INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE
At the end of September, the supply of homes for sale was reported down 1.8% from the previous month in 27 major metropolitan areas. We all know the factors. Home prices are very affordable, mortgage rates are very favorable and first-time homebuyers are taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit set to expire at the end of November, now just seven weeks away.
The Mortgage Bankers Association saw loan applications for home purchases rise 13.2% last week, as the MBA's Purchase Index hit its highest level since last January. The average rate on 30-year fixed rate mortgage slid to 4.89% with an average 1.13 points (including the origination fee) for 80% loan-to-value ratio loans to borrowers with good credit. Freddie Mac's weekly survey of conforming mortgage rates put the average 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 4.87% with an average 0.7 point for 80% loan-to-value ratio loans to borrowers with good credit.
Review of Last Week
BOUNCING BACK... The markets had lost ground for two weeks straight, but last week they got back on track with a vengeance. Hints at good Q3 corporate earnings helped. Some retailers also reported September sales that indicate the consumer is ready to step up to the plate and contribute to the recovery.
We also had the ISM Services index increasing to 50.9 in September, putting it in territory that signals expansion for the non-manufacturing part of our economy. Corporate earnings season got off to a nice start with Alcoa breaking its string of three straight quarterly losses with a surprise profit for Q3, and not just from cost cutting but also from higher sales. We even had good news from retailers encouraged by better-than-expected September numbers. Target, Kohl's, J.C. Penney and TJX all raised their Q3 or second half profit outlooks.
Initial claims for unemployment came in at 521,000, their lowest level since the first week of the year and continuing claims dropped 72,000, to 6.04 million. There are now economists who expect at least one month with net payroll gains before the year is out. The week ended with the trade deficit declining to $30.7 billion for August. Experts feel this solid showing for U.S. exports supports the case for a strong global recovery, with the U.S. helping supply capital goods to the rest of the world.
For the week, the Dow ended UP 4.0%, to 9864.94; the S&P 500 was UP 4.5%, to 1071.49; while the Nasdaq also rose 4.5%, to 2139.28.
The soaring stock market and a weak auction of Treasuries sent the bond market reeling, putting pressure on prices, including some mortgage backed securities. This included the FNMA 30-year 4.5% bond we watch, which was hammered down from the previous week's $101.66 close, dropping to $100.91. But, as reported above, mortgage rates stayed in super low territory.
This Week’s Forecast
MORE ON CONSUMERS, INFLATION AND MANUFACTURING... In spite of everything being squeezed into three days, it's a pretty full week of economic reports. Retail Sales give us an update on the consumer's willingness to contribute to the recovery and CPI readings keep an eye on inflation. The Philadelphia Fed Index, Industrial Production and Capacity numbers gauge manufacturing. The FOMC Minutes give us more on the Fed's view of the economy from their meeting on September 23.
The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar
Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Growth In U.S. Manufaturing!
The U.S. non-manufacturing sector grew for the first time since August 2008. The Institute for Supply Management reported the monthly index of non-manufacturing activity rose to 50.9 in September from 48.4 in August. A reading above 50 signals expansion. Big gains were made in new orders, up more than four points to 54.2; backlog of orders, up 10.5 points to 51.5; and productivity, up nearly four points to 55.1.
According to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs index, retail sales rose 0.3% in the week ending October 3. On a year-over-year basis, retailers saw sales increase by 1%, the second-best showing in a year.
The Mortgage Bankers Association said its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage applications for the week ending October 2 rose 16.4% to 756.3, the highest level since May. Purchase volume rose 13.2% to 306.1. Refinancing applications increased 18.2% to 3,377.1.
According to the Federal Reserve, consumer credit debt fell for the seventh straight month in August by $12 billion, an annual rate of 5.8%. Economists had forecast consumer debt would drop $10 billion. Total consumer credit debt in August was $2.46 trillion.
Initial claims for unemployment benefits fell by 33,000 to 521,000 in the week ending October 3. The figure was lower than the 540,000 that economists had forecast. The number of people continuing to claim jobless benefits in the week ending September 26 fell by 72,000 to 6.04 million.
The Commerce Department said wholesalers reduced their inventories by 1.3% in August, following a revised 1.6% drop in July. It was the 12th straight monthly decline. Meanwhile, sales at the wholesale level rose 1% in August, the largest increase since June 2008.
According to the ICSC-Goldman Sachs index, retail sales rose 0.3% in the week ending October 3. On a year-over-year basis, retailers saw sales increase by 1%, the second-best showing in a year.
The Mortgage Bankers Association said its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage applications for the week ending October 2 rose 16.4% to 756.3, the highest level since May. Purchase volume rose 13.2% to 306.1. Refinancing applications increased 18.2% to 3,377.1.
According to the Federal Reserve, consumer credit debt fell for the seventh straight month in August by $12 billion, an annual rate of 5.8%. Economists had forecast consumer debt would drop $10 billion. Total consumer credit debt in August was $2.46 trillion.
Initial claims for unemployment benefits fell by 33,000 to 521,000 in the week ending October 3. The figure was lower than the 540,000 that economists had forecast. The number of people continuing to claim jobless benefits in the week ending September 26 fell by 72,000 to 6.04 million.
The Commerce Department said wholesalers reduced their inventories by 1.3% in August, following a revised 1.6% drop in July. It was the 12th straight monthly decline. Meanwhile, sales at the wholesale level rose 1% in August, the largest increase since June 2008.
The Perfect Home Office!
Creating the Perfect Home Office
These days, more and more people are working all or part of the time from home, making a home office a necessity. Here are some tips for creating the perfect home office.
Layout - There is no bigger mistake you can make than purchasing office furniture or equipment without knowing exactly where you'll be placing it in the room. Before you buy any new furniture, make sure you measure and plot where each piece will go, and don't forget to account for electrical and cable outlets.
Furniture - A desk that's roughly 60-inches wide, 30-inches deep, and 29-inches high is not only conducive to work, but it's highly functional in terms of storing the items you use regularly. Your chair should be comfortable, but its primary function should be to promote healthy posture. Good posture will facilitate strong mental focus and will help to alleviate back and neck pain.
Lighting - Don't underestimate the importance of quality lighting. If you're lucky enough to have a window in your office, this should serve as your primary light source during the day. Natural light is easy on the eyes and promotes physical energy as well as a good mood. It's also free. Large lights like floor lamps and ceiling lights should have the ability to be dimmed. Also, make sure your desk lamp is equipped with a light bulb that's easy on the eyes. These "soft" light bulbs can be found anywhere, from office supply stores to grocery stores.
Storage - Identifying the type of items you need to store, as well as the quantity, will help you to determine an appropriate course of action. Here are a few helpful hints.
Closets are great for storage. Not only can they house filing cabinets, but they are also perfect for storing the items you don't need to access on a regular basis. This helps to maximize the actual workspace of your office.
Shelving is one of the most versatile options for storage. Shelves can be purchased cheaply and come in a variety of sizes. They are easily installed and take up zero floor space.
Don't forget about your garage. When it comes to older files or anything that is rarely accessed, a garage can provide ample storage space. Word to the wise, however, the garage can be a dirty place. Plan accordingly by storing paper items in boxes and wrapping equipment in protective plastic.
Visit a store that's dedicated to home organization. Nowadays it seems like nearly every mall has a store of this kind. You'd be surprised at some of the inexpensive, space-saving storage options available.
Wall Organizers - Dry erase boards, chalkboards, corkboards, and magnetic boards are fantastic tools for keeping clutter off your desk. They are inexpensive and available everywhere in a variety of sizes. There are even combination boards that provide countless options.
Cords - Never underestimate the importance of power strips as they provide the ability to plug multiple devices into one outlet. The better power strips also provide surge protection to the equipment that's plugged into them. In addition, cord covers are a great way to not only hide cords but to keep them from becoming a tangled mess. They can be purchased quite cheaply at any electronics store.
Décor - Last but not least, once you've got all the necessities in, don't overlook decor. Certificates, diplomas, awards, trophies, and pictures not only complement an office, but they also help to personalize it.
Follow these simple steps, and more organization, function, and focus could be right around the corner.
These days, more and more people are working all or part of the time from home, making a home office a necessity. Here are some tips for creating the perfect home office.
Layout - There is no bigger mistake you can make than purchasing office furniture or equipment without knowing exactly where you'll be placing it in the room. Before you buy any new furniture, make sure you measure and plot where each piece will go, and don't forget to account for electrical and cable outlets.
Furniture - A desk that's roughly 60-inches wide, 30-inches deep, and 29-inches high is not only conducive to work, but it's highly functional in terms of storing the items you use regularly. Your chair should be comfortable, but its primary function should be to promote healthy posture. Good posture will facilitate strong mental focus and will help to alleviate back and neck pain.
Lighting - Don't underestimate the importance of quality lighting. If you're lucky enough to have a window in your office, this should serve as your primary light source during the day. Natural light is easy on the eyes and promotes physical energy as well as a good mood. It's also free. Large lights like floor lamps and ceiling lights should have the ability to be dimmed. Also, make sure your desk lamp is equipped with a light bulb that's easy on the eyes. These "soft" light bulbs can be found anywhere, from office supply stores to grocery stores.
Storage - Identifying the type of items you need to store, as well as the quantity, will help you to determine an appropriate course of action. Here are a few helpful hints.
Closets are great for storage. Not only can they house filing cabinets, but they are also perfect for storing the items you don't need to access on a regular basis. This helps to maximize the actual workspace of your office.
Shelving is one of the most versatile options for storage. Shelves can be purchased cheaply and come in a variety of sizes. They are easily installed and take up zero floor space.
Don't forget about your garage. When it comes to older files or anything that is rarely accessed, a garage can provide ample storage space. Word to the wise, however, the garage can be a dirty place. Plan accordingly by storing paper items in boxes and wrapping equipment in protective plastic.
Visit a store that's dedicated to home organization. Nowadays it seems like nearly every mall has a store of this kind. You'd be surprised at some of the inexpensive, space-saving storage options available.
Wall Organizers - Dry erase boards, chalkboards, corkboards, and magnetic boards are fantastic tools for keeping clutter off your desk. They are inexpensive and available everywhere in a variety of sizes. There are even combination boards that provide countless options.
Cords - Never underestimate the importance of power strips as they provide the ability to plug multiple devices into one outlet. The better power strips also provide surge protection to the equipment that's plugged into them. In addition, cord covers are a great way to not only hide cords but to keep them from becoming a tangled mess. They can be purchased quite cheaply at any electronics store.
Décor - Last but not least, once you've got all the necessities in, don't overlook decor. Certificates, diplomas, awards, trophies, and pictures not only complement an office, but they also help to personalize it.
Follow these simple steps, and more organization, function, and focus could be right around the corner.
For the week of October 5, 2009
INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE
Another good week for the housing market. The S&P/Case Shiller home price index was up for the third month in a row and the rate of annual decline fell for the sixth month in a row! Price increases were reported in 18 of 20 metro areas measured. Many now feel this data indicates the worst of the price declines are behind us. David M. Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at Standard & Poor's, said: "These figures continue to support an indication of stabilization in national real estate values."
Later in the week, Pending Home Sales came in UP 6.4% for August, their seventh straight monthly gain, UP 12.4% from a year ago and at their highest level since March 2007. Many see this boost in sales coming from first-time homebuyers rushing to make the deadline for their $8,000 tax credit which expires at the end of next month!
On the mortgage front, Freddie Mac's weekly survey showed the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage below 5% for the first time since May. The average rate was 4.94% with an average 0.7 point (including the origination fee) for 80% loan-to-value ratio loans to borrowers with good credit. Finally, residential construction spending also rose in August, UP 4.7%!
Review of Last Week
CORRECTION?... Friday ended with the stock markets down for the second week in a row, so pundits wondered if the bull market is over, or just correcting itself as it does after the kind of big run-up it's had. Or maybe investors were fearing the recovery's in jeopardy, given a few disappointing economic indicators, capped by a still problematic employment report for September.
Yes, we did get lower than expected numbers for Consumer Confidence and ISM Manufacturing. But that manufacturing number is now above 50 two months in a row, showing expansion. The business media jumped all over a rise in initial claims for unemployment, but ignored the fact that the four-week moving average dropped to 548,000, its lowest level since January, and continuing claims dropped another 70,000, to 6.09 million, the lowest level since April. The major placement firm of Challenger, Gray, & Christmas reported that layoffs announced in September were down 30.2%, compared to last year. Some economists see unemployment falling by the end of the year.
But for the moment employment lags the rest of the recovery. Non-farm payrolls fell more than expected in September and unemployment inched up 0.1% from the month before. Yet we are clearly in recovery. Personal income increased 0.2% in August and small business earnings were up 0.7%, hitting a 7.6% annual rate for the past three months. Final Q2 GDP was revised upward to –0.7% and virtually all economists expect Q3 to show positive growth.
Nevertheless, for the week, the Dow ended down 1.8%, to 9487.67; the S&P 500 was off 1.8%, to 1025.21; while the Nasdaq fell 2.0%, to 2048.11.
Once again, as stock prices sank, bonds soared. The FNMA 30-year 4.5% bond we watch finished up decisively from the previous week's $101.12 close, moving to $101.66. As detailed above, mortgage rates slid down a bit more, back to the super low territory they were in last May. Fence-sitters should take note.
This Week’s Forecast
PRETTY QUIET... Not much going on this week on the economic front. We'll get the ISM reading on how the services sector is recovering, plus our weekly look at the jobs story. The week ends with the Trade Balance figure showing the state of our export-import situation.
The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar
Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates.
Another good week for the housing market. The S&P/Case Shiller home price index was up for the third month in a row and the rate of annual decline fell for the sixth month in a row! Price increases were reported in 18 of 20 metro areas measured. Many now feel this data indicates the worst of the price declines are behind us. David M. Blitzer, chairman of the index committee at Standard & Poor's, said: "These figures continue to support an indication of stabilization in national real estate values."
Later in the week, Pending Home Sales came in UP 6.4% for August, their seventh straight monthly gain, UP 12.4% from a year ago and at their highest level since March 2007. Many see this boost in sales coming from first-time homebuyers rushing to make the deadline for their $8,000 tax credit which expires at the end of next month!
On the mortgage front, Freddie Mac's weekly survey showed the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage below 5% for the first time since May. The average rate was 4.94% with an average 0.7 point (including the origination fee) for 80% loan-to-value ratio loans to borrowers with good credit. Finally, residential construction spending also rose in August, UP 4.7%!
Review of Last Week
CORRECTION?... Friday ended with the stock markets down for the second week in a row, so pundits wondered if the bull market is over, or just correcting itself as it does after the kind of big run-up it's had. Or maybe investors were fearing the recovery's in jeopardy, given a few disappointing economic indicators, capped by a still problematic employment report for September.
Yes, we did get lower than expected numbers for Consumer Confidence and ISM Manufacturing. But that manufacturing number is now above 50 two months in a row, showing expansion. The business media jumped all over a rise in initial claims for unemployment, but ignored the fact that the four-week moving average dropped to 548,000, its lowest level since January, and continuing claims dropped another 70,000, to 6.09 million, the lowest level since April. The major placement firm of Challenger, Gray, & Christmas reported that layoffs announced in September were down 30.2%, compared to last year. Some economists see unemployment falling by the end of the year.
But for the moment employment lags the rest of the recovery. Non-farm payrolls fell more than expected in September and unemployment inched up 0.1% from the month before. Yet we are clearly in recovery. Personal income increased 0.2% in August and small business earnings were up 0.7%, hitting a 7.6% annual rate for the past three months. Final Q2 GDP was revised upward to –0.7% and virtually all economists expect Q3 to show positive growth.
Nevertheless, for the week, the Dow ended down 1.8%, to 9487.67; the S&P 500 was off 1.8%, to 1025.21; while the Nasdaq fell 2.0%, to 2048.11.
Once again, as stock prices sank, bonds soared. The FNMA 30-year 4.5% bond we watch finished up decisively from the previous week's $101.12 close, moving to $101.66. As detailed above, mortgage rates slid down a bit more, back to the super low territory they were in last May. Fence-sitters should take note.
This Week’s Forecast
PRETTY QUIET... Not much going on this week on the economic front. We'll get the ISM reading on how the services sector is recovering, plus our weekly look at the jobs story. The week ends with the Trade Balance figure showing the state of our export-import situation.
The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar
Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates.
For the week of September 28, 2009
INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE
Well, it had to happen. After a four-month winning streak, Existing Home Sales dropped in August by 2.7% to an annual sales pace of 5.10 million. This offsets the big sales increase we had in July but the overall trend is still up by 3.4% over a year ago and the supply of existing homes is now down to 8.5 months.
Good news came from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which monitors prices of homes financed with conforming mortgages. They reported prices UP 0.3% in July, their third straight monthly rise. The week ended with single-family New Home Sales for August UP 0.7%. This was slightly less than expected, but 30% above their January low. Best of all, the supply of unsold new homes, down five months in a row, is now at just 7.3 months!
Mortgage applications for purchase loans were up 5.6% from the week before. Applications for government-backed purchase loans were at their highest level ever. It seems many first-time homebuyers are making sure they get that $8,000 tax credit before it expires on November 30! All this was happening as the average interest rate for prime borrowers went below 5% on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages for the first time since May. Average points inched up to 1.12 (including the origination fee) for 80% loan-to-value ratio loans.
Review of Last Week
TAKING A BREATHER... After a nice run up in prior weeks, the stock markets were down three days in a row, ending down for the week overall. But we have to point out that for the year, the Dow is still UP 10.1%, the S&P 500 is UP 15.6% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq is UP a whopping 32.6%! Pretty bullish performance. Problems worrying investors included the slip in Existing Home Sales covered above and Durable Goods Orders down 2.4% for August. That's actually less problematic than it appears, since the decline came mostly from a 30% drop in volatile aircraft orders –– in July, aircraft were up 25%.
The Fed did not raise the rate at their meeting (no surprise) and came out with an FOMC statement that observed "economic activity has picked up" and "activity in the housing sector has increased." These indications of economic recovery were followed with the announcement the Fed would continue through the end of March 2010 their purchases of mortgage-backed securities, which help keep mortgage rates low.
Initial claims for unemployment fell yet again last week, this time by 21,000, to 530,000. The four-week average of continuing claims dropped as well. Meanwhile, the Richmond Fed Index, which gauges manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region, stayed at +14 in September, the fifth straight month it's been positive. The week ended with the boost in New Home Sales mentioned above, plus University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment at 73.5 for September, its highest reading since January a year ago!
For the week, the Dow ended down 1.6%, to 9665.19; the S&P 500 was off 2.2%, to 1044.38; while the Nasdaq fell 2.0%, to 2090.92.
As usually happens when stock prices sink, bonds soar. The FNMA 30-year 4.5% bond we watch finished up strongly from the previous week's $100.44 close, finishing at $101.12. It was no surprise that mortgage rates moved down a bit more, hitting levels they haven't seen since last May, as noted above.
This Week’s Forecast
CONFIDENCE, SPENDING, JOBS... The week begins with Consumer Confidence and ends with the September Jobs Report. Along the way, on the day Q3 ends, we get the final number on Q2 GDP plus the Chicago PMI take on manufacturing in the Midwest. Thursday, we'll be looking at Pending Home Sales, while the Fed will be focusing on the personal spending PCE number to keep an eye on inflation.
>> The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar
Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates.
Well, it had to happen. After a four-month winning streak, Existing Home Sales dropped in August by 2.7% to an annual sales pace of 5.10 million. This offsets the big sales increase we had in July but the overall trend is still up by 3.4% over a year ago and the supply of existing homes is now down to 8.5 months.
Good news came from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which monitors prices of homes financed with conforming mortgages. They reported prices UP 0.3% in July, their third straight monthly rise. The week ended with single-family New Home Sales for August UP 0.7%. This was slightly less than expected, but 30% above their January low. Best of all, the supply of unsold new homes, down five months in a row, is now at just 7.3 months!
Mortgage applications for purchase loans were up 5.6% from the week before. Applications for government-backed purchase loans were at their highest level ever. It seems many first-time homebuyers are making sure they get that $8,000 tax credit before it expires on November 30! All this was happening as the average interest rate for prime borrowers went below 5% on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages for the first time since May. Average points inched up to 1.12 (including the origination fee) for 80% loan-to-value ratio loans.
Review of Last Week
TAKING A BREATHER... After a nice run up in prior weeks, the stock markets were down three days in a row, ending down for the week overall. But we have to point out that for the year, the Dow is still UP 10.1%, the S&P 500 is UP 15.6% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq is UP a whopping 32.6%! Pretty bullish performance. Problems worrying investors included the slip in Existing Home Sales covered above and Durable Goods Orders down 2.4% for August. That's actually less problematic than it appears, since the decline came mostly from a 30% drop in volatile aircraft orders –– in July, aircraft were up 25%.
The Fed did not raise the rate at their meeting (no surprise) and came out with an FOMC statement that observed "economic activity has picked up" and "activity in the housing sector has increased." These indications of economic recovery were followed with the announcement the Fed would continue through the end of March 2010 their purchases of mortgage-backed securities, which help keep mortgage rates low.
Initial claims for unemployment fell yet again last week, this time by 21,000, to 530,000. The four-week average of continuing claims dropped as well. Meanwhile, the Richmond Fed Index, which gauges manufacturing in the mid-Atlantic region, stayed at +14 in September, the fifth straight month it's been positive. The week ended with the boost in New Home Sales mentioned above, plus University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment at 73.5 for September, its highest reading since January a year ago!
For the week, the Dow ended down 1.6%, to 9665.19; the S&P 500 was off 2.2%, to 1044.38; while the Nasdaq fell 2.0%, to 2090.92.
As usually happens when stock prices sink, bonds soar. The FNMA 30-year 4.5% bond we watch finished up strongly from the previous week's $100.44 close, finishing at $101.12. It was no surprise that mortgage rates moved down a bit more, hitting levels they haven't seen since last May, as noted above.
This Week’s Forecast
CONFIDENCE, SPENDING, JOBS... The week begins with Consumer Confidence and ends with the September Jobs Report. Along the way, on the day Q3 ends, we get the final number on Q2 GDP plus the Chicago PMI take on manufacturing in the Midwest. Thursday, we'll be looking at Pending Home Sales, while the Fed will be focusing on the personal spending PCE number to keep an eye on inflation.
>> The Week’s Economic Indicator Calendar
Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates.
Quotes!
"Purpose and laughter are the twins that must not separate. Each is
empty without the other."
-- Robert K. Greenleaf, Founder of the modern Servant leadership
movement
"Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it. "
-- Irving Berlin, American Composer and Lyricist
"Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much."
-- Robert Greenleaf, Founder of the modern servant leadership movement
"We are all, right now, living the life we choose."
-- Peter McWilliams, Author
"When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering
away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack
showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two,
and I know it was not that blow that did it - but all that had gone
before."
-- Jacob Riis, Photographer and Journalist
"Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene."
-- Arthur Christopher Benson, British Author
"Give the world the best you have and the best will come back to you."
-- Madeline Bridges
"Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate
effectively."
-- Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the United States
"Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else."
-- Peter F. Drucker, Author and Management Expert
"Samson killed a thousand men with the jaw bone of an ass. That many
sales are killed every day with the same weapon."
-- Anonymous
"Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence."
-- Michael O'Brien
"The success of every major executive depends on the men under him.
Really successful men are pushed up, not pulled up."
-- Thomas J. Watson, Former President of IBM
"In a moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing.
The worst thing you can do is nothing."
-- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States
"Determination is the down payment on sales achievement."
-- Anonymous
"Chance favors those in motion."
-- James H. Austin, Professor of Neurology and Author
"Man was created as a being who should constantly keep improving, a
being who on reaching one goal sets a higher one."
-- Ralph Ransom
"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being
said."
-- Peter F. Drucker, Author and Management Expert
"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere."
-- Proverb
"If you want to achieve a high goal, you're going to have to take some
chances."
-- Alberto Salazar, American Marathon Runner
"I am a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the
more I have of it."
-- Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States of America
"The only thing even in this world are the number of hours in a day. The
difference in winning or losing is what you do with those hours."
-- Woody Hayes, Football Coach
"Many of life's failures are people who do not realize how close they
were to success when they gave up."
-- Thomas Edison, Inventor
"We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create
something that will."
-- Chuck Palahniuk, Author
"A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement."
-- Bo Bennett
"Great minds have purpose, others have wishes."
-- Washington Irving, American Author
"Asking questions will get you the performance you are after far better
than dictating demands."
-- Dan James
"When you do the things you have to do when you have to do them, the day
will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do
them."
-- Zig Ziglar, Author
"Success and failure. We think of them as opposites, but they're really
not. They're companions - the hero and the sidekick."
-- Laurence Shames
"The difference in winning and losing is most often... not quitting."
-- Walt Disney, Animator, Film Producer
"The simple act of paying positive attention to people has a great deal
to do with productivity."
-- Thomas J. 'Tom' Peters
I hope you enjoyed these Quotes!
To See All Homes All The Time Go To
www.BettsHomes.com
empty without the other."
-- Robert K. Greenleaf, Founder of the modern Servant leadership
movement
"Life is 10 percent what you make it, and 90 percent how you take it. "
-- Irving Berlin, American Composer and Lyricist
"Many attempts to communicate are nullified by saying too much."
-- Robert Greenleaf, Founder of the modern servant leadership movement
"We are all, right now, living the life we choose."
-- Peter McWilliams, Author
"When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stonecutter hammering
away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack
showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two,
and I know it was not that blow that did it - but all that had gone
before."
-- Jacob Riis, Photographer and Journalist
"Very often a change of self is needed more than a change of scene."
-- Arthur Christopher Benson, British Author
"Give the world the best you have and the best will come back to you."
-- Madeline Bridges
"Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate
effectively."
-- Gerald R. Ford, 38th President of the United States
"Until we can manage time, we can manage nothing else."
-- Peter F. Drucker, Author and Management Expert
"Samson killed a thousand men with the jaw bone of an ass. That many
sales are killed every day with the same weapon."
-- Anonymous
"Confidence is contagious. So is lack of confidence."
-- Michael O'Brien
"The success of every major executive depends on the men under him.
Really successful men are pushed up, not pulled up."
-- Thomas J. Watson, Former President of IBM
"In a moment of decision the best thing you can do is the right thing.
The worst thing you can do is nothing."
-- Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States
"Determination is the down payment on sales achievement."
-- Anonymous
"Chance favors those in motion."
-- James H. Austin, Professor of Neurology and Author
"Man was created as a being who should constantly keep improving, a
being who on reaching one goal sets a higher one."
-- Ralph Ransom
"The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being
said."
-- Peter F. Drucker, Author and Management Expert
"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere."
-- Proverb
"If you want to achieve a high goal, you're going to have to take some
chances."
-- Alberto Salazar, American Marathon Runner
"I am a great believer in luck, and I find that the harder I work, the
more I have of it."
-- Thomas Jefferson, 3rd President of the United States of America
"The only thing even in this world are the number of hours in a day. The
difference in winning or losing is what you do with those hours."
-- Woody Hayes, Football Coach
"Many of life's failures are people who do not realize how close they
were to success when they gave up."
-- Thomas Edison, Inventor
"We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create
something that will."
-- Chuck Palahniuk, Author
"A dream becomes a goal when action is taken toward its achievement."
-- Bo Bennett
"Great minds have purpose, others have wishes."
-- Washington Irving, American Author
"Asking questions will get you the performance you are after far better
than dictating demands."
-- Dan James
"When you do the things you have to do when you have to do them, the day
will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do
them."
-- Zig Ziglar, Author
"Success and failure. We think of them as opposites, but they're really
not. They're companions - the hero and the sidekick."
-- Laurence Shames
"The difference in winning and losing is most often... not quitting."
-- Walt Disney, Animator, Film Producer
"The simple act of paying positive attention to people has a great deal
to do with productivity."
-- Thomas J. 'Tom' Peters
I hope you enjoyed these Quotes!
To See All Homes All The Time Go To
www.BettsHomes.com
Are you in Foreclosure? You are not alone! Read this Article!
Foreclosures of Rich and Famous People
Foreclosures of Rich and Famous People
Although the rich and famous are rich and famous, it doesn't mean that they are impervious to the popping of the real estate bubble. Many have succumbed to real estate woes as of late.
Ed McMahon had tabloids a talking when his real estate troubles became front page news last year. The now deceased celebrity attributed his dollar difficulties to alimony paid out to ex-wives and the economic downturn.
Aretha Franklin set the record straight about her exclusive Detroit suburban home. It went into foreclosure due to non-payment of property tax. She could have lost her $400,000 home to foreclosure due to $445 in back property taxes that accumulated into $20,000, since 2005. She said it was an oversight by her attorney. Once alerted of the situation, the Queen of Soul satisfied the debt.
Amber Frey, infamous ex-mistress of convicted murderer Scott Peterson lost her home northern California home to foreclosure. At auction, the asking price was over $200,000 less than the original purchase price. No one snatched up the deal at a low $305,000. She ended up surrendering the property to the bank.
Fantasia of American Idol fame came close to losing her home in Charlotte, North Carolina. The R&B singer settled with her Florida lender just days before the auction was scheduled to sell her pond-front home.
Extreme Makeover scandal hit the Harper family home in Atlanta, Georga when it went into foreclosure and would have been sold had it not been for ... even more ... generous donations. The most expansive Extreme Makeover ever seen was completed with much dedication, sweat and effort by volunteers, along with a deluge of donated dollars. Taking out a $400,000+ loan for a construction business that went belly up put the Harper's home in harm's way.
Laura Richardson, California Congresswoman, fell behind on property tax and mortgage payments in 2008. To the disdain of Sharon Helmar who sold it to her, the Long Beach home went into foreclosure and was sold. Neighbors noted that she did not keep up the lawn or take out her garbage.
Sports figures are not unfamiliar with foreclosure, either. Latrell "Spree" Sprewell, former NBA guard known for choking his then Coach P. J. Carlesimo, lost his 70-foot yacht and his Milwaukee home to foreclosure. Assessed at a mere $668,000, the home's value was nowhere near what most other sports professionals in his pay range own.
Jose Conseco experienced women woes, which caused him to lose his expansive 7,300 square foot Encino, California mansion. At least, that's his story. He said he lost $7 to $8 million on his two divorces that left him hard up for cash and was unable to pay his mortgage.
Not to anyone's surprise, Michael Vick's home was in foreclosure, since he was in prison and no longer could come up with the cash. Once NFL's highest paid player, the dog-fight diva was convicted and was to serve 23 months in prison. He was released earlier this year to serve out the rest of his sentence in home confinement.
Evander Holyfield, famous for his fight with Mike "I'll Bite Your Ear Off" Tyson, had his Fairburn, Georgia home in foreclosure. He was also behind on child support payments to a mother of one of his eleven children, and being sued for not paying $550,000 he loaned he owed to a consulting company.
Michael Jackson (King of Pop), MC Hammer (Hammertime fame), Veronica Hearst (Randolph Hearst widow), Scott Storch (previous hip-hop producer), Damon Dash (hip-hop mogul), Doug E. Fresh (rap icon), Vin Baker (former NBA star), Wyclef Jean (Fugees' frontman) and other famous actors, performers and sports professionals have all experienced foreclosure.
Foreclosures of Rich and Famous People
Although the rich and famous are rich and famous, it doesn't mean that they are impervious to the popping of the real estate bubble. Many have succumbed to real estate woes as of late.
Ed McMahon had tabloids a talking when his real estate troubles became front page news last year. The now deceased celebrity attributed his dollar difficulties to alimony paid out to ex-wives and the economic downturn.
Aretha Franklin set the record straight about her exclusive Detroit suburban home. It went into foreclosure due to non-payment of property tax. She could have lost her $400,000 home to foreclosure due to $445 in back property taxes that accumulated into $20,000, since 2005. She said it was an oversight by her attorney. Once alerted of the situation, the Queen of Soul satisfied the debt.
Amber Frey, infamous ex-mistress of convicted murderer Scott Peterson lost her home northern California home to foreclosure. At auction, the asking price was over $200,000 less than the original purchase price. No one snatched up the deal at a low $305,000. She ended up surrendering the property to the bank.
Fantasia of American Idol fame came close to losing her home in Charlotte, North Carolina. The R&B singer settled with her Florida lender just days before the auction was scheduled to sell her pond-front home.
Extreme Makeover scandal hit the Harper family home in Atlanta, Georga when it went into foreclosure and would have been sold had it not been for ... even more ... generous donations. The most expansive Extreme Makeover ever seen was completed with much dedication, sweat and effort by volunteers, along with a deluge of donated dollars. Taking out a $400,000+ loan for a construction business that went belly up put the Harper's home in harm's way.
Laura Richardson, California Congresswoman, fell behind on property tax and mortgage payments in 2008. To the disdain of Sharon Helmar who sold it to her, the Long Beach home went into foreclosure and was sold. Neighbors noted that she did not keep up the lawn or take out her garbage.
Sports figures are not unfamiliar with foreclosure, either. Latrell "Spree" Sprewell, former NBA guard known for choking his then Coach P. J. Carlesimo, lost his 70-foot yacht and his Milwaukee home to foreclosure. Assessed at a mere $668,000, the home's value was nowhere near what most other sports professionals in his pay range own.
Jose Conseco experienced women woes, which caused him to lose his expansive 7,300 square foot Encino, California mansion. At least, that's his story. He said he lost $7 to $8 million on his two divorces that left him hard up for cash and was unable to pay his mortgage.
Not to anyone's surprise, Michael Vick's home was in foreclosure, since he was in prison and no longer could come up with the cash. Once NFL's highest paid player, the dog-fight diva was convicted and was to serve 23 months in prison. He was released earlier this year to serve out the rest of his sentence in home confinement.
Evander Holyfield, famous for his fight with Mike "I'll Bite Your Ear Off" Tyson, had his Fairburn, Georgia home in foreclosure. He was also behind on child support payments to a mother of one of his eleven children, and being sued for not paying $550,000 he loaned he owed to a consulting company.
Michael Jackson (King of Pop), MC Hammer (Hammertime fame), Veronica Hearst (Randolph Hearst widow), Scott Storch (previous hip-hop producer), Damon Dash (hip-hop mogul), Doug E. Fresh (rap icon), Vin Baker (former NBA star), Wyclef Jean (Fugees' frontman) and other famous actors, performers and sports professionals have all experienced foreclosure.
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