Each month, Shop in RI Magazine will profile one member of a new weekly business networking group called, “The Dream Team” that meets in Smithfield. In this issue, we meet Joseph Baptista of Anchor Financial Mortgage in Pawtucket.
Joe has been a fixture in the mortgage industry for more than 25 years. He helps people “find the American Dream” of home ownership. For others, it may mean refinancing their mortgages to lower their monthly costs, and using the savings to make home improvements, pay off high-interest credit cards, or doing something else with the money.
Baptista said that the process of home ownership is not as scary as people may think.
“There are opportunities for people to capitalize on what they can invest,” he said. “It takes someone with the knowledge and experience to help them navigate through the programs and pitfalls that occur along the way.”
His big push is aiding first-time homebuyers. Baptista points to the number of incentives and programs, both locally and nationally, for people to apply. In some cases, the buyer may not need to put any money down.
For those who are unsure, Joe says that using the equity in their homes can be a great way to spruce up their property, give it a fresh look, or use it to make other changes.
With home prices soaring, Baptista said that can be one viable option that should be considered.
“The cost of everything has gone up; let’s be realistic. What was a $300 grocery bill, may now cost $500. Some people are living on credit cards, with high interest rates. That is not the way anyone should be living. Instead of doing that, we can see how taking some of the equity out of one’s home can positively impact their lives,” he said.
As for joining the Dream Team, Joe said that being able to meet people weekly has generated new business and strengthened his relationships within the group.
“The Dream Team” currently has 20 members. They meet every Wednesday morning, from
7:00 AM until 8:30 AM, at the Home2Suites Hilton on Douglas Pike (Rte. 7) in Smithfield, across from Laura’s Bar and Grill. The group is looking to grow its chapter and are interested in meeting professionals from HVAC, event planning, personal injury attorneys, and photography.
Further information about the group may be found by contacting either President Rocco Elgar at 401-265-0857 or at therockhbi@msn.com, or Vice President Tim Richard at 401-766-4200 or at tim@estenandrichardinsurance.com.
