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April Rooks – AMPED Kids

March 2, 2025 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio
North Georgia Business Radio
April Rooks – AMPED Kids
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♫ 𝄞 ♫ Can music be the key to unlocking a child’s potential? ♫ 𝄞 ♫

During this episode of North Georgia Business Radio, Phil Bonelli and Beau Henderson are exploring the incredible impact of AMPED Kids, a local nonprofit organization using the power of music to empower and heal children who have experienced trauma.

April Rooks, founder of Amped Kids, is sharing her inspiring journey of turning a moment of inspiration into a statewide movement.

From its humble beginnings in 2018 to now serving children across Georgia and even expanding to Nashville, AMPED Kids is making waves in the foster care community and beyond.

April’s story is a testament to the power of following your passion and using your unique talents to serve others.

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a music lover, or simply someone looking to make a positive impact, you’ll find inspiration in April’s story and the work of AMPED Kids.

 

Connect with April and the AMPED Kids Team

https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-rooks-a27b531b/

https://ampedkids.org/

https://www.instagram.com/ampedkids/

https://www.facebook.com/AMPEDKidsFoundation/

Connect with Phil Bonelli:

https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/

https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/

https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://RichLifeAdvisors.com

https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors

https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX

This Segment Is Brought To You By Our Amazing Sponsors

Hopewell Farms GA

Roundtable Advisors

RichLife Advisors

Olipop

Highlights Of The Show

01:12 – 02:42

  • Introduction to Amped Kids, a nonprofit organization helping foster children heal through music and songwriting therapy.
  • April shares that her own childhood trauma and experience as a musician inspired her to start the nonprofit.

02:42 – 04:12

  • How Amped Kids started:
    • April was inspired after attending a CASA event in 2017.
    • She realized the impact of music in healing childhood trauma.
    • She used her 20+ years of music experience to help foster children.

04:12 – 07:11

  • How the nonprofit launched (2018):
    • Partnered with North Georgia Community Foundation to gain a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsorship.
    • Hosted a launch event, quickly gained funding.
    • By 2019, served nearly 100 children through music programs.

07:11 – 10:39

  • Key takeaways from Amped Kids’ growth:
    • April emphasizes the power of action—many people have ideas, but few take steps to execute them.
    • She immediately built a team and leveraged partnerships instead of doing everything alone.
    • Lesson: Don’t wait to start—take action and adapt as you go.

10:39 – 13:08

  • Entrepreneurship insights from Bo Henderson:
    • Success comes from momentum and movement.
    • Many people fail because they wait too long to take action.
    • April’s approach—building a network, finding experts, and starting small—was key.

13:08 – 16:35

  • How Amped Kids expanded statewide:
    • Initially started in Hall County, now operates across Georgia.
    • Partners with group homes, schools, and foster agencies.
    • Music talent show started in 2021 as a way to engage kids.
    • Established a recording studio in a foster home to teach music production.

16:35 – 19:30

  • The power of music in mental health:
    • Amped Kids collaborates with schools, counselors, and social workers.
    • Music is used as therapy to help children cope with trauma.
    • New chapter launched in Nashville, TN, backed by the ACM Lifting Lives grant.

19:30 – 26:46

  • Funding and expansion:
    • Sponsorship program: $100/month covers a child’s full-year lessons, instruments, and supplies.
    • Monthly donors are crucial to sustaining the program.
    • Grant partnerships help expand outreach to more children in need.

26:46 – 30:56

  • Transformational impact: Addie’s Story
    • Addie, a foster child, used songwriting to express emotions she couldn’t verbalize.
    • After joining Amped Kids, she gained confidence and started opening up during therapy.
    • Her songwriting transformed her mindset from victim to survivor.

30:56 – 37:41

  • The importance of giving back:
    • April emphasizes that helping others heals the giver as well.
    • Encourages people to volunteer and contribute in any way they can—whether through time, money, or skills.

37:41 – 40:30

  • Final thoughts:
    • Encouragement to take action: If you have a passion, find a way to make it happen.
    • Music is not just entertainment—it’s a tool for healing.
    • Visit ampedkids.org to donate, volunteer, or sponsor a child.

Tagged With: Amped Kids Foundation, April Rooks, Community Partnerships, Foster Care Support, music therapy, Nonprofit growth

Lori Hamrick and April Rooks – Music As Medicine

May 5, 2024 by Rose

North Georgia Business Radio
North Georgia Business Radio
Lori Hamrick and April Rooks - Music As Medicine
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Harmonizing Body, Mind & Spirit: Music as Medicine for Patients and Kids

During this episode of North Georgia Business Radio, we’re taking a deep dive into the unexpected world of music’s healing powers.

You won’t believe how vibrations and sound can impact the body. And it’s not just about entertainment or therapy. Discover a surprising frontier where music interacts with brains and bodies, pushing boundaries in ways you never imagined.

Our guests today are Lori Hamrick, a Certified Music Practitioner from the Live Therapeutic Music Department at Northeast Georgia Health System, and April Rooks, the founder of Amped Kids Foundation.

Lori’s expertise lies in utilizing music to create a calm environment for patients, funded by the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation,

Her work, funded by the Northeast Georgia Health System Foundation, aims to alleviate patients’ stress and improve their ability to handle medical intervention.

April’s passion for positively impacting the lives of foster and adopted youth through healing music programs is truly inspiring.
With over 20 years of experience in teaching vocal and piano lessons, April has witnessed the profound effects of music therapy on children, highlighting the therapeutic power of music in empowering individuals and fostering healing.

The profound role of music in mental health is evident in the transformative experiences shared by Lori and April. Music serves as a powerful tool for emotional expression and empowerment, particularly for children facing traumatic experiences. Music has the potential to foster resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being in individuals of all ages.

Connect With Lori and April:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/lori-hamrick-2740bb17/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/april-rooks-a27b531b/

https://ampedkids.org/

https://www.instagram.com/ampedkids/

https://www.facebook.com/AMPEDKidsFoundation/

Connect with Phil Bonelli:

https://www.facebook.com/Hopewell-Farms-GA-105614501707618/

https://www.instagram.com/hopewellfarmsga/

https://www.hopewellfarmsga.com/

Connect with Beau Henderson:

https://RichLifeAdvisors.com

https://www.facebook.com/RichLifeAdvisors

https://www.facebook.com/NorthGARadioX

Highlights Of The Show

0:02:09 – Live Therapeutic Music Program at Northeast Georgia Health System
Lori Hamrick discusses the Live Therapeutic Music Program, which aims to create a calm environment for patients using trained and certified music practitioners to respond to patients’ physical and emotional needs through music.

00:11:27 – The Healing Power of Music
April Rooks explains the mission of Amped Kids foundation to positively impact the lives of foster and adopted youth through healing music programs, such as free access to music lessons, instruments, and songwriting workshops.

00:13:45 – Music as a Tool for Emotional Resilience
April Rooks emphasizes the role of music in building emotional resilience in children by providing a platform for expressing emotions, creating a sense of safety and agency, and fostering confidence to navigate life’s challenges.

00:17:08 – The Power of Music in Healing
April and Lori discuss the power of music as a tool for expression and healing, particularly for children who have experienced trauma. They emphasize the importance of providing children with a sense of agency and control through music.

00:18:56 – Impact of Trauma on Children
The conversation delves into the devastating effects of trauma on children’s health and social development, as evidenced by studies such as the AcE studies. Early interventions through music therapy can help empower children and lead to positive outcomes such as higher graduation rates and reduced violence.

00:20:39 – The Humanities and Holistic Education
Lori highlights the importance of humanities education, suggesting a correlation between the defunding of arts in education and the rise of social ills. They discuss the value of a well-rounded education that includes music, arts, and physical activity to nurture holistic development.

00:25:53 – The Connection Between Music and Academics
The conversation explores the correlation between music education and academic success, citing the impact of music on cognitive development and learning. They emphasize the importance of incorporating music into education for well-rounded development.

00:30:51 – Supporting AMPED Kids
April shares ways for the community to support AMP Kids, including donations, volunteering as music instructors or songwriters, and spreading awareness through social media. They invite individuals to contribute to the organization’s mission of providing music therapy for children in need.

00:34:54 – The Power of Music Therapy
Lori and April discuss the impact of sound and electrical waves on our bodies, and the potential for music therapy to unlock memories and movement in patients with dementia and stroke victims.

00:36:49 – Music Therapy vs. Entertainment
The conversation delves into the distinction between music therapy and entertainment, emphasizing the therapeutic power of live music for non-responsive patients, including those with advanced dementia and stroke victims.

00:38:55 – The Healing Power of Music
The discussion highlights the transformative effect of music on patients, revealing how it can facilitate movement and evoke memories, ultimately showcasing the potential of music as a therapeutic tool.

00:39:39 – Embracing the Arts for Healing
Lori and April express excitement about the evolving societal openness to utilizing the arts for therapeutic purposes, emphasizing the collaborative efforts to explore new aspects of sound, vibrations, and healing through music.

Tagged With: Amped Kids Foundation, April Rooks, beau henderson, Certified Music Practitioner, Healing Power of Music, Hopewell Farms GA, Live Therapeutic Music Department, Lori Hamrick, mental health, music therapy, Northeast Georgia Health System, phil bonelli, RichLife Advisors

How To Get Your House Ready To Sell “From the Heart and Sold Real Estate Show” with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver

March 17, 2021 by Rose

From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
How To Get Your House Ready To Sell "From the Heart and Sold Real Estate Show" with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver
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April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver - Get Your House Ready To Sell - North GA Business RadioX

It’s a HOT, HOT, HOT Real Estate Market here in North GA! It most definitely is a seller’s market right now. Houses are selling FAST.

Traditionally spring is when most people start getting their home ready to show and sell.

Today April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver are sharing some important tips to help make sure your home is ready to get listed and sold as quickly as possible.

There are a few things you need to do BEFORE you start getting your home ready to show:

1. You need to look at your budget to determine how much you need to invest into any updates you want to do so that you get that investment back when you sell the house. You don’t want to invest $30,000 into an update that will only bring you $10,000 when your house sells.

2. You should get a pre-inspection done so that you know exactly what needs to be fixed or brought up to current code. That way the sale goes more smoothly. Getting hit with an expensive list of repairs and updates is not something you want to have happen. It’s best to get those things done BEFORE your house goes on the market.

3. Declutter your entire home. It helps to make the space feel larger and it also gives your prospective buyer an opportunity to “see” their belongings in the space. An added benefit is that you’ve gotten a huge leg up on the moving out process when you do a deep de-cluttering!

4. Make sure that everything is in good working order.

How to make sure you can recoup the money you spend on renovations and repairs

There is a difference between features that sell a house and those that add market value.

Making sure your home has great curb appeal is very important. You want people who come to see your house be “WOWED” the first time they lay their eyes on it.

Good landscaping, a freshly mowed lawn, and a clean, well-cared for exterior are so important.

Inside your house, everything is important. Most important are the kitchen, the master bedroom and the master bathroom.

  • Take a look for things that you can easily update or upgrade.
  • A coat of fresh paint works wonders in every room of the house.
  • Refinishing hardwood floors makes the entire room feel “new”.
  • Stay abreast of the “trends” out there — paint colors, kitchen, and bathroom fixtures and finishes, cabinets, countertops, flooring, tiles. Pinterest is a wonderful resource.
  • Be careful with having a lot of “personal touches”. Not everyone is going to love everything you love and if your “personal style” is completely different from theirs, having too much of it can actually make it difficult for your home to sell.
  • The more “move-in-ready” your home is, the better. Millennials like to purchase “move-in-ready” homes.

From The Heart Moment

Recognition and gratitude to the Gainesville Police Dept. for their thoughtfulness and generosity. They recently donated slices of pie from the Southern Baked Pie Company to our local Meals-On-Wheels program. It was such a wonderful way to love on our seniors a little bit! Many of them have had a really hard time this past year.

 

Contact April Rooks:
aprilrooksrealty@gmail.com
678 851 4992

Connect With April and Cindy:

@realtoraprilrooks
https://www.facebook.com/aprilrooksrealty/

@cindyvandiver1
https://www.facebook.com/CindyVandiverMortgageBanker/

Disclaimer: This podcast features Mortgage Banker, Cindy Vandiver, NMLS 164102, at Stockton Mortgage, NMLS 8259, Equal Housing Lender. Views and opinions expressed are those of Ms. Vandiver and do not necessarily reflect those of Stockton Mortgage. Ms. Vandiver’s information should not be considered to be legal or tax advice.

Tagged With: April Rooks, Cindy Vandiver, Get Your House Ready To Sell, North GA Real Estate

Which Is Better, An Online Mortgage Lender or A Local Lender? “From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show” with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver

March 10, 2021 by Rose

From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
Which Is Better, An Online Mortgage Lender or A Local Lender? “From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show” with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver
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Home mortgage interest rates are still low. Homebuyers and those looking to refinance are shopping for the best deal possible.

So, during today’s “From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show” April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver will be discussing the pros and cons of using an online lender vs a local lender.

Nearly half of the homebuyers out there do not shop around for the right lender or rates. And, it’s costing them.

The internet has brought about a whole new world of mortgage financing options.

And, as it is with everything else in the world — advertising is everything.

So, how do you know that you’re making the right choices for yourself and your finances? And, that you’re actually going to get what was advertised?

“If it seems too good to be true, it probably is!”

Onlne advertisers talk about:

1. Better rates
2. Convenience
3. Overnight Approval

And because consumers live in a space of instant gratification, we really do want and expect to have everything right now, at our fingertips!

Online can be a HUGE time saver. And it does come with its drawbacks.

  • You can call or text a local lender. If you’re working with an online lender, you need to expect that there will be delays in response time and truly personalized service.
  • You can walk into your local lender’s office. You can’t do that with an online lender.
  • If you need help, your local lender is a huge asset to you. You just won’t be able to get personal guidance and access to community relationships from an online lender.
  • Many times rates are better with a local lender than with an online lender. They usually are more firm and locked in, too!

From the Heart Moment

Conditioned Air Systems recently installed an HVAC unit in the home of a local family that had no heat for the winter. They were struggling and simply couldn’t afford to get the work done. The relief and gratitude the family experienced were so touching.

We’ve all struggled at some point in our lives. And to have someone do something so special is miraculous. And we really want to acknowledge and thank our community for doing so much for so many.

 

Contact April Rooks:
aprilrooksrealty@gmail.com
678 851 4992

Connect With April and Cindy:

@realtoraprilrooks
https://www.facebook.com/aprilrooksrealty/

@cindyvandiver1
https://www.facebook.com/CindyVandiverMortgageBanker/

Disclaimer: This podcast features Mortgage Banker, Cindy Vandiver, NMLS 164102, at Stockton Mortgage, NMLS 8259, Equal Housing Lender. Views and opinions expressed are those of Ms. Vandiver and do not necessarily reflect those of Stockton Mortgage. Ms. Vandiver’s information should not be considered to be legal or tax advice.

Tagged With: April Rooks, Cindy Vandiver, mortgage lender, North GA, online mortgage lender, traditional mortgage lender

Real Estate Investing “From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show” with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver

March 4, 2021 by Rose

From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
Real Estate Investing “From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show” with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver
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Real Estate Investing “From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show” with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver

Buy land, they’re not making it anymore.” — Mark Twain

 

Real Estate Investing can set you up with a great cash flow for your future!

Join April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver for a candid conversation about the basics of Real Estate Investing during this episode of the “From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show”.

Investing in real estate has created enormous wealth for many people. As Cindy points out, “Buy land early. It’s like a 401(k). If you don’t do it early, you don’t reap the benefits over time.”

Advantages of Investing in Real Estate:

1. Great way to build passive income.
2. Predictable cash-flow when done right.
3. Real estate appreciates in value.
4. Real estate can be leveraged — ex: 1031 exchange.
5. Can provide retirement cash-flow.
6. Many different ways to invest in real estate.

Prepare Yourself Financially To Invest In Real Estate

1. Expect a 20 – 25% down payment on the purchase price
2. Banks need to see a minimum of 6 months cash reserves on hand to cover the principal, interest, taxes and insurance in an account to cover expenses should something not work out as expected.
3. Expect that interest rates will be higher than for a primary residence.
4. The banks like to see good debt to income ratios.
5. Take the time to do your homework so you can understand and accurately calculate ROI and risk.

This week’s “From The Heart Moment”

Kay Blackstock from the Georgia Mountain Food Bank was recently involved in an event with the Gainesville Housing Authority and a number of other organizations in Gainesville — the Gainesville Police Department, the Boys and Girl Club, Andrea Cheeks, Sean Watson, just to name a few. They served food to over 800 families during the event. All of the extra food was shared with the St. John Baptist Church later that day!

Contact April Rooks:
aprilrooksrealty@gmail.com
678 851 4992

Connect With April and Cindy:

@realtoraprilrooks
https://www.facebook.com/aprilrooksrealty/

@cindyvandiver1
https://www.facebook.com/CindyVandiverMortgageBanker/

Disclaimer: This podcast features Mortgage Banker, Cindy Vandiver, NMLS 164102, at Stockton Mortgage, NMLS 8259, Equal Housing Lender. Views and opinions expressed are those of Ms. Vandiver and do not necessarily reflect those of Stockton Mortgage. Ms. Vandiver’s information should not be considered to be legal or tax advice.

Tagged With: April Rooks, buying real estate, Cindy Vandiver, North GA, real estate investing

Senior Transitions and Reverse Mortgages “From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show” with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver

February 24, 2021 by Rose

From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
Senior Transitions and Reverse Mortgages "From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show" with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver
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Helping parents or grandparents with senior transitions can be extremely confusing and challenging.

As one woman April worked with said…

“Gettin’ old ain’t for sissies!”

Before returning to work in the Real Estate industry, April worked in the Senior Care field for seven years.

She helped seniors and their families with all of their care needs during a very, very challenging time of life for everyone.

One thing she realized after helping with her grandmother’s transition and then helping many other families navigate through those transitions, having a solid care plan created in conjunction with someone’s other health care providers, is absolutely essential.

Also, knowing where to find trustworthy information and help is critical.

There are a lot of resources out there — the big problem is most people don’t know they even exist.

For example, many Gainesville residents don’t know there is an adult daycare center located within the community that can help working families care for their elderly loved ones.

The Guest House Adult Day Health Services
320 Tower Heights Rd
Gainesville, GA 30501
General Info: (770) 535-1487

There are also programs available to Veterans that can help, too.

April is one of the few Realtors who specializes in Senior Transitions.

Cindy helps seniors and their families with Reverse Mortgages.

There’s a lot of misinformation and misconceptions about Reverse Mortgages out there.

She is happy to help answer any questions about them so that senior couples and their children can decide if a reverse mortgage is right for their individual situation.

From The Heart Moment

Over Christmas, Beronica from Dorcas Place — a mobile, nonprofit children’s clothing closet —  sponsored  Christmas Blessings an event during which she collected toys in conjunction with The Edge Church. Everything went directly to the children.

Dorcas Place Gainesville is a community-oriented organization that provides families in need with new or gently used children’s clothing and shoes, and hygiene items for FREE.

If you’d like more information about Dorcas Place:
https://dorcasgazelle936.wixsite.com/dorcasplace/

If you need assistance:
https://dorcasgazelle936.wixsite.com/dorcasplace/apply/

Contact April Rooks:
aprilrooksrealty@gmail.com
678 851 4992

Connect With April and Cindy:

@realtoraprilrooks
https://www.facebook.com/aprilrooksrealty/

@cindyvandiver1
https://www.facebook.com/CindyVandiverMortgageBanker/

Disclaimer: This podcast features Mortgage Banker, Cindy Vandiver, NMLS 164102, at Stockton Mortgage, NMLS 8259, Equal Housing Lender. Views and opinions expressed are those of Ms. Vandiver and do not necessarily reflect those of Stockton Mortgage. Ms. Vandiver’s information should not be considered to be legal or tax advice.

Tagged With: April Rooks, Cindy Vandiver, From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show, North Ga Business Radio X, reverse mortgage, senior transitions

No Down Payment Loans “From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show” with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver

February 17, 2021 by Rose

From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
No Down Payment Loans “From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show” with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver
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Cindy Vandiver and April Rooks talk about the incredible benefits of using No Down Payment Home Loans to purchase a home in North GA.

If you’re thinking that NOW would be the perfect time to purchase a home if you had the down payment, you will definitely want to listen to what Cindy and April have to say about no down payment loans…

 

Cindy shares the things you need to know about qualifying for this type of loan:

  1. The areas in North GA that are eligible for this special type of loan — not all areas are eligible!
  2. The financial information and documentation you need to provide to the USDA to qualify for a No Down Payment Loan (it’s very different from applying for a regular home loan).
  3. Rules and restrictions for no down payment loans.
  4. Why it’s important to get both pre-qualified and pre-approved — Cindy is an expert in this area — call her at 706 – 219 – 2500!

Why would you want to take advantage of using a No Down Payment Loan to buy a home?

  1. Many times owning a home is CHEAPER than renting.
  2. Owning real estate is the cornerstone of building wealth. Given enough time, real estate will appreciate — meaning your property is worth more than what you paid for it.
  3. When you rent, you are building someone else’s wealth, not your own.

 

From The Heart Moment…

April KNOWS first-hand that music is a powerful place for healing. She has personally experienced the impact of music through her own life and witnessed it in the lives of the children she has taught piano and voice.

She is passionate about bringing a shift into our communities through investing in the children who have been abused, neglected, and are currently in the foster care system and under the care of a CASA volunteer.

In 2018 she founded the AMPED Kids Foundation — a 501(c)3 — with a mission to positively impact the lives of foster children by providing access to free private music instruction and other music programs throughout Georgia. Amped Kids is lifting up children and giving them a voice.

2020 was a difficult year for everyone — especially young, aspiring musicians who want to perform live — due to COVID and physical distancing.

AMPED Kids was able to host one live show during which instruments were given out to some of the children.

One young man, who had a particularly hard time understanding that he was being GIVEN an instrument, made a point of going to April and thanking her personally for everything.

It’s one thing to know that you’re making a difference, it’s something else entirely to SEE the difference you made for someone shining all over their face!

Contact April Rooks:
aprilrooksrealty@gmail.com
678 851 4992

Connect With April and Cindy:

@realtoraprilrooks
https://www.facebook.com/aprilrooksrealty/

@cindyvandiver1
https://www.facebook.com/CindyVandiverMortgageBanker/

Disclaimer: This podcast features Mortgage Banker, Cindy Vandiver, NMLS 164102, at Stockton Mortgage, NMLS 8259, Equal Housing Lender. Views and opinions expressed are those of Ms. Vandiver and do not necessarily reflect those of Stockton Mortgage. Ms. Vandiver’s information should not be considered to be legal or tax advice.

Tagged With: April Rooks, Cindy Vandivier, no down payment home loans, North Ga Business Radio X, Remax Central, Stockton Mortgage

New Beginnings “From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show” with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver

February 10, 2021 by Rose

From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
New Beginnings "From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show" with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver
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Today’s “From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show” is all about New Beginnings!

If we have learned nothing else from 2020, we’ve learned that New Beginnings are always possible.

Of the many lessons learned:

  • Multitasking and working from home with a house full of people, although challenging at times, is quite doable and even fun!
  • There are always new ways to do things — even when entire industries are turned upside down and inside out!
  • There is tremendous value to be found in the simple things life has to offer us.
  • Learning new technology — especially how to use Zoom — has been really beneficial for everyone!
  • Nothing beats the value of the relationships we create with the people we truly serve and help straight from the heart!

Housing and Lending Forecast for 2021:

Right now we’re seeing:

  • Higher home prices
  • Lower inventory (inventory is down by half – definitely a seller’s market)
  • Lower mortgage rates

Toward the end of 2021 we expect to see:

  • Interest rates to rise after the stock market and political fronts simmer down a bit more.
  • Expecting a buyer’s market toward the end of the year as different market sectors level out.

What this means is that many Millenials and Gen Z will be seeing higher home prices and mortgage rates. Right now is the best time to buy a new home. Getting pre-qualified so you can close quickly is really important.

  • New home construction is on the rise. And, expected to increase by 9% by the end of the year. This is will help boost the inventory.
  • Building costs are currently very high. Hopefully, with certain improvements to material shortages in the the supply-chain, those costs will start coming down by the end of the year.
  • There has been a spike in land purchases, leading to an increase in construction loans. Stockton Mortgage has some excellent options available for modular and mobile home construction.

Bankruptcy and New Beginnings

Bankruptcy is a temporary thing. Most people don’t realize they can finance the purchase of a new home 2 years after they’ve filed for bankruptcy if they manage their bankruptcy correctly.

A couple of tips to do that:

  • Reaffirm (in writing) one or two of your liabilities and stay current with the payments.
  • As soon as you can, get a credit card. Pay it down 7 – 10 days early every month to demonstrate you can handle revolving credit.

If you are facing bankruptcy or recently filed, please contact Cindy. She is an exceptional resource when it comes to recovering from bankruptcy and creating a plan to help you move forward in a positive way.

Educate Yourself

Dave Ramsey has a lot of great Real Estate focused information available on his website.
Robert Kiyosaki is known worldwide for his Real Estate Investing books and courses.

What are your Real Estate goals for the next two to five years?

April and Cindy are here to help you create a plan to turn them into reality for you and your family! Let them know what you want to accomplish.

Reach out to April — AprilRooksRealty@gmail.com — so she can help you get started with the right information and resources!

From The Heart Moment

A salute to our local North GA Healthcare Heroes!

Your hard work, dedication, care, love, and sacrifice are appreciated so very much during these unprecedented times. Thank you for putting everything you’ve got on the frontline to take such good care of all our friends and families.

Your example has shown us that the only way through all of this is for everyone to come together as a community — something the entire world needs more of right now!

Contact April Rooks:
aprilrooksrealty@gmail.com
678 851 4992

Connect With April and Cindy:

@realtoraprilrooks
https://www.facebook.com/aprilrooksrealty/

@cindyvandiver1
https://www.facebook.com/CindyVandiverMortgageBanker/

Disclaimer: This podcast features Mortgage Banker, Cindy Vandiver, NMLS 164102, at Stockton Mortgage, NMLS 8259, Equal Housing Lender. Views and opinions expressed are those of Ms. Vandiver and do not necessarily reflect those of Stockton Mortgage. Ms. Vandiver’s information should not be considered to be legal or tax advice.

Tagged With: April Rooks, bankruptcy, Cindy Vandiver, New Home Construction Loans, North GA Healthcare Heroes, Remax Central, Stockton Mortgage

Welcome To “From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show” with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver

February 3, 2021 by Rose

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From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show
Welcome To "From The Heart And Sold Real Estate Show" with April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver
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April Rooks and Cindy Vandiver are excited to announce the launch of their podcast “From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show” on North GA Business RadioX.

During today’s premier show, April and Cindy reflect on 2020 – The Year Of The Pivot – and its impact on both the Real Estate and Mortgage industries.

  • The challenges mortgage lenders faced and how they pivoted to address them
  • The challenges Realtors faced and how they pivoted continuing to help home buyers find their perfect home in a seller’s market
  • Great time for buyers and sellers
  • Housing inventory is very low and land has become a commodity
  • Timely mortgage financing tips, how credit scoring has changed during COVID, what the credit bureaus are looking for
  • Important information for self-employed home buyers
  • The 5 words and phrases from 2020 we NEVER want to hear again
  • This week’s “From The Heart Moment”

Contact April Rooks:
aprilrooksrealty@gmail.com
678 851 4992

Connect With April and Cindy:

@realtoraprilrooks
https://www.facebook.com/aprilrooksrealty/

@cindyvandiver1
https://www.facebook.com/CindyVandiverMortgageBanker/

Disclaimer: This podcast features Mortgage Banker, Cindy Vandiver, NMLS 164102, at Stockton Mortgage, NMLS 8259, Equal Housing Lender. Views and opinions expressed are those of Ms. Vandiver and do not necessarily reflect those of Stockton Mortgage. Ms. Vandiver’s information should not be considered to be legal or tax advice.

Tagged With: April Rooks, Cindy Vandiver, From The Heart and Sold Real Estate Show, North Ga Business Radio X

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