Arizona Homeowner November / 2009
Inventive Home Lending 1400 E. Southern Avenue, Suite 615 Tempe, Arizona 85282 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The financing of your real estate can be a daunting task. You want the best interest rate and you want the pre-approval, application and close of escrow processes to be hasslefree. I understand. I listen. I respond quickly. • I specialize in custom-designing a specific loan for each individual client. With over 400 loan programs at my fingertips, you will get a mortgage that best fits your unique situation. • I use the latest technology in loan underwriting. You’ll receive a loan decision within hours. Don’t wait days to find out if you qualify for the home you really want! • Closing numerous loans and working with numerous borrowers assures you that I have the knowledge and expertise to handle any situation. • My impeccable reputation is my best asset. I always strive to exceed your expectations! Call me today!
accessorizing Your Interior Design’s Finishing Touch Happy Thanksgiving! I always like to look back on the year and reflect on what we have to be thankful for in our lives. For many, this year may have brought more bad then good. There certainly was plenty of bad news to go around with the combined affects of a poor economy, high unemployment, and continued home foreclosures. At the end of 2008 things looked so bleak in housing and lending that we didn’t have very high hopes for 2009. In retrospect, who would have thought a year ago that housing sales in 2009 would come roaring back to near record levels? We now know that it was the housing market that caused this recession. Many feel that it will be housing that will pull us out. If strong home sales continue, it can keep the new foreclosure inventory at bay and will continue to raise home values and create jobs. That would be the gift that keeps on giving for years to come! On the lending front, we expect interest rates to rise in 2010. The U.S. Treasury has been artificially holding down mortgage rates this year by buying up large quantities of
mortgage-backed securities. It was announced in September that the Treasury would slow the pace of these purchases for the rest of 2009 and stop altogether by March of 2010. Many experts expect the end of the treasury purchase program to soon bounce fixed-rate mortgages to about 6% by early 2010. For those looking to lock in a low refinance or purchase rate, this is your early warning to do it soon as all indications are that mortgage rates will be higher in 2010. The first-time homebuyer tax credit program has been a huge success this year for the economy. It has played an important role in motivating buyers to buy up the excess housing inventory. The program is set to expire at the end of November but Congress is discussing extending the program into 2010. However, as of the press deadline for this article there has not been an official congressional vote on a program extension. If you are interested in buying a home before the program deadline expires, please contact me immediately about coordinating a plan to rush your loan file.
HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS
• Mortgage rates are at a 50-year low. Almost everyone can benefit by either buying a new home or refinancing to a low fixed rate. Call now for a free review of your options. • First-time home buyers are eligible for up to an $8K tax credit for buying and closing on a home by 11/30/09. That’s free money if you buy a home by the deadline! • If you are behind on your mortgage payments the government has offered incentives to lenders to modify your loan so that the interest and payment is lower. (We do not offer loan modifications but would be happy to offer free advice on how you can get help.) • If you have a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA or VA loan you may be eligible for refinancing even if your owe more on your loan then your home is worth. (Call us to determine if you are eligible.)
Jim Olson Loan Officer 480.929.0044 jimo@ihlending.com www.ihlending.com MB0905347
MORTGAGE RATES AS OF 10/10/09 LOAN RATES FOR $150K-$417K
30-Year Fixed at 5.000%/5.305% APR 15-Year Fixed at 4.500%/4.879% APR 5/1 ARM at 3.875%/4.233% APR
LOAN RATES FOR $418K-$1.5M
5/1 ARM at 4.375%/4.672% APR 7/1 ARM at 4.750%/5.099% APR
*Note: Quotes assume primary home financing with 720+ fico score on a single family property with 20%-30% equity. All quotes offered at 1% origination fee. Certain restrictions apply.
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net
fitness for golfers
Improve Your Game & Prevent Injuries
a classic crowd-pleaser Vincent’s Flourless Chocolate Cake
Event Calendar November 2009
Scottsdale Fashion Week Scottsdale Fashion Square/Scottsdale Waterfront, Nov. 5th – 7th 480.940.8666 or scottsdalefashionweek.com Calling all Fashionistas to this exciting three-day event! The “Art of Fashion” events will feature the Designer of the Year competition, a model search, designer VIP reception, the popular Wearable ArtWalk presentation, runway shows and a Lifestyle Showcase. Mix & mingle with fellow fashionable folks while enjoying Scottsdale’s vibrant and high-energy ambiance. So You Think You Can Dance Tour 2009 Jobing.com Arena, Nov. 13th 623.772.3200 or jobingarena.com You watched your favorite dancers on TV and now is your chance to see them perform live! The top 10 contestants are on tour including the competition’s finalist, the Valley’s own Kayla Radomski. Whether you are a hard-core dancer, or perhaps just a dancer at heart, you’ll enjoy the music, rhythms, choreography, costuming and all-around entertainment! Chiles and Chocolate Desert Botanical Garden, Nov. 14th – 15th 480.941.1225 or dbg.org Delight your taste buds at this culinary festival with flavors both spicy and sweet. Sample treats such as gourmet chocolates and zesty salsas, available for purchase from local vendors. Do not miss the cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, Spanish flamenco dance instruction, and the sounds of DJ World Famous Rani “g.” Merry Edwards Wine Dinner BLT Steak, Nov. 20th 480.905.7979 or localwineevents.com Learn from the best as you experience and taste the flavors at this wine pairing dinner. Pinot Noir wine maker, Merry Edwards will join forces with BLT Steak’s Marc Hennessy as they work together to pair a fabulous five-course dinner with wine. Make sure to make reservations for this event as seating is limited. Mad Mud Run MacDonald’s Ranch, Nov. 21st 602.448.0933 or madmudrun.com Dress up in your wackiest costume to take on this muddy challenge. Participants will have to weave through a 4.5-mile boot camp obstacle course with kids shooting water canons, mud pits and a five-foot wall. Get dirty for a great cause, supporting the Foundation for Burns and Trauma.
What is one of the most affordable yet dramatic ways to add pizzazz to your interiors? Accessorizing. Whether you are designing a new home, hoping to sell your house or simply bored with your interior design, accessorizing adds instant appeal to any room. Even homes with the most beautiful of furnishings don’t look complete without proper accessorizing. A room without accessories is like a great outfit without any jewelry – it’s just missing that final touch! WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE Where to start? First of all, avoid buying on impulse. In fact, before you buy anything take inventory of what you already have – even the pieces you’re tired of or think you don’t like anymore. Gather up all of your accessories and start with a clean slate. Try rearranging pieces in different rooms, put pieces in combinations you hadn’t thought of before. You might be surprised by a new look you’ve created. IT’S ALL IN THE MIX When accessorizing, be mindful of how you arrange your pieces. Accessories should always be anchored by a piece of furniture of equal or greater visual weight. So avoid placing a large vase on a small end table or hanging a small mirror over a substantial sideboard. Cluster your accessories into groupings of three or five. Odd-numbered groupings are always more visually appealing, as are groupings in varying heights and varying shapes. One piece should be dominant in each grouping. BUYING NEW As you’re shopping for more accessories, consider color, scale and balance. Browse through design magazines and wander through furniture stores to gain inspiration and a sense for what appeals to you. Note your ceiling heights, wall measurements and accessory-holding surfaces. Have some ideas in mind when you’re out shopping, but also allow yourself to contemplate items you may never have considered. Often it’s those unexpected surprises that end up adding the most interest and whimsy to your interior space. HOT DESIGN TRENDS 1. What’s hot and what’s not Solid neutrals, florals and stripes give way to metallics, fur (faux or real), distressed wood, textured linens, leathers and eco-friendly vinyls. 2. Color, color everywhere Purples, golden greens, fuchsia reds, yellows, deep blues, grays, platinum, copper, dark silver, and other colorful metallics sizzle. When using color as an accent, the rule of thumb is to use it at least three times in a room (i.e. - pillow, artwork, a candle). Any less than that and you run the risk of having your “accent” seem like an “accident.” 3. Let there be light Lighting in and of itself is an accessory. Use incandescent lighting to create a soft warm glow to your ambiance. More intense light brightens up a room and lends an energetic mood. Vary the levels of light within a room with the use of chandeliers, table or floor lamps, wall-mounted fixtures and ceiling-mounted down lights. 4. Pillows and rugs Fresh, new throw pillows can turn any space from “blah” to “aahh” in moments! Think embellishments, textures, fabulous fabrics and interesting trims. Pillows in varying sizes and shapes add even more interest. Area rugs can transform a room completely. Choose from boldly patterned rugs or simple understated rugs with an eye-catching border. As far as pillows and rugs are concerned, animal prints are always a classic and can be integrated easily into contemporary, traditional and transitional décor. 5. Start with the art Choosing artwork doesn’t have to be intimidating. Pick what you love and build the rest of your room around it. When displaying framed art, always hang it so the middle of the piece is at eye level. If you are grouping several pieces together, design your layout like a gallery would, whether it’s prints, photos or paintings.
Your Home
Good technique is most important for a great day on the golf course. But the sport of golf also requires strength, balance and flexibility. Without proper stretching and conditioning, all the golf lessons in the world still won’t have you playing at your optimum. According to Dr. Michael Branson of COR Clinic, a Valley physical therapy, strength and conditioning center, many golfers suffer injuries due to poor posture and improper conditioning. Dr. Branson’s golf conditioning program is designed to: • Decrease the potential for injury by addressing movement impairments and muscle imbalances that can be negatively impacting joints and muscles • Improve postural alignment and kinetic functioning • Enhance flexibility and mobility • Increase core strength and stability in order to improve functional efficiency • Increase muscular strength and power for enhanced club speed and driving distance • Enhance muscular endurance in order to maintain a consistent swing through an entire 18-hole round. Golfers that want to improve their game can enlist the professional support of a trainer, or can supplement their golf game with some simple exercises at home. Before you start, get a professional assessment to determine your needs, especially if you have any current injuries or pains. Visit an athletic therapist, physical therapist or experienced personal trainer. TRAIN LIKE A TIGER According to NBC Sports, Tiger Woods focuses on intense stretching, core exercises, small weights with high repetitions and posture. Golfers often suffer from back issues. These simple stretches will loosen up the back and shoulder muscles allowing for a better backswing and follow-through:
LYING LEG CROSSOVER • Lie on back with legs extended straight out • Raise one leg, bend at knee 90 degrees • Cross leg over extended leg keeping opposite shoulder on floor • Hold 15 seconds and repeat with the other leg BACKSWING STRETCH (for right-handers, lefties do the opposite) • Standing, extend left arm directly in front of you • Place right hand under left wrist • Pull with right hand against left wrist making as big a turn on backswing as possible • Hold 15 seconds. Repeat • Switch to other side for follow-through going opposite direction Strengthening your core provides the foundation and power for your game. Core exercises work your abs, back and hips from which many other muscles are attached. Try these two simple exercises: PLANK EXERCISE • Face floor, body extended, balance on forearms and toes • Torso straight from ears to toes, no sagging • Relax head and neck and focus on the floor • Hold for 10 seconds, work up to 60 seconds PLANK WITH LEG LIFT EXERCISE • Get into plank position from above • Slowly lift one leg 6 – 8 inches from floor for two seconds, lower • Switch legs and repeat • Perform 2 – 3 sets, 10 repetitions each
Easy Ways To Improve Your Game BETTER BALANCE: Stand on one foot swinging elbows back and forth. STRONGER ELBOWS: Squeeze a tennis ball. STRONGER WRISTS: Curl wrists with soup can in hand or simply swing a hammer. TIGHTER ABS: Alternate crunches, leg lifts and sit-ups every day. LOOSER HAMSTRINGS: Lay on floor, knees bent. Pull one knee to chest straightening other leg. Hold 30 seconds and repeat with opposite leg. BETTER HYDRATION: Drink a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day. Even more if you drink alcohol or caffeine. SMARTER NUTRITION: Eat a healthy meal with plenty of protein before you hit the links. MEDITATION & VISUALIZATION: Fitness includes mental fitness as well as physical fitness. The top athletes in any sport practice regular focus and mental exercises to keep themselves sharp.
Flourless Chocolate Cake Ingredients:
Local Flavor!
Phantom of the Opera Gammage Auditorium, Nov. 1st – 22nd 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com It’s no wonder this tragic tale is the longest running show in Broadway history. The misery of the Phantom and his infatuation with Christine creates quite a haunting love story. This Andrew Lloyd Weber masterpiece has won many awards for its moving songs such as Music of the Night and Think of Me. Witness unrequited love, seeming magic, unspeakable tragedy, painful jealousy and compassionate pity in this beautiful and unforgettable production.
1 lb. semi-sweet chocolate 1/2 lb. unsweetened butter 8 eggs, separated 1 3/4 c. sugar Preparation: Cut chocolate into small pieces and melt with the butter over boiling water in double boiler. (Can also be melted in microwave on low temperature.) Remove from heat and blend in egg yolks which have been beaten. It is important that the chocolate has cooled a bit so the egg yolks do not cook when blending. Blend slowly to insure all ingredients are mixed well. Set aside.
Featuring Vincent Guerithault On Camelback 3930 E. Camelback Road • Phoenix 602.224.0225 or vincentsoncamelback.com
Whip egg whites until they form stiff peaks, gradually adding sugar as you beat. Gently fold chocolate mixture into egg white mixture, blending well. Fold into a greased and floured 8-inch cake pan and bake at 375 degrees for approximately 40 minutes.
Event Calendar November 2009
Scottsdale Fashion Week Scottsdale Fashion Square/Scottsdale Waterfront, Nov. 5th – 7th 480.940.8666 or scottsdalefashionweek.com Calling all Fashionistas to this exciting three-day event! The “Art of Fashion” events will feature the Designer of the Year competition, a model search, designer VIP reception, the popular Wearable ArtWalk presentation, runway shows and a Lifestyle Showcase. Mix & mingle with fellow fashionable folks while enjoying Scottsdale’s vibrant and high-energy ambiance. So You Think You Can Dance Tour 2009 Jobing.com Arena, Nov. 13th 623.772.3200 or jobingarena.com You watched your favorite dancers on TV and now is your chance to see them perform live! The top 10 contestants are on tour including the competition’s finalist, the Valley’s own Kayla Radomski. Whether you are a hard-core dancer, or perhaps just a dancer at heart, you’ll enjoy the music, rhythms, choreography, costuming and all-around entertainment! Chiles and Chocolate Desert Botanical Garden, Nov. 14th – 15th 480.941.1225 or dbg.org Delight your taste buds at this culinary festival with flavors both spicy and sweet. Sample treats such as gourmet chocolates and zesty salsas, available for purchase from local vendors. Do not miss the cooking demonstrations, children’s activities, Spanish flamenco dance instruction, and the sounds of DJ World Famous Rani “g.” Merry Edwards Wine Dinner BLT Steak, Nov. 20th 480.905.7979 or localwineevents.com Learn from the best as you experience and taste the flavors at this wine pairing dinner. Pinot Noir wine maker, Merry Edwards will join forces with BLT Steak’s Marc Hennessy as they work together to pair a fabulous five-course dinner with wine. Make sure to make reservations for this event as seating is limited. Mad Mud Run MacDonald’s Ranch, Nov. 21st 602.448.0933 or madmudrun.com Dress up in your wackiest costume to take on this muddy challenge. Participants will have to weave through a 4.5-mile boot camp obstacle course with kids shooting water canons, mud pits and a five-foot wall. Get dirty for a great cause, supporting the Foundation for Burns and Trauma.
What is one of the most affordable yet dramatic ways to add pizzazz to your interiors? Accessorizing. Whether you are designing a new home, hoping to sell your house or simply bored with your interior design, accessorizing adds instant appeal to any room. Even homes with the most beautiful of furnishings don’t look complete without proper accessorizing. A room without accessories is like a great outfit without any jewelry – it’s just missing that final touch! WORK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE Where to start? First of all, avoid buying on impulse. In fact, before you buy anything take inventory of what you already have – even the pieces you’re tired of or think you don’t like anymore. Gather up all of your accessories and start with a clean slate. Try rearranging pieces in different rooms, put pieces in combinations you hadn’t thought of before. You might be surprised by a new look you’ve created. IT’S ALL IN THE MIX When accessorizing, be mindful of how you arrange your pieces. Accessories should always be anchored by a piece of furniture of equal or greater visual weight. So avoid placing a large vase on a small end table or hanging a small mirror over a substantial sideboard. Cluster your accessories into groupings of three or five. Odd-numbered groupings are always more visually appealing, as are groupings in varying heights and varying shapes. One piece should be dominant in each grouping. BUYING NEW As you’re shopping for more accessories, consider color, scale and balance. Browse through design magazines and wander through furniture stores to gain inspiration and a sense for what appeals to you. Note your ceiling heights, wall measurements and accessory-holding surfaces. Have some ideas in mind when you’re out shopping, but also allow yourself to contemplate items you may never have considered. Often it’s those unexpected surprises that end up adding the most interest and whimsy to your interior space. HOT DESIGN TRENDS 1. What’s hot and what’s not Solid neutrals, florals and stripes give way to metallics, fur (faux or real), distressed wood, textured linens, leathers and eco-friendly vinyls. 2. Color, color everywhere Purples, golden greens, fuchsia reds, yellows, deep blues, grays, platinum, copper, dark silver, and other colorful metallics sizzle. When using color as an accent, the rule of thumb is to use it at least three times in a room (i.e. - pillow, artwork, a candle). Any less than that and you run the risk of having your “accent” seem like an “accident.” 3. Let there be light Lighting in and of itself is an accessory. Use incandescent lighting to create a soft warm glow to your ambiance. More intense light brightens up a room and lends an energetic mood. Vary the levels of light within a room with the use of chandeliers, table or floor lamps, wall-mounted fixtures and ceiling-mounted down lights. 4. Pillows and rugs Fresh, new throw pillows can turn any space from “blah” to “aahh” in moments! Think embellishments, textures, fabulous fabrics and interesting trims. Pillows in varying sizes and shapes add even more interest. Area rugs can transform a room completely. Choose from boldly patterned rugs or simple understated rugs with an eye-catching border. As far as pillows and rugs are concerned, animal prints are always a classic and can be integrated easily into contemporary, traditional and transitional décor. 5. Start with the art Choosing artwork doesn’t have to be intimidating. Pick what you love and build the rest of your room around it. When displaying framed art, always hang it so the middle of the piece is at eye level. If you are grouping several pieces together, design your layout like a gallery would, whether it’s prints, photos or paintings.
Your Home
Good technique is most important for a great day on the golf course. But the sport of golf also requires strength, balance and flexibility. Without proper stretching and conditioning, all the golf lessons in the world still won’t have you playing at your optimum. According to Dr. Michael Branson of COR Clinic, a Valley physical therapy, strength and conditioning center, many golfers suffer injuries due to poor posture and improper conditioning. Dr. Branson’s golf conditioning program is designed to: • Decrease the potential for injury by addressing movement impairments and muscle imbalances that can be negatively impacting joints and muscles • Improve postural alignment and kinetic functioning • Enhance flexibility and mobility • Increase core strength and stability in order to improve functional efficiency • Increase muscular strength and power for enhanced club speed and driving distance • Enhance muscular endurance in order to maintain a consistent swing through an entire 18-hole round. Golfers that want to improve their game can enlist the professional support of a trainer, or can supplement their golf game with some simple exercises at home. Before you start, get a professional assessment to determine your needs, especially if you have any current injuries or pains. Visit an athletic therapist, physical therapist or experienced personal trainer. TRAIN LIKE A TIGER According to NBC Sports, Tiger Woods focuses on intense stretching, core exercises, small weights with high repetitions and posture. Golfers often suffer from back issues. These simple stretches will loosen up the back and shoulder muscles allowing for a better backswing and follow-through:
LYING LEG CROSSOVER • Lie on back with legs extended straight out • Raise one leg, bend at knee 90 degrees • Cross leg over extended leg keeping opposite shoulder on floor • Hold 15 seconds and repeat with the other leg BACKSWING STRETCH (for right-handers, lefties do the opposite) • Standing, extend left arm directly in front of you • Place right hand under left wrist • Pull with right hand against left wrist making as big a turn on backswing as possible • Hold 15 seconds. Repeat • Switch to other side for follow-through going opposite direction Strengthening your core provides the foundation and power for your game. Core exercises work your abs, back and hips from which many other muscles are attached. Try these two simple exercises: PLANK EXERCISE • Face floor, body extended, balance on forearms and toes • Torso straight from ears to toes, no sagging • Relax head and neck and focus on the floor • Hold for 10 seconds, work up to 60 seconds PLANK WITH LEG LIFT EXERCISE • Get into plank position from above • Slowly lift one leg 6 – 8 inches from floor for two seconds, lower • Switch legs and repeat • Perform 2 – 3 sets, 10 repetitions each
Easy Ways To Improve Your Game BETTER BALANCE: Stand on one foot swinging elbows back and forth. STRONGER ELBOWS: Squeeze a tennis ball. STRONGER WRISTS: Curl wrists with soup can in hand or simply swing a hammer. TIGHTER ABS: Alternate crunches, leg lifts and sit-ups every day. LOOSER HAMSTRINGS: Lay on floor, knees bent. Pull one knee to chest straightening other leg. Hold 30 seconds and repeat with opposite leg. BETTER HYDRATION: Drink a minimum of 64 oz. of water per day. Even more if you drink alcohol or caffeine. SMARTER NUTRITION: Eat a healthy meal with plenty of protein before you hit the links. MEDITATION & VISUALIZATION: Fitness includes mental fitness as well as physical fitness. The top athletes in any sport practice regular focus and mental exercises to keep themselves sharp.
Flourless Chocolate Cake Ingredients:
Local Flavor!
Phantom of the Opera Gammage Auditorium, Nov. 1st – 22nd 480.965.3434 or asugammage.com It’s no wonder this tragic tale is the longest running show in Broadway history. The misery of the Phantom and his infatuation with Christine creates quite a haunting love story. This Andrew Lloyd Weber masterpiece has won many awards for its moving songs such as Music of the Night and Think of Me. Witness unrequited love, seeming magic, unspeakable tragedy, painful jealousy and compassionate pity in this beautiful and unforgettable production.
1 lb. semi-sweet chocolate 1/2 lb. unsweetened butter 8 eggs, separated 1 3/4 c. sugar Preparation: Cut chocolate into small pieces and melt with the butter over boiling water in double boiler. (Can also be melted in microwave on low temperature.) Remove from heat and blend in egg yolks which have been beaten. It is important that the chocolate has cooled a bit so the egg yolks do not cook when blending. Blend slowly to insure all ingredients are mixed well. Set aside.
Featuring Vincent Guerithault On Camelback 3930 E. Camelback Road • Phoenix 602.224.0225 or vincentsoncamelback.com
Whip egg whites until they form stiff peaks, gradually adding sugar as you beat. Gently fold chocolate mixture into egg white mixture, blending well. Fold into a greased and floured 8-inch cake pan and bake at 375 degrees for approximately 40 minutes.
Arizona Homeowner November / 2009
Inventive Home Lending 1400 E. Southern Avenue, Suite 615 Tempe, Arizona 85282 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The financing of your real estate can be a daunting task. You want the best interest rate and you want the pre-approval, application and close of escrow processes to be hasslefree. I understand. I listen. I respond quickly. • I specialize in custom-designing a specific loan for each individual client. With over 400 loan programs at my fingertips, you will get a mortgage that best fits your unique situation. • I use the latest technology in loan underwriting. You’ll receive a loan decision within hours. Don’t wait days to find out if you qualify for the home you really want! • Closing numerous loans and working with numerous borrowers assures you that I have the knowledge and expertise to handle any situation. • My impeccable reputation is my best asset. I always strive to exceed your expectations! Call me today!
accessorizing Your Interior Design’s Finishing Touch Happy Thanksgiving! I always like to look back on the year and reflect on what we have to be thankful for in our lives. For many, this year may have brought more bad then good. There certainly was plenty of bad news to go around with the combined affects of a poor economy, high unemployment, and continued home foreclosures. At the end of 2008 things looked so bleak in housing and lending that we didn’t have very high hopes for 2009. In retrospect, who would have thought a year ago that housing sales in 2009 would come roaring back to near record levels? We now know that it was the housing market that caused this recession. Many feel that it will be housing that will pull us out. If strong home sales continue, it can keep the new foreclosure inventory at bay and will continue to raise home values and create jobs. That would be the gift that keeps on giving for years to come! On the lending front, we expect interest rates to rise in 2010. The U.S. Treasury has been artificially holding down mortgage rates this year by buying up large quantities of
mortgage-backed securities. It was announced in September that the Treasury would slow the pace of these purchases for the rest of 2009 and stop altogether by March of 2010. Many experts expect the end of the treasury purchase program to soon bounce fixed-rate mortgages to about 6% by early 2010. For those looking to lock in a low refinance or purchase rate, this is your early warning to do it soon as all indications are that mortgage rates will be higher in 2010. The first-time homebuyer tax credit program has been a huge success this year for the economy. It has played an important role in motivating buyers to buy up the excess housing inventory. The program is set to expire at the end of November but Congress is discussing extending the program into 2010. However, as of the press deadline for this article there has not been an official congressional vote on a program extension. If you are interested in buying a home before the program deadline expires, please contact me immediately about coordinating a plan to rush your loan file.
HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS
• Mortgage rates are at a 50-year low. Almost everyone can benefit by either buying a new home or refinancing to a low fixed rate. Call now for a free review of your options. • First-time home buyers are eligible for up to an $8K tax credit for buying and closing on a home by 11/30/09. That’s free money if you buy a home by the deadline! • If you are behind on your mortgage payments the government has offered incentives to lenders to modify your loan so that the interest and payment is lower. (We do not offer loan modifications but would be happy to offer free advice on how you can get help.) • If you have a Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA or VA loan you may be eligible for refinancing even if your owe more on your loan then your home is worth. (Call us to determine if you are eligible.)
Jim Olson Loan Officer 480.929.0044 jimo@ihlending.com www.ihlending.com MB0905347
MORTGAGE RATES AS OF 10/10/09 LOAN RATES FOR $150K-$417K
30-Year Fixed at 5.000%/5.305% APR 15-Year Fixed at 4.500%/4.879% APR 5/1 ARM at 3.875%/4.233% APR
LOAN RATES FOR $418K-$1.5M
5/1 ARM at 4.375%/4.672% APR 7/1 ARM at 4.750%/5.099% APR
*Note: Quotes assume primary home financing with 720+ fico score on a single family property with 20%-30% equity. All quotes offered at 1% origination fee. Certain restrictions apply.
Produced by Desert Lifestyle Publishing • 480.460.0996 • www.DesertLifestyle.net
fitness for golfers
Improve Your Game & Prevent Injuries
a classic crowd-pleaser Vincent’s Flourless Chocolate Cake