Finance With Factor

Jane Barry, from South Shore Bank, joins me to discuss the latest bank safety measures and security threats facing our customers. From real estate transactions to everyday banking, Jane shares practical tips for realtors, attorneys, and small business owners on how to protect client information. We dive into safeguarding against common scams, AI-driven fraud, solicitation calls, and other financial security risks. Tune in to learn how to stay ahead of potential threats and keep your personal and professional data safe in an increasingly digital world.

Ryan Hayes, President of the Massachusetts Mortgage Bankers Association, discusses the key market dynamics shaping real estate and mortgage trends. From the impact of elections to the shifting bond markets, Ryan offers expert insights into what homebuyers, realtors, financial advisors, and mortgage professionals might expect in the final months of 2024 and into 2025. With a volatile market ahead, we also share practical tips and advice for financial advisors, loan officers, realtors, and homebuyers on how to navigate the ups and downs. Tune in for valuable strategies to stay ahead of the curve and make the most of upcoming opportunities.

In the world of real estate, where dreams are bought and sold, some stories linger long after the deal is done. These are not the tales of open houses or closing costs. These are the real-life stories of real estate professionals. From eerie encounters to late-night showings to mysterious whispers echoing through empty properties...realtors and real estate professionals see everything...and today, we share our most heralding and spine-tingling tales on this Halloween themed episode of "Finance with Factor" we hear of an accidental kidnapping, red flags gone ignored, and a real-life haunted house too chilling to be real...but all of these real-life ‘scary’ stories reveal the true and scary side of real estate.

Unlock the secrets of effective social media marketing with Ken Ferris, Realtor with Pelletier Properties at Keller Williams! In this episode, Ken shares how his "WTF Wed" posts have become a memorable marketing tool, providing personality, purpose, and prospects for his business. Discover valuable insights from Ken’s experience and learn how to enhance your own online marketing efforts. Tune in and elevate your social media game! Don’t forget to follow Ken on Instagram @ken.ferris.re for more tips, ideas, and laughs!

Ben Aiken, from The Agency, shares the value of assembling a trusted and well-coordinated homebuying team. He emphasizes how clear communication from the beginning of your search through closing can empower homebuyers to submit more competitive offers and navigate the process with confidence. We discuss valuable tips and tricks for both homebuyers and realtors on how to build the right team for a successful home search. Listen for insights that could make your offer "safe bet" in your homebuying journey!

The college admission season has begun. With the anxiety of "getting in" comes the angst of how do we pay for it!?! Nod DaSilva-Kilgore, of Personal College Counseling, Inc, joins the podcast to share how she helps students and families prepare, search, and finance their educational goals. We expire the FASFA, merit scholarships, parent loans, home equity, and how all of these can fit within your family's short and long term budgets and finance goals.

The Friends of Boston Homeless is a non-profit "housing first" organization dedicated to assisting our most vulnerable neighbors find safe, sustainable housing solutions. Volunteer Board Member Darren Lee shares his personal childhood story about overcoming homelessness. We discuss how fast stable can turn to tragic and the roll of organizations, like the Friends, can be part of the path back to "normalcy" for people in need.

To learn more, donate, or volunteer, visit www.fobh.org.

As rates come down, homeowners and prospective buyers are in for it over the next few months! I've heard stories of people shopping around being bombarded by as many as 250 calls, texts, and/or email solicitations. How do you find a bank, lender, or loan officer you can trust? CEO and Founder or Lendaid, Jerry Devlin, shares his insights on what to look for in a mortgage lender. We discuss how Lendaid, Inc evaluates mortgage originators and how that can aid realtors and homebuyers when selecting a lending partner. We also share how customers, referral partners, and hiring managers can "read between the lines" on reviews to decifer between "raving fans" and bots or just raving crazy people. We also share effective ways (any small business owner) can leverage customer feedback to grow your business.

Mortgage Insurance is an often used and even more often misunderstood financial tool in the homebuying process. Kerry Murtagh, Account Manager at Arch Mortgage Insurance, breaks down MI facts and features to help homebuyers, realtors, and sellers understand how it can be best leveraged. We can also discuss why more down payment does not always mean the best loan or most qualified buyer.