Step One

To kick off 2012 I would like to help more people attain their goal/dream of home ownership. The first step you should take is finding out what your credit looks like. Credit plays a huge role in the approval process. Not only can bad credit keep you from purchasing, but simple issues like disputing accounts can cause delays. Also, credit scores that used to seem perfect are now not considered as "perfect." Scores as high as 740 can still pay adjustments in their rate or fees to the investors.
There is so much to find out, that you should be talking to a reliable lender months before you consider shopping for your first, next, investment or second home. Getting a full picture can help make the loan process much easier.
Feel free to contact me through my website or via comment on my blog about finding out more about your credit.

Time for New Resolutions!

I believe I am going to take a new turn with my blog. Instead of just posting opinions and ideas about the mortgage industry, I am going to make it an online educational course. For those of you who are looking to purchase your first home, move into a bigger home, downsize into something smaller, invest in real estate, or buy that second home you have always wanted, I am going to put the how to on this website. If you want to know about a particular topic, comment or email me. I will address it in my next blog.
This will be the blog for the do it yourself, Internet savvy, real estate driven person. I hope that my knowledge will help you grow and achieve your dreams.

Tomorrow's Blog: Where Do I Begin?

Labor Market Issues

The bond market is the benefactor of two items today. First is the Labor Market is showing signs of some issues. Numbers came out good, but are they believable? Time will tell. Also, the Fed is buying more bonds today than it had originally projected. Rates are good, maybe getting a tad better. What a great time to buy or refinance your home.

The Countdown Begins

There are 27 days until Christmas, which means 26 shopping days and dieting days... My calendar doesn't seem full yet, but I have this sneaking suspicion that it is going to get full and fast.
I spent the last holiday weekend with family, both sides, and friends. It was a good time, but missed those who could not be there. I spent the day after shopping for those who are less fortunate and enjoyed myself immensely. I got to spend a lot of time with my daughter and got to see how much she is truly like me. Poor dear! Friday, Saturday and Sunday hosted a total of 5 baseball games at BLD. The boys did well, and it was a great time.
I am now off to make more lists and get things done, so that my home feels the holiday spirit that I have in me.
On a work note, bonds are still doing well as are Stocks, I would love this world of positive in both markets to stay, we'll see how long it lasts.

GDP revised lower

The GDP was revised lower today and the bond market has held strong on that news, as it was not great information for bonds. The market is up 19 basis points today and is still trading between a strong layer of support and resistance. Tomorrow we will have a lot of economic data thrown at us as the market is closed Thursday and is on a shortened trading day Friday. Rates are amazing and taking advantage of these rates at any time would be a great idea. Call me if you would like to discuss your options.

Global Economy, and Understatement

It is an understatement to say that we are a global economy any more. When worries in one part of the world can send the rest of the world's economies realing. Europe is facing their worst economic times since WWII. This statement in and of itself shakes the foundation of all economies. The stock and bond markets are playing on the teeter totter today, and it appears with all of the unrest in the world, they will keep playing.
The Federal government is still purchasing MBS, but the effect has been tempered by the volatility of the global markets. Does this mean that you shouldn't move forward with your purchase or refinance, or does it mean you should hurry up...it means neither, it just shows that we are in an interest rate market that has never been seen before, and if you are ready jump in, the market is what it is.

The Effect a European Leader has on our market

The Bond market started the day to the upside and just recently has lost traction and is in negative territory. Why??? News (rumors) out of Italy today that their prime minister is going to resign has our Stock Market doing the Jig. It appears that the Stock Market views this move as proactive and in the right direction to stave off the volatility that could be coming in their capital markets.
For those of you in contract to purchase a home, lock today, who knows how long this slide will last and the rate you can get today is terrific. For those of you refinancing, just depends on when you really want to close. Sooner rather than later? Then lock, stop the stress and take advantage of what the market has given you. For those of you waiting to see 3%, keep waiting, but my crystal ball is not sure if we will ever see that 30 year rate come to light.