The Mortgage Buddy Rate Outlook for the Week Begninning 6/27 The market continues to run scared on the fears of a spreading European debt crisis, and a slow down in the global economy. Last week saw a very volatile week in the market but it ended with some better than expected durable goods orders and .1% higher on the final 1st quarter GDP numbers.  I truly believe our economy is going to be just fine. Corporate earnings will drive the market up but that's still about 2 weeks a way. Until then we are going to be on shaky ground and we could break even lower with rates and the stock market. Everyone wants better jobs numbers but companies continue to find ways to make money with smaller payrolls and lower overhead so I just don't think the jobs are going to come back too quickly. Lets t... 06/26/2011

Realtors & Loan Officers Need to be Appreciated I first off want to sincerley thank Michelle Wesson of Keller Williamsfor a successful purchase closing this week. This was just one of those transactions that had many obstacles to over come, but through team work and perseverance we were able to help this family find a very nice home for their growing family. Michelle went above and beyond her traditional role numerous times to make certain her client was happy. As most of us know sometimes a loan can be very challenging and require a lot more paperwork from the client than you had hoped for. These are the types of transactions that can wear on a clients patience because they require document after document to make it to the finish line. Here is a list of some the obstacles we over came ... 06/23/2011

365 things to do in Worcester County - shop at Sam's in Worcester.  When ever I have a large gathering, and I often do, I find myself planning what I am going to serve.  And whether it is a sit down dinner for 8 or an appetizer catering for 80, I tend to start and finish at Sam's club in Worcester. We have had BJ's and Cosco in Worcester, but somehow only Sam'sremained in this location.  Sam's club is great for many items, owned by the Walmart conglomerate, Sam's main focus is on food stuffs, but they also have furniture, electronics, small appliances, jewelery, clothes, tires and batteries, plants and more. As I mentioned, I am inviting a group of people to celebrate a successful run of our show "Hotel on Marvin Gardens" and as we are gathering after the last production, our party will... 06/23/2011

HUD Consultant Tour in Worcester, MA 6/24 06/22/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester County - get an inspection sticker fast in Worcester.  Not to complain, but I hate getting an inspection sticker.  You have to drive around and find a shop that's open or go during the working time.  You have to give them your keys, your registration, your money and then sit around for, oh, I don't know how long, 30 minutes waiting for your car to be inspected.  Or you drive into the shop your self and push all the buttons for them.  What a hastle. Thank G-d we only have this as one of our 365 Things to do in Worcester County - get an inspection sticker fast in Worcester.  So here I am completely taken aback by my experience.  As I am driving to my chiropractor's appointment in Worcester, I pass this enormous sign stating "Fast Vehicle Inspection Here".  An... 06/22/2011

The Mortgage Buddy Rate Outlook for the Week Beginning Monday May 20th We finally broke a six week losing streak for the stock market last week. The week started off pretty rough but we rebounded well with the news that France and Germany are going to bail out Greece. This gave a little confidence to the markets and some faith in the fact Europe won't collapse under their debt crisis, well at least for now. This week is going to be full of data for us to pay attention. There is some housing data on tap as well as a FOMC meeting. Tuesday 10am Existing Home Sales: Existing home sales tally the number of previously constructed homes, condominium and co-ops in which a sale closed during the month. Existing homes (also known as home resales) account for a larger share of the market than new ... 06/19/2011

365 things to do in Worcester County - Celebrate Father's Day with family at Denny's in Worcester.  Wow, what a morning.  No wonder my dad does not like to go out and celebrate holidays on the holiday day.  It's crazy out there, who knew that there are so many fathers out there.  Ok, so this morning we went out to have a lovely breakfast together.  We made several stops to find that our favorite spots and restaurants we wanted to try, were so filled that the wait would have caused us to have lunch instead of breakfast. So, we drove more and more away from our home, until we decided to go to Worcester and get the "old reliable": Denny's at Lincoln Plaza.  Denny's has an extensive menu and as someone who adors "the first meal of the day" served all day long, Denny's is a great choice. My ... 06/19/2011

Mortgage Buddy Product Alert Fannie Mae HomePath Now Even Better Fannie Mae has a great product that helps prospective home-buyers get into a home without mortgage insurance, without an appraisal and now they are giving up to a 3.5% closing cost assistance. For those who are not aware of how the Fannie Homepath product works please look at one of my previous postings http://actvra.in/cBS and look on the homepath.com website for more eligibility. This makes a fantastic loan even better. Below are some of the highlights of the new closing cost incentive from the HomePath site. HomePath® Buyer Incentive: June 14 - October 31 Fannie Mae is currently offering buyers up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance through October 31, 2011. A $1,200 selling agent bonus is also available to selling agent... 06/18/2011

Today The Mortgage Buddy Meets Michael Maher and his 7 Levels of Communication Today I had the privilege to meet Michael Maher, the author of The Seven Levels of Communication. For those who have not read this book I strongly recommend it. This seminar was an absolutely amazing event. It was a chance to meet with other motivated real estate professionals and rap about what makes them successful. I was able to get so many new ideas from listening to others that I can't wait to start implementing them first thing tomorrow morning. Here are some highlights from the seminar: "Don't wait for a life changing event to change your life" If you just sit and think about that for a few minutes we can all find some way for that statement to impact our lives. Approach life with intensity: Whatever l... 06/17/2011

365 things to do in Worcester County - Celebrate Shavuot and 10th grade confirmation in Worcester.  Last week my daughter Sarah had a confirmation ceremony at Temple Emanuel.  This coincided with the Holiday of Shavuot.  The confirmation was for tenth grade students who continued their religious studies.  The 7 Students in the religious school spoke on what Judaism means to them.   Interestingly enough, Shavu'ot is called the time of the giving of the Torah.  I think that it's appropriate that the students shared in the ceremony of opening the arc, opening, carying and reading the Torah.  Shavuot is a festival with both historical and agricultural significance (the other two are Passover and Sukkot). Agriculturally, it commemorates the time when the first fruits were harvested and broug... 06/16/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester county - enjoy new exhibits at  the Art museum in Worcester.  One of my favorite places in Worcester County is the Art Museum in Worcester.  There is always something fun going on.  So, today, I'm letting you know about an exhibit that is starting Wednesday, June 8, 2011 All day, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Worcester Art Museum @ 55 Salisbury Street  Worcester, MA 01609  "The Strange Life of Objects: The Art of Annette Lemieux presents the first critical overview of this artist's dynamic and varied career. Annette Lemieux first garnered attention on the newly global art scene of the 1980s. Since that time she has continued to produce work that grows in depth and resonance, proving herself an artist of lasting significance. Lemieux's early use of traditi... 06/15/2011

Mortgage Buddy's Rate Outlook for the Week Beginning Mon. June 13th This week is jammed packed with economic data that could really move the market and effect the direction of interest rates. We are coming off of 6 straight down weeks in the stock market and this has happened since right after dot com bubble and 911. It's tough to really say if this a healthy market correction or if this is something more devastating to our retirement funds. I think we are going to have one more down week and then start to see some greener pastures and rising rates next week. But lets go through the economic calendar day by day. Tue. 830am PPI-The Producer Price Index (PPI) is a measure of the average price level for a fixed basket of capital and consumer goods received by producers. It's a pre-cursor t... 06/13/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester county - Eat unusual pizza at the Corner Grill in Worcester.    After rehearsals for "Hotel on Marvin Gardens", the whole cast went out for dinner.  We chose a small pizza place on Pleasant St., in Worcester called Corner Grill.  I've never been to The Corner Grill and since pizza is one of the "perfect foods" as I like to call it, I was excited to try it.  I refer to the "perfect food" as a food that is all encompassing, something you can eat on it's own, and something you can eat practically any time of day and of course something good either cold or hot - the perfect food. I tend to like thick crust pizza - Greek style.  But this pizza was probably the thinnest pizza crust I have ever had the pleasure of consuming.  It really reminded me of pizza I had i... 06/11/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester county - enjoy comedy and food in Worcester    This Friday, June 10, 2011 at 9:00 PM,Dick's Beantown Comedy Escape @ Biagio's Grill at257 Park Ave  Worcester, MA 01601 is hosting yet another fun night of comedy and entertainment. Dick's Beantown Comedy Escape @ Biagio's Grille  Located in The Newly Remodeled Biagio's Grille known for 30 years of Great Food at Low Prices with Friendly, Quality Service  257 Park Avenue, Worcester  Dick Doherty (The Godfather of Boston Comedy and New England Comedy Legend) presents Top Comedians from NY, LA & thoughout New England Performing weekly.  Thurs. Pro Am Open Mic 8pm $15  Fri. 9pm and Sat. 8pm All Star standup comedy $20  For more information: www.beantowncomedy.com or 800-401-2221 cost: $20 Click to visit the site 06/09/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester county - learn to fence at Higgins Armory in Worcester.  Ever watched Olympics and said "boy, that fencing stuff looks really interesting'.  How about the musketeers movies, Ever wonder how difficult and dangerous the fencing sport is?  Well, take it from someone who studied fencing in College and competed on College level, fencing is an incredible sport.  The technique takes years to master, but you can be fencing practically from day one.  What I liked about the sport is that I am not very athletic, but I can fence.  The sport is also 50-70% strategy.  To simplify, think the game of rocks, paper, scissors.  Ever wonder what your opponent is going to pull next?  Ever plan out a strategy to misstep your partner?  Well, fencing is very similar in that you le... 06/09/2011

The Kelly & Colombo Group just had new pictures and a virtual tour done on 35 Asylum Street in Milford, MA.   Must see to appreciate this very spacious & charming over 2,600 sq ft updated 4 bedroom 2 bath garrison style home. Large master bedroom, 24’x 22’, features cathedral ceilings w/ recessed lights or use as a great room, has separate entrance from 1st floor. Dining room offers a large brick fireplace for those cozy dinners. Ready to move right in! Great neighborhood. Seller offering 2% in closing cost assistance if closed by 6/30/2011.  Click here to see the virtual tour!     Listed by The Kelly & Colombo Group for $250,000. Call us today to see 35 Asylum St, Milford MA 01757! 508-520-9669 06/07/2011

Sneak peak of this adorable two-family in the west end of worcester about to come on the market - can't wait to show the rest!!!! 06/06/2011

365 Things to do in Worcester county - Have an Arctic adventure at the Ecotarium in Worcester.  If you haven't yet explored the Worcester Ecotarium, perhaps this event will get you going.  The museum of Science and Nature, the Ecotarium in Worcester is inviting it's visitors to go deep inside the Arctic Circle and explore the frozen North.  This event is happening on Tuesday, June 7, 2011 at 10:00 AM and lasts all day till 5:00 PM The Worcester Ecotarium is located at 222 Harrington Way  Worcester, MA 01604.  Along with the Museum building, the grounds are inviting and it's a perfect venue for a family pick-nic and a nature's retreat.  This summer, the EcoTarium brings visitors deep inside the Arctic Circle to explore the frozen North -- the closest that most of us will ever get to this... 06/06/2011

The Mortgage Buddy Rate Outlook for the Week Beginning Mon. June 6th This week is a very light calendar week of economic data and reports. I think that's probably a good thing, the markets need to digest the plethora of bad data last week. We had much weaker than expected manufacturing and factory data and then we were wall disappointed by Friday's unemployment report. I like when my forward looking predictions are correct because it makes me seem credible to my readers, but there is nothing to boost about when it comes to a report like that. Just to give a quick re-cap on the unemployment numbers from last week here is how they looked. Nonfarm Payrolls - M/M change 244,00  232,000  170,000  90,000  to 200,000  54,000  Unemployment Rate - Level 9.0 %   8.9 % 8.7 % to 9.0 % 9.1 % Average... 06/05/2011

It's crazy to think that we are almost half way through the year already. Up here in New England the first couple of months were a blur from the crazy amount of snow we had, and before I knew it the Spring Market was in full bloom. I spent some down time over the Memorial Day weekend to pull out my business plan for the year and take a look at where I stand and where I want to be in December. I'm not a business coach by any means but I know what works for me and that's writing down my goals and checking things off as I accomplish them. I would encourage anyone involved in sales, self branding or marketing to do the same. Without defined goals we can end up spending too much money or losing track of what we set out to do. I want to share with everyone some of efforts I have made the firs... 06/03/2011