Wednesday, January 2, 2013
2013 Business plan... do you have one?
2013 is here, have you made your business plan for the year? if so, keep reviewing it and make it bullet proof.
if not, then start... start small, and it will come together. its best to work backwards...
How much $$ do you want to make?
How many clients will you need to make that $$?
How will I get these clients?
What will I send them for marketing?
Answer these questions and you will be ahead of most people.
Here's to your best year ever!
Monday, October 29, 2012
New York Stock Exchange closes due to Hurricane Sandy
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| NYSE Closes for Hurricane Sandy -Reuters photo |
For the first time in years the NYSE closed before it even opened due to the severe weather conditions of hurricane Sandy.
Sand Bags lined the street this morning in front of the NYSE in lower Manhattan today, while everyone prepares for one of the worst storms to hit NYC in years.
"A shut down of trading for a couple of days to save one human life is the right thing to do". Dick Grasso former NYSE Chairman and CEO.
Mortgage rates are slightly lower than Friday, however not much is expected today due to the shut down.
check out more articles from CeezMann the LA Mortgage Examiner
If you find this info helpful, funny or interesting, and want to hear more on this topic please let me know by commenting on this blog, as well as, sharing it with friends, family, and co-workers
Monday, September 10, 2012
Club parents taking advantage of low rates and supporting our economy
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| Click here to buy on Amazon.com |
Over the past few years in my meetings with clients and reviewing their income verse their spending ratios, I discovered what I think is an underground economic movement that is stimulating and sustaining our economy by taking advantage of these low mortgage rates.
The drivers of this underground movement are the parents of kids in traveling club sports.
Take the typical 3 day tournament in San Diego and your team is based out of Los Angeles, with a first game start time of 8:00 am and warm-ups at 7:00 so an overnight stay is a must.
If the sport is soccer, baseball or water-polo you can expect 15 to 20 families booking hotel reservations and dining out for a minimum of 2 nights at a cost of $600 to $800 dollars with trips to SeaWorld or Wild Animal Park not included.
Multiply this with the thousands of families attending these tournaments which are going on across the state each and every weekend, and it's easy to see how the numbers add-up in terms of sales-tax collected, and goods sold. These numbers ultimately translate into keeping businesses open and jobs in place thus sustaining our economy.
In some cases, it's almost like they make-up ways to spend money, driving from Redondo Beach to Pleasanton (
These are the people that seem to benefit most from an interest rate reduction on their home loan as they make up a large portion of the population that keeps our economy moving.
Saving $200 to $500 bucks on their mortgage payment every month means freeing up needed cash to spend on their kid’s sports rather than struggling to make this happen, and sacrificing their savings or purchasing that new car.
The one thing that runs true for all these families is putting their kids needs and desires above their own, so they pay for that extra out of town tournament and do without in other areas such as savings, investing, or that new car which also keeps more people employed.
So the next time you see that kid with the sports uniform in line at Subway, be sure to thank their parents for supporting our economy.
If you find this info helpful, funny or interesting, and want to hear more on this topic please let me know by commenting on this blog, as well as, sharing it with friends, family, and co-workers
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Record low rates, yet refinances fall sharply
Interest rates today have fallen yet again claiming the best rates on record, however many people in LA and around the country are finding that they do not qualify and the main reason being that they just do not have enough equity.
How much equity do you need? At least 20% to get the good rates, and 40% if you want the screaming rate, the rate that's advertised on the radio, internet and TV.
These people that cannot qualify are earning the money and have the credit needed, yet they don't have the equity, and Fannie or Freddy do not own their loan so they do not qualify for the HARP program or any other government programs.
Therefore, they are what seems to be just left out in the cold, and not able to partake at the table of low rates and improved prosperity for their family.
So what can be done for these people who pay their bills on time, have great credit and stable jobs with income taxes to prove it?
Currently not much, unless they want to take a crack at getting a loan modification, however they need to deal with their credit being smeared for a few years.
The other reason are tighter lending standards for the self-employed in regards to taxable income qualifications, and less than stellar interest rates.
My advise is meet with a Mortgage planner and have them review your income to confirm if you qualify or not, and if not, determine what you will need to claim on your taxes to qualify for that loan you want.
What does qualify mean? 45% of your "gross" income can go towards this only.
• Home loans
• Credit cards
• Property tax
• Home insurance
• Student loans
• Car loans
If you are over this, by a few percent you "may" qualify yet not for the best rates.
If you find this info helpful, or not, and want to hear more on this topic please let me know by commenting on this blog, as well as, sharing it with friends, family, and co-workers
How much equity do you need? At least 20% to get the good rates, and 40% if you want the screaming rate, the rate that's advertised on the radio, internet and TV.
These people that cannot qualify are earning the money and have the credit needed, yet they don't have the equity, and Fannie or Freddy do not own their loan so they do not qualify for the HARP program or any other government programs.
Therefore, they are what seems to be just left out in the cold, and not able to partake at the table of low rates and improved prosperity for their family.
So what can be done for these people who pay their bills on time, have great credit and stable jobs with income taxes to prove it?
Currently not much, unless they want to take a crack at getting a loan modification, however they need to deal with their credit being smeared for a few years.
The other reason are tighter lending standards for the self-employed in regards to taxable income qualifications, and less than stellar interest rates.
My advise is meet with a Mortgage planner and have them review your income to confirm if you qualify or not, and if not, determine what you will need to claim on your taxes to qualify for that loan you want.
What does qualify mean? 45% of your "gross" income can go towards this only.
• Home loans
• Credit cards
• Property tax
• Home insurance
• Student loans
• Car loans
If you are over this, by a few percent you "may" qualify yet not for the best rates.
If you find this info helpful, or not, and want to hear more on this topic please let me know by commenting on this blog, as well as, sharing it with friends, family, and co-workers
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Europe's Club Med States responsible for your low interest rates
We are half way through 2012 and the news says our
economy is picking up. Yet, the small business sector says they don't feel it
as the unemployment rate is still hovering at 11.8%. here in LA.
This past 6 months the European debt is leading the news regarding their own financial meltdown that is being felt globally.
It seems that Round 1 of the Global Credit Crisis went to us, the United States, with housing mortgages. Round 2 is a new version of "Sub-Prime" and that is "National Debt". Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and now Cyprus (a.k.a. Club Med) will need to be bailed out in order to not declare bankruptcy.
This means that before you pay down your mortgage, It is a wise move to have at least one year's worth of expensess in your savings account. Depending on your circumstances, it is also wise to have a college and/or retirement fund that is well established. Only after those items have been put into place is it advisable to look at your mortgage and determine if paying it off will be beneficial.
You see, the banks, being in the buisness of making money, will not look out for your family. Even though you have been making extra payments, they will not let you slide a few months while you are in- between jobs. In fact, what they will do, is ruin your credit and make it difficult for you to borrow money again.
Still to this day, the old adage is true. " A penny saved, is a penny earned." What I believe this means to you and I is just this...If you are looking to boost your financial security, you must plan to have some "just in case money" set aside. The facts are simple. If you don't have a job, I can't get you a loan; however, if you have one year's worth of expenses saved, you don't need a loan.
Like I have always said, "Don't worry. Things always work out. Just pay your payments on time and keep as much as you can in savings."
If you have not already done so, schedule a time to meet with your Mortgage Planner to and review your current situation.
This past 6 months the European debt is leading the news regarding their own financial meltdown that is being felt globally.
It seems that Round 1 of the Global Credit Crisis went to us, the United States, with housing mortgages. Round 2 is a new version of "Sub-Prime" and that is "National Debt". Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and now Cyprus (a.k.a. Club Med) will need to be bailed out in order to not declare bankruptcy.
As it turns out, Germany is the mainstay of the Euro and the sport of soccer with 3 World Cup titles and countless Euro champions, and while most of these countries feel the dominance of German in soccer, the Germans are baring the brunt of the Club Med States debts. However, like here at home, they will need to make big
changes in order to insure that it does not happen again.
With all this fear of debt that the Euro Club Med States have accumulated has a caused a flight to safety, which is our US Bond Market. the more these investors buy our bonds along with the Federal Reserve's own "Operation Twist" of purchasing of these bonds has driven home interest rates to below record levels. It's crazy how many LA homeowners have refinanced once per year for 3 years in a row, and having the bank pick all the fees every time.
Operation Twist explained (audio and text)
Housing prices and interest rates are at historic lows so, if you are looking to refinance, or purchase, now is the time to take advantage of this.
In meeting with clients, we often see well-meaning people who think that they arre doing the right thing by paying more towards their mortgage instead of increasing their savings first. I am compelled to ask them why not take care of the family bank first? It is wise to pay off your mortgage, however, only after you have taken care of the family bank first.
Housing prices and interest rates are at historic lows so, if you are looking to refinance, or purchase, now is the time to take advantage of this.
In meeting with clients, we often see well-meaning people who think that they arre doing the right thing by paying more towards their mortgage instead of increasing their savings first. I am compelled to ask them why not take care of the family bank first? It is wise to pay off your mortgage, however, only after you have taken care of the family bank first.
This means that before you pay down your mortgage, It is a wise move to have at least one year's worth of expensess in your savings account. Depending on your circumstances, it is also wise to have a college and/or retirement fund that is well established. Only after those items have been put into place is it advisable to look at your mortgage and determine if paying it off will be beneficial.
You see, the banks, being in the buisness of making money, will not look out for your family. Even though you have been making extra payments, they will not let you slide a few months while you are in- between jobs. In fact, what they will do, is ruin your credit and make it difficult for you to borrow money again.
Still to this day, the old adage is true. " A penny saved, is a penny earned." What I believe this means to you and I is just this...If you are looking to boost your financial security, you must plan to have some "just in case money" set aside. The facts are simple. If you don't have a job, I can't get you a loan; however, if you have one year's worth of expenses saved, you don't need a loan.
Like I have always said, "Don't worry. Things always work out. Just pay your payments on time and keep as much as you can in savings."
If you have not already done so, schedule a time to meet with your Mortgage Planner to and review your current situation.
If you find this info helpful, or not, and want to hear more on this topic please let me know by commenting on this blog, as well as, sharing it with friends, family, and co-workers
For more questions on this or any other: Mortgage- Insurance - Merchant Services questions feel free to contact me at cezar@cezarmansour.com
For more questions on this or any other: Mortgage- Insurance - Merchant Services questions feel free to contact me at cezar@cezarmansour.com
Thursday, May 3, 2012
April kicks off the Real Estate Season... Gives glimpse to how things will play out!
April is the first month of the second quarter and always marks the start of the real estate season. Daylight savings is in full swing and more and more people are looking to buy, sell, or refinance their homes. The business we start to see towards the end of April and beginning of May is usually a good indicator of how things will shape up for the summer season.
April seems to be a busy month with tax returns due, Easter holiday celebrations, and also spring break for those of us who have school age children. There are a couple more holidays/celebrations with Memorial Day weekend and also Fourth of July, however these seem to be a more carefree time to spend barbequing with friends and family rather than cooking up big turkey dinners and gift buying.
With all the busyness of the major holidays and the dark side of daylight savings behind us, the numbers for April are pointing to a much improved real estate season compared to the last few years. Interest rates are still at record lows and the home prices within Los Angeles County have dropped by about 6% in the last year. It’s no wonder that pre-approval letters for prospective home buyers have increased by about 25% for most mortgage brokerages across the L. A. area.
Refinances still make up about 78% of the mortgage business at present time with many making sure that they still get that low rate. Actually, rates have dropped so low that many home owners have refinanced twice in the last 14 months while having the bank pick up all the one time costs.
Fed Underestimated the Housing Crisis
As always, if you are thinking about either buying, selling or refinancing, this is the time to meet with your mortgage planner to have a review of your finances and home value to see what needs to happen in order to meet your goals of home ownership and also retirement.
April numbers:
$345,000 Medium home value in LA
$69,200 Median income in LA
3.875% for a 30yr fixed with no points
58 days is the average time a home stays on the market in LA
If you find this info helpful, or not, and want to hear more on this topic please let me know by commenting on this blog, as well as, sharing it with friends, family, and co-workers
For more questions on this or any other: Mortgage- Insurance - Merchant Services questions feel free to contact me at cezar@cezarmansour.com
April seems to be a busy month with tax returns due, Easter holiday celebrations, and also spring break for those of us who have school age children. There are a couple more holidays/celebrations with Memorial Day weekend and also Fourth of July, however these seem to be a more carefree time to spend barbequing with friends and family rather than cooking up big turkey dinners and gift buying.
With all the busyness of the major holidays and the dark side of daylight savings behind us, the numbers for April are pointing to a much improved real estate season compared to the last few years. Interest rates are still at record lows and the home prices within Los Angeles County have dropped by about 6% in the last year. It’s no wonder that pre-approval letters for prospective home buyers have increased by about 25% for most mortgage brokerages across the L. A. area.
Refinances still make up about 78% of the mortgage business at present time with many making sure that they still get that low rate. Actually, rates have dropped so low that many home owners have refinanced twice in the last 14 months while having the bank pick up all the one time costs.
Fed Underestimated the Housing Crisis
As always, if you are thinking about either buying, selling or refinancing, this is the time to meet with your mortgage planner to have a review of your finances and home value to see what needs to happen in order to meet your goals of home ownership and also retirement.
April numbers:
$345,000 Medium home value in LA
$69,200 Median income in LA
3.875% for a 30yr fixed with no points
58 days is the average time a home stays on the market in LA
If you find this info helpful, or not, and want to hear more on this topic please let me know by commenting on this blog, as well as, sharing it with friends, family, and co-workers
For more questions on this or any other: Mortgage- Insurance - Merchant Services questions feel free to contact me at cezar@cezarmansour.com
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
97th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide
“Where there are two Armenians, you have Armenia”
Little Armenian one of LA's best places to get some excellent Kabob and Humus, as well as many other tasty Armenian dishes was a buzz just before 10:00 am. on the corner of Hollywood & Hobart. this is where the ceremony march took place remembering the 97th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
It was Hitler when asked if he thought he could get away with killing the Jews that said. “Well who remembers the Armenians?”
An estimated 1.5 million Armenians died from 1915-23 in what has been called the first genocide of the 20th century.
The story is passed down from generation to generation about what happened to the Armenian people who lived in Turkey during 1915 to 1923. More than 200,000 children were left without parents.
Their is a great article in the daily Breeze about the Genocide, its history and how the United States and Turkey still do not recognize that it actually took place.
The memorial museum located in Montebello is an excellent place to see the photos and hear the story of the 1st genocide of the 21st. Century.
Today there are almost 500,000 Armenians living in Los Angeles
This week is a great time to get down to little Armenia and taste the foods and meet the people that will never forget why they currently call Los Angeles home.
If you find this info helpful, or not, and want to hear more on this topic please let me know by commenting on this blog, as well as, sharing it with friends, family, and co-workers
Little Armenian one of LA's best places to get some excellent Kabob and Humus, as well as many other tasty Armenian dishes was a buzz just before 10:00 am. on the corner of Hollywood & Hobart. this is where the ceremony march took place remembering the 97th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.
An estimated 1.5 million Armenians died from 1915-23 in what has been called the first genocide of the 20th century.
The story is passed down from generation to generation about what happened to the Armenian people who lived in Turkey during 1915 to 1923. More than 200,000 children were left without parents.
Their is a great article in the daily Breeze about the Genocide, its history and how the United States and Turkey still do not recognize that it actually took place.
The memorial museum located in Montebello is an excellent place to see the photos and hear the story of the 1st genocide of the 21st. Century.
Today there are almost 500,000 Armenians living in Los Angeles
This week is a great time to get down to little Armenia and taste the foods and meet the people that will never forget why they currently call Los Angeles home.
If you find this info helpful, or not, and want to hear more on this topic please let me know by commenting on this blog, as well as, sharing it with friends, family, and co-workers
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