loan customer service: Mortgage Rate "movers" for the week- 2/23/09 - 02/23/09 12:45 PM
This final week of February will reveal a number of important indicators of economic growth.
Existing Home Sales and New Home Sales will be released on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively. Durable Orders will also come out on Thursday.
Revisions to fourth quarter 2008 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be released on Friday, along with the Chicago PMI national manufacturing index.
Consumer Sentiment and Consumer Confidence are on the schedule as well.
Fed speakers, the scheduled Treasury auction on Thursday, and new information about government programs also may have a significant impact on mortgage markets this week. Call or e-mail me before you … (0 comments)

loan customer service: Mortgage Rate "movers" for the week ahead- 2/16/09 - 02/13/09 01:16 PM
Inflation data will highlight a full Economic Calendar next week.
Industrial Production, an important indicator of economic activity, and Housing Starts will be released on Wednesday.
The Producer Price Index (PPI) focuses on the increase in prices of "intermediate" goods used by companies to produce finished products and will come out on Thursday.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the most closely watched monthly inflation report, will come out on Friday. CPI looks at the price change for those finished goods which are sold to consumers.
In addition, investors will continue to wait for details from the Treasury on the Financial Stability … (0 comments)

loan customer service: Mortgage Rate "movers" today- 2/12/09 - 02/12/09 10:35 AM
Mortgage-Backed Securities markets have showed little reaction to the economic data released this morning. January Retail Sales rose 1.0% from December, well above the consensus for a decline of -0.3%. It was the first increase in six months. Economists believe that more consumers postponed their purchases until after Christmas this year, and they don't see the strong data as the start of a new trend. Jobless Claims came in a little higher than expected. Continuing Jobless Claims rose to a new record high. No more economic data will be released today. A 30-yr Treasury auction will take place at 1:00 et.The … (5 comments)

loan customer service: Debt-Free Date Ideas for Valentine's Day - 02/09/09 05:36 PM
The hype surrounding Valentine's Day has long made us dig deep into our pockets for the traditional roses, chocolates, and jewelry. According to a 2008 report from the National Retail Federation, consumers expected to spend $122 on Valentine's gifts last year. But this February, in the midst of a roller-coaster economy, the flutter many Americans are feeling has more to do with financial worries than a quickened heartbeat caused by love. Remember that there are plenty of ways to show how you feel without spending a fortune. Inspired by the "Debt Diva", Clarky Davis, here are some ideas for 'debt-free dates'.
1. Romantic Dinner: Have a nice … (5 comments)

loan customer service: Mortgage Rate "movers" today- 1/29/09 - 01/29/09 03:59 PM
Stocks, Treasuries, and Mortgage-Backed Securities(MBS) all showed significant losses today. Weaker than expected economic data was consistent with the decline in stocks, but Treasuries and MBS usually benefit from weak economic news. Bond markets continued to suffer for a second day after the Fed did not announce a definite plan to purchase Treasuries. December New Home Sales fell far more than expected to a record low level of 331K annual units. New Home Sales for 2008 dropped to the lowest level since 1982. The 5-yr Treasury auction received weaker than expected domestic demand, but foreign investors purchased a stronger than average … (0 comments)

loan customer service: Mortgage Rate "movers" today- 1/28/09 - 01/28/09 03:40 PM
It was a volatile session in the Mortgage-Backed Securities market today. First favorable and later unfavorable repricing took place. MBS prices fell after the release of the Fed statement, and Treasuries dropped far more. Investors were hoping for more clarity on the circumstances which would cause the Fed to purchase Treasuries in addition to MBS. The Dow rose 200 points. Tomorrow, Durable Orders, Jobless Claims, and New Home Sales will be released. There will be a 5-yr Treasury auction at 1:00 et.As expected, the target for the Fed Funds rate remained unchanged, close to a level of zero. Heading into the … (0 comments)

loan customer service: Low Rates Likely to Stay, But Cash-Out Refi's are still Elusive - 01/22/09 07:10 PM
To get us through the early part of this new year, let's get some perspective on what could be driving real estate matters in the weeks to come.
First off, it looks as if low fixed interest rates for mortgages-now around 5%-will be with us awhile. But rates could begin to rise if the stock market recovers. Investors who have flocked to the relative safety of Treasury bonds will shift their money to Wall Street if it seems profitable.
Treasury bonds today offer little or no return to investors, who would at least get a somewhat thicker mattress if they put … (1 comments)

loan customer service: Feel the "change"...in Mortgage Rates?? - 01/22/09 11:52 AM
So, do you still feel 'change' coming today??? I ask that tongue-in-cheek because the only change that has been going on the past week is Mortgage Interest rates creeping upward about 3/8ths of a percent! I've gotten a lot of e-mails asking me "why", so I thought I would try and answer many of those questions in 1 blog entry!
In a nutshell, investors in Mortgage Bonds right now are scared. A few weeks ago, the Federal Reserve announced a plan to buy up Mortgage Bonds as a way to lower mortgage interest rates. Rates quickly did drop, as investors knew … (3 comments)

loan customer service: Mortgage Rate "movers" today- 1/9/09 - 01/09/09 10:41 AM
Investors knew that the economy was in tough shape in December, and there was little reaction to today's Employment report. The economy lost -524K jobs in December, which was very close to the consensus forecast. The Unemployment Rate jumped to 7.2%, the highest level since 1993, from a revised 6.8% in November. 2.6 million jobs were lost in 2008, mostly during the final four months of the year. The manufacturing and construction sectors remained weak, while there were small gains in education and health care. Average hours worked fell to a record low, which may be a leading indicator for additional … (0 comments)

loan customer service: Mortgage Rate "movers" today- 1/6/09 - 01/06/09 03:40 PM
Today's economic data had little impact. November Pending Home Sales fell -4% to 82.3, below the consensus of 88.0, to a record low. December ISM Services came in a little higher than expected, while December Factory Orders fell short. The FOMC Minutes from the December 16 Fed meeting showed broad support for the rate cut to a 0.00% to 0.25% target rate and for the use of unconventional tools. Fed officials were concerned about the risk that the economic slowdown will last longer than expected.
Surprisingly, though, with MBS prices remaining near the highs for the day, some investors issued unfavorable … (2 comments)

loan customer service: It's been 3 business days. Still Motivated? - 01/06/09 10:42 AM
To me, it's always fun to notice how crowded my workout place is every January. I know that if I put up with the slight wait to do my 'work', that within a few weeks....it will all return to normal. Why? Because of human nature. It's HARD to change things long-term, and most of us are too busy, distracted, or tired to make the effort to break our normal cycles of life.
I wrote a big column yesterday on changing your mindset for the new year. I wrote that in part for self-help....because I need to do it also! I'm trying … (2 comments)

loan customer service: Mortgage Rate "movers" for the week- 1/5/09 - 01/05/09 09:15 AM
This week, most of the "big news" is squeezed into 2 days.
Friday, the important Employment report will come out. As usual, this data on the number of jobs, the Unemployment Rate, and wage inflation will be the most highly anticipated economic data of the month, since the condition of the labor market is perhaps the single biggest factor in the performance of the economy. Early estimates are for a loss of 475K jobs in December.
Before that, the Pending Home Sales index, a leading indicator for the housing market, will come out on Tuesday. The FOMC minutes from the December 16 … (2 comments)

loan customer service: Letting Bankruptcy Judges set Mortgage Rates? - 12/22/08 12:13 PM
An article caught my eye this weekend regarding the push to (once again) allow Bankruptcy judges to change the terms in a Mortgage Contract to help folks in bankruptcy. While I can feel for many who are struggling with Foreclosures, I feel this will just push folks who are facing foreclosure to file for Bankruptcy and take a chance with a Judge on getting a better rate. AND in the end, the money they save by lowering a payment goes out the window to pay a lawyer. Not to mention everyone else's Mortgage Rates increasing as banks have to cover for … (4 comments)

loan customer service: Do you know your 2009 roadmap yet? - 12/16/08 11:12 AM
Had an eye-opening experience at a networking meeting I was at this morning. (Preface: as many who read my blog know, I've written about getting your business plan ready for next year NOW!)
The question came up the the 27 folks there...."How many have set their 2009 goals yet?" Only 4 people raised their hands (mine being one).
With 2 weeks left in this year.....only 4 of 27 people had any idea where they want to be by thius time NEXT year!
Do YOU know? Time is wasting away........
… (3 comments)

loan customer service: Mortgage Rate "movers" for the week- 12/15/08 - 12/15/08 10:07 AM
The big news this week will actually be packed into Tuesday, culminating with reports from the Fed meeting.
Expectations are for a 50 or 75 basis point rate cut, and the accompanying statement will provide the Fed's latest views on the state of the economy and the financial system. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the most closely watched monthly inflation report, will also be announced on Tuesday. CPI looks at the price change for those finished goods which are sold to consumers. And the Fed numbers for Housing Starts is also scheduled for release Tuesday morning.
Industrial Production, an important indicator of economic activity, … (0 comments)

loan customer service: Using "Home Buyers Scouting Report"? - 12/09/08 11:55 AM
Just bcurious for some feedback from the 'rainers.....
For those agents who are working with "Home Buyers Scouting Report", how do you find the service? Do you get positive feedback from your clients? Does it help you "keep them in the fold"? Does it help you increase business?
I'm thinking of purchasing it for some of my good independent Realtors,  but I'd really appreciate feedback from some folks already using it.
Thank you in advance for your help!
… (15 comments)

loan customer service: Mortgage Rate "movers" for the week ahead- 12/8/08 - 12/08/08 11:22 AM
During the first half of this week, Pending Home Sales on Tuesday will be the only economic data reporting.
Import Prices and the Trade Balance will come out on Thursday.
Friday will be the big day with PPI inflation data, Retail Sales, and Consumer Sentiment. The Producer Price Index (PPI) focuses on the increase in prices of "intermediate" goods used by companies to produce finished products. The Retail Sales report is a major indicator of spending levels by consumers, who account for about 70% of economic activity.
Treasury auctions and Fed speakers may also have an impact this week. We will see if the … (1 comments)

loan customer service: Word of the year: "Bailout" - 12/04/08 11:22 AM
A 'throwaway' item in the local newspaper caught my eye this morning. Merriam-Webster, the company that publishes dictionaries, selected "bailout" as its 2008 Word of the Year. That probably was a good choice.
According to the company, the word was selected because of the number of times it was looked up in the company's online dictionary. The company's website gives a five-word definition-"a rescue from financial distress." Merriam-Webster boiled it down to just 28 letters. For businesses, consumers, taxpayers, legislators and others, there are far more than 28 different meanings to the word.
Of course, each of those groups has different … (2 comments)

loan customer service: Treat your Business Plan like a lead...Follow Up! - 11/25/08 08:43 AM
There have been a lot of comments on AR the past few weeks regarding looking at your 2009 Business Plan (I've written a few myself!). As we've all witnessed and experienced, particularly over the past several months, the economy is in constant flux-day-to-day, week-to-week, month-to-month-and the real estate industry feels each and every shift.
You need to be prepared to shift with it, just as you would with the fluctuating needs and goals of your clients. While you're thinking about your business plan for next year and setting your production and personal goals, keep in mind that the end of 2009 … (1 comments)

loan customer service: Mortgage Rate "movers" for the week ahead- 11/24/08 - 11/24/08 09:05 AM
A lot of economic data will come out during this short week ahead.
Existing Home Sales will be released today. The first revision to third quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will come out on Tuesday. GDP is the broadest measure of economic growth. Wednesday will be a huge day with Durable Orders, Chicago PMI, Personal Income, and New Home Sales. Consumer Confidence and Consumer Sentiment are also on the schedule for next week. Mortgage markets will be closed on Thursday and will close early on Wednesday and Friday for Thanksgiving.
Have a great Thanksgiving week!
… (0 comments)

 
Loren Johnson, CMPS (Waterstone Mortgage)

Loren Johnson, CMPS

White Bear Lake, MN

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Waterstone Mortgage

Address: 659 Bielenberg Dr. #200, Woodbury, MN, 55125

Office Phone: (651) 226-4363

Cell Phone: (651) 226-4363

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