The Financial Communicator

Real Estate and Small Business Lending

Small business and real estate ownership are more than financial endeavors; they're pathways to sustainable wealth, especially in underserved communities. But members of these communities often face obstacles to achieving either goal, from financial barriers to systemic challenges.

That's why your social finance CDFI, sustainable bank, and socially responsible financial institution exists. You help by offering loan products to those who experience barriers to getting them at traditional banks.

I know this landscape well. I have years of experience in mortgage and small business lending content development, and I've done extensive graduate research in this area. I understand these financial industry complexities and the unique challenges and opportunities they present.

I also recognize the transformative power of lending as a tool for social impact. Your commitment to social finance is a vision I share.

My work is about more than writing; it's about connecting, engaging, and inspiring. I collaborate with you to craft strategic communications plans centered on storytelling that resonate with your audience.

From the success stories of entrepreneurs who have overcome the odds to the families who have realized the dream of homeownership, I can help you convey the impact of your work in a way that's both authentic and compelling. We'll tell the stories that matter.

Together, we can create narratives that not only inform but ignite passion, fostering a deeper connection with those you serve.

Explore the work on this page to see how I can help your social finance organization amplify its voice and achieve its mission. Then, contact me today to learn more.

Image: RDNE Stock Project

American Express •

How to Determine the Amount You Need When Getting a Business Loan

A common question business owners have about getting business loan financing is “what is a reasonable amount to ask for a business loan?” Answering this question requires understanding the challenges associated with getting a business loan. When you’re borrowing money for your business, it’s not just about securing funds. It's about strategically aligning your business’s financial needs with your business's growth trajectory and operational demands. Here's how to do that.
Finimpact •

Best Small Business Loans for Women to Get in 2023

Women own over 43% of small businesses in the U.S., but only 25% seek financing. Those who qualify often receive less money and pay higher interest rates. Our experts reviewed the best business loans for women from Backd, National Funding, Bluevine and others to help you get funded. [About the Project: As an expert reviewer for this website, I substantially rewrote and updated this content, which was the equivalent of 13-15 pages of text. I used my expertise in SEO, small business development and lending, and U.S. politics and economics to provide editorial direction. The senior editor on this project, an SEO expert, said the end product met his high SEO standards for content. Click my name in the review to see why this website made me an expert.] Image: Amina Filkins on Pexels
Finimpact •

National Funding Reviews: Expert Analysis & User Insights for 2023

National Funding has a "No-Risk" application, which means interested borrowers can check on funding without it affecting their personal credit scores. Its flexible loan terms and amounts make it ideal for businesses small and large. [About the Project: As an expert reviewer for this website, I substantially rewrote and updated this content, which was the equivalent of 12 pages of text. I used my expertise in SEO, small business development and lending, and U.S. politics and economics to provide editorial direction for this content. The senior editor on this project, an SEO expert, said the end product met his high SEO standards for content. Click my name in the review to see why this website made me an expert.] Image: Kampus Productions on Pexels
TrustedChoice.com •

The Secret to Qualifying for a Mortgage as a Small Business Owner

In the early 2000s, it seemed if you had a pulse, you could get a mortgage loan using stated income. Not anymore. It's become much harder for everyone to get a mortgage, including small business owners. But, it's doable and in this 2015 blog post, I showed you how. (*Note: I added this blog post to my portfolio to show potential clients how long I've been writing about this subject. If you're an SBO, please research updates on getting a mortgage in your specific circumstances.)
The Mortgage Reports •

Home Buying Checklist for First-Time Home Buyers | 2023

Unless you plan to pay cash, it’s smart to shop for your money before shopping for your home. There are three main categories of documents you’ll need when you apply for a mortgage. They include income documentation (pay stubs, W2s, and maybe tax returns); proof of assets like checking, savings, and 401k statements; and, personal information such as divorce decrees, business licenses, and any letters of explanation for out-of-the-ordinary situations. Here's a full and downloadable breakdown of all paperwork you need.
The Mortgage Reports •

Plain English guide to terms you'll hear from your loan officer

There are dozens of acronyms and abbreviations your loan officer may use that are unfamiliar to you. Here, we’ve defined the most common ones for reference. But remember: Don’t be intimidated by the terms you hear and don’t be afraid to ask the meaning of any term you don’t know. Asking for clarification will help you feel confident that you are making the right decisions about your home loan. Familiarizing yourself with these basics will help you communicate better with any loan professional.
The Mortgage Reports •

How To Get Equity Out Of Your Home Without Refinancing

If you need money for things like home improvements, debt consolidation, or investments, you may be tempted by a cash-out refinance. That means you refinance with a larger loan than you need to pay off your old mortgage, and take the difference in cash at the closing. But this might neither be your cheapest or smartest option. Before you do a cash-out refi, read this blog post because the alternatives might be better for you.
The Mortgage Reports •

Housing Grants & Loans for People With Disabilities | 2023

It is a common misconception that people with disabilities are ineligible for mortgages or cannot purchase homes. Fortunately, that is not the case. Home loans for disabled buyers are widely available. They can help you become a homeowner or improve your current mortgage quickly and easily. Qualifying for these mortgages can be easier than for traditional home loans, and they offer some of the lowest interest rates available. Applying for a mortgage now could be a good idea, even if you’ve been denied in the past. Here's how.
The Mortgage Reports •

Gen X Rules Real Estate: Here Are Your Best Home Loans

Gen X has been long ignored, but they are the wealthiest market in America. They're buying their first homes, upgrading from starter homes long held because of financial pressures like student loans and renovating homes to meet their needs. This blog post I pitched, developed and wrote, gives Gen X their options and shows them how to meet their real estate goals on their terms while getting the respect the respect members of this Jan Brady of generations are long past due.
HomeLight Blog •

How to Protect Your Earnest Money When Buying a House

You’ve finally found your dream home, and you’re getting ready to make an offer. It’s an exciting time! But there’s also a lot at stake. The financial decisions you make while buying your home can affect your long-term net worth. After all, your home is likely to be one of your most valuable assets. Before you submit your bid, it’s important to understand what an Earnest Money Deposit (EMD) is, how you can use one to strengthen your offer, and how to protect your money should anything come up during your home-buying process. Here’s what you need to know. [Image: Dillon Kydd on Pexels]
The Mortgage Reports •

How ARM Rates Help You Get More Home When Fixed Rates Keep Rising

Americans are on the move again. Instead of staying put in our homes, we are moving to new ones. On average, in the US, we move every seven years. That means looking for new home loans and weighing the differences between fixed-rate mortgages and ARM rates. To decide which makes better financial sense, you need to know the key differences between these loans. This blog post explains what those are.
The Mortgage Reports •

Types of home loans: How do I choose the right home loan?

In this guide: When shopping for a mortgage, you’ll be able to choose among several types of home loans. They can have fixed or adjustable interest rates, terms can range from 5 to over 30 years and loans can be conventional or government-backed. Each has advantages and drawbacks and is good for some borrowers and a poor fit for others. This comprehensive guide helps you decide among products and choose the right loan for your circumstances. It's a long read but a worthwhile one.
The Mortgage Reports •

Best cash source if over 62: Reverse mortgage or home equity loan?

If you’re 62 or older, own your home outright or have a low mortgage balance, there are two ways to pull cash out of your house without selling it. You can get a home equity loan or line of credit or (HELOAN or HELOC). And you’re probably eligible for a reverse mortgage, often called a home equity conversion mortgage (HECM). But which should you choose? This article should help you decide.
The Mortgage Reports •

How To Get Equity Out Of Your Home Without Refinancing

If you need a large sum of money — maybe to renovate your home or consolidate high-interest debt — you may get tempted by a cash-out refinance. A cash-out refi replaces your existing mortgage loan with a larger loan. The new loan is large enough to pay off your current loan and pay you cash at closing. This type of refinance loan might be your best way to borrow the money you need, but it’s not always the right option. Here’s what you should know before applying.