About Blaine County, ID

I know, I know.  You'd think I was secretly working for the Idaho Tourism Bureau.  To be on point, this is a more sentimental version of my recent visit to the spud State. 

Note to Jane Peters: I promise you won't get car-sick watching this one! 

Have a great mid-July weekend everyone!

If consumer spending is a keystone element in the U.S. economic recovery, a full-on rebound is likely underway.

Tuesday, the Census Bureau released its national January Retail Sales figures and, for the seventh straight month, the data surpassed expectations. Last month's retail figures climbed 0.3 percent as total sales receipts reached an all-time high.

It's good news for the economy which is scratching back after a prolonged recession, however as we have discussed in previous postings, if you're looking for a mortgage - rates have been going up since November and are not going to turn around anytime soon.

Because consumer spending accounts for the majority of the U.S. economy, Retail Sales growth means more economic growth and that growth draws Wall Street's dollars toward riskier investments, including equities, at the expense of safer investments such as mortgage-backed bonds.

On the heels of the Retail Sales report's release, bond prices are falling this morning. As a consequence, mortgage rates are rising. It's the same pattern we've seen since mid-November - "good news" about the economy sparks a stock market frenzy, causing mortgage bonds to rise.

A sampling of other recent good-for-the-economy stories include:

• Corporate earnings are rising quickly (Marketwatch)
• Existing Home Sales up 12% month-over-month (CNN Money)
• The Fed says the economy looks "brighter" (Bloomberg)

The days of 4 percent, 30-year fixed rate mortgages are over. 5 percent is the new mortgage rate benchmark. That is unless the economy continues to keep showing strength; then, that number may rise to six percent.

If you're thinking of buying or refinancing a home, consider how rising rates will impact your budget. You may want to take that next step sooner than you had planned - if only to protect your monthly payments.

Information gathered from the Idaho energy audits in Hailey, Blaine County, Idaho will be used to determine energy efficiency, retrofitting and weatherization projects using funds from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grants (EECBG). Retrofitting projects will include air infiltration, energy efficient windows and doors, insulation levels, weather-stripping and caulking, and electric base loads.

Using its EECBG formula funding to retrofit and improve the energy efficiency of a number of it's municipal buildings that will result in substantial reduction in energy usage.

EECBG Formula grants can be used for energy efficiency and conservation programs and projects community wide, as well as renewable energy installations on local municipal buildings, city facilities, local city and county government buildings. EECBG programs include: energy efficiency stimulus funding, energy efficiency retrofit programs, municipal efficiency retrofits, retrofitting of city owned buildings.

If an EECBG weatherization and retrofitting project is selected, an energy audit must be completed first in order to prioritize other activities.

We foresee energy efficiency block grant funds as a crucial component of pursuing energy efficiency programs within a town, city or local government.

Alamo Infrared is the oldest and largest building inspector and energy auditor for homes, businesses, medical and government buildings in the Rocky Mountain West.

Please visit our energy audit page for more information www.utahenergyaudit.com

Ketchum's largest Summer Festival is already underway and you won't want to miss this year! The antique vendors have set up all over town and there are food stalls and events on the calendar every day leading up to the Big Hitch Parade on Saturday at 1:00. The antique fairs will continue into Sunday so that should leave plenty of time to shop for a little Real Estate while you are shopping for the furniture to go in it :)

The weather couldn't be more spectacular and I invite you to take advantage of the numerous hiking trails, the bike path and the fishing opportunities...You won't be disappointed.

Many restaurants are serving "Al Fresco" at this time of year and the nights may be cool so bring a wrap if you think you will be dining into the night.

Click the link to access the Website for the week.

http://www.visitsunvalley.com/static/index.cfm?action=group&contentID=535

Happy Labor Day to All!

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