Angelia's Blog

Staying together because of the economy?

2008-12-04T12:22:30Z

Howdy from Texas.

I was just reading an article on the internet about couples staying together because financially they could not make it apart. One couple is already divorced but are having a hard time selling the home they lived in together. So now they have split up the home and are staying in it together. They don't want to budge on the asking price because they will lose money. Their agent fired them because they have only had the home shown twice and the price is overboard. So they would rather live together, not speaking to each other than to take a loss. Get real people!

What happened to the days of divorcing because of finances. Too much stress from not being able to pay the bills usually lead to the divorces. Now it is the reverse, staying together even though you can't stand each other because you can't afford to live alone. Good luck to that!

It's Monday again, and good news can be heard throughout.

2008-12-01T12:22:10Z

Provided by TJ Henley-Viewpoint Bankers Mortgage-the latest news from TJ is that interest rates are at an all time low of 5%. You can even buy down the interest to a 4 %. That just puts a tickle in my tummy. I will be calling my fencers and spread the good news. I have already printed my newsletter with this fabulous information.

To all the buyers out there waiting for the perfect moment to purchase a home- It's right here in black and white. Get on the phone and call your loan officer. If they do not provide you the exact information then hang up and call my loan officer-TJ Henley. He can be found here on Active Rain.

Looks like the Feds have given out $600 billion to the mortgage industry thus having a great domino effect.

How do I know if an economic report is good or bad?

2008-11-24T10:10:47Z

Courtesy of T.J. Henley-Viewpoint Bankers Mortgage

"Good morning Pioneers of the New Real Estate Frontier,

This should be a pretty volatile week for rates. You may want to start eating turkey now and let that sleepy affect take over until next Monday. The reason for the volatile rates is there is a lot of economic data this week coming out that moves the bond markets.

You know one question that I get fairly often is "How do I know if an economic report is good or bad for mortgage rates?" Here is a very rough guide. If it is bad for the economy, it is usually good for mortgage rates and vice versa. "Why is that?" is usually the next question I get. It is because bonds are considered safer investments in troubled times. When investors want bonds (bad economic reports), they are willing to take a lower return for the safety bonds provide. It is that lower return that translates into a lower mortgage interest rate. The opposite is also true. Good market data, investors want higher returns than conservative bonds, so they stop buying bonds and buy other investments. The people that must sell bonds have to raise the return on bonds to get investors to buy them, so the mortgage interest rates go higher.

As I mentioned this is a rough guide. In today's market environment, many of the predictable factors of our economy have been disconnected from each other which has made it very hard for those in charge to implement effective recovery measures.

So that is Mortgage Rates 101. My clients really appreciate the fact that I stay in touch with the moving factors of the mortgage market. For the past several years, too many mortgages were put in place by so called "professionals" that a few weeks earlier were waiting tables or from another industry that was not even financially related. Like migrant workers, many of these people have moved onto the oil and gas industry. Mortgage professionals reflect upon you and the whole home buying process. Let's make sure your clients are working with a qualified mortgage professional that understands the largest financial transaction that most families will enter into. I will be available everyday of the Thanksgiving holiday to help you and your clients with purchasing a home. "

Gobble Gobble,
TJ

Man fly's American flag upside down.

2008-11-11T14:47:05Z

Hi Ar,

It is so disturbing that we cannot all have American pride. One resident in Arlington, TX is so upset with the outcome of the elections that he is flying a black flag and an upside down American flag on his flag pole. Of course his neighbors are not happy with him. He is a school teacher. That is so ironic.

view the video at http://www.wfaa.com/video/?

The latest news on foreclosures.

2008-11-11T14:17:36Z

HI AR,

below is the website so you can pass the good news along.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Citigroup-to-help-atrisk-apf-13533269.html

The title is Citigroup to help at-risk borrowers stay in their homes.

I read the article and it sounds promising. Areas like Arizona, California, Florida, Michigan, Ohio and Indiana will receive this much needed help. Texas, my market is not on the list. That leads me to believe that we are in a stable market which I knew all along. It's about time.

OPEN HOUSE 611 Parkwood Circle, Duncanville TX 75116

2008-11-11T11:26:50Z

It's that time again. Time to open up this beauty and play host. We will have refreshments and a prize drawing.

When: November 15, 2008

Time: 1-6pm or when the last person leaves.

Price $128,000

You will not be disappointed with this 4 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage with bonus room. The kitchen has been updated and the living room has a fireplace. Lots of room for a living room suite. Peaceful neighborhood with towering trees. Beautiful in autumn, autumn colors throughout the neighborhood.

View of Lakeside Park. Do you see the rainbow in the background?

Call Angelia Garcia 214-912-9390 for more info.

I finally did it, I went door knocking for the first time.

2008-11-01T20:20:41Z

It was a beautiful day to be outside and getting much needed exercise. My feet were not happy at the end but oh well. I went through my neighborhoods in Glenn Heights passing out my neighborhood newsletter. The houses don't sit so close to each other and that is where the workout came in. I started on one of the main roads and made my way to the cul de sacs. We have alot of culd de sacs where I live. After an hour or so, I had to get my husband back home because he had to get ready to go deer hunting with a neighbor. I think it was quite successful in the fact that I only encountered one rude person. Yeah! Monday I will go back and do it again. I will continue on till I can't go no more.

The cat in the birdcage.

2008-10-31T14:31:22Z

It has now been 6 or 7 weeks since I became the owner of a very small kitten. I named her Marci. She was so delicate and fragile. I was very worried that I would not have her long.

Well she is about 10 weeks old and is the terror of my home. She is so full of energy and has quite an appetite. Every evening or when I am at the computer, she likes to dash from one side of the room to the other. She jumps on everything. These past couple of days she has out done herself with the jumping. She will jump up on the t.v., the book shelves but has not successfully jumped up on the kitchen counters. Yesterday evening, I got tired of the her jumping on the book shelf. She jumped on it and knocked over a lamp. I decided I would stick her in the birdcage since she kept messing with it.

This is Marci when I had her for a couple of days in my home.

Right now she is outside on the screened in backporch. She likes climbing those screens to get to the top. Initially I was a little scared of her getting out of the backporch and into the backyard. But I think she likes sitting up there.

White House tells banks to stop hoarding the money.

2008-10-28T23:01:42Z

That was the title on an article written by Jeannine Aversa with the Associated Press.

I decided to stop and read it. Bottom line, the banks that are approved for the money are not utilizing the money the way they are supposed to. I guess the rush to pass the bill was not thought out fully.

"PNC Financial Services Group, Inc was approved for 7.7 billion to start lending money and instead are going to acquire National City Corp for 5.58 billion." What a slap in the face!

What are your opinions AR?

It's the final countdown-finally!

2008-10-28T22:43:44Z

Hi AR,

just a reminder, there are only 7 days to go to get your vote in. No matter who your favorite is, there are no guarantees, so get out there and vote. When I heard there were only 7 days to go, I was overjoyed. I am so tired of the ads, the bad mouthing, and the threats from the psycho's out there. A skinhead group of 2 were plotting to kill black folks and Obama. I am so glad they caught them and put them away. It is disappointing to hear about the hate that still lingers around in the world. Our world is not perfect but be proud that we have the freedoms that we do. See you at the polls!

What will you be handing out for Halloween trick or treaters?

2008-10-25T13:28:34Z

I just read an article on the internet about the do's and dont's of Halloween giving. I laughed at the section of so called goodies that children do not want to receive. I don't remember ever receiving a toothbrush or an apple instead of a nice and tasty treat. But it was on the list. Other items on the list were laffy taffy, candy corn, peppermints or any kind of hard candy. What is the deal with candy corn? I can't believe those are still around. When will they become extinct. What about the orange and black wrapper candies that are supposed to have peanut butter in them. Give me a break. I want the name brand stuff-Hershey's, Snicker, Butterfinger, Mr. Goodbar and I don't want the fun size, I want the full size so I can pack on those pounds.

I already have my goody bags wrapped and ready to go. I thought about putting my business card inside but I will just hand them to the adults when they get here. I had put my business card in the bags last year but I did not receive any calls. They may have been thrown away.

Is there a future for our children of tomorrow?

2008-10-24T18:40:45Z

Lately in the news, the Dallas Independent School District has been reported on consistently. It started about a month ago when the Superintendant let the cat out of the bag and notified the School Board that they were in the hole for 84 million dollars. Supposedly Mr. Hinojosa did not know about the huge deficit in the budget and now he has called for layoffs to balance the budget. Originally, over 500 teachers were supposed to be laid off but the senior teachers took early retirements and other teachers were moved around. What brought about the deficit was the hiring of new teachers and the finance dept. not adding the salaries to the budget. Teachers lost their jobs, children were upset to see their teachers leaving and Mr. Hinojosa still has his job. He needs to resign because he is supposed to be the leader. Sound familiar?

Now today, the Lancaster ISD is going through the same situation. A budget shortfall has occurred as well but in this district, the teachers have agreed to give back half of their salary increases to keep layoffs from happening. The Superintendant is on administrative leave with pay.

This year is going to the dogs it seems.

Some things do not need to be shown on the news.

2008-10-24T18:03:37Z

Hi AR,

this evening as I was watching Fox 4 News, the first report was about a 10 year old boy that was struck by a Dallas Police Officer's vehicle, on the way to a call. The young man was killed when struck by the vehicle. Clarice Tinsley the anchorwoman, made the statement that the police cruiser's video was going to be shown completely and to look away if you did not want to view it. When I heard her make that comment I was in shock. If I was this boy's mother I would not want it shown. I just think that some things don't need to be shown all over the news. These news people will do anything for ratings.

Looking for volunteers-Keep Texas Beautiful

2008-10-22T12:03:33Z

Hi AR,

I know that most of you cannot, for geographical reasons, lend your support but those that can, please do. We need volunteers to start up our Keep Texas Beautiful program in Glenn Heights. We had a meeting last night to kick off the project but I was the only one that showed. The lady in charge and me were the only ones there. That is a shame. I am determined though to get this project up and going. There are other cities that are already implementing the program and are doing a great job. For more info or to familiarize yourself, go to KTB.org.

Thanks in advance.

Urgent - please read. Lots for sale.

2008-10-21T18:32:22Z

Now is the time to make your offers for the lots available in this gated community. Many lots to choose from, any shape, size or form available. Great location in Cleburne-The Retreat golf course community. Come be a part of this wonderful community and have access to the #1 rated golf course in Texas. There are swimming pools, a restaurant, and a Pro Shop available as well. Enjoy horseback riding and long walks. What more could you ask for in this peaceful, serene place? Prices starting at $12,500.

Featured posts-0

2008-10-21T11:51:08Z

Everyday I sign in to AR and everyday I see that dreaded "0" next to featured post. It kind of bugs me because I have number amounts in every other category but this one. I am not asking to be featured just remove the feature post line. I will be happy with that. Really I would. Anybody else out there with a "0" next to something that bugs them.

How about a "0" next to the line on your checking or savings acct -total balance. That would really suck!

Medieval Times-fun and entertainment

2008-10-11T20:24:16Z

I was invited to spend an evening with my older brother-Abel. The company he works for had a night out for their employees. It was spent at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. This was my first visit and I was pleasantly surprised. Guests are separated into 6 categories so they can cheer for their own knight. There is the yellow knight, blue knight-which was our knight for the evening, black and white knight, yellow and red knight, red knight and green knight. Throughout the evening we were entertained and served dinner. The employees were all dressed in Medieval attire and spoke with a Medieval accent. If you have not been, you are missing out on some great entertainment.
Visit medievaltimes.com for more info. They have locations in California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, New Jersey, S. Carolina, Texas and Ontario.

OPEN HOUSE AT 1303 LANSFORD AVE, DALLAS, TX 75224

2008-10-10T18:37:50Z

Come by Saturday, the 11th from 12-4pm. Priced at $94,900, that is a steal for this neighborhood. The home features 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, nice sized living room, formal dining room plus a breakfast area. The kitchen has been updated and there is a concrete patio for summertime barbeques in the back. Drawing will be held for a Home Depot gift card.

Is everybody ready? The State Fair of Texas is coming soon.

2008-09-18T13:17:26Z

I can't wait for September to roll around every year. That means the last two weeks of Sept. into the first two weeks of Oct. there will be lots of fun and eating. The official date of opening is 9/26/2008 and it ends 10/19/2008. General admission is $14.00, kids and seniors pay only $10.00. I however like to go during the day on Tuesdays. I take my Dr.Pepper can and pay $3.00 to get in. I take very little money with me so that I don't overeat. The turkey legs, sausage on a stick and funnel cakes are my favorites. As for the parking situation, I don't worry about that since I take the bus. I get picked up in front of my mom's home and get dropped off in front of the Fair. I have been doing this for the past 5 years. It is great! You can view the website for more information at bigtex.com.

Please don't call me on 9/30/2008 as I will be out of the office that day.

Open House at 611 Parkwood Circle, Duncanville, TX

2008-09-17T16:02:02Z

Open House at 611 Parkwood Circle, Duncanville TX

Date: 9/19/2008 and 9/20/2008

Time for Friday 1-3pm Time for Saturday 12-4pm

Drawing will be held. Bring your buyers and view this beautiful home.

Features 4 bedrooms, 2 full baths, 2 car garage. Over 1800 sq ft.

Walking distance to Lakeside Park. You can enjoy picnicing with family and fishing.

Are we just spinning our wheels?

2008-08-26T18:21:51Z

How many of us have thought this when we start showing homes to a new customer/client?

Last week I received a note on my front door to have me call a past customer. At first I did not know who I was calling. But it must of been important because they drove out to my home office. When the gentleman answered the phone call, I remembered the voice. This past customer came to me by chance. I had another buyer driving by an investment home and he ran into this guy. My buyer at the time handed him my business card and told him to call me. When all was said and done, I drove to meet this person to show him that same home. Well that home did not work out in his favor. After that, we did not keep in contact. Now several months later, he has contacted me again. So what do you think, is this guy serious or am I just spinning my wheels with him. My husband was priviledged enough to go to a showing with me today and commented to me that I should move on and stop wasting my time. I had commented to my husband after showing the home to this buyer that the buyer thought the living room was too big. Have you ever heard of that? Buyers usually want a large living room. This buyer also keeps telling me he can't understand why someone can buy a new car and pay it off in 5 years but when it comes to purchasing a home it is different even if the price of the home is the same as the new car.

Where is the loan officer in this, you ask? Well, when the loan officer calls the buyer, the buyer does not want to give private information over the phone. So again, it falls back on me to be an intermediary. I really do not like giving loan info especially since I do not work as a loan officer. I will continue to work with this buyer as long as it does not get too time consuming without results.

So I wasn't out showing homes today, I couldn't.....

2008-08-12T22:25:43Z

What is today?, oh yes, it is Tuesday the 12th. The 12th was supposed to be the day I called Countrywide back to see if one of my listings could be saved by a short sale. Well, until now, I had forgotten. Today was the day that I was finally receiving my new appliances for my home. I had been without a washer and dryer for over 5 months and without a stove for 1 month. Does this sound crazy to the rest of you? Well I was without a washer and dryer because the dryer went out so I gave it away when I sold the washer for $40 bucks in a yard sale. I did not want to purchase a new dryer and not have it match the washer. But before I replaced the washer and dryer I needed a new floor for my kitchen and utility room. I could not pay for my new flooring until I received my stimulus check. Then when my flooring was replaced, I decided to sell the stove for $75 bucks because I figured I wanted a new one to match my new washer and dryer. Ladies, can you see were I coming from. Well my husband was not too happy with the situation but he could not say much because he is not footing the bill for these extravagances. So finally today at 7:25 pm I now have new appliances and I can do laundry and cooking again. Tomorrow I will get back to Real Estate.

"Irresponsible pet owner's watch out"

2008-06-25T19:33:13Z

In today's Dallas City council meeting it was proposed to have your dog or cat spade or neutered. In recent years there have been lots and lots of dogs and cats rooming the streets and starving to death. They do what they can to survive but some don't make it. It is a sad world we live in especially when it is too late to provide a nice home and good food to these animals. There are not alot of people that can provide for these animals so the unthinkable has to take place. There was a good turn out in favor of passing this new ordinance. It will limit the number of pets you have and it also states you would have to neuter or spay your pet. If you are a breeder then you would have to pay a fee every year. I don't recall the amount. This is the only solution that was proposed to help alleviate this problem in Dallas. It will force those irresponsible pet owners to become accountable. I hope there will be relief soon.

Anti-terrorism lien on title. What the heck is that?

2008-05-09T17:40:22Z

I just received the title committment for a transaction I was supposed to close yesterday. The title co. should of notified us of this issue long before. There are a total of 7 liens on the title. The property is a foreclosure so more than likely the federal liens will fall off. Right? Any one ever seen or heard of anything like this?

What is a anti-terrorism lien? And what is it doing on my title!

Talking House product-a big fat joke!

2008-05-06T16:51:55Z

I am writing this blog to get any comments or feedback regarding this product. For those of you who have not heard of the Talking House, it is a AM transmitter you place in the home. It's purpose is to advertise the details of the property on a AM station. The interested buyer pulls up in front of the home and tunes their radio to the AM station. The company guarantees a sale in 90 days or you get your money back minus S/H. I did not sell a home within that alloted time, nor did I want to take the time to return the product because if it were to get damaged they would not refund my money. I really, really, really dislike this product. The reception is not great all the time. I had complaints that it could not be heard. I did everything the manual stated to get the best reception. I am better off without this product and you will be too.

I got a call today from the company, they wanted to save me money by having me pay off the balance at a lesser amount. I would save $85 dollars. No thanks. I will continue to make my $39 a month till it is paid off. This was a bad investment. I received 3 transmitters for $1500.

Anyone else out there that isn't satisfied, I want to hear from you.