Sharing a great video (1 hr) that takes you through the process of becoming an effective social media manager. How to attract clients and what to charge for your services.
Social Media | Mortgage Industry | Politics | Government Reform
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Tuesday, July 3, 2012
Health Care Reform: Should It Stay or Should It Go?
With the Supreme Court’s long-anticipated decision now
behind us, the news has sparked another frenzy of debate. Pundits and concerned
citizens are busy reanalyzing and reinterpreting the pros and cons of the
health care reform legislation as it now stands.
Keying off a popular song, “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” public
debate will be dominated by the health care issue from now until the general
election in November. Supporters and opposition are cranking up the rhetoric to
drive the polls to their favor.
The “It Should Stay” side points to the landmark legislation
as the most significant reform of our health care system since Medicare that
finally will bring services and coverage to all Americans. They vow to press
forward to implement the provisions of the legislation.
On the “It Should Go” side, the opposition derides the
legislation as the largest government power grab, ever, accompanied by the
largest tax increase in U.S. history. They agree that the country needs health
care reform, but want to scrap the legislation and start over to craft a plan
that does not involve a government take over of this significant sector of our
economy.
Now that we have a decision on the constitutionality of the
legislation we are forced to face the reality of what health care reform will mean
for our business and our personal life. For most people, absolutely nothing
will change. A majority of U.S. citizens receive health care benefits connected
with their employment. These private sector programs will remain essentially
intact.
As the implementation milestones start to roll out,
Americans without health coverage must make choices that will significantly
impact their budget. States will be setting up and structuring health benefit
exchanges. Businesses will be analyzing whether to keep their current benefits
package or move into the exchange. Individuals working for small companies,
self-employed workers, unemployed and those without insurance will turn to the
new exchanges to purchase affordable policies.
How will these exchanges work? Perhaps a typical individual
policy costs $500 per month at an HMO. That individual will now be able to
purchase the policy through the exchange. Based upon level of income, he or she
will receive a subsidy from the government exchange to pay a portion or all of
the monthly cost.
How will health care reform affect your ability to pay your
mortgage? For many who join the exchange there will be more room in their
monthly budget. For others, the intent of the reform is to keep health care
costs under control. A catastrophic illness, chronic condition or long term
care will no longer bankrupt Americans or hijack all of the hard earned equity
in their home.
With the debate still in progress, and the outcome
uncertain, Americans still have the opportunity to add their voice and answer
the question, “Should It Stay or Should It Go?”
Monday, July 2, 2012
Market Mixed for First-Time Buyers
(Source: Mortgage Capital Associates)
Market conditions are mixed for first time buyers who traditionally purchase nearly half of the homes for sale. They are not stymied by lost equity of an existing home that keeps others sitting on the sidelines. Yet they face stiff competition from cash flushed investors and bidders with bigger down payments who are scooping up available inventory.
Market conditions are mixed for first time buyers who traditionally purchase nearly half of the homes for sale. They are not stymied by lost equity of an existing home that keeps others sitting on the sidelines. Yet they face stiff competition from cash flushed investors and bidders with bigger down payments who are scooping up available inventory.
There is plenty of incentive to press forward for the first-time
buyer. The inventory of foreclosures and stressed properties is still
significant. New construction is picking up in some regions of the
country. Rents are on a steady incline. According to a recent study, it
is cheaper to own in 98 of 100 top metro areas. For a buyer determined
to make the transition from renter to owner their dream can become a
reality in today’s market.
Best advise, get prequalified before you head out to make an offer.
Rates are low right now and holding steady, but getting a loan can be
difficult. It is well worth the time and effort to optimize your
creditworthiness by paying down unsecured debt, delay purchasing a new
car and forego impulse buys. Aggressively save toward your down payment.
Do your research. Study your loan application to reveal any unforeseen
issues.
Now you are ready to secure the best rates, lowest points, and most
affordable closing costs. It may take longer and require more effort to
find the best mortgage loan in today’s market. Considering a FHA loan
option? You might face the toughest challenge. In today’s market FHA
buyers with low down payments are being pushed aside. On the seller’s
side, FHA loans often require more home repairs before closing, making
these offers less attractive. Look at your options to secure a
conventional loan to strengthen your offer.
Getting prequalified will significantly boost your ability to make a
strong offer on that new home. Your goal is to make your offer as
streamlined as possible for the seller. Capture the deal you want by
being prepared.
The market is ripe for first time buyers despite tight credit and an
uncertain economy. Ask yourself, “Is it the right time for me to buy a
home?” If the answer is yes, visit our website to learn the requirements
for completing your loan application. Mortgage Capital Associates can help you make informed
decisions about your home loan options.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Older Workers Snagging 75% Newly Created Jobs
Sharing an interesting article analyzing the job market for older workers.
__________________________________________________________
Americans 55 and older have struggled with long-term unemployment, but a new report shows they also have gotten most of the jobs added since 2010.
(Source: Orange County Register, Business Section)
Nearly 3 million out of the 4.3 million jobs created since January 2010 have gone to workers 55 and older, according to an analysis by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an international outplacement firm that tracks hirings and firings.
In contrast, the youngest workers and those in the 35- to 44-year-old age group and the 44- to 54-year old group all lost jobs over that period.
Older workers also had the second lowest unemployment rate (6.5%) after the 44- to 54-year-old group’s (6.4%).
“The unemployment rate among older workers still has a ways to go before reaching pre-recession levels of about 3%, but the pace at which these job seekers are finding employment compared to younger ones suggests they could reach pre-recession jobless rates before anyone else,” said John A. Challenger, chief executive of the outplacement firm.
He thinks employers’ reluctance to hire may give older workers an advantage.
“In this environment, a seasoned candidate who brings a wide variety of skills and experience to the table is going to have an advantage over younger candidates,” he said. “For employers, one experienced candidate is worth two or three younger, greener candidates, in terms of the ability to make immediate and meaningful contributions to output and the bottom line.”
The biggest problem for older workers is that if they do get laid off, it often takes them longer to find a job.
Challenger cited a Government Accountability Office report that showed 55% of unemployed workers 55 and older have been off the job for 27 weeks and 36% of those were out of work for more than a year.
The GAO report also noted that only a third of older workers who lost their jobs from 2007 to 2009 had found full-time work by 2010 and those who got jobs had a greater loss of earnings than did younger workers.
Nearly 3 million out of the 4.3 million jobs created since January 2010 have gone to workers 55 and older, according to an analysis by Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an international outplacement firm that tracks hirings and firings.
In contrast, the youngest workers and those in the 35- to 44-year-old age group and the 44- to 54-year old group all lost jobs over that period.
| Age group | Net job change Jan.2010-May 2012 | Unemployment rate May 2012 |
|---|---|---|
| All Ages 16+ | 4,319,000 | 8.2% |
| 16 – 19 | -54,000 | 24.6% |
| 20 – 24 | 980,000 | 12.9% |
| 25 – 34 | 882,000 | 8.2% |
| 35 – 44 | -232,000 | 6.8% |
| 44 – 54 | -276,000 | 6.4% |
| 55 and older | 2,998,000 | 6.5% |
Older workers also had the second lowest unemployment rate (6.5%) after the 44- to 54-year-old group’s (6.4%).
“The unemployment rate among older workers still has a ways to go before reaching pre-recession levels of about 3%, but the pace at which these job seekers are finding employment compared to younger ones suggests they could reach pre-recession jobless rates before anyone else,” said John A. Challenger, chief executive of the outplacement firm.
He thinks employers’ reluctance to hire may give older workers an advantage.
“In this environment, a seasoned candidate who brings a wide variety of skills and experience to the table is going to have an advantage over younger candidates,” he said. “For employers, one experienced candidate is worth two or three younger, greener candidates, in terms of the ability to make immediate and meaningful contributions to output and the bottom line.”
The biggest problem for older workers is that if they do get laid off, it often takes them longer to find a job.
Challenger cited a Government Accountability Office report that showed 55% of unemployed workers 55 and older have been off the job for 27 weeks and 36% of those were out of work for more than a year.
The GAO report also noted that only a third of older workers who lost their jobs from 2007 to 2009 had found full-time work by 2010 and those who got jobs had a greater loss of earnings than did younger workers.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Facebook Plays "Hide and Seek" With Users Email Addresses
This week Facebook quietly hid from profiles all personal email addresses and replaced info with an assigned Facebook email address. Yes, perhaps there is a good reason not to show the world your personal email address. Facebook no longer gives its 900 million users the option. Take a look at your profile "About" section. Notice you have a new Facebook email address. Why would anyone use it? Apparently nobody cared. The service has been around since 2010, but was ignored. To solve the problem Facebook simply changed your profile driving people who want to get in contact with you to use the new Facebook email address. To reveal your personal email again on your profile, edit contact info and select "Show on Timeline." Facebook is attempting to keep eyeballs from wandering away from the site. Your new Facebook email essentially runs through their messaging service. What happens if you block messaging? Block posting? Don't want to post your personal email? How will you be reached? What will Facebook surprise us with next? Send me an email at linda.ivanov@facebook.com. Let's check out what happens. Read more>>
Monday, June 25, 2012
Capture the Women's Vote in 2012 with Social Media
According to Forbes, social media will play a key role in capturing the attention of women voters in the 2012 Elections. Forbes blogger, Deborah Jacobs, says "moms have embraced social media, including blogs, Facebook,
and Twitter, in dramatic fashion. Our Mom Central research studies show
that 3 out of 5 moms blog, and 9 out of 10 moms list Facebook as their
go-to social media destination. And while moms may have initially
learned about social media to monitor on our kids’ internet use, we
quickly found that blogs and other social media platforms allowed us to
make connections with other moms." Read full article>>
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