Academy Mortgage

Congratulations to Area Manager, Andrea Bussell, for her qualification to President's Club. 2020 was a year unlike any other and we are thankful for her continued leadership and guidance.

Please join us in congratulating Alyssa Rudel for her recent qualification to Academy's Executive Club. Alyssa has gone above and beyond to make the dream of homeownership a reality in the community she serves. Congratulations Alyssa Rudel - Academy Mortgage Corporation!

Please join us in congratulating Rebecca Billington a for her recent qualification to Academy's Executive Club. Rebecca and her team have shown they are beyond passionate to delivering the dream of homeownership in their community and we couldn’t be more thankful to have them on our team. #TeamBillington Team Billington - Academy Mortgage Corporation

The amount of effort and passion Will Patterson has put into his business this past year has been nothing short of amazing and we couldn’t be more thankful to have him on our team. Will, congratulations on your Executive Club qualification for 2020. #TheMorrisGroup #TMG

The amount of effort and passion Lauren Morris has put into her business this past year has been nothing short of amazing and we couldn’t be more thankful to have her on our team. Lauren, congratulations on your qualification to President's Club for 2020. #TheMorrisGroup #TMG

Academy’s Modesto branch helped 918 families with their home financing needs last year. Thank you to our clients and partners for helping us close out an amazing 2020! #AcademyStrong #ThankYOU

Happy New Year from Academy!

2021 LOAN LIMITS INCREASE! Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA raised loan limits for 2021 in most of the U.S.! Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac increased limits to $548,250 for a 1-unit property. FHA increased limits to $356,362. Higher limits apply in Alaska, Hawaii, and in specified high-cost areas. Limits are also higher for 2-, 3-, and 4-unit properties. CALL ME for more info about these increased limits!

The Federal Housing Finance Agency announced that it has raised the 2021 conforming loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to $548,250. This will be the maximum loan limit amount in the majority of the U.S., but some higher-cost counties will in-turn have higher limits. The increase in loan limits (nearly 7.5% from 2020) is evidence of a growing housing market, and the change will help home buyers keep up with market demands.

50 IRRESTISTABLE FALL DESERTS! Finish your autumn feast on a sweet note with one of our delicious desserts. From decadent, chocolatey brownies to scones, cookies, and pies that bring together everyone's favorite fall flavors. https://www.hgtv.com//30-irresistible-fall-desserts-pictur

HOW TO PLANT A VICTORY GARDEN: Food shortages during World Wars I and II prompted people to grow victory gardens to supplement their rationed food and build morale. Our current pandemic is a good time to revive this practiceand keep your kids busy and learning. Your county extension service can give you more information about gardening in your area. This link provides tips on raised gardens and container gardens, large and small: "https://www.sierraclub.org//9-ways-get-your-pandemic-victo"

HOW TO FIX BARE SPOTS IN YOUR LAWN: 1) Lightly loosen and rake up the dead grass; rake the soil smooth. 2) Two seeding options: Use an all-in-one product (seed, mulch, and fertilizer), or sprinkle grass seed on the bare spots; cover lightly with topsoil and fertilizer or compost; lightly water. 3) Stay off the grass; mow when the new grass blades are 3 inches high. 4) Re-sodding the bare spots, instead of seeding, is another option.)

3 EASY WAYS TO SAVE ENERGY: 1) Don’t pre-rinse before loading your dishwasher. Scrape off big globs of food, but save energy, water, and work by skipping the pre-rinse. You’ll save a few thousand gallons of water each year. 2) Hang dry your clothes as often as you can. Electric clothes dryers account for 5% of all residential electricity use nationwide. Hang-drying helps clothes last longer, with less shrinkage and fiber damage. 3) Turn off the ice maker in your fridge. It causes your fridge to use 12%-20% more energy. Ice cube trays do the same job using no extra energy.

Scientific studies have shown that the presence of plants can reduce stress and increase productivity, which are important benefits as we spend more time indoors in the fall and winter seasons. Better Homes & Gardens recently shared a list of 14 popular indoor plants, several of which are low-maintenance: https://sites.academymortgage.com/perma/tips-for-your-home

5 EASY DIY HOME PROJECTS: 1) Re-caulk baseboards. 2) Clean up the junk drawer: An ice cube tray will keep small items sorted. 3) Clean rain gutters: Now’s a good time to prepare for fall, since any standing water in them can attract mosquitoes. 4) Use a putty knife and wire brush to remove grassy buildup in your lawn mower’s undercarriage. 5) Make your garage safer: Store ladders horizontally to avoid tipping and discourage children from climbing. Check that gasoline, paint thinner, etc., are stored safely.

Academy was built on a vision to Inspire Hope, Deliver Dreams and Build Prosperity a set of values that are not simply listed in a mission statement hanging on an office wall. Academy teams walk the talk in serving and lifting others, whether by helping families achieve homeownership or by donating time, talents and resources to those in need. #helpinspirehope

GREAT REFI NEWS! You may have heard that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac recently announced they were raising the cost of refinancing starting on Sept. 1. Well, good news: They just announced they are delaying the new refi fee until Dec. 1! And wait, it gets even better: Refi loans below $125,000 are exempt, and the fee will not apply to loans made through Fannie Mae’s HomeReady and Freddie Mac’s Home Possible affordable refi programs, which are aimed at first-time homebuyers and lower-income buyers. If your family or friends are considering a refi, they can take advantage of historically low rates by LOCKING IN A GREAT RATE NOWmortgages take time to close and get sold to Fannie or Freddie by Dec. 1. CALL US today for more info!

The bell's about to ring signaling the end of Academy’s Adopt-a-School Drive! Please join us in Inspiring Hope for students in need by raising funds to buy books and other school essentials for a local school registered with First Book. Simply visit "https://support.firstbook.org/give/294977/" to make a donation. Feel free to share! Thank you for helping us make a difference for these students and educators!

AUG. 21, NATIONAL SENIOR CITIZENS DAY, gives us an opportunity to show our appreciation for the dedication, accomplishments, and service that our more mature citizens have given throughout their lives. A 2016 U.S. Census survey estimated that 49.2 million seniors age 65+ live in the U.S. With improved healthcare, today’s seniors are living longer, healthier lives, with many options for learning, service, and enjoyment. Eligible seniors 62+ may want to consider the advantages of a Reverse MortgageCALL ME for details.

Have you completed your extra credit and donated to Academy’s Adopt-a-School Drive? There's still time to turn it in and Inspire Hope for local students in need! Simply visit "https://support.firstbook.org/give/294977/" to help us raise funds to buy books and other school essentials for a local school(s) registered with First Book. Feel free to share! We appreciate your support!