JK Realty welcomes Xavier Smith

What motivates a bunch of out of shape realtors to join an 8 week fitness challenge?  Show me the money, of course!! And up for grabs for whoever has the largest weight loss makes them $2,500 richer!

I don’t even think about it and blurt out, “I’m in!” Contest begins and JK Realty’s vision of success and teamwork is weaved throughout the fibers of this contest. They are giving us the tools and resources to transform our lives!

Xavier (XL) Smith founder of Excellent Solutions has merged with JK Realty and will be providing our entire team physical and mental training. He’s our Yoda and when he says jump, we literally ask “How high?” And no, it hasn’t been all rainbows and butterflies; our first workout was so intense we were puking and begging for mercy….but quickly learned the consequence of “I can’t do anymore” which triggers an automatic lightning speed

response from XL to the group “Everyone!!! Someone said “I can’t”! Drop down and give me 15 pushups!” And, it is just a little annoying as he’s inspecting my bowl of oatmeal to see what’s sprinkled on it as I’m walking out of the breakroom…but isn’t that what a great mentor is all about…someone who helps take your life to the next level by supporting and believing in you.
Kala LaosWe all have dreams and goals, but there’s no shortage of obstacles to overcome. This JK Realty Fitness Challenge is shaping my life in a direction I didn’t even see coming. 8 weeks from now and I will be healthier, happier and hopefully back to a size 6. Stay tuned for video blogs of our team workouts at “The Dungeon”!!

Kala Laos

Craigslist do’s, do not’s, html code, templates and effective posting

I choose to write about Craigslist this week because of the recent interaction I have had with CL and ads for our broker (JK Realty). I will say that craigslist of CL has few rules you need to follow about discrimination and what you can post and what will get your post deleted, account closed and possibly a law suit ...here is a link to the FHA rules they have http://phoenix.craigslist.org/about/FHA.

Google, Social, Bookmarking and video exposure for your listings.

Today we are going to discuss how Google, Social media, bookmarking websites and videos will help you sell your home and we can just switch seller with buyer for information on choosing a home to purchase. Its a huge market as I explained in last weeks blog about the power house websites, but that's just a piece of the pie you can use to market and search for a home.

Third Party Real Estate Sites

I have been working in real estate for all of 2 months...I went to school in 2005 to become a real estate agent and somehow on that path I ended up here. JK Realty doing the website, social media, print, etc...you kinda get the picture...I will tell you what I have come to as my conclusion about the real estate industry...you ready for this...wait for it...CHAOS!!!

Four Keys to Getting a Loan Today

Landing a mortgage in today’s tight credit market can be as tough as trying to find a job in today’s economy.

That’s no joke.

One in five homebuyers said waiting to hear if they were approved for a mortgage was more stressful than waiting to hear if they got a job, according to a MortgageMatch.com survey earlier this year.

Home Ownership Matters

Home Ownership matters…to people, to communities, and to America. Why?

• For every two homes sold, one job is created in the U.S.

• Each purchase generates as much as $60,000 in economic activity over time.

HUD Housing

HUD Housing: A Historic Housing Conglomerate

The roots of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) were planted as early as the 1930s beginning with the Emergency Relief and Construction Act of 1932 which created the Reconstruction Finance Corporation (RFC) during the Great Depression. It was the first time the federal government got directly involved in the nation’s housing market. HUD housing soon evolved into a housing conglomerate.

Mortgage Rates Fall Again on Rising Unemployment

According to the newest Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, fixed-rate mortgages edged down after weak jobs report. Today’s release shows that mortgage rates are following long-term bond yields lower, while the unemployment rate increases.

“The economy added 18,000 jobs in June, well below the market consensus forecast, and the unemployment rate rose to 9.2 percent, the highest since December 2010. In addition, employee wages stagnated. These factors may lead to less consumer spending, which in turn, reduces the threat of inflation in the near term.” Freddie Chief Economist Frank Nothaft said.

Although fixed-rate mortgages are at some of the lowest levels this year, many home shoppers still can’t take advantage of these rates because of the tighter lender standards and higher down payment requirements.

The average rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages (FRMs) dropped to 4.51 percent from the previous week, when it was 4.60 percent.

This week 15-year fixed rates averaged 3.65 percent, down from last week when it averaged 3.75 percent. A year ago at this time, it averaged 4.06 percent.

Rates on adjustable-rate mortgages also fell this week, but not as much.

The rate for 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) averaged 3.29 percent this week, a one percent difference from last week when it averaged 3.30 percent. A year ago, the 5-year ARM averaged 3.85 percent.

Additionally, 1-year Treasury-indexed ARMs averaged 2.95 percent this week, down from last week when it averaged 3.01 percent. At this time last year, the 1-year ARM averaged 3.74 percent.

To obtain the rates, 30-year mortgages required the payment of an average 0.7 points in fees, while 15-year fixed-rate and 5-year ARM required 0.6 points, and 1-year ARMs required 0.5 points.

About Brandon Swanson

Brandon Swanson is the Social Media Moderator for MortgageMatch.com.