TEAMBLOG

Dear Friends,

We've noticed a sizeable increase in 'hits' on our website recently. We hope you are enjoying the features we are providing to help you in your ability to make a wise financial decision. We're also heartened to see a dramatic rise in readership on our TEAMBLOG! We're thrilled!

IN OTHER NEWS: We are now offering loans at the increased levels of $729,750 for a Single Family Residence. Please review our rate sheet on Monday, April 7th under the heading 'Jumbo Conforming' for our current rates.

We are in a RECESSION. Unemployment figures released today show a loss of 80,000 jobs in March and a jump in the Unemployment Rate to 5.10%. These statistics do not bode well for the future of the US Economy.These events however, tend to lower mortgage rates. For those in need of a refinance or puchase money loan, this is an opportune time to apply.

During the past week we've noticed the effects of lower mortgage rates and the 'credit crunch'. MoneyTeam has received many refinance applications due to lower mortgage rates. However, lenders have tightened their underwriting guidelines in such a manner, which, in some application requests, inhibits the ability of a homeowner in securing a loan approval that has merit. Nonetheless, our goal is to help you in securing a loan that meets your needs.

There are several basic bits of information you should know on most loan requests.

GENERALLY, have 3 to 6 months of mortgage payments in reserves on any refinance or purchase loan request.

APPRAISALS are being reviewed diligently by all lenders due to dropping values. In 'declining markets', appraised values are automatically being decreased by 5%. These markets include real estate in Los Angeles County and other areas where foreclosures have devalued neighborhoods. Be prepared in knowing your property might be included in such an evaluation.

STATED INCOME - STATED ASSET (SISA) loan programs are being eliminated by many lenders. These loans are available, but sparingly. This type of loan program is mainly used by many self-employed borrowers.

While the Stock Market has had 'corrections' on differing levels throughout its history, the mortgage market is experiencing similar attempts and challenges. Once all the players involved in the US Economy begin to develop a modicum of trust again, the results of such efforts will restore balance in the mortgage industry. Let's hope for the best.

Please contact our office at 323-936-3232 if you have any questions or concerns.

Let us help you on your Refinance or Purchase Loan request.

Thanks Again

Dear Friends,

I went to see one of my favorite opera performers last Sunday at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.

Bryn Terfel is an extroardinary bass-baritone from Wales. He made his LA Opera debut with a 2004 recital & returned to Los Angeles in 2005 in the title role of FALSTAFF. He has an impressive and commanding presence, not only in his voice and stature but in his ability to overwhelm the audience with his wholesome and genuine character which resonates throughout his masterful delivery.

The latest recital was fun! I've attended all 3 of his performances here in Los Angeles!

The last song performed was "My Living Has Not Been In Vain!". This song may contribute to a sense of regret, for not taking actions in our personal lives when the opportunity presented itself. Also there may have been circumstances which did not allow you to become the person you've always dreamed to be. While dwelling in this long road of regrets is truly painful, there needs to be an accomodation or willing to move forward in a new direction with a renewed sense of hope and optimism for the future. The 'mortgage mess' comes to mind as a stinging reminder that many Americans have lost their homes due to delitirious and disturbing factors.

If you are struggling to make ends meet or if you are in foreclosure, there is no need to believe the monies you saved to purchase your home and the sacrifice in obtaining the funds to do so, was 'in vain'. Our lives are truly our own and such events reenforces or reminds us of our past experiences. Our past ultimately contributes to additional knowledge and eventually directs our determination for understanding, which manifests itself in the procurement of wisdom.

We are now able to comprehend there are situations which we will NEVER be involved in, ever again.

Please read below remarks which contribute to this dialogue by the Pontiff.

  POPE BENEDICT

We are thrilled at the response we've had for our last TEAMBLOG highlighting the trip to the US by Pope Benedict.

We had more 'hits' in 1 day than in any other BLOG we've ever written! The Pope's trip was a meaningful one as he was able to open up our hearts and begin to fulfill a new direction for our lives and our nation with a sense of hope for the future in all endeavours. The crowds were  enthusiastic, genuine and moving during his presence.

In his prayer at Ground Zero last Sunday, Pope Benedict requested God's guidance 'to give eternal light and peace to all who died here'. Furthermore, to 'grant that those whose lives were spared may live, so that the lives lost may not have been in vain."

Below is a photo of the Pontiff at Ground Zero last Sunday.

Benedict will be missed! 

IN OTHER NEWS:

TEAMTICKET

Please check our TEAMBLOG for our newest promotion for the month of May on any new Purchase or Refinance loan originations!

Thanks Again

Happy 81st Birthday Pope Benedict XVI!!!

Dear Friends,

I do my best to be an impartial observer of mortgage industry matters. To this end, I rarely if ever mention religion or politics in my discussions on our TEAMBLOG. However, I am compelled to devote my thoughts to a special visitor - Pope Benedict XVI. His arrival in America has created a groundswell of hope in the human spirit. He has electrified the population for his articulate and uplifting words of compassion and promise. He has also resurrected the ideals of the Founding Fathers by reminding us of the important responsibilities that freedom embodies in our daily lives. Freedom is the main ingredient that catapults our thoughts to a philosophy of caring for others and easing the burdens of despair many Americans experience today. In his opening remarks at the White House on Wednesday, he mentioned 'freedom is not only a gift, but also a summons to personal responsibility'. The Pontiff also mentioned 'the preservation of freedom calls for the cultivation of virtue, self-discipline, sacrifice for the common good and a sense of responsibility towards the less fortunate.'

If we are to be brutally honest about the condition of America at this time, many of our leaders and those we are in contact with in our daily lives, harbor 'unrecognizable temperaments' which have created a maelstrom of irresponsibility, distrust, vengeance and hostility. These current traits have permeated the soul of this great nation by gradually usurping the goodwill and sacrifices of previous generations and employing 'philosophies of disturbance' where its main goal is to repudiate all of America's foundations.

The pain associated with the current mortgage mess, created by a vapid desire of greed among other factors and the disintegration of our culture, where immorality is perceived as a triumph of the human condition - these are just a few of the numerous signs of decline in our Republic. Anyone who has been alive for the past 50 years, knows the fundamentals of American society are  diminishing.

While these observations are depressing, America's special visitor from Rome has provided energy and vision for us all. He has reminded us of the great and sustaining ideals America has been known for.

Saturday will be the 3rd Anniversary of Benedict's elevation as Pope. Since becoming Pontiff, he has impressed many by his intelligent and thought provoking dialogues. Benedict's thoughts are respected and eagerly awaited due to his INTEGRITY. Unfortunately, in America today, a leader of such magnitude and conviction is nowhere to be found. With this in mind, let's hope for the best.

Thanks Again 

Dear Friends,

I attended a seminar a few weeks ago which focused on the effects the human mind has in all of our thoughts, which eventually determines our daily actions. This was a mortgage seminar that had numerous suggestions for uplifting one's desire to strive for success. By outlining clear goals, you can attain success by eliminating the downtrodden preconceived notions of failure and low self-esteem many of us have dealt with since childhood.

Well, I was mildly surprised to hear this at a mortgage seminar, nonetheless, many of the suggestions the speaker noted were truly worthwhile for the situation Americans face today. Depression, agony and anxiousness has settled in the hearts of this nation as the mortgage meltdown continues its destructive effects on all of us.The current circumstances are slowly and effectively nurturing a loss of hope for the future and elevating thoughts of melancholy throughout the population.

Just today, the University Of Michigan in its monthly Consumer Confidence Survey mentioned its findings by stating our attitudes for the future are at a 26 year low.

Economically, the pain of foreclosure, the falling dollar, the higher costs of commodities, job losses and the peripatetic status of the stock market notwithstanding, has created a cauldron of despondency which has historical similarities to other past eras.

Any student of history knows full well this time will surely pass. These economic patterns are cyclical and there will be a time these current events, will be a distant memory. In order for us to start picking up the pieces we must reenforce our ability to overcome these circumstances. By strengthening our resolve to end this quagmire, we must have the desire to overcome, to become an optimist, to build confidence, to focus on solving the problem before us, invigorate one's faith, visualize the victory, end the procrastination and envelop your life with purpose.

This is truly a prescription of patience and perseverance. It will take time for the economy to turn around but most importantly you must create a blueprint of unlimited belief that it will!

Be prepared by sitting down and reviewing all of your accounts. Eliminate as much debt as you can. Refinance your home to a lower FIXED rate. Purchase a home you can honestly afford. Keep 3 to 6 months mortgage payment reserves in your savings & always appreciate the value of your decisions as this will affect the status of your economic life today and in the future.

Please call our office at 323-936-3232 if we can help you achieve your financial goals.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Remember Van Cliburn, the pianist? Well, it was 50 years ago today that a 23 year old delighted the Russians by his superb mastery of the piano by winning the First International Tchaikovsky Piano Competition in Moscow. During that time, the height of the Cold War, the Russians nurtured their belief of cultural superiority and technological prowess in its launch of Sputnik the previous year. As an American, the winning of the competition in such an environment was an amazing feat!

After all the turmoil in our enconomy today, I'm glad to say there will be a time once again in this country where success in a competition or in other avenues, will begin the process of resurrection we so desperately need.

Thanks Again