It started off simply enough. I had been updating site by hand to keep mortgage rates up to date. So I wanted to create a widget that would automatically update my website with current mortgage rates. Sounds easy enough right? But once I got started I just kept going. As long as I was putting in 30 year mortgages why not put in 15 year and 5 year and 1 year arms. I mean as long as I was doing it.
Then I discovered I could graph rates. How cool was that!
Not very cool according to my wife. And every new instance of "oh look at this" was meeted with "I thought you were finished with that last weekend". Anyway once I discovered I could graph rates why not create a tool so I could look at historical mortgage rates then I could look at rates back until the 1970's. Sweet. I mean it wouldn't take that much longer? Right? Ok well maybe it did take that much longer. But it was kind of cool. And then as long as I had a tool why not put in toggles so you could look at mortgage rates over the last few years but you could also switch the graph to see what the mortgage would be on a 200k loan for the last few years. I mean thats kind of interesting?
About this time I had realized this was all getting kind of ridiculous. And my wife was kind of doing ok considering I was ignoring her for a mortgage rate graph but I wash kind of pushing my luck.
So anyway now I have a little widget on my homepage that automatically updates each week with current mortgage rates. So in the spirit of AR, which is sharing our ideas, this is my contribution. If any Active Rain members want a widget on their website with updated mortgage rates I wrote a page here Mortgage interest rates that gives details on how to install it on your site.
Ki is an Austin realtor. He helps buyers interested in Austin real estate and writes little widgets.
Realtor - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Rancho Cucamonga, Real Estate Specialist
Yes, Yes an obsession with a project. Kind of like how we all get when we first start Activerain. But, I must say very cool. And, I think it is great you are willing to share. Thank You! Now, take the wife to a retreat for the weekend . . . time to makeup.
Mar 29, 2008 01:27 AM
Realtor - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Rancho Cucamonga, Real Estate Specialist
Yes, Yes an obsession with a project. Kind of like how we all get when we first start Activerain. But, I must say very cool. And, I think it is great you are willing to share. Thank You! Now, take the wife to a retreat for the weekend . . . time to makeup.
Mar 29, 2008 01:28 AM
Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO
Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes
Thank you for sharing. And the wife says "Whew, Thank God that is over". I agree with Kathryn take her off for the weekend and forget about anything else for now.
Mar 29, 2008 01:30 AM
Austin, TX
Austin Real Estate
Kathryn and Don - Yeah I think I need to forget about widgets for awhile and take the wife out somewhere fun.
Judy - I'm glad you are using it. Thats exciting.
Mar 29, 2008 01:36 AM
Keller Williams- Louisville - Louisville, KY
Real Estate Agent
Hey thanks for saving us time lol, Ill check into it after I get back from the post office--Bart
Mar 29, 2008 01:39 AM
JimmyMcCall.com - Cunningham, TN
The Ex-Mortgage Consultant
Ki, (as in key) I would love to add this widget to my website. Thank you for your hard work.
Mar 29, 2008 06:51 AM
Nest Realty - Blacksburg, VA
Virginia Real Estate
Ki, I can't wait to add the widget to my site. I hope to took, or plan to take, your wife out to a nice dinner where you do not discuss mortgage rates!
Tina in Virginia
Mar 29, 2008 08:30 AM
Carolina MaxRealty, Inc. - Raleigh, NC
MBA, Knightdale & Raleigh, NC Real Estate
Thanks for sharing Ki. I've been looking for something like this for my site. BTW, I'm one for prolonging simple projects too, so you're not alone.
Mar 29, 2008 02:48 PM
Realty One Group Mountain Desert - Tucson, AZ
Real Estate Is About People
Ki, thanks for the link to the widget - I've had a few people comment on it, so I provided a link to this post. Hopefully you'll get something out of it. Again, Thanks.
Apr 18, 2008 04:58 PM
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results
Ki - Great little tool - now if your wife can spare you one for the Canadian Market would be real cool - on second thought you'd better not I do not wish to be the cause of family breakups
Apr 21, 2008 11:58 PM
Coldwell Banker High Country, Murphy NC - Murphy, NC
#1 agent choice in Murphy NC
What a great tool!! And even an internet dummy like me could follow your directions and install it. Thank you so much, and thank your wife too!!!
Apr 24, 2008 08:54 AM
Cardinal Financial Company, Limited Partnership - Carrollton, TX
James Jeter
Got to say that I enjoyed the story more than anything. The second title got me hooked!
Apr 24, 2008 10:31 AM
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