Non-Sequiturs

thursday, april 23, 2009- James Hinton 

The spread between the 10 year constant maturity Treasury and average conventional mortgage rates has narrowed from about 2.6% at the end of January to about 1.95% last week. That compares with a spread in April, 2008 of about 2.2% and about 1.5% in April 2007. The Treasury's plan to buy mortgage backed securities has precipitated some narrowing of the spread – which helps lower consumer mortgage rates. But the spread has not yet returned to the levels that existed before the financial crisis began.

Today, 30 year fixed conventional mortgage financing is available at approximately 4.75% plus a 1% origination fee.

In the last sixty days, 30 year fixed financing for jumbo loans (greater than $417K) has begun to return. Some lenders are quoting 30 year fixed rate jumbo financing in the high 5's with a 1% origination fee. Jumbo adjustable rate financing with the rate fixed for the first five years is plentiful - with the first five year's rate in the high 4's and low 5's.

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

thursday, april 23, 2009- James Hinton 

The spread between the 10 year constant maturity Treasury and average conventional mortgage rates has narrowed from about 2.6% at the end of January to about 1.95% last week. That compares with a spread in April, 2008 of about 2.2% and about 1.5% in April 2007. The Treasury's plan to buy mortgage backed securities has precipitated some narrowing of the spread – which helps lower consumer mortgage rates. But the spread has not yet returned to the levels that existed before the financial crisis began.

Today, 30 year fixed conventional mortgage financing is available at approximately 4.75% plus a 1% origination fee.

In the last sixty days, 30 year fixed financing for jumbo loans (greater than $417K) has begun to return. Some lenders are quoting 30 year fixed rate jumbo financing in the high 5's with a 1% origination fee. Jumbo adjustable rate financing with the rate fixed for the first five years is plentiful - with the first five year's rate in the high 4's and low 5's.
In the fall of 2008, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac tightened their mortgage qualification guidelines for investment property purchases and refinances. Their guidelines were changed to limit the number of financed properties owned by the borrower to five. Effective May 1, they have raised that limit back to ten properties. The qualifying and down payment requirements have been tightened for those borrowers who own 5 to 10financed properties. Nonetheless, this affords investors the opportunity to refinance their existing properties and to acquire new properties. This should help absorb some of the foreclosure inventory.

The state and federal moratoriums on foreclosures have expired, or soon expire, in most states. The federal foreclosure assistance programs do not work for everyone. We will see a spike in foreclosures and inventory over the next 30 to 120 days.

On April 29th, the Treasury will announce it's 10 year and 30 year offerings for the May bond auctions. Bond investors are concerned about the possible needs of the Treasury, the size of the auctions and the market's ability to absorb huge supplies of new bonds. This auction could be a glimpse of things to come. The fiscal deficits are just beginning to put pressure on the bond markets. It is reasonable to believe that this could signal the bottom of this interest rate cycle. If the auctions go well, rates could drop. But it will probably be temporary. If the auctions go poorly, rates could spike.

About James Hinton--- 36 year banking industry expert & mortgage banking executive, James Hinton, provides tips and tricks on how to De-mystify and conquer the home loan process, and make the best deal for your loan. James can be reached at-

 

Hinton Mortgage & Investment Co.
5440 Harvest Hill Road, Ste 236
Dallas, Texas  75230-6426

www.cfhinton.com

Direct: (972) 729-2551

Toll Free: (866) 941-7213 


read more >>>
Online Value Creation

By Robin Trehan, B.A, MIB, MBA electronic business

Value creation begins with understanding the customer and what the customer wants. Since customers take risks and spend both time and money in the process of buying and using the product or service, he expects a rate of return on the investment. A rate of investment determines how much the succession is going to be repeated in future. The notion of value creation is finding the fissure in the present systems and determining what is missing, finding where the competitors in a market have full-grown and where they have lost touch with the customers and its expectations.

Value creation is an organization's aptitude to learn, and decoding that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive value creation method. In today’s cyber world the process of value creation has to done both in the online and offline market. A company’s ability to create value is functions of both how efficient its business model is and how well integrated are the layers of the system, with customer being in the hub of the model.

Internet value creation model has to be a knowledge based model. The model should work in a style where there is value creation at all the steps, whether it is at the supplier’s level, buyer’s level, seller level, or broker level or integrator level. Internet model should be planned in a mode where there is transaction efficiency and security of customer and his/her information. The model should be seamless and easy to navigate and should be able to let customer find the right product and service in the shortest period of time. This will help to close the transaction and generate revenue. Remember, is it not the number of clicks on your site but the dollar generated which ultimately makes a differentiation.


AddThis Social Bookmark Button

By Robin Trehan, B.A, MIB, MBA electronic business

Value creation begins with understanding the customer and what the customer wants. Since customers take risks and spend both time and money in the process of buying and using the product or service, he expects a rate of return on the investment. A rate of investment determines how much the succession is going to be repeated in future. The notion of value creation is finding the fissure in the present systems and determining what is missing, finding where the competitors in a market have full-grown and where they have lost touch with the customers and its expectations.

Value creation is an organization's aptitude to learn, and decoding that learning into action rapidly, is the ultimate competitive value creation method. In today’s cyber world the process of value creation has to done both in the online and offline market. A company’s ability to create value is functions of both how efficient its business model is and how well integrated are the layers of the system, with customer being in the hub of the model.

Internet value creation model has to be a knowledge based model. The model should work in a style where there is value creation at all the steps, whether it is at the supplier’s level, buyer’s level, seller level, or broker level or integrator level. Internet model should be planned in a mode where there is transaction efficiency and security of customer and his/her information. The model should be seamless and easy to navigate and should be able to let customer find the right product and service in the shortest period of time. This will help to close the transaction and generate revenue. Remember, is it not the number of clicks on your site but the dollar generated which ultimately makes a differentiation.

Value-creation process also depends on how fast you can motivate customer to have a repeat transactions. This will depend on rewarding customers’ loyalty, personalizing the products & services, building virtual communities and establishing a reputation of trust in the transaction. We have to be positive that the model creates online and offline infrastructure, lock-in and novelty. We have to underwrite that the channels are diversified to cater to online and offline market which are complementing each other, and are inducing operational efficiency and high service level both at the logistical, efficiency and service level. Keep learning in an active manner and put into operation what you learn. Learn and evolve fast and faster. Add value each day every moment and focus on the customer.

The Best strategy is to act maturely and grab each opportunity. Take every opportunity as new confront and decide how you can add value to it. Find the “gap” and fill it. Use your creativity; bring in balance between structure, integration, calmness, productivity, relaxation, and harmony with what is around us. Do not fear to make mistakes, make mistakes and learn from them and learn it fast and challenge the unknown, you will at the end get the success prescription.


read more >>>
Green Technologies

Green Technologies- Robin Trehan

Emerging green technologies - including indoor environmental quality, renewable energy, water quality/water resources, and green buildings/sustainable design are coming to the forefront now, making this the perfect time to invest.  Behind healthcare, green technologies are the second fastest growing area in the world today and it is believed the growth will continue for many years to come.
Everyone on this planet is paying attention to green technology. In order for green technology to develop and grow though, organizations throughout the country must work together. Regulators, business leaders, academic institutions, and economic and work-force developers must cooperate with each other.  Green businesses across the country are actively in search of investors.  Getting in at this time, while the area is still developing, will allow investors to grow as the field continues to experience what is sure to be an upward growth.


AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Green Technologies- Robin Trehan

Emerging green technologies - including indoor environmental quality, renewable energy, water quality/water resources, and green buildings/sustainable design are coming to the forefront now, making this the perfect time to invest.  Behind healthcare, green technologies are the second fastest growing area in the world today and it is believed the growth will continue for many years to come.
Everyone on this planet is paying attention to green technology. In order for green technology to develop and grow though, organizations throughout the country must work together. Regulators, business leaders, academic institutions, and economic and work-force developers must cooperate with each other.  Green businesses across the country are actively in search of investors.  Getting in at this time, while the area is still developing, will allow investors to grow as the field continues to experience what is sure to be an upward growth.

People have been cautious to invest since they cannot see past the preliminary price tag of making their business more environmentally friendly. Higher up-front costs for energy-efficient solutions turn people away from investing in eco-friendly technologies. However, the short-term expenses are nominal compared to the long-term rewards of utilizing green technologies. The upfront cost might be higher for energy technology, but in the long run it is less expensive. Green business leaders say that sustainable alternatives pay off in the long run.

Green technology not only allows businesses to slash expenses and preserve resources, but also pleases consumers who are environmentally conscious.  As a consequence, investors are taking additional risks on new companies and initiatives, which may not have been the case in the past.  It is the correct time to invest in green technology because energy costs need to be cut and up-and-coming environmental alternatives can reduce them.

From an investment standpoint, it is now beyond doubt that climate change is genuine. The economic risks are major and almost no area of the economy will be untouched. Electric power companies, oil producers, and automakers all face elevated risks from up-and-coming regulations aimed at reducing global warming pollution and from European and Japanese competitors who are already creating products for their low-carbon economies.

Climate change also presents a vast opportunity for United States investors who buy into the best technological innovations such as renewable energy, bio-based fuels, and carbon-capture and hybrid vehicles. Innovation and market development on this scale, however, will require vast amounts of resources. And investors have a tendency to weight their equity portfolios toward companies focused on succeeding in secure and predictable markets, not on those gambling on doubtful, uncertain regulatory landscapes.

For those investors who are willing to put aside the notion that old is better, green technologies offer a growing arena for investment.  This is one area where new does not equal bound to fail or a risk.

 


read more >>>
Investment Highlights-Charis Industries

Investment Highlights-Charis Industries

Charis Industries believes its common stock shares are an attractive investment opportunity for the following reasons:

Experienced management team and depth of resources

The firm's management, to include the executive officers, the firm’s investment advisors and their respective contractors and affiliates, are investment professionals who have experience in the target market. Collectively, these investment professionals have many years of private equity; corporate finance and small business finance experience. In addition, an active advisory board, investment committee and strategic partners will provide the firm with full access to additional resources to aid in the evaluation of opportunities and in the value enhancement management of portfolio companies.

Access to Unique Transaction Flow


AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Investment Highlights-Charis Industries

Charis Industries believes its common stock shares are an attractive investment opportunity for the following reasons:

Experienced management team and depth of resources

The firm's management, to include the executive officers, the firm’s investment advisors and their respective contractors and affiliates, are investment professionals who have experience in the target market. Collectively, these investment professionals have many years of private equity; corporate finance and small business finance experience. In addition, an active advisory board, investment committee and strategic partners will provide the firm with full access to additional resources to aid in the evaluation of opportunities and in the value enhancement management of portfolio companies.

Access to Unique Transaction Flow

The firm will focus on investments where it has an exclusive opportunity or a distinct competitive advantage.  A significant source of proprietary transactions of this nature will be accessible through the firm’s network, which includes: (i) the management team; which has long-established relationships with management teams, entrepreneurs, corporate development professionals of large corporations and professional advisors (including attorneys, investment advisors, bankers and accountants) involved in the target market.

Experienced Management

The firm’s managers will provide the firm with significant experience in all phases of business advice associated with growth and expansion financing.  Additionally, the executive officers and the firm’s managers have significant experience in managing portfolios of investments and developing business relationships.

Experienced Advisory Board

The firm will have an advisory board, to be appointed by the executive officers, consisting of knowledgeable representatives, the executive officers and non-investors. The advisory board will be a valuable resource available to the firm and its portfolio companies.  Advisory board members will have considerable experience, a substantial depth of contacts and expertise in areas relevant to the firm’s investment activities. 

The advisory board will have an active sub-committee called the Business Development Group. This committee will assist the management with deal flow opportunities, due diligence, transaction analysis and management of portfolio companies.

Transaction Flow and Investment Selectivity

The firm is being formed to capitalize on unique investment opportunities.  The capital requirements of the prospective investments will be supplied primarily from external capital sources, with a significant portion expected to be in the form of private placement capital.  The potential capital requirements and the access to transaction flow are expected to enable the firm to employ its capital efficiently and selectively.

Investment Philosophy

The management team of the firm will employ a patient and selective investment approach. The firm will invest with committed individuals and management teams who have significant experience and proven track records for growing businesses and building long-term value.  The executive officers will use outside professionals for additional strategic and operating guidance to add value throughout the investment process and to enhance the firm’s investments.  Prior to receiving capital commitments from the firm, all investments will be subject to a comprehensive business and financial review.  This comprehensive approach will continue after the investment is made. The executive officers and the firm’s managers expect this well-disciplined investment process to consistently generate attractive returns for the firm’s investors.

Balanced Investment Strategy

The firm will invest in portfolio companies at various stages of development. The executive officers plan to create a portfolio (the “investment portfolio”) consisting of investments in approximately three (3) to ten (10) portfolio companies.  The portfolio will be diversified by industry, use of proceeds, and form of investment.

Value-added Approach

The executive officers will emphasize an active, consultative approach during all phases of the investment process.  The firm’s managers will provide assistance on a variety of strategic, financial and managerial issues, and will place representatives on the boards of directors of portfolio companies.

Charis Industries                                                     

4733 Winding Creek Dr.

Grand Prairie, TX 75052, USA

 

Telephone:-

Office: 214-987-0844

Fax:    214-987-0736

 

 


read more >>>
Steps to Reverse Mortgage
There are many steps necessary to apply for a reverse mortgage. These steps have been outlined by federal legislation, and no step can be skipped. It is important to work with a knowledgeable lender and credit counselor that can provide you with all of the information you need about applying for a reverse mortgage. These individuals will also be able to walk you through the process easily.

The first step in applying for a reverse mortgage is to gather information. Information about reverse mortgages can be found through many non profit organizations and associations. Once you have gathered information and are ready to seriously consider the reverse mortgage as a financial solution, you will need to obtain credit counseling. This counseling must be provided by a federally approved vendor, such as AARP.


AddThis Social Bookmark Button
There are many steps necessary to apply for a reverse mortgage. These steps have been outlined by federal legislation, and no step can be skipped. It is important to work with a knowledgeable lender and credit counselor that can provide you with all of the information you need about applying for a reverse mortgage. These individuals will also be able to walk you through the process easily.

The first step in applying for a reverse mortgage is to gather information. Information about reverse mortgages can be found through many non profit organizations and associations. Once you have gathered information and are ready to seriously consider the reverse mortgage as a financial solution, you will need to obtain credit counseling. This counseling must be provided by a federally approved vendor, such as AARP.

During the reverse mortgage counseling, you will discover and review all of your options for solutions of your financial problems. You will also learn more information about how receiving the reverse mortgage will affect your government benefits, your taxes, and your estate and heirs. When you have completed the reverse mortgage counseling and are still ready to get a reverse mortgage, it is time to actually submit your application.

During this third step in applying for a reverse mortgage, the counselor will put you in touch with a qualified lender who will underwrite your loan package. This fourth step can be a somewhat lengthy process, taking up to two months. It is during this time that you will determine how you want to receive your loan payments. You can choose from several options including a lump sum, a line of credit, or monthly installments.

Closing of the loan includes the establishment of interest rates and closing costs. This fifth step in applying for a reverse mortgage will also include signing of the papers. Closing costs are typically financed as a part of the loan. At this point, your application process is complete, and you have obtained your reverse mortgage. Repayment of the mortgage does not occur until you no longer use or need the home.


read more >>>
 
Affiliate Partners
AddThis Social Bookmark Button
Display # 
1   Link   The Walton Residence, Chicago
THE WALTON RESIDENCE

The Walton Residence is comprised of 28 convertible one, two and three bedroom fully furnished
Apartments and duplexes, designed to afford the highest standard of living for occupant's
long term stay. The apartments are ideal as an alternative to a traditional hotel, offering the freedom, space and comfort of everyday living, or as a longer-term living arrangement, offering the comforts and conveniences of a world-class residential building.

Finished to the highest specifications, each unit is graced with an open floor plan embellished with traditional details such as tray ceilings, millwork, hardwood flooring and large windows. Living and dining rooms are sized for entertaining, as well as comfortable everyday living. Each apartment has been appointed with a high-end Italian kitchen with SubZero refrigerator, J. Corradi range oven, Asko dishwasher, Cuisinart cookware and Rex Electrolux espresso machine.

Bright, spacious bedrooms and sumptuous marble baths offer a spa-like retreat for each occupant. All baths and soft furnishings were custom-designed by Cedicci Interiors for optimum comfort.
2   Link   The Pane Caldo, Chicago
The Restaurant

Welcome to Pane Caldo — located in Chicago's renowned "Gold Coast" neighborhood and just steps away from the magnificent mile of Michigan Avenue, Pane Caldo offers tucked-away comfort of a cozy and intimate atmosphere suitable for a casual get-together, business dinner or special occasion.

The atmosphere includes muted amber-toned walls and a ceiling of dark blue. Here you will find vases of fresh flowers on each table with an elegant setting of fine china and stemware. Soft jazz plays overhead as the professional wait staff serves each guest with grace and style.

Our contemporary Northern Italian cuisine menu changes daily, offering the freshest ingredients possible to our guests. Our extensive, Internationally recognized wine list presents over 1,200 different selections of wines from around the world.

Pane Caldo also features a third floor private dining room that adds a unique element of intimacy to any festive group gathering. Beautiful antique leaded glass windows, elegant decor and unparalleled service complement Pane Caldo's uncompromising commitment to dining excellence.

Experience the very best in dining with Pane Caldo.
3   Link   Zu Robata, Los Angeles, CA
zu robata

Zu Robata is distinctive dining. Featuring our robatayaki grill, Chef Kee Chan’s extensive menu offers a full selection from sushi and sashimi to salads and steaks. It’s traditional Japanese small plate cuisine — with a twist. Our guests dine in a contemporary, sophisticated setting. Metal chopsticks, cloth napkins, a shochu wall, natural wood and porcelain. We’re something different. See and taste for yourself.

Valet parking available. Zu Robata is wheelchair accessible.

Included in Zagat Survey's 2008
America's Top Japanese Restaurants guide.
4   Link   Smokin Jacks, CA
5   Link   Mortgage Pricing Sytem
Mortgage Pricing Systems, LLC was formed in 2003 by a team of mortgage lending and technology experts.

We design flexible, online options for small, medium, and large correspondent lenders. We focus on providing point-of-sale, borrower eligibility while enforcing the margins that guarantee profitability. Our systems allow correspondent banks to successfully blend loan programs from multiple lenders into a single, consistent, and accurate solution for their internal and external sales channels.

MPS management has been successfully servicing the financial markets for over twenty years. We understand the complexity of the correspondent pricing world and the special needs of mortgage banks. To that end, we provide our clients with the tools to thrive in today’s highly competitive marketplace.

The MPS technology team brings over twenty years of experience in building business systems for the financial and lending communities. All our web-based solutions are founded on the latest Microsoft .NET and SQL technologies and can seamlessly adapt to your current web presence.

As a small, agile company, MPS prides itself on developing creative solutions, implementing quality products, and providing superior services to our clients. At MPS we know how to make technology deliver real-world productivity and profits.
6   Link   Axiom Mortgage Bankers
Axiom Mortgage Bankers Corporation was formed in 1989 and was incorporated in 1990 as a mortgage broker originating FHA, VA and conventional first mortgage loans for purchase and refinance in Northern California.
Today the company operates as a direct lender funding hundreds of millions of dollars of first and second mortgage loans and providing its high quality, low cost mortgage loan services across forty (40) States.
Axiom Mortgage Bankers Corporation, is committed to providing their clients with a level of service that often exceeds their expectations. By uniquely utilizing today's technologies, Axiom Mortgage Bankers Corporation is able to make the loan process quick and convenient. This unique approach, in addition to Axiom optional Bi-Weekly auto-debit payment plan , saves their customers thousands of dollars over traditional mortgage lenders.
Whether you are interested in purchasing a home, refinancing your existing home, getting cash out for debt consolidation, home improvements or any other purpose, Axiom Mortgage Bankers Corporation has the experts to assist you in reaching your financial goals quickly, conveniently and in the most cost effective manner possible.
Axiom Mortgage Bankers Corporation is a member of the Better Business Bureau and have an excellent rating of a "AAA".