May 2012 Newsletter

Finding the Right Debt-to-Income Ratio to Purchase that Dream Home

Owning a dream home, is a popular goal, but it can be a little bit challenging in these currently unstable economic times. It is truly a buyer’s market and this means that buyers … more


How to Have an Organized Garage

Getting any garage organized is a project which may take hours or even an entire day to complete. However, it is well worth the effort. In fact, it can even save time… more


3 Things to Look for When Hiring a Financial Planner

Working with the right financial planner can be invaluable in terms of reaching your top most financial goals and dreams. When you find the right one, they act as the team… more


Ways to Combine Kids, Fruits, & Veggies

For some strange reason, it can seem like an endless uphill battle to get kids to eat healthy snacks like fruits and veggies. With the constant barrage of inviting junk food advertising…more


4 Must-See Aquariums in the U.S.

Watching all the colorful sea creatures swimming around in larger-than-life tanks can seem pretty magical, especially to kids. Fish… more


Things Happy People Do Differently

Studies conducted by positivity psychologist Sonja Lyubomirsky point to 8 things happy people do differently to increase… more


Words of Wisdom

Quotations to stimulate your mind and raise your spirits… more


Mint Chip Ice Cream Pie

Almost all of us have a weak spot for some sweet indulgence… more

And the winner is . . .

Nicole. Congratulations Nicole for winning two free tickets to the Chick-fil-A Leadercast this Friday. If you didn’t win, there is still time to buy tickets for the event. Just click on “A Gift” tab on this website for more information. I hope to see you there!

April 2012 Newsletter

Buying a Home that Fits Your Lifestyle

With the US economy beginning to come back from the hardships which began in 2008, there are a number of luxurious large homes now available for purchase at reduced prices… more


Ideas for Outdoor Entertainment

No matter how big or small your home is, we all seem to need as much space as possible for living and entertaining.  One enjoyable way to increase the amount of living space… more


4 Ways to Save Money on Your Phone

Making cheap calls anywhere internationally is not that difficult when you know what your options are. There are a number of plans to choose from that offer excellent service… more


Homeopathic Remedies for Seasonal Allergies

Keeping yourself allergy free in the spring time can seem like a permanent challenge.  The beginning of seasonal allergies generally continues all through the summer…more


3 Super Cool Places to Visit with Kids

Summer vacation is right around the corner, so it’s never too soon to start thinking about things to do together as a family on the long break… more


Websites to Help You Achieve Your Dreams

Goal setting is a process that begins with clearly defining what is important to you – personally, professionally, or financially… more


Words of Wisdom

Quotations to stimulate your mind and raise your spirits… more


Chicken Supreme with Gravy

Chicken has never tasted so good… more

February 2012 Newsletter

Benefits of a 20 Percent Down Payment

While a 20 percent down payment was once the standard when purchasing real estate, it eventually fell out of favor. However, after the housing crisis, buyers are now reconsidering its appeal… more


Your Small Space Home Office

Whether you use your home office to work remotely or just as a place to keep track of bills and family schedules, it can be a wonderful addition to your home… more


Inexpensive Ways to Show Your Family Some Love

In many cases, it really is the thought that counts. Here are a few inexpensive ways to show your family some love. They’re not just for Valentine’s Day either… more


How Relationships Boost Health

We all love our friends and family. However, did you know that having these healthy relationships in our lives is as important to our overall health as exercise, good nutrition and stress management? more


The Best Pets for Children

Pets are a great way to help children learn about responsibility, compassion, and even about friendship… more


Websites to Help You Have Fun with the Kids

From family vacations to days at the zoo, there are loads of things you can do to have fun together… more


Words of Wisdom

Quotations to stimulate your mind and raise your spirits… more


Chocolate Wine Cake with Red Wine Sauce

This rich chocolate cake is accented by sophisticated red wine fruit notes… more

January 2012 Newsletter

Why Buy a Green Home?

Whether you value an environmentally conscious lifestyle or just want to save on energy costs, there are many reasons to consider a green home… more


Super Bowl Party Tips

Don’t get stuck in the kitchen on Super Bowl Sunday. Check out these tips and you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the game with your guests on February 5, 2012…. more


Minimizing Student Loan Debt

A college education is an expensive (though valuable) investment. Whether you’re sending your child to college or going back to school yourself, consider these suggestions to keep debt to a minimum… more


Can an Apple a Day Really Keep the Doctor Away?

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” But have you ever wondered if there is any truth to it?… more


How to Get the Haircut You Want

From the mildly annoying to downright traumatic, bad hair days at the salon can be avoided. Consider these tips for communicating with your stylist that will help you get the haircut you really want… more


Websites to Help You Look and Feel Great

From eating better to stressing less, these websites will help you look and feel better than ever… more


Words of Wisdom

Quotations to stimulate your mind and raise your spirits… more


Mediterranean Seafood Stew

This light yet satisfying stew is a delicious way to enjoy quality seafood any time of year… more

Happy New Year!

An end of year wish . . .

For many people in our country, and around the world, this year has been tough. Natural disasters, high unemployment, economic and social insecurity have all been headlines on the nightly news.

That’s why it is so important for me to reach out and recognize the blessings in my life. I have a wonderful family, supportive friends, a lovely home and a 12-year-old business that includes special clients like you.

The mortgage business has been hit especially hard. New regulations, tighter underwriting and investor requirements, and a sluggish re-sale market have all played into a tough year.

But it is because of all of that, that I am still here working for you and your referrals. Having a partner working on your behalf when refinancing a mortgage or buying a new home is critical. Thank you for making me a member of your team!

As we close out 2011 and head into 2012, I want to wish you wonderful blessings and sincere wishes for a joyous and prosperous new year!

Sincerely, Karen

December 2011 Newsletter

Is it Cheaper to Own than to Rent?

According to a study conducted by a major real estate website last summer, it is cheaper to buy, rather than rent, in 74 percent of our nation’s largest cities… more


Household Myths Busted

From creaking floorboards to alligators in the sewers, get the real scoop on a few common household myths… more


Does Credit Card Inactivity Hurt Your Credit Score?

What goes into a credit score can often be confusing, but we have a few answers… more


Essentials for Healthy Holiday Entertaining

High carb, high fat, high sugar foods and beverages are always plentiful during the holidays. Whether you’re a party thrower or partygoer, consider healthier options… more


Frequent Flyer Tips of the Pros

From the 3-1-1 rule to upgrades and airline lounge secrets, these frequent flyer tips will make your next flight more enjoyable… more


Websites to Help You Entertain During the Holidays

The holidays are always busy, especially if you’re entertaining. Check out these websites for tips and tricks for planning meals to decorating… more


Words of Wisdom

Quotations to stimulate your mind and raise your spirits… more


Christmas Drop Cookies

These festive cookies are loved by all. Wrap up a few for neighbors and friends, and don’t forget to save some for Santa… more

November 2011 Newsletter

Recent Changes to Fannie and Freddie

From HomePath and FirstLook to HomeSteps and conforming loan limits, there are many changes afoot within these Government Sponsored Enterprises… more


Thanksgiving Touches in Ten Minutes or Less

From using what you have on hand to gathering decorative items from nature, there are many ways to quickly decorate for Thanksgiving… more


Save Big with Home Insurance Credits

Whether you’re a longtime customer, bundle several products or secure your home against disaster, there are many ways to reduce your insurance burden with credits… more


Five Dating Red Flags

Dating red flags may vary. What you find offensive, another individual may find endearing. Read on for five of the biggest, boldest red flags. If you’re happily attached, share them with your single friends… more


Dress to Flatter Your Figure

Whether you hate your curves or lack thereof, consider these simple tips to make the most of your body type… more


Websites for Advice

From legal and insurance to health and home repair, you’ll find lots of free advice at these helpful websites… more


Words of Wisdom

Quotations to stimulate your mind and raise your spirits… more


Rigatoni with Roasted Squash

This simple dish is full of fall flavor. It’s a perfect vegetarian meal on its own or as an addition to Thanksgiving dinner… more

October 2011 Newsletter

To view the entire newsletter, click here: http://www.mydigitalnewsletter.com/karendee/

Is ARM a Dirty Word?

Adjustable rate mortgages have fallen out of favor since the sub-prime mortgage crisis. However, ARMs as a lending option may have gained a somewhat undeserved bad rap… more


Ten Easy Ways to “Green” Your Life

From reusable water bottles to repurposing household items, there are many simple ways to reduce your impact on the environment… more


Ten Most Expensive States

In which state is the median home cost $304,500? Which state has seen property taxes rise 70 percent in the last decade? Read on to find the answers… more


The Germiest Places Kids Play

Did you know that there are 2.7 million microbial organisms per square inch on the average drinking fountain spigot?… more


The Best Offbeat Bed and Breakfasts

From converted jailhouses to repurposed train cars, there are many fun, quirky bed and breakfasts to consider for your next vacation destination… more


The Most Useful “Green” Websites

Green is more than a color; it’s a way of life. These websites will help you make it part of yours… more


Words of Wisdom

Quotations to stimulate your mind and raise your spirits… more


Pumpkin Pie Fudge

Nothing says fall like pumpkin pie. This decadent fudge is a delightful twist on a classic favorite… more

Thanks for making me a 5280 Magazine Five Star Professional!

It is because of wonderful customers like that you that I recently received an honor from 5280 Magazine. In the publication’s September issue, I was selected as one of the Metro area’s, “Five Star Professionals” for 2011 in the Mortgage and Home/Auto Insurance Professionals category.

Professionals receiving this designation are singled out for providing exceptional service and customer satisfaction as determined by the Five Star Professional research team. This team contacted clients, peers and industry experts, asking them for recommendations and rankings in this category.

I am honored to be one of those selected and know that it is because of the people that I work with – customers and industry professionals alike – that have gotten me to this esteemed place in my career. If you would like to read more about this designation, please click on this link 5280 Five Star Professional.

Photos provided by Charles Pfeil www.arrowphotos.com