8 Qualities That Make A Good Insurance Agent

If you have ever contemplated becoming an insurance agent or wondered whether this career path could be right for you, then there are several qualities that you will need to possess, at least to some degree. All good insurance agents share some of the following core qualities in one way or another.

People Skills

1. Puts the needs of the client first - An agent who is only out to earn a commission, regardless of the needs of the client, is not likely to last long in the business. Agents and brokers who listen carefully to what their clients and prospects say will be able to earn their trust, which is the hardest part of their job. Those who are willing to put their clients into a product that pays a lower commission because it better fits their needs are much more likely to be successful.

Automatic Cancellation Of PMI When You're Underwater On Your Mortgage

Do you have an underwater mortgage with Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)? If so, you might think you're stuck with those extra payments until you can get your loan equity back into positive territory. Fortunately, that isn't necessarily the case. In fact, most borrowers are entitled to have PMI automatically canceled once they've had their mortgage for a certain amount of time, and it doesn't matter how muchyour home may have decreased in valueor how far underwater you may be on your loan.

PMI Understood

Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is the insurance you're typically required to buy when you take out a conventional mortgage with less than 20% down. Most homeowners know that you can ask to have it canceled once you reach 20% equity in your home (an 80% loan-to-value ratio for example), either by paying down your loan balance, a rise in your home's value or a combination of both.

Tax Variations Of The HEART Act

In 2008, President George W. Bush signed the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax (HEART) Act bill, which gave U.S. service members and their families many forms of financial assistance as a further means of thanking and compensating them for their service in the ongoing war against terrorism. The HEART Act contains several provisions designed to allow service members and reservists to make a smooth financial transition both into active duty and then back into their civilian lives. Military families should take care to familiarize themselves with the provisions of this bill, as it offers a wealth of benefits for those who qualify.