Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays!
*National Christmas Tree in Washington, DC
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Get Off That Fence!
"30-Year Mortgage Rate Hits Its Lowest Level in 4 Years"
The average interest on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 5.47 percent this week -- its lowest point in more than four years, according to a Freddie Mac survey.
But many lenders say the rates have dropped even further since Freddie Mac polled lenders on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The mortgage research firm HSH Associates said yesterday's average rate was 5.33 percent. The trade publication Inside Mortgage Finance said it was 5.09 percent based on its polling of lenders.
"I locked a person in [yesterday] at 4 7/8 percent on a 30-year fixed loan," said Steve Calem, vice president of American Bank in Rockville. "The rates are still volatile in any given day, but they're bouncing up and down from 5.25 to 5.5 percent."
Many firms regularly track interest rates and come up with slightly different numbers because they survey different sets of lenders at different times of the day or week.
The dip reflected in this week's surveys reflect in part the lingering effects of the Federal Reserve's announcement late last month that it would buy a sizeable chunk of mortgage-backed securities.
Immediately after the initiative was unveiled, interest rates dropped well below the 6 percent mark, fueling a wave of mortgage applications, mostly from people looking to refinance. But it was unclear if the rates would stay down as long as they have given the wild swings of the last few months.
Freddie Mac said this week's 5.47 percent average is down from 5.53 percent last week and 6.11 percent last year at this time. The survey captures rates on loans that meet the guidelines of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which together accounted for 57 percent of all mortgages made in the third quarter, according to Inside Mortgage Finance.
Frank E. Nothaft, Freddie Mac's chief economist, said the recession and recently released high unemployment numbers also played a role in driving down rates.
With the economy in turmoil, investors are clamoring for government bonds, a traditional safe haven during market turbulence. When demand for long-term bonds is high, the yield falls on long-term investments. That ultimately translates into lower rates on mortgages, which are long-term investments.
"Bond yields fell slightly this week, allowing fixed-rate mortgage rates room to ease back a little further," Nothaft said.
No matter what the rates are, borrowers should keep in mind that they probably will not qualify for the lowest offers if they lack stellar credit. Those who want to refinance also must have equity in their homes, a challenge for many because home prices are down in most parts of the country.
Washington Post staff writer Renae Merle contributed to this report.
Article taken from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/11/AR2008121103557.html?wpisrc=newsletter
The average interest on a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 5.47 percent this week -- its lowest point in more than four years, according to a Freddie Mac survey.
But many lenders say the rates have dropped even further since Freddie Mac polled lenders on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The mortgage research firm HSH Associates said yesterday's average rate was 5.33 percent. The trade publication Inside Mortgage Finance said it was 5.09 percent based on its polling of lenders.
"I locked a person in [yesterday] at 4 7/8 percent on a 30-year fixed loan," said Steve Calem, vice president of American Bank in Rockville. "The rates are still volatile in any given day, but they're bouncing up and down from 5.25 to 5.5 percent."
Many firms regularly track interest rates and come up with slightly different numbers because they survey different sets of lenders at different times of the day or week.
The dip reflected in this week's surveys reflect in part the lingering effects of the Federal Reserve's announcement late last month that it would buy a sizeable chunk of mortgage-backed securities.
Immediately after the initiative was unveiled, interest rates dropped well below the 6 percent mark, fueling a wave of mortgage applications, mostly from people looking to refinance. But it was unclear if the rates would stay down as long as they have given the wild swings of the last few months.
Freddie Mac said this week's 5.47 percent average is down from 5.53 percent last week and 6.11 percent last year at this time. The survey captures rates on loans that meet the guidelines of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which together accounted for 57 percent of all mortgages made in the third quarter, according to Inside Mortgage Finance.
Frank E. Nothaft, Freddie Mac's chief economist, said the recession and recently released high unemployment numbers also played a role in driving down rates.
With the economy in turmoil, investors are clamoring for government bonds, a traditional safe haven during market turbulence. When demand for long-term bonds is high, the yield falls on long-term investments. That ultimately translates into lower rates on mortgages, which are long-term investments.
"Bond yields fell slightly this week, allowing fixed-rate mortgage rates room to ease back a little further," Nothaft said.
No matter what the rates are, borrowers should keep in mind that they probably will not qualify for the lowest offers if they lack stellar credit. Those who want to refinance also must have equity in their homes, a challenge for many because home prices are down in most parts of the country.
Washington Post staff writer Renae Merle contributed to this report.
Article taken from http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/12/11/AR2008121103557.html?wpisrc=newsletter
Friday, December 19, 2008
100% Financing now offered for Veterans & Active Duty Military buyers!
VA made another change that is positive for our active duty and veteran military buyers.
VA Financing now allows 100% financing up to $812,500 for our area.
This is a new change that takes effect January 1st.
See http://www.homeloans.va.gov/ for more information!
VA Financing now allows 100% financing up to $812,500 for our area.
This is a new change that takes effect January 1st.
See http://www.homeloans.va.gov/ for more information!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Monday, December 15, 2008
Friday, December 12, 2008
Don't be a Victim this Holiday Season * Have a safe and Happy Holiday
The Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit is reminding residents that festive and holiday seasons are also seasons to be wary of burglars, thieves, pickpockets, and other holiday grinches.
Nothing can ruin the spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime.
Remember, whether you are leaving the house to go shopping or out for an evening of parties, lock your doors and windows! Do not leave the drapes or curtains open with your presents in plain view. Presents displayed around your hall can be a pretty sight, but can also be quite tempting to burglars. It's better to scatter the gifts around the house, in closets or cupboards,where they can't be so easily seen.
If you are leaving town for the holidays, make sure your home appears occupied. Leave inside and outside lights on timers and have your neighbors pick up newspapers, mail, and take flyers off your door. Ask neighbors to park in your driveway. Put a timer on a talk radio station for several hours a day.
After the holidays, do not put out empty boxes advertising your new purchases (Flat Screen Televisions, Video Game Systems, etc.). Break them down and put them in the trash cans or in garbage bags. Better still, take them to a recycling bin.
When you're shopping make sure to use the trunk of your car to keep your packages out of sight. Keep your car locked at all times. Be sure to make several trips to your car to deposit packages in the trunk. Don't allow yourself to become so burdened down with packages that you become a tempting target. When walking through parking lots, be sure that you are aware of your surroundings. Walk with authority. Do not look like a victim!
Be aware that thieves and pickpockets also do some of their biggest business during the holiday season. Ladies, do not dangle your handbag from your shoulder. You are creating a perfect setup for a snatch thief. Instead, keep your purse tucked tightly under your arm. Better yet, do not even carry a purse. Place your checkbook, cash, or credit cards in your front pockets.Avoid carrying your checkbook, cash, and credit cards all together in one wallet, because if a thief gets the whole package together, they can cash checks with your identification and run up a large credit card bill in a short amount of time.
Never give your credit card number over the telephone to anyone when you did not initiate the call. And be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company when ordering merchandise over the phone.
Do not "flash" large rolls of money in public. You never know who's watching! Also, spread your money around in different pockets. That way a pickpocket can't clean you out in one fell swoop.
If you go to an automatic teller machine, try to go during the daylight hours. If you must go at night, pick a machine that is well lighted and visible to passing traffic. If anyone is lurking near the machine, pass it up and find another.
When dining out valet parking is nice, but don't be too lax. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or your house key with the attendant.
Just by using a little planning and some good old common sense, most holiday crimes can be avoided.
Have a pleasant holiday and remember that if you have to drive, do not drink.
Nothing can ruin the spirit faster than becoming the victim of a crime.
Remember, whether you are leaving the house to go shopping or out for an evening of parties, lock your doors and windows! Do not leave the drapes or curtains open with your presents in plain view. Presents displayed around your hall can be a pretty sight, but can also be quite tempting to burglars. It's better to scatter the gifts around the house, in closets or cupboards,where they can't be so easily seen.
If you are leaving town for the holidays, make sure your home appears occupied. Leave inside and outside lights on timers and have your neighbors pick up newspapers, mail, and take flyers off your door. Ask neighbors to park in your driveway. Put a timer on a talk radio station for several hours a day.
After the holidays, do not put out empty boxes advertising your new purchases (Flat Screen Televisions, Video Game Systems, etc.). Break them down and put them in the trash cans or in garbage bags. Better still, take them to a recycling bin.
When you're shopping make sure to use the trunk of your car to keep your packages out of sight. Keep your car locked at all times. Be sure to make several trips to your car to deposit packages in the trunk. Don't allow yourself to become so burdened down with packages that you become a tempting target. When walking through parking lots, be sure that you are aware of your surroundings. Walk with authority. Do not look like a victim!
Be aware that thieves and pickpockets also do some of their biggest business during the holiday season. Ladies, do not dangle your handbag from your shoulder. You are creating a perfect setup for a snatch thief. Instead, keep your purse tucked tightly under your arm. Better yet, do not even carry a purse. Place your checkbook, cash, or credit cards in your front pockets.Avoid carrying your checkbook, cash, and credit cards all together in one wallet, because if a thief gets the whole package together, they can cash checks with your identification and run up a large credit card bill in a short amount of time.
Never give your credit card number over the telephone to anyone when you did not initiate the call. And be sure that you are dealing with a reputable company when ordering merchandise over the phone.
Do not "flash" large rolls of money in public. You never know who's watching! Also, spread your money around in different pockets. That way a pickpocket can't clean you out in one fell swoop.
If you go to an automatic teller machine, try to go during the daylight hours. If you must go at night, pick a machine that is well lighted and visible to passing traffic. If anyone is lurking near the machine, pass it up and find another.
When dining out valet parking is nice, but don't be too lax. Do not leave valuables in your vehicle or your house key with the attendant.
Just by using a little planning and some good old common sense, most holiday crimes can be avoided.
Have a pleasant holiday and remember that if you have to drive, do not drink.
Monday, December 8, 2008
Buy a Habitat for Humanity Ornament! ~ Supports a good cause
Buy your own Habitat for Humanity Ornament for the Christmas Tree in your Home!
Front
Back
Price: $15 Cash/Check
Contact:
Gina M. Tufano
(703) 574-3478
Proceeds support Habitat for Humanity
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Where to find & choose the perfect Christmas Tree for your home!
Bring the natural beauty of Loudoun County indoors this holiday season! To find local family farms that offer choose-and-cut Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands, poinsettias, and other Loudoun holiday items, visit www.loudounfarms.org for a farm description and interactive map.
Friendly farmers will provide assistance in tree selection, bow saws for cutting, and help loading your tree. Enjoy the freshness of the Loudoun Valleys throughout the holiday season!
For more information, visit www.loudounfarms.org or call Ann Higgins of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development at 703-777-0426.
Article taken from http://loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=2463
Friendly farmers will provide assistance in tree selection, bow saws for cutting, and help loading your tree. Enjoy the freshness of the Loudoun Valleys throughout the holiday season!
For more information, visit www.loudounfarms.org or call Ann Higgins of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development at 703-777-0426.
Article taken from http://loudoun.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=2463
Monday, December 1, 2008
Free Holiday Sing-a-long Musical Celebration at Wolf Trap!
The Wolf Trap Holiday Sing-A-Long is an annual musical celebration of the season with traditional holiday songs performed by the United States Marine Band.
Wolf Trap will be participating in Toys for Tots by collecting new, unwrapped toys at the 2008 Holiday Sing-A-Long. Toys will be accepted at the entrance; donations are strictly voluntary and not a requirement. What better way to get into the holiday spirit!
The audience is invited to bring candles which they may light during the last verse of "Silent Night," the final song of the program, and exit the Filene Center in a candlelight procession. There is also a 'Jing-A-Long' during the singing of Jingle Bells, so bring a bell along with your candle and remember to dress warmly.
Admission is free and no tickets are required. Parking is free but limited so plan on arriving early.
The gates to the Filene Center open at 3:00 pm. For more information, please call (703) 255-1900 or visit Wolf Trap's website http://wolf-trap.net/Home/Find_Performances_and_Events/Performance/08Filene/1207show08.aspx
Wolf Trap will be participating in Toys for Tots by collecting new, unwrapped toys at the 2008 Holiday Sing-A-Long. Toys will be accepted at the entrance; donations are strictly voluntary and not a requirement. What better way to get into the holiday spirit!
The audience is invited to bring candles which they may light during the last verse of "Silent Night," the final song of the program, and exit the Filene Center in a candlelight procession. There is also a 'Jing-A-Long' during the singing of Jingle Bells, so bring a bell along with your candle and remember to dress warmly.
Admission is free and no tickets are required. Parking is free but limited so plan on arriving early.
The gates to the Filene Center open at 3:00 pm. For more information, please call (703) 255-1900 or visit Wolf Trap's website http://wolf-trap.net/Home/Find_Performances_and_Events/Performance/08Filene/1207show08.aspx
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