TEAMBLOG

Dear Friends,

Tomorrow, Americans celebrate a most magnificent and ebullient holiday, that of Thanksgiving. This is a day set aside for us to remember the blessings of the heart, of our steadfastness in times of trouble, of the optimism we have for our futures and to be thankful for all of the gifts we've been bestowed by Our Creator. This is also a time to help those in need, to provide an uplifting hand to those Americans struggling financially and emotionally during the most dramatic events many of us have ever witnessed in our lives.

Especially this Thanksgiving, we are able to come across many Americans seeking answers to questions that might not have a quick definitive response. Perhaps, the humbling events of this past year will begin the process of maturation whereby patience, perseverance and compassion are benevolent virtues worthy of exploration in our lives once again.

In our nation's history, America has withstood an onslaught of dramatic events which have shaped its ultimate path. A path which continues to reenforce values of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness for all its citizens. There is no country in existence today which compares to the sincere and genuine optimism that Americans have for their lives on this earth. This is truly the greatest country ever devised as millions seek to enter its borders to be a participant in the 'American Dream'. While circumstances are troublesome today, we all know this time of conflict and challenge will one day be a passing memory.

To all my dear friends and to those I've met recently or will meet through Divine guidance, I want to wish you, your family and friends a wonderfully blessed and splendid, Happy Thanksgiving!

As always, may God continue to Bless The United States Of America! 

Thanks Again

Dear Friends,

Today marks the 45th Anniversary of the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Many of us remember the time and place when we were notified of the tragic events of that day. The intense and abrupt shock to our lives during those hours changed the direction of America's history for future generations.

November 22, 1963 began the compelling mystery in which the cohesive thread of Western society began to unravel and to this day continues its tumultuous web of profound theater. The past events within this 45 year window in America's history, has created a maelstrom of profound movement in all directions and a whirlwind destiny perhaps unrecognized by those involved in its execution. Many of us continue the quest of those before us in our concerted efforts to be active players in a nation devoted to egalitarian ideals and values. 

Without a doubt, we all recognize our lives would be much different today if that day in Dallas did not occur. For better or worse there is no need for clairvoyance as divine intervention controls our fate. We do recognize however, America is no longer the same or standing still in time. This country continues its metamorphosis in a gradual and at times peripatetic manner, in its evolution of culture, philosophies and values. There is one mainstay of thought which is revered without question however. The idea of freedom, liberty and the beloved respect for the high ideals espoused in the Declaration Of Independence and the Constitution, one must never allow the obfuscation of such pure concepts to be harmed by anyone.

During the past few months we have been made aware of predilections of thought unworthy of discussion during the Presidential campaign. Thoughts or actions which resemble antiquated and inept attempts to resurrect economic theories foreign in concept to American history, must be viewed with contempt and derision. America throughout its 232 year journey, is unique in its capability to help those eager to help themselves without the chronic purview of government intervention. We must never lose sight that a small business owner is the entrepreneur that provides the prosperity in which our economic system of capitalism thrives. It is disturbing to note that we as a nation are losing our financial futures and our sovereignty by unfair trade imbalances imposed by foreign nations which in essence was negotiated by our lawmakers. The eager acceptance of NAFTA by previous and current government administrations has created unfair trade practices which has devalued our financial base. America has lost control of its manufacturing and steel industries, its agricultural dominance and the ability to be competitive in anything. Notwithstanding, the US has volunteered its earning capacity to other hostile nations through trade agreements and executive orders similar in theory to acts of appeasement. The day we as a nation decide it is too difficult or time consuming to maintain our resolve in a world bereft of integrity, this penultimate scenario will truly be the end of the freedoms we've been accustomed throughout our daily lives.

In regards to the auto industry, this was truly a theater of the absurd. Americans witnessed a sad irony in which the 3 major auto company executives went to Capitol Hill, pleading with lawmakers for a $25 Billion loan to keep them from filing bankruptcy before the advent of a new administration. The reception in which these lawmakers afforded their guests was lukewarm and at times disrespectful. We need to stop, hold our breath and be reminded that many of the problems Detroit is facing today, revolves around the inept intervention of lawmakers and government in trade agreements to the detriment of the auto industry. Moreover, these automakers are also guilty of mismanagement, enriching themselves and other executives with million dollar employment parachutes and incomes irrespective of poor performance and dismal profits; producing vehicles the public never desired and detrimental upside down agreements with various auto unions which created a permanent albatross garnered to end all healthy forms of competition with other foreign auto concerns.

The negotiations by all of the aforementioned parties throughout the years, gave the upper hand to those seeking to take advantage of an industry which employed executives incompetent in its abilities to further the interests of their respective companies. A glimpse of this mindset in action was displayed during the evening news for all to see when it was reported the 3 CEO'S flew into Washington with their fancy corporate jets. It was mentioned a round trip from Detroit would have cost $17,000 to $20,000. While this portrayal was a Madison Avenue debacle, one should be made aware of the circumstances and the common sense required in asking anyone for money, let alone the US Government. This basic example provides the perception of an auto industry in denial. Consequently, the government has no other choice but to provide the loan requested by the automakers in order to end the decimation of an industry they themselves had a hand in its destruction.

How is it possible within the 45 years of that fateful day, Americans must be reminded and reacquainted with the values of capitalism which has afforded its citizens the best standard of living? Something is amiss if our nation deems it quixotic in one's efforts to work hard and sacrifice in order to become an independent, useful and law abiding citizen. Such an example is a true representation of the American experience where dreams for a better life for our families is truly recognized and appreciated. Now is the time to utilize the spirit of wisdom afforded us through 45 years of events that have shaped the soul of America. Truly, this Thanksgiving week, God is watching us from a distance. 

A Few Quotes From Our 35th President

"For time and the world do not stand still. Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or the present are certain to miss the future."

"Let us never negotiate out of fear, but let us never fear to negotiate."

"Too often we enjoy the comfort of opinion without the discomfort of thought."

Happy Thanksgiving!

This year, of all years, the celebration of our blessings is truly poignant and heartfelt for many of us. The financial crisis in America has created challenges for many families. Our thoughts and prayers are sent with open arms. Here at MoneyTeam, we wish you, your family and friends a safe and wonderful Happy Thanksgiving! We do indeed, have much to be thankful for!

Thanksgiving Office Hours

Our office will be closed on Wednesday, November 26th at 12 Noon. We will reopen at 12 Noon on Friday, November 27th.

Loan Modifications

Please call our office for any questions you might have. MoneyTeam is offering this service at a reduced price! Please call our office for more information at 323-936-3232 or check our website for more details.

Thanks Again

Dear Friends,

Above you will see the main architects, the drafters of the Declaration Of Independence in 1776. Just 10 days ago, 232 years later, Americans have cast their ballots in the General Election. Since the outcome, the American electorate has been involved in an exercise worthy of a bipolar disorder. We all know one's life is not meant to be lived in this manner.

While we now have a President-Elect, many Americans still remain undecided, weary or cautious of whom to place their trust in order to solve the numerous problems facing this country.

Not one man can solve these pressing and surmounting financial challenges. Unfortunately, Americans during the political campaign were provided with rhetorical flourishes of equanimity which gave hope and promise for a future similar to ones promised in the past. This approach provided unsuspecting citizens comfort in a sea of conscious denial.

In reviewing the statistics provided to the public in regards to the General Election, there are many citizens unaware of the basic principles in which this country was founded. There is a lack of basic understanding of American history and democratic concepts.

It is disconcerting to know, there are Americans that no longer view the Constitution with high esteem and by so doing they've decided to shun the magnificent history of its personalities as a guide to the spirit and greatness inherent in their sacrifices and triumphs. There has been a lack of intelligent, reasoned and intellectual discussion of our democracy. This reality has harmed the values and virtues America is known for.

It is astounding to note there are Americans eager to dilute their independence in order to accept government intervention in their daily lives to solve a temporary economic problem. This philosophy runs counter to the high ideals espoused by the framers so many years ago. The basic premise of prosperity in which an individual sacrificed and worked hard to attain the dream of home ownership and a better lot in life, has been dismissed by the actions of several powerful entities. During the Presidential Campaign, the media showed its disregard of journalistic integrity by its concerted attempts to show favor to one candidate by withholding salient information required and demanded of a democratic society. The media also viewed its presumption of judgement by the chronic denigration of opponents in efforts to reenforce its philosophy. Moreover, lawmakers eager attempts at extortion of the American public by its passage of the bail out measure and with talk of 'spreading the wealth' during the past few months, one wonders where have the voices and the Judeo-Christian values of our Founding Fathers, Washington, Jefferson, Madison, Franklin and Adams once embraced throughout the country gone?  

During the Great Depression, President Roosevelt provided the needed resources and programs as a solution to the nations' financial woes. Today, America is at a crossroads of instrospection. To either save capitalism from the encroaching workings of socialism or to have a nation bewildered by prospects of a deep Depression just around the corner. This current debate has provided an unfortunate challenge of how to balance opposing extremes. Decisions of such magnitude has been brought to our doorstep due to America 's desire to spend beyond its means and government legislation encouraging such behavior.

The $750 Billion bail out approved by Congress and the forthcoming bail outs of the auto industry among other lifelines forthcoming, is the slippery slope which begins the dissolution of basic tenets of independence espoused by the Founding Fathers.

Many immigrants, especially those that came to the US from Cuba, Vietnam, Russia and other countries, know all to well the suffering and the despotic attempts of government intervention in their daily lives. They remember the inept ideologies of socialism which creates false hopes and dreams of prosperity where none exist. That's why many of these Americans, our family included, left their homelands for a better life away from the downtrodden philosophies of abusive regimes, where its main purpose is to control all aspects of one's life. The life we live is richer and truly meaningful once we employ the gift of freedom America lovingly offers. 

The financial mess America is in today can be resolved if we make thoughtful and intelligent decisions. The consequences of haphazard choices by our lawmakers will provide the backdrop for this nations' destiny. Patience and perseverance is needed. The future is truly in our hands.

Financial News

The abyss continues. Most of the news reported this week was troublesome for many Americans. The litany of foreclosures - precipitous decline in retail sales for October - job losses - bank closures - dramatic changes in which the bail out will now be utilized by the Federal Government - the egregious expenditures by AIG executives at a posh resort - the planned bail out of the auto industry - the debate to provide an additional stimulus package for Americans and the volatility of the stock market - are activities which continue the downward slide. The good news we can all share however, revolves around lower mortgage rates on average - the implementation by FanniMae & FreddieMac of guidelines to help homeowners facing foreclosure and attempts to do likewise by other lenders - a lower trade deficit - the decline in a barrel of oil under $60 which has lowered the price of gas at the pump and heating oil during the upcoming winter months. After all of this activity in the financial markets this week, no wonder many of us are gasping for air!

Mortgage Rates

Please check our RATES. MoneyTeam is currently offering:

30 Year Fixed Conforming Loan Amounts

5.875%

15 Year Fixed Conforming Loan Amounts

5.500%

Both rates offered are at 1 point charge.

Loan Modifications

Please check our website for more information on our program. We are offering reduced costs until 12/14 once you apply for a Loan Modification. There are many companies providing this service. MoneyTeam has a 100% money back guarantee if we are unable to help you. We welcome comparisons from other companies offering this newest mortgage product. Please call our office for more details at 323-936-3232 24/7.

Help Wanted

We are seeking 2 loan agents to join our staff. Please email your resume to: moneyteamusa@aol.com. Or call our office for more information.

Conforming Jumbo Loans

December 31st is the last day FNMA/FHLMC are offering lower rates for Jumbo loans up to $729,000. Several of our investors will no longer offer this product past December 15th. Please do your best in submitting your loan, no later than November 20th to beat the deadline.

Thanks Again

Dear Friends,

America has made its decision.

Our thoughts and prayers are with President-Elect Obama as he begins to form the nucleus of his Cabinet and staff during this transition. We are all Americans and wish him well in his efforts to help solve the numerous challenges facing the nation.

The concession speech by Senator McCain was eloquent and magnanimous. The spirit of cooperation he espoused on Election Night was truly gracious.

The two party system in America continues on its high road. Let's hope for the best. 

MoneyTeam Updates

Our 19th Anniversary Mortgage Sale Ends on Friday, November 14th. Please check our website for more details.

Our Loan Modification programs will be up and running on Wednesday, November 12th. There was a delay of sorts, as we've been doing our homework so that we can  provide you with this important service at a reasonable cost. Please check our website for more details.

Mortgage rates have been fluctuating. We are now able to offer the following CONFORMING FIXED rates:

30 Year Fixed at 5.750% at 1 Point

15 Year Fixed at 5.375% at 1 Point 

Please be aware CONFORMING JUMBO loans expire on December 31st. Many lenders insist on funding these loan requests by December 15th. We urge you to have your application in our office, no later than Friday, November 14th. The rates for CONFORMING JUMBO FIXED loans are:

30 Year Fixed at 6.250% at 1 point

Please check our website for more details.

Loan Bright Clients

Please check your email for incentives. You will be called by a member of our staff no later than Friday, November 14th.

Help Wanted

MoneyTeam is seeking 2 experienced licensed loan agents to join our TEAM! We need help in securing appointments from  leads we receive daily. Please email your resume to moneyteamusa@aol.com for consideration or you may call 323-936-3232. Thanks.

Gretta & Gus

My good friend, Erin Toohey at CMG Mortgage sent me photos of her beloved bulldogs, Gretta & Gus! In my conversation with Erin, she mentioned they're well behaved and are lovable!!! Just looking at Gretta & Gus it seems they have a personality all their own and are adorable to boot!

Greta

Gus

TeamDoggies

You are invited to send a photo of your DOG for insertion in our BLOG! Please email a photo with particulars to our office at moneyteamusa@aol.com.

Thanks Again