TEAMBLOG

Dear Friends,

We at MoneyTeam hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration last week!

Mortgage Rates

Going back to work on Monday brought about moments of dejavu, as we've relived this experience before. The Refinance BOOM is now in full swing and the timing of such good news is much deserved!

Mortgage rates have dropped precipitously! We are now offering a 30 Year Fixed Rate for Conforming Loan Amounts at 5.00%. A 15 Year Fixed is now being offered at 4.875%. Both loans are at only 1 point cost.

Conforming Jumbo loans are also at attractive rates. We invite comparisons from other mortgage companies in regards to rates and fees. We've outlasted our competition for good reason! Please check our RATES or call our office for more details.

Loan Modifications

We are able to help you if you are in need of a Loan Modification. This is a process in which an underwriter reviews your current circumstances to discern your ability to continue to make your mortgage payments in a timely manner.

The level of difficulty in regards to your current situation does not pose a major problem in ascertaining the worthiness of placing an application for this service. If you are currently behind in your mortgage payments, facing foreclosure, having difficulty in paying the mortgage each month or if the mortgage on your home is worth more than your property is worth or if your adjustable mortgage will adjust to  higher payments soon, a loan modification is an option for you to explore. Moreover, if you are a self-employed person and secured your mortgage under a stated income loan, we maybe able to help you.

The cost for this service ranges from $2750 to $3500 depending on your particular situation. If you would like to know more, please call our office at 323-936-3232 or email us at moneyteamusa@aol.com.

Financial News

Most of the news this past week continues its downward slide. We all know what we're up against and to dwell on such misfortunes can activate our pragmatic and hopeful dispositions to one of dread and melancholy. This week, let's pretend that life is just Peaches & Cream or for a more pronounced effect, we're in the Promised Land of Milk & Honey!

Auto Industry & Washington Ethics

The respective CEO's of the 3 major automakers, Chrysler, Ford & GM were back in Washington to seek loans in billions of dollars to end the eventual disintegration of the American auto industry.

In my previous blog of 11/22/08 I mentioned the consequences which will occur if Congress does not facilitate their request for this loan. While many Americans are exhausted with bail outs and rescue plans, our current financial situation will ultimately change for the worse if these monies are not forthcoming. I am too weary of the incompetence and greed which has brought this country to lose value in its financial institutions and most importantly, in its character. In my humble opinion, it is sad to note, there is no one in government today that has the strength of character, the substance, nor the inherent integrity of moral virtues required of those in high levels of responsibility. My frustration dear friends, is starting to show.

Of all the years in American history, the vacuum of leadership in Washington with its continued desire of contempt and avarice has become a disgrace. The suffering brought about by the beginnings of the sub prime mess has become a deluge of burdens which never seem to end. To end the hemorrhage of unemployment and the thoughts of another Depression, we need to acknowledge the numerous errors in judgement, pick up the pieces and look forward. We must begin to learn from our mistakes. There is a time in one's life in which heartfelt advice is embraced without recrimination. 

Team Tot Toy Drive

This is our 9th Year of helping children in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area in our efforts to provide toys for these youngsters. Many of these children are hospitalized or come from poor families. The most amazing sight for any adult is to see the radiant smile of a child once a toy is in their hands!

We invite your participation by providing a new, unwrapped toy for donation. We will pick up your toy and deliver it before Christmas! By helping these youngsters you truly are helping yourself! The Spirit Of Christmas is always in season!

Sagittarians

If you are a regular visitor to our Blog, you may have noticed that I've spoken about previous clients which eventually in time have become good friends. I've always enjoyed healthy, intelligent and spontaneous relationships and most of us I imagine would agree this activity is a valuable asset in one's life. I also noticed that a good portion of my friends in this stage of my life are Sagittarians, born between November 22nd through December 21st. I started to wonder the reason I've been invited to 6 birthday parties during this period. Well, then it hit me! I started to read my horoscope and Sagittarians compliment Libras in personality and disposition. I happen to be born under the scales and I came away perplexed knowing mysteries of the horoscope are truly entertaining!

Team Dogs Ten & Eleven

One of my previous clients, Jonathan Arland is also a Sagittarian. He has 4 beautiful Chihuahuas! Their names are 9, 10, 11 and 12! The funny or sad thing about naming his dogs with numerals, stems from the number of Chihuahuas he's owned and in some fashion have either been stolen, ran away, become disoriented during travels or disappeared without a trace! I remember the Chihuaha named 7 several years ago.  7 became one of my favorites! He was nowhere to be found and was stolen right under Jonathan's watchful eyes. Oh well! 

The California Budget

There's a simple vision that must be employed in any negotiation by the Governor and the Legislature in their efforts to balance the budget - DO NOT RAISE TAXES! From that mutual understanding both parties in government can begin to sit down and review all of the spending allocated to particular programs and the cuts that must be made. The current financial health of California will be at risk once again if additional taxes are imposed. Common sense is a concept which begs inclusion in one's thought patterns. In regards to our lawmakers, is it the impact of California water, food or air that has brought about this yearly, chronic fiscal impasse? I guess we'll know soon enough!

December 5th

Many Americans will be eager to know the outcome of a lawsuit being discussed by the Supreme Court Of The United States.

Thanks Again

Dear Friends,

It's New Years Eve and 2009 is beckoning! All of us are thrilled this year is about to end and our thoughts are to eradicate if all humanly possible, the pain, suffering and the memories associated with 2008.

The damage has been done. Many Americans have lost their homes, their jobs, their savings and most importantly, their peace of mind.

Our natural inclination is to look to the future and to harness anew the hopes and aspirations for a better life. Our families are the most important benefactors in this design as we are compelled to turn the page of misery associated with the events of this past year. 

A clean blackboard, new resolutions and a fresh approach are the humble and simple beginnings of optimism which must be released, for us to live in abundance.

Whatever anyone says, always believe in your capability to rise above adversity by knowing the Lord's help and guidance is instrumental in overcoming all challenges. With this knowledge, 2009 will be a great year! 

Happy New Year!

Thanks Again  

Dear Friends,

Of all the days in a calendar year, many of us know the wait for Christmas day is well worth the trials and tribulations of our most recent past. The advent of Peace, Serenity and Goodwill reflected in the birth of our Lord is the event which highlights our hopes and desires for a better life.

Americans have been humbled by the financial catastrophe that has ensnared the natural optimism and resilience we as a nation are best known for. This time of hardship will come to pass while many of us will learn the valuable lessons which will provide the truth of our convictions and the courage to pursue them.

Perhaps, on this Night Divine, may the Spirit of our Lord's birth provide the comfort we all seek.

Merry Christmas!

Painting/Mystic Nativity/1500/Sandro Boticelli/1444-1510

Thanks Again    

Dear Friends,

There is much activity taking place around the country and in our own lives. The Holiday season is upon us and we are eager to forego the gloom and doom outlook just for a short while, for the frivolity and gladness we encounter with our family and friends provides joy.

While many of us have encountered painful circumstances and are suffering from a loss of a job, a home and focusing on constant financial challenges, there is the Christmas season where we try to put aside these reminders and look forward to our hopes for redemption and prayers to provide us sustenance. Many Americans have been humbled from the pain and suffering of so many tragic events which seem similar in scope as those written in the Scriptures. Many of us are gregarious and have personalities of iron which distinguishes us from others in the same predicament, as we never give up! We continue to yearn for the day that our economic condition will one day improve and become a source of comfort for our families. We all strive for this day to become a reality.

Mortgage Rates   

This past week has brought about an overwhelming influx of refinance activity in our office. Interest Rates are at 50 year lows! Now is the best time to refinance your home loan! We've extended our office hours and will accomodate those in need of a quick turnaround. Please check our rates and do not hesitate to call our office at 323-936-3232 for more details.

Loan For The AutoMakers

President Bush approved a rescue loan for GM and Chrysler today for $17.4 Billion. Ford did not request any monies at this time.

The President had no other choice to provide these funds as the consequences of not helping the auto companies would be devastating. The loss of jobs in the millions would have been a legacy Mr. Bush would have been associated with, if he did nothing. One is reminded of the economic ineptitude and inaction by Herbert Hoover on the way towards the devastation which led to the Great Depression. In those days many Americans lived in homeless shelters which were called 'Hoovervilles'. Certainly President Bush had no desire to have 'Bushvilles' all around the MidWest where the auto industry is a major presence. A history lesson is finally understood and tragedy avoided. In the end, common sense prevailed.

Archie

My good friend Jacqueline Butler sent me photos of her much beloved dog, Archie!  Archie's birthday was on Thursday, December 11th, exactly 10 years to the day Jacqueline took her home! In her email, Jacqueline says 'He was a tiny little puppy. I took him home with me - rescued him with the intention of finding him a home. Well, he did find a home that day and 'he rescued me'! Archie is "the sweetest, lovable dog with a big personality who is obsessed with playing ball, rain or shine! It does not matter we play ball everyday! It's what he lives for!"

We encourage you to send photos of your pet as we will enclose it on our TeamBlog as one of our TeamDogs! Please email to moneyteamusa@aol.com and your dog will be recognized for your good deeds!

Thanks Again

Dear Friends,

These past few weeks, or I should say, this entire year, has been one of anxious instability. Many of the situations this country continues to encounter is due in large part to past decisions which has enveloped every aspect of our daily lives. Whether it be the sub prime mess, the dissolution of our financial markets brought about by corruption and incompetence, questionable unfair trade agreements which has hampered our manufacturing base, the collective relinquishment of responsibility and integrity by our representatives in government, these are just a few of the numerous examples which have conspired to create the deterioration of American values.

There is a desire for government intervention to help solve our current financial problems. This opinion and its ultimate implementation is to undue the harm brought about by the aftermath of detrimental financial concepts and the irresponsible powerful manipulators in which Americans have given their trust. The intrusion by government is worth noting. In its desire to shelter the effects of incomprehensible economic blunders, the advent of a unique form of capitalism unknown in the history of this country is starting to take shape.

A civics lesson for Americans might be a necessity as many of our citizens are unaware of the manifestations or the workings of government as it relates to one's daily life. We therefore need to be reminded that an American is to know the difference from right and wrong, to have a fundamental inherent understanding of justice, to work hard to provide sustenance for our families, the ability to discern actions which would result in a loss of one's freedom and those of our fellow citizens. The illustrious painting of The Declaration Of Independence shown above is truly inspirational and must be given the respect in which our basic freedoms were born and the responsibilities to carry them out. Unfortunately, we are beginning to witness the fragmentation of American society by its disassociation with the simple spirit of sacrosanct moral concepts espoused by the Founding Fathers.

In essence, America is changing rapidly, much more pronounced in its evolution so far, this year. Is this change for the better?

On a future TeamBlog, I'll discuss the challenges Americans will face in order to overcome the battles to our basic freedoms. 

The Big 3 & Me

I grew up in the State of Michigan and I have family members, old childhood and college friends that live there. I see my family and friends now and then when I have a chance to visit. I also own a home in Northern Michigan and its a peaceful respite from the big city lifestyle of Los Angeles, which at times is too stressful for anyone involved in the mortgage industry nowadays. I have lived in Los Angeles for 27 years now. If you drive in LA you'll notice a good percentage of the autos are manufactured by Toyota, Nissan, BMW, Mercedes and other foreign companies.

HEADLINE

The effects of actions regarding the auto industry will have an impact on all of us and as just mentioned, my beloved family and friends. There are consequences for any decision made by the US Government. There will be insurmountable job losses which will bring about additional suffering. The effects will be overwhelming.

In my previous TeamBlogs I've discussed my views in regards to the auto industry and their desire to seek up to $34 Billion  in short term loans. This money is needed immediately in order to end the likelihood of bankruptcy by at least 2 of the automakers, GM and Chrysler. It is my understanding Ford is in need of a creditline and is in better shape financially to withstand the current economic downturn.

For obvious reasons, I am saddened by the plight of the Big 3 and the rejection by the US Senate in its refusal to provide the bridge loan necessary to keep these companies alive. We will know by Monday if President Bush will allow the use of the TARP 'Bail Out' funds to rescue the fate of the automakers.

I understand the exhaustion of many Americans with continued requests to 'bail out' any financial concern. The taxpayer in the long run is the one that has to pay for all of this and it will hamper the economic future of young Americans.

Unfortunately, we are at a crossroads. If we do not provide the bridge loan requested, there is the likelihood that over 3 million Americans will become unemployed. The entire state of Michigan will be in a Depression of chaotic proportions. Ultimately the effects on the nation's economy will continue to spiral, perhaps similar in scope to the '29 Stock Market crash where the Great Depression had its beginnings.

The risk of not providing the funds is a risk no intelligent individual should be allowed to answer negatively. While there are issues regarding the UAW and its concessions or lack of them and the appointment of an Auto Czar to review the expenditures of the automakers, these can be negotiated and resolved in due time.

There are several urgent factors which helped create this situation. The stringent regulations imposed by  government to auto manufacturers, unfair trade agreements whereby American automakers were unable to sell similar amounts of vehicles to the countries approving the agreement, the mismanagement of the automakers themselves by providing outdated car designs and questionable product quality and a disparity in a fair income through the negotiations with the auto unions. These past decisions have plagued the industry.

To see the 3 CEO'S requesting a loan to head off certain bankruptcy on Capitol Hill, was truly an event associated with the decline of the fundamental pillars of American society. We all have had a hand in this and its time we all have faith in the Big 3 once again.

By purchasing American made cars we are able to reinvigorate our economy. The more cars we buy from American manufacturers, the better. I've decided the next car I purchase will be American. If more of us do the same we will help our fellow citizens and ourselves. This might be a bit corny but it's the right thing to do. I've been told American cars are better built now than ever before!

It's now time to buy American! 

Thanks Again