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See what Essex has been up to this month! Happy Valentine's Day!
Every month we post to our social accounts but sometimes, that gets lost in the massive amounts of content found online at any given moment. Keep up to date with us in our blogs and monthly newsletters.
Here's what you'll find in this newsletter:
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Top Loan Officers & Employee Spotlight
Top Loan Officers from last month:
Fred Itzkovitz, Robert Wood, and Belinda Price
FRED ITZKOVICS
"Fred is very knowledgeable and looked into many options before advising what would be best for us. Thank you Fred!"
-Tommi, CA
ROBERT WOOD
"Robert Wood worked beyond my expectations. The loan process was quick and easy. He was there whenever I had questions. Highly recommended!"
-Roel, AZ
BELINDA PRICE
"The communication is what I was looking for as a first time homebuyer and Belinda definitely delivered."
-Joe, VA
Employee Spotlight:
Casey | Loan Officer
Question: How long have you worked at Essex?
Answer: Just started at Essex in December but love it so far! Have been in the mortgage industry for nearly 3 years and real estate industry for 18 years
Question: Why do you like working at Essex?
Answer: Essex is a bank and broker so provides the best of both worlds: Flexibility of a brokerage and competitive rates of a bank.
Question: What's a fun fact of yours?
Answer: I have broken my collar bone three times (once biking and twice snowboarding).
Question: What are your favorite pizza toppings?
Answer: Pepperoni and cheese – that’s all you need!
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About Essex Mortgage
community spotlight: Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation
The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation is a nonprofit comprehensive behavioral health care provider that gives healing and hope for individuals, families and communities that are affected by substance abuse and mental health conditions. They currently have 15 centers nationwide that are committed to helping those that struggle with addiction. In addition to health care and research, the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation also provides resources such as community and school prevention programs, a fully accredited graduate school of addiction studies, and much more.
If you would like to learn more or donate to Project Night Night, click the link to learn more: https://give.hazeldenbettyford.org/give
(Photo from hazeldenbettyford.org)
our story
Hailing from Essex, England, Roland Weedon founded Essex Mortgage in 1986. With a background in education, Roland remained adamant that educating the client wouId be the company's #1 priority. Today, Roland still holds to the fact that an educated client is best quipped to make decisions that are not only in their best interest, but also help in achieving both short and Iong-term goaIs.
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Mortgage Education
gross income
Also known as gross pay, gross income is the total earnings that an individual makes before taxes or other deductions are factored in. While salary is usually the principal source of income, other income, such as overtime pay, may qualify if it is significant and stable.
know your finances
Before you look into new houses or send in any applications, the very first step in the home buying process is knowing your finances. Your income, debts, and other monthly obligations are important factors in setting a budget and knowing how much you can afford with your monthly mortgage payments. In addition, you will need money for a down payment and closing costs. Do not worry if you think that you do not have enough saved up, reach out to an Essex Mortgage loan professional and they can determine how much you will need.
current state of mortgage rates
In a recent study, researchers found that "61% of Americans" believe "current mortgage rates are unprecedented, meaning they have never been seen before". While the current average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is at 6.15%, this is still well below the 50 year historical average of 7.75% for the same mortgage. The recent hike in mortgage rates may cause sticker shock, but a mortgage of 6% to 7% was common as recently as 15 years ago.
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