I received this in my e-mail today. Thought it was interesting:
10 States with Pricey Closing Costs Closing costs have risen an average of 36.6 percent compared to 2009, according to Bankrate.com’s annual survey.
The big increased was caused by the U.S. government requiring lenders to provide accurate good faith estimates of closing costs. Previously, lenders weren’t penalized for a bad estimate.
On average, the origination and third party fees on a $200,000 purchase mortgage added up to $3,741.
Here are the 10 highest states:
1. New York, $5,623
2. Texas, $4,708
3. Utah, $4,605
4. California-San Francisco, $4,566; California-Los Angeles, $4,406
5. Alaska, $4,327
6. Oklahoma, $4,254
7. Pennsylvania, $4,236
8. New Jersey, $4,110
9. Idaho, $4,077
10. Massachusetts, $4,025
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Dressed To Kill?
After five years of not having one, my office has implemented a dress code. As with most situations in my life, I have mixed feelings. One part me enjoyed the comfort of coming to work in jeans and a t-shirt, but another believes in "dressing for success." It's sometimes nice to dress at the level of professionalism you actually represent. I guess my main issue/question for everyone is this: Is implementing a dress code, after years of not having one, a feasible request? Also, if you're in a business that requires minimal-to-zero "face time," is it still necessary to wear business attire?
To address the first half of the question, obviously people will do what their boss requests regardless of how quick the change may occur (no one wants to get fired over wearing converse...in the grand scheme, it just doesn't seem worth the fight). Let's say though that the dress code is merely a strong suggestion versus a requirement. I truly do believe that some people are more effective when they're dressed in "work clothes." I, however, am not necessarily one of those people. I also do not like to be odd man out. If everyone's wearing dress pants, I won't be the idiot in jeans. I will take the strong suggestion and run. I do think though, that a company/head of a company, will face a lot of resistance by not implementing these "rules" from the start. I know in my office, the main comment is "why now?" And really, if nothing changed in the company/position you hold, why now?
The second part of the question is a little more tricky because it really is a matter of personal style. Many people have "phone jobs," and still but put on business attire to go to work. However, as previously mentioned, (::cough::me::cough::) not everyone needs to "dress for success" to feel successful. Personally, I conduct business the same regardless of my attire. Whether I'm working from home in my pajamas (My life's goal - if you're reading this, put that into the universe for me. K, thanks), or I'm sitting at my desk in a business suit, I'm the same. Actually, I feel more comfortable/ready to work when I'm not in business attire.
Given the nature of my business, comfortability is important.It's funny how different the life of an agent is from the life of a consultant. As an agent, I always dressed in business attire. You have to. Appearance is half the battle. As a consultant though, (and I'd venture to guess this applies to any/all phone versus in person business) appearance means nothing. Body language is more important than what you're actually wearing.So, I guess I'm seeking opinions. If you were working for a company where a dress code was suddenly strongly recommended (keep in mind, my new dress code is mandatory. The question is hypothetical), what would you do? Also, do you feel more successful/professional in business attire?
To address the first half of the question, obviously people will do what their boss requests regardless of how quick the change may occur (no one wants to get fired over wearing converse...in the grand scheme, it just doesn't seem worth the fight). Let's say though that the dress code is merely a strong suggestion versus a requirement. I truly do believe that some people are more effective when they're dressed in "work clothes." I, however, am not necessarily one of those people. I also do not like to be odd man out. If everyone's wearing dress pants, I won't be the idiot in jeans. I will take the strong suggestion and run. I do think though, that a company/head of a company, will face a lot of resistance by not implementing these "rules" from the start. I know in my office, the main comment is "why now?" And really, if nothing changed in the company/position you hold, why now?
The second part of the question is a little more tricky because it really is a matter of personal style. Many people have "phone jobs," and still but put on business attire to go to work. However, as previously mentioned, (::cough::me::cough::) not everyone needs to "dress for success" to feel successful. Personally, I conduct business the same regardless of my attire. Whether I'm working from home in my pajamas (My life's goal - if you're reading this, put that into the universe for me. K, thanks), or I'm sitting at my desk in a business suit, I'm the same. Actually, I feel more comfortable/ready to work when I'm not in business attire.
Given the nature of my business, comfortability is important.It's funny how different the life of an agent is from the life of a consultant. As an agent, I always dressed in business attire. You have to. Appearance is half the battle. As a consultant though, (and I'd venture to guess this applies to any/all phone versus in person business) appearance means nothing. Body language is more important than what you're actually wearing.So, I guess I'm seeking opinions. If you were working for a company where a dress code was suddenly strongly recommended (keep in mind, my new dress code is mandatory. The question is hypothetical), what would you do? Also, do you feel more successful/professional in business attire?
Monday, August 2, 2010
40-Year Mortgage?
40-Year Mortgage is a Risky Move.
So, you can't build equity and your monthly payments are maybe $100 less. What's the point? To me, it seems like yet another way to scam buyers into taking out larger loans.
So, you can't build equity and your monthly payments are maybe $100 less. What's the point? To me, it seems like yet another way to scam buyers into taking out larger loans.
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