the correspondence we’ve received from U. S. military members.
“Thank you for the care package. My team really appreciates it. I am from Houston, Texas and I am 26 years old. I am in the air force and I am an IT technician. I am a huge gamer and plan on getting my degree in psychology when I get back to the states. …Again my team thanks you for all of the snacks included in the box we received today. I hope to hear from you very soon and God Bless.”
“We received a couple care packages today from your company. Thank you for supporting the troops! We appreciate your thoughtfulness and gratitude. Merry Christmas!”
“I am a door gunner with CH-47F Aviation Unit in Afghanistan. I wanted to reach out to show all of our appreciation for the time and effort put into boosting the morale. Although we are unit and are a family here, receiving packages and seeing the care put into it extends that notion abroad. It is a special moment for us to open a box and the smiles that come with it. Again, I want to give a heartfelt thanks. Mele Kalikimaka and aloha nui loa (Merry Christmas and much love) From Hawaii Army National Guard Soldiers!”
“I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of our hearts, for all the kind words and gifts you sent us. We distributed your gifts among our soldiers. Thank you again. God Bless You.”
“Hola from Spain! My Marines and I were the lucky recipients of your care package and kind words. We are extremely grateful for kind hearted people like you that are selfless and full of humility! Thank you again! Happy Holidays!”
Read correspondence we received from our 10th annual Support Our Troops Drive.
Make 2019 the year you become a home owner! Here are some new year resolutions for homebuyers to get you started.
If you have any questions or want more information about the home buying process, contact one of our licensed Mortgage Loan Originators. If you are ready to begin the home buying process, click here to get started!
LINTHICUM, MD, January 2, 2019— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Colonel William Thomas Sinnott III, USMC, Ret. as the NFM Salute for January 2019.
Col. William Thomas ‘Tom’ Sinnott III graduated from St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland, Ohio in 1953. He attended Columbian Prep School in Washington D.C., during which he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and worked on aircraft at Anacostia Naval Air Station in Maryland. Tom received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in 1954. Upon graduation from the Naval Academy in 1958, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps and was assigned to Basic School Training in Quantico, Virginia. From there, Tom attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Florida and was appointed a Naval Aviator in September 1960.
Tom was promoted to the rank of First Lieutenant in 1964, rank of Captain in 1966, Major in 1969, Lieutenant Colonel in 1974, and Colonel in 1981. He retired as a Colonel in 1983.
Some of the squadrons Tom served in are as follows: WERS – 36 – Wing Equipment Repair Squadron, HMM – 363 – Helicopter Medium Squadron, MAG – 36 – Marine Air Group, HMM – 362 – Helicopter Medium Squadron, MABS – 36 – Marine Air Base Squadron, MAG – 24 – Marine Air Base Squadron. Tom was Company Officer and Battalion Officer at USNA 1972-1974. He had various assignments, including training operations, schooling, and tactical assignments in support of USMC ground forces. Tom served three tours in Vietnam (1962, 1966, 1970), Japan, and Okinawa. His primary aircraft was helicopters and he accumulated over 4,000 hours airborne in support of United States Marine Corps ground troops. The aircraft he flew were: H-34, UH1E, (Huey), and CH 53 Sea Stallion. His favorite aircraft was CH 53. He was the Squadron Commander of CH 53 HMH – 463 in Kaneohe, Hawaii, where he commanded 24 aircraft and 1850 squadron troops.
During Tom’s 30-year career as a U.S. Marine, he earned the Legion of Merit, Air Medal with 30 Strike-Flight Awards, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the following Republic of Vietnam awards and citations: Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Citation Gallantry Cross, Meritorious Unit Citation Civic Actions, Campaign Medal, and Cross of Gallantry.
After retiring from the Marine Corps in 1983, Tom was employed by Logistics Management Engineering, Inc. in Annapolis from 1983-1998. He was Program Manager, supporting the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Stations in Patuxent River, MD, and Warminster, PA. He worked on Aircrew-Life Support Equipment programs to improve the safety and welfare of warfighters.
Tom was also an active member of the “Great Class of 1958” from the Naval Academy. He was a Trustee of the United States Naval Academy Foundation for 26 years and was designated a Trustee Emeritus.
Tom just recently passed on Veterans Day, November 11, 2018, from complications from Vascular Dementia in Annapolis, MD. He was 83 years old. He is survived by his wife Nancy Sinnott and his 5 children.
Tom was nominated by his daughter, Kathleen Lupinek.
“I nominated my father because he was my Hero! He was a True Officer and a Gentleman!!”
NFM Salute is an initiative in which one military member or Veteran is chosen each month to be honored as the “Salute of the Month.” Salutes are chosen from nominations on the NFM Salute website, www.nfmsalute.com. The “Salute of the Month” will be featured on the website with a biography and information about his or her service, and NFM Lending will make a $1,000 donation to a military or Veteran non-profit in the Salute’s name.
Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. Tom’s family chose Any Soldier to receive this month’s donation. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.
About NFM Lending
NFM Lending is a mortgage lending company currently licensed in 29 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998 and this year is celebrating its 20th anniversary. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. NFM Lending has firmly planted itself in the home loan marketplace as “America’s Common Sense Residential Mortgage Lender.™” For more information about NFM Lending, visit www.nfmlending.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.
LINTHICUM, MD, December 19, 2018 — Today, NFM Lending announced that two industry powerhouses, Darran Anthony and Mike Farrell, will lead their new division, Main Street Home Loans, based in Leesburg, VA. Under the leadership of Anthony and Farrell, who have over 20 years of industry experience, Main Street Home Loans will further expand NFM Lending’s top-of-mind approach to customer service and capabilities through a continued focus on technology, company culture, and the personal touch in home lending.
“After interviewing a long list of leading mortgage firms nationwide, all roads for Main Street Home Loans kept coming back to NFM Lending,” said Main Street Executive Vice President, Mike Farrell. “Our industry is undergoing a digital transformation right now and we felt NFM demonstrated the best balance between serving the online customer and maintaining an incredible family-like culture that is so important to our employees.”
“NFM’s goal has always been to align with the best,” noted NFM Lending President, Jan Ozga. “We have spent years building a modern culture, a fresh and new technologically-driven mortgage process, a diverse workforce, and a philosophy of open communication. Darran Anthony and Mike Farrell share that same vision so this was a natural fit from the beginning. They are both best-in-class and will be integral parts of NFM’s evolution and leadership team. As highly respected leaders within their own mortgage communities, they will be instrumental in helping the NFM family reach new heights. It’s an honor to work with them both.”
“We plowed through a who’s who of lenders and posed a single question to them all; how can you serve our employees, clients and referral partners with the kind of precision and accountability Main Street Home Loans is accustomed to?” said Main Street President, Darran Anthony. “NFM Lending, by far, gave us the best answers. We are thrilled to partner with their leadership team and to help the company carry on its legacy of service that spans over two decades.”
Main Street Home Loans will focus its lending platform throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, DC. They offer Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, FNMA, Jumbo, and many other loan options to fit every borrower’s need.
Main Street is currently seeking qualified Mortgage Loan Originators for full and part-time positions.
For more information, please contact:
Mike Farrell
Executive Vice President
Main Street Home Loans
NMLS #609895
571-214-6460
mike@mainstreethl.com
mainstreethomeloans.com/mike
About NFM Lending
NFM Lending is a mortgage lending company currently licensed in 29 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998 and this year it celebrates its 20th Anniversary. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. NFM Lending has firmly planted itself in the home loan marketplace as “America’s Common Sense Residential Mortgage Lender.™” For more information about NFM Lending, visit www.nfmlending.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.
Do you love entertaining your friends and family and want to be the go-to host for holidays, dinners, and other gatherings? Not every home is fit to do so. If you’re searching for a new home or want to redecorate or renovate, keep in mind these 6 important home features for hosting.
Entry Way
The first impression of your home is made as soon as your guests walk in. Your entry way should be both functional and inviting. This space is where your guests will be able to get themselves ready before entering your home. A coat rack or closest is a must for having a place to store jackets, scarves, and hats. While not necessary, a mirror is a handy for last minute touch-ups. Depending on the size of the space, consider adding a comfy chair or bench.
Seating
The most important aspect of hosting is to create a comfortable environment. Having adequate seating is key. Create different seating arrangements, such as a having a couple couches close together for a larger group or a few chairs for more intimate conversation. If you have a deck, patio, or porch, allow your guests to venture outside. Have seating available for them to converse while enjoying the nice weather. Maximize your seating by taking full advantage of all available space.
Lighting/Music
Now that your guests have a comfortable place to sit, you need to set the mood. Utilize different sources and types of lights. Strategically place candles throughout your home. If you have one, use your fireplace if appropriate for the weather. You want your guests to be able to see one another while not having the room be too bright, so dim the lights. Set up a sound system to play music indoors (and outdoors) to carry the mood throughout your home. Be sure the volume and type of music matches the tone of the gathering.
Dining Area
Hosting guests for a meal cannot be complete without having the room to do so. Your dining area should be designed for year-round use. Use neutral tones so you only have to change out certain pieces of décor. You never know how long the meal and conversation could last, so pick out comfortable chairs. Choose a table that can expand so you can adjust depending on the number of guests.
Guest Bath/Powder Room
Having a bath or “powder” room on the first floor is ideal for hosting. Not only will it save guests the trouble of having to go up or down stairs, but it will keep your personal items private. If possible, designate a bathroom near your most-used living spaces for easy access, but not so close that your guests feel like they never left the room.
Parking
You’ll want plenty of space for your guests to park, so having a long driveway or designated parking area is a must. If these are not feasible options for your home, research the street parking in your area. The last thing you want to do is create an illegal parking situation or upsetting your neighbors. Make your parking arrangement clear with guests prior to their arrival so they know exactly where to pack and can avoid blocking anyone in.
Keeping these 6 home features in mind will help you have a great hosting experience. If you focus on creating an environment that is inviting and comfortable your guests are sure to enjoy themselves!
LINTHICUM, MD, December 3, 2018— NFM Lending is pleased to honor Specialist Cliff Hageman as the NFM Salute for December 2018.
SPC Cliff Hageman joined the army just a few months after his high school graduation in 1988, serving until 1992. His military occupation specialty (MOS) was an 88M, or a Motor Transport Operator. SPC Hageman was assigned to a Service Battery Infantry Unit in Schweinfurt, Germany, where he drove a HEMMT (Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck) and hauled tank round ammunition. When he had just less than a year left of his 3-year enlistment, he was transferred to Stuttgart, Germany with a unit that was going to Operation Desert Shield, which quickly turned into Desert Storm. SPC Hageman drove a 5,000-gallon fuel tanker and continued supporting his tank units as one of the 10 trucks responsible for moving and filling 50,000-gallon fuel bladders.
After his military service, SPC Hageman moved to Maryland with his wife and two children. He coached his children’s basketball and baseball teams and loved his role as ‘Coach Cliff’. SPC Hageman also had a passion for golf and was preparing to play at Pebble Beach when he was in a motorcycle accident that ultimately resulted in the loss of his leg. On September 9th, 2014, a motorist who was texting and driving hit SPC Hageman while he was getting ready to leave a gas station. He spent two months in the hospital and had 23 surgeries before he was able to go home. However, SPC Hageman’s battle had only just begun. 60 days later he underwent another five surgeries due to an infection, followed by a re-amputation a year later that was caused by a bone spur.
SPC Hageman chose to not be a victim and instead was determined to live his life to the fullest. He first received his prosthetic leg in April 2015 and hit his first tee-shot in May. He has even competed in the Annual Amputee Golf Championship. In addition to continuing his almost 20-year career in the real estate industry, SPC Hageman started STAND, a non-profit dedicated to educating about the dangers of texting and driving to make the roads a safer place.
SPC Hageman was nominated by his friend and business referral partner, Addy Jolly.
“With respect and gratitude, I nominate Cliff for the NFM Salute, for his service in the military and now as he continues to serve by spreading awareness on the dangers of texting and driving through his non-profit organization. Thank you, Cliff!”
NFM Salute is an initiative in which one military member or Veteran is chosen each month to be honored as the “Salute of the Month.” Salutes are chosen from nominations on the NFM Salute website, www.nfmsalute.com. The “Salute of the Month” will be featured on the website with a brief biography and information about his or her service, and NFM Lending will make a $1,000 donation to a military or Veteran non-profit in the Salute’s name.
Selected NFM Salutes may choose from one of the following three non-profits: Platoon 22, AnySoldier, and the Gary Sinise Foundation. SPC Hageman chose Platoon 22 to receive this month’s donation. NFM looks forward to the opportunity to continue to honor military and Veterans through the NFM Salute initiative.
To watch an interview with SPC Hageman to learn more about his story and STAND, please visit www.nfmsalute.com.
About NFM Lending
NFM Lending is a mortgage lending company currently licensed in 29 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998 and this year is celebrating its 20th anniversary. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. NFM Lending has firmly planted itself in the home loan marketplace as “America’s Common Sense Residential Mortgage Lender.™” For more information about NFM Lending, visit www.nfmlending.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.
LINTHICUM, MD, December 1, 2018— NFM Lending is proud to announce that it was named a Top Work Place in the Baltimore area by The Baltimore Sun. This is the seventh consecutive year that NFM Lending has received this honor.
Each year, The Baltimore Sun distributes a survey to employees of Baltimore area workplaces. The survey analyzes the job satisfaction and engagement of the employees along with the values and organizational health of the company.
“Seven years is not a fluke,” said David Silverman, CEO of NFM Lending, “…and those that have been with NFM for 10, 15, or 20 years might tell you the culture has basically remained unchanged. It’s truly humbling when the people you work with love where they make their living. It’s our people who keep us grounded and focused on what matters…. taking care of each other, our clients, and our community. We strive to get better as a team year after year and we look forward to another opportunity to make the list in 2019.”
NFM Lending prides itself on its exceptional culture. The company fills the employees work environment with encouragement and teamwork, building a positive workplace that rewards both commitment and performance. Employees are also encouraged to voice their questions and concerns directly to management so that they can be addressed promptly and correctly. Managers often surprise staff members for their birthdays, and the company holds contests, holiday celebrations, and other initiatives to encourage collaboration and show employees their appreciation.
In addition to this most recent award, NFM Lending has been recognized many times for its exceptional company culture and service. It has been named one of the Washington Post’s Top Work Places in the Washington, D.C. area for the last four years in a row. Also in 2017, it was named as one of Mortgage Executive Magazine’s Top 100 Mortgage Companies in America, as well as Scotsman Guide’s Top Mortgage Lenders. NFM Lending is proud of each member of its team and the work they do to make NFM a Top Workplace.
About NFM Lending
NFM Lending is a mortgage lending company currently licensed in 29 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998 and this year is celebrating its 20th anniversary. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. NFM Lending has firmly planted itself in the home loan marketplace as “America’s Common Sense Residential Mortgage Lender.™” For more information about NFM Lending, visit www.nfmlending.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.
NFM Lending has completed its 11th Annual “Support Our Troops Drive”. On Friday, November 30, 2018, NFM sent 220 care packages to 110 groups of U.S. soldiers stationed overseas. Employees spent the months of October and November collecting items and filling boxes. Each soldier was sent two boxes: one with snacks, Ruckpack® energy drinks, holiday decorations, and a second with toiletries, puzzle books, socks, and more. Both included a hand-written letter, which were donated from students at local schools. These care packages were sent with the help of AnySoldier®. The soldiers receiving the packages are stationed around the world, in places such as: Kuwait, Qatar, Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, Bahrain, South Korea, Japan, U.A. E., and Jordan, just to name a few.
Since 2008, NFM Lending has sent over 1,250 packages to our service members stationed overseas. NFM Lending is proud to support the courageous men and women who serve our country, and wishes them a safe and happy holiday season.
LINTHICUM, MD, November 29, 2018 — NFM Lending is pleased to announce the opening of a new branch in Sarasota, Florida. The branch is located at 1680 Fruitville Road, Suite 326, Sarasota, FL 34236, and will be led by Branch Manager, Robert Stettler. The NFM Lending branch will focus its lending platform throughout the Sarasota metropolitan area. NFM Lending offers Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, FNMA, Jumbo, and many other loan options to fit every borrower’s need.
“After being in the mortgage business for over 25 years and observing the evolution of the industry first-hand, I decided it was time to partner with NFM Lending,” said Robert Stettler, Branch Manager. “Their range of state-of-the-art technology and industry-leading service operations will allow me to better respond to all my customers’ needs. My team’s focus has always been on our commitment to our customers and business partners by providing them one-hundred percent accessibility, seven days a week. With NFM’s technology, product offerings, branch experience, and work ethic, we will provide an even better home buying experience and will remain a marketplace leader for years to come.”
The branch’s goal is to continue to provide the same commitment and dedication to borrowers, ranging from first time homebuyers to seasoned buyers looking for their next home, a second home, or investment properties.
“Rob Stettler is the rarest of mortgage breeds in that he leads a team that has been together for nearly two decades.” said Greg Sher, Chief Business Development Officer. “He’s a great leader and person; a ‘what you see is what you get’ kind of guy. NFM Lending is very fortunate to be aligned with Rob and his team and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship.”
Stettler is currently seeking qualified Mortgage Loan Originators for full and part-time positions.
For more information, please contact:
Robert Stettler
Branch Manager
NMLS # 663828
813-748-1534
rstettler@nfmlending.com
www.nfmlending.com/rstettler
About NFM Lending
NFM Lending is a mortgage lending company currently licensed in 29 states in the U.S. The company was founded in Baltimore, Maryland in 1998 and this year it celebrates its 20th Anniversary. They attribute their success in the mortgage industry to their steadfast commitment to customers and the community. NFM Lending has firmly planted itself in the home loan marketplace as “America’s Common Sense Residential Mortgage Lender.™” For more information about NFM Lending, visit www.nfmlending.com, like our Facebook page, or follow us on Twitter.