by SpringFour | Oct, 29, 2012 | Default
We work hard here in the MK Blog Department to give you insights into the housing and mortgage industry. But today, we thought we’d give you some insight into our company.
A good place to start is by taking a look at our latest razzle-dazzle–a new release of MKDesktop. The brand new version 2.0 is demonstrated here via video by our dedicated VP of Sales. You’ll see how MKDesktop 2.0 gives housing counselors, single points of contact agents (SPOCs), customer service reps–anyone who offers a helping hand to those in need–a tool that gives them super powers.
MKDesktop gives reps lists of vetted, best in class, completely reputable nonprofit and government agencies who are in the business of easing the path for struggling homeowners. In most cases, these uber-helpful agencies are located within a few miles of the homeowner in need. On top of that, these referrals can lead to monthly savings of $100-$400 for the homeowner. (Sounds pretty super, doesn’t it?) It’s a great tool for any agent arsenal.
In fact, users have called it “invaluable” and “a total game changer.”
See for yourself.
by SpringFour | Sep, 10, 2012 | Default
The MK gang loves politics. We’ve personally met both candidates, we read about it, talk about it, and the conventions were almost as eagerly anticipated as season three of Downton Abbey.
But we asked ourselves after the conventions ended and we brushed the fictional confetti from our shirt sleeves–why didn’t anyone talk about housing? What about foreclosure? Hello…short sales anyone?
Our heroes at The Wall Street Journal noticed the same thing. And, yes, it wasn’t our imagination…the whole issue went untouched by both parties. Turns out although it is the issue largely to blame for our economic woes, it is also not a glamorous topic for the candidates to hang their hats on.
Let’s hope it gets some airtime during the debates.
by SpringFour | Aug, 12, 2012 | Default
Now here’s an idea to beat the housing crisis blues: collective homeownership. Yep, that’s right. You and a friend, or you and your spouse and another couple, find a home and purchase it together.
National Public Radio’s Marketplace program featured a story about two Brooklyn couples who are now proud owners of a home. Together. And some housing experts say that these couples might be crazy like foxes:
“…collective home ownership is not totally insane. And here’s why: Mortgage rates are at an all-time low. Rents continue to rise. And banks, well, if you haven’t heard the news, they’re not handing out many loans these days. So to get the home you want, in the neighborhood you want to live in, pooling financial resources can actually make sense.”
Now, my husband and I have never even vacationed with friends–let alone lived with them. But the idea might have merit under the right circumstances. The couples profiled by NPR lived in a darned expensive housing market, and this arrangement made their homeownership dream a reality.
What about you? Could you live harmoniously with three or more other people in a home you all owned together? Is this an option that would make sense?
by SpringFour | Jun, 30, 2012 | Default
There’s some shameless horn-blowing going on here at MK.
In the first 6 months of 2012, we referred more than 411,000 folks to local, vetted, best-in-class resources–from all 50 states and D.C.
That’s up 75% over the 235,000 referrals we made over the same period last year.
Thanks to global warming or just downright crazy weather, utility assistance (heating/cooling payment help) is most requested category for assistance. Rounding our the top 5 are food assistance, employment services, housing counseling, and affordable housing options.
Our friends at DSNews.com did a great job covering this story. Thanks, gang.
What slows down and stops the horn-blowing is knowing that millions of homeowners from all walks and all 50 states are trying to stay in their homes, or trying to exit them gracefully. And so the work continues.
by SpringFour | Jun, 18, 2012 | Default
The news from the housing trenches is still mixed–this glass seems to be both empty and full at the same time. But this article from Bloomberg caught our eye: home equity (your home’s worth minus any debt you owe on the home) saw its biggest jump in 60 years last quarter–up $6.7 trillion, or 7.3%.
Homeowners, clearly, have had it with mortgage debt. They are moving to refinance, and bringing as much cash as they can to pay down their home principal. Simply, they want to be on stronger financial footing.
As our world reels from debt crises on an individual, corporate, and even national level (think Greece or Spain), this shift in thought is darned encouraging.
What’s your take on home equity? Are you making efforts to decrease your home equity, either by paying more every month or refinancing? Or are you just holding firm?
Recent Comments