Just some updates

Really too soon to be bothering everyone again, but in this real estate "news" environment maybe one small voice chipping away at the pile of misinformation, or at least incomplete information, may have some salutary effect. This link, http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/HomebuyingGuide/HomePriceReport.aspx leads you to presumably reputable sources and factual reporting and I'm willing to grant them accuracy. But. Watch the language and the use of data and interpret carefully for yourself. Something like 61 markets out of almost 280 showed some decline. That means 75% of markets are stable or still increasing in value. Figures indicate the "steepest decline in rate of increase" since whenever. Wow. Startling news, however a decline in rate of increase is still an increase, not a decline. An area in which I feel particularly competent, being a mortgage broker after all, is the segment noting the level of interest rates. This link appeared today, November 11 yet cites interest rates from August 31 and uses them for comparative purposes. As of November 10, 30 year fixed rate was available, from our office and I assume from other brokers, at 6% zero points and 5.75% if you chose to pay 1 point. That would get you a 30 lock. Next in order is the absence of Chico from the towns declining. That's because we're not. Redding yes, but that is a Redding problem. I'm just being picky at noting the disparity in interest because if a half point difference is keeping you from buying a home, you probably shouldn't be buying one anyway. What I urge, almost beg, is that everyone do their own diligent examination of the facts. Don't get your information from "news" articles, TV talking heads doing their sweeps week rabble rousing, etc. The "experts" and gurus cited here in this link, and elsewhere, remind me of stock tip sheets and that special breed of touts that hang around horse race tracks, willing to share the absolute certain winner for a very modest fee. For the record: Interest is low, gas prices are low, unemployment is low, home prices are stable. If you want one, buy one.
A new feature has been added to our brokerage. Everyone knows we list and sell for a flat fee, we give money back to buyers who use our services (with some exceptions), we provide full mortgage service to home buyers. Now we are offering commercial lending, both purchase and refinance from both of our office locations. Details on our web site.

Thanks for visiting.