Remarks Regarding COVID-19 Pandemic

I know there is a lot of concern, not only in our country, but around the world right now due to the rapid spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). I wanted to take the time to shed some light on this matter. There is a lot of misinformation being shared across news media outlets, Internet and social media. I know this is a time of panic for a lot of you, but now is the time to stay positive and calm because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

When I was a child, I would develop many fears over what I read in newspapers and watched on television. I specifically remember the Summer of ’74, my family and I were vacationing down at the Jersey Shore. Suddenly, news broke out that a man attending a conference for Legionnaires in Philadelphia had died mysteriously. The cause of this mans death later turned out to be Legionnaire’s Disease. Once people found out, they rushed from the shore in panic not knowing if they would catch this disease. The largest fear to me at that time was the fear of the unknown.

Throughout history, we have seen many forms of viruses. For example, in Africa, Ebola killed thousands of people. SARS, which originated in China (2002), killed with devastating effects. Much like the current coronavirus, it took the lives of the elderly and immune compromised. SARS was deadly and contagious, but only for some. Back in 2009, we witnessed the Swine Flu epidemic work its way across the globe.  

Today, we know that the FLU kills thousands of people, but it comes with little global panic. With social media, the Internet and news media outlets the information we receive can be misinterpreted. The misinformation can be spread easily through word-of-mouth. One thing leads to another, and everyone is panicking. Panicking only causes stress and we want to make sure everyone is staying safe and healthy and following the pre-cautionary measures.  

According to WHO (World Health Organization) in order to reduce the spread of the virus, we must be doing the following:

1. 1. Regularly wash your hands with anti-bacterial soap for about 20 seconds. Clean your hands with alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
2. 2. Maintain a 6 feet distance between one another, especially ones who sneeze or cough around you.
3. 3. Refrain from touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
4. 4. Stay home, if you feel unwell.

Majority of states have issued their own rules regarding the spread of COVID-19. Make sure to check out your local/state government websites for more information.  

In conclusion, I would like to reiterate that panicking can only cause more stress and stress is not good for your health. When looking up information regarding this Pandemic, please rely on credible sources. Many people tend to share false information without fact checking. We hope that everyone is practicing safe social–distancing. Stay safe and stay healthy. I wish you and your families well during this difficult time.

Ask the “Mortgage Man”

Grant Money for First Time Home Buyers!

Is it possible to have another incentive better than what is currently available? We have a program called the First Front Door. This grant is offered to first time home buyers ( buyers who haven’t owned a home in the past 3 years), under certain income limits, to be used to enhance their down payment. For every $1 down payment paid by the buyers, this program offers an additional grant of $3 to a maximum grant of $5,000. This may or may not have to be paid back. There are certain income limits and restrictions, but you don’t have to pay anything back if the property is occupied for the first 5 years of ownership. It is a nice way to minimize the savings required to buy a home.

In addition to this grant, the normal incentives of seller assist can be applied to the closing costs, making this program affordable to may different first time home buyers. The grant funds are limited and are given on a first come first serve basis, until the funds are depleted. They anticipate that they will be exhausted sometime in April.

It is a great program for anyone that needs that extra cash, especially on properties that won’t meet USDA or FHA property requirements. Perhaps the well and septic don’t meet the minimum property requirements, or repairs necessary to pass the property for FHA/USDA financing. This is a fantastic alternative while monies last.

Andy Williams

President

(484)-695-5972

NMLS #118317

IRS Phone Call is a Scam

I was awakened by a wrong number in the middle of the night, but I missed the call.  Wondering if it was some family member in an emergency, I listened intently as I played all of the unheard  messages on our home voice mail.  I was alarmed at a robotic automated message left from the “Internal Revenue Service”.  I was startled at first by the robotic voice’s nasty undertone.   As I replayed it, it became apparent that perhaps this is some sort of scam. The message threatened that there will be legal action initiated against me unless I call them immediately.  Click here to hear the actual message.  A police officer was scammed and called the number back.  This is interesting as the scammer actually goes into detail to how they take your money. Click here to see the accompanying video. Watch from 1:45 to 5:00.  A former NFL player, who is a radio personality, left his office and did exactly what the scammer told him to do.  He went to many convenience stores and payed thousands of dollars into foreign Pay Pal accounts before realizing that this may be a scam.

After researching this more in depth, I found that the IRS will never call you on the phone.  The most they will do is send you multiple letters.  If you file your tax returns on time, pay your required income tax, you have nothing to worry about.