Southern California is always a destination for potential home owners.  You might think it is due to the continual sunny skies and imminent good weather. But beyond the ocean views and trend setting city sites, there is so much more to look forward to.  Not many know what else mortgage brokers or real estate offices do other than buy, sell, or finance.

But if you take a  closer look into some of the Orange county companies, you may be pleasantly surprised.  Aside from handing out mortgages, home equity loans, and pushing paperwork through, many of these companies are involved heavily into their communities. One company volunteers and raises money for Habitat for Humanity.  While another hosts charity events raising thousands of dollars for a few signature charities.  Yet another, supports company matched dollars to employee contributions for their selected charities.

When looking for a home equity loan, or a line a credit, wouldn’t you want to sit down and do so with a company that has a heart? A company which is involved in their community shows neighborhood connection and unity.  There is comfort in that.  Today so many financial institutions are quick to stock their clients thru, without leaving any impressions worth keeping, or maybe even coming back for.  In a big place, wouldn’t a hometown effect just feel better?

 With the home equity lending business growing, more people are finding this an attractive way to get money for other things such as a remodeling project, or an emergency. However, the downfalls of having such a loan give way to the possibility of too much debt, or  potential problems if the loan payments are skipped or not made.  Even losing your home. Home equity loans are risky for financially undisciplined homeowners, but a godsend to those who perhaps, wish to keep their great rates on their first mortgage. It becomes tricky when you have to decide on the cushion between the value of the home minus the owing mortgage and borrow somewhere between that. Anything above that, is where in lies the risk.

So, back to the need for a hometown effect…What if somewhere down the road, an emergency arises and the money is just not there to cover it.  You decide you’re a candidate  for the home equity loan. Wouldn’t you feel better, safer, sitting in the chair of lending institution which humbly gives back to it’s community? It’s frightening enough to pursue financial necessities, to stumble thru professionals, and endless paperwork,  that taking on another loan shouldn’t be.