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Making a Career Change Late in Life

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A Journey of Resilience and Reinvention I can honestly say that the Lord has blessed me with a good life. I have been places and held careers that 17-year-old Mark never would have imagined. Being very honest, I didn’t have much ambition or confidence that I would amount to anything. You see, I was a high school dropout, and the path before me was pretty bleak. With not much happening in my life here in Bay City, MI, I decided to join the US Army Infantry to find some sort of purpose or independence. I turned 17 on December 1, 1983, and was on a bus headed to Ft. Benning, GA, on February 14, 1984. Those early years in the Army were a whirlwind. I got to see so much of the country during this time. I was stationed in Ft. Lewis, WA, Camp Kitty Hawk later named Camp Bonifas at Pan Mun Jom (UNC-JSA) South Korea, Ft. Carson, CO, and Ft. Polk, LA. It was during my stay in Ft. Lewis that I received my GED. I had a 1st Sgt who said that if I wanted to accomplish anything in the Army or in ...
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The Home Selling Process

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  The Home Selling Process: Maximizing Profit and Ensuring Smooth Transactions Advice for A Seamless Home Selling Experience Selling a home is a significant milestone and often comes with a mix of emotions, from excitement to anxiety. For most sellers, the primary goals are to sell their home at the highest possible profit and to ensure the process is as smooth as possible. Whether you are considering a For Sale By Owner (FSBO) approach or contracting a brokerage and an agent, understanding the home selling process is crucial. Understanding Your Goals Before diving into the home selling process, it's essential to clarify your objectives. Are you looking to sell quickly, or is maximizing profit your primary concern? Your goals will influence your strategies and decisions throughout the process. Maximizing Profit To achieve the highest possible sale price, you will need to invest time and possibly money in preparing your home for sale. This includes: ·   ...
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Spring is near! Let The House Hunting Begin! Key things to consider in your hunt.

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  When house hunting, there are several key factors to consider to ensure you’re making a sound investment that meets your needs. As a new realtor, I learned quickly that there are things that are necessary to aid in the home buying process. The two very important things that make the hunt and sale easier for both the agent and the client are to get pre-approved for a home loan before the hunt. And for the client to be specific on what they are looking for. These two simple things really help to narrow down the search and aid in the process tremendously. Remember, as the client, you are in charge. Let your agent know what you will or will not accept in a home. Here are what I believe are some of the most important aspects to consider: Financing & Buying Process As I mentioned before, get pre-approved for a mortgage before house hunting. There is nothing more disappointing than finding a house that you love just to later find out it is beyond your current fi...
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Steps to buying a Home and Misconceptions to Home Loans

  The Home Buying Process & Loan Misconceptions: A Guide for Buyers Buying a home can feel overwhelming, and understanding the steps involved is key to making the process smoother. As a realtor, two of the most common questions I receive are: Can you help me understand the home buying process? I probably won’t get approved for a loan. How can I better my chances? I want to help clear up confusion and provide guidance on both the home buying process and common misconceptions about home loans. This guide covers everything you need to know. Let’s get started!     Steps to Buying a House   1.     Assess Your Financial Situation o    Check your credit score ·         You can use free credit service like the ones below: 1.       AnnualCreditReport.com – You can get a free credit report (but not the score) from all three major bureaus (Experian, Equ...
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