What’s Up With Bob?

Since the Internet became widely accessible people, clubs, and businesses have been harnessing its power to connect with a world that would otherwise be out of reach. Traveling the world is now something many Americans can do every day. Cultures can mix without people even meeting.

Taking these facts into account, I have been dabbling with the World Wide Web’s powers as well. I have begun using Twitter and Facebook as portals. These portals connect various ages, locations, and ideas. Twitter has given me a way to give day-by-day updates on my business, my properties and their availability, as well as great local events. This grabs the attention of business connections, clients, potential clients, and Milwaukee/Mequon residents that may not be aware of what goes on in their own neighborhoods.

Facebook works for me in a bit more personal way. I can choose my friends, therefore I can choose my audience. With Facebook, I am able to address people specifically instead of addressing the world. I can create and invite specific people to events, and keep track of my actions in a calendar format. Plus Facebook has great unique applications to help with any tasks people may want to take on. Facebook gives a way to share personal and business information, share photos, events, and conversations.

Technology is giving me a chance to connect with so many more people that I would be able to otherwise. Email is faster than snail mail, but Twitter and Facebook are instantaneous. I’m doing this to reach out to you: friends, family, clients, and business relations. Consider me your go-to resource for all things Milwaukee and Ozaukee county. There is so much to do here I think you’ll fall in love with these areas too.


This week's key fact to understand about today’s market:
The economy is growing, though slowly.

Buy Now–Borrow Now

If you’re in the market for a home loan, close the deal sooner rather than later. Mortgage rates, in particular, may start to go up soon. The Fed has been buying mortgage-backed securities, which has been holding rates down, but that program is set to expire at the end of March, although the  program may be extended, it’s unclear at this point.

Does this mean you should rush into a decision? Of course not. But it does mean you can save a bundle by pulling the trigger on a home you’ve been considering since last year, particularly if you do it before April 30 and cash in on the tax credits available to first time home buyers as well as home sellers/buyer that have owned their home 5 years or longer.

When the economy is struggling, the Federal reserve cuts interest rates to boost activity. Rates are now at historic lows. This strategy works. The economy is beginning to expand, meaning unemployment should start easing and consumer spending should rise. Then interest rates will rise. The current expectation is that the Fed will start raising interest rates after March and into the third or fourth quarter.

Is Now the Time to Buy?

As I am writing my newsletter I am looking at a Mortgage calculator one of my valued lenders made for my on one of my listings. It is a condo. Price at $134,900 the mortgage calculator payments are $1,167.00 per moth to include condo fees and property taxes. The interest rate is 4.375% YES I said 4.375%.
Now, I just got done searching for a home to rent for one of my clients friends. I did find a condo on Craigs List in the same area, same size and style for $1,300 per month. Well……………… it does not take a rocket scientist to see that buying in most cases is better. The payment does not take into consideration the benefits of interest deduction and property tax deduction, an added plus for buyers. Let me do an analysis for you and help you get pre qualified for a home or condo purchase. Let me show you the benefits. College students check to see if your parents could use a tax deduction with an increasing investment.