If you’re anything like I am, you’ve always been envious of those people who find it easy and pleasurable to read books.  Whether for business or pleasure, it’s amazing how much content is available for your consumption — All you need is the desire to read it.

Well, I never really had that desire to read early on in life.

Fortunately, early on, someone gave me a killer tip.  That tip was a way to not actually have to read the books I wanted to digest.

Take a look at this week’s video to see a couple of easy ways to consume your favorite content!

This week continues May’s theme of weekly updates — and this month, it’s “Tyler’s Favorite Things!”.  Again, it’s a rip-off of the popular “Oprah’s Favorite Things”.  I figured if I find things interesting enough, you might too!

This week’s favorite thing is (als0, like last week…) for music lovers and music lovers only.  If you feel like you’re in that category, you’ll want to watch this week’s update!  I used to be a guy who carried around cases (yes, plural…) of CD’s with me everywhere I went.  Well, technology has changed things and this week, I’d like to share with you a service that I use to both avoid ever using CD’s again as well as discover new music in the process!

Also, like I mention in this week’s update, we currently have several homebuyers struggling to find a home under $200,000 in the Des Moines area.  If you, or someone you know is looking to sell a house in that price range, send me a quick email introduction to them.  Maybe I can help and play a little match maker! (My email is on the sidebar of this website.)

Thanks again!

This week begins a new theme for our weekly updates — and this month, it’s “Tyler’s Favorite Things!”.  Yes, it’s a rip-off of the popular “Oprah’s Favorite Things”.  I figured if I find things interesting enough, you might too!

This week’s favorite thing is for music lovers and music lovers only.  If you feel like you’re in that category, you’ll want to watch this week’s update!

P.S.  You can learn more about the service I talk about in this week’s update by going here.

Today, we conclude the month of George updates.  I’ll be honest, this seemed like a better idea in March when it came up in a conversation with neighbors… Haha.  But, we committed to do it!  So, in the last week of George updates, George lists off his favorite 10 things to do in Des Moines!  If you’re a dog (or really, pet?) owner, I think you’ll enjoy this as much as George did recording it.

Fair warning, this wasn’t edited.  I believe in a one-shot update.  This video clearly proves that

Next week we’ll start a new monthly theme!  Looking forward to it!

Here’s George’s final update:

Starting a business is a common thought for people who are successful in their profession.  So common that many people take the chance on doing it to find out it’s much harder than they’d anticipated.

In this week’s update, George (the talking dog) makes a recommendation to anyone who has ever thought about opening a business.

Seriously though, if you’ve ever thought of opening a business, this week’s update is a must-watch!

Have you ever had a computer crash on you and lose everything on your hard drive?  Well, you’re not alone!  It happens all of the time.  Today I want to share with you how to help avoid any issues if this were to happen to you!

Also, George again introduces the video — and it’s just as hilarious as it always is.

Watch today’s video below!

Looking for a payment on a conventional loan with 5% down?  This is the spot to find the payment!

Also note, if you’re looking at getting pre-approved or would like a free rate quote, please use the form to the right of this blog post and we can crunch numbers for you!

To calculate a payment, you’ll need:

• Annual Taxes (often found on the assessor’s website or in the listing details of a property)
• Annual Homeowners Insurance (we generally estimate $700/year)
• Sales Price of the Home
• Potential Down Payment (keep in mind, this calculator is set up for loans with at least 20% down, for conventional loans *with* PMI, please reach out to me for a custom rate quote and payment quote as they tend to vary).

Use this widget below to help you calculate your mortgage payment!  And again, if you’d like a custom rate quote, please use the form to the right and we’ll get back with you quickly!

CAUTION: Since I didn’t personally create this mortgage calculator, I know that there is a small flaw.  The payment may vary based on credit score and property location (mortgage insurance can change)… But, this is intended to give an accurate estimate.

Looking for a payment on an FHA loan with 3.5% down?  This is the spot to find the payment!

Also note, if you’re looking at getting pre-approved or would like a free rate quote, please use the form to the right of this blog post and we can crunch numbers for you!

To calculate a payment, you’ll need:

• Annual Taxes (often found on the assessor’s website or in the listing details of a property)
• Annual Homeowners Insurance (we generally estimate $700/year)
• Sales Price of the Home
• Potential Down Payment (keep in mind, this calculator is set up for loans with at least 20% down, for conventional loans *with* PMI, please reach out to me for a custom rate quote and payment quote as they tend to vary).

Use this widget below to help you calculate your mortgage payment!  And again, if you’d like a custom rate quote, please use the form to the right and we’ll get back with you quickly!

CAUTION: Since I didn’t personally create this mortgage calculator, I know that there is a small flaw.  The payment will be off *slightly*… But, this is intended to give an accurate estimate.

Looking for a payment on a conventional loan with no mortgage insurance?  This is the spot to find the payment!

Also note, if you’re looking at getting pre-approved or would like a free rate quote, please use the form to the right of this blog post and we can crunch numbers for you!

To calculate a payment, you’ll need:

• Annual Taxes (often found on the assessor’s website or in the listing details of a property)
• Annual Homeowners Insurance (we generally estimate $700/year)
• Sales Price of the Home
• Potential Down Payment (keep in mind, this calculator is set up for loans with at least 20% down, for conventional loans *with* PMI, please reach out to me for a custom rate quote and payment quote as they tend to vary).

Use this widget below to help you calculate your mortgage payment!  And again, if you’d like a custom rate quote, please use the form to the right and we’ll get back with you quickly!

I have a big frustration (and so do many home buyers).  All of the online mortgage calculators suck.  That’s right. I said it.  They absolutely suck.  The number of times I’ve had clients say “wow, that’s a lot different than what the online calculator said!” is really unbelievable.  The reason why many of these are off is because they don’t have accurate information used to calculate the payment.

Watch this week’s update to hear more about how to get an accurate mortgage payment and a super-secret project I’m working on.

Oh, and George month (yes, George my dog…) continues…. He’s getting a little camera shy and he’s absolutely hilarious this week.  Be sure to watch!

If you enjoyed this week’s update, please share this update!  Many folks have been clicking “Recommend” on the blog and sharing it through Facebook.