Epiphany
 January 6th is celebrated in various Christian traditions (western and eastern) as the end of the 12 days of Christmas, the visitation of the Magi (3 Kings) or the baptism of Jesus. An epiphany is also understood to mean a sudden new perception – understanding the meaning of something…
Mortgage Rates Expected to Remain Low Early in 2009
Today the Fed released the Minutes from the December 16 Meeting noting that expected economic activity will “contract sharply in the fourth quarter of 2008 and into early 2009″ …and that “the economy would begin to recover slowly in the second half of 2009 aided by substantial monetary policy easing and by…
Saratoga Drama Group 5th Annual Crab & Pasta Feed
Saratoga Drama Group is having it’s 5th Annual Fundraiser Crab & Pasta Feed on January 17, 2009, 6pm-9pm at the Saratoga Community Center (Across from West Valley College) 19655 Allendale Ave. Saratoga, CA. 95070 You’re invited to join in the fun and enjoy All-You-Can-Eat Cold Cracked Dungeness Crab, gourmet pasta…
Laptop Chats on Recovery and Reinvestment Plan
Have you seen yesterday’s Change.gov blog that uses YouTube video technology (Laptop Chats) to communicate President-elect Obama’s plan to create 3 million new jobs (80% in the private sector) with emphasis on renewable energy; computer health care systems; 21st classrooms, labs and libraries; and direct tax relief for 95% of…
How Big a Down Payment is Required?
In some of my earlier posts I have mentioned that 20% down has become standard among many lenders – this is correct for portfolio mortgage lenders as a practical matter. However, the National Association of Realtors, of which I am a member offers the following clarification: An individual may be…
What Are New Real Estate Laws?
The Housing Stimulus Bill of 2008 has provision that modifies the $250,000/$500,000 exclusion of gain on the sale of a principal residence. Beginning in January 1, 2009, the exclusion, as it applies to a second home (or rental property) that is converted to a principal residence will be allocated. When…
