Ruth's Blog

Home Foreclosures in Castle Rock, Colorado

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 14:27:20 -0400

Home Foreclosures in Castle Rock, Colorado

Have you ever wondered what might spur home foreclosures in Castle Rock? There are the obvious reasons for home foreclosures, like not making your monthly mortgage payments. Or not paying your county taxes. But what you might not realize, is that home foreclosures can be generated by your Home Owners Association!

Here is an interesting blog about what happened in Maryland! Makes you think twice about home foreclosures!

There are many experts in the industry that can help prevent home foreclosures. For more information, call me and I can refer you to an expert in your area.

Ruth Vogt

www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

Phone: 720-489-0712

Via Mike Nastri Franklin TN Homes (Keller Williams Realty):

Yes, it is true, the Home Owners Association does have the authority in many cases to begin foreclosure proceedings over delinquent HOA fees. Do some HOAs take this authority too far? See the link below I would love to know what you think. Foreclosure is ugly, I don't care what the reasons. The video represents the opinion of the station doing the story, feel free to interject yours as well.

Fortunately for the Clauers, a federal law, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, appears to give them legal recourse.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Franklin TN - Home Search - Area and Market Report Index

Brentwood TN - Home Search - Area and Market Report Index

The opinions expressed by The Activerain Network and it's members and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not reflect the opinions of Mike Nastri Keller Williams Realty - Franklin, TN neither Mike Nastri or the Keller Williams Realty Franklin office, which is independently owned and operated are responsible for the accuracy or content provided by The Community.

Links to Mike Nastri past Real Estate blogs, Listings, or Market Reports.

Contact Mike for the most recent listings and market information.

Blogged Listings, Market Reports, Opinions, Community News and Events

Mike Nastri Keller Williams Realty
9175 Carothers Pkwy Franklin, TN 37067
615.294.3912 MNastri@KW.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

A frustrated borrower

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 11:54:21 -0400

Today I was working with one of my loan officers on a file ... an extremely qualified borrower I might add that was getting quite frustrated with having to document his income and identify his deposits in his bank account. Here was my response back to the loan officer:

"I know it is tough to ask a buyer as qualified as Mr.XXXX for all this documentation. Unfortunately, it's the world we live in today. Investors don't care about common sense, and for some reason the risk factor seems to have been completely eliminated for the time being. The crack down by the Federal Reserve has forced investors into a CYA mentality (don't mean to be crude, but it seems to be the best way to describe it.)

All move up and relocation buyers are going through the shock of what is being asked of them, because "the last time" they didn't have all these hoops to jump through. And they didn't. And WE didn't have to ask them to jump in those days either. Our industry as a whole has been put in a sort of "time out" being punished for the stupidity of following our instructions a decade or so ago, when the government's call to action for our industry was "every American DESERVES a home" (started during the Clinton administration, actually). Thus came stated income and then stated income, stated asset loans along with 125% LTV loans, and let's not bring up those self-destructing option ARMS! Doing these high risk loans, resulted in high returns for those lenders and investors... but not for long. And even though WRSM did not participate or fund those types of loans, we are not exempt from the national punishment which is bestowed on not only the lender, but our buyers as well.

Is it ugly? ABSOLUTELY! And I hate it, too. But there's nothing we can do about it right now. And to wonder if it's going to get worse is a concern I hope we all have. But that's another discussion. For right now, our buyers just need to know: THIS IS NOT ABOUT THEM and to try and not take this personally. And to be honest, I have to wonder if this is part of the "big plan": make it difficult; make us all become so frustrated, that government run housing is welcomed as another change in our nation.

So, do I feel for what Mr. XXXX is going through? Most definitely. But it's not too far fetched to be concerned that a day may come in the not too distant future that wanna-be buyers won't even have the option to jump through all these hoops.

Now that I've completely depressed myself, I'm going to go and pull those never ending weeds that like to invade my flower gardens, except today I'm going to be thankful that I have a house and a yard of my own to worry about. And hope and pray my grandkids do, too."

I seldom, if ever, write any blogs having to do with a political edge to them. But right now, I'm frightened. We ALL need to be!

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

Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered!

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 21:42:25 -0400

I'm sure we've all heard that expression. But there isn't a better time to recognize the impact of that saying than right NOW!

The clock is ticking on the home buyer credit, yet it amazes me how many buyers and sellers are still letting a few thousand dollars keep them from getting a contract signed!

I read a recent blog by my AR friend, Jane Peters, written on the subject of buyers nickel and diming the sellers to death. Over a $5000 roof (a roof, I might add, that wasn't expected to cause inspection or appraisal issues, by the way).

Now let's think about this: a $5,000 roof or the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit??

Simple math points out that if the buyers make the offer with the roof as is (remember, no inspection or appraisal issues are expected) and the sellers accept it before the end of the month, the buyer is $3,000 to the good anyway.

But to take this one step further: let's say they continue to hold off hoping to get the seller down another $5,000, all for a roof that doesn't need to be replaced currently anyway, only to miss the contract deadline date and lose out on the $8,000 credit, they will pay for that mistake for over 25 years!

Here's how I figured that:

The monthly "savings" on a $5,000 lower price/lower loan amount is about $27 per month. If they mess around and don't come to terms on the contract by month end, they lose the $8,000 tax credit. If I divide the $8000 they stand to lose by the monthly "savings" they are hoping to gain of $27, the break even is over 296 months, or over 25 years!

And that's just simple math without taking other tax or financial factors into consideration like the value of current money (the $8k tax credit) vs borrowed money.

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 Insurance for Littleton Colorado Homes

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 19:19:33 -0400

Mortgage Insurance for Littleton Colorado Homes

Makes Low Down Payment Loans Possible!

Simply put, mortgage insurance protects the mortgage company against financial loss if a homeowner stops making mortgage payments. Mortgage companies usually require mortgage insurance on low down payment loans for protection in the event that the homeowner fails to make his or her payments. When a homeowner fails to make the mortgage payments, a default occurs and the home goes into foreclosure. The homeowner, lender and the mortgage insurer lose in a foreclosure situation. The homeowner loses the house and all of the money put into it. The mortgage insurer will then have to pay a percentage of the mortgage company's loss on the defaulted loan.

The mortgage company's decision to use mortgage insurance is driven by the requirements of investors in the mortgage market. Because of the losses that could occur, major investors require mortgage insurance on all loans made with low down payments. Although the cost of the mortgage insurance is paid by the borrower, the mortgage insurer works directly with the mortgage company.

Low down payment mortgages can be insured in two ways -- through the government or through the private sector. Mortgages backed by the government are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) or the Farmers Home Administration (FmHA). Although anyone can apply for FHA insurance, the other two government mortgage guarantee programs are much more targeted. The VA program is limited to qualified, eligible veterans and reservists. The FmHA insures loans for the construction and purchase of homes in rural communities. Conventional financing is the alternative to obtaining a home loan backed by the government.

Some government insured financing places maximums on the loan amounts which can vary from county to county, and state to state. Private mortgage insurance is available on a larger scale of home loan types and there is no pre-set limit on the loan amount. Although variances between government loans and conventional loans are evident, all are based on the same concept: allowing families to get into homes with less cash down.

Another option to loans requiring mortgage insurance would be to obtain a 1st and 2nd mortgage combination. With the wide variety of loans available, home buyers can find the financing process quite overwhelming! That's why I encourage clients to meet with me early in the home buying stage so that together we can find the right mortgage that best suits THEIR personal needs!

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

Title Insurance Centennial Colorado

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:46:51 -0400

Title Insurance Centennial Colorado

Once you find the property you wish to call "home", you AND the lender want to be given a full disclosure of ownership and liens associated with that property before the purchase transaction is completed. That information is provided in the form of an ALTA (American Land Title Association) policy. Unlike other forms of insurance that focus on possible future events and charge an annual premium, title insurance is purchased for a one-time payment expense and is a safeguard against loss arising from hazards and defects already existing in the title.

Prior to being issued a title insurance policy, a close examination of all public records that involve title to the real estate is done. The person, who is a licensed and bonded agent, conducting the search looks at past deeds, wills, and trusts to make sure the "chain of title" has passed correctly to each new owner. The examiner also tries to verify that all prior mortgages, judgments, and other liens have been paid in full.

If a problem (called a "defect" or "cloud" on the title) is found it must be corrected prior to closing. For instance, a previous owner sold the property 15 years ago. His wife was listed on the deed but for some reason did not sign-off at closing. Her interest in the property must be removed to clear the title. A title search should uncover other potential problems or nuisances, such as rights another may hold (right of ways, view easements, power line easements, mineral rights), claims by prior undisclosed heirs, and pending legal actions.

Title insurance protects you against problems that did not show up during the title search or were missed by the examiner, or errors in public records. A title insurancepolicy does not cover defects that occur after you purchase the property. Also, policies often exclude issues having to do with easements, mineral and air rights, and liens. As your lender, we'll be sure to review all exclusions and exceptions before you ever go to closing. After all, as the lender, we have an interest in the property as well! That's why there are actually TWO policies issued -

A lender's title insurance policy will be issued for the amount of the mortgage. It pays the lender if a problem surfaces.
An owner's title insurance policy covers the property's full sales price and insures the owner against loss.

Typically here in Centennial, it is the responsibility of the seller to provide you with the owner's title insurance policy. And as a part of the agreement in assisting you with the financing of the property, you provide the lender with the lender's title insurance policy.

For more information on closing procedures on properties in Centennial or in the Denver area, please feel free to contact 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

Homeowners Insurance Centennial Colorado

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 23:31:48 -0400

Homeowners Insurance Centennial Colorado

When shopping for homeowners insurance in Centennial, or most any other area for that matter, there's much more to consider than how much your coverage will cost. You need to buy the right type of policy AND be sure to get the proper coverage. For instance, the needs of a buyer of a condo or townhome will differ from the needs and costs of homeowners insurance for a single family homeowner. We, as the lender, require that you have sufficient insurance to cover exposure determined only by the amount of your loan. You, on the other hand, may desire increased coverage on your home and you may want to consider provisions for personal valuables such as jewelry, your computer equipment and other possessions. That is why it's so important to take time to visit with your agent or homeowners insurance company about your personal situation.

When you apply for homeowners insurance, the insurance agent will sometimes ask you about your current occupation and employment history, marital status, previous addresses, date of birth and Social Security number. It is standard for the insurer to check your criminal, credit, and insurance history to see if you are a "good risk." The homeowners insurance company also will look at your "loss history" to see what kinds of home insurance claims you've made in the past.

In addition to gathering personal information, the insurer will need information about the home. The age of your home, the materials used to build it, where it's located, square footage, and the number of rooms all play a role. How do you heat your home? What's the overall condition of the house? How many people live in your home? How close is your home to the nearest fire station and fire hydrant?

Lastly, your homeowners insurance agent will need to determine how much it would cost to replace your home. Once you have decided what type of homeowners insurance policy best fits your needs, if special coverage is required for personal items that may not be covered under the basic policy, and what deductible you are comfortable with, your insurance agent will be able to give you a quote. Typically, the premium for the first year plus three months escrow for the following year will be included in the amount of money you are asked to bring to the closing of your new home.

Be sure to shop around when looking for the right homeowners insurance company as rates do vary widely. For instance, some companies offer discounts when you have both your home and auto insurance policies with them or have been insured by them for several years. Larger deductibles will also have a huge effect on your premium. Other discounts may be offered if you don't smoke, or if you qualify for senior rates. And remember, it's always a good idea to check the financial ratings of the companies with AM Best or Standard and Poor's. Let me know if you need a couple of recommendations of agents in your area.

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

Be careful what you tweet!

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 23:29:19 -0400

I heard on the news tonight that every tweet since the inception of Twitter four years ago is now being archived by the Library of Congress.

Why?

They say it's not because they are trying to make fun of twits who choose to randomly brag about their unexceptional life. Rather there is the claim that tweets are documenting history! With 50 million tweets a day you'd hope there is bound to be one or two that might really be worth repeating or sending a RT in twalk (twitter talk).

But what about all the others? REALLY? The Library of Congress? I don't know about you, but I haven't seem very many tweets today, or yesterday, or even last week that warrant sufficient value to be achived in my memory, much less that of the Library of Congress!

So think about that the next time you decide to slam someone with a #BAD slam!

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

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 22:59:06 -0400

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

Rates are still inviting home buyers to buy. Especially a good time for first time homebuyers to get under contract and take advantage of the home buyer credit. Move up buyers might qualify, too. Call today! Must be under contract by the end of the month! Ask me to discuss mortgage rate indicators when you call so we can decide if now is the time to lock in your interest rate!

Market Comment - Week of April 12th, 2010

Mortgage bond prices rose last week, which helped mortgage interest rates improve slightly. The first portion of the week was generally bond friendly as the Fed minutes showed real concern about the economy's ability to recover with so many job losses. Stocks and bonds generally traded inversely as the DOW tested the 11,000 mark a few times during the week in up and down trading. Unfortunately a large portion of the improvements was erased as oil prices traded around $87/barrel and inflation fears emerged. Despite this, rates still managed to improve by about 1/4 of a discount point for the week.

The consumer price index Wednesday will be the most important release this week. The abundance of important economic releases has the potential to result in a very volatile week for mortgage interest rates. If the data shows signs of weakness we could see rates improve.

Economic Factors

Economic Indicator

Release Date Time

Consensus Estimate

Analysis

Trade Data

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

$38 billion

Important. Affects the value of the dollar. A falling deficit may strengthen the dollar and lead to lower rates.

Consumer Price Index

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Up 0.1%, Core up 0.1%

Important. A measure of inflation at the consumer level. Weaker figures may lead to lower rates.

Retail Sales

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Up 0.2%

Important. A measure of consumer demand. A smaller than expected increase may lead to lower mortgage rates.

Business Inventories

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Up 0.1%

Low importance. An indication of stored-up capacity. A significantly larger increase may lead to lower rates.

Fed "Beige Book"

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

None

Important. This Fed report details current economic conditions across the US. Signs of weakness may lead to lower rates.

Industrial Production

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Up 0.2%

Important. A measure of manufacturing sector strength. A lower than expected increase may lead to lower rates.

Capacity Utilization

Thursday, April 15, 2010

72.5%

Important. A figure above 85% is viewed as inflationary. Weakness may lead to lower rates.

Housing Starts

Friday, April 16, 2010

Down 2.1%

Important. A measure of housing sector strength. Larger than expected decreases may lead to lower rates.

Oil

Inflation fears tied to rising energy prices have reemerged. At one point oil prices rose near $87/barrel last week causing many analysts to revise forecasts. Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley both predict oil prices will rise above $100/barrel next year. The concern is that rising energy costs could permeate through the markets and damage economies around the globe that are struggling to regain footing. Inflation, real or perceived, generally erodes the value of fixed income securities causing prices to fall and rates to rise. This could pressure mortgage interest rates higher further stifling a recovery in the US housing sector.

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

6025 South Quebec, Suite 110
Englewood, CO 80111

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
rvogt@wrstarkey.com
www.MyLenderOfChoice.com

©2010 Design by WR Starkey Mortgage, LLP NMLSR #2146. This is not a guarantee of financing. All borrowers must meet certain underwriting guidelines and credit criteria. Rules and Regulations may apply.

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

Short sales might be short sighted in the long run!

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 19:15:05 -0400

Short sales might be the only way out for many. But taking that direction may haunt sellers for years (and dollars) to come.

First there is the obvious financial impact of a short sale. The waiting period to buy a new home is at least two to three years and also depends on the loan type. For instance, a new FHA loan can be applied for after two years as long as they were current on their other installments and the mortgage of the previously owned home.

But wait... don't most banks require you be delinquent before they even consider a short sale?? Therefore you need to plan on a minimum of three years after a short sale to even hope to assist them in purchasing another home.

But here's something that may be even more surprising. Despite the Mortgage Debt Relief Act of 2007 some may still owe IRS after all! There were a few exemptions to this act to include:

homebuyers that took a cash out refinance and spent the money on something other than home repairs will most likely need to claim the amount of the short sale as if it were earned income.
investment or second homes are still subject to the tax liability.
multi-million dollar homes are also not covered by the Mortgage Debt Relief Act.

Interesting how this information is suddenly coming to light now that we're deep into tax season, isn't it???

NOTE: always contact your accountant or CPA for issues requiring tax advice.

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

Be preapproved to buy a home in Castle Rock, Colorado

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:12:01 -0400

Be preapproved to buy a home in Castle Rock, Colorado

Castle Rock is a rather small, sleepy little community located just off I-25 between Denver and Colorado Springs. The butte located on the east side of the interstate is what gave inspiration to the name, Castle Rock.

It's just as important to be preapproved to buy a home in this little town as it is when making an offer for a home in the city. In a previous post I explained the difference between being prequalifed and being preapproved to buy a home. The focus of this post is WHY you'll want to be preapproved to buy a home!

When you have been preapproved for a home loan it allows you to shop with confidence. But more importantly the seller of a property will look at your offer more seriously than an offer from a buyer who has only been prequalified. Many times a seller will take a lower offer from a buyer who has taken the time to be preapproved to buy a home as there is less risk of taking their home off the market only to find out weeks, sometimes months later that the prequalified buyer can't actually get approved for their loan!

Another advantage of completing the steps to be preapproved to buy a home is that many lenders can offer an interest rate lock even if you haven't found your actual home yet! This is especially comforting in a market where there is concern about interest rates going up. A higher interest rate means a smaller. less expensive home when you're targeting a maximum monthly house payment. This type of lock usually allows you 30 days to find your home and an additional 30 days to close on the property.

For more information on how to be preapproved to buy a home call me today!

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

The Law of Mortgage Interest Rates

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 19:03:02 -0400

If the law of gravity is, "What goes up must come down", then the law of mortgage interest rates has to be, "What comes down must go up". No one can argue that rates have recently been the lowest we've seen for a long, long time. And we knew it wasn't going to last forever, but somehow we got lulled into a false sense of "low rate security". Even though the recent incline has been slight thus far, experts are suspecting rates will continue to rise. But no one is sure how long or how fast they'll go up.

Why the expectation of a rate increase? Because last Thursday was the last day since 2009 the Fed would be buying mortgage backed securities. If this is all "mortgage mumbo jumbo" to you, listen to this brief video from MSS to help you get a better understanding of why mortgage rates are so volatile.

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

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:00:54 -0400

Market Comment - Week of March 29th, 2010

Mortgage bond prices fell last week pushing mortgage interest rates considerably higher. The Treasury auctions resulted in poor foreign demand for US debt instruments. Unfortunately that carried over into the mortgage backed securities market causing prices to fall and rates to rise. The data hurt us with weekly jobless claims coming in better than expected and existing home sales also beating estimates. Durable goods orders data was mixed with ex-transportation figures considerably stronger than expected. Rates rose about 5/8 of a discount point for the week.

The PCE inflation reading Monday will set the tone for trading this week. The employment report Friday will be the most important release. The bond market will close early Friday in honor of Good Friday.

Economic Factors

Economic Indicator

Release Date Time

Consensus Estimate

Analysis

Personal Income and Outlays

Monday, March 29, 2010

Up 0.1%, Up 0.3%

Important. A measure of consumers' ability to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.

PCE Prices-Core

Monday, March 29, 2010

Up 0.1%

Important. An indication of inflationary pressures at the producer level. Weakness may lead to lower rates.

Consumer Confidence

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

49.0

Important. An indication of consumers' willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.

ADP Employment

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Up 45k

Important. An indication of employment. Weakness in payrolls may bring lower rates.

Factory Orders

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

Up 0.5%

Important. A measure of manufacturing sector strength. Weakness may lead to lower rates.

Construction Spending

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Down 1.0%

Low importance. An indication of economic strength. A significant decrease may lead to lower rates.

ISM Index

Thursday, April 1, 2010

57.0

Important. A measure of manufacturer sentiment. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.

Employment

Friday, April 2, 2010

Unemp. @ 9.7%, Payrolls +150k

Very important. An increase in unemployment or weakness in payrolls may bring lower rates.

Personal Consumption Expenditures

The personal consumption expenditures price index is a measurement of the average increase in prices for all domestic personal consumption. The Bureau of Economic Analysis creates the report. The release is the preferred measure of inflation of the Federal Reserve. The 2000 Monetary Policy Report to the Congress indicated, "the Federal Reserve Board's semiannual monetary policy reports to Congress have described the Board's outlook for inflation in terms of the PCE. Prior to that, the inflation outlook was presented in terms of the CPI." The report went on to note "the PCE chain-type index is constructed from a formula that reflects the changing composition of spending and thereby avoids some of the upward bias associated with the fixed-weight nature of the CPI. In addition, the weights are based on a more comprehensive measure of expenditures. Finally, historical data used in the PCE price index can be revised to account for newly available information and for improvements in measurement techniques, including those that affect source data from the CPI; the result is a more consistent series over time."

Be cautious heading into this release in the event signs of inflation begin to materialize.

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

6025 South Quebec, Suite 110
Englewood, CO 80111

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
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

Do You Get Twitter?

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 09:55:55 -0500

I know there must be something to this, or everyone wouldn't be in such a twitter about it. But I have to admit, I don't get it! I don't get how to build relationships (how many tweets does it take to get to know someone with 140 character limit per tweet??) I don't get how to put a business plan together focused on getting business referrals from it?

I feel like Twitter is similar to standing in the middle of an 8 lane highway with vehicles going 75 MPH and hoping to catch a ride with someone!

So at Denver Rain Camp, I really tried to focus on the info about Twitter, because I KNOW there has to be something very obvious that I'm missing. And like many others, I am on Twitter, I do Tweet occasionally (matter of fact I added my Twitter info in my settings in AR to send all my public blogs to Twitter automatically!). I have followers, I do follow others. But don't that fool you... I still don't "get it".

And if you think you do, use one of the tools given to us at RainCamp! Go to www.Klout.com and find out what your score is! This program ranks your effectiveness on a scale of 1 to 100. My score was a 10 and I'm still pouting about that. But, hey, I admitted I don't get it! Even the people that I thought must have a good handle on Twitter weren't ranking more than a 40!

So, I challenge you: if YOU think you get Twitter, check your score. If you know someone that you think must be good at it, check THEIR score! Klout.com has reassured me that most people out there really don't get Twitter, either! NOTE: part of my scoring ranking me over 1000% on content of tweets, which is a direct reflection on automatically tweeting my AR blogs!

One of the websites that I wrote down from Denver RainCamp to give 900 pieces to help understand Twitter I thought was TheTwitterTools.com. But I wrote it down wrong, as I can't find the site?? If you know what the correct website address is, please let me know!

#, or hash tags, on the other hand is one of the cool things that Twitter has come up with, and is easy to understand. For instance, when you're in in Twitter, go to the search field and put #Raincamp and you can see tweets made on Twitter that included #raincamp in their tweet. Helps to keep you updated on a specific topic.

BUT I don't know where the "library" of hash tags is kept to find other topics I might be interested in?? And how do you get one started? For instance, I know they have "tweet parties" where people gather in cyber cafes and just tweet. I think it might be fun to start a tweeting party during happy hour. We could call it #ToastedTweets!

In the meantime, I'm going to still focus most of my attention on what is working for me: ACTIVE RAIN!

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

Is it Spring? Really?

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 20:56:55 -0400

I can't help but pout. I have been noticing all the pictures everyone is posting with blossoms budding out on the trees, and tulips and daffodils bursting colors of the rainbow. And here I sit looking out my window wondering if we will ever see the signs of spring? Even the fish are getting tired of hibernating and ready for some warmer weather!

Yes, I'm definately having a serious case of cabin fever right now. I know that in about two months, I'll be tired of fighting the weeds, mowing the lawn, and keeping the pond clear of algae. ***sighs*** But right now, I'm getting pretty sick of the snow! Looks like the kids will be hunting eggs in doors again this year.

I am certain that when all this snow melts, we'll see green! FINALLY!

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

Mortage Rate Indicators for Denver

WR Starkey Mortgage (LMB#100023827) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 23:20:40 -0400

Mortgage Rate Indicators for Denver

Today's market was a little rough with cost of financing jumping up a bit. Temporary blip or a sign of what's coming just around the corner? No crystal ball is giving a certain answer to that question. Just stay in close communication with a lender who is keeping a close eye on the mortgage rate indicators!

Market Comment - Week of March 22nd, 2010

Mortgage bond prices rose last week helping mortgage interest rates improve slightly. We started the week on a positive note with rates falling amid tame inflation readings. The producer price index fell 0.6% and the core rose 0.1%. The headline figure was the lowest since July 2009. Weekly jobless claims showed the employment situation remained poor. Unfortunately we saw the market fall a bit pushing rates higher Thursday afternoon following the announcement of the size of the upcoming Treasury auctions and amid fear of future rate hikes. Rates fell about 1/8 of a discount point for the week.

The durable goods and gross domestic product data will be the most important releases this week. Supply concerns will continue to weigh heavily upon the bond market with the continued record Treasury auctions. If foreign demand falters mortgage interest rates could be pressured higher.

Economic Factors

Economic Indicator

Release Date Time

Consensus Estimate

Analysis

Existing Home Sales

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Down 0.9%

Low importance. An indication of mortgage credit demand. A significant decrease may lead to lower rates.

2-year Treasury Note Auction

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

None

Important. $44 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.

Durable Goods Orders

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Up 0.5%

Important. An indication of the demand for "big ticket" items. Weakness may lead to lower rates.

New Home Sales

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Up 1.5%

Important. An indication of economic strength and credit demand. Weakness may lead to lower rates.

5-year Treasury Note Auction

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

None

Important. $42 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.

7-year Treasury Note Auction

Thursday, March 25, 2010

None

Important. $32 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.

Q4 GDP third estimate

Friday, March 26, 2010

Up 5.8%

Important. The aggregate measure of US economic production. Weakness may lead to lower rates.

U of Michigan Consumer Sentiment

Friday, March 26, 2010

Important. An indication of consumers' willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.

Gross Domestic Product

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is one the most important reports during any given quarter. GDP is a measure of US economic output and spending. The report is significant in that it provides investors, analysts, traders, and economists with a comprehensive report of the direction of the economy. In addition, it also influences the decisions of Federal Reserve policy makers, Congressional budget employees, and corporate financial planners.

GDP is the sum total of goods and services produced by the United States. The initial report is often based on incomplete data. Therefore, additional revisions are released over the following two months. There are often substantial differences between the initial release and the revisions. The mortgage-backed security market generally responds favorably to weaker GDP growth.

While revisions generally don't move the market like the original release, they still have the potential to cause market volatility if vastly different from the prior releases. Be cautious heading into the data this week.

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

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