This is your opportunity to spend some time after school doing something creative instead of working out your thumbs on a video game controller!
This introductory level class is simple but fun and will have children making things that include: Card Creation, Scrapbooking, Easel Painting, and Jewelry Making.
The kids will have something they can bring home to show mom and dad each and ever session. The class is designed for everyone to have fun, while learning to use different crafting materials.
Thanks to the Farmington, NH Recreation Department for yet another great community program.
Okay, I'm obviously no economist but I'm going to go out on a limb and state what seems to me to be a couple of obvious fixes that seem to be necessary to get things going in the right direction again.
When you break down the problem into its simplest form (something I always try to do when problem solving) it seems that there are two large "issues" with the current economy.
1) The mortgage crisis (foreclosures etc.)
2) Lack of Consumer Confidence, which causes economies to become stagnate and in turn creates wide spread problems.
I'm sure that there are other contributing factors to the entire problem such as oil prices etc. However, I think it's fair to say that the mortgage crisis is a HUGE contributing factor, which has caused many of the recent collapses in the banking industry. These collapses have shaken the foundation of the economy and have thus affected consumer confidence causing consumers to retract and change spending habits. That said, I'm going to speak to the mortgage crisis as I see it.
By enlarge; it's pretty safe to say that the mortgage crisis has basically been caused by the fact that many home owners have for various reasons lost their home to foreclosure. It's also pretty safe to say that the vast majority of these foreclosures have been due to an overwhelming majority of these defaults coming from ARM's (Adjustable Rate Mortgage) and the fact that many ARM's came due for adjustment at a time when the market began to cool and housing prices began to decline. This created a situation that did not allow for people to re-finance out of these ARM's as was part of the "original plan" by many who purchased these products. Consequently, when these adjustments came due, people were in a position to not be able to afford the newly adjusted payments pushing them into defaults and ultimately losing the home to the bank. As a REALTOR, I see this problem over and over and over again. I work with banks on behalf of sellers/borrowers to create what they call "work outs" which almost always result in delaying the inevitable and typically still lead to foreclosure. From what I've seen this is largely due to the fact that what most banks call a "work out" is to simply delay the adjustment term of the ARM for typically a year. Guess what? A year is NOT long enough! The housing market is going through a correction and it's going to take longer than a year. It's not rocket science people. Would it not make sense to simply develop a federally regulated set of criteria that borrowers must meet and for those who do, put a freeze to these adjustment periods enabling people to keep the payments they were originally able to afford FIXED and thus maintain the mortgage? I do not suggest that this be done across the board. I'm serious about saying that this is something that people must qualify for i.e. show a financial reason. Does it not make sense that if the majority of the foreclosure crisis is due to ARM's and their adjustments coming due that we curb these adjustments? This would enable the flow of foreclosures to drastically slow down. It would greatly reduce the amount of homes coming on the market, which would reduce inventory and allow the market to more quickly absorb the inventory while DRASTICALLY reducing the bloodshed the mortgage industry is suffering from. Obviously banks would not make the same profits they were planning to make with these ARM's over the long term. However, would this not be a great way to allow banks to stay fluid while seriously addressing the underlying problem AND not making the general public pay for this with $700,000,000,000 BILLION dollars (man that's a lot of zeros!)? This would allow the problem to be addressed by the industry that has helped to create it. Placing accountability squarely on the shoulders of the source. I also feel that a basic penalty should be paid for anyone who qualifies for such a program in the form of a fee, which could be tacked on to the end of the loan typically by extending the term of the loan (2 to 5 years?). After all, there are borrowers and lenders who created this problem. It's not fair to put it all on one side. The main thing is to not change the monthly payment the borrower was able to pay.
The second part of this problem I spoke of in the beginning was related to consumer confidence and how a lack of such can adversely affect the economy both locally and nationally. If my thought process regarding the mortgage industry is correct and something like that was implemented with success, would this not help to shore up consumer confidence? Would this not make people realize that if we work together we can fix things? Would this not allow people to relax some knowing that things are okay and everything will get better resulting in a feeling of greater security? If the answer to this is yes, it's widely known that when this is true, people are quicker to spend money. When that happens the economy grows and chugs along with forward motion. When that happens, businesses continue to grow and move forward. When that happens, the stock market moves forward and even the housing market moves forward. It's like opening up a bottleneck, which allows progress to flow again.
I do understand that this may not be the ultimate fix. But I have to believe that this could be a LARGE contribution to an overall fix. Am I so simple that I cannot see some type of complexity that exists that would prevent this solution from being a HUGE help to the economy? Hopefully I did not make myself look foolish voicing my opinion here. It's just an idea that seems so logical. What do you think?
*this blog is in no way affiliated with Economics for Dummies or any of the "For Dummies" series of books and is my opinion alone
Come to the 24th annual Fall Foliage Fest held in memory of Dwight Haley and support the Good Shepherd School in Barrington, NH. There will be a live Country Auction from 12:30 to 2:30 (preview 11:15 to 12:15) and a Silent Auction from 9:00am to 12:15pm. There will also be Local Crafters, Food Tent, Bake Sale, Games & Prizes, Bouncy House, Obstacle Course, Barn Dancing and Entertainment. Bring the whole family because admission is free! How can you beat that?
Midnight madness is an overnight event for middle and high school students. Students must arrive at the Farmington, NH Recreation Facility promptly at the start time for this event. The event will include attending a UNH Men's hockey game, then off to roller skating, followed by bowling and capped off by a night of games at the Recreation Center. The grand finally will be the yummy pancake breakfast buffet in the morning!
Fee: $20 per child. Registration and payment accepted NO LATER than October 22nd 2008.
* Space is limited to 50 participants so call all your friends and sign up NOW!
Okay people, this is a call out to all the local businesses of Farmington, NH. Which business can build the best scarecrow? Get creative and make the scarecrow reflect what your business is about. To enter this contest, simply create and display it. Next, contact the Farmington Recreation Department at 603-755-2405. On October 15th 2008, they will stop by your business at around 2:00pm to have a look and judge your creation. The winning business will receive a trophy to display and show off its community spirit and pride.
House Decorating Contest
Are you thinking of decorating your home for Halloween this year? Why not get into the spirit & family fun and enter into a contest at the same time? Simply decorate your home with your most spooktacular imagination, then call the Farmington Parks and Recreation Department at 603-755-2405 and give them your address. Entry's must be made by October 20th 2008. Judging will take place on October 22nd. A prize will be awarded for the best home.
I'd like to personally give a big thanks to the Farmington, NH Parks and Recreation Department for such a wonderful and creative way to bring the community together as well as getting the town decorated and into the Halloween spirit. This is just another reason to believe that small town living in New Hampshire just can't be beat. For general information about Farmington, NH or Farmington NH Real Estate, please feel free to visit my website at www.RobGagnon.com
Fall is here and the parks and recreation department for Farmington, NH is proud to announce the following events in the month of October as part of the spooktacular celebration of Halloween.
Fall Festival
When: October 17th
Who: All Ages
Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Fernald Park (Rain location to be at the Recreation Dept. Gym)
Everyone is invited to join in this fun event. Don't miss out on the games and contests. There will also be a petting zoo provided by The Traveling Barnyard. Food concessions will also be available.
"Young One's" Trick or Treat Parade
When: October 31st
Time: 3:30pm
Where: Starts at the Farmington, NH Recreation Department
This is a call out to all those little monsters from 2nd grade and below. Join in the fun as we parade through the town of Farmington NH collecting sweet treats and showing off our scary costumes along the way. Adults must accompany the children as this is not a drop off event.
"Regular" Trick or Treat Hours for the town of Farmington NH will be October 31st from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Children's Pumpkin Carving FUN!
When: October 7th
Who: Children Grades 1 - 5
Time: 3:00pm to 4:30pm
Where: Farmington, NH Recreation Department
*FEE: $4.00 fee includes pumpkins
Come and have some fun designing and carving pumpkins. Just the right thing to get into the Halloween spirit. Space is limited.
Farmington, NH is a wonderful little community that I enjoy calling home. For general information about Farmington, NH or Farmington, NH Real Estate please visit my website at www.RobGagnon.com
It's that time of year again! The Rochester Arena is open once again and offering some public skating nights for the end of September. The dates are as follows:
Friday Night Skate
Friday, Sept 26
7:00-8:50pm
Rochester Arena
Bring the whole family to skate. Little kids, big kids - everyone loves to skate. Great family activity. Skate walkers available.
$4 per skater/ $4 rentals / $4 sharpening. Children 4 and under skate free.
Discount punch card available - 10 skates for $30.
Back to School Skate
Saturday, Sept 27. I
t may be fall outside, but it's already winter inside the Rochester Arena. Come skate with your school friends and have a blast.
Grades 1-5 from 5:30-6:30pm Grades 6-12 from 6:40-8:00pm Discount rate of $3 instead of $4 per skater. Bring your skates or skate rentals available.
There are some really cool happenings this month at the Goodwin Library in Farmington, NH.
Kid's Cartooning Club
The regular program will start again on September 29 at 6:30. We supply paper, pencils and pens. You bring samples of your art and your imagineation. This is a "sign up" program. Stop by the library or call 603-755-2944
Story Time Sign UP's
It's that time of year again! Story time sign-up's will begin September 22nd. Story times will start October 7 and run through Nov. 19.
Toddlers Story Times will be Tuesdays at 11:00 am. Pre-School Story Times will be Wednesdays at 1:30pm.
Historical Society (at the Goodwin Library)
The Farmington Historical Society will be presenting a special program They Sawed Up A Storm about women who operated a sawmill in the 1940's with gues speaker Sarah S. Smith the Forest Industry Specialist with the UNH Cooperative Extension. It will be on Friday, October 3 at 7:00 P.M.
For more information about other happenings, stop by the Goodwin Library website at www.Goodwinlibrary.com
Have you ever wanted to sing in a choir? Rehearsals for the choral society will begin on Sunday, September 7, 2008 at the First Church Congregational, Rochester, NH from 4:00 - 6:30. Registration begins at 3:30 on Sept. 7. There are no auditions and everyone is welcome to sing. Performances are scheduled for Nov. 8 & 9, 2008.
Event is on:
Every Sun
Audience:
All Welcome
Category:
Arts and Entertainment
Location:
Rochester, NH
Address:
First Church Congregational, South Main St., Rochester, NH
Having helped many Rochester NH home sellers work through short sales on their homes with their lenders, I know how important it is to understand this complicated process. It can be VERY beneficial to a home owner to sell their home via short sale and thus, avoid foreclosure. One important aspect to a successful short sale is writing a hardship letter. This well written article details all the aspects of writing a hardship letter. As always, I'm more than happy to assist you through any aspect of the home selling or home buying process in Rochester, NH or any other NH Seacoast town. I'm only an e-mail or phone call away.
The Hardship Letter: Learn More about this Important Piece of the Short Sale Package
By Lauri Waddell
When a short sale is negotiated with the lender, a hardship letter from the homeowner is requested in the short-sale package. There are several purposes for the submission of the hardship letter which we will explore. The hardship letter is a letter to be written by the homeowner detailing the events that led up to the default and preforeclosure of the mortgage. The letter should detail, in chronological order, the events that caused hardship which ultimately led to financial duress and the default of the loan. As investors, we must always keep in mind that "Life happens to good people." No one intentionally chooses foreclosure. Our job as investors is to assist the homeowner in documenting the events that led to the preforeclosure of their home. We do this with an empathetic and professional approach that gives the homeowner dignity in the process of letting them tell their story.
Many students ask in the Short Sale training if they should write the letter for the borrower. This letter should be written by the homeowner, in their words, and in their handwriting. We may be able to assist the borrower in detailing the events that led to the preforeclosure, but ultimately the letter should be written by the homeowner.
The lender requires the hardship letter to validate its decision in negotiating a short sale or reduced pay off. The charter that governs the incorporation of the lender and its lending practices will govern the decisions made on the short sale of the package.
The hardship letter will also assist the lender in determining if the property qualifies for a tax liability (a 1099 form will be filed against the homeowner if it does qualify). This tax liability may be assessed by the lender on properties that are not owner-occupied or the primary residence of the borrower. The lender has the ability to not file a1099 due to the financial hardship and duress of the borrowers.
In reviewing the hardship letter, the lender is able to assess the borrower's situation and determine if the borrower will be able to reinstate the mortgage payments and/or continue to satisfy the mortgage with regular payments.
The hardship letter should be handwritten or typed by the borrower. If the borrower handwrites the hardship letter, the investor may want to retype the letter and send a typed version along with the handwritten letter. This will ensure the hardship letter is read accurately and easily by the loss-mitigation department. The loss-mitigation department will determine if a short sale is allowed. Making sure the hardship letter is legible and in proper order will facilitate a more timely evaluation and processing of the short sale package.
The hardship letter will be part of the stacking order requested by the lender. All hardships listed in the letter should be fully documented and any verification should be added as an addendum to the package. For example, if a car accident resulted in injuries that prohibited the borrower from working and ultimately lead to the default, then any documentation related to the car accident and subsequent incapacities should be included in the hardship letter. "See addendum A" in parenthesis is a simple and common method used. Multiple addendums should be added at the back of the package under a tab listed "Addendums." For example, addendum A might be a copy of the accident report, addendum B may be a copy of the emergency room visit after the accident, addendum C may be a doctor's report, and addendum D may be a copy of the employer's notification of laying off the borrower. The hardship should be explained in detail, in chronological order, and with proof of the events added as specific labeled addendums to the Addendum section.
The hardship letter should be factual and accurate without exaggeration or emotional influence. The short sale package should be presented in a professional manner. Accurate and thorough documentation is important to create a professional, first-class hardship letter that stands out among the rest. The hardship letter is an important piece of the short-sale package. Your job, as the REALTOR, is to assist the homeowner in documenting the hardships in a factual and professional manner. Do not write the letter for the homeowner. Offer your assistance in detailing the chronology of events as well as assisting the homeowner in gathering the documents or items that will verify the hardships. A strong, professionally documented hardship letter is a key component of the lender's decision to negotiate a successful short sale.
Lauri Waddell is an instructor of the Wealth Intelligence Academy® Short Sales and Mortgages Advanced Training.
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Okay, I'm obviously no economist but I'm going to go out on a limb and state what seems to me to be a couple of obvious fixes that seem to be necessary to get things going in the right direction again. 
short-sale package. There are several purposes for the submission of the hardship letter which we will explore. 
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