Case-Shiller Shows Home Price Improvement In 90% Of Cities

Standard & Poors released its Case-Shiller Index Tuesday.  The index is a monthly home valuation report from select cities and among the private sector's most popular home pricing models.

In reviewing the April Case-Shiller Index and its accompanying analysis, it appears that the housing market's rebound is gathering momentum.

In the index's 20 tracked cities:

• 18 of 20 improved from March to April 2010
• Versus April 2009, home prices are up nearly 4 percent
• The two "down" cities from April -- Miami and New York -- are off just 0.5% and 1.0% annually, respectively

Furthermore, as another sign of strength, San Diego, a city in which homeowners have lost a lot of equity since 2007, has now shown 12 straight months of home price improvement.

However, the Case-Shiller Index must be kept in context. It's far from perfect.

For one, the index reports on a 60-day delay; it's only now showing data from the end of April, when the federal homebuyer tax credit was expiring. Home sales have been weak since then it's been reported.

And second, the Case-Shiller Index is limited to just 20 cities nationwide. Therefore, the index doesn't consider every home sale in every American city -- it only considers a select few. Many more U.S. homes are excluded from the Case-Shiller Index than are included.

But, despite its flaws, the Case-Shiller Index remains important with respect to economic analysis. Much like the government’s Home Price Index, Case-Shiller helps to identify broader trends in housing that shape government and monetary policy.

The 1 Force That Can Really Change A Mortgage Rate

All day, every day, conforming and FHA mortgage rates in Navada are in flux.  Rates move in response to hundreds of factors which exact varying levels of influence.

Among the biggest influences on mortgage rates is inflation.  When inflation is unexpectedly high, mortgage rates tend to rise quickly. Conversely, when inflation is unexpectedly low, rates tend to fall quickly.

But what is inflation?

By definition, inflation is when a currency loses its value; when what used to cost $1.00 now costs $1.10.

As consumers, we recognize inflation by the items we buy on a daily basis becoming more expensive.  However, it's not that goods are more expensive -- it's that the dollars we're using to buy them have become worth less.

With respect to mortgage rates, this is a big deal because mortgage rates are directly related to the price of a special type of bond called a mortgage-backed bond.

On Wall Street, mortgage-backed bonds are priced, bought, and sold in U.S. dollars so as inflation renders those dollars less valuable, so it does to mortgage-backed bonds as well. It's a chain reaction by which mortgage bonds lose value, leading investors sell them, causing bond prices to fall on the excess supply.

And, because mortgage rates move opposite of bond prices, as inflation takes hold, mortgage rates rise.

Lately, inflation has been exceptionally low. The Federal Reserve acknowledged as much in its last statement to the markets, and available data backs that position.  This, after predictions that inflation would be "runaway" in 2010.

The Cost of Living is up just modestly this year and it's helping mortgage rates stay low. And, so long as it lasts, the cost of owning a home in Eastlake will remain relatively inexpensive.

How To Use A Fire Extinguisher In Your Home

In 2006, in the U.S., a person died in an in-home fire every 2 hours, 42 minutes, on average; someone was injured every 32 minutes. Nearly $7 billion of property damage was caused.

In this 2-minute video from Lowe's, you'll get a basic education on fire extinguishers:

• How to pick the right fire extinguisher for the right job
• Where to place fire extinguishers in a home
• How to use the "PASS" technique on a fire

Keeping your household safe from fire requires preparation, and part of that preparation is keeping fire extinguishers on-hand, and ready for use.  Fire deaths are preventable -- make sure your home is properly equipped.

The Magnificent Fiji Islands for Your Tropical Pleasures

Breathtaking, The Wakaya Club and Spa in Suva, Fiji Islands

On this island, the resort's proprietors only allow 14 visitors at a time.
They also keep development to a minimum. Allowing 14 visitors to stay at
a time allows preservation of the natural beauty of the island.

Pilot whales, scarlet kula birds and Pacific Green turtles all make for
interesting observation tours. Guests stay at one of 10 free-standing
cottages, all with a secluded garden, bathroom with an oversized soaking
tub, a lava rock shower and cathedral ceilings with walls covered in
bamboo. What an experience for relax and relaxation, a honeymoon retreat
or maybe find the love of your life! Visit to indulge www.wakaya.com

Photos, complements of Forbes Travel and Travel Guider

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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John Legend is Honoree on The BET Awards

One of my favorite Six-Time Grammy Award Winning Artist John Legend will
be an Honoree Tomorrow Night on The BET Awards. He's up for The
Humanitarian Award.

I'm expecting a Fabulous Show. Performers to include:

ALICIA KEYS - DIDDY DIRTY MONEY - DRAKE - TREY SONGZ - USHER
NICKI MINAJ - LUDACRIS - MARVIN SAPP - T.I. - KANYE WEST - RICK ROSS
DJ KHALED - EMINEM - T PAIN - KIM BURRELL - YOLANDA ADAMS
FRED HAMMOND - KIRK FRANKLIN - KAREN CLARK SHEARD

The BET Awards will Air Tomorrow, Sunday, June 27, 2010 8:00 / 7:00
Central Time. This Years Show Will be Hosted by Queen Latifah.

Don't miss the Show!

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American Dream for World Cup Ended Today

A sad day today for our U.S. World Cup fans. Almost was not good enough
when Ghana Won over the United States team 2-1. Ghana will go on to play
Uruguay.

U.S. coach Bob Bradley said "I thought at 1-1 we had a chance, but we
didn't have enough freshness against all of Ghana's power," he said. "We
have a great squad. We're proud but also disappointed not to have gone
further."

Although, I am not a Soccer fan I was on the side line for our team!

Pictures provided by: CNN

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Padres vs. Marlins

What a game.....Wow, it took two months for a team to score 2 points over
Florida. The San Diego Padres defeated The Marlins 2-1 Saturday Night,
June 26, 2010.

Photo by: J Pat Carter

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Did you see "Thriller" at the San Diego County Fair

Friday June 25, 2010 was Michael Jackson Day at The San Diego County Fair.
There were about 200 Zombies performing Michael Jackson's "Thriller."
Another performance was seen at Balboa Park in downtown San Diego.

Picture Taken By: Charlie Neuman

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Great For A Summer Night!

I've tried this dish from The Pioneer Women Cooks and it's delicious. Try
it and tell me what you think. Please feel free to share with me your
tasty dishes.

Prep Time: 15 Minutes
Cook Time: 8 Minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

-2 Tablespoons Butter
-2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
-4 cloves Garlic, Minced
-12 whole Jumbo Shrimp, Peeled, Deveined, Tails Left On
-2 whole Zucchini, Sliced On A Slight Diagonal
-2 ears Corn, Kernels Sliced Off
-½ cups Grape Tomatoes, Sliced In Half Lengthwise
-Salt And Freshly Ground Pepper, To Taste
-Chopped Fresh Herbs, If Desired

Preparation Instructions:

Heat 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet
over medium heat. Add minced garlic. When oil/butter is hot, add shrimp
and cook for 3 minutes. Remove to a plate. Do not clean skillet.

Add the rest of the butter and oil and heat over medium heat. Add zucchini
slices in a single layer and cook for one minute, tossing once. Scoot the
zucchini to the edges of the pan, then add corn kernels to the middle of
the pan. Cook for one minute. Add grape tomatoes, salt, and pepper, and
toss around, then add shrimp. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, then
remove from heat. Serve on a big platter.

Hint:

Much better after it's been allowed to cool for a bit! Yummy and refreshing.

Carol Lusidia Morrow
CENTUEY 21 Award
2355 Northside Drive #300
San Diego, CA 92108
(619)368-6382
www.CLMrealestate.com

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DON'T LET YOUR HOME GO INTO FORECLOSURE

Click here to download:

Picture 2.psd (1747 KB)

One in 4 people are about to loose their homes to foreclosure. If you or
someone you know is in need of help and don't know where to turn call me
today. I will be able to explain all your options, there are alternatives
to foreclosure.

Foreclosure will be detrimental to your credit and it will also effect
security clearances and even possibly effect your job. So, don't let your
home go into foreclosure,

Also, if you are interested in a short selling your home ask me how to be
relieved of the deficiency. Ask me how the banks will not come after you
for deficiencies once your home closes escrow.

I will help you navigate through this professionally and discreetly you
are not alone. My team and I are trained certified experts and we are
here to assist you. Call Carol Lusidia Morrow today at (619)368-6382.

Carol Lusidia Morrow
CENTURY 21 Award
2355 Northside Drive #300
San Diego, CA 92108
(619)368-6382
www.CLMrealestate.com

**PLEASE FORWARD THIS BLOG TO ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO WILL BENEFIT!!!
picture provided by jackie B

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Buyers Take The May 2010 New Home Sales Data All The Way To The Bank

One month after the federal homebuyer tax credit's official expiration, the New Home Sales report turned in its worst showing ever.

In May 2010, for the first time in 11 months, the inventory of unsold new homes crossed the 8-month marker, posting an 8.5 month supply overall.

Additionally, new homes sales volume fell to 300,000 units nationwide -- a drop of 32% and its lowest level since the Commerce Department started tracking data in 1963.

Now, universally, the press is referring to the May New Home Sales report as "poor".  A closer look, however, shows that may not be the case.

For one, we have to keep New Home Sales in perspective as a percentage of overall home sales. Yes, there were just 300,000 new homes sold in May, but there were also 5.66 million "existing" homes sold.

New Home Sales, therefore, accounted for just 5 percent of the total housing market -- a very small percentage.

Another reason why the weak New Home Sales data isn't so awful is that, when New Home Sales stall, it actually benefits home buyers.  Excess supply puts a strain on sellers which, in turn, gives buyers a tremendous amount of leverage in negotiation.

When home inventories are high, builders are more apt to appease their customers in hopes of making a sale.  For San Diego home buyers, this can result in buying a better product at a lower price.

Especially with builder confidence plummeting.

Since February 2009, housing has shown steady gains. There's been both peaks and valleys across units, inventories, and prices, but overall, the market is improving.  May's New Home Sales data shows how now may an opportune time to "buy new".

A Simple Explanation Of The Federal Reserve Statement (June 23, 2010 Edition)

Today, in its first meeting in 5 weeks, the Federal Open Market Committee voted 9-to-1 to leave the Fed Funds Rate unchanged. 

The Fed Fund Rate remains within its target range of 0.000-0.250 percent.

In its press release, the FOMC said that, since April, "the economic recovery is proceeding" and that the jobs market "is improving gradually". Business spending "has risen significantly", too, with the exception of commercial real estate.

Today's statement is the 8th straight press release in which the Fed shows optimism for the U.S. economy, dating back to June 2009.  Since that time, the Fed has terminated all of the programs it created to support the economy through the economic crisis.

The recession is widely believed to be over.

And, although the Fed's statement acknowledged economic growth, it did highlight lingering threats, too.

1. Employers are still reluctant to hire new workers
2. European debt concerns could spill-over to the U.S.
3. Bank lending is contracting

Also, as expected, the Fed re-affirmed its plan to hold the Fed Funds Rate near zero percent "for an extended period", citing that "inflation has trended lower" recently.

Mortgage market reaction has been positive thus far. Mortgage rates in Navada are slightly improved post-FOMC.

The FOMC's next scheduled meeting is August 10, 2010.

LA Lakers Win the NBA Championship Again

As you know the LA Lakers are NBA 2010 Champions. If you watched the game
you know there was a fight to the end. The Celtics were defeated however,
I am a true Laker Fan and was on the edge of my seat as the Celtics Raion
Rondo hit a difficult 3 pointer, which kept Boston in the game. Let's
give it up to Laker Ron Artest. Thanks to Derek Fisher for bringing the
game to a tie in the forth quarter with a solid 3 points. Finally the LA
Lakers did what they do best WIN. Team work plays off! Hmmm, let's wait
to see what Laker coach of 19 years, Phil Jackson decision will be
regarding his future as a coach. Right now he really doesn't know. Well,
if you have been engaging with me on facebook you know I am a Laker Fan
and my number 1 player is Kobe!

By: Carol Lusidia Morrow

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Watch Clips from "My First Home" Carol's Clients May End Up in a Family Feud

SIBLINGS CAN BE A CHALLENGE. SEE WHAT HAPPENS WHEN CAROL TAKES THEM OUT
TO FINDIN THE PERFECT HOME........

FOR ALL YOUR HOME PURCHASING NEEDS CONTACT CAROL LUSIDIA MORROW AND HER
TEAM (619)368-6382

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See if Carol's Cients Actually Have a Family Feud When Purchasing Their First Home. Watch Clips of "My First Home"

Siblings find it difficult to decide on the perfect home. End the end
Carol finds the home they all can agree upon and she negotiated the
perfect transaction.

CALL CAROL LUSIDIA MORROW FOR ALL YOUR HOME PURCHASING NEEDS (619)368-6382

Posted via email from carolmorrow's posterous