Alpharetta Cumming Lake Lanier Real Estate Blog

2014-01-01T10:30:00.001-05:00

Is 2014 the year to move up or make your first home purchase?

Take a tour thru our web site and see every home that is listed for sale of lease. It is free, you don't have to register. No strings attached. Just a great tool for you to see what is on the market today and what your home is worth in comparison. Any Questions just call us at 770-888-9269 or text us at that number. We are here to help.

Social Media Jargon part 3 of 3

2013-11-05T08:45:00.000-05:00

Here are the final 5 terms you need to know,

11. Tumblr. Another blogging website and social platform. Lets users share content and connect based on their blog entries, as well as "follow" other users' blogs.

12. Tweets, Retweets. Tweets are posts on Twitter, limited to 140 characters. When a user tweets another's tweet, it's called a retweet. Credit still goes to the original user and the tweet appears as RT in the timelines of all the retweeter's followers.

13. Twebinar. This is a live podcast or audio broadcast that uses Twitter as the backchannel for discussion.

14. Viral. This describes anything that is rapidly shared across the Internet through social media, email, and video sharing websites.

15. Widget. This is a mini application that performs a specific function connecting a user to the Internet.

Social media's influence now reaches way beyond teenagers glued to their smart phones. Business professionals don't need to spend tons of time on every social network, but it makes sense to stay up to speed. Here's to your continued success, as you keep putting together your best year ever.... Enjoy a great month!

Please feel free to contact us to help you find the home of your dreams anywhere from Roswell North to Dahlonega and everything in between.

Social Media Jargon part 2 of 3

2013-11-04T09:11:00.000-05:00

Here are terms 6 thru 10

6. Pinning. This is how you show you like content on Pinterest. Once content is pinned, it appears on your own Pinboard.

7. RSS. Often called Really Simple Syndication, but actually stands for Rich Site Summary. A web standard for content delivery for everything from blog posts and news stories to images and videos. Lets you stay current with information sources without having to browse all their content.

8. Social Graph. A visual that shows all the connections an individual has within a social network.

9. Social Media Optimization (SMO). SMO is the process of checking that all the content you've created or curated is available to share across your key social media and networking sites. Types of media to check include RSS feeds, social news and bookmarking sites, as well as the social networks, video, and blogging sites you use.

10. Tag. A keyword or phrase assigned to a piece of information, such as a blog, bookmark, or digital image. It helps describe the item or topic and enables it to be found again through a browse or search.

Social Media Jargon...15 terms you need to know!

2013-11-03T11:03:00.000-05:00

New words, phrases, and acronyms are constantly popping up across social networks. You can't afford to ignore social media, so here are 5 of the 15 terms you might find useful to know. Tune in tomorrow to see the next 5 terms.

1. Circles. These are the community groups users put together on Google+.

2. Connections. This is the online version of your business network, made up of the people you decide to "connect" with on LinkedIn. When you're a "connection" in someone's LinkedIn network, you can view their "full," profile instead of their "limited," one and send them private messages and updates.

3. Geotagging. This is adding a geographic ID to let others know your location. Found on smart phone apps for social media sites.

4. Hashtag. A hashtag begins with a number sign followed by a word or string of words with no spaces. On Twitter, and now Facebook, this creates a hyperlink that when clicked on, performs a search for that word or phrase on the social network.

5. Meme. Rhymes with "seem." Short for "mimicked theme." A meme is an idea, style, or action that spreads virally, often as mimicry, over the Internet. It may be an image, video, hashtag, or hyperlink.

Uncle Shucks Corn Maze

2013-10-29T10:40:00.001-04:00

FALL IS HERE! Time to go thru the corn maze again. Uncle Shucks in Dawsonville, just west of GA 400 on highway 53, is now open for your enjoyment. If you happen to love the North Georgia Mountains as much as we do, maybe you would consider looking for a mountain home. Mike and Melody are here to help. Give them a call at 770-888-9269 or email them at info@vanderhoffteam.com.

Forsyth County Tax Rate remains constant

2013-10-23T09:24:00.001-04:00

Finance Department

2014 Budget Adopted
At their October 17, 2013 meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners adopted the county's 2014 operating budget. The $95.9 million General Fund budget was funded with no increase in the county's property tax millage rate. Click here to view the budget.

Millage Rates At their July 18, 2013 meeting, the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners adopted the millage rates that will fund the county's 2014 budget. The Board voted to maintain the county's millage rates with no change. The county has the same total millage rate, 7.656, for the fourth consecutive year.

2014 Preliminary Budget Presentation - June 11, 2013 Work Session
Tax Digest and Millage Rate Presentation - July 18, 2013 Meeting
2014 Proposed Budget
2014 Proposed Budget Presentation - September 24, 2013 Work Session
2014 Proposed Budget Presentation - October 3, 2013 Public Hearing
2014 Adopted Budget - October 17, 2013
- END -

Thank you.
Forsyth County Automated Website Informer

------------------------------
For further details, go to the Finance Department section of the website or contact the Department of Communications.

------------------------------

Thank you.
Forsyth County Government
webmaster@forsythco.com

Downtown Cumming is Growing

2013-10-10T11:00:00.004-04:00

Wow, I didn't think we woud see cranes that big in Cumming. Building a new city building and a new jail

Avalon in Alpharetta

2013-10-08T15:45:00.002-04:00

We can't wait for the grand opening in August of 2014. This is going to be a fantastic 86 acre development hosting retail, residential and commercial. Visit the web site http://experienceavalon.com. If you are looking to move to a great area Alpharetta is it. Please give Mike and Melody a call to help you find that perfect home. You can reach them at 770-888-9269 or by email at info@vanderhoffrealestate.com.

2013-10-05T11:27:00.001-04:00

Is it time to sell?

2012-05-24T19:19:00.000-04:00

We can show you the advantage of buying versus renting. Why spend more money each month to rent when you can spend less and own your own home. Call Mike and Melody @ 770-888-9269 and let them show you how to get more for less.

Is it time to Buy?

2012-05-22T10:57:00.001-04:00

Prices seem to be creeping back up and so are mortgage rates. There has never been a better time to buy a home. Resales are priced below replacement cost. We are looking at homes that cost $600,000 to build that are selling for under $400,000. Less expensive homes that sold for $175,000 4 years ago are selling under $125,000. This is not such good news if you bought 4 years ago and need to sell but it is great news if you are looking to buy. Contact us and we will help you find the perfect home. Mike & Melody Vanderhoff "Your Bridge to Success" 770-888-9269

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week

2011-05-23T19:06:00.001-04:00

May 23, 2011

Mortgage markets were unchanged last week, despite improving on four of five days. Economic data was worse-than-expected almost across the board, but neither FHA nor conforming mortgage rates budged.

Instead, markets grappled with the just-released Fed Minutes which weighed heavily on investors and on Wall Street.With the release of the minutes, it’s increasingly clear that the Federal Reserve will end its support for bond markets on schedule in June, and that a Fed Fund Rate hike is possible within the next 12 months.

Not surprisingly, the date of the Fed Minutes release — Wednesday — was the singular “down day” for mortgage markets last week.

After falling for 4 straight weeks, mortgage rates appear to have troughed. This week they could rise, and there’s no shortage of data on which for bonds for trade.

•Tuesday : New Home Sales; Speeches from Fed’s Plosser and Bullard
•Wednesday : Durable Goods; FHFA Home Price Index
•Thursday : GDP; Initial Jobless Claims
•Friday : Core PCE; Pending Home Sales; Consumer Sentiment
There’s other forces on markets, too. First, there are 3 bond auctions — a 2-year, a 5-year, and a 7-year. Weak demand for any of the three will lead mortgage rates higher.

And, second, this is a holiday week. Memorial Day is next Monday and, with the 3-day weekend ahead, expect large numbers of Wall Streeters to skip out on Friday (and likely part of Thursday, too). As the week concludes, therefore, bond volume will thin, amplifying mortgage rate movement — up or down.

If you’re shopping for a mortgage, it’s a good time to look at locking in. As the week progresses, mortgage rates should become less predictable and more volatile.

Children’s Healthcare of Forsyth

2011-05-17T14:59:00.005-04:00

Children’s Healthcare of Forsyth
410 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 300
Cumming, GA 30041
Along with a facility tour, this family-friendly event will include:
 Face painting and a moonwalk for the kids
 Wellness screenings for scoliosis, asthma and body mass index (BMI)
 A chance to meet Hope & Will, the healthcare mascots
 A tour of their critical care vehicle
 Food & Drinks
Children’s Healthcare of Forsyth will provide specialized care & outpatient services, including:
 Fracture care
 Immediate care
 Orthotics & prosethetics
 Pediatric specialty care
 Rehabilitation
 Sports medicine
 X-Ray & Lab services
Stay Connected with Children’s:

For more information on this awesome facility
coming to our neighborhood,
visit www.choa.org/forsyth

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week

2011-05-17T10:52:00.001-04:00

Mortgage markets worsened overall last week for the first time in 5 weeks.

Better-than-anticipated economic data plus dwindling concerns for Greece’s sovereign debt combined to a spark a bond sell-off. Conforming mortgage rates moved higher as a result.

Rate shoppers were hit especially hard last Tuesday.

At Monday’s close, conventional fixed- and adjustable-rate mortgages were posting their lowest levels of 2011, but by Tuesday’s market close, rates had climbed as much as 0.250 percent across the board. In some cases, more.

The spike highlights how quickly mortgage rates can change in a recovering economy, and why “floating” a rate can be costly.

This week, mortgage rates figure to be equally volatile. There’s a large set of market-changing data planned for release, and several Fed members have planned public appearances, including a 9:00 AM ET, Monday morning kickoff from Fed Chairman Bernanke.

•Monday : Bernanke speech; Homebuilder Confidence Survey
•Tuesday : Housing Starts; Building Permits
•Wednesday : FOMC Minutes
•Thursday : Existing Home Sales
In addition, Thursday brings a second rate shopper-risk.

The Initial Jobless Claims will be released at 8:30 AM ET and it will be closely watched by Wall Street. Initial claims are sharply higher since the end of April and investors believe the jobs market is key in a sustained economic recovery. If the data shows that initial claims receded, mortgage rates are expected to rise in response

The Atlanta Jazz Festival 2011

2011-05-16T16:49:00.003-04:00

Saturday, May 28th & 29th
at Piedmont Park, Atlanta, GA
The Atlanta Jazz Festival, May 28 & 29, 2011, is regarded as one of the Country’s largest FREE jazz festivals. It is an annual musical showcase, celebrates jazz legends and up-and-coming jazz greats in venues throughout metropolitan Atlanta during the entire month of May.

Mythic Creatures: Dragons, Unicorns & Mermaids

2011-05-16T16:36:00.002-04:00

February 19 - August 14, 2011
at Fernbank Museum of Natural History, Atlanta, GA
Price: $15 for adults, $14 for students/seniors, $13 for children ages 12-3, free for children 2 and younger, free for museum membership:
http://www.fernbankmuseum.org/
Discover how living and prehistoric animals inspired dragons, unicorns, mermaids and more as you learn how cultures throughout time have created mythic creatures to explain the natural world, express thoughts and share beliefs. Investigate authentic artifacts, fossils and dramatic models as you explore the stories, traditions and dances that celebrate these magical beings. Highlights include a 17-foot dragon, a 10-foot unicorn, a swooping winged Roc, a kraken surfacing from the sea, and more.

Home Prices Set To Rise?

2011-04-25T15:59:00.002-04:00

Demand Is Rising, Supplies Are Falling:

Home resales rose 4 percent last month, according to the March Existing Home Sales report. A total of 5.1 million homes were sold on an annualized, seasonally-adjusted basis.

The strong results re-establish the national, long-term trend toward rising home resales.

March marked the 6th month out of eight in which sales volume has increased and sales are up 32 percent from July 2010 lows.

Home supply has resumed its downward trajectory, too.

At the current pace of sales, the entire home resale inventory would be depleted in 8.4 months. This is 0.1 months faster as compared to February, and a full month faster than the 12-month average.

The Existing Home Sales report also included a breakdown by buyer-type.
• First-time buyers bought 33% of homes, down from 34% in February
• Repeat buyers bought 45% of homes, down from 47% in February
• Investors bought 22% of homes, up from 19% in February
35 percent of buyers paid in cash.

And, perhaps most noteworthy, according to the National Association of REALTORS®, 40 percent of March home resales were "distressed properties". Distressed homes include foreclosures, short sales, and REO and typically sell at discounts "in the vicinity" of 20 percent.

Home prices are based on the basic economic theory of Supply and Demand. So, with home supplies dropping and demand for homes rising, it's reasonable to expect home values to rise later this year.

If you're in the market for a home, play the recent trends to your advantage. Today, homes are affordable and mortgage rates are low. This may not be the case later this year. The best "deals" of the year may be what you buy now.

Call Mike and Melody now!

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week

2011-04-11T17:26:00.002-04:00

April 11th, 2011
Mortgage markets worsened last week as energy costs remained high, and jobs data looked strong. The safe haven buying that characterized the March mortgage market has subsided.

It's driving mortgage rates higher.

Conforming and FHA mortgage rates rolled back 8 weeks worth of improvements last week and are now back to mid-February levels. The rise in rates is hurting refinance activity and home affordability.

The biggest story from last week figures to carry forward into this one - the Federal Reserve's take on inflation.

In the minutes from its March meeting, the FOMC was shown to have discussed the possibility of raising the Fed Funds Rate ahead of schedule, and to be watching near-inflation closely. Both developments are in response to a growing economy with rising price pressures.

Mortgage rate shoppers should take note.

Inflation is a mortgage-rate killer. When inflation is present in the economy, all things equal, mortgage rates rise. Sometimes by a lot. And, usually, just the expectation of inflation is all it takes to make mortgage rates jump.

That's what we saw last week.

This week, keep a close watch on new inflation-related data set for release. This includes Tuesday's Retail Sales data, Wednesday's Producer Price Index, and Thursday's Consumer Price Index. Each release can potentially move mortgage rates although, if recent trends are an indication, expect for rates to rise.

Mortgage rates remain historically low. If you're shopping for a mortgage, consider locking as soon as you can.

Thought For The Day

2011-04-05T13:30:00.004-04:00

Ability is what you are capable of;
Motivation determines what you do;
Attitude determines how well you do it!

A great Spring Break day trip with the kids

2011-04-04T14:23:00.004-04:00

At Tellus Northwest Georgia Science Museum it's your mission to explore the solar system. So go ahead, reach for the stars, hang out with dinosaurs, play with a rainbow or find a gem. You can do it all without ever leaving Georgia.

The Tellus museum is every parent's and educator's dream: a place where children love to learn!

Because Tellus covers so many different aspects of science and history, the museum is broken down into four galleries. They include, the Weinman Mineral Gallery, the Fossil Gallery, the Science in Motion Gallery and the Collins Family My Big Backyard Gallery.

More than 50 cases containing minerals, gold and gems are located in the mineral gallery, where visitors learn how the earth was formed and what makes up its crust.

Creatures of every kind reside in the fossil gallery, including a Tyrannosaurus rex and a 9-foot wide jaw of a Megaladon (an ancient shark bigger than today's school buses).

The Science in Motion Gallery offers insight into the history of transportation, from the automobile to the space shuttle.

And finally, the Collins Family My Big Backyard Gallery becomes the playground for little "scientists" conducting everyday experiments like light refraction, sound wave structure, and the discovery of magnetic properties.

The museum also boasts an observatory and digital planetarium, and there's a fossil dig and gem-panning area for children.

The planetarium transports visitors to the farthest reaches of the universe (and beyond) to learn about black holes, the potential of other life forms and the patterns of galaxies. On special nights, Tellus opens its observatory for stargazing events.

Tellus visitors are able to go home with a goodie bag, of sorts. Youngsters are invited to sift through sand and water to find "precious" gems and even fossils (shark teeth and snail shells are among things hidden in the archeological dig). They'll never leave empty handed.

The museum will work with education groups to organize outings and planetarium field trips. But, learning isn't only for the young; adult seminars and topics are also open to the public.

Tellus Museum is located at:
100 Tellus Drive
Cartersville, GA 30120
(770) 606-5700

Consumers Agree – It’s A Good Time to Buy Real Estate

2011-03-25T12:07:00.002-04:00

RISMEDIA, March 25, 2011—According to the latest Spending and Saving Tracker from American Express, more than two in five (41 percent) of Americans said that it’s a buyer’s market for real estate. However, over 61 percent agree that a seller’s market is at least a year away.

Other findings:
• Homeowner confidence on whether they would receive the asking price for their home is nearly evenly split—43 percent said they are confident they would; 47 percent are not very or not at all confident.
• However, many homeowners—39 percent—are not willing to settle for less than the asking price, even considering the tough real estate market, in contrast to 23 percent who are willing and 38 percent who are not sure.

• To sell their home in the current market, 44 percent of homeowners note that they would be interested in including appliances, while 28 percent would consider offering to make requested repairs or allowing an allotment for repairs.

If your thinking of buying or selling, call Mike & Melody now.

"Atlanta's Newest Mortgage BANKER!"

2011-03-22T12:01:00.001-04:00

We are pleased to announce that Covenant Mortgage Corporation (our preferred Lender) and its associates are merging interest with Supreme Lending of Dallas, Texas

Why Are they Transitioning?
This merger will enable them to transition from their current "brokering" model to a "mortgage banking" model creating the solid foundation for superior customer service and increased speed in each transaction. Their goal is to establish the industries best "Customer Experience" for our clients.

Why Supreme Lending?
They explored a multitude of potential partners over the past two years. Supreme Lending
is a 2 Billion Dollar National Lender whose outstanding reputation with their bankers and customers has proven their attention to character, competency and chemistry in this industry.

What Does This Mean For You?
• Local Underwriting, Processing and Closing
• Local Decision Making...Common Sense Approach to Lending
• Coming Soon...7Day Approval, 10 Day Close
• Package to Attorney 48 Hours Prior to Closing
• Settlement Statements Delivered 24 Hours Prior To Closing
(With Covenant Chosen Firm)
• FHA, VA and Conventional

For More Information Call or Email our preferred loan officer
Phil Blankstein
Senior Loan Officer
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@supremelending.com
NMLS # 251790, GA License# 26422

Is it time for weed and feed?

2011-03-16T15:27:00.003-04:00

Weed & feed is the generic name for a broad range of lawn chemical products designed to strengthen existing grass and kill off certain weeds in a single application. It generally improves your lawn’s ability to absorb water and food, and adds necessary nutrients which promote healthy growth. A healthy lawn, in turn, discourages weed propagation, enabling the use of a reduced amount of the product over time.

The “weed” portion of weed and feed is one of a variety of broad leaf-targeted herbicides (usually Dicamba, 2,4-D, and/or MCPP) that attacks dandelions, dollarweed, and most other green leafy weeds. The chemical is usually sold in granules that are applied to and subsequently absorbed by the leaves of the weed. The granules will not sit on grass blades, which is why weed and feed generally doesn’t kill regular grass unless it is incorrectly applied (over-saturating, especially, can cause grass death). There are also liquid forms of weed and feed that are generally applied with a foaming sprayer. The same concept applies for the foams: they sit on and are absorbed by large weeds, while they run off of grasses.

The “feed” portion of weed & feed is a fertilizer that contains some combination of nitrogen, phosphorous, and/or potassium to green up your lawn. The exact blend of fertilizer ingredients varies by brand, but all products will contain some percentage of nitrogen. Some products also include additional benefits, such as timed-released nitrogen for extended feeding.

When to Apply Weed & Feed
It’s important to apply weed & feed when weeds are actively growing. Applying weed & feed during the winter will have absolutely no effect on the lawn in the following spring and summer. You should spread weed & feed on damp/wet grass (use a sprinkler or apply just after rain) so that the granules stick better to the leafy portions of the weeds.

You should also pick a time when no additional rain is expected for two days, and you should avoid watering your lawn over this period. This allows time for the herbicide to absorb into the leaves. If it does rain or the lawn gets drenched, it will wash the granules off the leaves. In this case, however, you cannot re-apply the chemical immediately because you will over-feed the lawn and potentially cause a chemical scorch.

How to Spread Weed & Feed
There are a few important details to remember when spreading weed & feed. Keep all of these in mind when planning the job to achieve the best results. Note that these tips are not intended to replace manufacturers instructions, though you will find most manufacturers will recommend some variation of these tips.

■Make sure your lawn is a normal height (not too tall, not too short) – approximately 3-5 inches is good.
■Wait 2-4 days after mowing before applying. This protects your grass and helps ensure the weeds are actively growing. It also allows some of the leaves on the weeds to grow that may have been cut during mowing.
■Don’t water the lawn for two-four days after application. (Which means you shouldn’t apply the granules during a dry / hot spell).
■Be careful not to apply too much product as this will scorch your lawn. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines. Scorching occurs when you over-saturate the soil with the feeding chemical.
■Only apply weed & feed twice per year. Over-application can result in run-off that is harmful to the environment, such as nearby rivers, bays, or lakes/ponds. The feed portion of the chemical is actually more dangerous in these environments as it can encourage algae blooms which choke out fish and native plants.
■Be sure to spread the herbicide uniformly across the lawn for best results. You may choose to use a broadcast spreader and make two passes at half-application strength, rather than trying to spread at full strength in the first pass.
■Avoid spreading granules onto flowers, vegetables, and ornamental shrubbery. It will kill most broad leaf plants, regardless of whether you consider them weeds. If you must spread near a garden, either use a drop spreader or consider laying plastic temporarily over the area near where you will be spreading.
Planting Grass or Aerating after Weed & Feed
Weed & Feed prevents seed germination, so you should avoid planting new grass or aerating your lawn for at least four weeks. We recommend waiting longer, though. If you weed & feed in the spring and summer, spread grass seed and aerate in the fall each year.

Reasons Weed & Feed Didn’t Work
Here are some common reasons that weed & feed was ineffective:

■Weed & feed targets broadleaf weeds like dandelions, and dollarweeds. It does nothing for crabgrass and other grassy weeds. For these, you should use a crabgrass preventer in early spring. Make sure your weeds are on the list that the chemical targets.
■Mature weeds are not actively growing, so the product wasn’t as effective. Weed & feed should be applied early in the growing season and a couple days after mowing.
■Rain and sprinklers can wash away the granules. Make sure there is no rain in the forecast and avoid watering for two days after applying.
What if You Apply Too Much Weed & Feed?
The best way to avoid damaging your lawn is the flush out the weed & feed. Water your lawn with 1 to 2 inches of water for about 4 days. Don’t apply any other weed & feed until the following year.

Unfortunately, over watering like this can create run-off in certain drainage situations, so try to avoid the situation in the first place.

Safety Considerations & Pets
Like every lawn chemical, standard precautions should be followed before applying weed and feed or any herbicide to your lawn. These safety instructions are NO substitute for manufacturers guidelines. Be sure to read the safety instructions on the bag and follow them.

■Wear long pants and long sleeves and gloves during application. Herbicides like Dicamba, 2,4-D, and MCPP can cause serious skin irritation.
■Avoid contact with eyes. If you get the dust of the product in your eyes, flush them for 15 minutes with water.
■Never ingest the product, leave the product where a child could ingest it, or leave it open for pets. Weed and feed chemicals can be harmful or fatal if swallowed. If swallowed, you should call 911 or a poison control center immediately.
■Keep pets and children off the lawn until after the first drenching rain after application. Visually inspect the lawn to ensure the granules are completely dissolved.

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week

2011-03-15T11:43:00.003-04:00

March 15th, 2011
Mortgage markets improved last week in a week of few economic releases. The one major data point - Retail Sales - showed stronger-than-expected, but markets reacted mildly. The report's strength was whispered in advance of the actual release; its reading validated Wall Street's growing faith in the U.S. economy.

Most action last week revolved around the Middle East:
• Libya's internal turmoil continued
• Bahrain clashes intensified
• Saudi Arabia's citizens planned a Day of Rage
In response to these events, Wall Street continued its flight-to-quality. Mortgage-backed bonds are now at their best levels since early-February. Mortgage rates have improved 4 straight weeks.

Unfortunately for rate shoppers, the gains have been meager. Conforming mortgage rates have only dropped slightly.

This week, however, the market could move in either direction.

The biggest news on tap is the Federal Open Market Committee's 1-day meeting, scheduled for Tuesday. The Fed is expected to leave the Fed Funds Rate near 0.000 percent, but that doesn't mean that mortgage rates won't change. The FOMC's post-meeting press release will be closely scrutinized on Wall Street. Any changes in theme, tone, or message will cause mortgage rates to dart.

This week also marks the return of housing data with Housing Starts, Building Permits, and Homebuilder Confidence due for release. Housing is believed to be key to the economic recovery so strength in these reports should lead mortgage rates higher.

In addition, several inflation-related data sets will be released including Consumer Price Index and Producer Price Index. Inflation is generally bad for mortgage rates and with gas prices rising to a multi-year high, pressure will be on for mortgage rates to rise.

Lastly, there's Japan.

The nation's earthquake, tsunami, and (now) looming nuclear threat will have implications on the global bond market. Mortgage rates may benefit while the crisis remains unresolved.

If you've floated a mortgage rate over the past few weeks, it may be time to lock that rate down. Economic factors should be pushing rates higher, but geopolitics and natural disasters are keeping them low.

It's a perfect time to commit to a loan. Please call our preferred mortgage lender today if you have any questions.

CURRENT RATES (PURCHASE TRANSACTIONS)
Conforming Loans: Loan amounts $417,000 & under*
30-yr Fixed = 4.75 %
15-yr Fixed = 4.00 %
Conforming ARMS*
Conforming 5/1 = 3.375%
Conforming 7/1 = 3.875%
Jumbo Loans:Loan amounts over $417,000*
5/1 ARM = 3.875%
7/1 ARM = 4.25%
10/1 ARM = 4.875%
30-year Fixed JUMBO = 5.50%
FHA Loans:*
30-yr Fixed = 4.50%
5/1 ARM = 3.875 %

Call Phil Now For More Details!
*Based on pricing as of Monday, March 14th, 2010 at 12:00PM.
Prices, guidelines, and programs subject to change without notice. Subject to errors and omissions.
This information is not intended to constitute an advertisement for purposes of the Truth-in-Lending Act or Regulation "Z". It is intended solely for use by Real Estate professionals.
Residential Mortgage Licensee: GA Licensee # 22745, Florida Licensee # CL0800186,
North Carolina Licensee # B-147025, Covenant NMLS # 144774

For More Information Call or Email
Phil Blankstein
Mortgage Planner
Cell 678-938-7111
phil.blankstein@mycovenantmortgage.com
NMLS # 251790, GA License# 26422

Daylight Savings Time

2011-03-12T12:13:00.004-05:00