John Meussner's Blog

Don't Trust The Builder      Shiny objects.  Fancy Counters.  "Design credits".  Closing cost help.  All this can be yours, if you just trust the builder.  Their escrow/title company.  Their lender.  Your own representation?  You don't need that!  Someone with a fiduciary duty to you?  Don't worr...

Get Your FHA Buyers RE-Pre-Approved Have you heard the latest fashion trend in the mortgage industry?  Re-Pre-Approval?  No?  Well, that's OK, because it's not really a thing.    BUT, FHA recently changed the way they score mortgage loans, and this month, the new rules/algorithms are in full swin...

The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy The Compound Effect is April's Compass South 'Between the Lines' book club selection.      If you're looking for a great book club involving members of the real estate community, may I first recommend you check out Compass South's Facebook Page, where once/mont...

Recently Closed - Relocation Home Purchase in Hendersonville, TN      One of the JM Loans team's favorite scenarios to help clients is when someone is involved in a relocation.  When people are moving state to state or cross country to an area they're not familiar with, it adds another set of str...

The 5 Second Rule by Mel Robbins Does anyone else 5-4-3-2-1 their ass out of bed every morning?  After reading this book, I am.  Bright and early.  Well, this time of year, maybe not so bright - but early!   Before I dive into the book, I first have to mention where I heard about it - Compass Sou...

Those Who Can't Do, Teach       As someone that once aspired to be a teacher, it pains me to write the title of this post.  As a member of the real estate industry, though, I find it necessary to point out some things that bother me about our industry.       The best - the VERY best - in the mort...

Cash Out Refinance on a Duplex in Martinez, CA       Most deals don't come easy.  Nearly every mortgage application has SOME type of puzzle piece that's difficult to place.  Thankfully, the complicated loans with lots of moving parts are the ones that make me a better loan officer, and give my te...

Oh hi, Oregon      Just the other day Montana made it lucky #13 in how many states my team could do business in, and today, Oregon became the 14th state where we can do residential mortgage loans.         My team is thrilled to be able to bring our services to the Beaver State, and this one is a ...

Can the Buyer Qualify for More? "We're about to write a counter offer so I needed to check with you to make sure the buyer can qualify for a higher amount", said the listing agent. "Yes, they will qualify for a max of $______!!", said the inexperienced loan officer who is super excited to be abou...

The JM Loans Team is Now Licensed in Montana       One thing I pride myself on is being licensed (and actually knowing how to do business in) in so many states WITHOUT the benefit of a federal charter.  I've actually had to take the initial education, testing, and continuing education in each sta...