Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter (March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890)
http://www.vangoghgallery.com/

Artists take risks. They pursue their vision, often without financial security, facing long odds while stewing in their own self-doubt. When the world tells them “it’s not safe,” they listen to their own voice despite “prevailing wisdom.” They have a vision and they pursue it.

Occasionally, if they’re very lucky, they get to look back on their life and see the path that lead them to create a masterpiece. At the time, the path wasn’t easy, yet in retrospect, it looks very much like the only possible path they could take.

I think in twenty years or even ten years, we’re going to hear the collective sound of people kicking themselves because they did not buy a home this year. As their teenage sons and daughters graduate and enter the future job market and begin searching for their first home, they’ll turn to their parents and say, “Seriously? You’re telling me when I was in middle school, you could get a 30-year fixed for under 5%?”

Too many remain terrified by the last great storm in the housing market. They stand now on the shores of incredible opportunity, but can’t shake the vision of all those values sinking into oblivion.

Think about the future. Who might need a home? Is there an opportunity to “be the bank” when the time comes? The descendants of those savvy collectors who bough a Van Gogh painting for mere dollars in 1885 are surely grateful for their grandparents’ eyes today, aren’t they?

Yes, there is uncertainty, but this is the calmest water you’re ever going to see. Set sail now and buy a home. Those that do will certainly be rewarded. As for the masterpiece? It will be the satisfaction of looking back and realizing they bought at just the right time.

There’s certainly no risk to exploring the opportunity. I’d love the opportunity to sit down with you and plot a possible course to the best investment you could make. Contact me today.

Not only is eliminating junk mail a personal convenience, but it’s also good for the planet. Who hasn’t lugged 60 pounds of junk mail down to the curb on recycling night and thought, “I can’t believe all of this paper and ink is wasted.”?

Well, if you’re looking for a free and easy way to cut down on the unwanted catalogs, coupons, credit card offers, circulars (and more!), then be sure to check out CatalogChoice.org (http://www.catalogchoice.org).

Catalog Choice lets you opt out of direct marketers’ databases, ensuring that you receive less junk (and your privacy is protected). Register for a free account and you can immediately begin cutting down on all of that unwanted mail.

How does it work? Catalog Choice gets your opt-outs processed by the senders. You can track your opt-outs, and if you receive the mail again, Catalog Choice will follow up. They work with over 4000 companies to honor your choices and have processed over 20 million opt-outs by over 1.4 million account holders.

You can also directly opt out from unwanted offers directly from the big 3 credit bureaus; Transunion, Equifax and Experian. That site it www.optoutprescreen.com. You can opt out for 5 years electronically or permanently with a signed form. The FTC also has a very helpful site to get the facts on prescreened offers at this link.

Take control of your home’s mailbox today!

Like this tip? Sign up for my neighborly newsletter which includes even more helpful information: Please subscribe me to your helpful newsletter.

Important Note: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are scheduled to provide full details of the program, including information to lenders, by Nov. 15. The FHFA says some lenders may be able to start offering the program by Dec. 1, although most estimates are of a rollout in the first quarter of 2012 for most participating lenders. Chase Bank and mortgage lender Genworth have already indicated they look forward to participating.

Here’s what I know so far. Get a HARP refi quote now.

What Is HARP?

HARP was started in April 2009. It goes by several names. The government calls it HARP, as in Home Affordable Refinance Program.

The program is also known as the Making Home Affordable plan, the Obama Refi plan, and Relief Refinance.

In order to be eligible for the HARP refinance program :

1.Your loan must be backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
2.Your current mortgage must have a securitization (originated and bought by either institution above) date prior to June 1, 2009
If you meet these two criteria, you may be HARP-eligible. If your mortgage is FHA, USDA/ VA or a jumbo mortgage, you are not HARP-eligible.

HARP : Questions and Answers

Do these question-and-answers account for the “new” HARP program?

Yes, everything you are reading is accurate as of today, October 25, 2011. This post includes the latest changes rolled out by the Federal Home Finance Agency on October 24, 2011.

How do I know if Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac has my mortgage?

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have “lookup” forms on their respective websites. Check Fannie Mae’s first because Fannie Mae’s market share is larger. If no match is found, then check Freddie Mac. Your loan must appear on one of these two sites to be eligible for HARP. Make note of how you type in your address at both these sites. Sometimes it must match exactly what is on your current mortgage statement.

If my mortgage is held by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, am I instantly-eligible for the Home Affordable Refinance Program?

No. There is a series of criteria. Having your mortgage held by Fannie or Freddie is just a pre-qualifier.

Is “HARP” the same thing as the government’s “Making Home Affordable” program?

Yes, the names HARP and Making Home Affordable are one in the same.

My mortgage is held by Fannie/Freddie. Now what do I do?

Find a recent mortgage statement and write “Fannie Mae” or “Freddie Mac” on it — whichever group backs your home loan — so you don’t forget. Give that information to your lender when you apply for your HARP refinance.

What if neither Fannie Mae nor Freddie Mac has a record of my mortgage?

If neither Fannie nor Freddie has record of your mortgage, your loan HARP-ineligible. However, you may still be eligible for a “regular” refinance to lower rates. Got to my site and request a quote to see your options. Or, if your mortgage is insured by the FHA, you can use an FHA Streamline Refinance.

Am I eligible for the Home Affordable Refinance Program if I’m behind on my mortgage?

No. You must be current on your mortgage to refinance via HARP.

Will the Home Affordable Refinance Program help me avoid foreclosure?

No. The Home Affordable Refinance Program is not designed to delay, or stop, foreclosures. It’s meant to give homeowners who are current on their mortgages, and who have lost home equity, a chance to refinance at today’s low mortgage rates.

What are the minimum requirements to be HARP-eligible?

First, your home loan must be paid on-time for the prior 6 months, and at least 11 of the most recent 12 months. Second, your mortgage must have been sold to Fannie or Freddie prior to June 1, 2009. And, third, you may not have used the HARP program before — only one HARP refinance per mortgage is allowed.

Is there a 125% loan-to-value restriction for HARP?

No, there is no 125% loan-to-value restriction. All homes — regardless of equity — are eligible for the HARP program.

I am really far underwater on my mortgage. Can I use HARP?

Yes, you can. There is no loan-to-value restriction under the HARP program.

Maybe I wasn’t clear. I am really, really far underwater on my mortgage. Are you sure I can use HARP?

Yes, I am sure. The new HARP program specifically has no loan-to-value restriction so that homeowners in Florida, California, Arizona and Nevada can take advantage of it. You can 300% loan-to-value, and still be HARP-eligible. HARP is now unlimited LTV.

Will my home require an appraisal with the HARP program?

Sort of. Although your home’s value doesn’t matter for the HARP program, lenders will run what’s called an “automated valuation model” (AVM) on your home. If the value meets reliability standards, no physical appraisal will be required. However, your lender may choose to commission a physical appraisal anyway — just to make sure your home is “standing”.

Is HARP the same thing as an FHA Streamline Refinance?

No, the HARP program is administered through Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHA Streamline Refinances are performed through the FHA. The programs have similarities, however.

Do I have to HARP refinance with my current mortgage lender?

No, you can do a HARP refinance with any participating mortgage lender.

So, I can use any mortgage lender for my HARP Refinance?

Yes. With the Home Affordable Refinance Program, you can refinance with any participating HARP lender. Click here for a HARP rate quote from me.

I put down 20% when I bought my home. My home is now underwater. If I refinance with HARP, will I have to pay mortgage insurance now?

No, you won’t need to pay mortgage insurance. If your current loan doesn’t require PMI, your new loan won’t require it, either.

I pay PMI now. Will my PMI payments go up with a new HARP refinance?

No, your private mortgage insurance payments will not increase. However, the “transfer” of your mortgage insurance policy may require an extra step. Remind your lender that you’re paying PMI to help the refinance process move more smoothly.

What’s the biggest mortgage I can get with a HARP refinance?

HARP refinances are limited to your area’s conforming loan limits. In most cities, the conforming loan limit is $417,000. However, there are some cities in which conforming loan limits are as high at $625,500.

Can I do a cash-out refinances with HARP?

No, the HARP program doesn’t allow cash out refinance. Only rate-and-term refinances are allowable.

Can I refinance an investment/rental property with HARP?

Yes, you can refinance an investment/rental property with HARP, even if the home was once your primary residence. You can refinance a home on which you’re an “accidental landlord” via HARP. The loan must meet typical program eligibility standards.

Can I refinance a second/vacation home with HARP?

Yes, you can refinance an second/vacation property with HARP, even if the home was once your primary residence. The loan must meet typical program eligibility standards.

Are condominiums eligible for HARP refinancing?

Yes, condominiums can be financed on the HARP refinance program. Warrantability standards still apply.

Can I consolidate mortgages with a HARP refinance?

No, you cannot consolidate multiple mortgages with the HARP refinance program. It’s for first liens only. All subordinate/junior liens must be re-subordinated to the new first mortgage.

Can I “roll up” my closing costs with a HARP refinance?

Yes, mortgage balances can be increased to cover closing costs in addition to other monies due at closing such as escrow reserves, accrued daily interest, and a small amount of cash. In no cases may loan sizes exceed the local conforming loan limits, however.

I am unemployed and without income. Am I HARP-eligible?

No. Income verification is required for the HARP refinance program.

My original mortgage was a stated income loan. Will my income be verified with a HARP refinance?

Yes, with HARP, applicant income is verified in the same manner as with a traditional refinance — via a combination of W-2s, paystubs, tax returns and other, underwriter-requested documentation.

Do HARP refinances use Loan-Level Pricing Adjustments?

Technically, loan-level pricing adjustments (adjustments made to fees for a certain rate. The more risk, the more fees you’ll have to pay.) do not apply to HARP refinances, but borrowers may be subject to LLPAs based on their respective credit scores or home-types (e.g.; 2-unit, 3-unit, 4-unit). Loan-to-Value LLPAs are reduced and/or waived.

Is there a minimum credit score to use the HARP program?

No, there is no minimum credit score requirement with the HARP refi program, per se. However, you must qualify for the mortgage based on traditional underwriting standards.

Do I have to refinance my mortgage with my current lender?

In most cases, no. You can do a HARP refinance with any lender you want. Click here for a HARP rate quote from me.

What does the term “DU Refi Plus” mean?

“DU Refi Plus” is the brand name Fannie Mae assigned to its particular flavor of the HARP program. “DU” stands for Desktop Underwriter. It’s a software program that simulates mortgage underwriting. “Refi Plus” is a gimmicky-sounding term that could have been anything. The name has been trademarked, however. As an aside, Freddie Mac is using the branded name “Relief Refinance”.

Can I remove my spouse or a co-signer with a HARP refinance?

Maybe. HARP guidelines specifically prohibit removing a co-signer from the note, but there are circumstances in which you can remove a co-signer from the mortgage and from the deed so that the former co-signer has no ownership interest in the home.

For how long should I lock my mortgage rate via the HARP Program?

Lock for 45 days, at minimum. This is because the HARP program, while streamlined for simplicity, still has some grey areas that can lead to delay. It’s better to have a rate lock that lasts too long than not long enough.

When does the HARP program end?

If you are HARP-eligible, you must close on your mortgage prior to January 1, 2014 — 798 days from now.

How do I apply for the HARP program?

Go to my site to get a rate quote. If the rate looks good, you can accept it. There is no fee for applying.

Apply For Home Affordable Refinance Program

Lastly, don’t forget! The Home Affordable Refinance Program is not meant to save a home from foreclosure. It’s meant to give underwater homeowners a chance to refinance without paying PMI. If you need foreclosure help, call your current loan servicer immediately.

Good Luck!

Important Note: Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are scheduled to provide full details of the program, including information to lenders, by Nov. 15. The FHFA says some lenders may be able to start offering the program by Dec. 1, although most estimates are of a rollout in the first quarter of 2012 for most participating lenders. Chase Bank and mortgage lender Genworth have already indicated they look forward to participating.

An innovative friend at the young age of 56 who still had a lot to give. Here was a man that is loved by millions and has enriched countless lives! He had Billions of dollars in the bank and yet on this day, we are wealthier than Steve Jobs.

Why? BECAUSE WE HAVE TODAY! And unfortunately Mr. Jobs does not.

How are you going to spend this wealth? Are you going to spend it on something that matters? I would encourage you to go out and spend your infinite wealth of today on something that matters. Live, inspire and enrich other lives  as Steve did and would have continued to do if given the chance.

Please… go out and make today count! Celebrate your gift of today.

Thinking Differently Now?

Michael

Having been a Marine myself, I have a lot of respect and admiration for this Staff Sargent. God bless him and the rest of our service men and women who have fought for our country 200+ years. Semper Fi Staff Sargent, you would have made Chesty proud. Ooh Rah!

Tony:  An extraordinary  life doesn’t just happen.  Visualization is one of the most powerful tools you can incorporate into your everyday life to help maintain the competitive edge you enjoy now or to take you to an even higher plane.  Like watching a move of your life, it’s “seeing” you living out your dreams, your purpose, your values, and your emotions — and it’s ALL in the present, as if it’s happening now.  Just as an extraordinary body requires a ritual in optimal diet and exercise, an extraordinary spirit demands a ritual in optimal emotion.  My emotion is gratitude and my ritual spending an hour each dat to expand my capabilities to not only enjoy life more fully, but to help others to do so as well.

When you devote yourself to practicing this form of visualization daily, you will see your life begin to change in the ways you envisioned.  Your visions will become your reality.  You will connect more deeply with people and you will take on the challenges that each day may bring with clarity, faith and resolve.  You will begin to visualize your best life as you condition your mind, body and spirit for daily success.

Q:  What inspired you  to create the Basket Brigade?

Tony:  Pain — Personal pain!  Lots of us have been in a position when the kindness of a friend or even a stranger lifted and nurtured us out of a challenging situation.  Sometimes this simple act of kindness inspires us to do more and to reciprocate the magical gift that was given to us.

I had an experience like that when I was 11 years old and facing a bleak Thanksgiving.  We weren’t starving, we always found a way, but we certainly weren’t going to have a real holiday dinner with the trimmings.  Then a miracle happened — there was a knock at our door and when I opened it there was this HUGE man standing there with a giant box of food in his arms that was crammed full of everything — stuffing, pies, sweet potatoes — he even had an uncooked turkey in a pan on the ground next to him.  Someone knew my family was in trouble and wanted to help.  This stranger wasn’t looking for appreciation or adoration for this good deed.

That day I had a revelation that changed the course of my entire life.  I’d always believed that no one really cared.  But that day I decided that if a stranger cared enough about me to make sure I had a Thanksgiving feast, then I would return the gift.  Someday I would do well enough to give another family in need a Thanksgiving feast.

When I was 17, I took the little money I had in my pocket and filled two baskets with enough food to give two families a great Thanksgiving.  A the first house, a tiny Latina woman answered the door, her five kids peering  wide-eyed from behind her.  Her husband had just left her two days before with no food.  She looked at me in total disbelief, then she burst into teas and pulled me down to her, kissing me all over my face.  And while I was reeling from that, her kids tackled me, hugging my legs.  She pulled back just enough to look into my eyes and said, “Gift from God. Gift from God.”  It was such a powerful moment pure, undiluted joy and it made me realize that my life had come full circle — a recipient had been blessed enough to become a giver.

The next year I fed four families, then I fed eight families the year after that.  When I founded the Anthony Robbins foundation 20 years ago, our Thanksgiving gifts became the International Basket Brigade.  Last year between Thanksgiving and Christmas we fed nearly two million people in 35 countries.

I invite you to give yourself the gift of giving back.  Find something that ignites your passion and give to others with no strings attached.  When we give like that we step outside of ourselves and contributing to those who can’t give us anything in return is the way we experience  the ultimate reward.  We remember how small our problems really are and from that place of strength and gratitude, we are able to experience a different quality of life and touch the lives of others.  Contribution makes us remember why we were made.

Tony Robbins.

This spring, concentrate on these important fix-ups:

• Inspect gutters  and downspouts and check to see that splash blocks are properly positioned. To see if the weight of snow, ice and leaves has twisted your home’s gutters out of shape, pour a large container of water into each one. If water pools in one spot or flows away from the downspout, the gutter may need repair or replacement.
• All homes settle a bit each year, which can stress the foundation. Look carefully for hairline cracks and repair them immediately with the proper sealant.
• If your home is a brick exterior, inspect the bricks and mortar for any signs of wear or damage. If your home has wood or vinyl siding, look for loose panels and trim. Inspect the soffit and facia below the gutters for rot and insects.
• Examine all doors and windows for warping and re-caulk all seams every two years.
• On the roof, look for missing, loose or cracked shingles. Areas of mold or evidence of moisture accumulation may mean that water is not draining properly toward the gutters.
• Decide if your deck needs a fresh coat of stain or preservative and tap in any protruding nails.
• Inspect all visible pipes for leaks, drips or corrosion. Also look for water stains on the ceilings and walls that could indicate roof or window leaks.

Most of this routine maintenance can be done yourself. However, if you find yourself in need of a handyman whether it be lack of expertise or time, send me an email and I get you a referral. You can also use Angie’s List to find a reputable handyman.

Portland Farmers Market Growing for 2010 Season

Portland Farmers Market doubles footprint at Saturday PSU Market and opens two new farmers’ markets at Pioneer Courthouse Square and NW 23rd Avenue.

Portland, Ore., January 28, 2010 – Portland Farmers Market, the nonprofit 501(c)6 organization operated by a small staff and numerous volunteers, today announced the opening of two new farmers’ market locations as well as the expansion of the Portland Farmers Market – Saturday at PSU. Beginning this summer, the organization will launch and operate farmers markets at Pioneer Courthouse Square and NW 23rd Avenue. The Saturday PSU market will stretch from SW Montgomery Street to SW Hall Street, doubling the footprint of the popular market.

“Portland Farmers Market wants to build a strong regional food system by ensuring that every city resident has access to high quality, nutritious, locally grown and produced food and appreciates its value in strengthening our local economy,” said Ann Forsthoefel, executive director of Portland Farmers Market.

She added, “We are three huge steps closer to realizing that goal by expanding our Saturday PSU market and opening these two new locations in two of the most vibrant, visited areas of the city.”

More than 450 farmers and food artisans have applied to become vendors at Portland Farmers Market’s six farmers’ market locations for the 2010 season. This is a record number of applications second only to the 2009 season, which is recognized as one of the most successful years for Portland Farmers Market, an independently run organization which receives no ongoing support or funding from government agencies.

Portland Farmers Market – Saturday at PSU: Now Offering More Room to Roam

The Portland Farmers Market – Saturday at PSU, set to open for its 19th season on Saturday, March 20, 2010 – the first day of spring – will expand to include the block directly south of its existing location. Although the Saturday PSU farmers’ market location will double in size, the staff doesn’t plan to double the number of vendor booths. Instead, vendor booths will line up along the perimeter of the South Park Blocks, eliminating the majority of the inner ring of vendors’ stalls formerly packed into the previous market footprint.

Already ranked as one of the world’s best farmers’ markets, the expansion will allow the more than 170 vendors and 16,000 shoppers more space to shop for farm-fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, seafood and more.

“It’s hard to accommodate 16,000 shoppers hungry for great local produce and specialty foods into one city block during a six-hour time span! The expansion of our Saturday PSU market location will allow for better foot traffic flow and make our visitors’ shopping experience even more enjoyable,” said Jaret Foster, senior market manager of Portland Farmers Market.

Portland’s Living Room Will Become Portland’s Kitchen and Dining Room

Starting the first day of summer, the Rose City’s living room will transform into Portland Farmers Market at

Pioneer Courthouse Square, made possible by Portland’s own Alpha Broadcasting. Every Monday from June 21 to October 25, 2010, more than 32 local farmers and food artisans will take root in the heart of downtown Portland from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The more than 26,000 people passing by the Square every Monday will be able enjoy lunch and shop for dinner for 19 consecutive weeks.

“The Square is recognized as the most visited site in Oregon’s most visited city and the ideal community

gathering place. It’s the perfect location for a farmers market!” added Forsthoefel.

Location, Location, Location: NW 23rd Avenue

Noted as one of the prime retail locations in the city, Portland Farmers Market will also open the Portland

Farmers Market at NW 23rd Avenue, on the southeast corner of NW 23rd Avenue and NW Savier Street in a lot generously donated by Con-way Inc. Portland Farmers Market is currently working with the NW Portland community to determine the ideal day and time for this new market. Neighborhood residents will find the bounty of the region right at their doorsteps from June through September.

Forsthoefel shared, “The support and enthusiasm we have received from the NW community has been

tremendous. We are delighted to collaborate with Con-way Inc. in order to bring fresh food to this vibrant area of NW Portland that clearly values the importance of supporting local farmers and food artisans.”

The new locations add to Portland Farmers Market’s three other weekly locations:

• Portland Farmers Market – Wednesday at Shemanski Park, located in the South Park Blocks between SW Park and Salmon
• Portland Farmers Market – Sunday at King Elementary Schoo
• Portland Farmers Market – Thursday at Hinson Church (formerly called Eastbank).

About Portland Farmers Market

Founded in 1992, Portland Farmers Market operates vibrant farmers markets that contribute to the success of local food growers and producers, strengthen the food economy and serve as community gathering places. The local 501(c)6 nonprofit employs five full-time and four part-time employees who manage six weekly farmers’ markets in the Portland area from March until December. The independently-run organization receives no ongoing support from government agencies. More than 26,000 shoppers purchase farm-fresh produce, baked goods, meats, cheeses, seafood and other specialty foods from more than 250 vendors at the height of the season. In addition to operating markets, Portland Farmers Market also serves as an incubator for emerging businesses, a leader of the local food movement, a source of education, a culinary focal point in the community, a cultural destination complete with musical entertainment, and a billboard for Portland’s sustainability movement. To learn more about how Portland Farmers Market aims to grow, nourish and inspire the community, become a Twitter follower, Facebook fan and visit www.portlandfarmersmarket.org.

So what’s in an email signature? You know… that often neglected sign off to your emails? It’s purpose is to give the reader an easy means to contact you should they have questions. Or, you can use it make a special offer etc… All your info is handy, right in front of them.

Here’s what mine use to look like:

******************************
Michael J. Eiden, CMPS
Certified Mortgage Planner
MORTGAGE EXPRESS
Direct  503.517.2429
Fax      503.517.8548

OR ML#1952 | WA MLO-165229

Useful… but boring. Here’s what my new one looks like:

A little more snazzy right? I thought so too. Even the tabs are clickable right from their email! If you want your own, go to www.emailideas.com and get yours. It’s super easy and best of all free! I would like your thoughts though. Please share below. Which one do you like? Which would you use in your business? Do you use an email signature? Thanks… enjoy your day!

P.S. One side note. If your reader gets text only messages and no html then the new signature will not appear. You will need to add the old text signature underneath your new one, for those that don’t read in html.