The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.
Here’s an excerpt:
4,329 films were submitted to the 2012 Cannes Film Festival. This blog had 21,000 views in 2012. If each view were a film, this blog would power 5 Film Festivals
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Contrary to Henny Penny, The Sky Is Not Falling!
This sounds like good news to the residential housing market. With low rates, the healing can continue. We are clearly moving toward a residential market that can stand on its own, but continued assistance from the fed can only serve to create a more solid foundation in a new market paradigm. Underwriting and loan processing continues to be onerous in its complexity and depth of scrutiny. Moving forward, only time will tell, but in Denver’s market today, demand outstrips supply moving into 2013.
Release Date: December 12, 2012
For immediate release
“Information received since the Federal Open Market Committee met in October suggests that economic activity and employment have continued to expand at a moderate pace in recent months, apart from weather-related disruptions. Although the unemployment rate has declined somewhat since the summer, it remains elevated. Household spending has continued to advance, and the housing sector has shown further signs of improvement, but growth in business fixed investment has slowed. Inflation has been running somewhat below the Committee’s longer-run objective, apart from temporary variations that largely reflect fluctuations in energy prices. Longer-term inflation expectations have remained stable.
Consistent with its statutory mandate, the Committee seeks to foster maximum employment and price stability. The Committee remains concerned that, without sufficient policy accommodation, economic growth might not be strong enough to generate sustained improvement in labor market conditions. Furthermore, strains in global financial markets continue to pose significant downside risks to the economic outlook. The Committee also anticipates that inflation over the medium term likely will run at or below its 2 percent objective.
To support a stronger economic recovery and to help ensure that inflation, over time, is at the rate most consistent with its dual mandate, the Committee will continue purchasing additional agency mortgage-backed securities at a pace of $40 billion per month. The Committee also will purchase longer-term Treasury securities after its program to extend the average maturity of its holdings of Treasury securities is completed at the end of the year, initially at a pace of $45 billion per month. The Committee is maintaining its existing policy of reinvesting principal payments from its holdings of agency debt and agency mortgage-backed securities in agency mortgage-backed securities and, in January, will resume rolling over maturing Treasury securities at auction. Taken together, these actions should maintain downward pressure on longer-term interest rates, support mortgage markets, and help to make broader financial conditions more accommodative.
The Committee will closely monitor incoming information on economic and financial developments in coming months. If the outlook for the labor market does not improve substantially, the Committee will continue its purchases of Treasury and agency mortgage-backed securities, and employ its other policy tools as appropriate, until such improvement is achieved in a context of price stability. In determining the size, pace, and composition of its asset purchases, the Committee will, as always, take appropriate account of the likely efficacy and costs of such purchases.
To support continued progress toward maximum employment and price stability, the Committee expects that a highly accommodative stance of monetary policy will remain appropriate for a considerable time after the asset purchase program ends and the economic recovery strengthens. In particular, the Committee decided to keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent and currently anticipates that this exceptionally low range for the federal funds rate will be appropriate at least as long as the unemployment rate remains above 6-1/2 percent, inflation between one and two years ahead is projected to be no more than a half percentage point above the Committee’s 2 percent longer-run goal, and longer-term inflation expectations continue to be well anchored. The Committee views these thresholds as consistent with its earlier date-based guidance. In determining how long to maintain a highly accommodative stance of monetary policy, the Committee will also consider other information, including additional measures of labor market conditions, indicators of inflation pressures and inflation expectations, and readings on financial developments. When the Committee decides to begin to remove policy accommodation, it will take a balanced approach consistent with its longer-run goals of maximum employment and inflation of 2 percent.
Voting for the FOMC monetary policy action were: Ben S. Bernanke, Chairman; William C. Dudley, Vice Chairman; Elizabeth A. Duke; Dennis P. Lockhart; Sandra Pianalto; Jerome H. Powell; Sarah Bloom Raskin; Jeremy C. Stein; Daniel K. Tarullo; John C. Williams; and Janet L. Yellen. Voting against the action was Jeffrey M. Lacker, who opposed the asset purchase program and the characterization of the conditions under which an exceptionally low range for the federal funds rate will be appropriate. “
2012 Denver Market Update Report
Jerry Kaplan
Vice President, Capital Markets
Cherry Creek Mortgage, Co., Inc.
(303)331-4365 * Fax (303)952-6702
Retirement Planning
A Reverse Mortgage is a special type of loan for people 62 or older. The home serves as collateral, as in any mortgage, but thanks to government-mandated provisions, the homeownership is protected.
The key characteristics of a Reverse Mortgage are:
The older we get, the less risk we should take; the better we should protect our health, family, home and financial situation. Protection is one of the key elements of the Reverse Mortgage.
The Reverse Mortgage has been designed to allow homeowners to stay in the home, own the home, and still enjoy the assets of the home while living in it. The protection of homeownership is the highest priority of the Reverse Mortgage. You keep title to the home. You are the owner as long as you or your spouse lives in the home.
No payments are due as long as you or your spouse live in the house. The Reverse Mortgage, with accrued interest, becomes due when neither you nor your spouse live in the home anymore.
Should the outstanding amount of your Reverse Mortgage exceed the value of your home, the Federal Government’s insurance will kick in and cover the difference – you never owe more than the value of your home.
When you pay back the Reverse Mortgage, your equity is the difference between the value of the home and the accrued balance of the Reverse Mortgage. Thus, if the value of your home appreciates, you enjoy all the appreciation.
“You can be young without money, but you cannot be old without it.” —Tennessee Williams
You decide how you want to receive cash from a Reverse Mortgage:
As a lump sum upfront
A lump sum upfront is often used to pay off an existing mortgage, or expensive credit card debt or unexpected bills.
As monthly income
Supplement your pension or social security income.
As a line of credit
A line of credit is a financial safety net; it provides instant access to cash whenever you need it.
It is your money; there are no restrictions on what you do with the cash from the Reverse Mortgage. Use it for your health and well-being, your travels, your grandchildren…. It’s your choice.
The proceeds you receive from a Reverse Mortgage are not taxed and will not move you into a higher tax bracket.
Legally you are tapping equity and not receiving income, so social security payments are not affected. However, Medicaid or other complementary programs may be affected in certain situations. As always, consult a specialist.
Reverse Mortgages are quite easy to qualify for.
The youngest of the borrowers has to be at least 62 years old.
You must own a home to qualify for a Reverse Mortgage. If there is a mortgage or other lien against the home, this has to be paid back with the Reverse Mortgage. The home may also require some repairs. In most situations, these may be paid from the Reverse Mortgage.
There is no income requirement, nor is the Reverse Mortgage affected by your credit rating. However if you ever defaulted on a federal loan, this may disqualify you from a Reverse Mortgage.
You should definitely talk with an experienced specialist. There may be other causes that may disqualify you or may make the Reverse Mortgage an unattractive solution.
If you have any questions, start planning now when the waters are calm. Do not wait for rough seas! I have the perfect contact for you thanks to Colleen Rideout crideout@s1l.com, she can make it all come true for you!
Winter Is Coming!
For those of us who have lived in Colorado for years the drill is familiar. For those of you new to the state here are a few tips to help you out.
The number one cold weather related problem I find during home inspections is that the garden hoses are still connected to the faucets. Even the freeze proof, self draining faucets need to be disconnected from garden hoses or whatever they are connected to.
Shut off the water to your sprinklers and have them blown out. You probably already have had several papers taped to your front door from companies offering this service. Water left in the lines can freeze and burst sprinklers, vacuum break valves etc.
After the leaves fall from the trees clean your gutters, downspouts and underground extensions. Inspect the gutters to ensure that they are secure and ready for the weight of melting snow.
If your roof has a hidden or dead valley it will need to be checked to make sure that no leaves or twigs are lodged up there. Debris on the roof can form dams and block the runoff from snow melt or rain.
Some other things to think about are: storm windows, attic insulation, loose or damaged siding on your house. Snow shovels and snow melt products for your sidewalks and driveway. Trees, shrubbery and your garden all need to be prepared too.
Is your car ready? Check the tires, wheel alignment, brakes, winter grade windshield washer fluid. Blankets and cold weather gear in the truck are recommended for mountain drivers.
This isn’t a comprehensive list but it should help to get you thinking about preparing for winter.
Thanks to Trinity Property Inspections and Pete Szabo for putting this list together for me! Peter Szabo, CMI
Business # (720) 290-2718
Fax # (303) 690-6661
Website: TrinityPropertyInspection.com
Email: szabo1@q.com
Your House Egged
Halloween cleanup can be the scariest thing about the holiday. Here’s a tip sheet on how to remove eggs, toilet paper, wax, and other messes that go bump in the night.
But when the fun is over, the cleanup begins. Here are some tips from the American Cleaning Institute and others on removing the Halloween mayhem that little tricksters leave behind.
Egg splatters on your house
The Papered House
Time is your enemy when your house has been egged, because sunbaked yolks can stain your siding. Also, micro-shards of shell can become embedded in paint or act as an abrasive when you clean off the gunk.
Instead of scrubbing, spray away the egg with your garden hose. But don’t aim the hose full blast at the yolk, which will splatter the mess. Instead, Popular Mechanics magazine suggests first wetting the siding below the egg, then gently spraying the siding above the egg; the water will fall in sheets and flush away the mess.
If you need more cleaning oomph, dip a brush into a bucket of warm water (never hot, which will bake on yolks) and dish soap, and then scrub away the mess.
Toilet paper in your trees
Wet toilet paper is a beast to remove from trees. So wait until the sun evaporates dew; or, if rain is predicted, start removal right away.
Use a rake to grab and pull the TP down, a leaf blower to blast it, or a telescoping reacher/grabber to pluck it.
Start at the top and work your way down. Immediately throw paper away: Leaving it on your lawn can smother grass.
Candle wax on the carpets
Never try to remove hot wax from carpeting. Not only can you burn yourself, but you’ll likely spread the wax, making a bigger mess.
When the wax has cooled, break it with a dull knife or Popsicle stick. Throw away the pieces.
Cover remaining bits with a paper towel or rag, and press a warm iron to the area. Replace the towel frequently to avoid spreading the wax.
Halloween makeup on upholstery and carpet
Many commercial carpet and upholstery cleaners remove makeup from unwanted places. The only tricky part is applying these cleaners.
Always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous spot. Apply a dab of cleaner on a white cloth, then hold it to the test area for about a minute. If no color is transferred to the white cloth, the cleaner is safe.
Never rub cleaner on a stain. Rather, blot the stain starting from its outer edge and work to the center.
What pranks and Halloween messes have you had to clean up? Got some good cleaning tips?
Published: October 31, 2011
With a house full of kids recently, my wife reminded us all to take kitchen health seriously. Thanks to Kaiser Permenente, here is our list of kitchen do’s and don’ts.
Just a little reminder of the kitchen microbes!
Keep it clean
The kitchen is a hot spot for microbes. From raw meat juices that can spill across the countertop to germs retained on the surface of fruits and vegetables, it’s no wonder the culinary corner is considered less sanitary than most bathrooms. Brush up on these tips to avoid foodborne illness as the result of an untidy kitchen:
Avoid using counter tops to slice and dice. Use cutting boards instead: one designated for raw meat and another for produce and ready-to-eat fare. When through using them, always wash boards by hand in hot, soapy water. Then spray them with a little vinegar or rub them with fresh lemon for extra disinfection. Get rid of old boards that develop knicks, scratches, or knife scars — they’re bacterial breeding grounds.
Spray down the kitchen sink nightly with a bleach solution. And replace your dishtowels and rags daily. Toss sponges after a few uses or disinfect them by drenching them in water and then putting them in the microwave on high for at least two minutes.
Don’t forget to rinse the tops of canned food and bottles before opening them to remove factory or transportation residues and other germs that could contaminate the contents.
Always wash your hands before and after handling food.
With only about 2/3 of men washing their hands after using a public restroom, it appears these are recommendations that should not fall on deaf ears. Listen to your Mother!
Can you feel it? Fall is upon us. Skiers and Riders are on the Arapahoe Basin slopes already! Crazy, where did summer go? So, let’s catch up…
University of Denver Hosted Debate 2012
What’s Hot in Denver?
The Denver Metro Area is once again bragging about major employers making their move to Denver. Arrow Electronics and Hitachi said YES to Denver. The Civic Center Park was announced as a National Historic District. The infrastructure of FastTracks continues to grow. The Transportation Center in lower downtown readies itself.
And, how could we forget 71 Million Americans watching the first Presidential Debate at my Alma Matter, the University of Denver. It was recently named one of the top 100 business schools in the world! (There are 13,000 worldwide) Additionally, Arrow Electronics is even already partnering with DU’s School of Engineering!
State, Local and Community budgets have been well supervised during this recessionary period. Our state is ready to rock-n-roll… Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? But, it’s all true!
My View of What’s trending?
The First Time Buyer and The Value Driven move up/high end buyers are making their move. First time buyers can buy for less than rent. With good credit and a down payment, the choice is an easy one. For the Value Driven High End Buyer, a new price paradigm at the high end is making the decision here an easy one too. Buying below replacement cost and below previous price levels is always attractive for savvy real estate buyer. An area of new activity that was rare in the past, but becoming common place now, the corporate transferee is now a tenant. Uncertain job prospects, the need to be mobile and a market of uncertain real estate values combine to make the “Corporate Gypsy” even easier to move than years past. At the recent Worldwide ERC Fall Sysmoposium, one employer stated that 2 out of 3 of their transferees are renters. The associated costs moving a tenant as compared to a homeowner are considerably less. No loss on sale, etc. Is this a new Mobility Paradigm? Are you mobility ready?
What’s my prediction?
VERY Low interest rates will continue to attract buyers into the market. Credit and Income are the only things holding an avalanche of activity back. This is also attractive to current owners refinancing and consolidating debt. This creates more disposable income long term for homeowners. The threat of higher transportation costs is making consumers aware of transit oriented communities/developments (TOC/TOD). This will have the effect of even higher residential densities within a 7 Minute walk to transit centers.
What have I learned from all this?
The market trend… Currently 30% of Americans own their homes free and clear from any indebtedness. The dream of home ownership is not going away. My office is substantially ahead of last year in number of transactions, average price and total dollar volume. Given right set of circumstances, the preferred residential choice is still ownership for 3 out of 4 households. It’s a great country!
Last but not least…
I can’t thank you enough for my success so far during 2012. The referrals, the support and the kind words have not “fallen on deaf ears”. Thank you, thank you and thank you! I couldn’t do it without you!
My greatest reward in business this year, however, really has to be the personal gratification received from assisting my Son and Daughter into their first homes. Less than 1 mile from each other, they are not neighbors, but an easy walk across a golf course will keep them close for years to come.
With my last one graduating from DU in the spring, I look forward to observing what the future has in store for this earth roaming young adult.
How much fun is this? Dee and I couldn’t be more proud of all three of them! We are, truly blessed!
An app that sorts socks? Will this forever change how we do laundry?
Technology finally solves the missing sock mystery.
We’ve all been there. You throw a bunch of socks in the washer, and by the time you take everything out of the dryer, a few have lost their “sole” mates. Well, thanks to microchip technology, socks will never lose sight of their partners again.
Swiss company Blacksocks, a luxury sock manufacturer, believes mankind was made for greater things besides sorting you-know-what. The company just released a line of classic calf socks that can communicate with your iPhone.
This innovative foot garment system uses socks embedded with a communication button. Once scanned, it functions as a GPS device so you can easily pair socks.
But wait, there’s more.
The iPhone app also calculates the number of times socks have been washed — plus, it comes with a “black-o-meter” so users can measure fading.
The iPhone app is free, but the starter kit costs $189, yes, $189. It includes 10 pairs of chipped socks and a scanner. FYI, the company says the socks are also hypoallergenic.
Sorry, ladies and kids, we’re being left out of the fun. This system only includes men’s socks at the moment. But I think only suit-wearing dandies would be interested in this anyway.
Is this marketing ploy or a genius idea that will change how future generations do laundry? You decide. All I know is that my father would have loved this. But he also ironed his socks.
By: Deirdre Sullivan
Published: October 12, 2012
AC News: Residents invited to Sept. 12 presentation on High Line Canal Study
For release: August 22, 2012
Contact:
HALEY MCKEAN
Communication Services Specialist II
Direct: 303-636-1945
Mobile: 303-726-6608
E-mail: hmckean@co.arapahoe.co.us
Residents invited to Sept. 12 presentation on High Line Canal Study
Littleton, CO – More than 300,000 metro-Denver residents live within one mile of the High Line Canal, and thousands more retreat to this treasured 66-mile corridor to walk, ride and play.
A new planning study will help community leaders to identify potential project opportunities to preserve and enhance the recreational user experience along the Canal.
Two public meetings were held in June and August to share the study findings. Residents are invited to a third and final presentation on the study at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 12 at the Cherry Hills Village Center (2450 E. Quincy Avenue, Cherry Hills Village.)
View the draft study and a copy of the study presentation at http://www.co.arapahoe.co.us under “What’s New.”
The planning study was commissioned by the High Line Canal Working Group convened by Arapahoe County. Funding for the study and other planned improvements to the High Line Canal Trail is made possible by the generous citizens of Arapahoe County through the voter-approved Arapahoe County Open Space Sales and Use Tax, which is dedicated to preserve open space, enhance parks, build trail connections and protect our heritage areas.
Since its inception in 2003, the County’s Open Space program has conserved more than 18,000 acres of open space, built more than 30 miles of new trails and created and enhanced neighborhood and regional parks. In 2011 more than 62 percent of voters opted to continue the Arapahoe County Open Space program that extends the quarter-of-a-penny sales and use tax for an additional 10 years to Dec. 31, 2023.
To learn more about Arapahoe County’s Open Space Program, visit http://www.co.arapahoe.co.us and click on “Services” and “Open Space, Parks and Trails.”
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