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Nathan Scott

Coyotes in McKinney, TX - Watch Out!!!

04-08-08
Nathan Scott

For those living in the Stonebridge Ranch, Craig Ranch, Stone Brooke Crossing and basically all other McKinney neighborhoods - THERE could be COYOTES in your neighborhood!

FIRST SIGHTING: Three weeks ago while standing by the teller line at First United Bank's Craig Ranch location - our main two tellers, Leigh & Amanda, and I noticed a pretty big 'dog' trotting across the field where homes are being built...then at second glance - that is a Coyote!!! He/she was just casually walking across the field about 3 pm - no worries about the traffic zooming down Custer Road...

SECOND SIGHTING: This past weekend I took part in a great neighborhood event sponsored and created by Kim Daugherty of The Barron-Daugherty Team, you can see her blog here -->  COLLINCOUNTYBUYERAGENT - genius idea and execution was fabulous! Over 250 flyers passed out and guesstimated 300+ cars passed through the neighborhood taking advantage of all the Garage Sales (severalreported to have sold out by 11 am)! OK, now down to the Coyote sighting - another nonchalant 'howler' just wandering through Stone Brooke Crossing in the middle of the morning - wonder if anyone is missing a kitty or small dog - if so, chances are...uhm, not pretty!!! (picture courtesy of Kim Daugherty & Laura Barron - the two young ladies in the picture)

So, if you live in McKinney and come across one of these Coyotes - do not dispair - most of these animals are shy and will run away from any signs of humans! They are classified as opportunistic carnivores and will readily eat fish, rabbits, rodents, deer, and carrion, as well as birds, plants, insects, and even small domestic animals.

YORKIE OWNERS BEWARE!!!

For Positve and Exciting News and up to date Mortgage Information, Please contact me:

Market & Mortgage News - Monday, April 7th, 2008

04-07-08
Nathan Scott
Here is a look at the Economic Calendar for today:

Monday, April 7, 2008 Schedule

(All times ET)

9:30

Treas Sec H Paulson speaks

13:00

Weekly 3-mo and 6-mo T-Bill auctions

15:00

Feb consumer credit (exp +$5.5 bln)

17:30

San Fran Fed Pres J Yellen gives intro remarks and Fed Vice Chrmn D Kohn speaks

There is not much relevant economic news scheduled for release today but the end of the week will bring two relevant economic reports in addition to the minutes from the last FOMC meeting and a Treasury auction.

Both of the reports are scheduled for release Thursday or Friday, so the most movement in rates may come the latter part of the week.

If you are planning to close within the next 7-10 days it is recommended you LOCK...the Earnings reports and overall economic stability and dollar performance may not bring better rates short term.

Craig Ranch - McKinney, TX - LIVE THE DREAM! Part I

03-28-08
Nathan Scott

If you are familiar with Craig Ranch, located off of Hwy 121 and Custer Road, you have noticed that thought and precision have gone into the neighborhood that connects the cities of McKinney, Allen, Plano and Frisco.

Craig Ranch takes the phrase, "Master Planned Community" to the next level and then adds a little more. At first glance the most noticeable section of Craig Ranch is the huge sports complex that occupies 75 acres dedicated to softball, baseball and soccer fields. Once you have turned north off of 121 you will cannot miss the rest of the exciting development.

The anchors of Craig Ranch that incorporate the style and synergy of the entire complex are the Cooper Aerobics Center and the TPC Craig Ranch Golf Course. Here is a closer look at both:

Whatever your age or fitness level, join us at the award-winning Cooper Fitness Center for exercise and diverse activities.

Jog on a winding one-mile outdoor trail... Swim in a master level program... Play tennis... Workout on state-of-the-art equipment... Reduce stress by attending a Tai Chi or Pilates class... Bring your staff for a team building day. A wide array of fitness and health amenities awaits you at our 30-acre campus.

Hope you enjoy and take the time to check out Craig Ranch in McKinney and all that it offers - see you around!!!

Thank you!!!

Collin County Mortgage News: Mortgage Insurance Changes effective 3/28/08

03-27-08
Nathan Scott

Mortgage Insurance providers have announced that all loans that require above 97% LTV will not be given mortgage insurance - effectively killing the Flex 100 Program.

I have a program for certain areas (see my earlier blog topics) that will overcome this further tightening by the Mortgage Insurance providers and offers very competitive rates with 115% of the HUD Median Income Limits! Contact me for details!

Interest rates were steady today despite the Dow plunging as the 10 yr bond made stand.

Here is the calendar of Economic Events for March 28, 2008:

Date Time

Event

Survey

Prior

3/27/2008 8:30

GDP Annualized

4Q F

0.60%

0.60%

3/27/2008 8:30

Personal Consumption

4Q F

1.90%

1.90%

3/27/2008 8:30

GDP Price Index

4Q F

2.70%

2.70%

3/27/2008 8:30

Core PCE QoQ

4Q F

2.70%

2.70%

3/27/2008 8:30

Initial Jobless Claims

22-Mar

370K

378K

3/27/2008 8:30

Continuing Claims

15-Mar

2893K

2865K

3/27/2008 10:00

Help Wanted Index

FEB

20

21

3/28/2008 8:30

Personal Income

FEB

0.30%

0.30%

3/28/2008 8:30

Personal Spending

FEB

0.10%

0.40%

3/28/2008 8:30

PCE Deflator (YoY)

FEB

3.50%

3.70%

3/28/2008 8:30

PCE Core (MoM)

FEB

0.10%

0.30%

3/28/2008 8:30

PCE Core (YoY)

FEB

2.10%

2.20%

3/28/2008 10:00

U. of Michigan Confidence

MAR F

70

70.5

Lock advisory:

 If you are closing within the next 7 days.

CAUTIONARY TALE:

A friend of mine called today and asked about 30 year mortgage rates. He had already been working with another lender regarding some financing on a new home but wanted to 'give me a shot' also - how nice of him to think of me after I have given him free advise all these years, hmfph.

Well, the other lender was quoting .50% origination with 6.375% - which I guess doesnt seem bad to someone with a 8.50% rate from two years ago. After running scenarios and asking about down payment (10%) I asked him why he had contact the other lender before me...well, the listing agent gave me a contact name and number as I was not prequalified yet.

I retraced his steps up to talking to me and turns out that the agent had also referred my friend over to an agent in their same office. How nice, right? They too encouraged my friend to use the lender and assured him that they use him for the best rates and closing costs around...

My client has decided to buy the home but not use the mortgage person referred - why? 5.75% on a 30 year fixed with 10% down with no origination since my client has near perfect (720+) credit...

I'm glad that my friends know what I do and that I take pride in representing them in a professional and efficient manner.

By the way, you could be my next friend, client and success story - it would be my pleasure to make your home buying experience smooth and stress free!

Visiting your old town...and memories.

03-24-08
Nathan Scott

How often do you visit the town you grew up in? Me, only twice in the last 4 years or so have I been back to the place I grew up. This past weekend I traveled with wife and son so 'grandma' could get to know her grandson.

West Texas and I dont really get along: I dont like wind, dust, cows (unless in steak form) or being more than 20 miles from a variety of shopping choices (ok, my wife's opinion, really)!!!

But visiting my old town that I grew up in really "brought home" to me some important things:

1) No matter where you end up you cannot change where you came from - your beginning should not be negative or positive, it is just where you got started.

2) Your parent's advise will keep getting more accurate to the point of being annoying at times, whether you like it or notice it.

3) Home is always home - no matter how far away.

I left West Texas and didnt really look back - now that I have visited again I can say that the area is slow to growth but still holding steady. When you eat your next steak - think of Amarillo and surrounding area - more cows per square mile than people! When you feel the wind blowing there is a high likelyhood that it started in the Panhandle...

and most of all, when you are ready to be treated like family and wave at everybody you pass on Main Street - go to Friona, TX - one of the friendliest, most down to earth and kind towns in Texas.