The RWAF After 3 Program For Teenage Children With Autism - 08/31/12 03:51 PM

 
Children with Autism have very specific needs, especially those in their teenage years.  Autism impacts each of these kids differently and at different levels.  This presents challenges for parents who have a teenage child with Autism.  Parents of Autistic teenage children many times need assistance, as well as a need for a structured program that knows the needs of their child and how to help them.  I am very familiar with a family that has a teenage child with Autism, so I have some first hand knowledge of their experience daily.
The RWAF After 3 Program For Teenage Children … (5 comments)

What Is Your Market Plan For The 4th Quarter??? - 08/30/12 01:51 PM
What Is Your Market Plan For The 4th Quarter?  Summer is almost over, and Fall is around the corner.  That means that the slowest half of the 3rd Quarter is behind us, and the more productive half is just starting.  The first half of the 3rd Quarter tends to be slow because of vacations, and getting the kids ready for school.  Purchasing a house during this time tends to not be a priority, but the last half of the 3rd Quarter tends to be much busier, not as busy as the Spring Market, but it is the second busiest time of … (27 comments)

ActiveRain Meet-Up Manchester Connecticut - 08/29/12 05:33 PM
This afternoon a small number of us meet at Frank Pepe's Pizza for the ActiveRain Meet-Up Manchester Connecticut.  This was the second ActiveRain Meet-Up this week, and not as many showed up as yesterday's Meet-Up at Dagny Eason's in Wilton, but the company was still great.  This was the first Meet-Up hosted by Frances Rokicki, and I hope that it is the first of many more.

 
The early arrivals at the Meet-Up were Tatyana Makarov, Frances Rokicki, and myself. The picture was taken right after the pizza arrived so we were a happy bunch.

 
Tatyana Makarov had … (10 comments)

Connecticut ActiveRain Meet-Up At Dagny Eason's Home - 08/28/12 08:28 PM

 
This afternoon several CT, RI, and NY ActiveRain got together at Dagny Eason's beautiful home for the first of two ActiveRain Meet-Up's this week.  This was the forth Meet-Up that Dagny has hosted, and it was one of the better ones.
In the past we have been inside, but today we got to enjoy her beautiful back yard and the gorgeous views from her deck. Many of us that were there have been to Dagny's Meet-Ups before, but this was a first for Tatyana Makarov, and it was the first that I have been at with Ginny Gorman.  It … (13 comments)

Tightening Of Mortgage Underwriting Guidelines By Lenders - 08/26/12 04:48 PM
One of the biggest reasons for the tightening and continued Tightening Of Mortgage Underwriting Guidelines By Lenders, is the result of the large number of mortgages that Lenders are being forced to buy back form the three major GSE's Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and FHA.  The number of mortgages that Lenders have had to buy back have been unprecedented in recent years.
Just this year alone in the 2nd Quarter Fannie tried to send $14.58 Billion in mortgages back to Lenders, and was successful in getting Lenders to take back $2.34 Billion.  Freddie Mac tried to send $2.91 Billion in … (9 comments)

Kidsartspace Pre-K Creative Literacy Program - 08/25/12 10:31 AM

 
Kids will be returning back to school in many communities next coming week.  This will leave the pre-school age children of the family looking for things to do.  So when I saw this sign advertising a Pre-K Literacy Program it got my attention.  This is not only a program that will fulfill the social needs of the younger children in the house, but one that would also help them get a head start on their school years.
Kidsartspace Pre-K Creative Literacy Program ia a Non-Profit Creative Arts Studio that provides early reading, and writing skills through creative art lessons.  … (3 comments)

Mortgage Originations Increased In The 2nd Quarter - 08/24/12 04:56 PM
It was reported this week that Mortgage Originations Increased In The 2nd Quarter.  That comes as both a surprise and not as a surprise to me.
I was not surprised by the news because I have been busy all year, and the number of loans that I have originated so far this year are at about 85% of what I did all of last year.  So I am not surprised that Mortgage Originations Increased In The 2nd Quarter.  I don't think that what I have experience in increased originations is the exception, but rather the norm.
However, I am surprised that … (4 comments)

KidCity Children's Museum in Middletown, Connecticut - 08/23/12 05:28 PM

Summer is almost over and many of the camps and Park & Rec programs are coming to an end.  That means that parents will be looking for things to do until school starts up again over the next couple of weeks.  So let me suggest a great place to take the younger members of the family to, KidCity Children's Museum in Middletown, Connecticut.
KidCity Children's Museum is a place that younger children, and their parents can spend hours at and still not do everything that they have to offer.  At KidCity Children's Museum in Middletown, Connecticut there are several rooms … (2 comments)

Boy Scouts Troop 270 Durham Ct Fundraiser - 08/22/12 04:14 PM

 
Both of my sons are Eagle Scouts so when I see a local Boy Scout Troop holding an event I try to support it.  Yesterday on my through Durham, CT I saw the above sign announcing Boy Scouts Troop 270 Durham Ct Fundraiser this coming weekend, and it quickly caught my eye. 
The Boy Scouts of America is a great organization that helps our young boys and men learn skills that will assist them throughout their lives.  The Boy Scouts of America thought my two sons leadership, and survival skill that will equipped them to handle situations that they will face throughout their … (5 comments)

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Proposed Changes To Loan Officer Requirements - 08/21/12 03:44 PM
Finally the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has proposed regulation changes that will begin to narrow the gap between Non-Depository Lenders and Depository Lenders.  Presently all Mortgage Loan Originators have to obtain a National Mortgage Licensing Systems (NMLS) Number, but ONLY Loan Originators that work for Non-Depository Lenders have to:
Take both a National, and State License test Pass the tests with a score of 75 or better Take a mandatory 20 hour class Criminal Background Checks performed by the State Banking Commission 8 hour Continuing Education Class The new proposed changes by the CFPB would begin to narrow the gap … (6 comments)

American Red Cross Blood Supply Is At Critical Levels - 08/20/12 04:58 PM


The American Red Cross Blood Supply Is At Critical Levels, creating an urgent  need for blood.  The American Red Cross is making a plea for people to consider donating blood to help alleviate the shortage.  According to the American Red Cross
"Blood supplies are at critical levels, with just half as much as last year at this time on hand for emergency transfusions."
O-Positive blood is always the most in demand, because 45% of the people in the United States have either O-Positive or O-Negative blood.  Donors with type "O" blood are universal donors, their blood can be … (9 comments)

26th Middletown Connecticut Mud Volleyball Tournament - 08/19/12 02:44 PM


The 26th Middletown Connecticut Mud Volleyball Tournament was held yesterday at Zorn's Pond in Middletown, Connecticut.  The tournament raises money for the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut, and this year the tournament drew more than 192 teams.  The tournament has grown each year, and this year there were over 20 teams on a waiting list.  This is the second year in a row that the Middletown Connecticut Mud Volleyball Tournament was not able accomodate all of the teams that applied.  The picture to the right is of last years tournament winners the Muddy Blumkins.
Last year’s the tournament 190 teams and … (4 comments)

Cromwell Riverport Festival At Pierson Park - 08/18/12 06:25 PM

 
CROMWELL RIVERPORT FESTIVAL
AT PIERSON PARK

Thursday, August 23rd thru Saturday, August 25th
Amusement Rides, Games, and Food provided & Fireworks  on Saturday night at aprox 9:00p.m.

Thursday, August 23rd, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Thursday night launches our festival off with amusements, games, and food provided
Friday, August 24th  from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Friday night continues with  games, & food.
Saturday, August 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.Fireworks begin at approximately 9:00 p.m.
 
The Cromwell Riverport Festival will be three solid days of fun for the whole family so … (10 comments)

Connecticut Housing Market Is Showing Positive Signs - 08/17/12 03:02 PM
According to a news article in the Hartford Courant this morning, the Connecticut Housing Market Is Showing Positive Signs.  The article in the Hartford Courant stated that
"combined sales of single-family houses and condominiums across Connecticut soared nearly 18 percent in July compared with a year earlier, and the median sales price rose more than 5 percent." 
Even though we will need to see this trend for several more months before we can even begin to claim that a recovery has started, it is encouraging news, especially after the negative report last month.
Pending Sales for both houses and … (7 comments)

Mud Slinging Has No Place In Business - 08/16/12 01:43 PM
The cartoon to the right appeared in the "New Britain Herald" in 2006.  It caught my attention because it delivered a message that was appropriate then and it is continues to be appropriate today.  It was meant to paint a picture of state of our Political System.  Our Political System seems to be more about throwing mud, and pointing out your opponent's faults, then it is about voicing their strengths.  This has been very visible this past month, as candidates in both the Republican and Democrat Senatorial Primary have done a lot of "Political Mud Wrestling", and we will witness a … (7 comments)

The Camp Challenge Ride - 08/15/12 06:11 PM
The Camp Challenge Ride is an event sponsored by The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp which was founded by Paul Newman in 1988.  The Hole In The Wall Gang is dedicated to raising and providing programs and services at the camp to kids with cancer and other serious diseases like sickle Cell Anemia. 
The Hole In The Wall Gang Camp serves more than 20,000 kids and their families per year, and The Camp Challenge Ride is one of the events that they coordinate and sponsor during the year to raise funds for the services that they provide.  The Camp … (2 comments)

Mortgage Fraud Is On The Rise - 08/14/12 04:59 PM
It was reported last week that Mortgage Fraud Is On The Rise.  However, I question whether Mortgage Fraud Is Truly On The Rise, or that just more Lenders are reporting Mortgage Fraud.
Earlier this year the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), enacted a new law which mandates that Lenders report any and all suspicious activity that they identify.  Lenders are required to not only report suspicious activity, but they need to put in place a policy by which they will do so, and review it and update it yearly.  As a result of this new law reports of suspicious activity have … (8 comments)

Empower In Middletown, Connecticut - 08/13/12 05:01 PM

 
For the last four years Empower In Middletown, Connecticut has been providing a fun, team building, and action packed activity for all who dare to participate, and take the challenge that they offer.  Empower In Middletown, Connecticut uses Zip Lines to engage individuals or groups in developing self confidence, and stronger relationships with others, through different programs designed for:
Friends & Family Group Outings Teambuilding Leadership Development Personal Leadership Empower In Middletown, Connecticut trys to teach team building and self confidence through one or all of the following.
Traversing suspension bridges 40 feet in the air Climbing cargo … (2 comments)

The Note Is A Written Promise To Repay - 08/12/12 04:51 PM
In a series of blogs that I recently completed, one of the blogs was on The Closing.  In that blog I briefly touched upon the The Note and gave a brief explanation of what it is. 
The Note consists of several pages, and goes into great detail stating that The Note Is A Written Promise To Repay the amount borrowed to the holder of the Note along with interest.  The Note will state the amount of the debt and the interest rate. Once the Buyer signs this document they are personally responsible to repay the amount stated on The Note. … (5 comments)

Connecticut United States Senate Primary This Tuesday - 08/11/12 05:39 PM
The Connecticut United States Senate Primary This Tuesday, is another opportunity to put your vote to work in selecting the Senatorial Candidates for both the Republican and Democrat Parties.  It isn't often that we have a Senate Primary, so make sure that you come out and vote.
The Republican Presidential Primary in April had a very disappointing turnout.  Hopefully the number of ad's that each candidate has been running on TV and the radio will generate a better turnout than the Republican Presidential Primary, because whoever wins the election in November will be in office for 6 years.
I will … (5 comments)

Russell Library In Middletown, CT Book Sale - 08/09/12 03:45 PM

 
The Russell Library In Middletown, CT Book Sale is always very well attended.  In fact they are so popular that the Russell Library has been holding one every month for the last several months. There wasn't much notice for this one, the signs just went up this week, and the book sale is tomorrow and Saturday.
The Russell Library In Middletown, CT Book Sale is a great opportunity to pick up reading material for the whole family.  There will be both fiction and non-fiction books for sale, as well as cookbooks, travel, religious, history, home, hobby, biography, and children … (3 comments)

U.S. Real Estate Very Attractive To Foreign Investors - 08/08/12 06:00 PM
Even though American Homebuyers are being slow to take advantage of record low interest rates, and falling home prices, Foreign Investors are not.  This is because United States Real Estate is looked upon by the rest of the world as a safe investment, especially when compared to what is happening economically throughout most of the rest of the world.
As a result several U.S. cities have benefited.  Among the top cities that have seen the most activity are:
New York San Francisco Washington, D.C. Chicago Los Angeles Miami Minneapolis Phoenix The above cities are not listed in any particular order, but … (3 comments)

The Middletown Elks Club - 08/07/12 05:32 PM

 
Our local Elks Club here in Middletown CT is a very active club.  The Middletown Elks Club holds several events throughout the year for their members.  Some of the events at The Middletown Elks Club throughout The year are dances, dinners, and bingo nights to just mention a few.  The Middletown Elks Club is also a place that members can go for lunch and dinner throughout the week as well as drinks.
But The Middletown Elks Club does not stop with just events for their members, they also hold several events for the community. They provide dinners for … (5 comments)

FHA Guideline On Seller Paid Closing Costs - 08/06/12 04:54 PM
These days many of the FHA Borrowers that I work with require Sellers to pay most of their Closing Costs, so I need to be on top of what the FHA Guideline On Seller Paid Closing Costs are. The FHA Guideline On Seller Paid Closing Costs are very specific, but could cause some last minute surprises if not explained correctly, and understood by the Borrower.
FHA does not require that a Buyer put any of his or her own money towards Downpayment and/or Closing Cost.  All of the money for Downpayment and Closing Costs can come from an acceptable gift source … (96 comments)

North End Farmers Market In Middletown, CT - 08/05/12 04:17 PM

 
There are many Farmers Markets throughout Connecticut, but non more unique than the North End Farmers Market at the corner of Main & Liberty Streets in Downtown Middletown.  The North End Farmers Market In Middletown, CT is only on Friday's and between the hours of 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M, so you only have a few hours each week to take advantage of it.  The North End Farmers Market In Middletown, CT is unique for several reasons, starting with being located in one of the busiest sections of Main Street, to what it has to offer. 
Normally Farmers … (3 comments)

New Refinance Proposal For Underwater Homeowners - 08/04/12 03:00 PM
New Refinance Proposal For Underwater Homeowners.  It is not a secret to anyone that many properties today are worth less than the mortgage on the property, this is referred to as being underwater.  Homeowner who own these properties would like to refinance to be able to take advantage of the unbelievable low interest rates that are available these days, but can't.  FHA has recently modified their guidelines to their Streamline Refinance Program to allow Homeowners who purchased their home prior to June 1, 2009 with an FHA Loan, to be able to refinance regardless of the present value of the property.  … (4 comments)

New Servcing Laws Being Introduced - 08/03/12 04:22 PM
New Servcing Laws Being Introduced in Hawaii.  Hawaii recently passed three new laws for Mortgage Servicing and Mortgage Origination that may be the start of setting a direction for other States.  I am always skeptical about new laws, many times their purpose is more about creating new revenues than accomplishing what they claim to be established for.  I will try to keep an open mind if these new laws make their way to Connecticut, but the smoke and mirrors of the past give me reason for concern.
The first law requires the Office of Consumer Protection to provide classes for consumers … (2 comments)

4-H Fair In Durham Connecticut Fair Grounds - 08/02/12 04:20 PM

 
The 4-H Fair is going to be held at the Durham Fair Grounds this coming weekend.  This is a great opportunity for the whole family to do something together. I don't know if you have ever been to a 4-H Fair, but there is something of interest for everyone in the family.
I don't think that people think of agriculture when they think of Connecticut, but truth be know Connecticut has a number of farms throughout the state, and Middlesex County has many more than people may be aware of.  I live in an area of Middletown that is … (5 comments)

The Post Closing Years - 08/01/12 03:49 PM
The Closing  is over, and everyone is happy, but it is not the end of the home ownership process, nor is it the end of my involvement with my Borrowers. In many ways this is the start of what I will be doing for them in what I refer to as The Post Closing Years.  This is the start of me being their for them as long as they have this mortgage.  Starting at this point I make a commitment to them to be there to answer any questions that they may have from this point forward.  I also commit to … (6 comments)

 
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George Souto

Middletown, CT

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George Souto NMLS# 65149 FHA, CHFA, VA Mortgages Connecticut

Address: One Liberty Sq., PO Box 1000, New Britain, Ct, 06050

Office Phone: (860) 573-1308

Cell Phone: (860) 573-1308

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