4.4.2012 – Following the Rules

I was the host on a comedy show tonight. It was a great show, but not everyone was happy at the end of it. The producer was unable to be at the show, so he left me strict instructions on how to handle various situations in his absence. This included relating to the other comedians. There were certain criteria that needed to be followed in order to perform on the show. One comedian didn’t follow these rules and I had to tell him he couldn’t perform. He’s actually a friend of mine and a talented comedian, but in my role tonight, I had rules to follow set in place by the person in charge of the show. He wasn’t there watching me. I didn’t have to follow the rules, but I chose to. My friend, who I had to say no to was upset. Everyone on the show knew about the criteria ahead of time. Any that chose to not follow the predetermined guidelines experienced the consequences. It was nothing personal. It was about being responsible and respectful of the producer. It was his show.

In the world of real estate lending there are not only rules, but laws. Over the last several years, stricter laws have been put into place in an attempt to stop the unscrupulous acts that historically have been commonplace in this industry. The arena of private lenders, also known as “hard money” has been especially scarred.

 

I trust Source Capital. Yes I work for them, but I also know that they stay up to date on the ever changing laws that effect their work and meticulously abide by them. They don’t have to. They choose to follow them because that is the type of people they are. I see it as being respectful not only of the real estate lending authorities, but also their industry and perhaps most importantly, their clients.

When people come to Source Capital looking for a loan, they are in a vulnerable position. They need funding and may feel a bit beat up by the system by the time they get to us. Being turned down by banks when you need funding is not fun, especially when there is a sense of desperation. Instead of taking advantage of this vulnerability, Source Capital loan experts, Sacha and Pat empower their clients, helping to diminish feelings of vulnerability.

Source Capital is a member of both the San Diego Better Business Bureau and the Arizona Better Business Bureau. This represents their commitment to doing things by the book. Not because they have to, but because they want to. Below is a note from the Better Business Bureau praising Source Capital for their choices.

Source Capital has an open door policy. To learn more about them, call 858.705.6144 or email them via their online form. -Sindi Somers

 

4.2.2012 – Ready, Set, Now!

One of things I do in my spare time when I’m not writing this blog is perform stand-up comedy. Tonight I went to a show to support a friend on the bill. The producer generously offered me stage time if I wanted it. I, of course said yes! Us comedians LOVE stage time! I hadn’t planned on performing, so I felt a bit unprepared. Mostly because I knew that the jokes I told on a regular basis probably wouldn’t fly with this audience and I needed to pull some things out I hadn’t done in a while. As a result I felt a little rusty. I had a pretty good set, but just didn’t feel as ready as I normally would on a show.

 

This is another lesson in luck. As I mentioned in a previous blog, luck is when preparedness meets opportunity. As life happens, possibilities reveal themselves to us. We don’t always know what or when. From my experience tonight I learned that I need to be practiced not not only with my frequently presented sets, but also alternative sets so that I can more confidently pull out lesser used jokes from my repertoire on short notice.

With the important lesson of preparedness in mind, if you think you will ever be in the market to buy property, whether your first or an additional piece of real estate, it is never too early to get prepared. The more ready you are, the less likely you are to miss a golden opportunity.

Tips on Buying A Home – Know Your Situation and Get Prepared

As stated in tip number two in this article, there are alternative financing options if you don’t qualify for a loan with a traditional bank. Source Capital is such an option. Knowing the whole picture will help you know what you need to do to qualify, whether now or later. Call Sacha or Pat 858.705.6144 or email via their online form for help in determining what you need to do to be better prepared. Happy April and happy spring! -Sindi Somers

3.30.2012 – Phoenix Not Rising

 

Arizona has more than just cactus. Want to go commercial? Consider Phoenix.

I enjoy the learning that comes with doing research for this blog. Today I found an informative bi-monthly publication that I didn’t know existed. AZRE | Arizona Commercial Real Estate covers different aspects of the current commercial real estate market in Arizona.

Because Source Capital is based in north San Diego County’s Rancho Bernardo area, you may not know that they are licensed to fund loans elsewhere. Not only anywhere in California, but also Arizona. According to the article at the link below, now is a prime time to purchase commercial property in Phoenix. The market is back in the price range deemed affordable. Just wanted to share what I found today!

Commercial Real Estate in Phoenix, Arizona – The Time to Buy is Now

Office buildings and other commercial real estate just waiting for buyers.

If you want to explore commercial or residential real estate in Arizona or California, consider Source Capital as your funding source. Is there property you want to buy, but lack of financing is holding you back? Call Sacha or Pat at 858.705.6144 or email them via their online form to see if you can move forward to obtain the real estate you are hoping for. They will be back in the office Monday morning. I really can’t believe it’s Friday already. Hope you all have a great weekend! -Sindi Somers

3.28.2012 – Doing Research

When doing research, differing opinions can be confusing.

When you are doing research on any topic, the amount of information to consider can be overwhelming. Add to this the confusion when differing opinions come into play. In looking for pertinent articles for this blog, I find completely different statements being made on the same subject.

When discussing the economy and how its status is showing up in the real estate market for example, I have come across varied thoughts. Some articles focus on the large number of foreclosures still evident, while others have a more optimistic slant with statements that the number has decreased and is expected to continue to lessen through 2012. This is just one area that comes to mind because I often see articles about foreclosures.

We all have opinions. In any scenario, I have found the most beneficial thing to do is to gather and review as much data as possible. Then process and reflect on it. Although obtaining expert’s beliefs can be helpful, I feel it is still important to come up with your own opinion. Because again, even top experts in a field can have different points of view.

Not only is there conflicting information out there, but the market is constantly changing. It is challenging for anyone to stay up to speed on what the actual reality is. In addition to studying article after article, I look to Source Capital partners Sacha and Pat to help shed light on the issues and lessen the confusion. They have done this for me time and time again.

While you are gathering and reviewing information to assist your related situation, consider adding in a conversation with Source Capital. Their ability to clarify and simplify even the most complicated, can help you get to your opinion easier and faster. Call Sacha or Pat at 858.705.6144 or email them using their online form. Don’t forget we’re on Facebook and Twitter, so come check us out! -Sindi Somers

3.26.2012 – Words of Wisdom

Just like gifts, pearls of wisdom sometimes come as a big surprise.

Sometimes words of wisdom come out of my mouth. I’m not bragging! I don’t even realize they are extraordinarily wise until after they have already been said and I have time to reflect on them. I’m sure we all have moments like this. Something is spoken and we’re like, “where did that come from? That’s really good. Write that down!”

I was having a conversation with my grandma today. We were talking about taking care of ourselves. And here are my pearls… “sometimes taking care of ourselves, means accepting help from others.” This is especially meaningful to me and my grandma because both of us enjoy being independent and can be admittedly stubborn. Especially when it comes to this topic. I praised my grandma for allowing others to help her so that she can be as healthy as possible. Of course, in reflecting on all of this, I had to look at myself and all of the times I have rejected help. Accepting it would have made my life easier and reduced my stress, but I instead chose to do it myself. In some cases, this has interfered with me having successful results.

Who? Who are the wise owls of hard money? Source Capital. That’s who.

What does this deep discussion have to do with a private lender in Rancho Bernardo named Source Capital? Sometimes we are not aware of assistance available to us. The loan and investment experts of Source Capital are here to help you. If you have been struggling to obtain funding for a construction project or real estate purchase, you have another chance with Source Capital. If you are thinking of your future and how to best prepare, consider trust deed investments through Source Capital and their low risk, high return programs. Questions about these seemingly complicated subjects can be simplified with the right information.

Ready for your life to get easier and reduce some stress?! Contact Pat or Sacha at 858.705.6144 or via their convenient online form. They are ready to lend a helping hand. You just have to be like my Grandma, and let them. -Sindi Somers

3.23.2012 – Mahalo

 

I sold jeeps without selling my soul.

In addition to writing, I have a sales and marketing background. I have sold everything from advertising to jeeps. Yes. That’s right. I used to be one of “them.”

The first task of a car salesperson is to overcome people’s prejudices. Most people dread having to go the dealership and talk to one of “us.” The car industry does not have a reputation for being honest. Its employees are known for being greedy and doing whatever is necessary, including illegal acts, in order to make money. Make money off you, the consumer. This of course, puts people on the defensive the second they step on a car lot. They are ready to fight to protect themselves in hopes of not being taken advantage of.

Honestly, I saw some of your worst fears while working in the industry. But I also saw wonderful things happen. Such as a family with bad credit in need of a car, able to purchase one with the help of special financing.

I had a hard time fitting in as a car salesperson. Being a woman was in itself a novelty, but it wasn’t that. It was something else. As one of my sales manager’s said to me, “you haven’t crossed over the line yet.” Visions of Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker’s battling lightsabers filled my mind. I felt what my supervisor was saying was, I hadn’t yet crossed over to the dark side. And truth be told… I didn’t want to! He continued, “these other guys are motivated by greed. You aren’t. You have to find what motivates you.”

What motivated me then and does to this day, is helping others. We all know we have to make money to survive in this world. But when you feel like you have made a difference, you have helped someone in some way, that adds so much more to your paycheck.

In getting to know Sacha and Pat, the owners of Source Capital, I have learned that not only are they businessmen and experts in their field, but they understand and enjoy that they are in positions to assist others. Whether it is someone in need of a loan to complete a construction project or purchase their dream home, or giving a person planning for their future a secure investment opportunity. They are constantly researching and studying to stay up to date on the changing laws in their industry. While doing everything by the book, Sacha and Pat will do what they can to make your transaction work.

Similar to the car industry, the “hard money” industry where Source Capital abides, does not have a squeaky clean reputation. After years of lax rules and other lenders demonstrating unscrupulous, illegal and harmful practices, stricter laws have been passed in an effort to change the industry and protect consumers.

Sacha and Pat are stellar representatives of their profession. For them it isn’t just about abiding by the law because they have to. They want to. They are further, respectful, upfront and follow through on their word. I’m not the only one that feels this way. Nobody knows better what it is like to work with Source Capital, than their clients. The letter below is just one of the many examples of how a client was impacted by the honesty and integrity of the Source Capital team.

 

“Just wanted to drop you a short note to tell you how much I appreciate everything Source Capital did to put the financing together. You are a man of your word which is hard to find in the hard money arena.” Mahalo is a Hawaiian expression of gratitude meaning thank you.

Source Capital is in the hard money industry, but in reality, they are in business to help you. Find out more by calling Sacha or Pat at 858.705.6144 or email them using their convenient online form. Visit our testimonial page to read more from our clients. Have a great weekend! – Sindi Somers

3.21.2012 – Education via Honesty

If you ask a question and someone gives you an honest answer, you can learn. If to avoid hurting your feelings or upsetting you, a sugar coated, or otherwise less direct response is given, you will be moving forward motivated by false information. Your feelings may have been spared, but in the long run you end up more hurt because you will choose your behaviors based on non-reality.

This is what I expected.

I was so happy to have visiting guests in town for dinner tonight. Based on my experiences from over two years ago, I chose a restaurant that I thought would fit the bill. My friends wanted Italian food, and since they are of Italian descent, I felt it important to choose an authentic kitchen. My memories from the few times I ate at this particular establishment, were that the flavors in their capellini were amazing! The garlic, olive oil, spices and fresh tomatoes, made me blissful every time I ate the dish.

This is what I got.

Unfortunately, our dining experience was less than perfect tonight. I actually still have an upset stomach from the sauce, which tasted like store bought from a jar instead of the fresh memorable tastes from before. It was barely above the one note flavor of ketchup!

My dining companions eat authentic Italian cuisine on a regular basis, so I wanted there honest opinion, which they gave me. They commented on what they liked and didn’t like about the meal and gave an overall rating of, “it was okay.”

It was just okay to me too. It was important for me to know that although the meal I ate tonight was different than what I experienced two years ago, it wasn’t good or truly authentic. I would never again bring Italian food lovers there, and in actuality, I will probably never eat there again.

Sometimes we are afraid to ask questions because we are fearful of what the answers might be. We may feel hesitant to receive the truth or valid information because we may not like it. This is an avoidance of reality, which can slow us down and keep us from taking forward steps towards our future goals.

Are you waiting to call Source Capital because they may tell you “no” to something you want. Even if they aren’t able to fund your loan, you will walk away with more information to help you take steps to receiving a “yes” down the road. Or perhaps you like the trust deed investment idea, but are concerned you may not have enough money to adequately invest. You will never know until you ask!

Source Capital wants to fund your loan. If they are able to, they will. Source Capital’s borrowers need money to borrow. Some need a little, some need a lot. The team at Source Capital wants you to succeed. There are criteria, which may create limits, but knowing this criteria, as well as what your actual, not assumed or fantasized status is, is essential.

Want to try for a construction or property loan? Want to discover how to become involved in a low risk, secure investment opportunity with a guaranteed return? Call Sacha or Pat at 858.705.6144 or email them using their convenient online form to get the honest truth. Get the facts to help you move in the direction of your goals. And don’t forget to get social with us! We’re on Twitter and Facebook. Come say hello! -Sindi Somers

3.19.2012 – Not 9, But 10 Tips!

I encourage you to not give up hope. Contact Source Capital before giving up on your real estate dreams!

The articles at the links below confirm what we already know. More people than ever are being turned down for home loans. Whether rejected or not, applying for a loan is an emotional endeavor. Add to the involved process of providing all necessary documentation, the stress of receiving a “no” when you have been eagerly anticipating a “yes,” and it is easy to give up hope. But don’t!

The first link takes you to a MSN Real Estate article outlining 9 tips to assist you in deciding your next step after being turned down by traditional banks. I, however, would like to add an introductory tip.

Consider this Tip #1: Contact Source Capital. Loan experts, Sacha and Pat can assist you to better understand your situation. Use the 9 additional suggestions to help further, as needed.

9 Tips If You’ve Been Rejected for a Home Loan

As you go through this, it is important to keep things in perspective. You are not alone. We are living in different times, with people from all walks of life and varying incomes and credit histories being rejected every single day. The Wall Street Journal article below comments on the large number of loans turn down in recent years.

Wall Street Journal Article Discusses Percentage of Loans Rejected

Call Source Capital at 858.705.6144 or email using our convenient online form. If you are looking for an opportunity to invest, consider helping a borrower to fund their loan. Not only is it a low risk investment option, but you will feel good knowing you are assisting someone to achieve their dream. -Sindi Somers

3.16.2012 – Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

St. Patrick’s Day evokes thoughts of green, four leaf clovers, leprechauns and… the luck of the Irish! Some people believe in luck and others have different perspectives.

A former sales manager of mine use to say, “Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity.” I Googled this saying and learned that it was actually Seneca, a first century Roman philosopher that allegedly said, “Luck is where the crossroads of opportunity and preparation meet.” You may have heard a similar variation yourself.

Regardless of your beliefs about luck, it’s hard to argue with the encouragement to be prepared for whatever may come your way. Source Capital provides opportunities. Chances to reach goals that may otherwise seem unobtainable. At times there may even be some luck involved in the process. Being in the “right place at the right time” often feels like luck.

For those wanting to complete construction projects or purchase property, Source Capital offers funding options. Even for those that have been rejected by traditional banks. Where does this funding actually come from? Private investors. If you are seeking low risk investment opportunities, they are available through Source Capital. If you don’t feel ready to buy or invest, knowing these options exist can help you take steps to be better prepared to take advantage of these opportunities in the future.

If you are ready or have questions about the loan process or investing to help someone obtain a loan, call Sacha or Pat at 858.705.6144. Enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day weekend and I hope you find you are both lucky and prepared! -Sindi Somers

3.15.2012 – Changes

Things in our world are always changing. The weather, fashion, technology, our economy and even the real estate market. From my work with Source Capital I have learned that staying up to date on what is happening in real estate is helpful to know what is going on with our economic state. I thought the article at the link below would be interesting to share. It gives statistical information about foreclosures over the last year, showing their actual decrease.

Foreclosures – 2011 and Now

Summer, fall, winter, spring. Nothing stays the same. The seasons change, as does the real estate market.

For the latest news on the real estate markets in Arizona and California contact Sacha or Pat at 858.705.6144. If you want guidance on buying property, lending options and investment opportunities Source Capital is the only call you need to make. Have you gotten social with us yet? We are on Facebook and Twitter. Check us out! -Sindi Somers