April Views You Can Use

Easy come. Easy Go? - We've all heard that famous line, but in today's economy good news doesn't come as easy as it seems to go away. For example, personal incomes don't seem to rise as quickly as inflation takes them away. And that's just the beginning of the news items coming and going. The articles below shed more light on those important topics

Personal Income Rose...Or Did It?

One of the most important elements of the economy is the consumer. After all, how much money consumers have, how much they're willing to spend, and how they feel about the economy as a whole can have huge implications on the flow of money to goods and services. And that flow of money, in turn, impacts whether companies hire new employees to help meet the demand for their products and services.


Late last month, we received some mixed news. On the one hand, reports on Personal Income and Personal Spending came in near expectations. On the other hand, however, there's more to those numbers than meets the eye.


One element that isn't getting much news is the impact of inflation on consumer incomes. For example, let's take a look at the Fed's favorite gauge of inflation--the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) report, which measures inflation at the consumer level. This report met expectations last month...but only when volatile products like energy and food weren't factored in. When energy and food were added into the calculation, we actually saw a slight rise in inflation.


Now, let's go back to Personal Income to see why inflation matters. When we subtract the rise in Personal Income from the rise in inflation, we see that income actually declined slightly because prices went up more than income. And this isn't the only month that has happened. In 3 out of the last 4 months, we have seen incomes decline when we consider the impact of inflation on income. The rise in fuel prices is a big culprit in this negative trend and it highlights how high oil prices can be a detriment to the economy.


In addition, the US savings rate declined to the lowest level in nearly 3 years. The big drop coming from the pickup in spending combined with the decline in income (if you have less income and you spend more, than the increased spending comes at the expense of savings).


The bottom line is that it's nice to see increased spending, but we are going to need an increase in income in order for the increased spending to continue. That said, there's still good news for people in the market for a home or refinance. Bonds and home loan rates remain at historic levels, which means now is still a great time to purchase or refinance a home. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you or someone you know.

What To Watch: Fed Meets Later This Month

With all the news about the economy and the potential concerns over future inflation, a big news item to watch is the Fed Meeting that will take place later this month. Here's what you need to know!


What is it? The Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) consists of the seven Governors of the Federal Reserve Board and five Federal Reserve Bank presidents. The FOMC meets eight times a year in order to determine the near-term direction of monetary policy. Changes in monetary policy are now announced immediately after FOMC meetings.


When will it take place? The next meeting is scheduled to take place April 24-25, 2012.


Why does it matter? Last month's Fed Statement was not a glowing endorsement of the economy, but they did admit that things are improving in most areas except housing, which remains "depressed." While improvement in our economy is good, if this trend continues home loan rates could edge higher. Why? Because Stocks often benefit in strong economic times at the expense of Bonds (including Mortgage Bonds, which home loan rates are based on).


What to listen for this month? There are two important topics that some experts have been paying close attention to--one is the potential rise of inflation and the second is the possibility that the Fed will initiate another round of Bond buying (called Quantitative Easing or QE3). In terms of inflation, the Fed acknowledged that inflation could increase in the near-term, due to higher energy prices. Remember: higher inflation is never good news for Bonds as inflation hurts the return of a fixed investment. And we did see some hints of this. If hints of inflation pick up in the weeks or months ahead, this could hurt Bonds and home loan rates. In terms of QE3, the Fed didn't mention another round of Bond buying in last month's statement. But the markets will be keeping a close eye on the Fed this month for any hints about either of those topics.


I'll continue monitoring the Fed and any news that may impact the markets. If you have any questions about economic reports and how they impact home loan rates, please call or email me. I'm always happy to explain what's going on and how it impacts the rate you can get based on your unique situation.

30-Minute Workouts. When One Hour Is Too Much To Ask

Spring is in the air. For many people that means it's time to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather. But it can also mean it's time to start thinking about getting back in shape after the long winter months. If you're busy but want to start fitting a little exercise into your day or week, here are a few suggestions to help get you moving in the right direction. (Please Note: Always be sure to check with your doctor prior to beginning a new exercise routine!)


The Walk/Run Combo (40 minutes): Start off this routine with 5 minutes of stretching. Five minutes (when stretching) is longer than you think, so by the time you're done, you'll be ready to move your body. Next, it's on to the cardio portion of the workout. Some of you may like jogging, but it's not necessarily something everyone enjoys. If you identify with the latter, simply replace the running with either power-walking or a combination of walking and running.


The first step is to strap an old watch to your wrist. This way you know the exact amount of time that has elapsed. Head out for a run through your neighborhood, and, as soon as you hit the 15-minute mark, turn back. Like magic, you'll be home in a half hour. Spend an additional five minutes stretching, and you're done. The entire workout has only taken 40 minutes out of your day!


Once again, this technique works well for power-walkers and for interval running. Interval running is nothing more than alternating walking with running for specific amounts of time. Start with one minute of walking followed by one minute of running and so on, until you reach 30 minutes. As you get stronger, increase the amount of running time and decrease (if you wish) the amount of walking time.


Circuit Training (30 minutes + possible drive time to a gym): This workout is great for anyone with a gym membership, as well as those who have decent weight equipment sitting around in their garage. Chances are both have gone unused because of the preconceived notion that gym workouts take several hours. Not true. Circuit training combines weight training with cardio by featuring lighter weights, more repetitions, and less time in between sets. Here's how it works: Start by picking one exercise for each body part. For example, bench press for chest, military press for shoulders, curls for biceps, sit-ups for stomach, etc. Set them up in your desired order and that becomes your "circuit." Do one set of each exercise and without resting, continue on to the next exercise. Once you've completed the circuit, rest for 3 minutes and do it again. Concentrate on using lighter weights and keeping your repetitions in the 12 to 15 range. If you get through each circuit in 8 m inutes, and you rest for 3 minutes in between, your total workout time is 30 minutes. Add a few minutes for stretching, and you're toned and ready to face the world.


Play a Sport (30 to 45 minutes): Playing a little one-on-one basketball, swimming laps, or hitting a punching bag are amazing workouts. Don't be surprised at how quickly 30 minutes will pass when you combine your workout with some type of game or sport. The downside to this type of workout, however, is it usually requires either another participant or specific equipment. Make sure you really like the sport before investing too much time, energy, or money into making it part of your regular workout.


The Anywhere Workout (10 to 30 minutes): This is a good option for those days when you're extremely busy or stuck in a location where you can't utilize the aforementioned workouts. Start by stretching for a full 10 minutes. This should be vigorous stretching where you hold each stretch for 20 seconds. After that, if you feel up to it, spend the next 10 minutes alternating sets of push-ups and various forms of sit-ups (classic sit-ups, crunches, twists, etc.). If you still have the time and energy, then do several intervals with a jump rope. This underrated cardiovascular exercise can travel anywhere, and it will work wonders on your calves.


The most important thing you should take from this article is the notion that it's not necessarily important to pick just one workout. Use all of them. If you mix up your routine, don't be surprised if you end up working out more. You may also find that it's easier to set aside a half hour of your day, every day, than it was to set aside two hours, three to four times a week.

Q&A: Property Taxes?

QUESTION: Property taxes too high?


ANSWER: We may be at the height of income tax season, but hoping you'll be getting a refund isn't the only thing you should be thinking about this time of year...especially if you're a homeowner. That's because the National Taxpayers Union (a nonprofit citizen group) estimates that between 30 and 60 percent of properties are assessed for too high of a value, resulting in an incorrectly larger property tax bill.


Taking the time to review your property tax bill could save you a nice chunk of change. And the good news is that submitting an appeal can be a fairly simple process, but make sure to take the time to fill out all forms in advance and be prepared with your documentation if there is an in-person hearing that needs to take place. To help you out, the National Taxpayers Union offers a checklist that walks you through some important steps in the process.


If you have any questions that I can help with at this time, please call or email today. It will only take a few moments to discuss what's going in the markets and how it impacts your unique goals and situation.

March Views You Can Use

"I love to mix it up. I love to keep doing different things." - Actor Clive Owen. The economic headlines over the past month have been sending a mixed message - with one report leaning one way and the next report saying something different. Overall, however, things are slowly looking up. The articles below can help you make sense of what's happening...and what you should watch for in the near future.

Mixed News in the Housing Market  

The housing industry received mixed news last month. For example, in a report released in February, Existing Home Sales (which includes sales for single-family homes, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops) rose in January. That marks three gains in the past four months. In addition, the supply of existing homes on the market came in at its lowest level since April 2006.

However, New Home Sales for January fell slightly to come in at 321,000 units. On the flip side, the number of new homes sold in December was revised upward--from 307,000 to 324,000.

In terms of home loan rates, one of the major topics to watch is the seemingly endless negotiation between Greece, investors, and central bankers. At the end of last month, those parties came to an agreement that will help Greece fund itself through March and into the future. The mixed news, however, is that the country still needs to institute economic reform and austerity measures to provide any real relief to its financial problems in the future. So, any deal with Greece will be very tough to implement and a default could still occur...which makes this an important topic to keep close watch on.

The good news is that despite the mixed news, Bonds and home loan rates remain at historic levels, which means now is still a great time to purchase or refinance a home. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you or someone you know.

What to Watch: Inflation Reports  

Although it isn't much of a factor now, at some point inflation could be front and center with all of the cheap cash that is available currently. 

In fact, Dallas Fed Bank President Richard Fisher recently said that "excessive monetary accommodation might only add a further dosage of angst, fueling fears of inflation." In addition, Minneapolis Fed Bank President Narayana Kocherlakota stated that the easy Fed monetary policy could push inflation to 2.3% next year, which would be above the Fed's comfort zone of 2%.

One of the best ways to monitor inflation is by monitoring the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and the Producer Price Index (PPI). The CPI measures inflation at the consumer level, or rising costs that are passed on to consumers. The PPI, on the other hand, measures inflation at the wholesale level, or costs that producers are experiencing. Both reports are released at the beginning of each month. And, depending on what the data says, they can both impact home loan rates.

That's because any hint of inflation can serve to spook Bond investors--causing both Bonds and home loan rates to worsen, since inflation can reduce the value of fixed investments like Bonds. This is one story to keep a close eye on in the weeks ahead. 

I'll continue monitoring inflation and its impact on the markets. If you have any questions about economic reports and how they impact home loan rates, please call or email me. I'm always happy to explain what's going on and how it impacts the rate you can get based on your unique situation.

5 Low-Cost Home Improvement Projects  

If you're a homeowner, you know that there are always plenty of projects that you want to do around the house. It's easy to find inspiration in magazines or when you visit another friend's house. The tricky part is deciding which projects make sense. By concentrating on certain types of upgrades, you'll not only create a more comfortable living space for yourself, but you'll make your house more sellable if (or when) the time arises.

1. The Front Door
Repainting or replacing the front door will dramatically improve the exterior appearance of your home. It will enhance an area that everyone sees, no matter if they're driving by or walking up. Upgrading the hardware on the door is also a nice touch. And, if you're experiencing warm weather in your area, this may be a project that you can tackle this weekend.

2. Plant the Seed
Foliage on the outside of the home carries many benefits. Among them are the addition of color and vitality to the landscaping. If the weather in your area isn't conducive for gardening at the present time, concentrate instead on acquiring potted plants for your porch or walkway. As the weather warms up, think about potential projects for the front and back yards.

3. Fix the Fixtures
While upgrading bathrooms is a sound investment in terms of increasing your home's value, a remodel may not be part of this year's budget. That said, don't ignore your bathrooms altogether. Fixtures such as faucets, towel racks, lights and showerheads have the ability to spruce up both the look and functionality. Throw in newly painted walls and some decorative accents and your bathroom will feel brand new.

4. Fawn Over Flooring
New flooring is major "bang for your buck" when it comes to increasing a home's value. But, once again, is there money in the budget to do it? If the answer is no, opt instead for having your carpets and hardwood floors professionally cleaned by a quality and reputable company.

5. Don't Forget the Garage
The garage is a part of the home that is often neglected. If this sounds familiar, you may want to think about organizing the interior. Any items that are no longer in use can be sold in a true "garage sale." These proceeds can go toward either repainting or replacing the garage door. Don't laugh. It's an inexpensive yet effective way to spruce up your garage's exterior.

Remember, improving and updating your home doesn't have to be an expensive proposition. Just look for low-cost ways to create the brightest and most comfortable space possible.

Q&A: Impact of Oil Prices?  

QUESTION: How do oil prices impact the economy? 

ANSWER: On the one hand, high oil prices can be very detrimental to the fragile U.S. economy, as consumers have to put more money into their gas tanks--which means they have less to spend elsewhere. High oil prices are also inflationary since the added shipping and material costs apply upward price pressures on Producer or Wholesale goods that either have to be absorbed by the producer (thus hurting profits and the ability to expand or hire) or passed on to the consumer...a la a rise in consumer inflation.

On the other hand, high oil prices could actually be good news for home loan rates, as the dampening effect on economic growth produces a sluggish economic environment in which Bonds (including Mortgage Bonds, to which home loan rates are tied) thrive.

If you have any questions that I can help with at this time, please call or email today. It will only take a few moments to discuss what's going in the markets and how it impacts your unique goals and situation.

February Views You Can Use

"We will recover...in time, I know we will recover" - Natasha Bedingfield. The economic recovery has been in the works for a while. It's a slow process, but things are looking a little better each month. Last month was no different. But at the same time, we're not quite where we want to be. The articles below explain where the housing market and economy are now...as well as how long the Fed believes the recovery may take:

 Recovery Continues

The economy and the housing market continue to recover...but that recovery is viewed as a marathon, not a sprint. Last month, the Fed reiterated that sentiment. On the one hand, the Fed's Policy Statement that it released after its regularly scheduled meeting was pretty much the same story, including such statements as stable long-term inflation expectations, a tepid economic recovery, and fragile job market. But there was one big exception to their norm. The Policy Statement said there will be "exceptionally low levels for the Federal Funds Rate at least through late 2014." This is a huge change from the previous statements of "low rates until mid-2013."

On the surface, extending the zero interest policy until 2015 tells us the Fed thinks the economy will just be slogging along, and accommodative monetary policy will be required to keep the economy growing at least at a modest pace. One could argue that recent economic data is better of late and that all this loose monetary policy is unnecessary. But the Fed has spoken, and as the old adage goes: "Don't fight the Fed."


The housing market also received a little good news last month. First, Existing Home Sales increased 5% over the previous reading (read more about that report in the article below). Second, the National Association of Home Builders' Housing Market Index (HMI) rose in January to a reading of 25. That was up 4 points from the previous reading and marks the 4th consecutive month of increases. The last time the HMI had a reading of 25 or more was in June 2007.


The bottom line is that the economy and the markets continue to show some signs of improvement, but there's still a way to go. That said, Bonds and home loan rates remain at historic best levels, which means now is still a great time to purchase or refinance a home. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

What To Watch: Existing Home Sales

One way to measure the health of the housing market is to monitor the number of houses being sold. And one of the best ways to do that is by keeping an eye on the Existing Home Sales report that's released by the National Association of Realtors.

Why Is It Important? The Existing Home Sales report measures how well pre-owned single-family homes are selling. That data is important because sales of existing (or pre-owned) houses account for roughly 84% of all houses sold. As a result, this report sometimes moves markets and is considered a good gauge of near-term spending for housing-related items.


What's the Trend? The most recent report on Existing Home Sales indicated sales in December 2011 increased 5% over the previous reading. That was the third consecutive month of increases and the second highest reading of 2011. The December level was also 3.6% above December 2010 and, as a whole, Existing Home Sales were up 1.7% from 2010. Total housing inventory dropped 9.2% for December, representing a 6.2-month supply, down from a 7.2-month supply in November.


Where Does the Data Come From? The information is collected by the National Association of Realtors from 650 realtor associations.


When Is It Released? The Existing Home Sales report is scheduled for release on the 25th day of every month (or on the first business day thereafter) by the National Association of Realtors.


I'll be watching this release to see if the trend from the latest report continues...and to see how it impacts the markets. If you have any questions about economic reports and how they impact home loan rates, please call or email me. I'm always happy to explain what's going on and how it impacts the rate you can get based on your unique situation.

Fee Increase To Impact Home Loans

In December 2011, Congress reached a last-minute deal to fund the payroll tax cut extension. The payroll tax extension will provide a 2% tax reduction for individuals making up to $106,800 - so the tax extension will be very helpful for many Americans who are struggling during these tough economic times. But like so many things in our tangled economy, there's a flip side. In this case, the tax cut deal has a rippling effect that will impact the mortgage world.


Here's what's happening and what it means to home loan rates:
What is happening and why? To put it bluntly, the passage of the payroll tax cut extension is being funded via a mandate to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the nation's largest providers of mortgage money) to increase their guarantee fees or "g-fee's" by at least 10 basis points on the rate. So rather than giving a par rate of 4.00%, for example, the par rate is now increased by at least 10 basis points, or approximately 4.10%. But home loan rates are priced and offered in .125% increments, so this will most likely impact consumers by .125% in rate. Whether you agree or not on the politics behind this cost being passed along to folks who are taking out mortgages, the Congressional Budget Office recently estimated that the increase will ultimately pay for about $35.7 Billion of the cost of the payroll tax extension.


What exactly is this "g-fee"? The guarantee fee or "g-fee" is an amount charged by mortgage-backed securities (MBS) providers, like Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, to help protect against credit-related losses in the overall mortgage portfolio. In other words, it acts a lot like insurance and helps lower the overall risk...which means home loans can be offered at terrific interest rates to borrowers that have good - but not perfect - credit.


What exactly is the impact of the rate increase? For example, for a $200,000 home loan, the increased g-fee (assuming a .125% increase in rate) would equate to $250 more per year in interest, or $7,500 more over 30 years. Someone buying or refinancing a home can certainly choose to buy down the cost with cash up front - but most people probably won't do this.


Who will this impact? The change will impact all new borrowers of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans. The bill will also impact Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans by increasing the annual mortgage insurance premium that borrowers pay by one-tenth of a percent.


When will it start? Officially, the increase to guarantee fees will begin on April 1, 2012. However, the increase is already starting to be seen in rate sheets right now, since home loans being originated now will likely not be closed, pooled and securitized until April...and therefore will need the increased g-fee priced in earlier.


How long will this be in effect? The increase will be effective through October 1, 2021.
The bottom line is that the g-fees will be going up...and this will impact homebuyers looking to obtain a home loan through Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA.


The good news is that home loan rates are still at historic lows right now, and it's a great time to purchase a new home or refinance. If you or anyone you know has any questions, please call or email!

Q & A: Home Protection?

QUESTION: How can you protect a home from theft?


ANSWER: Recent studies have found that alarm systems are the single most effective way to reduce the risk of burglary. However, studies have also noted that houses near wooded areas or in areas with easy access to highways tend to get targeted more often. If you already live in a house or want to purchase a house that fits that description, don't fear. You'll just want to take extra precautions, such as clearing the bushes and branches away from windows and entrances, as well as installing fake or real security cameras in prominent places so potential thieves will see them. You may even want to start up a neighborhood watch program - it's a great way to get to know your neighbors and to help your entire neighborhood feel safer.


If you have any questions that I can help with at this time, please call or email today. It will only take a few moments to discuss what's going in the markets and how it impacts your unique goals and situation.

January 2012 Views You Can Use

Despite what the Mayan calendar may say, the world probably won't come to an end in 2012. But like 2011, this coming year may bring some significant challenges here in the US...and around the world. Here are just a few important topics to keep an eye on in the new year:

• Working for a Living – The labor market made modest improvements in 2011…but what should you expect in 2012? Here’s the answer!
• Home Sweet Home – The housing market is still uncertain, but here’s something to celebrate!
• What to Watch – Inflation is extremely influential. Read the article below to discover what to watch in 2012.
• Q&A: The Bottom Line? – What’s the bottom line for 2012? The answer may surprise you!

Best wishes to you and yours in the coming year. If you have any questions or would like to discuss your unique situation, call or email today. And please forward this newsletter to friends, family members and coworkers who may find the information helpful.

Working For a Living: The Labor Market in 2012

The mantra “I’m taking what they giving ’cause I’m working for a living” was made famous in the 1980s by the band “Huey Lewis and the News.” Today, the feeling is the same around much of the country as many Americans were able to find work in 2011. But we’re not out of the woods yet, as many more workers are still searching for employment.


The labor market made modest improvements in 2011, and that trend is likely to continue in 2012. As you can see in the bar graph next to this article, the number of new people claiming unemployment each week saw a drastic improvement by the year’s end compared to the high reported the last week of April 2011. Recently, the number of new claims has stayed below the important line of 400,000 new claims each week. That’s a welcome site compared to most of 2011.


That said, it’s a good bet that the official Unemployment Rate will remain north of 8% throughout 2012, as more gains in the private sector are offset by government jobs being removed with our belt tightening measures. Another factor to consider is that Baby Boomers who are headed into retirement will be removed from the labor force, and this continuing shift in our country's demographics will help add to the decline in the unemployment rate.


Rather than looking at the official Unemployment Rate, which always brings up controversy due to its methodology, we should start looking at the labor force’s "participation rate," as this may be a more accurate reflection of labor market conditions. This rate is a little more straightforward, since it simply measures the number of people eligible to work against the number of people actually working.


And get this: the current labor force participation rate is 64%, which represents the lowest level of eligible workers participating in roughly thirty years. One of the contributing factors to the decline in the rate is the aforementioned effect of the Baby Boomer generation retiring and leaving the labor force. However, that only makes up a portion of the decline in the rate as obviously, there are still lots of folks looking to "participate" in the workforce, but they haven't been able to find a job. With businesses still somewhat reticent to hire until they feel more confidence, estimates are for little to no improvement in the participation rate in 2012.


This is obviously a very important topic not only for people looking for work but also for the economy as a whole. I will continue to monitor the labor market and its impact on housing and home loan rates over the coming weeks and months.

Home Sweet Home

On the one hand, the housing market still remains uncertain. For instance:

• Foreclosures will still be a concern in 2012 as a fresh wave will be hitting the market…and that will prevent a broad-based pricing recovery in housing. However, the good news is that the delinquency rates have declined and should continue to do so.
• While some parts of the country are seeing signs of improvement in housing, others continue to struggle. Overall, home prices will likely decline modestly in the first half of 2012 and then recover in the second half of the year.
• Rentals and investment properties will continue to be popular in 2012 as more people continue to rent.

On the other hand, we are closer to the bottom in housing and with historically low rates in 2012, it will be another incredible purchase opportunity for homebuyers.


In fact, it looks like home loan rates could move a leg lower in the first part of 2012, as rumors continue to swirl around the possibility of the Fed stepping in with a third round of Quantitative Easing (or QE3), and this could lead to the lowest rates ever. HOWEVER…like all windows of opportunity, this one may be short as well. History has shown that Bonds move higher in anticipation of Quantitative Easing, but then selloff once the official announcement is made. Think about the old investing adage: "Buy on the rumor, and sell on the news." So the best home loan rates may be seen leading up to any actual announcement.


If the Fed doesn't do QE3, rates will still be very attractive in the first part of year, before moving a bit higher in the second half of 2012 as the economy continues to pick up. Overall, the early part of 2012 looks to be a great environment for interest rate, which means lots of opportunity for homebuyers.


Regardless of what happens at the Federal level, I’ll be here ready to help you get the best home loan for your unique goals and situation. And if you have any friends or family members who could use some insight and help navigating a home loan, please forward them this newsletter along with my contact information. I’m always happy to help out in any way I can.

What to Watch: A Breeze of Inflation

Inflation, as measured by the Core Consumer Price Index, ran at 2.2% from November 2010 through November 2011. That was up rather sharply from the previous year and was closing in on the comfort range threshold of the Fed. What is interesting and a little disturbing to note is the increasing consumer inflation in the face of stagnant wage growth. Typically, consumer inflation increases are fueled by wage-based inflation, where wages move higher…but we are not seeing that just yet.


With US consumers still behaving conservatively, the political climate promoting uncertainty and the labor market only making modest improvement, inflation may still tick higher to possibly 2.5%. But that would still be considered within the tolerance limits of the Fed.


Of course, even if the inflation number is within the Fed’s comfort, any increase can negatively impact home loan rates. Remember: inflation is the archenemy of Bonds and home loan rates, so inflation ticking higher would not be good for rates. But inflation (and its impact on rates) doesn't exist in a bubble or an isolated test tube. Home loan rates are also impacted by other economic factors. Part of the magic in watching rates and how they behave is understanding all the competing factors at play. So the coming year will be an example of why it’s so important to work with a knowledgeable mortgage professional like me, who understands the complexity of the markets and can help identify opportunities for homebuyers.


As always, I’ll be watching the inflation news closely in the coming months…and I’ll continue to share any important news that may impact you or the economy as a whole. And if you ever have any questions, please just call or email.

Q & A: The Bottom Line

QUESTION:What’s the bottom line for 2012?


ANSWER: The bottom line is that opportunity lies around every corner. For people looking to purchase a home, the abundance of affordable housing and historically low home loan rates will create a number of opportunities. And for those seeking to refinance, this may prove to be another year where you can move into a better mortgage.


If you have any questions at all as we enter the new year, please call or email. It only takes a few moments to look at what’s going on and to discuss what it means to your unique housing and financial goals. 

Best wishes and happy New Year!