Prescott Valley Arizona - One of the top 5 places to retire!

Prescott Valley Arizona 4/07 sales verses 4/08 sales

2008-05-04T22:35:21Z

April 2007 sales verses April 2008 sales
# of April	$ Value of	Avg April 2007	# of April	$ Value of	Avg April 2008	% Chg
07 sales	April 07 sales	Sales Price	08 sales	April 08 sales	Sales Price	4/07 vs 4/08
All of Prescott Valley	69	17,213,892.00	249,476.00	59	13,244,770.00	224,487.00	-0.10
Master Planned Communities
The Viewpoint	9	2,551,900.00	283,544.00	6	1,524,100.00	254,016.00	-0.09
Pronghorn	3	968,524.00	322,841.00	7	1,929,217.00	275,602.00	-0.09
Granville	6	1,892,400.00	315,400.00	6	1,643,488.00	273,915.00	-0.09
Stoneridge	4	1,121,848.00	280,462.00	7	1,826,655.00	260,950.00	-0.09
Victorian Estates	2	610,000.00	305,000.00	1	227,900.00	227,900.00	-0.26
Quailwood	3	697,000.00	232,333.00	4	815,000.00	203,750.00	-0.09

The above column headings are incorrect. 1st column is area; 2nd column is # of 4/07 sale; 3rd column is value of 4/07 sales; 4th column is 4/07 sales average; 5th column is # of 4/08 sales; 6th column is value of 4/08 sales; 7th column is 4/08 sales average; 8th column is % difference 4/07 sales price to 4/08 sales price

Loan Program and FICO

2008-04-18T18:05:36Z

• The loan program.

Let's see if we can add a bit of clarity to the requirement

Your credit score provides the lender a numerical value on your creditworthiness. Fair Isaac & Co. developed the calculation in the 1950s, allowing credit bureaus to study the bits and pieces of information from millions of people to develop trend analysis models.

Your statistical information and borrowing history are then numerically ranked as a future predictor of how you will, or in some cases will not, repay your loan. It's called a FICO score, after the initials of Fair Isaac.

When you think of a perfect score, the number 10 comes to mind. In today's real estate industry, higher is also better, and at the moment, the goal is a credit score of 720 or more. With anything lower, a lender will add an "adjuster." This investor-mandated fee, which can vary from lender to lender, is used to offset the perceived higher risk of lending you money.

To further complicate the process, adjusters are cumulative. Depending again on the three factors above, adjusters range from 0.25 percent to 3.5 percent of the loan amount. The accompanying chart shows the different adjusters applied to an owner-occupied loan program for conventional conforming loans amortized over 15 years with varying down payments.

In this example, a credit score of 720 or more would not be subject to an adjuster. Also note that it takes at least a 40 percent down payment to avoid the adjuster. Unfortunately, by the time you read this, the adjusters will have likely changed again.

Different loan programs also will use different adjusters. For FHA and VA, the adjusters could range from an additional 0 to 3 percent for credit scores of 530 to 619, depending on the lender.

For refinances with cash extractions, adjusters could vary from 0.25 to 3 percent, with another level of adjusters for credit scores of 720 to 739. It would take a score of 740 or higher to avoid an adjustment.

For investment properties, the adjusters could vary from 0.25 to 3.5 percent, depending on the down payment and the number of units, up to four. Again, you would also add a credit score adjuster.

Whatever the cumulative adjustment, these fees are labeled as discount points and paid at closing. However, if you are short on cash at closing, the interest rate could be increased to cover the cost.

The whole process can be confusing. Constantly changing rules make it difficult for a lender to easily provide a quick interest rate and closing cost quote to a prospective buyer. At times it is like trying to hit a moving target.

Overall, it is important to realize that credit scores are not just for mortgages anymore. Insurance companies, landlords, employers and many others use the information to evaluate you. With something so important, don't take chances. Understand your credit score and what influences it, and aim high.

Arizona Sundogs couldn't pull it off

2008-04-05T10:06:04Z

The Arizona Sundogs tried to overcome a lead that the New Mexico Scopions had, but couldn't quite pull it off. The Sundogs were behind 5-1 in the third period. They fought back to a 5-4 score, but time ran out. This ties the best of 7 series at 2-2. One more game at New Mexico, then back to the Tims Toyota Centerin Prescott Valley for game 6. Hopfully the Sundogs can come back home with a 3-2 lead. The 5th game is tonight at New Mexico.

Arizona Sundogs (Prescott Valley's team) are up with another win

2008-04-03T16:16:53Z

The Arizona Sundogs beat New Mexico in game three of the seven game Southern Conference Semifinals. Our Prescott Valley guys are now up with two wins verses one loss. The Sundogs have two more games at New Mexico's home ice, and they hope to come off with two more wins. If not, it is back to the ice at Tim's Toyota Center to see if they can cap the Southern Conference title.

Make Your Home More Appealing in Today's Market

2008-04-01T13:10:50Z

How do you make your home stand out from the competition? With so many homes for potential buyers to look at and choose from your home must be move in ready. Start with your curb appeal. Trim overgrown bushes, remove weeds, add a pot of flowers near the front door. Remove lawn ornaments. They don't appeal to everyone and what if your buyer wants one of your favorites? Repair fencing and have the exterior painted if needed. Check out the walkway, driveway, pavers, etc. Replace anything that is cracked or broken. Replace ripped screens. Does your front door need paint or stain? How does the door handle look? These details are very important for that best first impression. On the inside remove marks on the walls or touch up the paint. If wall colors of adjoining rooms match, your home will appear larger. Use slip covers if you have mismatched furniture for further visual unification. Organize magazines, remotes, etc. Wicker baskets work well. Float sofas and coffee tables away from walls for a designer look and to add visual interest. Open window coverings, turn on lights for showings. Polish, wax, clean every surface. Clean can make the difference! Get your carpets professionally cleaned to brighten up the overall appearance and eliminate odors. Organize closets and make sure they are well lit. If they are stuffed and items can't be stored neatly elsewhere rent storage space until your home sells. Don't fill the garage and storage areas with stuff that won't fit in the house. Your storage space will appear that much smaller. If you can, remove pets from the premises for showings. Not everyone loves animals and many have allergies. Sellers, even when your home is perfectly priced to sell quickly, you will still need some patience in this saturated market. These tips will pay off in the end.

Prescott Valley's Adrenaline Arena Football

2008-04-01T10:31:59Z

Arena football has come to Prescott Valley at Tim's Toyota Center! The Prescott Valley Adrenaline team started the season off with a home game win, beating the New Mexico Wildcats (or should I say romped em) with a winning score of 66 - 21. With this win, the crowd of over 4,000 were pretty excited, but it didn't start out with excitement for the home team as the Wildcats scored on a 31 yard touchdown pass before the over 4,000 fans could get settled in their seats. But, from that point on. it was the Prescott Valley team that dominated the field. Hopefully this will be the begining of a great season for the Adrenaline's. We look forward to many more wins! Next home game is April 12th at Tim's. Then off for a 3 game road trip to New Mexico, returning to Prescott Valley on June 11th and 12th.

Prescott Valley's AZ Sundogs Hockey

2008-03-30T18:09:18Z

We had a great season, making it to the playoff's for the seccond time in the few years of our having this great hockey team. Friday night was the 1st game! We won! Guess that our Sundogs didn't do as well against New Mexico last night, we lost. Friday night, we pulled out from a tie (3 to 3) in the 3rd period to forge ahead and win the game. Don't know if our guys were tired or cocky from the great Friday night win, we went down to a loss (5 to 2) last night. Now, our Sundogs are off to Rio Ranco New Mexico for the next three games. If New Mexico takes all three on their home ice, our season is over. We don't think that this is going to happen. Weanxiously wait for our guys to get back her on the Prescott Valley ice to go ahead with a win and hopefully a great finale to a great season.

Prescott valley and Prescott AZ, one ofthe best places to retire

2008-03-30T17:58:45Z

Are you looking for the absolute best place to retire? We have many wonderful amenities to offer - small, hometown atmosphere, entertainment, outdoor activities, lakes, mountains, shopping, perfect weather, a variety of communities. Contact us for information. We will send a relocation package as well as real estate information.
Are you planning a move to the Prescott Arizona area? If you are interested in purchasing a home, Kathy Renken and Charlie Musarra, with Keller Williams Check Realty are here to help you with a smooth relocation. Kathy and Charlie have over 20 years of combined experience in new home Sales, Senior Retirement Communities, Golf Communities, etc. With the team of Kathy and Charlie, you'll always have your needs attended to. Our services are free for buyers. Honesty and caring is our way of doing business. So, for service you'll be happy with or to recommend to others, buy your next home with the professional help of Kathy Renken and Charlie Musarra of the Keller Williams Check Realty firm. We look forward to hearing from you!
Kathy Renken, Realtor ePro
Charlie Musarra, Realtor ABR,GRI,SRES,ePro
Keller Williams Check Realty
3033 N Windsong, Suite 202
Prescott Valley, AZ 86314
and our new office in Prescott on historic Whiskey Row
Visit our web site at: www.prescottlistings.com

Do It Yourself: Save with easy mortgage add-on

2008-03-30T13:30:57Z

Here is a relatively painless way to save big on your mortgage. Give yourself a longer year. You can easily and painlessly make 13 payments a year instead of 12. Simply take your monthly payment and divide by 12. Add that amount to your monthly payment and you have a do-it-yourself mortgage accelerator. Over the long span of a mortgage, your extra annual payment will save thousands in interest and shorten the time to payoff. Here is an example: You have a monthly payment of $914. Divide the monthly payment of $914 by 12 which equals $76. If you add the $76 to your monthly payment, you will shorten your mortgage repayment by five years and six months. You will save $38,732 in interest. Search the Internet for "mortgage payoff calculator" and experiment.

Company's goal to acquire and restructure distressed mortgages

2008-03-28T11:55:54Z

Recently announced, BlackRock Inc. and Highfields Capital Management will sponsor a new company, with the purpose of acquiring and restructuring distressed mortgage loans.

The new company which will be called Private National Mortgage Acceptance Company. LLC (PennyMac) has been formed by BlackRock Highlands, and a management team of mortgage industry veterans led by Stanford L. Kurland, PennyMac's Chairman and CEO.

The plan is to have PennyMac raise capital from private investors, acquire loans from financial institutions seeking to reduce their mortgage exposures, and seek to create value for both borrowers and investors through distinctive loan servicing.

PennyMac is a company that seeks to bring patient capital to an unprecedented distress in residential mortgages. Their management have enormous talent and experience in the mortgage business, making them well equipped to develop effective solutions for sellers of mortgage assets and homeowners alike.

There has been intense market focus on write-downs of mortgage-related securities, but whole loan losses have barely begun to materialize. Over the next two to three years, PennyMac anticipates that the volume of bank-held non-performing mortgages will grow dramatically. PennyMac will be extraordinarily well positioned as both a buyer and seller of these assets.

PennyMac's strategy is to avoid foreclosure, and instead restructure the loans of struggling borrowers so that they can continue paying and stay in their homes. As a specialty servicer without the legacy portfolio or business practices, PennyMac will have the flexibility to offer individual borrowers unique solutions to address their needs.

PennyMac's loan servicing activities will be managed through a proprietary servicing operation based in southern California.

Existing Home Sales Up 2.9%, Prices Still Falling

2008-03-24T18:43:54Z

According to the National Association of Realtors existing home sales in the U.S. rose in February to a 5.03 million unit annual rate while prices took a record fall. February broke a 6 month decreasing home sale streak but also saw an 8.2 percent decline in median home prices from the same time last year. Inventory of homes for sale fell 3% to 4.03 million units at the end of February, representing 9.6 months of supply at the current sales pace. With the best season for home sales upon us perhaps this number will drop further and and faster in the months ahead.

Active Adult Gated Community home in Prescott Valley AZ - 1969

2008-03-23T14:13:14Z

For only $239,900, this absolutely gorgeous contemporary Home can be yours. 80 sq. ft added to main living area makes this home feel much larger. Private patio. Wonderful welcoming front entry. Front porch with porcelain (slate look-alike) tile flooring. Tile throughout except carpet in bedrooms. Bright open kitchen located in front of home with extra oak cabinets with pull outs. Spacious living/dining/great room combo for entertaining. Views too!! A great retreat from the outside world. Don't miss it!

To view the Virtual Tour for this property, type the following to your browser address bar: http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/minitour.asp?t=339982

Visit our web site at: www.prescottlising.com

Great family home at an affordable price

2008-03-23T14:05:08Z

Family home in the Viewpoint, Prescott Valley AZ (edit/delete)

This This (approximate) 1712 sq, ft. home is a charming and unique 3BD/,2BA. Master bedroom has a sitting room. Master BA with a tub/shower combo. Wonderful, large kitchen w/microwave, pantry, breakfast bar. Bayed dining area, vaulted ceilings in living room and great room. Formal living room. Two ceiling fans, other bedrooms are pre-wired for ceiling fans. New laminate flooring in 2005. Block wall fence. RV gate. Hot water recirc system. Three car garage. Freezer and storage shed stay. This home is only $262,500

To view the Virtual Tour, type the following in your browser address bar

http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/minitour.asp?t=327622

Visit our web site at; www.prescottlistings.com

Family home in the Viewpoint, Prescott Valley AZ

2008-03-22T18:16:21Z

This (approximate) 1712 sq, ft. home is a charming and unique 3BD/,2BA. Master bedroom has a sitting room. Master BA with a tub/shower combo. Wonderful, large kitchen w/microwave, pantry, breakfast bar. Bayed dining area, vaulted ceilings in living room and great room. Formal living room. Two ceiling fans, other bedrooms are pre-wired for ceiling fans. New laminate flooring in 2005. Block wall fence. RV gate. Hot water recirc system. Three car garage. Freezer and storage shed stay. This home is only $262,500

To view the Virtual Tour, type the following in your browser address bar

http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/minitour.asp?t=327622

Visit our web site at; www.prescottlistings.com

Active Adult Gated Community home in Prescott Valley AZ - 1969

2008-03-22T17:39:38Z

To view the Virtual Tour for this property, type the following to your browser address bar: http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/minitour.asp?t=339982

Visit our web site at: www.prescottlising.com

Active Adult Gated Community in Prescott Valley AZ - 1783

2008-03-22T17:15:56Z

Property is rented until 4/10/08. Seller will either rent it at $1,300 per month,plus utilities or Seller will carry a 1st mortgage w/ 20% down @ 7%, amortized over 30 yr. w/ a 5 year call. At $285,900, this property is priced to sell. Fresh interior paint throughout 12/06. Entry opens to great room. Large kitchen/dining/great room. Eat-in kitchen, formal dining area, den & hobby/art room. Master suite with 2 walk-in closets, double vanity. Hardwood floors/tile; carpet in bedrooms. Cozy back patio. Vinyl windows, drop down ladder to attic. Keyless entry, great views from front porch. 20 percent of residents can be between the ages of 42 and 55. 2 pet limit, none to exceed 40 lbs. Seller is a licensed Realtor in AZ. Earliest COE can be 4/30/08.

View a Virtual Tour of this property by typing the following in your browser address bar: http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/minitour.asp?t=198957

Visit our web site at: www.precottlistings.com

Active Adult Gated Community in Prescott Valley-1760

2008-03-22T17:02:16Z

Adult gated Community. Like new Duchess Model. Beautiful Victorian Home is 3 BR, 2 BA (seller has directed the listing agent to ID this home as a 3 BR (den is being ID'ed as the 3rd BR)). Home borders on seasonal Rose Creek, privacy galore with BLM land in your back yard. This smoke and pet free home is occupied on a part-time basis. Ready for you to move-in and enjoy. Seller carry financing/lease option. Seller is AZ Realtor. Pet limit, no more than 2, each cannot weigh more than 40 lbs. This barely lived in home is only $299,500. Owner will carry, lease option.

View the Virtual Tour by typing the following into your browser address bar: http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/minitour.asp?t=167905

Visit our web site at: www.prescottlistings.com

Buy this home in Prescott Valley AZ

2008-03-22T15:43:02Z

This lovely 2 bedroom 1 3/4 bath is a jewel. Located on lovely Saddleback, one of the nicer areas of Prescott Valley. The price stated includes all of the furnishings (no value has been placed on furnishings). This Neal Klein home is ready to move in and enjoy. Well maintained one owner home. Large lot. Enjoy the views of the Mingus Mountains while enjoying your morning coffee on the covered porch. Don't pass this up. Bring your clients. Sewer assessment paid. RV parking. Views!!!! Great starter home for only $202,000. It is a buyers market, and the interest rates are low. Set an appointmemnt, view now, and make an offer. Owner anxious to move on.

The view the Virtual Tour, type the following into your browser address bar: http://www.buildatour.com/tour/buildatour-full.html?u=1&id=20923

Visit our web site at: www.prescottlistings.com

Golf Course community of Stoneridge in Prescott Valley AZ

2008-03-22T14:48:08Z

Privacy, quiet,mountain views,18th Fairway view, end of the cul-de-sac. 3-car Juniper/Chapparell model. Great room, fireplace, wood flooring, covered patio extended w/cobblestone, hot tub,gas firepit,gas to Bar-B-Q. Corian counters, island, walnut cabinets, upgraded Maytag electric range w/smooth top. Mstr w/walk-in closet, 2nd closet, garden tub, shower, executive height vanity, 2 sinks. 3rd BR/Den. Security system, sound wired, built in humidifier, elec in gables, r/o system, PERFECT! All of this quality for only $349,500. To view a virtual tour of this home, type the following into your browser address bar: http://tours.tourfactory.com/tours/minitour.asp?t=375412 Visit our web site by entering www.prescottlistings.com

Golf Course community of the Prescott Country Club

2008-03-22T14:25:45Z

Outstanding views from this beautiful custom home on 1.19 acre lot. Main level living w/ 3 BR's, 2 BA & spacious lower level 1-BR apt(interior & exterior access). Italian tiled deck with enclosed bar, great for entertaining. Newly remodeled kitchen, granite countertops, unique appliance garage. Vaulted ceiling in LR. Lrg Mstr Suite w/convenient laundry chute, jacuzzi tub & shower. Oversized 3-car garage. Workshop. RV pad w/electric. Greenhouse w/raised beds. This property is only $494,500. Come and preview, fall in love and make an offer. The grounds will make you feel as if you are in an estate. Visit the Virtual Tour by typing the following in your browser address bar:

http://www.buildatour.com/tour/buildatour-full.html?u=1&id=21742

Visit our web site by entering www.prescottlistings.com

Lovely Home in the Prescott Country Club, Prescott Valley AZ

2008-03-22T14:12:38Z

Lovely,exceptionally well-maintained home in prestigious Prescott Country Club. Entry opens to living/dining room combo. Large kitchen/breakfast nook/great room to wonderful deck & back yard. Large master suite, jetted tub, separate shower, walk-in closet. 2 nice sized bedrooms & guest bath. 2 skylights w/hand control shades. Wood sills demonstrate superior construction detail. A cozy fireplace for cool winter nights. Storage under home & in garage. This is a pet free, one-owner home! This home is priced to sell, only $285,900

View the Virtual Tour by entering the following in your browser address bar: http://www.buildatour.com/tour/buildatour-full.html?u=1&id=23098 Visit our web site at: www.prescottlistings.com

Enjoy the Prescott Valley AZ Super Carnival

2008-03-22T12:57:38Z

Now that spring is in the air, and the warm temperatures are helping the flowers and trees to blossom, isn't it time to shake out those winter blues and enjoy the festivities of the Prescott Valley Spring Fun Fest Carnival. This carnival showcases over 30 exciting rides, games and attractions, all geared towards family fun. Bring the kids, the family and enjoy yourself this beautiful Easter weekend. After enjoying the carnival, why not take in a movie at Harkins, or a snack at one of the many eating areas in the Prescott Valley Entertainment District? Enjoy this great area and weekend!

Life is wonderful in Prescott Valley AZ

2008-03-22T12:48:27Z

Jeepers Creepers - lots of folks are talking sour about life. Heebe Jeebee, is it all that bad? We think not! So we're going through some economic tough times. Like that hasn't happened before? We think that it has! The vast majority of us still have a home, clothes on our backs, food on the table, and a set of wheels. Most of us still sit in front of the TV and glaze, eat out once or twice a week, and take a trip to the mall

For the majority of us, life is rich and fulfilling ,,, every day. The bright blue skies of this great area of Prescott Valley, the warm sunshine, the soon to be budding flowers and trees in our rushing spring. Come on folks, why the sour faces? You are living, breathing this wonderful air. Most of us are surrounded by family and friends. Your dog greets you at the door with a broad-faced grin and a wet tongue. Is life so awful? Not at all! Throw your head back, raising your hands to the sky and yell - I'm alive and living life and i love it!

Enjoy life!

Spring is arriving in the Prescott Valley AZ area

2008-03-22T12:27:24Z

The Prescott Valley (and Prescott) area is always a great place to be. Now that spring is arriving, it is even better. Enjoy the warm daytime temperatures, the cool evenings, the open sky where you can see forever. We are a hop skip and a jump to the beauty of the Prescott National Forest and to the beautiful Mingus Mountains. Lots of hiking trails to enjoy. The Prescott Valley area is growing, but not in an uncontrolled manner. We enjoy our new facilities, such as the new sports arena, and the Sundogs Hockey team-by the way, in 1st place in the Central Hokey League. We have great medical facilities, with two new hospitals (less than 2 years old). Our area has several of the nicest, most affordable Master Planned Communities. Stoneridge - a golf community; Granville, Pronghorn, Quailwood and The View - all great family communities; Victorian Estates, the nicest Adult Gated Community in the area and Villages at Lynx Creek, an Adult double-wide community with a public golf course. E-mail Kathy or Charlie for more information, or visit our web site at www.prescottlistings.com You will find many links to areas of interest.

Week in Review, week ending 3/21/08

2008-03-22T12:11:32Z

If you don't wish to receive Real Estate related articles from Kathy and Charlie, respond by typing REMOVE in the subject line Note that Interest Rates are declining

Volume 14, Number 11

Economic Highlights for the Week Ending March 21, 2008

MONDAY, March 17^th

The NAHB housing market index was unchanged at a level of 20 in March. Builders' ratings of current single-family home sales were unchanged while ratings of sales six months from now fell a point. Foot traffic through model homes was stable. Home builders are pessimistic about the housing market but at least the deterioration in sentiment has stopped for now, signaling perhaps that the bottom has been reached.

The Fed continued its campaign to increase liquidity in financial markets over the weekend, by making funds available to securities dealers to borrow like they do the banks, and lowering the overnight rate that they charge for borrowing from the discount window. The Fed dropped the discount rate by 25 basis points to 3.25% Sunday. These actions, combined with earlier liquidity programs, the Term Auction Facility (TAF started in December) and now the Term Securities Lending Facility (TSLF will begin on March 27) were taken to stem further fallout from the credit market crisis.

TUESDAY, March 18^th

The producer price index climbed 0.3% in February less than an expected increase of 0.4%. The PPI has increased 6.8% over the past year, one of the fastest paces over the past 25 years. The core PPI which excludes food and energy prices shot 0.5% higher to gain 2.5% in the last year, higher than the Fed's implicit target for core inflation.

Housing starts fell 0.6% in February to an annual rate of 1.065 million from an upwardly revised pace of 1.071 million in January. While better than expected in the last two months, total housing starts have declined 28.4% over the last year. Gains in multifamily starts continue to offset weakness in the single-family sector.

The FOMC cut key rates by 75 basis points at their policy meeting today. The fed funds rate now stands at 2.25%, its lowest rate since December 2004. The discount rate was also cut by the same amount to 2.50%. Under financial market turmoil and economic contraction, the Fed has abandoned a gradualist approach to monetary policy, cutting the fed funds rate by 300 basis points over the last six months. The policy statement cited softer consumer spending and job growth, tighter credit and the housing downturn as reasons for the large, simulative cuts. The Fed also warned that inflation expectations have risen, but noted that they expect inflation to ease under slower economic growth. The Fed has room to cut further as is deemed necessary to promote moderate growth over time and price stability.

WEDNESDAY, March 19^th

The MBA mortgage applications index fell 2.9% to 652.0% for the week ending March 14. The purchase index slipped 1.0% on the week while the refinance index fell 4.6%. Refinance applications accounted for 49.7% of total applications. Mortgage application activity continues to reflect tighter credit standards and interest rate volatility.

The Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight (OFHEO) said today that it would reduce the capital Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac must hold in reserve. The rule change lowers capital requirements for the two mortgage finance giants to 20% from 30% currently. The move should free up $200 billion in immediate liquidity in the mortgage-backed securities market.

THURSDAY, March 20^th

Long term mortgage rates fell sharply in the past week as the Federal Reserve cut rates to stimulate the economy and increased liquidity to shore up financial markets. 30-year fixed rates averaged 5.87% this week compared to 6.13% last week according to Freddie Mac's mortgage market survey.

Jobless claims jumped 22k to 378k for the week ending March 15. The elevated level of claims is consistent with weaker labor market conditions, an accelerated pace of layoffs and sluggish hiring. These data portend another dismal employment report, due out on April 4.

FRIDAY, March 21^st

GOOD FRIDAY
All Markets Closed

Stock Market Close for the Week

Index	Latest	A Week Ago	Change
DJIA	12361.32	11951.09	+410.23 or +3.43%
NASDAQ	2258.11	2212.49	+45.62 or +2.06%