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Month: April 2020

ERA Team VP Welcomes Two New Real Estate Associates

ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals recently announced the addition of two new Real Estate Associates to its firm. Joanna “Jo” Ross and Bonnie Lynch both join the firm with impressive backgrounds and experience.

Joanna “Jo” Ross has joined ERA Team VP’s Warren, PA office with 20 years of sales and marketing experience under her belt. “I’ve always had a knack for negotiating and and eye for finding unique qualities in properties,” says Ross, “These qualities, combined with my experience in sales and marketing, will equip me to thrive in the real estate industry and serve home buyers and sellers very well.” JoAnna enjoys being in the outdoors and likes to spend time kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking and golfing. To reach JoAnna call (814)-350-6248 or email joross.realtor@gmail.com.

Bonnie Lynch also joins ERA Team VP, working out of the Arcade, NY location. Bonnie is not a rookie in the real estate industry; she spent 1991-2001 as a realtor. “Although I spent a bit of time in the field, I know there’s been a lot of changes in the industry that I’m excited to dive into.” Bonnie says, “I really enjoy making people happy by making their dreams come true, so I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to do that and assist them with buying or selling a home!” Lynch loves spending time with her family and likes camping, bonfires, traveling and car shows. To reach Bonnie directly, call (716)-725-7585 or email her at bonniealynch65@gmail.com.

“In today’s market, growth is the only option, and attracting top talent is a surefire way to achieve that goal,” said Bill Soffel, Broker/Owner of ERA Team VP. “We are thrilled to have professionals of Bonnie and JoAnna’s caliber join our firm.”

As part of ERA Team VP, Ross and Lynch will be able to offer home buyers and sellers a wide variety of innovative and market-relevant products and services, as well as robust online marketing programs, extensive listings distribution partners, and related services including mortgage, title and home warranty.

For more information about ERA Team VP Real Estate & Vacation Rentals and the Real Estate/Vacation Rental Market in the Southern Tier of Western New York and Northwestern Pennsylvania, visit www.erateamvp.com or call their main office at 716.413.0200.

5 Things NOT to do During the Closing Process

Congratulations! You’ve found the home of your dreams and there’s a light at the end of the tunnel with a closing date just around the corner. Although this is an incredibly exciting time in your life, there are a few things you should keep in mind during the closing process.

We sat down with Emily McVay from Homestead Funding to further understand the home closing process and she provided several key “pitfalls” buyers often forget when waiting for closing day; often costing them their mortgage and ultimately their dream home.

  • Do not change jobs. According to Emily, “Change in job status will cause your file to be re-underwritten and reconsidered. This may cause a delay with your loan process or possible denial of your loan application.”
  • Do not use charge cards excessively or make late payments on any accounts. Often times, in order to save the cash reserves buyers have set aside for closing costs, they resort to “living” on their credit cards. “Excessive use of credit cards can have negative effects on your credit rating,” says Emily. “Also, late payments of any type can decrease your credit score, increase your home loan interest rate, delay loan closing, or cause loan denial.”
  • Do not spend money you have set aside for closing. “Most conventional loans require 2 months of reserve money to be verified in your available financial accounts. Once it has been verified for use at closing, spending these reserve funds may result in loan closing delays or loan denial,” according to Emily.
  • Do not originate any inquiries into your credit.
  • Do not make large deposits without checking with your loan originator first. Emily explains, “Abnormal deposits or large deposits…must have money sources verified by Underwriting. Making these deposits could result in loan processing delays or denials.”

For more information about real estate in your area, contact your local ERA Team VP Agent or visit www.erateamvp.com. For more insight about the home buying and financing process, contact Emily McVay at emcvay@homesteadfunding.com or 716-450-7773.

Emily McVay
Licensed Loan Originator (NMLS 1586340)
Homestead Funding Corp. (NMLS 3232)