Easter week end

Closed up at 1 yesterday. Phones were dead. I guess everyone else left early too!
Mike from the Realty Store has been getting a lot of calls for showing houses today.
I remember when I was a Realtor, I sold a house on Easter Sunday.
We've had a lot of title orders this past week for refi's.
I think the market is loosening up.
This country needs it!
Happy Easter to you and yours.

University Hospital seminar

Did a great presentation at University Hospital introducing mortgage programs with First Federal of Lakewood. THey have some really good offerings for mortgages and refinance for the medical industry.
I appreciate the trust FFL has in Gateway. Thanks!

REFINANCE ACIVITY

mortgage rates are at an all time low
WOW!
It seems like like everyone wants to know about the cost of refinancing (judging from the phone calls we are getting)
I'd say NOW is the time to do something about it!

saturday workshop

WE HAD A GREAT WORKSHOP THIS MOORNING.
A pretty full house. They were a very enthusiatic group and had many questions.
They realized the importance of knowing what is involved in a real estate sale.
When they have a buyer, no surprises on their bottom line.
I wish more buyers and sellers would take the time to educate themselves.
Unfortunately, most consumers spend more time looking into buying a dishwasher than the house it belongs in!
There is not Much "real" education available out there for the consumer, which is why we offer our free classes and bring in the experts to teach.

Has it bottomed out? survey

Has the real estate market in your area bottomed out? yes or no - why?
Is this year the time for you to buy or sell? yes or no - why?

mystery of who cuts?

I never fail to be amazed when a borrower is short of money or the bank has conditions that limit amount that a borrower can bring to complete their closing,
The lenders look to the title company to "cut" fees.
Amazing because the "fees" that we charge are the least of all the costs involved in getting a mortgage. Title insurance premiums are filed rates that can not be altered in Ohio and the underwriter takes a % of that. The title exam is not "free" information. The fee for the search and labor is basically a wash. The settlement fee is a bargin considering the time spent preparing all of the paper work.
Most everything else we collect is just that - we collect to pay others for their service such as recording fees the county charges. When a borrower needs to have fees cut, why is the title company asked to be the "cutter"?
If we don't cut- the lender won't use us again.
We're damned if we do and damed if we don't!

Is it really getting any better?

Do you see what I see?
I see the signs of improvement in this market.
The refiers are busy refing because lenders are lending and the rates are very attractive.
The is a significant increase on the number of sales that are closing.
Our Smart Start sellers are getting more activity from potential buyers and many of them have
sold through real estate agents.
Do you see an increase ?
Our phones are ringing with consumers checking on title fees.
The economy will get better as the real estate market improves.
Do you agree?
I'd like to know.