There seems to be this "mindset of fear" running rampant.  We the public, and all throughout the housing industry, seem to be listening to the media. We hear about all the foreclosures, about the economic problems and we worry. We're just flat afraid and it seems that we don't know if we should take the next step or not.

I'd like to share some facts that were shared with me by a favorite loan officer. Hopefully this will put a few things into perspective for you.

· FACT: Interest rates are where they were back in the 1960's, back when gas was just .35 cents a gallon and postage was only .08 cents.

· FACT: Today home prices are at record lows in most markets, back to where they were in 2003.

· FACT: There are tons of great loan programs out there: FHA, VA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac.

· FACT: You don't need 20% down. There is still a no money down program, 3½% down programs, and even special programs like the new "HomePath" program that requires as little as 3% down and even funding for investment properties with as little as 10% down.

· FACT: If you have a job, have a paycheck stub, and have decent credit, you CAN get a home!

· FACT: When interest rates go up, they skyrocket! You could wake up tomorrow morning and lose a half a point or more. Take advantage of what's available NOW! Don't try to outsmart the market, go with what you know... today.

· FACT: First Time Home Buyers, or anyone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years, may qualify for the new $8,000.00 stimulus tax credit. (And this one DOES NOT need to be repaid!)

· FACT: The Money is there! Unfortunately the media has made it look like there's no money at all, and that's just not fair!

Your job is to get yourself educated, get the facts, learn about the new technologies available to you through your Real Estate Agent, learn and get comfortable with the process. Don't let the great opportunities of today pass you by! Consult a professional today!  You may be surprised at what is available for you and your family in this market. Do It Now! Don't Wait!

Here's another bit of information that may surprise you:

February 2009 - Metrocities / Prospect Mortgage (the company my friend works with) funded over $899,000,000.00  in mortgage loans - That's almost a billion dollars!

If there truly was no money out there, how could this have been possible?

Suzanne Gallegos-Salt Lake City, Utah Real Estate

Service First - Just ask me to prove it!