Mack's Blog » Things you need to know

Magoo — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:23:56 +0000

A message to all members of GLOZAL – A Social Real Estate Network

Which cities are seeing median list prices increase the most? Nationally, median list prices have risen 1.60 percent to $190,000, according to year-over-year listing data from September 2011 by Realtor.com, based on 146 markets. Find out where your market is heading….

YOUR GLOZAL TEAM

Visit GLOZAL – A Social Real Estate Network at: http://realestate.glozal.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

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Magoo — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 22:13:08 +0000

GLOZAL – A Social Real Estate Network

A message to all members of GLOZAL – A Social Real Estate Network

Nationwide, 11 million households are considered underwater—meaning they owe more on their mortgage than their home is currently worth.

Here are the cities that are countering that trend and have the fewest number of underwater home owners, according to 24/7 Wall St….

YOUR GLOZAL TEAM

Visit GLOZAL – A Social Real Estate Network at: http://realestate.glozal.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

To control which emails you receive on GLOZAL – A Social Real Estate Network, click here

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Magoo — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 16:53:39 +0000

TIPS ON PUMPING GAS

I
don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline…. but here in
California we are paying up to $3.75 to $4.10 per gallon. My line of
work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to
get more of your money's worth for every gallon:

Here
at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose, CA we deliver
about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period thru the pipeline.. One day
is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline, regular and premium
grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of
16,800,000 gallons.

Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold.
Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried
below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it
gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the
evening….your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum
business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline,
diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an
important role.

A
1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the
service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. You should be pumping on low mode,
thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping.
All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the
fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor.
Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage
tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL.
The reason for this is the more gas you have in your tank the less air
occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can
imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This
roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it
minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work,
every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon
is actually the exact amount.

Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up;
most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being
delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles
on the bottom.

To have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of gas buyers. It's really simple to do.

I'm
sending this note to about thirty people. If each of you send it to at
least ten more (30 x 10 = 300)…and those 300 send it to at least ten
more (300 x 10 = 3,000) and so on, by the time the message reaches the
sixth generation of people, we will have reached over THREE MILLION consumers !!!!!!! If those three million get excited and pass this on to ten friends each, then 30 million people will have been contacted!

If It goes one level further, you guessed it….. THREE HUNDRED MILLION PEOPLE!!!

Again, all you have to do is send this to 10 people. How long would it take?

I have not verified this information. Maybe someone can verify that the statements are true! They sound good.

Magoo — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 17:29:12 +0000

This might be interesting as to who owns our national debt. At least it might make for some good conversation at the local coffee shop.
Who Owns us

Magoo — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:24:23 +0000

Paying Buyer's Closing Costs?

QUESTION: I think you may have dealt with this question
a while back, but can an agent in my office agree to pay part or all of
a buyer/client's closing costs?

ANSWER: The Legislature passed a law that states: "A
real estate licensee shall not give or pay cash rebates, cash gifts or
cash prizes in conjunction with any real estate transaction. As part of
the Tennessee Real Estate Commission's general rulemaking authority the
commission may regulate the practices of real estate licensees in
regard to gifts, prizes or rebates that are not otherwise prohibited by
law." Tenn. Code Ann. 62-13-302(b). The Tennessee Real
Estate Commission (TREC) has interpreted this law as prohibiting agents
from paying closing costs for their clients. You can offer to
reduce your commission, but you cannot pay the closing costs. In
addition to this, the lender may likely have a problem with a third
party paying a portion of the closing costs.

[SOURCE: TAR Legal & Ethics Hot Line Attorneys]

Magoo — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 22:18:51 +0000

email me now

Laurie Raulston

NMLS #267373

805 S Church St

Murfreesboro, TN 37130

Cell Phone: 931-607-7401

Fax: 931-901-1270

For the week of March 7, 2011 – Vol. 9, Issue 10

>> Market Update

QUOTE OF THE WEEK…"There
are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit,
no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect."–Ronald
Regan

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE…We should be especially
careful to not erect barriers to our progress just because of a minor
setback, like the one we had with last week's Pending Home Sales. The
National Association of Realtors (NAR) index of signed contracts on
existing homes slipped in January for the second month in a row. But the drop wasn't as bad as expected
and, as the NAR's chief economist said: "We should not expect the
recovery to be in a straight upward path–it will zig-zag at times."

The latest NAR overall forecast
gave an interesting picture of that recovery. Existing home sales
should grow 8.1% this year and another 5.2% in 2012, with the median
price essentially flat in 2011 before gaining over 3% next year. New
home sales are forecast up about 5% this year, then up over 55% for
2012, with the median price up a bit in 2011, then up 3.5% next year. Fannie
Mae's latest National Housing Survey reported that the vast majority of
people believe housing prices will hold firm in 2011 and that Hispanics, African-Americans and Generation Y (18–34 years old) are
more positive than other Americans about homeownership.

BUSINESS TIP OF THE WEEK…Do you know what's the most precious commodity in business? Time! Return calls and e-mails immediately, deliver what clients want sooner than they expect and you'll enhance your competitive edge.

>> Review of Last Week

SQUEAKING HIGHER…Investors who were worried about oil prices hitting two-year highs amidst Libyan turmoil sent stocks down Tuesday. But economic data continued to portray a steady if slow recovery. So stocks shot back up Thursday by enough to put all three indexes ahead for the week, even after dipping a bit on Friday.

Encouraging economic news appeared on all fronts. The ISM Services index, tracking the sector that employs over 85% of our workforce, reached its highest level since 2005. ISM Manufacturing also hit a multi-year high. Meanwhile, inflation
measured by Core PCE Prices, was up just 0.1% in January and 0.8% the
past year, well within the Fed's acceptable range.
Then Friday we had the February Employment Report with 192,000 new jobs
overall. The private sector contributed 222,000 jobs, its 12th monthly
gain in a row. And the unemployment rate unexpectedly dropped again, this time to 8.9%!

For the week, the
Dow ended up 0.3%, at 12,170; the S&P 500 was up 0.1%, to 1,321; and the Nasdaq was up 0.1%, ending at 2,785.

Bond prices were hurt by the improving economic data, but went back
up as a result of the safe-haven buying driven by continuing tensions in the
Middle East and rising oil prices. The FNMA
4.0% bond we watch
ended down slightly for the week,
closing
at $98.14. Mortgage rates dropped for the third week in a row according to Freddie Mac's
weekly survey of conforming mortgages. But
buyers should note that these low rates will not last forever, as the
improving employment picture will eventually edge them back up.

DID YOU KNOW?…The median home price is the midpoint price for all homes sold.
50% of selling prices were above it, 50% were below. It is less biased
than the average home price, which can be skewed upward by a few
high-priced homes.

>> This Week’s Forecast

WHAT'S UP WITH THE CONSUMER?…Frankly,
it's a pretty quiet week for economic news, but there are a few
significant readings on the state of the consumer at the very end.
Friday we see February's Retail Sales reports, which are expected to show continued growth, both with and without auto sales included. The University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index should show consumer confidence holding pretty steady. Thursday, you'll want to take note of Initial and Continuing Jobless Claims, as jobs remain key to the economic and housing market recovery.

>> The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar

Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest
rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan
rates.

Economic Calendar for the Week of March 7 – March 11

Date	Time (ET)	Release	For	Consensus	Prior	Impact
W Mar 9	10:30	Crude Inventories	3/5	NA	0.364M	Moderate
Th Mar 10	08:30	Initial Unemployment Claims	3/5	382K	368K	Moderate
Th Mar 10	08:30	Continuing Unemployment Claims	2/26	3.750M	3.774M	Moderate
Th Mar 10	08:30	Trade Balance	Jan	–$41.5B	–$40.6B	Moderate
F Mar 11	08:30	Retail Sales	Feb	1.0%	0.3%	HIGH
F Mar 11	08:30	Retail Sales ex-auto	Feb	0.6%	0.3%	HIGH
F Mar 11	09:55	U. of Michigan Consumer Sentiment	Mar	76.5	77.5	Moderate
F Mar 11	10:00	Business Inventories	Jan	0.8%	0.8%	Moderate

>> Federal Reserve Watch

Forecasting Federal Reserve policy changes
in coming months…Last
week Chairman Ben Bernanke told the Senate Finance Committee that even
though economic conditions were improving, rates should stay low for
his familiar "extended period" until he sees stronger job
creation. Note: In the lower chart, a 1% probability of change is a 99% certainty the rate
will stay the same.

Current Fed Funds Rate: 0%–0.25%

After FOMC meeting on:	Consensus
Mar 15	0%–0.25%
Apr 27	0%–0.25%
Jun 22	0%–0.25%

Probability of change from current policy:

After FOMC meeting on:	Consensus
Mar 15	<1%
Apr 27	<1%
Jun 22	<1%

Dce

This e-mail is an advertisement for Laurie Raulston.
The material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment and/or mortgage advice, or a commitment to lend. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee of its accuracy. The material contained in the newsletter is the property of Nationstar Mortgage and cannot be reproduced for any use without prior
written consent. It is designed for real estate and other financial professionals only. It is not intended for consumer
distribution. The material does not represent the opinion of Nationstar Mortgage.
Nationstar Mortgage LLC, 350 Highland Drive, Lewisville, TX 75067. NMLS Unique Identifier #2119. Alabama Consumer Credit License #MC21042. Arizona Mortgage Banker License #BK-0904370. Licensed by the Department of Corporations under the Finance Lenders License. To check the license Status of your mortgage loan originator, visit http://www.dora.state.co.us/real-estate/index.htm. District of Columbia: Conducting Business as: Nationstar Mortgage LLC of Delaware. Georgia Residential Mortgage Licensee, #11585. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee, #MB.0004414. Kansas Licensed Mortgage Company, Massachusetts Mortgage Lender License, #ML1443. Minnesota: This statement is not an offer to enter into an agreement. Any such offer may only be made in accordance with the requirements of Minn. Stat. § 47.206(3), (4). Mississippi Licensed Mortgage Company. Crown Center 296, Two Pershing Square, 2300 Main Street, Suite 908, Kansas City, MO 64108. Montana Mortgage Lender Licensee #
57. Nevada Mortgage Banker License #575, 871 Coronado Center Dr., Suite 200, Office 259, Henderson, NV 89052, (702) 952-2872. Licensed by the New Hampshire Banking Department. Licensed by the N.J. Department of Banking and Insurance. Licensed Mortgage Banker-NYS Banking Department. Oregon Mortgage Banker License, #ML-1175. Licensed by the Pennsylvania Department of Banking. Rhode Island Licensed Lender and Rhode Island Licensed Loan Broker. Virginia Nationstar Mortgage LLC, Licensed by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, MC-2075. NMLS #267373

This email was sent to meeks@realtracs.com.
You may unsubscribe from future advertisement e-mails from Laurie Raulston.

Click here to unsubscribe :: please DO NOT change the subject line of the email, send it as it is.

Magoo — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 15:08:47 +0000

Irish Luck

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while

trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from

a nearby bog. He dropped his tools

and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and

struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could

have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse

surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced

himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

'I want to repay you,' said the nobleman. 'You saved my son's life.'

'No, I can't accept payment for what I did,' the Scottish farmer replied

waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door

of the family hovel.

'Is that your son?' the nobleman asked.

'Yes,' the farmer replied proudly.

'I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own

son will enjoy If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow

to be a man we both will be proud of.' And that he did.

Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated

from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become

known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the

discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the bog was

stricken with pneumonia.

What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill .. His son's name?

Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around.

Work like you don't need the money.

Love like you've never been hurt.

Dance like nobody's watching.

Sing like nobody's listening.

Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

I hope it works…

May there always be work for your hands to do;

May your purse always hold a coin or two;

May the sun always shine on your windowpane;

May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;

May the hand of a friend always be near you;

May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

and may you be in heaven a half hour before the devil knows your'e dead.

OK, this is what you have to do…. Send this to all of your friends.

But – you HAVE to send this within 1 hour from when you open it!

Now…..Make A wish!! I hope you made your wish!

Magoo — Wed, 23 Feb 2011 23:41:01 +0000

What Are Brokers Price Opinions?

Broker price opinions or BPO's for short is an industry term for an estimate of a range of market value. They are much similar to a comparative market analysis (CMA's) with the exception that CMA's usually include expired and withdrawn listings showing those homes that failed the market test. Investors use BPO's to help them in various decision making events. Such events as selling a portfolio to another Investor. BPO's are sometimes used just to verify that the home remains occupied and maintained. The most prevalent use today is in foreclosure segment of the business. Investors need to know if the property is occupied and how much it might bring when placed on the market or at least a good estimate of the assets value. Something to keep in mind is that BPO's are not appraisals and can not be used to fulfill the need for an appraisal. BPO's like the CMA is only a market range tool not a specific value tool.

Magoo — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 16:59:14 +0000

QUESTION: I have an agency question. I have an agent whose husband is a builder, and she has his houses listed. As a facilitator, she has sold a couple one of his houses. Was "facilitator" the correct status for her in this transaction?

ANSWER: We would NOT recommend that the agent default to a facilitator status in transactions in which she is selling her husband's property. It may or may not be technically wrong, but it certainly doesn't pass the "smell" test. If something goes wrong in the transaction, the buyers will surely claim that the licensee was truly representing her husband. Moreover, depending upon how ownership of the builder's homes is structured, the licensee may even have an ownership interest in the properties and could not function as a facilitator.

At the very least, the licensee's relationship to the builder must be fully disclosed to the buyers' satisfaction, giving them an opportunity to secure their own representation in the transaction.
[SOURCE: TAR Legal & Ethics Hot Line Attorneys]

De-Mystifying Credit Scores

Magoo — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 22:35:58 +0000

De-Mystifying Credit Scores

With credit scores playing an ever-larger role in qualifying for
financing a home purchase, knowing how scores are calculated can help you help your clients understand the process!

A very readable article by Realty Times Managing Editor Carla Hill ("Explaining Credit Scores")
provides a helpful summary of how Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax
arrive at their scores. In it she tackles a few of the more common
questions, such as whether or not someone should close a credit card account with a zero balance or an unused card.

To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.

[SOURCE: Realty Times]