interest: Rainy Day work - 03/18/08 01:12 PM
When it's gray and gloomy outside so many of us try to stay inside. We are having a couldburst kind of day today in North Texas and the best thing about it is the flowers are just rejoicing! We have petunias in front of the office that are dancing in the … (0 comments)
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interest: Should We Ignore The Headlines? - 03/16/08 11:58 AM
From Time Magazine; February 2008
I recently came across this article that summarizes perfectly the current state of the real estate market here in South Orange County. And surprisingly...it has nothing to do with finding steals at 20-30% below market value, bottoming out prices or agents trying to trick their clients into … (0 comments)
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interest: Stop Timing the Market and BUY! - 03/12/08 09:07 AM
U.S. interest rates fell in February, creating a more brisk real estate market in Austin and other areas of the country.
Sorry to report, but rates are rising almost every week. Buyers are now faced with a common dilemma in today's buyer markets. They often ask...
"If home prices are still going down, … (3 comments)
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interest: Fannie Mae Insider Information on THE MARKET - 03/06/08 03:25 PM
THE MARKET - WHAT IS UP?
I have the answer...OK, maybe not the complete or just undeniably set in stone answer but here is an explanation from my inside source @ Fannie Mae:
"...a large number of calls from customers simply asking, what's going on? Why is the mortgage market trading lower every day? … (0 comments)
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interest: 100 Percent Financing to 580 still available at decent rates in California - 03/04/08 03:53 PM
A lot of people are aware of the CalHFA program, which provides 100% financing for first time home buyers (or those who have not owned for at least three years) for those who can go full doc and have a 620 fico (soo to be bumped to 680). And a lot … (1 comments)
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interest: Rate shopping? Use this as a tool to help do it right! - 03/04/08 12:39 PM
For those people that like to shop for the best rates, I have a tool to help you find not only a good rate, but a REAL rate and find out if you are working with a true mortgage professional or not. The link below is to a form that has … (7 comments)
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interest: Best Mortgage and Interest Rate Search Site- SEO focused spidey food - 03/04/08 11:48 AM
For Low Interest Rate FHA Mortgages.
For Low Interest Rate VA Mortgages.
For Low Interest Rate Conforming Mortgages.
For Low Interest Rate FNMA Mortgages.
For Low Interest Rate Freddie Mac Mortgages.
For Low Interest Rate Fannie Mae Mortgages.
For Low Interest Rate Conventional Mortgages.
For Low Interest Rate CalHFA Mortgages.
For Low Interest Rate California Housing Finance Administration Mortgages.
… (2 comments)
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interest: Current VA Home Rates - 03/02/08 08:34 PM
Current VA rates have lowered to 5.5% - APR 5.89%This is really good news for veteran borrowers who are looking for a VA home loan.A VA mortgage loan can assist many homeowners with a no down payment, and also for those that need a bad credit mortgage.VA home mortgages can assist a 1st time home buyer or a 2nd time … (0 comments)
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interest: Are you "Linked in"? - 02/29/08 09:32 AM
I look for ways to better my business from a technical standpoint all of the time. One of those ways is to reconnect with old friends and colleages. This site will let you do that as well and it's free at the basic level-or course you can do more if you … (4 comments)
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interest: Buyers: Should You Save Your Cash for Furniture OR Should You Purchase an Inspection? - 02/28/08 03:46 PM
Written by:Darleen McCullen, REALTOR®, BrokerKeller Williams RealtyPhone: 919.454.8864Email: darleen@darleenmc.com
Dear Buyer:
You may be wondering if you should actually spend your money for the home inspection that your real estate agent advises you to have - OR save it for the furniture and flat screen television?
As a REALTOR®, I advise all of my clients … (8 comments)
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interest: Senderra Commercial Funding - Outlined our programs - 02/28/08 12:29 PM
I have outlined our programs please note our recent changes... we will still entertain lower FICO...of 500Please pass on this recent update to all your team, due to the present market and approvals of loans.... we have noticed a trend in borrowers not making their initial mortgage payment on time, as … (0 comments)
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interest: Interest Rates and the Pure Expectations Theory - 02/27/08 08:27 PM
(WARNING: this article is long and detailed, and ends with a lot of math. If you want something short and mathless, please visit my article about cell phone plans getting cheaper.)
Last night, I lectured my Introduction to Financial Services class regarding several topics, one of which was the relationship between current and … (0 comments)
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interest: The 8th Habit went to Tennesee this weekend - 02/27/08 04:41 PM
SO did Swiss Family Robinson for my daughter. We try to encourage her to be as big a reader as we are so this last trip to the library I picked up the 8th Habit by Covey and since we were called out of town on Sunday afternoon-I took it with … (2 comments)
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interest: Rate lock advisory 2/26/08 - 02/26/08 01:04 PM
Rate Lock Advisory - Tuesday Feb. 26th Tuesday's bond market has opened in negative territory following stronger than expected inflation related readings. The stock markets are currently showing gains after opening with losses. The Dow is now up 80 points while the Nasdaq has gained 20 points. The bond market is … (1 comments)
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interest: The Truth About Traffic - 02/25/08 10:27 AM
I've been seeing these things a lot lately. Those black tubes stretched across the various roadways I drive. At first I thought they were some kind of traffic enforcement device and there were cops lurking nearby waiting for suckers like me to fly over them at unlawful speeds. But no, they are actually … (9 comments)
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interest: Financing 101 - 02/25/08 09:43 AM
If you're not a homeowner, you might be confused by the brouhaha surrounding loan defaults and foreclosures. Learn more by understanding the basic terms used to describe a mortgage.
A mortgage is a loan to finance your purchase, and uses the home as your collateral, which the lender can take back if … (0 comments)
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interest: Millionaire debt? - 02/21/08 06:23 PM
REALTORS can be very sensative people we take what we do seriously and to heart. We are like the rest of the world we really don't like to fail our customers and we love to get a win-win where everyone gets something valuable and walks away from the closing table happier … (0 comments)
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interest: How does a Real estate consultant spend a rainy day? - 02/21/08 05:55 PM
North Texas is brr cold-not as cold as other places in this fine country but, cold enough for us to pull our scarves closer around our necks and huddle just a little bit closer together. I am finding blankets in places I don't usually see them. There is one in my … (0 comments)
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interest: DON'T BE FOOLED BY APR NUMBER - 02/21/08 04:51 PM
Source: bankrate.com
The term "APR" is supposed to give consumers an easy way to compare loan offers, but if you use it as your only method of comparison you'll probably end up with the wrong loan. Confusing? Let's back up.
The Federal Truth in Lending Act requires lenders to disclose the APR - … (2 comments)
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interest: 2-18-08 / FED Cuts "Lost in Translation" - 02/18/08 09:51 AM
As I describe the effects of the FED actions on mortgage rates to my clients, I watch as they go slightly cross-eyed. Moments later the snoring begins. Seems like I'm over-expaining...I mean, newspaper headlines that read "FED cuts rates again" means that rates are going down. Simple, right?
Not so simple, come … (4 comments)
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interest: Do you Know what's on your Credit? Can You Help Your Buyer? - 02/18/08 07:26 AM
The financial world seems complex and sometimes defies common sense. Not been familiar with the mechanics of credit scores or actions that damage or improve the score, definitely impact your business and your ability to help your client. There are many quick housekeeping actions that can improve scores and rapidly accelerate ability … (1 comments)
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interest: What will the Feds do? - 02/14/08 01:34 PM
So......Why are rates heading higher? Is the economy really doing better?
Overnight in Tokyo , for example, US Treasury prices were lower, and rates higher, after a stronger-than-expected GDP number from Japan , which caused Asian stocks to rally. This followed a day in the US where the curve continued to … (0 comments)
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interest: The Economic High Wire Act! - 02/13/08 03:13 PM
Hello from Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Welcome to the IowaMortgageGuy Blog! Glad to have you as a guest and hope to see you back again soon. Hope you find the information useful and informative.
It takes a lot of effort to keep our countries financial system balanced. Have you ever wondered how some … (0 comments)
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interest: BankRate.com - 02/12/08 08:53 PM
Web site tip-of-the-day: Do these great interest rates have you thinking about doing a refi? Want to figure out your savings over your current mortgage? Or are you simply interested in becoming a more savvy investor? Check out the BankRate.com web site for easy-to-use calculators, articles on investing, tax tips, trends … (0 comments)
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interest: What's Behind the Change? - 02/11/08 07:42 AM
If you have an ARM, you probably selected it because it offered a lower initial interest rate. This lower initial rate:
Increased your borrowing powerProvided you with lower monthly payments than you would get from a fixed-rate mortgageHowever, the low initial rate doesn't stay that way forever; it's scheduled to change periodically. … (1 comments)
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interest: Running a 10K Only Took Me 6 Weeks! - 02/08/08 05:15 PM
10,007. Every point, every blog, every step has been worth it. A huge thank you to the AR community for your help in reaching my first 10,000 points. Yeah, it's about more than that, but as we all know, we are in a goal-oriented industry. We are measured by our performance. … (2 comments)
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interest: Trouble Moving a House Off the Market? - 02/07/08 07:01 AM
The sensationalized credit crunch is a problem for markets that are not necessarily having housing and building issues. The consumers in our Dallas market are not sure if the market accepts their good credit. The Federal Reserve trying to fix things with lowering interest rates will eventually level market fluctuation's out.
If … (0 comments)
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interest: What's Your After-Tax Mortgage Rate? - 02/06/08 10:06 AM
Many homeowners are entitled to two major tax deductions -- one for annual interest paid on a home loan, and another for real estate tax bills paid to government.
Calculating your approximate tax credit is basic:
Add mortgage interest paid and real estate taxes paid together Find your marginal tax rate Multiple your … (0 comments)
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interest: REO -v- NOD Solano County - 02/06/08 01:52 AM
Date- Feb 5, 2008-
It appears as if the current number of REO listings vs NOD/Foreclosure listings has now tipped toward a higher number of bank owned homes than NOD homes on today's active market, that, combined with the historically low interest rates and the popularity of Solano county as a centrally located, even … (2 comments)
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interest: One Down, Twenty-Five To Go - 02/05/08 09:11 AM
I just read an article about the 2007 Chicago Marathon and my calf muscles cramped just thinking about what these 25,000 people went through. In case you hadn't heard about it, Chicago had an unseasonably warm race day, to the tune of 82 degrees and 78% humidity at the start of … (13 comments)
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interest: Mutant Carrier Pigeons, Dancing Lizards, and Cashew Perfume - 02/04/08 02:09 PM
The Superbowl has come and gone, but the memories of the commercials linger in the air like the smell of wet socks. From what I heard, a 30-second time slot ran the advertisers something like $2.7M. Or $100,000 a second. Just you reading my first three sentences would've cost $500,000, if … (2 comments)
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interest: Lets Get Serious!! - 02/04/08 09:59 AM
Familiar with the law of supply and demand? In real estate right now, it may seem like the supply of homes for sale is much greater than the numbers of buyers demanding those homes, forcing prices down and decreasing activity. But what's really in shortage may be serious, legitimate sellers.
A committed … (0 comments)
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interest: The Sub Prime Issue and The Presidential Candidates - 02/04/08 09:57 AM
As Super Tuesday and the presidential elections get closer, I think it is important to take a look at where the candidates stand on the sub prime lending problems, as well as the plans they believe will improve our current mortgage situation. Whether it be a temporary moratoriums on foreclosures, universal … (2 comments)
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interest: Feds dropping the interest rates - 02/01/08 11:49 AM
Hello Evewrybody even though the Feds are dropping the interest rates to boost the economy if you do not have your credit up to par you still will be paying higher interest rates. Now you have to watch what is going on between the FICO scoring and the Vantage Scoring because … (0 comments)
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interest: Lennar announces 4.875% fixed 30 year this weekend.... - 01/31/08 04:34 PM
I received an email today where Lennar announces that they are offering a 4.875% fixed 30 year rate this weekend.
Per their email: This is the largest single rate cut since 1990. And Lennar, one of America's leading homebuilders, is prepared to match it, coast to coast, nationwide. Financing provided by … (0 comments)
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interest: I'm Mike Tullio and I Endorse The Following Message - 01/31/08 03:25 PM
I laugh every time I see a political ad on TV and at the end, the candidate's mug pops on screen, they offer up a cheesy smile, stare sincerely into the camera, and tell us how they endorse the commercial. Really. Oh, now I believe all of the political wrangling and … (12 comments)
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interest: Burning Your Tongue Despite the Warning Label - 01/30/08 12:58 PM
<-----Do you see it? The little warning at the bottom of the cup telling you how extremely hot your beverage is? I saw it too, but I figured enough time had passed since ordering my venti, and I tipped the cup back and proceeded to sear the kris kringle out of … (7 comments)
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interest: Fed Expected to Cut a Key Interest Rate for a Fifth Time.1/30/2008 - 01/30/08 09:39 AM
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke and his colleagues held an emergency videoconference call on Jan. 21 after a turbulent day on world markets when investors grew increasingly worried about what a recession in the United States
Some believe the Fed will settle into a series of quarter-point moves,other are waiting for 1/2 … (0 comments)
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interest: Calling all South Jersey Realtors and mortgage brokers/bankers - 01/29/08 11:40 AM
Calling all South Jersey Realtors and Mortgage brokers!!! Are your first time homebuyers seminars working or are they dry? Do you know about the Vantage Scroing System and how it will affect both of your businesses? Would you like to increase your sales this year?
Give me a call I am looking … (0 comments)
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interest: Calling all South Jersey Realtors and mortgage brokers/bankers - 01/29/08 11:40 AM
Calling all South Jersey Realtors and Mortgage brokers!!! Are your first time homebuyers seminars working or are they dry? Do you know about the Vantage Scroing System and how it will affect both of your businesses? Would you like to increase your sales this year?
Give me a call I am looking … (0 comments)
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interest: When Houses Sit - 01/27/08 07:47 PM
I had the distinct pleasure of working with a referral customer this weekend. We had spent some time together at the end of last year, but with her husband involved in contracting and the slow down in the marketplace they were too nervous to own a home at this time.
This week, … (12 comments)
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interest: Financial Planning Power Lunch - 01/25/08 03:43 PM
Being part of the Education Committee, I'm one of the first to hear about the new seminars that will be offered at the board. Kevin Doherty & Bill Murray from Investors Group put on a Power Lunch on Financial Planning on Wed. I've heard similar presentations before from a friend who … (2 comments)
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interest: Still think you can't get a loan? Fed's decision may change your mind! - 01/25/08 12:14 PM
The Federal Government has realized (finally) what all of the bad press has been doing to the housing market and that affects many people's jobs. I always tell people who ask for housing advice to follow the jobs. If they are relocating check out the job market even if you are … (0 comments)
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interest: Ignoring the Dashboard Warning Lights - 01/24/08 08:52 AM
We've all done it. You're driving along and suddenly a bright little icon blinks on. Check engine it tells you. So what do we do? Ignore it. Hope it flickers out. Maybe it's just stuck. My engine is fine; it must be a mistake. I'll deal with it later. Pretty light, … (4 comments)
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interest: What's interesting to you? - 01/24/08 08:06 AM
This morning I saw this blog entry, and it sparked my imagination. It got me thinking: What's interesting to me? And what might others find interesting about me?
Certainly, people come to ActiveRain for all-things-real-estate. But that's hardly enough, unless you're really, truly, JUST interested in real estate. How many Realtors do you … (2 comments)
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interest: The Fed lending rate reduction only helps the Banks. - 01/23/08 12:29 PM
Please wait while I set my soap box down. I am about to give my opinion on this disgusting turn of events by our government.
The Fed lending rate cut, for the most part, bails out the Banks.
The short term Fed rate is the rate Banks can barrow from the Fed resulting in them … (0 comments)
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interest: Line Dancing: More Than A Country Music Fad - 01/22/08 05:22 PM
I was never any good at line dancing. Nor did I look good in tight jeans, boots, and a cowboy hat. But the line dancing this post refers to isn't done to a Brooks and Dunn song. The DJ in this case is Fannie Mae. The tune they are playing is … (10 comments)
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interest: Federal Reserve Makes Drastic Rate Cut Based on Recession Fears - 01/22/08 05:19 PM
From everywhere it is being reported that the Federal Reserve today dropped its key interest rate from 4.25% to 3.75%. The largest drop since 1990! Fears of a coming (or present) recession in the United States was the apparent reason given for this large drop. With the sluggish housing market being … (0 comments)
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interest: Your 5-minute guide to credit cards - 01/20/08 04:04 AM
Your 5-minute guide to credit cards
Credit cards do have some benefits, but it's easy to get into financial trouble if you rely on them too much. Here are more than a dozen tips for using cards wisely.
advertisement
Article Tools
E-mail to a friendTools IndexPrint-friendly versionSite MapDiscuss in a Message BoardArticle IndexBy MSN Money … (4 comments)
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interest: VantageScoring VS Fico - 01/19/08 11:41 AM
Well the credit bureaus are at it again. They are battling. How many know what Vantage Scoring is? How many know how it will affect their lives? Well visit www.credittalk101.com or call me personally at 609-685-7474 to find out more. This is going to impact how you are going to do … (3 comments)
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interest: Dude, Your ARMS Are Looking Good! - 01/18/08 02:01 PM
No, not a self-photo. Although I did pump some iron this morning to keep the pythons looking healthy. More importantly, I took a look at my wholesale lender rate sheets today, and it turns out, I'm the dumbell.
Funny how you get used to doing things a certain way, and for the … (9 comments)
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interest: Interest is it really 6% or 102% - 01/17/08 03:43 PM
Mortgage Interest Is Stealing Your Retirement - Your 6% Loan May Really Be 102%
There was a time when we had no choice to pay that much interest! Today we can look at a company, at their idea and we can test drive their product to see the advantages it offers us … (3 comments)
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interest: 13 Important Details to Know About Your Mortgage - 01/17/08 02:51 PM
Whether you choose to open your mortgage with Province Mortgage Associates, or with another institution, there are several important details you should know before beginning the mortgage process. Because so many mortgage difficulties begin with last minute surprises about your mortgage, I have assembled this checklist to assist you in your search … (0 comments)
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interest: It's A Full Doc World, and I'm A Full Doc Girl. - 01/16/08 09:37 AM
No, I'm not really a girl. I think I had a Madonna song stuck in my head. But the heart of my title is this: Lenders are slowly squeezing loans back into the full doc box. If you haven't heard, no doc loans are gone (other than hard money). In fact, … (11 comments)
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interest: Are your clients interested in saving money? - 01/16/08 08:47 AM
Are your clients interested in saving money?
Today's economy is sluggish yet there are thousands of people, who are always looking ahead to a brighter future. I decided to help my clients explore what I learned recently. I call it the art of smart money management.
My wife loves to shop, what … (0 comments)
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interest: Are You a Donkey or a Moose? - 01/15/08 09:11 AM
No, this is not a question about which political party you favor. It is a question I'd like you to consider. I was jogging on the treadmill in the gym this morning burning off some holiday grease and I saw this news blurb come on about a moose that fell through … (21 comments)
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interest: Debt Management radio show - 01/15/08 07:35 AM
Hello all members come listen to our radio slhow on debt management. the station is www.worldtalkradio.com and the studio is A the name of the show is credit talk 101 and the time is Wedneasday January 16th at 3pm est. Please call in with questions and or comments and look forward … (3 comments)
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interest: The World's Biggest Lender: The Universal Bank of Ameriwide - 01/11/08 08:33 AM
So it's really going to happen: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22606833/
It's funny. I've seen quite a few posts about this in the past week. Rumors of CW going BK. Rebuttals from the PR spin doctors at Countrywide. Every prediction under the sun from media pundits to the fine folks in AR. And here we … (12 comments)
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interest: Hunting Rabbits With a Bowling Ball - 01/10/08 05:07 PM
Is anyone else having a hard time keeping up? Just when you think you learn the new rules of lending, they change. You study program guidelines, check out lender websites, grill your account execs, and tattoo new Fannie Mae manuals on your forearm to no avail. I'm just too slow.
OK. 100% No … (6 comments)
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interest: This is an interesting article about Listing. Lancaster and Lebanon markets look good with the interest rates going down. - 01/10/08 03:24 PM
Major variables to consider before signing listing Monday, January 07, 2008
By Dian Hymer Inman News
Generally, existing-home sales have declined broadly over the past year. Some economists don't see a significant improvement in the home-sale market happening for perhaps another year or so. However, according to a report issued by the … (0 comments)
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interest: New Year's Resolution - Losing Rate - 01/10/08 10:07 AM
New Year’s Resolution – Losing RateWell, I managed to get through the holidays without completely blowing my diet and packing on the pounds. For most of us, the end of the year Christmas cookie grazing is always quickly followed by fervent vows to lose those extra pounds, marathon sessions at the … (1 comments)
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interest: Analysis Paralysis - 01/09/08 05:04 PM
Proverbs 23:7 "As a man thinketh, so he is." What if a man thinketh way too much and doesn't doeth anything about it? Then we have a serious real estate log jam with inventory out the ying-yang. Being a mortgage consultant, I see the financial side of real estate transactions and … (0 comments)
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interest: Such Cutting Remarks - 01/08/08 11:17 AM
OK, the title is a little misleading. The cutting remarks I'm referring to aren't the ones that professional wrestlers hurl at one another before grappling on the WWE. I'm talking about the ones the Federal Reserve (more specifically, the FOMC) are in charge of implementing. Recently there have been some remarks that seem … (5 comments)
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interest: I'd Like To Sell A Vowel, Please. - 01/07/08 09:56 AM
It blows my mind, but back in 1939, an author did publish a 50,000 word book, "Gadsby", without using an "e". Crazy, I know. What an amazing thing to accomplish. This Wright guy had such focus and insight; his singularity of thought did allow him to attain his goal.
How was a story told … (20 comments)
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interest: Can You Spare Some Change? Need AR Help! - 01/06/08 09:05 AM
So it's been a little over two weeks (since joining) and close to 5,000 points later and I'm asking for some help from my AR brethren. I've got a couple of questions; feel free to chime in and let me know what you think.
1. I know that posting to my blog … (8 comments)
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interest: I Give Thee Seven, No, Eight Commandments! - 01/04/08 09:21 AM
OK. It's January 4th and if we're honest, many of the resolutions we made, both personal and business, have been compromised. We've snuck some chocolate, slept through our alarm rather than go to the gym, and chewed on our fingernails in a nervous moment. But take heart! If you set goals … (10 comments)
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interest: Squeeze 10 Lemons - 01/03/08 09:34 AM
I was talking with one of my loan officers yesterday who was struggling with putting deals together and finding leads. He was telling me how hard things are and how it seems like lenders are constricting their guidelines. True. He mentioned how difficult it is to put loans together. True. He … (15 comments)
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interest: The Time in between times-a better time to buy. - 01/02/08 08:51 AM
Why buy a home in North TEXAS in January 2008?
There are a few good reasons to think about a purchase at this time of year:
1. The rates are the lowest we have seen in years and while they will probably stay this low or even drop a tiny bit before the … (0 comments)
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interest: Potato Chips, Floss, and Fear of Committment - 01/02/08 08:48 AM
It was New Year's Day 1986 that I decided to give up potato chips. Don't ask why. I think I weighed about a buck thirty at the time, so it wasn't about shedding pounds. I guess it was about discipline. I figured if I gave up something I really liked, I … (9 comments)
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interest: Do you ever wish there was a RESET button for your life? - 12/31/07 12:59 PM
When I was a little kid, I used to have a slight video game addiction. Not that I was any good, but if things weren't going my way trying to get to the next level of a game, I'd just hit the RESET button. Problem solved. Well, I still wasn't any … (7 comments)
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interest: Will rates dip into the fives by the end of the year? They just did! - 12/31/07 09:32 AM
We're finishing 2007 on a positive note as mortgage-backed bond prices have ridden the UP escalator the past 3 sessions (+9 bps today) and interest rates are loving it. With a few of my lenders, rates have dipped into the high 5% range. If you look back at my past few blog entries, … (2 comments)
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interest: I Don't Care about the Monthly Payment! What is the Price of The House! - 12/29/07 05:28 PM
Who do we, as Realtors have the right to walk through someones home. The reason for our visit is to aid in the sale of a property. Therefore ethically, any time we tour a property, it is only for the sale of it. So we can only be taking a buyer … (53 comments)
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interest: Mortgage Rates - 12/29/07 01:07 AM
Mortgage rates trended upwards again at the largest banks in Hawaii. After dropping below 5.75% last week, we saw rates offered at 5.875 percent and 1.5 -1.625 points on a thirty year fixed rate loan. American Savings Bank and Central Pacific Home loans both offered a six percent rate with 1.75 points. This followed … (0 comments)
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interest: Boing! Bonds Bounce Back Beautifully. - 12/28/07 09:39 AM
What goes down must come up! OK, so maybe the housing market still has a way to go before the media proclaims a full recovery, but for the day, rates have taken a turn for the better. The FNMA 5.5% Bond is up a whopping 50 basis points and that is … (2 comments)
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interest: Ham Hangover - 12/26/07 02:08 PM
Interest rates are eating a healthy portion of leftovers from the main course we had earlier in the week: a bunch of goose eggs and a lame duck. With no good news to feed off and a stock market that's trying to make a comeback, mortgage-backed securities are currently down 16 bps, … (1 comments)
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interest: A Bounce of Prevention? - 12/24/07 09:04 AM
Monday morning and mortgage-backed bonds must have missed their cup of coffee as they are drooping miserably down 22 bps. The bond sell-off continues and we are resting on an important floor of resistance called the 50-day moving average. This puts rates in the 6.25-6.375% range for the day. The question is: … (1 comments)
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interest: Money Management ----Very Short - 12/23/07 07:16 PM
HOW MUCH DOES IT REALLY COST
COMPOUND GROWTH
Now I am not for not spending the money that you make, however you do need to consider the future cost of goods. Here is a schedule of compound growth @ 15% based on five year increments for the years before retirement.
20 YEARS @ 15%-------16 … (11 comments)
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interest: Bond Bombshell - 12/21/07 01:55 PM
It's 2:45 EST and the bond market is getting whacked harder than a pinata at a 4-year old's birthday party. Since my blog posting this morning, the Fannie Mae mortgage-backed securities fallen even farther down the rabbit hole and the currently stand at -50 bps. That's a hefty loss. Turns out … (5 comments)
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interest: Shop and Bonds Drop! - 12/21/07 09:38 AM
A big economic number was released this morning called the PCE (Personal Consumptions Expenditures). It basically measures how much the average consumer is spending and believe it or not, wallets and purses are coming out more than ever. The number was expected to come in at 2.0%, but it exceeded … (3 comments)
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interest: Linn and Benton County Homebuyer Assistance Programs - 12/20/07 04:26 PM
You have found yourself in conversation about 1st time homebuyer assistance programs and didn't know exactly where to go, how hard it is, or who to trust. As a local agent, and resident for almost 30 years, I savor the hard work to match eligible customers with these programs. I have … (0 comments)
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interest: Rate Expectations - 12/20/07 01:24 PM
Did anyone see where my 5% interest rate went?The mystery of what controls interest rates rivals the Bermuda Triangle and why women like shoes so much. It's funny to listen to "industry experts" talk about the 10-year T-Note being a leading indicator of which way rates will head on a daily … (4 comments)
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interest: Another quater percent rate cut built-in to our rates! - 12/14/07 10:15 PM
Apparently the FED wasn't listening to our prayers. They only reduced the rate by a quarter-percent. These are more symbolic than anything else. From all the mortgage brokers that I have spoken with, rates have remained unchanged as a result of this cut. Had the FED reduced it rate a full half-percent, … (2 comments)
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interest: EDGEIO is out... Enter HGTV! - 12/08/07 06:36 AM
While perusing my feeds, WSJ on line, etc., etc., this morning, I noticed articles about the shut down/closing of Edgeio, which led to the article about the closing of CompUSA. while not quite so relevant , interesting at best.
My seat partner on a recent flight back to North Carolina from the … (0 comments)
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interest: Realtor December Magazine In Review: - 12/07/07 03:55 PM
If you're a member of the National Association of Realtors you should have gotten your issue already. Every month this thing comes in my mailbox and I used to really think it was a waste. Most of the time it was just a pep-rally session for other Realtors or hashed and rehashed … (5 comments)
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interest: Think All Credit Cards Are The Same? - 12/06/07 04:33 PM
You may be right!
During the holiday season, merchants, advertisements, and sometimes even our President, urge us to get out there and spend. This year, while this is going on, Congress readies itself to attack the unfair practices of credit card companies. Senators have been recieving increased numbers of complaints from consumers … (4 comments)
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interest: government foreclosure help? Real or No Real? - 12/06/07 03:29 PM
Many people are talking about the possible government intervention in the foreclosure crisis that would freeze rates at 5 years for people expecting increases. The thing most people do not know is that if the government does intervene that these freezes would not be mandated but voluntary. Mortgage companies would elect … (0 comments)
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interest: Bush Bailout Plan? - 12/05/07 07:15 PM
Bush Bailout Plan? - Mission Viejo by John Alesi, Mission Viejo REALTOR® Mission Viejo CA Real Estate As reported on the Reuters website today, Prez Bush may be unveiling a plan to bring mortgage relief to so of the 2 million homeowners that are facing steeply increasing interest rates on … (0 comments)
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interest: The cost of your mortgage loan - 12/03/07 05:24 AM
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interest: Why you want an agent protecting your intersts - 12/03/07 05:13 AM
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interest: Credit Card Interest - 11/27/07 10:46 AM
Now that the world has changed my seller's are getting socked with more bad news. Credit card companies have raised interest rates. The companies don't write a letter to let them know. The seller (or buyer) gets their statement and suddenly the minimum payment is $100 more than it was last … (5 comments)
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interest: Interest Rates Down - 11/26/07 02:20 PM
Interest rates on home loans continue to inch down. According to the Honolulu Board of Realtors, HBR, the First Hawaiian Bank offered 5.75 on thirty year fixed rate mortgages. To get the full story, you might want to click on the following link: .bizjournals.com/pacific/stories/2007/11/19/daily42.html?f=et71&ana=e_du … (2 comments)
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interest: Freddie Mac is in trouble! - 11/20/07 07:31 PM
Did you hear about the Freddie Mac third quarter loss? Go to http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071120/earns_freddie_mac.html
What does this mean for our industry? Any insights?
Stocks for Freddie Mac our at their lowest in 14 years, down 29% according to the articles, Fannie Mae is down 25%.
I think now I am worried.
Of course in the … (3 comments)
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interest: Fed Rate Review - 11/17/07 02:17 PM
"I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW, THE RAIN IS GONE..." Johnny Nash hit number one on the charts with this classic tune in 1972...and 35 years later, Fed Chairman Big Ben Bernanke is singing the same tune, mentioning in comments last week that the Fed would be more transparent so we … (0 comments)
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interest: Ladies and Gentlemen: - 11/08/07 05:14 PM
Ladies and Gentlemen; "Hello." My name is Matt and I am brand new to the blogosphere. This is my first blog on AR (picked that up reading all of your own blogs!) I am a Realtor® with Keller Williams Realty Diamond Group, Inc. in Olathe, KS. I really don't know how, … (22 comments)
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interest: Case Study #1 ....MMA vs Equity Harvesting - 11/06/07 12:20 AM
Finally I'm able to discuss one of my cases. I've have of course left out the names, so this particular borrower will go by our beloved name of John and Jane Doe. John lives in hypothetical Bacon, Alabama, and for kicks and giggles 30 years old. John and Jane talk to … (1 comments)
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interest: How Much Are You Losing??? - 11/05/07 09:53 AM
Today's real estate market provides an excellent opportunity for renters to turn their monthly payments into equity. While rising slightly, interest rates now are still much lower than in the past ten to twenty years, and home prices in many areas are adjusting back down to reflect reasonable levels of appreciation.
It's … (0 comments)
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interest: A Balancing Act - 11/05/07 09:44 AM
"Buyers market." "Sellers market." What does it all mean when you find yourself ready to buy or sell a home?
The basic concept behind a "buyers market" is that there are more houses or residential properties for sale in your community than there are buyers qualified to make a purchase. This creates … (0 comments)
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interest: RE Agents, are you open-minded? Get your FREE REPORT HERE! - 11/03/07 08:55 AM
Superstar agents, professionals and RE Celebrities!
This isn't beer, but this Post's for YOU!
My name is Corry Green, I work in Atlanta, GA with Foundation Financial Group ; Trusted Partner of Equifax and backed by the U.S. Government. I am hoping to first and foremost absorb industry knowledge from those … (0 comments)
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interest: List Prices Drop in Big Cities - 11/02/07 01:19 AM
Here is a link to an article on REALTOR® Magazine.
http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2007103104?OpenDocument
In many cities across the United States prices are dropping. Really? Are they? I did not notice. Nor did I hear anything about this on the news. In reality it is hard to pick up a paper, read an online article, or … (0 comments)
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interest: Tips for investors - 11/02/07 01:12 AM
I read an article on REALTOR® Magazine that gives 8 points for investors to look for when contemplating a purchase of an investment. I will not go into detail, but the tips given are pretty good and they could be printed out and given to our investor clients who might need … (1 comments)
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