McGregor, MN

What is happening today in the world of finance, real estate and slightly rising interest rates for home buyers?

Although there was a slight increase from yesterday's closing rates- rates are still rock bottom.

If you are buying and if you are borrowing money to buy- then get moving.

We took Kaitlin on her first camping trip last weekend. Tabitha and I are experienced campers, and we were well-prepared for the heavy rain we had the first night.

But even the most seasoned veterans make mistakes. On our last night, I neglected to put the dry food bin into the truck before bed. A very opportunistic raccoon had a craving for junk food and coffee. Our normal "leave no trace" mantra was disturbed by a trail of Cheetos and snickers wrappers leading into the forest, and gourmet coffee grounds scattered all over our picnic table. I spent 20 minutes securing trash from the woods by flashlight, and putting the rest of our food away. The next morning, we scouted the remaining trash and food on the gound and cleaned it all up before heading home.

While even the most experienced real estate professional is capable of making rookie mistakes, it's how that agent takes ownership and corrects the problem that truly reveals their character. For your clients, you alone can choose how you confront a mistake. You can be the agent running through the woods at 2am to retrieve that empty Cheetos bag. Or be the one who stays in bed and leaves the site trashed for the next camper.

Originally posted at www.gopherfiles.com on 8/16/10

This is not a misprint and yes temperatures in Las Vegas Monday morning at suppose to reach between 110 to 114 degrees. 

Temperatures all last week were around the same and poor Vegas Bob has been working outside in this heat. People say it's a dry heat but (Hot is Hot) and it's like sticking your head in the oven.

(Note): I have been drinking about (Three Gallons) of water per day with salt pills and other heat additives.

Can you think of anything else Vegas Bob can do to "Beat the Heat?"

I will be thinking about the Video I took at Big Sandy Lake" in Minnesota with these kids kayaking and wish this lake was around so I could take a dip to cool down.

Video by Robert Swetz (Vegas Bob) June 2010 - All rights reserved 

From the New York Times:

Michael S. Barr, Treasury’s assistant secretary for financial institutions, said in an interview Friday that the government would try to use shame as a corrective, publicly naming those institutions that move too slowly to permanently lower mortgage payments. The Treasury Department also will wait until reductions are permanent before paying cash incentives that it promised to mortgage companies that lower loan payments.

“They’re not getting a penny from the federal government until they move forward,” Mr. Barr said.

I am wondering if shame is the new step to take in getting the banking industry to do what the government wants them to do? It worked when I was young and my Mother used it, but I think there really may be a more adult way and I am wondering who the adult in this situation really is?

Last month it was reported that fewer than 2000 of the 500,000 loan modifications that were then in progress had become permanent. Has the Making Home Affordable program worked with any of your clients? We throw the term “loan modification” out there but who has seen real progress in this? I know of only a few and then not personally but “someone who heard of someone who”.

I am seeing progress in the time frames of processing Short Sales and the ease of doing so. By 2010, I do think that there will be a more standardized system and would welcome that. I certainly prefer a Short Sale over a foreclosure.

Until then “shame on you” – feel better now???