Ricky Khamis's Blog

June 2013 Updates, Incredible Articles and Tons More!

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 11:25:52 -0700

Business/Economy:

Home Sales Continue to Climb

April was one of the best months for homes sales in recent history. Low inventory and a recovering economy are pushing housing prices up and there is no sign of anything slowing down soon. If you are in the market for a new home, this might provide the update you need to keep track of the trends.

Click here to read the full article by CNN Money

Brian Tracy Inspirational Article of the Month:

Start From Nothing and Become Financially Independent

Everyone has an excuse as to why they can't put aside money for their future every month. We also feel that it is impossible for us to gain wealth because of the financial position we are in. This month's article tells you how to get over the barriers in front of us and help ensure we retire rich and worry free.

Click Here to Read the Full Article by Brian Tracy

Interesting Articles and Photos of the Month:

This blood donor from Riviera Beach has given 100 gallons in 35 years

Turning personal tragedy into a way to help others, this Florida resident has hit an unprecedented milestone for the amount of blood donated. This 84 year old man shares his story and why it is so important to give back in this inspirational article.

Click Here to Read the Full Article by The Palm Beach Post

Tempura-battered tarantula on menu at California bug fest

If you have a hankering for some crunchy protein, you should consider attending the California bug fest. Ever wanted to try battered tarantula or scorpion? Find out how you can make that dream a reality in Hollywood.

Click here to read the full article by Reuters

Woman Abandoned as Newborn Meets Rescuer 62 Years Later

While it may not be the same as meeting the birth mom she was separated from decades ago, Kira Derhgawen was able to locate the woman who saved her life as an infant when she was abandoned in a car. Watch the video of this heartfelt reunion and learn what is next for these two strong women.

Click here to read the full article by NBC San Diego

Trip to Mars would likely exceed radiation limits for astronauts

While a trip to Mars is on the wish list for NASA, recent finds may have presented more obstacles to overcome. The amount of radiation astronauts would be exposed to on a round trip will most likely exceed the limit set forth by an ethics panel. Find out what this could mean for future travel and why such limits are in place.

Click here to read the full article by Yahoo! News

Videos of the Month:

Woman Reunited with Missing Dog Buried In OK Tornado Rubble

If you haven't seen this video that has brought tears to the eyes of thousands of people, this is a must see. Watch as a tornado victim is reunited with her missing dog live on television. This video will pull at your heart strings and make you smile.

Click here to watch the video by YouTube.com

Prancercise: A Fitness Workout

Have you caught on to the latest fitness craze? Originally created back in the 80's, modern technology has helped this workout inspired by horses become an internet sensation. With over 2 million views, you will get a laugh an may even be inspired to prance around a little.

Click here to watch the video by YouTube.com

3 Board Games You've Been Playing All Wrong

Find out how to win several popular games or fast track games notorious for taking forever. From how to sink a Battleship to moving along a game of Monopoly, these tips will help make game play more enjoyable for all and give you an edge on the competition.

Click here to watch the video by Buzz Feed Yellow

Delicious Recipe of the Month:

Tomatillo Gazpacho

If you are looking for something different to bring to a backyard barbecue, this may be just the recipe for you. This tangy cold soup will provide a refreshing, healthy taste and have everyone asking where you got the recipe. It is up to you whether or not you will share your secret.

Click Here for the Full Recipe From Eating Well

Dumb Criminal Story of the Month:

Victim calls Attempted Kidnapper “Dumb Criminal”

Tip to all criminals: it is not a good idea to pose for a picture after attempting a crime. Read on to discover how this attempted kidnapper contributed to his capture, and exactly how his potential victim feels about his intelligence level.

Click here to read the full article by WREG

Mortgage Qualification

Direct: 480-559-9609

Or Online at www.ApprovingAZ.com

seo by my Team Technology Expert Geoffrey Manes

Ricky Khamis
NMLS 173141 | LO-0911814 | CA-DOC173141
Branch Manager | Corporate Office
Arizona and California CE Instructor

Email: Ricky@approvingaz.com

480-344-1900 office
602-758-7425 mobile

480-907-1451 fax

AMERIFIRST FINANCIAL, INC.
NMLS 145368
1550 E. McKellips Rd, Suite 117
Mesa, AZ 85203
480-344-1900
1-866-276-12974
BK0013635

Amerifirst Financial Disclosure- The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of Ricky Khamis. Content published here is not read or approved by Amerifirst Financial before it is posted and does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Amerifirst Financial.

What The Heck Is Going On With Rates

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:12:03 -0700

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Ricky Khamis

Corporate Branch Manager

Amerifirst Financial, Inc NMLS 145368

Phone: 480-559-9609

Fax: (480) 907-1451

License: NMLS173141

rick@amerifirst.us

www.ApprovingAZ.com

In This Issue

Last Week in Review: Consumers are feeling confident. Find out why.

Forecast for the Week: Important news is ahead on the labor front.

View: What are you "not doing" to help your productivity? See the important tips below.

Last Week in Review

"The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving." Oliver Wendell Holmes. Consumers are certainly feeling more confident about the direction our economy is moving. Read on for details and what they mean for home loan rates.

Consumer Confidence, which measures how optimistic or pessimistic consumers are with respect to the economy in the near future, hit a five-year high in May, coming in at 76.2. The Consumer Sentiment Index, a similar measure, also came in above expectations for May.

There was also good news on the housing front, as the Case Shiller 20-city Home Price Index rose 10.9 percent year-over-year. This was above expectations and the best annual gain in seven years. In addition, the second estimate for first quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) rose by 2.4 percent. By comparison, the final reading of GDP for the fourth quarter of 2012 was 0.4 percent. GDP is an important measure of productivity growth and a key indicator of economic strength.

In inflation news, the Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE), the Fed's favorite measure of inflation, shows that inflation remains tame. In fact, the year-over-year core PCE (which excludes volatile food and energy measurements) is running at 1.1 percent, well below the Fed's upper end target of 2 percent and just above the all-time low.

What does all of this mean for home loan rates? Remember: Weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, helping Bonds and home loan rates (which are tied to Mortgage Bonds) improve. Strong economic news often has the opposite result. With several strong economic reports released last week, Bonds and home loan rates felt the impact.

However, helping Bonds and home loan rates is the fact that inflation remains non-existent, as inflation reduces the value of fixed investments like Bonds. A big question moving forward is: Will the Fed continue its Bond purchase program known as Quantitative Easing? While low inflation gives the Fed cover to do so, there are growing opinions that the program should come to an end.

The bottom line is that home loan rates remain near historic lows and now is a great time to consider a home purchase or refinance. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

Forecast for the Week

The second half of the week heats up with important news on the labor front.

On Monday, we get data on manufacturing with the ISM Index.
Wednesday will be a full day with Productivity, ISM Services Index and the Fed's Beige Book.
As usual, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims will be reported Thursday. Last week, Initial Jobless Claims came in above expectation at 354,000. The data remains in a range that is consistent with just modest job growth.
On Friday, we end the week with the often market-moving Jobs Report for May, which includes Non-Farm Payrolls and the Unemployment Rate.

Remember: Weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, helping Bonds and home loan rates improve, while strong economic news normally has the opposite result. The chart below shows Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS), which are the type of Bond that home loan rates are based on.

When you see these Bond prices moving higher, it means home loan rates are improving -- and when they are moving lower, home loan rates are getting worse.

To go one step further -- a red "candle" means that MBS worsened during the day, while a green "candle" means MBS improved during the day. Depending on how dramatic the changes were on any given day, this can cause rate changes throughout the day, as well as on the rate sheets we start with each morning.

As you can see in the chart below, May was a rough month for Bonds and home loan rates. But they remain near historic best levels and I will continue to monitor their movement closely.

Chart: Fannie Mae 3.0% Mortgage Bond (Friday May 31, 2013)

The Mortgage Market Guide View...

Power Productivity Points
4 Things to Put On Your "Not To Do" List

"Beware the barrenness of a busy life." Socrates

Working harder isn't always the answer to expansion. Counter intuitive as it may seem, sometimes not doing things can increase your productivity and reduce your stress--a powerful combination for anyone who works just about anywhere. Creating a "Not To Do" list is essential if you want to grow your business, or show your employer you deserve that promotion.

Here are four things you can not do starting today to give you the margin you need to think and act more clearly in business and life:

Dumb uses for smartphones. If you're constantly checking Facebook, answering or originating random text messages, or have any social media account alerts turned on, you'll never be as productive as you could be.

Only check e-mail twice a day. Turn off your alerts here, too. Whenever you click on the "Get Mail" button, your brain drip feeds small doses of Something-Important-Is-About-To-Happen-Juice (psychologists call it dopamine). Except, it's not true. Try out this tip for just one week and see if you don't accomplish more than you thought possible.

Stop answering the phone. Emergencies aside, send your calls to voicemail first and return them only during set times (and state those times on your voicemail greeting). This has three instant benefits. First, it tells people you are a focused person, which they will respect and even appreciate. Second, it makes you a focused person--keeping you on task and freeing you from interruptions you can't anticipate. Third, you can determine if you're the right person to handle the call or if it can be delegated.

Just say no. There is a big difference between being busy and being productive. Want to know where you're just busy? Keep track of everything you do every 30 minutes, every day, for one week. Then take all the items that aren't moving you toward your goals and stop doing them, delegate them to someone else, or hire someone to do them for you. What will you do with all that extra time? Concentrate only on activities and processes that make money or move you ahead.

The key to more productivity is not more work. The key is more focus. Creating your "Not To Do" List will reset your priorities, refresh your morale and could even remake your career.

Make sure to pass these tips along to your clients and colleagues!

Economic Calendar for the Week of June 03 - June 07

Date

Economic Report

For

Estimate

Actual

Prior

Impact

Mon. June 03

10:00

ISM Index

May

50.9

50.7

HIGH

Wed. June 05

08:15

ADP National Employment Report

May

157K

119K

HIGH

Wed. June 05

08:30

Productivity

0.6%

0.7%

Moderate

Wed. June 05

10:00

ISM Services Index

May

53.5

53.1

Moderate

Wed. June 05

02:00

Beige Book

Jun

Moderate

Thu. June 06

08:30

Jobless Claims (Initial)

6/1

347K

354K

Moderate

Fri. June 07

08:30

Non-farm Payrolls

May

164K

165K

HIGH

Fri. June 07

08:30

Unemployment Rate

May

7.5

HIGH

Fri. June 07

08:30

Hourly Earnings

May

0.2%

HIGH

Fri. June 07

08:30

Average Work Week

May

34.4

HIGH

The material contained in this newsletter has been prepared by an independent third-party provider. The content is provided for use by real estate, financial services and other professionals only and is not intended for consumer distribution. The material provided is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as investment and/or mortgage advice. Although the material is deemed to be accurate and reliable, there is no guarantee it is without errors.

As your mortgage professional, I am sending you the MMG WEEKLY because I am committed to keeping you updated on the economic events that impact interest rates and how they may affect you.

Mortgage Market Guide, LLC is the copyright owner or licensee of the content and/or information in this email, unless otherwise indicated. Mortgage Market Guide, LLC does not grant to you a license to any content, features or materials in this email. You may not distribute, download, or save a copy of any of the content or screens except as otherwise provided in our Terms and Conditions of Membership, for any purpose.

You received this email as a result of your ongoing business relationship with Ricky Khamis. While beneficial to a wide audience, this information is also commercial in nature and it may contain advertising materials.

Mortgage Qualification

Direct: 480-559-9609

Or Online at www.ApprovingAZ.com

seo by my Team Technology Expert Geoffrey Manes

480-907-1451 fax

AMERIFIRST FINANCIAL, INC.
NMLS 145368
1550 E. McKellips Rd, Suite 117
Mesa, AZ 85203
480-344-1900
1-866-276-12974
BK0013635

May 2013 Monthly Market Newsletter brought to you by Ricky Khamis

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:31:31 -0700

Mortgage Qualification

Direct: 480-559-9609

Or Online at www.ApprovingAZ.com

seo by my Team Technology Expert Geoffrey Manes

480-907-1451 fax

AMERIFIRST FINANCIAL, INC.
NMLS 145368
1550 E. McKellips Rd, Suite 117
Mesa, AZ 85203
480-344-1900
1-866-276-12974
BK0013635

Remodel home for sale in PV arizona under 750k

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:13:45 -0700

Pre-Qualify for this Remodel home for sale in PV arizona under 750k property with Ricky Khamis Mortgage Broker with Amerifirst Financial Paradise Valley FHA Mortgage Loan Officer at www.ApprovingAZ.com or text 602-758-7425. This specific Remodel home for sale in PV arizona under 750k The next is available for 3.5% down payment using an Paradise Valley FHA Mortgage. IF you buy this home using an Paradise Valley FHA Mortgage through Ricky Khamis’s team at Amerifirst Financial in Scottsdale Arizona they will provide you with all the details you need to secure the FHA Mortgage in Paradise Valley. FHA Mortgages in Paradise Valley provide the lowest amount down payment possible as well as very competitive interest rates. To find out what you need to do to finance this Remodel home for sale in PV arizona under 750k simply pick up the phone and call 480-559-9609 or send an email to TeamGrowth@ApprovingAZ.com. To schedule a personal showing of this Remodel home for sale in PV arizona under 750k or to get more info I'm available right now at 480-559-9609. We are the Team you heard of that is the “ZERO ORIGINATION FEE LENDER” which off the bat saves you 1% on your closing costs!

10235 N 55TH Place

Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

Remodel home for sale in PV arizona under 750k Home Photo Gallery Virtual Tour Property Map Payment Info Request Showing

Ken O'Neal

Mobile: 480-233-8833 Fax: 602-749-6566 Website: Visit Website
Price : $729,000 Bedrooms : 5 Bathrooms : 4 Square Foot : 4,169 Lot Size : 10 County : Maricopa Property Type : Detached Year Built : 1992 MLS Number : 4915635

click for more information and pictures
Property Description This recently remodeled Paradise Valley basement Remodel home for sale in PV arizona under 750k is centrally located to anywhere in the valley! This home has gone under a remodel complete with: new gourmet kitchen, new flooring, built-in entertainment center and built-in bar from Stonecreek, updated bathrooms, new picture windows, new french doors, new fireplace and more. Desirable Promontory neighborhood is within highly sought after Chaparral School District by this Remodel home for sale in PV arizona under 750k. You'll be welcomed with a grand entry and vaulted ceilings. A chef's kitchen in this Remodel home for sale in PV arizona under 750k is complete with floating glass breakfast bar and an abundance of cabinet space. The master retreat of this Remodel home for sale in PV arizona under 750k is split from the secondary upstairs bedrooms and has a private exit to the patio/pool area. Spend a lazy summer day relaxing in the sparkling diving pool! Don't miss this spectacular Remodel home for sale in PV arizona under 750k!

Listed by RE/MAX Professionals Equal Housing Opportunity. HomeSmart : 1745 S Alma School Rd #115 - Mesa AZ 85210 : 480-233-8833

Mortgage Qualification

Direct: 480-559-9609

Or Online at www.ApprovingAZ.com

seo by my Team Technology Expert Geoffrey Manes

480-907-1451 fax

AMERIFIRST FINANCIAL, INC.
NMLS 145368
1550 E. McKellips Rd, Suite 117
Mesa, AZ 85203
480-344-1900
1-866-276-12974
BK0013635

5 bedroom remodel Promontory Paradise Valley 85253

Thu, 02 May 2013 14:08:33 -0700

Pre-Qualify for this 5 bedroom remodel Promontory Paradise Valley 85253 property with Ricky Khamis Mortgage Broker with Amerifirst Financial Paradise Valley FHA Mortgage Loan Officer at www.ApprovingAZ.com or text 602-758-7425. This specific 5 bedroom remodel Promontory Paradise Valley 85253 The next is available for 3.5% down payment using an Paradise Valley FHA Mortgage. IF you buy this home using an Paradise Valley FHA Mortgage through Ricky Khamis’s team at Amerifirst Financial in Scottsdale Arizona they will provide you with all the details you need to secure the FHA Mortgage in Paradise Valley. FHA Mortgages in Paradise Valley provide the lowest amount down payment possible as well as very competitive interest rates. To find out what you need to do to finance this 5 bedroom remodel Promontory Paradise Valley 85253 simply pick up the phone and call 480-559-9609 or send an email to TeamGrowth@ApprovingAZ.com. To schedule a personal showing of this 5 bedroom remodel Promontory Paradise Valley 85253 or to get more info I'm available right now at 480-559-9609. We are the Team you heard of that is the “ZERO ORIGINATION FEE LENDER” which off the bat saves you 1% on your closing costs!

10235 N 55TH Place

Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

5 bedroom remodel Promontory Paradise Valley 85253

Home Photo Gallery Virtual Tour Property Map Payment Info Request Showing

Ken O'Neal

Mobile: 480-233-8833 Fax: 602-749-6566 Website: Visit Website
Price : $729,000 Bedrooms : 5 Bathrooms : 4 Square Foot : 4,169 Lot Size : 10 County : Maricopa Property Type : Detached Year Built : 1992 MLS Number : 4915635

click for more information and pictures
Property Description This recently remodeled Paradise Valley basement 5 bedroom remodel Promontory Paradise Valley 85253 is centrally located to anywhere in the valley! This home has gone under a remodel complete with: new gourmet kitchen, new flooring, built-in entertainment center and built-in bar from Stonecreek, updated bathrooms, new picture windows, new french doors, new fireplace and more. Desirable Promontory neighborhood is within highly sought after Chaparral School District by this 5 bedroom remodel Promontory Paradise Valley 85253. You'll be welcomed with a grand entry and vaulted ceilings. A chef's kitchen in this 5 bedroom remodel Promontory Paradise Valley 85253 is complete with floating glass breakfast bar and an abundance of cabinet space. The master retreat of this 5 bedroom remodel Promontory Paradise Valley 85253 is split from the secondary upstairs bedrooms and has a private exit to the patio/pool area. Spend a lazy summer day relaxing in the sparkling diving pool! Don't miss this spectacular 5 bedroom remodel Promontory Paradise Valley 85253!

Listed by RE/MAX Professionals Equal Housing Opportunity. HomeSmart : 1745 S Alma School Rd #115 - Mesa AZ 85210 : 480-233-8833 GM

Mortgage Qualification

Direct: 480-559-9609

Or Online at www.ApprovingAZ.com

seo by my Team Technology Expert Geoffrey Manes

480-907-1451 fax

AMERIFIRST FINANCIAL, INC.
NMLS 145368
1550 E. McKellips Rd, Suite 117
Mesa, AZ 85203
480-344-1900
1-866-276-12974
BK0013635

Daily Minute - Read Daily To Stay Up On The Inside

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:50:02 -0700

The economic recovery has slowed down a bit in the past month and could be setting up for another Spring Economic Swoon. This morning, ADP reported that private employers created 119,000 jobs in April, below the 155,000 expected, while revising the March figure to 131,000. The job market continues to jump through hurdle after hurdle as employers are loathe to take on additional employees in a somewhat shaky economy. The 2% payroll tax increase coupled with the expiration of the Bush era tax cuts, could be one of the catalysts behind the lower economic numbers.

Over in the manufacturing sector, the slowdown has already begun and is a negative factor moving forward for the U.S. economy. The ISM National Manufacturing Index was reported this morning showing activity slowed in April and barely expanded falling to 50.7 from 51.3 in March. Readings above 50 signals expansion, but this was the lowest rate so far in 2013. Within the report it showed that the employment component fell to 50.2 from 54.2 in March. The report follows weak manufacturing data from the New York and Philadelphia regions.

In a further sign of a slowing economy, the Commerce Department reported that construction spending in March declined and was due in part to the largest drop in government projects in more than a decade. Construction spending fell by 1.7% and was the second decrease in the last three months. There was some decent news within the report - residential construction gained 0.4%, while multi-family construction rose 0.3%. Overall construction activity was up 4.8% from March of 2012.

Americans across the nation were eager to borrow money to refinance their current mortgages last week, as reported by the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). The MBAs Market Composite Index, a measure of total loan application volume, rose by 1.8% in the latest week as home loan rates continue to hover near record low levels. The refinance gauge increased by 3%, but the purchase index slipped by 1.4%.

Twitter: ADP reports private workers hired in April were lower than expected, manufacturing continues to be weak, construction spending falls.

FaceBook: Economic data has been easing lately. ADP reported this morning that private employers added less workers than expected in April as the labor markets struggle to recover. In the manufacturing and construction spending sectors, today''s weaker than expected data could be setting up for a Spring Swoon.

LinkedIn: Construction spending in March fell by 1.7% due in part to a decline in government projects and was the second decrease in three months. Over in the job markets, ADP reported that private employers added 119,000 jobs in April, which was below the 155,000 expected, while the March number was revised lower to 131,000 from 158,000. The slowing of economic data could signal that a Spring slowdown is in the making.

Mortgage Qualification

Direct: 480-559-9609

Or Online at www.ApprovingAZ.com

seo by my Team Technology Expert Geoffrey Manes

480-907-1451 fax

AMERIFIRST FINANCIAL, INC.
NMLS 145368
1550 E. McKellips Rd, Suite 117
Mesa, AZ 85203
480-344-1900
1-866-276-12974
BK0013635

Mortgage Market Update Housing, Rates and Sales Numbers

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 18:15:07 -0700

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Follow Me On: Ricky Khamis President Team Growth Amerifirst Financial, Inc Phone: 480-359-7908 Fax: (480) 907-1451 License: NMLS173141 ricky@ApprovingAZ.com www.ApprovingAZ.com

In This Issue

Last Week in Review: Several important reports were released in the second half of the week, including retail sales and wholesale inflation.

Forecast for the Week: Look for a full week of economic reports, with news on inflation, housing, manufacturing and more.

View: You can have something in common with Joe Girard, recognized as the world's greatest salesman by Guinness Book of World Records, if you do the below.

Last Week in Review

"If we had not winter, the spring would not be so pleasant." Poet Anne Bradstreet's words may ring true for the seasons, but less so for some recent economic reports. Read on for the details and what they mean for home loan rates.

Retail Sales fell by .4 percent in March. This was below expectations and was also the largest decline in nine months. The rise in payroll taxes, which began in January, is likely a big part of the decline in spending. The report shows we may just see another economic malaise this spring, like we have seen the last couple of years.

Further evidence of this can be seen by the fact that the first read on Consumer Sentiment in April fell to 72.3, the lowest level since July. In addition, the National Federation of Independent Business reported that its business survey index fell to 89.5 from 90.8 in March, suggesting that the jobs market is somewhat deteriorating. In addition, the survey found that business owners are growing more pessimistic on the economy. The survey has not shown an upbeat report in five years.

In other important news to note, inflation at the wholesale level remains tame as the Producer Price Index dropped to its lowest point in ten months. Also, the minutes from the Fed's latest meeting were released and they noted that there has been a solid improvement in the labor markets-but this was before March's worse than expected Jobs Report.

What does all of this mean for home loan rates? Remember that weak economic news often causes investors to move their money out of Stocks and into safer investments like Bonds. This includes Mortgage Bonds, to which home loan rates are tied. Last week's poor economic reports, combined with continued uncertainty in Europe and tame inflation news, benefitted Bonds and home loan rates in the second half of the week.

The bottom line is that now is a great time to consider a home purchase or refinance, as home loan rates remain near historic lows. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

Forecast for the Week

The economic calendar heats up this week with important inflation, housing, and manufacturing news.

We kick off the week with manufacturing news via the Empire State Index on Monday, followed by the Philadelphia Fed Index on Thursday.
Tuesday we'll get a read on inflation at the consumer level with the Consumer Price Index.
Also on Tuesday, look for news on the housing market with Housing Starts and Building Permits.
On Wednesday, we'll get a look at economic activity across the nation with the Fed's Beige Book.
As usual on Thursday, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims will be released.

In addition, earnings season continues with important reports from Coca Cola, Goldman Sachs, Google, GE and more.

Remember: Weak economic news normally causes money to flow out of Stocks and into Bonds, helping Bonds and home loan rates improve, while strong economic news normally has the opposite result. The chart below shows Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS), which are the type of Bond that home loan rates are based on.

When you see these Bond prices moving higher, it means home loan rates are improving – and when they are moving lower, home loan rates are getting worse.

To go one step further – a red "candle" means that MBS worsened during the day, while a green "candle" means MBS improved during the day. Depending on how dramatic the changes were on any given day, this can cause rate changes throughout the day, as well as on the rate sheets we start with each morning.

As you can see in the chart below, Bonds and home loan rates are hovering near record best levels. I'll continue to monitor this closely.

Chart: Fannie Mae 3.0% Mortgage Bond (Friday Apr 12, 2013)

The Mortgage Market Guide View...

The Art of Handwritten Notes

According to a report by the U.S. Postal Service, the average household went from receiving a personal letter once every two weeks in 1987 to once every seven weeks by 2010. It's no surprise that number dwindles ever lower given that we live in the age of instant messaging, tweets, and email.

But there is a bright side. Handwritten notes now have much more value and impact than at any other time in history. They're the perfect way to show clients and referral partners how much you value them.

Here's a six-point formula suggested by etiquette experts. It is not necessary to write more than one sentence per point.

Greeting. Simple: Dear Name.
Express your gratitude. Thank you for trusting me with the financing for your new home.
Make mention. One of the best parts of my job is seeing my clients find a home they love.
Allude to the future. I wish you many years of happiness there.
Repeat your gratitude. Not word for word, a short "Thanks again" will suffice.
Salutation. End with regards such as "Sincerely" and sign your name.

Joe Girard, recognized as the world's greatest salesman by Guinness Book of World Records, sent a handwritten message to all his clients each month with a simple message such as "I like you" and "Thank you" written inside. He credited much of his repeat business to these notes.

Please feel free to pass this along to any clients and colleagues who might benefit from these tips.

Economic Calendar for the Week of April 15 - April 19

Date

Economic Report

For

Estimate

Actual

Prior

Impact

Mon. April 15