Why should I be your Loan Officer of choice???

My TOP 10

 Reasons to put me to work for you

Number 10 - I offer all conforming and government products including USDA. 

Number 9- Available 24/7 for service issues of any kind including price quotes, applications, pre-approvals and other valuable info. 

Number 8 - Keen understanding of the value of educating consumers about the process of obtaining a mortgage. 

Number 7 - Updated regularly on changes within the industry that I pass on to my business partners and clients. 

Number 6- Only transact business in The Lehigh Valley. Where I live and where I'm from. Knowledgeable about the area and loyal to the area. 

Number 5 - Competitive rates and fees that are flexible enough to help you to get your deal closed. 

Number 4 - Hey, I am really a nice guy! 

Number 3 - My team and I bring you over 50 years of mortgage industry experience. 

Number 2 - Your concerns are my concerns. On time closings with a satisfied, properly serviced client who will refer us both potential clients. 

And the Number 1 reason to partner with me.........

       Baby needs new shoes!!!

FHA VA & USDA Specialist

Scott Geary

Direct 484-239-2022

Whenever anyone asks me what kind of dog Harry is, that's my response. After the inquirer utters "a catwhowho wholaha??" My next response is always to repeat the name slowly and give a brief history of the breed, state dog of Louisiana, used for hunting assistance, etc., etc, etc...... That dissertation is almost always followed by, "he looks like a Doberman." Such is life for Harry, Harry Kalas.

Back in April we stumbled upon the breed on the Internet and were immediately interested. Medium size, sound temperment, short hair (limited shedding!) and really neat looking to boot! A visit to an animal rescue event in Hamberg PA introduced us to Catahoula Rescue Inc. - North East and a wonderful little guy named Bruiser. Bruiser was 3 months old and the only survivor of his litter. Instantly lovable, Bruiser joined us in May as a foster awaiting a forever home. Already at home were a 5 year old Westie, Camy, and a 3 year old Carin named Brutus, AKA, Boo Boo. It just wouldn't work to have a Brutus and a Bruiser in the same house. While trying to select an alternate name, the long time broadcaster for the Philadelphia Phillies passed away, Harry Kalas. In tribute to the man I grew up listen to calling the Phillies games, Harry was named. Harry finally got to meet Camy and the Boo Boo.

 Almost from the beginning, Harry and Boo Boo were inseparable. That had nothing to do with Brutus's choice. Harry was just totally taken by Brutus. Had to be where ever Boo Boo was. On the other hand, Brutus wasn't really wild about Harry to start with. I think he kinda grew on him. Harry would have to come to grips with who ran the pack, Camy, AKA the Caminator, 15 pounds of 'don't mess with me I'm the boss' West Highland Terrier.

 When Harry 1st arrived he weighed in at 23 pounds of playful, insane puppy. Camy coddled him somewhat and was quick to discipline him when she saw fit. Harry remained submissive to Camy's rule for the first several months, laying on his back, laying Ali-like jabs on either dog who would play. Harry grew to more than 45 pounds and was just having a blast. Until he challenged Camys spot in the pack. Although he outweighed her by 30+ pounds, Camy loves her spot at the front of the pack and will defend that spot to the death. She nearly did!

So, Harry has been separated from Camy and the Boo Boo for the last 5 weeks. It's a real shame because Harry is truly a terrific dog. Obedient, loyal, smart as a whip, playful and eager to please. He just has to lead his own pack. As of today, and for the foreseeable future, Harry is a pack of one. He seems real pleased with that status. I see no reason to alter that state of affairs. He will continue to look for his forever home.

 I for one hope he finds it!  

There are so, so many animals looking for a forever opportunity. There are rescue groups for nearly every type of breed you can possibly think of, and some you may have never heard of. If you, or someone you know is considering adding a new member to your family. Please consider adopting through one of these fantastic groups all over this great nation of ours. For more information visit http://www.petfinder.com/index.html. There is simply not a better feeling than helping these animals get the treatment and the forever homes they deserve.

My name is Scott Geary, a mortgage professional for over 30 years, serving the entire commonwealth of Pennsylvania. I am located in the Lehigh Valley, specifically Allentown. To help you gain the knowledge necessary to make an informed mortgage decision would be my pleasure!

Well last night I watched another in a long line of Presidential addresses I've seen during my half century as a US citizen. Yes, I am lucky enough to be an American and a life long registered Republican (shhh....don't tell anybody). As always is the case, the political party not occupying the Presidential seat spent more time on their keisters than the party in power. Ho - Hum... nothing really new there. The Presidents presentation did seem to lack specifics regarding the entire health care plan. Ho - Hum....that's always the case as well. The house is obviously divided. It seems to me that the President did little to resolve that division. Heck, it almost seemed that he scolded the Republican side of the room while playing up the Democratic side of the room. The speech did little but throw a crumb here and there to the Republicans for participation and ideas, while somewhat antagonizing the conservatives in the house in what seemed every few minuets. The side of the room he spoke to seemed to show that intention. Then HE spoke up! HE made perhaps the largest guffaw I have ever seen in a congressional Presidential address. HE must be a real clown I thought to myself. Eject him immediately. That type of thing just can't be tolerated in this setting. What a clown! What was HE thinking???? He's gotta go I thought to myself. Then I researched exactly who HE is.

HE is Joe Wilson, actually Addison Graves Wilson Sr. a 62 year old Congressman from South Carolina serving in that position since 2001. HE has been involved in South Carolina politics since 1962 while, as a teenager he assisted in the campaigns of Congressman Floyd Spence and later Senator Strom Thurmond. In 1972 HE obtained a Juris Doctor degree from University of South Carolina Law School and practiced as a real estate attorney in the practice he founded in South Carolina. HE also served in the US Army Reserve from 1972 to 2003 when HE retired as a Colonel. In 1984 HE began serving as a senator never missing a statutory session in 17yrs. When Floyd Spence died in 2001, Joe ran for his seat and won taking 73% of the vote. HE had to run again for a full term in 2002 and took 84% of the vote. The point is folks, this guy has a back round as good as anyone out there. After reading up on him, despite this major Boo - Boo, I believe he's the kind of guy we want representing the American people. So......the question is....What was HE thinking????

It's my opinion that the furor over control of the presidency, the house and the senate by the Democratic party has over taken the Republican party. Unfortunately, Mr. Wilson, along with many other strong Republican leaders have been sucked into the 'pissing contest', clouding for them the real reason they are in those positions in the first place. That is to serve the people who elected them. Whats going on now is wrong no matter how you look at it. The campaign is over ladies and gentleman. Please, PLEASE get on with the business that you have been elected for before its too late. What the American people need is healthy debate and well intended exchanges of ideas to make our country better. Cat calls from the peanut gallery and solitary heckles of 'you lie' in absolute silence of the chamber ain't getting it done. People, grow up and get to work! Don't ruin all that you've accomplished in your life by being ' that guy '. Get together and make something happen. Bring ideas to improve the bill. I for one, am tired of hearing whats wrong with it. We've elected folks like you to make it right. Just do it!!!

Good luck getting past this one Mr. Wilson. I think you may need it.

.......We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

I read with interest the Morning Call article on Monday which mentioned that, as a result of the Presidents speech issued to the school systems for grades 1 through 12 to listen to on Tuesday, several people were holding their children out of school yesterday. They could not allow their children to be subjected to the message of the President. As you can probably guess everyone interviewed that was taking this stance was obviously a right winger. Likely regular listeners of Rush, Hannity, Beck and any other hard right babbler on the air waves. How short our memories are when it's convenient for it be to so.

On October 1st, 1991 then President 'Papa' Bush did the nearly exact same thing with a relatively similar message. Although I don't particularly remember the incident (my kids were 7 & 8 at the time and I was logging some serious travel time) I can look back to see what the back lash was. Shockingly enough, the left wingers went just as wild! Most of the backlash was after the fact, audits, capitol hill hearings and the like propelled by the majority democratic congress.

An article by Byron York of the Washington Examiner about both messages concluded with this paragraph, "Lost in all the denouncing and investigating was the fact that Bush's speech itself, like Obama's today, was entirely unremarkable. "Block out the kids who think it's not cool to be smart," the president told students. "If someone goofs off today, are they cool? Are they still cool years from now, when they're stuck in a dead end job. Don't let peer pressure stand between you and your dreams."

The messages from both Presidents were very very clear. Stay in school, do your best, avoid peer pressure, don't give up on yourself, ask questions.......And these are controversial???? Worth keeping your kids home from school for???? Have we gone MAD as a country over these last 20+ years? So divided by our political affiliations that we would deny our children a message given by the the leader of the free world designed to make them better students, better people???? It's so sad it's almost funny. ALMOST!

Tonight the President will speak at 8PM on national television (ABC, NBC, CBS). I am certain the right wingers will watch and criticize everything from the opening 'My fellow Americans' line to the end. Or, just watch 'So Think You Can Dance' on Fox (fair and balanced?) instead. While the left wingers will mindlessly cheer every line the President utters. As I listen, I will remember the days of being inspired via the same medium by Ronald Reagan. When the country needed a patriotic boost, there was Ron at the ready. Others, they'll remember Bill Clinton and his television addresses. When the economy needed a boost, there was Bill at the ready. For both those Presidents, the political parties just did not seem so clearly divided as they are now. Perhaps the growth of the electronic media has something to do with that. Perhaps I just wasn't paying attention. I'm not sure. What I am sure of is that distortion of facts and disagreements based on party affiliations alone at not doing our country any favors. Listen to what is said, watch what is done, work your Representatives to oppose what you must. But for God sake, first and foremost, be an AMERICAN!  

Don't bother trying to get a hotel room in the Lehigh Valley this weekend if you don't have one already. There's no room at the Inn because the Valley is bursting with entertainment, nostalgia and action. This ladies and gentlemen is NOT a boring weekend by any stretch of the imagination. Far from it.

In 1984 a music event was introduced in historic Bethlehem's downtown area. It was attended by nearly 182,000 people watching  118 performers of various musical persuasions. Back then folks had no idea of what this 'Musikfest' thing would become. Today 25 yearslater it's HUGE! There are over 300 performers from across the country and around the globe that gather to entertain, playing virtually any type of music you can possible imagine. A few others that you may have never heard before. The food is wonderful and the beverages abundant. The price of admission is right, free. That's right, FREE! Walk around downtown Bethlehem and stop at the various venues or 'Platz', to hear various musical performers provide entertainment absolutely free. Of course for the headliners in the evening you'll need to buy a ticket. This years headline acts include, Crosby Stills and Nash, George Thorogood, Yes, Asia,Pet Benetar, Blondie, The B-52's, Joan Jett and the Black Hearts, Third Eye Blind, Puddle of Mudjust to name a few. I've attended several shows over the years and always enjoyed them. However, the hidden gems are in the free venues scattered throughout the city. For example, some 12-14 years ago I found a band from Atlanta GA called The Floating Men. This band played as rain fell during the night and they played their hearts out. They've been on my play list ever since. Musikfest is truly a place where the miracles fly!

What? Music isn't your cup of tea? How about Antique or Classic cars? In the quaint community of Macungie PA you'll find in its 45th year, Das Awkscht Fescht. Admission is $7.00 for adults and $2.00 for children. This event is worth every penny of the price of admission. Over 42 acres you'll find all makes and models of antique and classic cars. Every time I go I have to check out the 62 Pontiac Lemans (my first car), the 64 Olds 442 (my dads fun car), the 65 Buick Riviera (G-Pops car) and several others too numerous to mention here. Sure, the condition of the cars is incredible. The owners keep these treasures from yesteryear in show room shape. More amazing is the quick trip to various points in your life when the car your looking at transports you to the memories of smells, sights and sounds associated with that vehicle. Heck, you'll even see cars you may not have known were even built. Or, forgot were built. Remember the Nash, the Plymouth Satelite? This is a can't miss event for the auto enthusiast.  

If Marching Bands are your thing, for the 31st year, J Birney Crum Stadium in Allentown  will host the DCI Eastern Classic Drum and Bugle Corps Championship. The gates open at 5 both Friday and Saturday featuring 11 performances Friday and 10 on Saturday. Bands come from across the country to compete.  Although I haven't been to Drum and Bugle competition in years, I live close enough to the stadium to know the music from the bands is exceptional. I remember being really impressed with the show the bands put on. That was many years ago. I can only imagine how the shows have evolved. The Corps performing and competing are:

OK, your ready for some FOOTBALL!!! Over in Bethlehem at the Lehigh University Athletic Fields you find the training camp of our Philadelphia Eagles. Admission to the practices is still free. Yes that's right, I said FREE. The schedule of each day are posted on the Eagles web site. Generally there are what I remember as my favorite practices in High School and College, the dreaded two-a-days! Morning and afternoon practices are most all open to the public. Check the schedule to ensure your not planning on attending a closed practice. For an Eagle fan this is a can't miss event. 2 years ago I went to check out this rookie line backer from Nebraska, Stewart Bradley. After watching 1 day of practice, I knew this guy was the real deal. Now, he's our starting middle line backer and I believe a rising star in the NFL. This years target is a draft pick from Virginia Tech playing corner back, Macho Harris. Tell me a better football name than Macho Harris! Now lets just hope he's really good. That name is just too much fun!

So there you have it! So now there is absolutely no excuse not to get out and about to enjoy all that the Lehigh Valley has to offer this weekend. Perhaps I'll see you at one of these events. Just look for the guy with a funnel cake ....er, a sausage sandwich......ah, make that a frosty cold adult malt beverage....Scratch that, I'll wear my eagles tee shirt and green plaid pants. If you see me, say hi! Have fun! Be safe and enjoy! 

Ain't this Valley great????

Good God has it been a long time since I was an entry level 'Tiger' Cub attending meetings in the church basement down at 15th and Chew in Allentown. Other than learning some pretty neat stuff as I completed the assignments from Tiger to Wolf to Bear and finally Webelos. I remember the fun my friends and I had doing all sorts of things that helped us grow and contribute to our community. Yeah, we were boys so there was allot of yelling, rough housing and sweating too! We drove our Den Mother Mrs. Crownover nuts! Another story....another time. Over all these years since, the Scout Motto has always stuck in my head. Sure, sometimes I'll forget it and enter the occasional situation, oh....how would you say......by the seat of my pants.....winging it......dealing with it as it pops up.........NEVER are the results as good as if I had simply followed the Scouts Motto. 2 little words make all the difference in the world:

Be Prepared

So you're considering either buying a new home or refinancing your existing home. Your knees are knocking as you read the horror stories on professional web sites like activerain, or social web sites like lets say Facebook. It's on the nightly news on the tube, it's in every newspaper and magazine you read.  It's as hard as it's ever been to get financing. Calm down a little bit please. I'll let you in on a secret, but you have to promise to use me as your loan officer. Let me whisper in your ear, before you make application for you mortgage........

Be Prepared

Obtaining a Mortgage isn't really all that difficult if you've taken my advise. 99% of the issues delaying a loan closing can be easily avoided if you follow the Scouts Motto prior to meeting with your Loan Officer. See, a mortgage application (called a 1003) reads a tad like a book. In other words, it unfolds the story of what you are trying to do, who you are, your income source for repayment and what assets you have available to get the transaction completed. Hopefully your Loan Officer has helped in your preparation of the documents you'll need to gather to ensure the story told on your 1003 has a happy ending. If not, here's a few items that might help you too.

Be Prepared

For your employment, you'll need 2 years of history, preferably with the same company. You might be shy of 2 years with the company you're with, yet have 2 years in the same field. With the proper supporting documentation you'll likely be OK. A written explanation of the reason for employer change that will be supported when the verifications of your employment are done will go a long way to helping your loan process go smoothly. You'll need to supply the last 2 years of W-2's along with pay stubs covering the last month (weekly last 4, bi-weekly last two, etc.). Should you be self employed, you'll need 2+ years of self employment with personal and / or corporate tax returns covering those 2 years. A signed year to date    P & L is another likely requirement. If you have rental properties, annuity income, disability income, etc., documents supporting the income, leases, award letters, etc. will be needed. Proof of receipt of the income can usually be found on your bank statement direct deposits. If not, photo copy the next check you receive for verification.

Be Prepared

The assets you list on your application including those to be used to complete your transaction must all be verified. Recent statements covering 2 months will be requested with your loan application. Any larger than normal deposits will need to be explained and documented. Please don't think that you'll use funds from a credit card advance to close your loan. That's not going to work and may deal your closing a crushing blow. If you are using gift money from a relative prepare them to supply verification of ability to do so along with a letter confirming that the gift is not a loan. You'll also need to show that money going into your account. Once you have entered into an agreement of sale, postpone other larger purchase items until after your loan closes. I tell all my clients to leave the bank accounts alone and spend little if any money. I always recommend a steady diet of Spam and Kraft Mac&Cheese until the loan closes. That usually gets a chuckle, or a questioning look depending on ones familiarity with the lovely meat product known as Spam.

Be Prepared

Understand that when additional information is requested during the processing and underwriting of your transaction that time is of the essence. The speed with which you supply documentation may have a very large impact on how timely your closing occurs. If we did our job up front, there shouldn't be anything more we need to supply. However, if a request is made we need to respond as quickly as is possible.

Be Prepared

Real Estate financing can be overwhelming to many people mostly because a mortgage is something most of us only do a few times in our lives. Nobody can be an expert at something doing it once every 15 years can they? That's why it's important to select an experienced, knowledgeable, involved and informative Loan Officer to work for you. A real pro will not only tell you what is needed, but explain why and the impact that information has on your transaction. A real pro will explain every fee item you'll find on the Good Faith Estimate so you'll know exactly what you're paying for and why you're paying it. A real pro will keep you informed every step of the way.

Be Prepared

If you need any help selecting a Loan Officer whom you'll feel comfortable with, I have a short list of candidates I could provide you with. With the right loan officer and the proper supporting documentation with your application, you're prepared! You'll be closing on time without any angst what so ever.             Don't forget to invite me to the house warming! I love those parties!!!!

With all the chatter and the press relative to the Capitol Hill health care reform progress or lack there of comes a feeling of being akin to a mushroom. You know the one that goes, I just stand here in the dark while crap gets thrown on me. I have had this feeling on many issues that go before the house and senate, including those that have impacted the very industry that have funded my children's and my life for the last 35 years.

2 years ago, I reached out to my congressman, a neighborhood pal whom I grew up with and have known for nearly all the years I have walked this earth. I really don't remember the bill number, but I emailed Charlie telling him my concern and opposition to lets say HR &#!*. Additionally, I had several others of the old 'Berks St' gang email him as well, voicing there concerns. We all received back a canned email response, that although he was glad we voiced our concerns, he'd have to vote for the proposed bill because that is what his constituents wanted him to do. HUH????? At his finger tips was a person he knew darn well has relied on the mortgage industry to support himself for over 30 years. Oddly enough, a constituent in his district no less. Never once was I contacted, let alone personally responded to about the bill that changed the face of the industry!!! Guess who I am voting for in the next election he runs in??? But it doesn't really matter does it?

National Health care reform has been an issue in presidential elections for the last 60 years. The only one that really made it look like they tried to do anything about it were the Clintons. Hilary seemed to be charged with coming up with a plan that lost steam 6-8 months into Bill's 1st term. As I see it, that was it! Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, Carter, Reagan and the Bushes all talked about it in their election campaigns. Nothing was ever done. Now, it looks like SOMETHING is going to happen. It's just that I am not too clear on what, and how it will effect me. Sure, the Republicans will tell me it'll raise my taxes and increase the deficit. The Democrats will tell me that's hogwash, you won't feel a thing. More political rhetoric, lacking in substance, clarity and transparency. Of course, if I read the bill I'm sure the legalese would be dizzying at best. Attorneys and our government........But that's another subject for another time.  

Then it hit me!!!

Over the years I have faithfully gone to the voting booth in nearly every election be it local, state or federal. On occasion, local referendums are voted on. Things like, should we fluoridate our water, should we protect our farm lands, should we build a war memorial, etc. etc. etc. If that's possible on a local level, then why not a national or state level? This health care reform bill is an outstanding example of why this should be a public vote and not something my congressman votes on because his constituents (that he never talks to or educates mind you) want him to. Who better to decide than the total of the American public??? Give us all the information possible. Show US the bill. Explain to US factual data that has lead to the bill. After a particular period of time, let US vote on the bill and every amendment to it. That will leave you with a health care reform plan that will address the needs of the popular vote. None of these garbage addendums than we need 1 million dollars for some non-sense medical center that Gov. Billy-Bobs contractor cousin is slated to build. Oh no, that stuff just disappears! All health care reform, all the time, nothing else in it!

Do you feel you know enough about the health care plan in the making? If senators and congress people vote for their constituents, how do they do it? Somebody told me its by polling. I'm in my 2nd century and my memory has not yet failed me. I do not ever remember being part of any poll other than the one that asked who I intend to vote for. Is a national vote on issues critical to Americans something that would interest you? How about clarity of language in bills that are proposed so that even an average Joe like me could understand? I'd love your feed back!

Sincerely

An American who has had enough of politics ruining our country! Wanting public servants to actually serve!

The American Revolution was nearly entirely based on the perceived unfair taxing practices of England's King. After the smoke of the revolutionary war cleared and the tea in the harbor was sunk, we Americans were free from the rule of England. Freedom to worship as we pleased. Freedom to live as we pleased. Freedom to govern ourselves as we pleased. Freedom from the unjust tax burden placed upon us by England. Life as we knew it then...it was good  great.

What brings this up you might ask. A client of ours has been trying to refinance the property they live in for quite some time. Trying to take advantage of the lowest interest rates available since they've been paying on their and their mothers mortgage. Mom died in 2004. 6 months prior to her death, Mr. and Mrs. Customer were added to the deed of the property. They were on the mortgage note when it opened in 2003 (likely to assist in qualifying), not the deed. When Mom died, she had a couple hundred dollars in her checking account. That was the extent of her assets. Oh, yeah, and the home which she owned with her children.

There was a Last Will and Testiment, the executor of which was Mr. Customer. The checking asset and property were to be his and his wifes. Closed case, done deal, lets move on. No, wait! As any good son would do, Mom had a few obligations which needed to be paid. There were always the expenses from a proper burial to cover. So, Mr. and Mrs. customer opened a 2nd mortgage to cover those expenses. From there they moved on carrying forward the fond memories of Mom, and all she had meant to them and done for them. Until last week that is.

See the average Joe doesn't really know everything they need to about the procedures we are required to follow when a loved one passes on. The trauma of the event and all that surrounds it is sometimes totally over whelming. Having lost my father 26 years ago, I totally understand how that works. There was about a 2 week period where nearly everyone who spoke to me sounded like the teacher in Charlie Browns classroom. Wah, Wah, Wah......But, in your state of weary mental capacity and diminished if not non existent judgment capabilities, our government begins the ticking clock for payment of Inheritance taxes! No matter how little your worth, when you leave this earth to meet your maker, those of us left behind are confronted with yet another tax bill, the final tax bill for you for which YOU are personally not held accountable to pay!! 

We are trying to help the customer resolve this issue by pointing him in the right directions. Unfortunatly, the tax, interst and penalties will be rather sizable considering the clients current financial situation. A truly distressing chain of events for some one who made an error borne of nothing more than a lack of understanding Inheritance Tax and what is procedurely required. I feel very bad for this couple.

I also feel very bad for us collectively, American Citizens. Why you ask? The very crux of what we viewed as a problem causing us to revolt over 233 years ago seems to plague us more and more each day. Pennsylvania is proposing a .05% tax simply to allow us to balance the budget due out this month. Wish I could just hit up my friends for cash when my budgets out of whack! But they promise to return to current levels after only 2 or 3 years. Sure they will. Like checks in the mail, I'll respect you in the morning and that other one!!!! Occasionally, I wonder exactly how much of every dollar I earn I really get to keep. Sure, I know that about .30 cents of every dollar is withheld in my paycheck to pay the appropriate taxing authorities. I'm just wondering if I calculated the rest of the taxes I pay against my wages, (kind of like a 'Truth in Lending' Disclosure) what that number would look like. Throw in my property taxes, my privilege to work tax (love that one), sales tax on consumables, tax on fuel, smokes, alcohol oh wait, I'm not sure of what those taxes are. They aren't disclosed anywhere that I know of. Add in the tax we pay on our phone bills, electric, gas, oil, cable......errrr.....I'm overloaded!!!! Maybe I get .45 cents on a buck!&(!*#&!

A flat tax MAY be the solution. I'm not sure. I still like the idea of a 'Truth in Taxation' disclosure with each payment of tax dollar. Example, I go get gas at the local Wawa. A big sign tells me exactly how much of my $2.41 (going down!) will go to the Feds, the State and the Local governments. I've smoked for 32+ years. I know it's bad for me. Yet our government feels that the tobacco industry needs to warn me on every pack. How about letting me know what taxes I'm paying?? Perhaps THAT would help me quit smoking!

Perspective and perception have an enormous impact on how each of us process information we receive. Over the last week and a couple days, many of my Associates have verbalized or written the above Blog title phrase on occasions too numerous to mention. After all, only 10 days ago, a 4.5% rate with no discount points was within reach. After a few days of wild secondary market activity causing some of the largest single day increases I've seen in my career in this business, that 4.5% is but a distant memory. Rates have sky rocketed, gone through the roof.......I think not!

Having lived through the late 70's and early 80's probably shapes my perspective. In 1983, I closed on the purchase of a home in York County Pennsylvania at a fixed interest rate of 8.5%. The national average at the time was nearly 13%. I was tickled to death to get that rate. The average interest rate throughout 1981 was nearly 18%. In 1984, the averaged peeked at nearly 15%. Now there you have a truly legitimate sky rocketed, gone through the roof rate scenario! At 8.5%, I was really fortunate to be in the right place at the right time. Although the higher rates would not have deterred me from buying a home, they certainly would have limited the type of home I was going to buy. 

Over the last several weeks many folks happened to be at the right place at the right time, taking advantage of fixed rate mortgage money that hasn't been seen in over 50 years. (In fact, I believe that my parents bought their house in 1958 and financed using a mortgage with a fixed rate of 4.00%.) To some, the lower rate offered an opportunity to buy a little more house than they may have originally qualified for. To others, the lower rates offered reduced payments or mortgage terms that were of greater benefit than when they began the search to refinance their existing mortgage. Bully for them! Yet another group is feeling very left out right now. The group that elected to wait until rates dropped lower (you know your out there). Also in that group are the folks that needed to do some preparation work in either credit issues, cash to close issues or documentation gathering issues. Some might say that this group lost out on an opportunity. I tend to disagree.

Having bought and sold houses for 30 years of my adult life probably shapes my perception. Over that period of time the average annual interest rate on a fixed rate mortgage has been below 6.00% only 5 years (2003,04,05,08,09). That means that during 83% of that 30 year period, rates have been over a percent higher than they are right now. In fact, prior to 2003, fixed mortgage rates haven't been below 6.00% since 1965. Look one step further, and you find that rates in that same period have been below 7.00% only 5 of those years (1993,98,99, 2001,02). So average mortgage rates have been above 7.00% in 67% of the last 30 years. In fact from 1971 to 1993 the average mortgage rate never broke 7.00%. Rates have gone through the roof? Nah, hardly! Lets just cross our fingers that history (1977 -1984) doesn't repeat itself. It can't. Can it????

Perhaps after reading this either your perspective or perception of the current interest rate situation has changed. Perhaps it hasn't.  Either way, I am sure we could agree that if you are thinking of buying or refinancing, the time to act is now. With interest rates available still in the 5.5% - 6.00% range, you're still better off than a slew of people over the last 50 years. And that, Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls and children of all ages, is a GOOD thing!  

Anyone who knows me can tell you I am a dog guy. Yea, some will just tell you that I'm just a dog. They don't really know me that well! I'm talking about the folks that have known me since I was knee high to a grasshopper. Throughout my life, seems I have always had at least one canine companion, sometimes a few more. As a tike, there was Andy, a standard poodle who I believed at the time to be as large as a bear. Then came Alec, a mutt who was my best friend as a pre-teen. Some think I named my son Alex after him. How foolish of them. His namesake was Alexander 'Sandy' Koufax, not Alec my 4 legged friend. As a teen, THE Baron entered the fold. A large Doberman Pinscher that loved when my friends visited. Always lovable and engaging on the way IN the door. Always ready to take a bite of you when you left. I hung out with about 8 kids that lived in my neighborhood at that time. The Baron had a piece of everyone of them. After I left for college and during my apartment years, with the exception of visits home to see the parents and The Baron, I was dog-less. That was likely a good thing.

Once I planed to marry and start a family, I quickly bought Sheena (yeah the Ramones tune) before the major life changes went down. Sheena was a Golden Retriever who helped raise and protect my 2 children for 14 years. She was undoubtedly the best dog I ever had. Smart as a whip, obedient always, and loyal to the family. After Sheena finished her job as family entertainer, soother and protector I swore I would never get another dog. The leaving hurt too much. Shortly after, a close friend asked if anything ever happened to him, would I take Bandit, his 5 year old over weight Springer / Retriever mix. "Sure I would", but nothing ever happens to 40 year men, don't talk so stupid. Weeks later he died of liver failure. His parents were quick to remind me of how great it was that I offered to take Bandit. Reluctantly, Bandit was added to the family circle. For over four years, Bandit was a solo act in the Geary household. Until Camy, our West Highland Terrier arrived. A puppy brought into the house at only 10 weeks old. She was about the size of Bandits head. He took to her immediately. I think he was responsible for house breaking her. Camy is certainly the #1 dog in our house. Was even when Bandit was still living. Later on, the love of my life got involved in Terrier Rescue, specifically Col. Potter Cairn Rescue, helping to transport fostered and adopted dogs. It was a rewarding experience to say the least. We wanted to do more so we offered to foster. I hear lot of people fail in Fostering 101. So did we!!! A little over 2 years ago, Brutus joined Bandit and Camy as the families four legged contingent. Brutus has let say, some issues. Even with that, he's Camys best friend and a loved member of the family.

Camy and Brutus will be getting a new member of the clan this weekend. See, a grown man walking 14 pound dogs is foreign to me. I had never had a dog that small. Since Bandit died, I wanted another larger dog. Well, after 2 years of searching, Bruiser is on the way. Bruiseris a 4 month old Catahoula Leopard Dog, from the rescue group of the same name. I am told that's the state dog of Louisiana.  This is Bruiser in a photo of when we met him  He's about 30 pounds now. He should grow to between 60-70 lbs when full grown. Then there were 3! Should be an interesting weekend!

If you, or anyone you know is considering getting a dog this spring. Please consider adopting a dog through one of the many rescue groups in your area. A great place to start is the website Petfinder.com. Seems most all rescue groups post on this site. So if your looking for a particular breed you'll find it here. There are so many animals, not just dogs, that come from all different types of bad situations that need homes. Brutus and Bruiser both came from puppy mills, where cruelty is in no shortage. My mothers dog Lex came from a home that had too many dogs. Other dogs are placed in rescue from broken homes, displaced residents, or simply by folks that weren't ready to make the commitment needed to own a dog. The thought of all those animals being simply 'problems' is totally untrue. Many of these groups are looking for help saving, transporting and fostering animals as well.

In 4 years, we have saved 4 dogs. Bandit, Lexi, Brutus and now Bruiser were, are or will be much better off because of it. Not only does it feel good. It's been BIG fun as well. Please consider adopting before buying. You'll be glad you did!