Home Sellers Fare Better in Getting Their Homes Sold Using a REALTOR®, According to HomeGain Survey (via The D Blog)

Ready to Sale? Make Sure to Use The Sisters!

RISMEDIA, February 25, 2011—HomeGain.com, a leading online real estate resource that connects home buyers and sellers with real estate professionals, announced the results of its For Sale By Owner (FSBO) vs. REALTOR® survey. HomeGain surveyed over 1,000 homeowners asking whether they used a REALTOR® to sell their home or whether they attempted to sell it themselves. Eighty-three percent said they used a REALTOR® to sell their home and 17% said th … Read More

via The D Blog

Today we are sharing the latest Mortgage Rate Update from a Local Lender!

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Rates are still amazingly low so now is the time to buy! If you are thinking of buying a new home give us a call. We are never to busy to help you make your dreams come true! We will be there from bank approval, finding the right home, making the best offer, inspectors, title companies, and more….helping you make the right decision for you and your family. Finding the right lender is the first step, so call us today and we will get you started!

 

 

ERICA WHIDDON
MORTGAGE BROKER/OWNER
FIRST CHOICE MORTGAGE, LLC
Phone: (225) 665-4399
Fax: (225) 665-4599
License: NMLS# 75327
erica@mylamortgage.com
http://www.mylamortgage.com

Interest Rates Change Daily

Interest rates change constantly, but it is important to know that rates are cyclical. If rates are currently at historical lows then we know there is a strong probability rates will go up again, and vice versa. Certain economic indicators such as unemployment data, consumer price index, retail sales data, and consumer confidence all have an effect on mortgage interest rates. But the key factor to watch is the relationship between stocks and bonds.
When the economy is slow and the stock market is "bearish," many investors move money out of stocks and into bonds and mortgage-backed securities. This causes mortgage interest rates to go down. When the economy is doing well, the stock market rallies and is considered "bullish." Investors then have a tendency to move their money out of that safe haven of bonds and mortgage-backed securities and back into stocks. As a result, mortgage interest rates go up.
My team and I keep a close eye on mortgage interest rates at all times in an effort to alert our clientele of opportunities to obtain lower financing. Call us for a free evaluation of your current loan program.

Mortgage Interest Rates*

Rates as of Wednesday, 16th February, 2011:

Conforming
APR
4.875%
15-Yr. fixed
4.25%
USDA Rural Dev
4.875%
FHA
4.875%
VA
4.875%
*Rates are subject to change due to market fluctuations and borrower’s eligibility.

Baton Rouge and Surrounding Area Housing Trends for 2011!

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http://www.batonrougerealestatetrends.net/

Country living with lots of privacy in a Spacious Quality Home!

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Play VisualTour

Two year old home offering lots of style and space.Beautiful design, colors, and details gives this home an edge when looking for affordability and amenities. You will be pleased with this four b/d, plus office, three bath design. Tray ceilings in living room and master, custom new cypress cabinets, stainless appliances, brick designed oversized snack bar, custom trim throughout, private master suite, jack and jill bath, along with security, and extra insulation in the walls and ceiling, attic and walls are wrapped with energy efficient material. Large covered patio, and added two room storage, with optional multi-use room is an added benefit. Make sure to add this to your tour list today!

Home Ownership Offers Plenty of Tax Benefits (via The D Blog)

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If you are thinking of becoming a homeowner here are some added perks that will help you make that decision! This is a true buyer’s market, so take the plunge while you have an advantage!

While renting offers zero tax breaks, buying a home offers several tax benefits that can make homeownership more affordable. Real estate professionals need to be careful in providing detailed tax advice to clients to avoid lawsuits, but you can ensure clients have the information they need to understand the all of the tax benefits of home ownership. The following is a few of the tax benefits to home ownership, according to Stephen Fishman, an aut … Read More

via The D Blog

IT CAN BE A COLD, COLD WORLD OUT THERE!

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Winter can leave us all feeling a little out of sorts, or maybe like we have been left out in the cold, especially if you are trying to sell a home in today’s unpredictable market.  Make sure you have a knowledgeable agent such as “The Carol Cotton Team”  who can get the results you are looking for… when things are a bit icy!  Call today for your private consultation with the Team that is never too busy for you. 

 

“Where do you think rates are headed?” (via The D Blog)

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Watching the rates and the market. Both are expected to rise. Great for the market but if you are thinking of buying soon….Get on board now while the rates are still in the 4’s… Check out some of the latest predictors comments.

“Where do you think rates are headed?” Lou Tornambe, Loan Officer I’m asked almost daily “Where do you think rates are headed?” Let’s use the image of a harbor full of boats, I know, more nautical analogies.  Just can’t get the Florida boy out of me. The tide will ALWAYS raise and lower all boats.  The tide is inflation.  The boats are rates.  Now from time to time storms will pass by and raise or lower the boats for a brief period, but the tide is the granddaddy, the irresistible for … Read More

via The D Blog

Plan your La. vacation at…. http://lou

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Plan your La. vacation at…. http://louisianatravel.com/ or just go there and see all the amazing things we have in our state! Share you stories….

Computer Classes at the EBRP Library for February

In need of computer classes? Check out the Baton Rouge Parish Library!

Computer Classes at the EBRP Library for February.

Do Winter Blues Have You Itching to Spring into Action?

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I am not sure about you but it seems that we are all ready to de-frost and move the calendar into the full bloom of wild flowers!
Why not go ahead and start working on the perks of energizing your inner thoughts and get started on some spring motivators.
Here are some Easy, Cheap, and Quick ways to brighten your mood and your home!

Start in the living room….. Take all of your table decorations and move them into the dining area or table. Remove old newspapers, magazines, or things that have seemed to have nestled in places that create clutter. Organize a certain spot for them either in the living room, or office. Take a look around and see if there is any other items that can be removed or discarded from your winter hibernation. The idea is to make as much open space as possible. Move furniture away from the walls and quickly dust mop or vacuum behind everything. Since your furniture is moved try rearranging some pieces. Anchor each with an end table, side table, or plant. Finish dusting and cleaning all surfaces, don’t forget ceiling fans and mantles. If you have area rugs move them around as well, or borrow some from another room. Change things up from room to room, including wall decor, table decorations, family photos, and even small furniture pieces. Borrow from each room, and changing things up throughout the house.  Do this in each room and enlist family member to get involved…..Think creative thoughts….It will be like you are on a shopping spree without spending any money.  By simply lifting the mood in your home, you will do wonders to lift the winter doldrums in you, and your family will love it. Mine does….  Once the outside thaws out we can take our action plans there and get spring on its way!