Ruth's Blog

Denver Rain Camp

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:47:43 -0600

Oh, my! I really over did it yesterday! 8 hours of Raincamp and I'm still exhausted today! Not because of pushing that darn walker around all day, but because my head is still swimming with all the stuff we learned!

Where to start? Just one thing at a time. But for reference, here are my notes that I took:

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Twitter: #raincamp

Use Klout.com to see how much impact you have on twitter. (5 today. boo-hoo)

Photosynth.com helps you find related photos from all sites. Stitches photos together for tour??

Wiggio.com allows you work in groups

IGetSales.net

GoProSystems.com

Xobni.com check email addresses to pull profile of leads (68% increase if you send a facebook, twitter, or linkedin message vs email)

Tr.im and tinyurl.com do the same except that tr.im gives results of how many clicks and from what source.

Mailchimp.com does the same for emails.

Goldmail.com allows video emails inside of regular emails.

Awayfind.com is like an auto responder??

99designs.com competing for design work

Google.com/voice ???

Slydial.com enter in their number, your number, by passes live ring and goes direct to voice mail as a missed call.

74% people online; 16 TV vs 32 on computer. 32% of time online on social platform. 1% of time people on websites.

Help local businesses identify target marketing!

93% of consumers online use search engines. 85% of traffic comes from search engines. 825 of searches come from yahoo, google, msn and 67% from google.

75% won't go past the first page. You want to get in top 5%.

87% of homebuyers, 94% of 23-44 yrs use internet.

32% found the actual they purchased online. (based on photos: quality and quantity_

90% of sellers have their property marketed on line. (All online marketing is not equal)

Google search sponsored ads, cost to click. 61% users think organic is more relevant.

SEO: Search Engine Optimizer. Four key areas:

The Long Tail Truth : 20/80 20% Denver Real Estate vs 20% Homes for sale in Cherry Creek.

Hittail.com tracks hits based on keyword searches

Homes in lone tree, parker homes for sale, qualifying for a mortgage, todays interest rates, when to lock a loan.

Content /keywords: geographically specific (not name) with keyword density. Pick one page for all most common keywords. (Denver real estate, all Denver, not Denver and Aurora)

Limit the size of page or blog (500 words)

The older the domain name, the easier to rank. MOST domain names doesn't win except for marketing. On the other hand, most pages does win!

???? Size of website: google site:www.domainname.com

Page titles should match the keyword search as well as the density of the page.

Page descriptions should include the page titles.

Links: pay attention to link text. Click here vs click here to view ABC homes for sale

Limit your size; focus on density; older domain better; more pages better; page title and descriptions match; link (one way NOT two way)

Google analytics tracks traffic. Use on all sites/pages

Google expert: Matt Cutts (you tube) for google tips

Projection: mixed media and multi media (video!) will most likely be impacting. Networking or social graphing will start applying.

5 reasons to have a blog:

•1. Write articles that people find via internet

•2. Missed it

•3. Missed this one too

•4. Doggone it, this one tooo!

•5. Blog for referrals

Don't use filler words (and, the) to determine content

Brad Andersohn

Screentoaster.com and screener.com

Slideshare.com/bandersohn

Picnik.com online photo editing

Openoffice.org free Microsoft programs

Gimp.org adobe photoshop jr. free (mix photos and videos!)

Xtranormal.com text to movie

Clipnabber.com save video to hard drive for offline presentations

Bannerfans.com graphic designs online

Feedmingle.com rss multiple feed widget stored in one place

Steprep.com monitor what people are saying about you

Issuu.com publication library

Box.net online file storage and sharing

Transferbigfiles.com to send larger files!! (up to 1 gig)

Freeconferencecall.com

Text widget (realestatetechnologyonline.com/widget)

Widget.collecta.com works with twitter to sort info or send info based on specific words/ zip, etc

Waslkscore.com get walking distance within a neighborhoods

Thetwittertools.com 900 pieces to assist you with twitter

Conduit.com creating your own toolbar (Active Rain)

Wix.com free flash websites / useful for listing addresses

Feedblitz.com email subscription and newsletter tool

Wisestamp.com create custom social networking signatures on email (including social media)

Tokbox.com free video email

Retaggr.com email signature and profile of all social media and website

Avg.com free anti-virus and anti-spyware

Mozy.com $4.95 online back up!

Socialthebook.com!!!

Ambient Awareness, best way to describe twitter. Lots of little pieces to complete a picture.

Worlde.com check to see what words are most commonly used on sites.

Logotournament.com $250 for designers to compete to get your brand created.

Namechk.com to see if your user name, personal name, are available on other sites.

Facebook.com/username

Geochirp like google alert only local??

Tweetbeep track tweets about you

Facebook Fan Page

•1. Geographic area (fans post page)

•2. Ask questions (what's the best... pizza, dry cleaner)

•3. Then add a FBML (listing service)

•4. Restaurant Reviews

•5. REO business

•6. Office or team page

Join Saveaworm page! (I did!)

Script: Interview one of my competitors before you hire me and I'll take $500 off my competition. Because I want you to know with 100% confidence that no one is going to do more than me to get your home sell.

TWITTER

140 characters is all peple can remember

Demandspot.com predetermined phrases that suggest buyer or seller opportunities; then search!

Geochirp words to follow

Prospecting Facebook searh for words: house, realtor

Get your sphere in gear.

•1. Scan through notifications - new job, baby to be lead generation opportunities

•2. Identify reason to call

•3. Make contact and use the sphere script

•4. Set up lists to update to list

•5. 1 email a week: Keep it short, give Item of value

AND DON"T FORGET TO Ask for referrals!

How to rank your business:

Google Maps in business page in Google/Local

Click on the local business results

Add my business

10 days of pain - work out a 10 day action plan to apply to every internet lead opportunity.

Average client averages 10 days on the internet doing research before they make decisions, so shouldn't we do the same?

www.hitwise.com/us/datacenter/main/dashboard-10133.html (rankings of searches)

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These notes may not make sense to anyone else, especially if you didn't attend. If anyone that did attend, picked up anything else that I missed, please add to my list!

Wish me luck! If I check off 2 a day, I MIGHT be ready for Raincamp next year!!!

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 12:54:08 -0600

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver.

The next 60 days are going to be interesting to see what rates do. Without getting too technical with the effect of supply and demand on interest rates, let it just suffice to say we are embarking on a time frame where government funding which has been supplementing the mortgage backed securities activity is potentially coming to an end. Times are going to be volitile so be sure to stay in close communication with your lender and discuss the current mortgage rate indicators!

Market Comment - Week of March 8th, 2010

Mortgage bond prices continued to rebound higher last week, which pushed mortgage interest rates lower. Stock gains kept mortgage bonds relatively in check but many of the data releases were very bond friendly. The core PCE inflation reading was unchanged compared to the slight increase expected by analysts. Q4 revised productivity rose 6.9%, much better than expected. Higher productivity means a company can produce more with less input helping to keep prices and thus inflation in check. Rates fell about 1/8 of a discount point for the week.

Expect stocks to factor into trading the early portion of the week with very little data on tap. The Treasury auctions will be the focus throughout the middle portion of the week. Strong foreign demand would likely help mortgage bonds also. The jobless figures and retail sales data will be the focus for the end of the week.

Economic Factors
Economic Indicator	Release Date Time	Consensus Estimate	Analysis
3-year Treasury Note Auction	Tuesday, March 9, 2010	None	Important. $40 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
10-year Treasury Note Auction	Wednesday, March 10, 2010	None	Important. $21 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Weekly Jobless Claims	Thursday, March 11, 2010	450k	Moderately important. An indication of the employment situation. A large increase may bring lower rates.
Trade Data	Thursday, March 11, 2010	$40.3 billion deficit	Important. Affects the value of the dollar. A falling deficit may strengthen the dollar and lead to lower rates.
30-year Treasury Bond Auction	Thursday, March 11, 2010	None	Important. $13 billion of bonds will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Retail Sales	Friday, March, 12, 2010	Up 0.1%	Important. A measure of consumer demand. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.
U of Michigan Consumer Sentiment	Friday, March, 12, 2010	73.6	Important. An indication of consumers' willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.

Auctions

US Treasury bonds do not directly dictate fixed mortgage interest rate pricing however they do have an indirect impact. Both Treasuries and mortgage bonds often track in the same direction but this is not always the case. There are many times that Treasuries and mortgage bonds move inversely.

Despite the overwhelming size of the US economy, foreign investors can still have an effect on moving the financial markets. When foreign economies struggle foreign investors often purchase US based investments including mortgage bonds. This demand usually causes mortgage bond prices to rise and interest rates to fall. This flight to quality buying was one of the factors that helped mortgage interest rates to remain historically low in years past.

There is a real threat that continued global economic turmoil might keep foreign investors from purchasing mortgage bonds in the future. The Treasury auctions this week will be important in determining the current appetite of foreign investors for dollar denominated securities. If this week's auctions are poorly bid mortgage bond prices could fall pressuring mortgage interest rates higher.

WR Starkey Mortgage - A different kind of company...where people come first!

6025 South Quebec, Suite 110
Englewood, CO 80111

rvogt@wrstarkey.com
www.MyLenderOfChoice.com


Ruth Vogt Business Development Manager (LMB100023827)
Work: 720-489-0712 Fax: 720-489-0273 Other: http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

For better or for worse...

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 12:58:42 -0600

Well, it has been FOREVER (over a month!) since I posted. So in the spirit of the meaning of "blog" (web log) I need to catch up before moving forward.

For better or for worse is the name of this post, as the month of February (the one month of the year that represents LOVE) gave our marriage of over 28 years an opportunity to test both.

For Better: We had an incredible twelve days to sit in the sun with friends and family in Cabo.

We woke each morning to an incredible sunrise, somehow always different from the day before.

The first 5 days we spent with friends of 25 years, just the four of us. Our children and grandchildren joined us for the last seven days bringing our total to fourteen.

Pool, beach, beer, snorkeling, sand castles... you get the idea: 14 days of fun in the sun! Even the twins who are three and half didn't have time to snivel about a thing!

At the end of the trip, we surveyed "Who wants to come back next year?"

The answer was unaminous!

We got back just in time for me to repack and head to New Orleans for a real estate convention called the Keller Williams Family Reuinion. Even though I was tired from such a great vacation, I was really looking forward to the convention as it's such a wealth of training and networking opportunities that I was excited about going (even though we left for the airport at 3:45 am!) We finally got to New Orleans on Saturday (there were 7 of us in our group) in time to get settled in the hotel and head out for dinner. (Still wondering what the difference is between creol and cajon spices??) Sunday morning we headed for the New Orleans Convention Center just a few blocks (LONG blocks) down the way. First day of classes left me pumped for what the next 3 days would add!

Heading back to the convention center it started to drizzle just enough to wet the streets and sidewalks. And if you've been in New Orleans, you know their sidewalks leave a lot to be desired. Loose cobblestones, gravel, decayed asphalt... that's my story and I'm sticking to it! I slipped coming off the curb, bounced twice before telling the others not to move me, I was in too much pain.

I went to the scariest emergency room in the country (but then I don't have a lot of experiences to draw from to be honest). Hours and xrays later it was determined I had broken my hip. and would have to have hip surgery.

Here's where the second part of my post comes in.

Or for worse:

My husband (sitting in front of the TV in Colorado) got the call about 10:00 Sunday night. By the time I was going into surgery the next morning, he was on a plane heading to New Orleans.

What is amazing is how quickly a very independent, self sufficient individual can change to total dependency needs overnight! I don't know how my husband tolerated me over the next few weeks??? Surgery happened on Monday and I was released on Friday. In the meantime, I learned how to use a walker, why handicap bathrooms are so important, and how to shower when you can't stand up!

On Saturday we were booked on a flight back to Denver. I had plenty of time to worry about people bumping into me, how to get into my seat (even though it was a bulk head, I was a handicap IN PAIN and had no experience in navigating these types of things!) How to get from a walker into a wheel chair and then HOW TO TRUST PEOPLE to PUSH me! During the 3 hour non stop flight home, my oldest daughter and her husband got a handicap toilet for me, converted my regular shower to a hand held, and made arrangement to get a temporary ramp over the steps so I could get into my house when I got home.

My husband spent the next three days at home with me, continuing to help me with every imaginable detail of my daily survival activities. Something he has never had to do before, and something I have never had to rely on him to do.

My sister flew in to release him of duty on Thursday of last week. And every day gets A LOT BETTER!

But through all of this, even though I'd prefer NOT to have had this experience, it is reassuring to know that when Jim and I took the vows promising "for better or for worse" 28 years ago... he meant it!

February, 2010 wias a GREAT month for me!

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

New Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 13:24:31 -0600

New Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs

Sometimes the hardest part about having new forms is that, well, it's NEW! It's DIFFERENT! We have to create new scripts to EXPLAIN it so that our clients can UNDERSTAND it. But first... WE have to understand it.

So here are just a few points regarding the new Good Faith Estimate that I hope will help with that.

First, we have to recognize the old Good Faith Estimate was really an estimate focused on how much the BUYER needed to bring to closing and how much they would have to pay monthly.

Now, we have an estimate of closing costs related to the mortgage REGARDLESS of who pays! No credits offsetting, just a disclosure of the expenses. Let's do a simple down and dirty comparison of then vs now to help get my point across.

For the purpose of ease, we'll pretend we have an FHA loan with a sales price of $100,000.00. Here are the other details for my example:

The buyer is putting minimum down of 3.5%, or $3,500.
Buyer has put $1,000 earnest money down.
We'll pretend the total closing costs and prepaids are about $4,000 and the seller is going to pay them.
And of course, on an FHA loan we have upfront mortgage insurance of 1.75% off the base loan amount, or about $1,700, which is rolled into the loan.

The old Good Faith Estimate, which was created just for the buyer's information, the amount required for closing would show:

Closing costs and prepaids being paid by seller, which would show the credit for the buyer.
Mortgage insurance of $1,700 would be added to the mortgage, which would also be credited.
Leaving basically the down payment of $3,500, less the earnest money deposit, or $2,500.00

With the new Good Faith Estimate, there are no credits reflected. It is merely a reflection of ALL costs associated with the transaction regardless of who is paying them. Bottom line is going to look like this:

Closing costs of up to $4,000
Mortgage insurance of $1,700
Down payment of $3,500
NO CREDITS, so bottom line will be a total of the above, or $9,200.00.

The buyer isn't paying any more or any less. It's simply an explanation of all costs that need to be taken into consideration on that transaction.

Will this leave the buyer confused? Yes, UNLESS we redirect our attention to the residential loan application, known as the 1003! That form does, in fact, give a total monthly payment AND breaks down what amount the buyer will need for closing. Let me show you specifically where to look.

Page 4, Section VII:

Notice the credits given for seller paid fees

Earnest Money

and MIP financed

Leaving what the Buyer needs for closing

And while we're looking at the 1003, we can also see the estimated TOTAL monthly payment on Page 2 of the application, Section V:

So, just change your scripts!

The GOOD FAITH ESTIMATE is a reflection of ALL costs regardless of who pays what.
For the total monthly payment and cash required at closing, look at the Residential Loan Application, referred to as the 1003, Sections V and VII.

Remember, your first time homebuyers have never seen the old GFE, so they don't know the difference. Don't dwell on the change, just focus on new scripts to help your buyer best process the information disclosed in the formats we are required by law to use.

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

Do you use birth control?

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:58:42 -0600

Before I explain that question, let me ask you this one: "How long have you been in the business?" Ever have someone ask you that? Here's my answer, and it will really make you think!

I was in the business before we had the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA). ECOA went into law in 1976, and protects against discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex or marital status, or age.

So, you ask???

Well, when I was first in this business, if I were taking a loan application from a married couple that were of child bearing age and they wanted her income to be taken into consideration, I would have to document their birth control procedures!!

Yep! That's right! A letter signed by the two of them certifying they did not intend to have children, why, and then explaining their form of birth control would sometimes suffice, but not always! Imagine having to ask THAT question at the face to face loan application (which a face to face was the only kind of loan application we could accept)! Remember, back then maternity leave was not protected by law. Thus, if the wife were to get pregnant, there would be no guarantee that she would get her job back. So job stability could not be established, disallowing the income from being taken into consideration.

And to think today we're all uptight about a new Good Faith Estimate and HUD!

"We've come a long way, baby!" (Do you know what advertisement that line was used in?)

This post is included in the brand new "Financing Friday" group, which we invite you to join.

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 22:37:23 -0600

Mortage Rate Indicators for Denver

Week of February 1, 2010

Market Comment - Week of February 1st, 2010

Mortgage bond prices fell last week pushing mortgage interest rates slightly higher. Most of the data early in the week was bond-friendly. Unfortunately the Fed's reminder that their purchases of mortgage bonds would cease after the first quarter sent bond prices tumbling Wednesday afternoon. This was followed by stronger than expected gross domestic product, employment cost index, and PCE price data Friday morning. Bonds were helped Friday afternoon as stocks remained jittery. Interest rates rose by about 1/8 of a discount point for the week.

The employment report Friday will be the most important event this week. Income, outlays, ISM Index, productivity, and factory orders data may also move the market. The ADP payrolls data will be carefully watched even though the release does not always reflect the results of the employment report. It still provides another view of the employment situation.

Economic Factors
Economic Indicator	Release Date Time	Consensus Estimate	Analysis
Personal Income and Outlays	Monday, Feb. 1, 2010	Income up 0.3%, Outlays up 0.2%	Important. A measure of consumers' ability to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Construction Spending	Monday, Feb. 1, 2010	Down 0.3%	Low importance. An indication of economic strength. A significant decrease may lead to lower rates.
ISM Index	Monday, Feb. 1, 2010	56.7	Important. A measure of manufacturer sentiment. A larger decline may lead to lower mortgage rates.
ADP Employment	Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010	-90k	Important. A measure of employment. A large decrease in payrolls may bring lower rates.
Preliminary Q4 Productivity	Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010	Up 5.9%	Important. A measure of output per hour. Improvement may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Factory Orders	Thursday, Feb. 4, 2010	Up 1.5%	Important. A measure of manufacturing sector strength. A larger decrease may lead to lower rates.
Employment	Friday, Feb. 5, 2010	Unemp. @ 10%, Payrolls +20k	Very important. An increase in unemployment or a large decrease in payrolls may bring lower rates.
Consumer Credit	Friday, Feb. 5, 2010	Down $9.2 billion	Low importance. A significantly large increase may lead to lower mortgage interest rates.

ISM

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM), formerly the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM), releases the "Report on Business" on the first working day of each month. Part of this report is the "diffusion index," which tracks the economy's ups and downs fairly well.

In conducting this survey, the ISM questions purchasing executives from over 250 industrial companies compiling data on production, orders, commodity prices, inventories, vendor performance, and employment. Each of the respondents is asked to rank the categories as "up" or "down." Various weights are applied to the individual components to form the composite index.

A composite index reading of 50 can be thought of as a "swing point." A reading above 50 implies an increase in economic activity, while a reading below 50 indicates a decline. As a general rule of thumb, when the index approaches 60, investors begin to worry about an overheated economy. A slide below 40 suggests that recession is at hand.

The ISM report is difficult for economists to forecast because there is little data upon which to base an educated guess. The report has a large "surprise factor" and can often prompt a significant market reaction. Be cautious going into the data.

WR Starkey Mortgage - A different kind of company...where people come first!

	Ruth Vogt Business Development Manager (LMB100023827)
6025 South Quebec, Suite 110 Englewood, CO 80111
Work: 720-489-0712 Fax: 720-489-0273 Other: http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm
rvogt@wrstarkey.com
www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

KISS and Tell!

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 01:27:52 -0600

What's best? Discount pricing, Premium Pricing, or Par pricing?

Sounds boring already, doesn't it?

But I'm going to KISS (keep it simple silly) and then I'll TELL you why at the end.

First, you need to understand there are 3 basic interest rate pricing structures:

Discount Pricing, where you prepay the interest of a loan upfront at closing (discount points). You have thus lowered your interest rate for the life of the loan.

Premium Pricing would be a rate higher than the market requires, allowing the estimated additional monthly interest to be a credit to the borrower at closing. Typically applied to offset mortgage closing costs.

Par Pricing is the exact interest rate set by the market - no discount paid, no premium credited back.

Summary: If you want to lower your closing costs, you can choose a higher interest rate.

If you want to lower your monthly payment, you can pay higher settlement charges.

You want KISS? Skip to the end! If you can handle more, look at this example:

The first option shown is the "par" rate. Take a look at the monthly payment, and the estimated settlement charges.

The middle example is a good option for the borrower who wants lower settlement charges, which is accomplished by increasing the interest rate, and therefore the monthly payment.

And the third example is a good option for the borrower who wants a lower monthly payment. This is accomplished by prepaying interest, called discounting the rate, resulting in paying discount points.

Notice the chart makes it easier for the buyer to identify which option is more appealing to them.

BUT here's where we can crunch it down to determine if the option is BEST for them:

The first option has the borrower bringing almost $2,000 more money to the closing table, to save $76.71 per month. So if you take the extra cost ($2000) and divide it by the savings ($76.71), you get the breakeven or approximately 26 months. That means, if the borrower is going to live in the house more than 26 months, it would be worth the extra $2,000 at closing to get the monthly savings by paying for the lower interest rate.

This should help take the smoke and mirrors out of picking what rate is right for you.

NOW I'm ready to TELL you why I'm sharing this with you...

This chart is on the third page of the new Good Faith Estimate of Closing Costs!

It's not REQUIRED to be filled out, but if you want to best explore your options ask your lender to do so.

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:01:02 -0600

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

Interest rates can be extremely volatile based on the news from various sectors of the economy, such as unemployment, inflation, etc. So, when trying to decide whether or not to lock a loan, it's important to watch mortgage rate indicators which MIGHT give some direction. Notice I said "direction" not "guarantee", because there really is no one that knows for sure what the interest rates are going to do. If they did, they would own islands somewhere warm and be retired!

If you are interested in applying on line for a loan, go to www.MyLenderOfChoice.com.

Or call me at 720-489-0712.

Market Comment - Week of January 25th, 2010

Mortgage bond prices rose last week pushing mortgage interest rates lower. The bond market rallied following crumbling stocks as the DOW fell 213 points Thursday. Weekly jobless claims came in higher than expected causing unemployment fears to cast a shadow over the state of the economy. In a consumer based economy it is difficult for people to spend money without a job. The producer price index was mixed as the headline figure was higher than expected but the core was lower than expected. For the week interest rates fell by about 1/4 of a discount point.

The Fed meeting Wednesday will be the most important event this week. The Treasury will continue the record auctions with 2-year notes on Tuesday, 5-year notes on Wednesday, and 7-year notes on Thursday. If foreign demand remains decent rates should hold near current levels. However, a drop in foreign demand will likely cause rates to head higher.

Economic Factors
Economic Indicator	Release Date Time	Consensus Estimate	Analysis
Existing Home Sales	Monday, Jan. 25, 2010	Down 8.3%	Low importance. An indication of mortgage credit demand. A significant decrease may lead to lower rates.
Consumer Confidence	Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2010	52.9	Important. An indication of consumers' willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.
New Home Sales	Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010	Up 1.9%	Important. An indication of economic strength and credit demand. A decrease may lead to lower rates.
Fed Meeting Adjourns	Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2010	No rate adjustment	Important. Few expect the Fed to change rates, but some volatility may surround the adjournment of this meeting.
Durable Goods Orders	Thursday, Jan. 28, 2010	Up 2.0%	Important. An indication of the demand for "big ticket" items. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
Q4 Advance GDP	Friday, Jan. 29, 2010	Up 4.5%	Very important. The aggregate measure of US economic production. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
Q4 Employment Cost Index	Friday, Jan. 29, 2010	Up 0.4%	Very important. A measure of wage inflation. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
U of Michigan Consumer Sentiment	Friday, Jan. 29, 2010	73.0	Important. An indication of consumers' willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.

Fed Focus

The United States central bank, the Federal Reserve, coordinates the borrowing and lending activities of federally chartered banks. The principal reason the Federal Reserve was created was to reduce severe financial crises. One way of accomplishing this goal is to control the amount of money that flows through the economy. By manipulating the US money supply, the Fed influences inflation, unemployment, and the level of US economic activity. The Fed has a variety of tools that it uses to control the money supply, but its chief policy tool is the manipulation of short-term interest rates.

All eyes will be focused on the Federal Open Market Committee meeting Wednesday. No rate changes are expected. However, many analysts and traders believe rate hikes are on the horizon. Futures contracts show traders are pricing in a 77% chance the Fed will raise rates by November. Others argue those positions will be wrong because the economy isn't strong enough for the Fed to change rates.

A cautious approach to float/lock decisions is prudent heading into the Fed meeting this week. Be prepared for potential market volatility.

WR Starkey Mortgage - A different kind of company...where people come first!

	Ruth Vogt Business Development Manager (LMB100023827)
6025 South Quebec, Suite 110 Englewood, CO 80111
Work: 720-489-0712 Fax: 720-489-0273 Other: http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm
rvogt@wrstarkey.com
www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:47:15 -0600

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

Wondering what interest rates for home purchases will be this week? No way to be certain, but watching the mortgage rate indicators is one way to get some idea of what to expect.

If you would like to be prequalified, you can fill out a secure online application at www.MyLenderOfChoice.com. Or call my office at 720-489-0712.

Market Comment - Week of January 18th, 2010

Mortgage bond prices rose last week pushing mortgage interest rates lower. The bond market rallied nicely Tuesday following moves by China to curb growth. Oil prices fell almost immediately providing a much-needed reprieve following the recent run up in prices tied to severe cold weather across the US. The consumer price index data showed tame inflation, which also helped rates improve. For the week interest rates fell by about 1/2 of a discount point.

The inflation data Wednesday will be the most important economic release this week. Signs of stronger than expected inflation would not be good for mortgage interest rates. The bond market is closed Monday in honor of the Martin Luther King holiday. Interest rates may be volatile Tuesday as trading resumes following the extended holiday weekend.

Economic Factors
Economic Indicator	Release Date Time	Consensus Estimate	Analysis
Martin Luther King Day	Monday, Jan. 18, 2010		Important. Shortened trading week may result in volatility when trading resumes Tuesday.
Producer Price Index	Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010	Unchanged, Core up 0.2%	Important. An indication of inflationary pressures at the producer level. Weaker figures may lead to lower rates.
Housing Starts	Wednesday, Jan. 20, 2010	Up 1.0%	Important. A measure of housing sector strength. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
Weekly Jobless Claims	Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010	445k	Moderately Important. An indication of employment. Higher figures may result in lower rates.
Leading Economic Indicators	Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010	Up 0.5%	Important. An indication of future economic activity. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
Philadelphia Fed Survey	Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010	18.2	Moderately important. A survey of business conditions in the Northeast. Weakness may lead to lower rates.

LEI

The index of leading economic indicators (LEI) is a weighted average of eleven economic variables that "lead" the business cycle. It is constructed for forecasting future aggregate economic activity. The eleven variables that make up the LEI measure workers' hours, initial unemployment claims, new factory orders, vendor performance, contracts and orders for plant and equipment, new housing permits, changes in unfilled orders, prices of raw materials, stock prices, money supply and consumer expectations.

Each of the variables that comprise the index has a tendency to predict (or lead) economic activity. For example, new orders for manufactured goods, new orders for plant and equipment, and new building permits are all direct measures of the amount of future production being planned for the economy.

Analysts monitor the LEI in an effort to predict future economic growth. When the LEI report is up, mortgage market participants expect credit demand to increase and inflationary pressures to build. Thus, when the LEI report is rising, interest rates tend to rise as well.

The LEI report is a valuable forecasting device that correctly predicts most economic turning points. The percentage change in the LEI is reported monthly and is an indication of the activity that will occur within the next three to six months. The LEI tends to turn down before peaks in the business cycle. Continuous declines are generally accepted as evidence that a recession continues.

Nine of the eleven components that make up this index are known before the release of the report, so the index is easy for economists to predict. Thus, although this is important predictive data for market participants, surprises are not common with the release of this data.

WR Starkey Mortgage - A different kind of company...where people come first!

	Ruth Vogt Business Development Manager (LMB100023827)
6025 South Quebec, Suite 110 Englewood, CO 80111
Work: 720-489-0712 Fax: 720-489-0273 Other: http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm
rvogt@wrstarkey.com
www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

Colorado Springs MLS

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 22:50:40 -0600

Colorado Springs MLS

The real estate market is showing an improvement in Colorado Springs according to the MLS, or Multiple Listing Service. The MLS tracks the time a property is on the market before selling. The time on the market actually gives indication of whether we have a buyer's market or a seller's market. The article below gives current MLS statistics suggesting Colorado Springs properties are selling much faster than they were a year ago.

For additional information on the importance of working with someone that is qualified to accurately interpret MLS statistics, please click: MLS reports.

Via Murray Knoll Partners (Keller Williams Clients Choice, Colorado Springs, CO):

Colorado Springs MLS Market Update. Below are the statistics for the Colorado Springs MLS real estate market.

All the trends are good towards an improving real estate market for Colorado Springs resales when you compare December 2008 to December 2009. The number of sales were up 26% and the number of active listings were down by 20%. This equates to a change in absorption rate for the city from 10 months from a year ago to 6 months, meaning that at the current rate of sales per month, it will only take 6 months to sell the inventory of homes. We will most likely see the number of active listings increase for Colorado Sprngs in January, but the buyers typically start returning to the market as well.

Total sales for 2009 were up 4.9% over 2008. A positive sign that Colorado Springs real estate market is on the mend.

The bad news is that single family new home starts were down 15% from December 2008.





Nancy Murray
Ann Knoll

Murray Knoll Partners

With Keller Williams Clients’ Choice

Colorado Springs, CO

Direct: 719-964-4810

http://www.OurDistrict20Homes.com/

nancy@ourdistrict20homes.com

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:06:04 -0600

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

Whether you are thinking about buying or selling your home, it's important to track mortgage rate indicators in order to have some idea which way the interest rates are moving. The mortgage rate indicators aren't ever absolutely "on the mark" with pointing an upward or downward movement. After all, that would take all the fun out of it! Seriously, anyone that suggests they KNOW with certainty what rates are going to do is much smarter than even the experts I've met in the business over the past thirty years. Mortgage rate indicators do just that - give an indication, not a guarantee.

For further discussion on rates, mortgage terms, or loan qualification requirements, please contact me.

Market Comment - Week of January 11th, 2010

Mortgage bond prices rose last week pushing mortgage interest rates lower. The bond market was buoyed by the announcement that US Treasury increased the credit lines of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac a total of $400 billion. This was a signal to investors that those entities are "too big to fail" as viewed by the Treasury. We saw some weakness Thursday afternoon as retailers reported stronger than expected holiday sales. The employment report Friday was generally bond friendly. For the week interest rates fell by about 1/4 of a discount point.

The inflation data Friday will be the most important economic data this week. Signs of stronger than expected inflation would not be good for mortgage interest rates. The Treasury auctions will also dominate trading. Stronger than normal foreign demand could bode well for the overall level of interest rates. Weaker than expected bids would likely result in interest rate increases.

Economic Factors
Economic Indicator	Release Date Time	Consensus Estimate	Analysis
Trade Data	Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010	$34.8 billion deficit	Important. Affects the value of the dollar. A falling deficit may strengthen the dollar and lead to lower rates.
3-year Treasury Note Auction	Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2010	None	Important. $40 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Fed "Beige Book"	Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010	None	Important. This Fed report details current economic conditions across the US. Signs of weakness may lead to lower rates.
10-year Treasury Note Auction	Wednesday, Jan 13, 2010	None	Important. $21 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Retail Sales	Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010	Up 0.4%	Important. A measure of consumer demand. A smaller than expected increase may lead to lower mortgage rates.
30-year Treasury Bond Auction	Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010	None	Important. $13 billion of bonds will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Consumer Price Index	Friday, Jan. 15, 2010	Up 0.2%, Core up 0.1%	Important. A measure of inflation at the consumer level. Weaker figures may lead to lower rates.
Industrial Production	Friday, Jan. 15, 2010	Up 0.6%	Important. A measure of manufacturing sector strength. A lower than expected increase may lead to lower rates.

Employment Results

The December employment report came in relatively bond friendly. Unemployment came in at 10% as expected. However the payrolls component showed job losses of 85,000 compared to the 35,000 losses expected by analysts. The mortgage bond market had a generally positive reaction to the report but improvements in rates were tempered by concerns for some of the revised data from prior months. Revisions to the November figures showed a 4000-job increase as opposed to the original 11,000-job decrease.

WR Starkey Mortgage - A different kind of company...where people come first!

	Ruth Vogt Business Development Manager (LMB100023827)
6025 South Quebec, Suite 110 Englewood, CO 80111
Work: 720-489-0712 Fax: 720-489-0273 Other: http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm
rvogt@wrstarkey.com
www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

We got a lead and you'll never guess from where!

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Sat, 09 Jan 2010 18:43:29 -0600

The other day my husband (who is in the same business) told me about a new loan application he got from an old acquaintance. I was shocked to hear she had found us after all this time, so I asked him how in the world she found us??? It wasn't just his answer that surprised me, but my initial reaction to his response.

Ready? She had left a message on our home phone recorder! I responded, "REALLY? She left a message on our home phone?"

"Yep, she looked us up in the phone book".

I was quite surprised.

Then laughed at myself! What has happened that I was so surprised that someone would find us using a phone book. Was it really that long ago that we used that as a major lead source?

Hope there are some of you that are laughing WITH me, and not AT me!

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:54:30 -0600

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

We all know the law of gravity: what goes up must come down.

But here's the law of interest rates: what goes down will most likely go back up!

If you or your clients are trying to decide when is the right time to lock your interest rates, I suggest you keep a close eye on the mortgage rate indicators. And you don't have to be under contract to lock a rate. Call today for details!

Market Comment - Week of January 4th, 2010

Mortgage bond prices fell last week pushing mortgage interest rates higher. The bond market was choppy most of the week as thin trading conditions magnified movements. We started the week with rates heading higher Monday. Fortunately there was a bit of a rally Tuesday and Wednesday as the Treasury auctions were decent. Those gains were short-lived as the weekly jobless claims figure wasn't as bad as expected. The bond market closed early Thursday and was closed the entire day Friday. For the week interest rates rose by about 1/4 of a discount point.

ISM Index data will set the tone for trading this week. The employment report will be the most important release but it doesn't arrive until Friday. This will be the first full week of trading this year. It will be interesting to see how traders react to the recent spike in rates following the various shortened trading sessions.

Economic Factors
Economic Indicator	Release Date Time	Consensus Estimate	Analysis
Construction Spending	Monday, Jan. 4, 2010	Down 0.5%	Low importance. An indication of economic strength. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
ISM Index	Monday, Jan. 4, 2010	54.0	Important. A measure of manufacturer sentiment. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Factory Orders	Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2010	Up 0.5%	Important. A measure of manufacturing sector strength. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
ADP Employment	Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010	-75k	Important. A measure of employment. A larger than expected decrease in jobs may bring lower rates.
Employment	Friday, Jan. 8, 2010	Unemp. @ 10%, Payrolls unchanged	Very important. An increase in unemployment or a large decrease in payrolls may bring lower rates.

The Year Ahead

This year begins in a similar fashion to last year. Last year at this time 30 year fixed rate mortgage interest rates were historically low. Most pundits predicted little or no opportunities for additional refinancing. Mortgage interest rates did spike higher from time to time throughout the year but overall the Fed did an excellent job of keeping rates in check. Unfortunately now the Fed's $1.25 trillion mortgage backed securities (MBS) purchasing program is nearing the end and the future remains uncertain. The good news is that 30 year fixed rate mortgages remain low but once again future predictions are all over the board.

What will occur in the future, economic recovery or additional weakness will continue to be debated. There is no certainty in predictions. Data can be used to support both sides of the debate. What we can be certain of is the fact that until the economy gains some stability, mortgage interest rates are likely to be volatile. Historically, mortgage interest rates seem to improve slowly. In contrast, when rates increase, it is often fast and furious. One negative day often erases a week of positive improvements.

It is possible for mortgage interest rates to push lower considering the Fed still has a few hundred billion dollars of MBS purchasing left. However, we are in unprecedented times. The Fed has clearly signaled they want rates to remain low but also want to exit the market. The Fed isn't the only player in the mortgage bond market and there are many others buying and selling the securities. Remember that the Fed does not directly dictate that mortgage interest rates will be at a certain percentage. Rates are determined by the supply and demand for mortgage-backed securities.

The Fed kept rates in check for 2009. The big unknown is how they will exit the market without causing major disturbances this year. While there have been signs of improvement in the housing sector, the last thing we need is higher rates. Without the Fed buying mortgage bonds rates may very well head considerably higher. Now is a great time to take advantage of favorable rates.

WR Starkey Mortgage - A different kind of company...where people come first!

	Ruth Vogt Business Development Manager (LMB100023827)
6025 South Quebec, Suite 110 Englewood, CO 80111
Work: 720-489-0712 Fax: 720-489-0273 Other: http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm
rvogt@wrstarkey.com
www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

Getting ready to sell your home in Castle Rock Colorado

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:52:53 -0600

Getting ready to sell your home in Castle Rock Colorado

Whew! You've made it through the holidays! Time to take down the decorations and put them away. But where are you going to put them? You've run out of storage space. Matter of fact, you're out of garage space, bedroom space, and every other kind of space! All signs you might be getting ready to sell your home!

Here's an excellent article from an east coast expert on things to do when you are getting ready to sell your home.

BUT the first step is to find a local real estate agent to determine if now really is the right time for you. The agents will then give you personalized tips on getting ready to sell your home.

Call us today for a list of experts in the Castle Rock area.

Ruth Vogt,
Business Development Manager (LMB100023827)

720-489-0712

rvogt@wrstarkey.com
www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

6025 South Quebec, Suite 110
Centennial, CO 80111

http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm

Via Gaye Granice, Associate Broker (Appleseed Homes ):

Preparing your home for sale does not have to be expensive or painful. You need to start with a plan and organize what needs to be done. You need to figure out how much time and money you will need to get the job done.

Here are some helpful hints:

1. MAXIMIZE CURB APPEAL

Be aware of the first impression your home makes when a buyer walks through the door. Positive first impressions often create immediate sales. Take a good look at your home and catalog all the repairs and cleaning that need to be done before you show your home.

Start on the outside. Take a look at your home from the street, that's where the buyers first impressions are made. Does your home look inviting and tidy, neat and clean.

2. GETTING READY TO SHOW

A fresh coat of paint, especially in neutral colors, goes a long way. Painting or wallpapering over freshly painted walls seems less of a chore to a buyer.

Kitchen and bathroom walls, ceilings and floors should be clean, bright and uncluttered.

Before every showing, make a detailed inspection of your home and maximize its appeal to the buyer.

Most serious buyers will want to see every room, closet and space in your home. Make it easy for them to see everything clearly and with adequate natural or arteficial light.

Have technical information about the age, size and capacity of the heating, cooling and hot water systems, your annual fuel and utility bills, age and general condition of the appliances and roofing. Serious buyers need these facts, especially cost items when figuring out what they will be able to afford.

As a full-time realtor, I have the experience to know what improvements will maximize your home's attractiveness to potential buyers. Call me for a free analysis, at 917-575-0583. I look forward to meeting you to help you get your plan in action.

Gaye Granice,

Associate Broker at Appleseed Homes

Helping to make all your dreams come true!

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com

New Year's Resolution that I've decided against!

Ruth Vogt (LMB#100023827) WR Starkey Mortgage — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 10:08:16 -0600

I just had to reblog this one. Just as a reminder on why I don't have to add this one to my list this year!

Happy New Year!

Ruth Vogt,
Business Development Manager (LMB100023827)

720-489-0712

rvogt@wrstarkey.com
www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

6025 South Quebec, Suite 110
Englewood, CO 80111

http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm

Via Mary Douglas, REALTOR ®, Red Feather Lakes, Colorado (United Country Ponderosa Realty):

One of the number 1 New Year Resolutions, next to losing weight, is getting fit. Walking is great way to do this. Lisa VonBargen, my friend in Estes Park, has a great post today about a wonderful place to take a walk in Colorado.

Yesterday, one of my friends sent me an email about the Importance of Walking, filled with excellent information about the subject. I thought I'd pass along my favorites to you from the email:

**********************************************************************************

Mary Douglas, your Mountain Broker-Associate and REALTOR®

United Country Ponderosa Realty, Red Feather Lakes, CO

www.redfeatherlakes.com ---800-531-2195

"A Day in the Mountains will always soothe your city soul"

The information contained in Mary's blog is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed, and the opinions and views expressed in these articles are solely those of the author.

_________________________________________

avoid foreclosure: call the Colorado Foreclosure Hotline 1-877-601-HOPE

HOTLINE WEBSITE: ColoradoForeclosureHotline.org
Dear Readers, who are not members of Active Rain. I love to hear from you. If this post does not accept outside comments, it is only to avoid unwanted spam - and you are 'so not spam'! Please feel free to email me any time.

I appreciate hearing from you!

Views and opinions expressed on this site are not necessarily those of WR Starkey Mortgage.

Ruth Vogt, Branch Manager

Colorado LMB #LMB100023827

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

rvogt@wrstarkey.com