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Mortgage News
What Do GDP and QE3 Have to Do With Home Loan Rates? |
 If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
That popular idiom could be applied to the Advance Gross
Domestic Product (GDP) reading–or first of three readings–for the 4th
Quarter of 2011, which came in at 2.8%, a bit below expectations of
3.2%. This number will be revised two more times, but if the final GDP
remains at 2.8%...then the overall GDP for 2011 would be a scanty
1.57%.
GDP represents the market value of all goods and services produced
within a country in a given period–and is an indicator of our standard
of living–so that number would certainly be a "Gross" Domestic Product,
especially when you consider that the government has underwritten more
than half of that economic growth with the Payroll Tax benefit.
What's more, besides being subsidized by the government's Payroll Tax
Holiday, the GDP reading was driven mainly by a build up in inventory
(retailers buying from wholesalers) and NOT new sales to consumers. It
is quite reasonable to see this trend reverse in the first part of
2012, which would make for a weaker GDP reading. And a weaker GDP
reading will make a third round of Quantitative Easing (QE3) a virtual
lock.
So, why is this significant and what does this have to do with home loan rates?
First, it's important to understand that home loan rates are tied to
Mortgage Bonds, and when Bonds improve, home loan rates typically move
lower. History has shown that Bonds improve 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 if rumors of QE3 continue to swirl, we should
continue to see great home loan rates leading up to any actual
announcement.
Even if the Fed doesn't do QE3, rates will likely remain attractive as
the continuing debt problems in Europe will make our Bonds a safe haven
for investors. The bottom line is that now remains a great time
to purchase or refinance a home. If you have any questions or need any
help navigating today's opportunities, call or email me anytime.
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 If
you know anyone who is looking to buy, sell or refinance a home, please
forward their name and telephone number to us. We will happily provide
the same high level of service that we have provided to you. The
greatest compliment you could possibly give us is the referral of your
friends and family. |
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Finance News
Can a Credit Score Kill a Job Offer?
No, but your credit report might, so be upfront about problems.
By Lisa Gerstner, Kiplinger.com |
 Despite
what you may have heard or read, employers do not have access to job
candidates' credit scores. That should come as a relief to cash-strapped
job seekers with maxed-out credit cards or other score-busting
blemishes.
But your prospects for getting hired aren't immune from a poor credit
history. In most states, employers are able to check a potential or
current employee's credit report, which lists information such as
balances on your loans and credit accounts, late payments, and debt
collections.
About 13% of employers check credit reports for all candidates and 47%
check for those applying to selected positions, according to the Society
for Human Resource Management. Employers are usually most interested in
the credit backgrounds of applicants who will handle finances, hold an
executive-level position or have access to other employees' confidential
information (such as human-resources professionals). The black marks
that might give an employer pause are ones that leave the deepest stains
on your record: a loan default, a bankruptcy, a debt that's gone to
collection.
An employer must obtain your permission to pull your credit report. But
declining is "like saying no to a Breathalyzer test," says John
Ulzheimer, president of consumer education for SmartCredit.com. "The
consequences are sometimes worse than just getting it over with," he
says – namely, the employer could choose another applicant for the job
if you are secretive.
Be honest and upfront about any problems. A potential boss may be
sympathetic to the financial trauma that a layoff and long bout of
unemployment have caused. And keep in mind that your credit record is
only one piece of your profile. According to the SHRM, credit history
ranked lowest among criteria employers used to vet candidates.
Reprinted with permission. All Contents ©2012 The Kiplinger Washington Editors. www.kiplinger.com.
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Creative Cuisine
Quick and Easy Vegetable Soup (4-6 servings)
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Soup is good food, especially when the temperatures are cool outside. Here's a recipe for my Quick and Easy Vegetable Soup (4-6 servings):
- 4 C chicken or vegetable stock
- 1 C water
- 1 14-15oz can chopped tomatoes in puree
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped
- 1 celery rib, chopped
- 1 cup fresh green beans, chopped into 1-inch long pieces
- 1 ear of corn, kernels removed
- 1 14-ounce can white cannellini beans, drained
- 1 Tsp Herbs d' Provence, or Italian seasoning
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
In a soup pot, heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of olive oil over a medium flame.
Add onion, garlic, carrot and celery. Season with salt and pepper and
allow the vegetables to cook until the onions just start to soften (3 to
4 minutes). To the vegetables, add the canned tomatoes, chicken stock,
water and herbs. Season with salt and pepper, mix well and bring just to
the boil. Add green beans, corn, and canned beans. Reduce to a very low
simmer and allow the soup to cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the green
beans soften, but remain slightly al dente.
No stranger to professional kitchens, Kirk Leins currently devotes
most of his time to cooking instruction, food writing, and producing
television. You can visit Kirk's website at www.NoTimeToCook.com. |
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Street Smarts
Life Saving Knowledge |
 Every
two minutes, sudden cardiac arrest strikes one American–and for every
minute that passes without CPR or emergency treatment, the survival rate
decreases by 10%.
Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) increase a victim's chance of survival by 90%–if applied
to a victim within the first minute of a heart attack. That's why,
more and more public places like airports, schools, and health clubs
host this life-saving device.
Knowledge is power–and in this case–it's knowledge that can save your
life, or the life of someone you love! Here is some important
information you should know about AEDs:
- AEDs are well marked and located in visible, high traffic areas
like elevators, exits, fire extinguishers, restrooms or telephones.
- The American Red Cross and American Heart Association state that
the AED should be placed such that a person could get the device and
get back to a victim of sudden cardiac arrest within three minutes.
- The American Red Cross offers Heartsaver® CPR-AED classroom courses and eLearning courses.
- AEDs are a bit expensive; however they are an investment that can save a life. They can be purchased by visiting the Centers for Health and Public Safety website.
- AED rules and legislation varies by state, however under The Good Samaritan Law,
limited immunity is offered "for individuals who render emergency
treatment with a defibrillator. Specific protection varies by state."
To learn more about AEDs, visit the Centers for Health and Public Safety website. |
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Home News
4 Tips for a Cozy Décor |
 Love the cozy feeling holiday decorations bring to your home? Here are four great tips for creating that ambiance any time of year:
Family photos. Groupings of family photos should be first
on your list. Find shelf space or side tables that could use a personal
touch, and then add a few family photos. The frames don't have to
match, but they should coordinate...and they should have the same
design as the mood you're trying to create. If it's coziness you seek,
try adding rich wood frames and classic designs to your décor.
Heirlooms and antiques. You'd be surprised what an antique
camera can add to a display of family photos. Or how an antique vase
can set the tone for an entire room. These items are inexpensive to
purchase at an antique store, but if you have a family heirloom with a
story it's even better.
Personal or seasonal touches. Remember, your family and
your community are unique and should be celebrated. So, for example, if
your family took a unique vacation to a sandy beach last year, you can
fill a decorative jar with the sand and surround it with a photo or
two. Or, you can simply bring natural elements–such as pinecones or
autumn leaves–inside and place them in a large bowl or dish with photos
or candles.
Warm the senses. Don't forget to fill the air with a fresh
fragrance that fits the mood you're creating. Often, those fresh
scents are the first things that visitors notice. So consider lighting
scented candles, purchasing plug-in air fresheners with seasonal
scents, or just baking homemade cookies before company arrives.
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Facts and Figures
Fumble? Foul? No...Just the Facts! |
 In
honor of Super Bowl XLVI we turned to the Census Bureau for some fun
facts about the demographics of the host city (Indianapolis) and the
cities (New York and Boston) represented in this year's big game at
Lucas Oil Stadium.
- New York ranks first on the list of the nation's most populous cities.
- On average, it takes New York residents 38.7 minutes to get to work–and 55% of them take public transportation.
- Median home value of owner-occupied homes in Boston is $369,600.
- 44% of Boston residents 25 and older have a bachelor's degree or higher, according to data from 2010.
- According to data from 2010, the estimated population of Boston was 617,594.
- The median household income for Indianapolis, Indiana is $38,502.
- The median home value of owner-occupied homes in Indianapolis is $118,100.
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Did you know that the USPS allows you to print labels and ship packages from the courtesy of your own home?
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Did
you know that your kitchen is more infested with germs than your
bathroom? Here are some tips to help you combat the germs that are
often lurking around your kitchen:
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Tip 1: Ditch the dishrags. Repeatedly
using dishrags to wipe down your countertops guarantees the spread of
germs. Consider using disposable disinfecting wipes.
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Tip 2: Regularly wash reusable grocery bags. While these bags are good for the environment, they can harbor harmful bacteria.
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Tip 3: Keep your purse off of the kitchen counter. Women often put their purse on the ground, which makes the bottom a breeding ground for bacteria like E.Coli and Staph.
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Tip 4: Disinfect drains. There are more than a half a million bacteria per square inch in your drain so disinfect daily.
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Tip 5: Never leave dishes in the sink. Dirty dishes should be washed within two hours of being left in the sink.
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| "Don't just let your business or your job make something for you, let it make something of you." |
| – Jim Rohn |
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What ancient Roman is behind the origin of Leap Year?
- Constantine the Great
- Justinian
- Augustus
- Julius Caeser
- Claudius
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For answer, scroll down to the bottom. |
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The Available Parent
Radical Optimism in Raising Teens and Tweens
By Dr. John Duffy |
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Raising
teenagers can be tough. Your once happy child can turn moody or
sullen–sometimes overnight–for reasons you can't understand.
Communication with them can be reduced to one-word answers, the silent
treatment, or even slamming doors. Luckily, things don't have to be
this way.
In The Available Parent, top teen expert Dr. John Duffy not only
helps you understand what's causing this type of behavior, he also
provides a step-by-step guide for how to enjoy a healthy relationship
with your teen. He explains what your teen is experiencing, how you can
build your teen's self confidence, and ultimately how you can become
an available parent who has a great connection with your child.
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Dr.
John Duffy is a highly-sought after parenting expert and clinical
psychologist who has been working with teens, tweens, and families for
over fifteen years. For more information on this helpful and timely
book, visit Amazon.com.
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Thank You
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| As
always, we wish to thank our clients who have been kind enough to refer
business to us. We appreciate the opportunity to provide excellent
service to your family, friends, and co–workers. |
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