http://green.yahoo.com/blog/the_conscious_consumer/116/how-to-get-ready-for-cash-for-caulkers.html
All in the Day of a Realtor- Real Estate Happenings in Salt Lake City and Beyond...
Friday, January 8, 2010
Homeowners - Check Out Stimulus for Greening Your Home
http://green.yahoo.com/blog/the_conscious_consumer/116/how-to-get-ready-for-cash-for-caulkers.html
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Mind Over Matter
"Once you make a decision,
the universe conspires to make it happen."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Interest Rates to Rise?
According to Bloomberg.com, it is noted that the 10-year Treasury note yield climbed from 3.548% to 3.748% and a couple days later ended the week at 3.80%
Reasons?
It seems that the markets are in a positive move and optimistic for the future of our economy. There was a slight rise in employment and personal income had a slight growth. This in turn encourages investors and stocks are starting to show higher numbers. When these triggers happen, the interest rates begin to rise.
Most analysts have tried to assure us that inflation won’t begin seriously for many months; however, the improving economy will cause the Federal Reserve to cease its support of lower interest rates earlier than expected.
When the 10-year note rates rise, existing Treasury notes become less valuable providing lower yields. This furthers the dominos effect as investors raise rates further and sell off their Treasury securities when they feel their holdings are losing value. Since there is a narrowing spread between the 10-year note and the 30-year mortgage rate, this suggests that mortgage rates will probably start rising.
To those potential buyers still sitting on the fence, I'd be making plans soon to get serious about buying a home, take advantage of the low interest rates and the 8K tax incentive for new home buyers or the 6.5K to those buyers who have been in their home for at least 5 years while you can! Don't fall into the category of the...if only I had bought when the market was...
Reasons?
Most analysts have tried to assure us that inflation won’t begin seriously for many months; however, the improving economy will cause the Federal Reserve to cease its support of lower interest rates earlier than expected.
When the 10-year note rates rise, existing Treasury notes become less valuable providing lower yields. This furthers the dominos effect as investors raise rates further and sell off their Treasury securities when they feel their holdings are losing value. Since there is a narrowing spread between the 10-year note and the 30-year mortgage rate, this suggests that mortgage rates will probably start rising.
To those potential buyers still sitting on the fence, I'd be making plans soon to get serious about buying a home, take advantage of the low interest rates and the 8K tax incentive for new home buyers or the 6.5K to those buyers who have been in their home for at least 5 years while you can! Don't fall into the category of the...if only I had bought when the market was...
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Step-By-Step Guide In Obtaining A Home Loan
Now that you've decided to purchase a new home, it's important to know what to expect throughout the loan process. With the right knowledge, the road to home ownership is just ahead.
Choose A Home
Some lenders may offer a pre-approval, but others require that you have a specific home chosen before they will discuss loan options. Therefore, the first step to obtaining a home loan is to first select a home. Some sellers may require you to provide an earnest money deposit, which secures the home while you obtain financing and have the necessary inspections completed in order to finalize the purchase.
Check Your Credit
Before you even think about applying for a mortgage, it's important to know where you stand from the lender's point of view. Checking your credit report is a good idea for many reasons, but it's an essential step in your journey toward buying a home.
Every 12 months, you can request a free copy of your credit file from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Look for inaccuracies, outdated information or anything that requires your attention. If you spot anything, file a dispute right away to get the information corrected. A free credit report does not include your FICO score, which is available from the credit bureaus for a small fee. Most lenders use this number in determining your interest rates and creditworthiness, so it may be a good idea to check it out for yourself first.
Gather Your Documentation
When you apply for a loan, you will be asked to provide certain documentation and/or information relating to your current financial status, employment, assets (including both real and personal property) and liabilities. Before meeting with your lender, make sure to have your current paystubs, bank statements, tax returns for the two years preceding your application and information relating to any debts that you currently owe. If you are self-employed, you will also be asked to provide a year-to-date profit/loss statement, which is also known as an income statement.
Meet With Your Lender
Now that you have your documentation together, it's time to meet with your lender. At this point, you will complete a mortgage application and submit it for approval. Depending on the lender, it may take anywhere from several hours to several days before learning whether or not you are approved. In most cases, however, a lender can provide you with an answer within 24 hours.
Last Minute Details
If your loan is approved, it's time to move forward to the next step in the mortgage process. Your lender will order an appraisal and inspection to be completed on the property. This is just as much for your own protection as it is for the lender because it may reveal hidden problems within the home. The inspection and appraisal can take up to 30 days, at which point the results will be forwarded to the lender. If all goes well, you will close on the loan and get ready to move into your new home.
Some lenders may offer a pre-approval, but others require that you have a specific home chosen before they will discuss loan options. Therefore, the first step to obtaining a home loan is to first select a home. Some sellers may require you to provide an earnest money deposit, which secures the home while you obtain financing and have the necessary inspections completed in order to finalize the purchase.
Check Your Credit
Before you even think about applying for a mortgage, it's important to know where you stand from the lender's point of view. Checking your credit report is a good idea for many reasons, but it's an essential step in your journey toward buying a home.
Every 12 months, you can request a free copy of your credit file from each of the three major credit reporting agencies - Equifax, TransUnion and Experian. Look for inaccuracies, outdated information or anything that requires your attention. If you spot anything, file a dispute right away to get the information corrected. A free credit report does not include your FICO score, which is available from the credit bureaus for a small fee. Most lenders use this number in determining your interest rates and creditworthiness, so it may be a good idea to check it out for yourself first.
Gather Your Documentation
When you apply for a loan, you will be asked to provide certain documentation and/or information relating to your current financial status, employment, assets (including both real and personal property) and liabilities. Before meeting with your lender, make sure to have your current paystubs, bank statements, tax returns for the two years preceding your application and information relating to any debts that you currently owe. If you are self-employed, you will also be asked to provide a year-to-date profit/loss statement, which is also known as an income statement.
Meet With Your Lender
Now that you have your documentation together, it's time to meet with your lender. At this point, you will complete a mortgage application and submit it for approval. Depending on the lender, it may take anywhere from several hours to several days before learning whether or not you are approved. In most cases, however, a lender can provide you with an answer within 24 hours.
Last Minute Details
If your loan is approved, it's time to move forward to the next step in the mortgage process. Your lender will order an appraisal and inspection to be completed on the property. This is just as much for your own protection as it is for the lender because it may reveal hidden problems within the home. The inspection and appraisal can take up to 30 days, at which point the results will be forwarded to the lender. If all goes well, you will close on the loan and get ready to move into your new home.
The Metamorphous of the Salt Lake County Sheriff's Department
At my Community Council Meeting this evening, one discussion of interest referenced the newly formed Salt Lake City Unified Police Department, which is the metamorphosis of the Utah County Sheriffs Department. A spokesman from the UPD said we will be seeing changes in cars uniforms, etc. within the next few months & by April the transition is final... and oh.... one small piece of trivia...it will cost tax payers more $$. Just from a homeowner’s perspective in unincorporated areas, you will be receiving a separate bill in a couple of months for $174 for your yearly fee for this new Unified Police Department. It has to be paid in one lump sum. Owners of apartments, businesses, etc. will have higher fees charged. I don't remember voting on this? So prepare yourself and...watch your mail boxes. Now I ask, is this the prelude of desensitization of the masses to prepare for the new world order? What can I say; I'm a fiction writer so I read into everything with vivid imagination.
To read more about the original transition please go to http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=7494178
To read more about the original transition please go to http://www.ksl.com/?nid=148&sid=7494178
Monday, January 4, 2010
Ten Ways to Cut Your Energy Bill
TEN WAYS TO CUT YOUR ENERGY BILL
1 .One of the easiest ways to cut your heating and cooling bill is to make sure that your attic has seven inches (R-22) or more (up to R-49) of fiberglass or rock wool insulation.
2. A simple step we often ignore-replace or clean your AC vents once a month.
3. Don't leave your bathroom ventilator running longer than necessary, as it can drain your entire house of cooled or heated air in about an hour!
4. During the summer keep your drapes closed in the heat of the day. In the winter keep the south facing window drapes open.
5. Make sure all windows are caulked and weather-stripped to save 10% on your H/AC bill.
6. White window shades or blinds will deflect the heat away from your house.
7. Lower hot water costs by installing low-flow showerheads and faucets.
8. Insulate your water heater and set its thermostat at 115° F.
9. You can cut up to 50% on your lighting costs by replacing 25% of the bulbs in your main-use areas with fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lights are more expensive but also last six to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs.
10. Plant trees ASAP. Well-placed trees will not only lower your energy costs but will increase the curb appeal of your home and make your yard a more enjoyable place to be.
1 .One of the easiest ways to cut your heating and cooling bill is to make sure that your attic has seven inches (R-22) or more (up to R-49) of fiberglass or rock wool insulation.
3. Don't leave your bathroom ventilator running longer than necessary, as it can drain your entire house of cooled or heated air in about an hour!
4. During the summer keep your drapes closed in the heat of the day. In the winter keep the south facing window drapes open.
5. Make sure all windows are caulked and weather-stripped to save 10% on your H/AC bill.6. White window shades or blinds will deflect the heat away from your house.
7. Lower hot water costs by installing low-flow showerheads and faucets.
8. Insulate your water heater and set its thermostat at 115° F.
9. You can cut up to 50% on your lighting costs by replacing 25% of the bulbs in your main-use areas with fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lights are more expensive but also last six to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs.
Sunday, January 3, 2010
Unemployment
You take my life when you do take the means whereby I live.
— The Merchant of Venice, act 4, scene 1, Shylock
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)