CENTRAL OHIO HOME SALES

Autumn season ends with home sales, prices up!

November home sales in central Ohio showed healthy gains over last year. There were 1,923 residential sales

during the month of November, a 30 percent increase from the 1,479 home sales in November 2011, according to

the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.

November sale prices for homes sold in central Ohio were up for the tenth consecutive month. The average sale

price of $165,444 was 8.6 percent higher than in November 2011.

The average sale price of homes sold January through November 2012 was $168,198, up 7.2 percent from last year

($158, 929). 

“The month of November (through February) are traditionally slower months for home sales,” says Jim Coridan,

President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS. “However, with a vitalized housing market, buyer confidence on the

rise and mortgage rates still at an all time low, we just may break away from tradition this winter season.”

The inventory of homes for sale continues to decline. There are now only 10,110 homes available for sale in central

Ohio, 20.2 percent less than November 2011.

“With the combination of increased sales and low inventory, our months supply is down to 5.5. Any time the supply

gets below 6 months, we have a sellers market,” said Coridan. “With a seller’s market, we are going to see home

prices continue to rise.”

Full report

 
Source:  Columbus Board of REALTORS,
December 20, 2012

HOUSING MARKET HEATING UP.....

Fall home sales show no signs of slowing down

Central Ohio homes sales in October were up for the tenth consecutive month. There were 1,964

residential sales during the month of October, a 23.2 percent increase from the 1,594 home sales in October 2011,

according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.

Homes closed during the month of October sold for an average of $163,925, 10.1 percent higher than just one year

ago. 

“Even though the inventory isn’t as high as mid-summer, you have more serious buyers and sellers,” said Jim

Coridan, President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “Many buyers who had planned to buy before the fall

are still out there looking for their dream home.”

The number of new listings on the market is up 12 percent (2,764) from last year and actually increased by 1

percent from the previous month. Total inventory of homes (10,717) stands at 31.5 percent less than 2011.

“2012 has been the best year in real estate in central Ohio since 2007,” said Coridan. “Just because their home

didn’t sell in the summer doesn’t mean buyers aren’t still out there; homeowners have recognized the advantages

of selling in the fall.”

According to the latest Housing Market Confidence Index (by the Ohio Association of REALTORS®), 84 percent of

central Ohio REALTORS® describe the current housing market as moderate to strong and 68 percent expect

home prices to remain the same or rise in the next year. They also report that the typical client today is looking for

a mid-range home purchase.

Full report.

~Source:  Columbus Board of REALTORS,
Central Ohio Housing Report - October 2012
11/19/2012

CENTRAL OHIO HOUSING REPORT

Central Ohio Housing Report - Sept. 2012

Posted: 10/19/2012

Columbus Board of REALTORS®

Home prices headed up in central Ohio

After following the rest of the country’s downward trend in housing values, home prices in central Ohio are back to post boom levels. The average sale price during the first nine months of 2012 was $169,413 which is 7.1 percent higher than one year ago and 25.1 percent higher than its lowest point in February 2009 according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.
The average sale price during the month of September was $169,486 marking an 8.1 percent increase over September of 2011. The average sales price is the sum of all the prices for all closed sales in a given month, divided by the number of homes sold.
Median prices are also up. The median sales price is a mathematical result that indicates that one half of the group is higher and one half lower. The median price of 101 sold homes would be that price which is lower than 50 of the prices and also higher than 50 of them.
The median price of a home sold in September was $143,000 which is 12.6 percent higher than one year ago. Year to date, the median sales price of a home in central Ohio is $140,000 – 7.8 percent higher than last year.
“Rising home values benefit all homeowners in central Ohio, but especially those who have been in a negative equity position,” said Jim Coridan, 2012 President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.
Negative equity, often referred to as “underwater” or “upside down,” means that borrowers owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. Negative equity can occur due  to a decline in value, an increase in mortgage debt or a combination of both.
“A seven percent rise in home prices means that many homeowners may have already regained a state of positive equity,” adds Coridan. “It also means that homeowners who may not have been in a position to sell or refinance before, may be able to do so today.”
Homes sales in September (1,859) were up 2.5 percent compared to last year and are up 11.4 percent for the year.
At the end of September 2012, the greater Columbus Ohio area had 11,263 homes for sale which is 31.5 percent lower than last year.
The combination of increased sales and lower inventory levels brought the months supply down to 5.9 percent, the lowest since August of 2005.
Months of supply is defined as the number of properties for sale divided by the number of sales in the most recent month.
“When months of supply gets below 6 months, we have a seller’s market, and in that market, we expect prices to climb more steadily, with stronger appreciation the shorter the supply gets,” said Coridan. “This means we’re back to a very healthy seller’s market in central Ohio.”
View the current Central Ohio Local Market Update.
View the current Housing market report by area.
The Columbus Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) serves all of Franklin, Delaware, Fayette, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway and Union Counties and parts of Athens, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Fairfield, Hocking, Knox, Logan, Marion, Muskingum, Perry and Ross Counties.
The monthly housing reports can be found at ColumbusRealtors.com/stats. The reports include breakouts for 18 central Ohio counties and 52 local municipalities and school districts. New areas included in the 2012 reports include: Grove City and local school districts for Big Walnut, Miami Trace, Johnstown-Monroe and Northridge.
For more information about the central Ohio housing market, visit ColumbusRealtors.com/stats

To view commercial properties for sale or lease in central Ohio, visit COCIE.org.
To view residential properties for sale, visit Realtor.com.

 Source:  Columbus Board of Realtors,
10/19/2012

CENTRAL OHIO ENDS SUMMER WITH RISING SALES AND PRICES

Central Ohio Housing Report - Aug. 2012

Posted: 9/19/2012

Columbus Board of REALTORS®

Central Ohio ends summer with rising sales and prices

Home sales during the most active time of the year showed impressive gains over last year and were the highest since 2007 when the housing market began its descent after the boom.
The 8,921 residential home closings during the months of May through August were 11 percent higher than last summer and 12.2 percent higher than in 2009 when home sales hit its lowest point since the summer of 2000, according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.
“Higher prices, low rates and lower inventory proved to be an exceptional environment for home sellers this summer,” said Jim Coridan, 2012 President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “But the strongest factor was and continues to be the abundance of motivated buyers in the market today.”
Demand outstripped supply, as new listings on the market (3,096) fell 0.9 percent from the month before and the total inventory of homes for sale (11,571) was down 32.3 percent from the same time last summer (17,096).
“We’ve seen higher sales gains and falling inventory for over a year now which has pushed home prices up,” Coridan said. “We’re hoping more homeowners with an interest in selling recognize their advantage this fall as it’s getting tough to find property to sell.”
Not only that, the average turn-around time from the date “For Sale” signs went up until a bargain was struck decreased 15.5 percent last month from 96 days to 81 days.
According to the latest Housing Market Confidence Index (by the Ohio Association of REALTORS®), 91 percent of central Ohio REALTORS® describe the current housing market as moderate to strong and 92 percent expect it to be moderate to strong over the next six months. With regard to home prices over the next year, three out of four REALTORS® expect home prices to rise.
View the current Central Ohio Local Market Update.
View the current Housing market report by area.
The Columbus Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) serves all of Franklin, Delaware, Fayette, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway and Union Counties and parts of Athens, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Fairfield, Hocking, Knox, Logan, Marion, Muskingum, Perry and Ross Counties.
The monthly housing reports can be found at ColumbusRealtors.com/stats. The reports include breakouts for 18 central Ohio counties and 52 local municipalities and school districts. New areas included in the 2012 reports include: Grove City and local school districts for Big Walnut, Miami Trace, Johnstown-Monroe and Northridge.
For more information about the central Ohio housing market, visit ColumbusRealtors.com/stats
To view commercial properties for sale or lease in central Ohio, visit COCIE.org.
To view residential properties for sale, visit Realtor.com.


Source:  Columbus Board of  REALTORS,
9/19/2012

CENTRAL OHIO HOME PRICES HIT A 5-YEAR HIGH.....

Central Ohio Housing Report - July 2012

Posted: 8/22/2012

Columbus Board of REALTORS®

Central Ohio home prices hit a 5-year high
Home prices in central Ohio hit its highest point in five years last month as many of the area’s pricier communities saw double digit sales increases, according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.
Homes closed during July 2012 sold for an average of $186,781 which is 10.3 percent higher than the average sale price of a home sold in July of 2011.The last time homes during any given month sold were selling this high was June of 2007 when the average sale price was $187,180.
This holds true for the year as the average sale price of homes sold January through July 2012 ($167,754) is also at its highest point since January of 2007 ($172,531). 
Sales in communities such as New Albany, Bexley, German Village, Powell, Dublin, downtown Columbus, Granville and Upper Arlington saw sales increases of anywhere from 12 to 67 percent. The increased sales combined with prices ranging from $267,000 to $557,000 help boost the overall market home price average.
There were 2,096 central Ohio homes sold during July 2012 which marks an 8.0 percent increase over July of 2011. Year to date home sales are 10.7 percent ahead of last year.
“Some areas can attribute higher sales and prices to their school districts as families with school-age children are more likely to move during the summer,” said Jim Coridan, President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “But in some areas, prices are showing healthy increases because demand is greater than the supply of homes for sale.”
There were 3,123 residential homes put on the market last month – a 4.0 percent increase over new listings added during July of last year. However, year to date, listings are down 3.5 percent when compared to the first seven months of last year.
“Home owners who’ve been watching the housing market should take another look right now,” adds Coridan. “Prices are the best they’ve been in years, interest rates remain low and there are a fair number of frustrated buyers anxious to make their move before the nights start to cool.”
According to the latest Housing Market Confidence Index (by the Ohio Association of REALTORS®), 90 percent of central Ohio REALTORS® describe the current housing market as moderate to strong and 92 percent expect home prices to remain the same or rise in the next year. They also report that the typical client today is looking for a mid-range home purchase.
View the current Central Ohio Local Market Update
View the current Housing market report by area
View all central Ohio housing statistics
View Ohio housing statisticsView National housing statistics

The monthly housing reports can be found at ColumbusRealtors.com/stats. The reports include breakouts for 18 central Ohio counties and 52 local municipalities and school districts. New areas included in the 2012 reports include: Grove City and local school districts for Big Walnut, Miami Trace, Johnstown-Monroe and Northridge.

Source:
Columbus Board of REALTORS
8/22/2012

MORTGAGE RATES DROP FURTHER TO RECORD LOWS

Mortgage rates drop further to record lows.......

Mortgage rates continued dropping to record lows, according to figures out yesterday from loan servicer Freddie Mac.

The national average 30-year fixed-rate loan for the week that ended yesterday dipped to 3.49 percent compared with 3.53 percent the previous week.  For 15-year loans, rates averaged 2.8 percent, down from 2.83 percent.

~The Columbus Dispatch,
Friday, July 27, 2012

3.8% TAX WILL GO INTO EFFECT IN 2013

3.8% Tax Will go into Effect in 2013

Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the health care legislation, all of its major provisions remain in effect, including the new tax that was designed to affect upper income taxpayers.  The 3.8% tax is imposed ONLY on  those with more than $200,000 of Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) ($250,000 on a joint return).  The tax applies to investment income, defined as interest, dividends, capital gains and net rents.  These items are all included in an individual's AGI.  A formula will determine what portion, if any, of these types of investment income would be subject to the tax.
The tax is NOT a transfer tax on real estate sales and similar transactions.  Not long after the tax was enacted, erroneous and misleading documents went viral on the Internet and created a great deal of misunderstanding and made the tax into something far more draconian than the actual provisions.
The new tax does NOT eliminate the benefits of the $250,000/$500,000 exclusion on the sale of a principal residence.  Thus, ONLY that portion of a gain above those thresholds is included in AGI and could be subject to the tax.
REALTORS® should familiarize themselves with the tax, but should not advise their clients about the application of the tax.  The amount of tax will vary from individual to individual because the elements that comprise AGI differ from taxpayer to taxpayer.

Visit the links below for additional in-depth information.
NAR video
FAQs
Download a comprehensive brochure
President's Podcast
Linda Goold, lgoold@realtors.org,  202-383-1083
Ken Wingert, kwingert@realtors.org,  202-383-1196 

 

 

 

 

INTEREST RATES AT ALL TIME LOWS

Mortgage interest rates drop again to record lows.....

Mortgage interest rates set record lows again during the week that ended yesterday, Freddie Mac figures show.

The national average for 30-year fixed-rate loans was 3.79 percent, down from 3.83 percent the previous week.  For 15-year fixed-rate loans, the national average fell to 3.04 percent from 3.05 percent.

-From wire reports
~The Columbus Dispatch, May 18, 2012~

  

MAY IS ARTHRITIS AWARENESS MONTH

Arthritis is a term used to describe more than 100 different conditions that affect joints as well as other parts of the body.  Arthritis is one of the most prevalent chronic health problems and the nation's most common cause of disability.  An estimated 46 million people in America have been diagnosed with arthritis including 300,000 children under the age of 18.

The most common types of arthritis include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Osteoarthritis (OA)
• Juvenile Arthritis (JA)

Arthritis affects one in five adults in the United States, or an estimated 50 million people.

These estimates are expected to continue to soar, reaching 67 million by 2030.

Two-thirds of people with arthritis are younger than age 65.

In 2003, the total cost attributable to arthritis in the United States reached $128 billion.

Arthritis is the most common cause of disability  among adults in this country.

Are you surprized by any of these statements?  If so, you are not alone.  Most of us don't realize the significant and serious impact arthritis has on a person's quality of life, our country's economy, and the health of our nation.  It is much more than "just aches and pains".

Simple Steps for People with Arthritis:
Taking just a few simple steps can help keep pain away:

• Learn how to apply self-management strategies and techniques.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Keep weight under control.
• See your doctor for early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
• Avoid joint injury to reduce your risk of developing osteoarthritis.

~Source:  http://www/cdc.gov/arthritis/media.htm
~Source:  This appeared in www.ThisWeekNEWS.com  (May 9, 2012)

GOOD NEWS IN MARKET ACTIVITY

Central Ohio Housing Report - Mar. 2012

Posted: 4/18/2012

Columbus Board of REALTORS®

Central Ohio home sales, contracts and prices up in the first quarter

(Apr. 19, 2012) First quarter home sales in central Ohio were up 7.1 percent versus first quarter 2011 sales (4,045 vs. 3,776). March home sales jumped 36 percent to 1,653 compared to the previous month (1,215) and were up 6.1 percent more than last year (1,558) according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®.

“This upward trend in home sales began last summer,” said Jim Coridan, President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “Average sale prices are increasing, but at a much more cautious pace.”

Average sales price fell 30.6 percent from its decade high of $192,642 in June 2005 to $133,604 in February 2009. The average sales price of a central Ohio home in March 2012 was $153,557 – 6.5 percent higher than one year ago.

The 3,466 homes listed for sale in March marks a 56.7 percent increase over the previous month, but is still 10.4 percent lower than March of 2011. The median list price of new listings last month was $149,900 – 3.5 percent higher than one year ago.

Housing inventory, which peaked at 19,291 in July 2010, continues its downward trend as the local market seeks to rebalance. Total inventory is now just over 11,500 reminiscent of inventory levels in 2003 and 2004.

Months supply has remained near 6.5 for the first three months of 2012 – a healthy level for central Ohio.

“Sales, contracts and home prices are all up this year,” adds Coridan. “This coupled with the temperate inventory levels makes for a much stronger central Ohio housing market than we had a few years ago.”

According to the most recent Ohio Housing Market Confidence Survey, 86 percent of central Ohio REALTORS® see the current housing market as moderate to strong and 89 percent expect it to be moderate to strong in the next six months. However, local professionals are split as to whether home prices will stay the same or increase over the next year.

The Columbus Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service (MLS) serves all of Franklin, Delaware, Fayette, Licking, Madison, Morrow, Pickaway and Union Counties and parts of Athens, Champaign, Clark, Clinton, Fairfield, Hocking, Knox, Logan, Marion, Muskingum, Perry and Ross Counties.

The monthly housing reports can be found at ColumbusRealtors.com/stats. The reports include breakouts for 18 central Ohio counties and 52 local municipalities and school districts. New areas included in the 2012 reports include: Grove City and local school districts for Big Walnut, Miami Trace, Johnstown-Monroe and Northridge.

Source:
~ Columbus Board of REALTORS ~
4/18/2012

HISTORIC LOW INTEREST RATES!

AVERAGE 15-YEAR MORTGAGE DROPS TO RECORD-LOW 3.11%.......

Mortgage rates remained low during the most-recent week, with the 15-year average loan standing at a record low, Freddie Mac figures showed yesterday.

The national average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for the week that ended yesterday was 3.88 percent, down from 3.98 percent the week before.

The 15-year loan fell to a record-low 3.11 percent from 3.21 percent.
-From wire reports-

~ The Columbus Dispatch, April 13, 2012 ~  

INTEREST RATES CONTINUE TO BE GREAT!

Average rate dips to 3.98% for 30-year home loans.....

Mortgage rates were little changed this week compared with the previous week, with the popular 30-year home-loan rate remaining below 4 percent for the second consecutive week.

Freddie Mac reported that the national average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan fell to 3.98 percent during the week that ended on Thursday, from 3.99 percent the week before.

The average 15-year, fixed-rate loan fell to 3.21 percent, from 3.23 percent.

- The Columbus Dispatch, April 7, 2012 -

INTEREST RATES DOWN THIS PAST WEEK

- AVERAGE RATE FOR 30-YEAR MORTGAGES DIPS BELOW 4%

Mortgage rates fell below 4 percent for the popular 30-year loan during most of the recent week, according to Freddie Mac.

The national average rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate home loan stood at 3.99 percent for the week that ended yesterday, down from 4.08 percent the week before.

The 15-year, fixed-rate loan averaged 3.23 percent, down from the previous week's average of 3.3 percent.

~ The Columbus Dispatch, March 30, 2012 ~

HOME SALE PRICES STRENGTHEN IN CENTRAL OHIO

Home sale prices strengthen in central Ohio (Mar. 21, 2012) Sale prices for homes sold in central Ohio last month showed a healthy increase over the previous year. The average sale price of $151,072 was 7.3 percent higher than in February of 2011, and 5.7 percent higher than the previous month according to the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “Buyer activity has been up while seller activity has dipped slightly,” said Jim Coridan, President of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®. “Given the market conditions over the past couple years, sellers have been a bit reluctant to engage. But that could soon change as we head into the stronger spring selling season and the shifting landscape begins to register with well-informed homeowners looking to move.” Central Ohio housing sales were up in February for the second month in a row. The 1,215 sales showed an 8.0 percent increase over the previous month and a 5.0 percent increase over February of 2011. In addition, contracts for residential homes and condos jumped 21.7 percent over the previous month and were 57.4 percent higher than the same time last year. Source: ~Columbus Board of REALTORS~ Posted 3/21/2012

HAPPY ST. PATRICK' S DAY!

The Irish are a poetic race to be sure, with as many blessings (OK, and curses, too!) floating through the air of Ireland as there are shades of green on the ground...

When not using their legendary gift of gab to crack wise or tell a joke, the Irish also have no equal for bestowing words of comfort or encouragement.

Here are excellent examples of blessings that mirror the extraordinary tenderness and generosity of the Irish:

May the roads rise to meet you,
May the wind be at your back,
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
The rain fall soft upon your fields,
And, until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

May you be poor in misfortunes,
and rich in blessings,
May you know nothing but happiness,
from this day forward,
May good luck be your friend,
In whatever you do,
And may trouble be always,
A stranger to you.

May you always have work for your hands to do,
May your pockets hold always a coin or two,
May the sun shine bright on your windowpane,
May the rainbow be certain to follow each rain,
May the hand of a friend always be near you,
And may God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.

If you haven't kissed the Blarney Stone and don't have the gift of gab yourself, here are a few collections of quotes, prayers, blessings and curses to add color to your toasts on St. Patrick's Day...

May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow,
And may trouble avoid you wherever you go...

Source:  Chiff.com
Shared by "O'Colo" of Concord, NC, my good Irish friend since 1st grade.  Colo's Mom, "Bobbi" used to sing "Christmas in Killarney" at the top of her lungs, and enjoyed by all! 

History of St. Patrick's Day

History of St. Patrick's Day

Current Interest Rates......

National averages dip lower on mortgage rates......


     Mortgage rates stayed at or near 60-year lows for the week that ended yesterday, according to Freddie Mac. 
     The national average interest for a 30-year, fixed-rate loan stood at 3.88 percent, down from 3.9 percent the previous week.  The rate for a 15-year loan was 3.13 percent, a record low, down from 3.17 percent the previous week.

 - The Columbus Dispatch, March 9, 2012 -      

Attitude
There once was a woman who woke up one morning, looked in the mirror,
And noticed she had only three hairs on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'I think I'll braid my hair today.' So she did and she had a wonderful day.The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror
And saw that she had only two hairs on her head.
'H-M-M,' she said, 'I think I'll part my hair down the middle today.' So she did and she had a grand day.

The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and noticed
That she had only one hair on her head.
'Well,' she said, 'today I'm going to wear my hair in a pony tail.' So she did, and she had a fun, fun day.
The next day she woke up, looked in the mirror and
Noticed that there wasn't a single hair on her head. 'YAY!' she exclaimed. 'I don't have to fix my hair today!'


Attitude is everything.
Be kinder than necessary,
For everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.
Live simply,
Love generously,
Care deeply,
Speak kindly,
And pray continually.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass...
It's about learning to dance in the rain.


It's not what you gather, but what you scatter that tells what kind of life you have lived.

-Author Unknown- 

Note:  This was sent to me by my good friend "Colo", from Concord, NC

LET'S NOT FORGET....

"Happy Belated Birthdays" to all of you "Leap Year Babies"!  "Miss Lira-Lynn turned "13" last Wednesday.  Lira was born on 2/29/60 and she is now a "teenager"!   "Happy 13th Lira-Lynn"!!

RATES ARE GREAT!

LOWER RATES

Average U.S. interest rates for this week were 3.90% on a 30-year fixed mortgage, and 3.17% on a 15-year fixed mortgage.

Source: Freddie Mac

- USA TODAY- March 2, 2012

Hi Everybody,

"Welcome March"!  With the month of March comes exciting things...."The Iditarod", "March Madness", "St. Patrick's Day", "The First Day of Spring", "The Blooming of the Crocus and the Daffodil, "The Kentucky Derby Prep Races", and more!   So much exciting stuff!  Thanks in advance for taking the time to read my Blog.

"Welcome March",
Molly

QUOTE

The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.
- E E. Cummings
_______________________________________________

 

FUN & FOOD

I am participating in a collective, constructive, and TASTY experiment.

As such, you have been invited to be part of a recipe exchange concept. We hope you will participate. I picked those I thought would make this fun.
Please send a recipe to the person whose name is in position 1 (even if you don't know him/her) and it should be something quick, easy and without rare ingredients.
Actually, the best one is the one you know in your head and can type right now.
Don't agonize over it, it is one you make when you are short of time.

After you've sent the recipe to the person in position 1 below and only to that person, copy this letter into a new email, move my name to position 1 and put your name in position 2.
Only my and your name should show when you send your email.
Send to 10 friends BCC (blindcopy). If you cannot do this within 5 days, let us know so it will be fair to those participating. You should receive 36 recipes.
It's fun to see where they come from! Seldom does anyone drop out because we all need new ideas.
The turnaround is fast as there are only 2 names on the list and you only have to do it once.

1). jaharr@zangcenter.com

2). molly.cotter@kingthompson.com

MARKET INFORMATION

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage was unchanged at 3.87%, Freddie Mac said.  The average on a 15-year fixed was also unchanged, at 3.16%.
- USA Today, February 17, 2012. -



Hi Everybody,

Thanks in advance for taking the time to read the 3rd posting on my blog, "A Moment with Molly".  It's National Heart Month, so be kind to your heart!

Best wishes,
Molly

QUOTE!

"Believe with all of your heart that you will do what you were made to do".

Orison Swett Marden

Market Conditions

30-, 15-year mortgage rates still near record lows.......

Mortgage rates nationally remain at or near record lows, Freddie Mac said yesterday. The average 30-year, fixed-rate loan was unchanged at 3.87 percent for the week that ended yesterday. The average 15-year, fixed-rate loan inched up to 3.16 percent for the recent week, compared with 3.14 percent for the previous week.

- The Columbus Dispatch - February 10, 2012

Pear and Cherry Crumble

Pear and Cherry Crumble

Click on link for a delicious recipe from The American Heart Association!
www.heart.org

February is National Heart Month

Emergency Stress Stoppers
There are many stressful situations — at work, at home, on the road and in public places. We may feel stress because of poor communication, too much work and everyday hassles like standing in line. Emergency stress stoppers help you deal with stress on the spot.
Try these emergency stress stoppers. You may need different stress stoppers for different situations and sometimes it helps to combine them.

• Count to 10 before you speak.
• Take three to five deep breaths.
• Walk away from the stressful situation, and say you'll handle it later.
• Go for a walk.
• Don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry" if you make a mistake.
• Set your watch five to 10 minutes ahead to avoid the stress of being late.
• Break down big problems into smaller parts. For example, answer one letter or phone call per day, instead of dealing with everything at once.
• Drive in the slow lane or avoid busy roads to help you stay calm while driving.
• Smell a rose, hug a loved one or smile at your neighbor.

- The American Heart Association -

www.heart.org

Hi everybody. 
Just a short note to thank all of you for reading my 1st post on my blog.  I appreciated all of your comments.  As we celebrate Valentine's Day on the 14th, let's not forget the 200th birthday of Columbus, Ohio on that day, too.  "Happy Birthday Columbus"!

-Molly

Quote!

"Today is your day to paint life in bold colors;
set today's rhythm with your heart-drum;
walk today's march with courage;
create today as your celebration of life."
- Jonathan Lockwood Huie

 

Market Information

Average Mortgage Rates drop again to record lows.....

 

Mortgage rates fell again to new lows during the week that ended yesterday, Freddie Mac reports.  The national average for 30-year, fixed-rate loans fell to 3.87 percent in the most-recent week, down from 3.98 percent.  The national average for 15-year, fixed-rate loans fell to 3.14 percent, down from 3.24 percent.

-The Columbus Dispatch - February 3, 2012

Blueberries with Lemon Cream

   Looking for a quick and healthy recipe? Try this one! What could be better than a nice dish of blueberries?

                                                          Blueberries with Lemon Cream-
                 

Ingredients

• 4 ounce(s) cream cheese, reduced-fat, or Neufchatel
• 3/4 cup(s) yogurt, low-fat vanilla
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 teaspoon lemon zest, freshly grated
• 2 cup(s) blueberries

              
                     

1. Using a fork, break up cream cheese in a medium bowl. Drain off any liquid from the yogurt; add yogurt to the bowl along with honey.

 

2. Using an electric mixer, beat at high speed until light and creamy. Stir in lemon zest.

 

3. Layer the lemon cream and blueberries in dessert dishes or wineglasses. If not serving immediately, cover and refrigerate for up to 8 hours.

 

Source: Recipe came from everydayhealth.com

                      6 Ways to Reduce your Stress and Protect your Heart!


          1.  Build a support System
     
          2.  Recognize your stress triggers

         3.  Schedule- " In Time-Outs"

         4.   Find Fun Stress Relieving activities

         5. Sooth your soul with music

        6.  Learn how to say no


 Source for blog post: Article from everydayhealth.com. Article by Jen Laskey. Article date: 08/02/2011.

February is National Heart Month!

Dear Friends,

This is my first attempt at "blogging", so please bear with me.  I chose this topic because heart disease is very near to me.  My wonderful Father died suddenly of a massive heart attack at age 58, which is the same age as I am at the time of this writing.  In my opinion, stress was a major cause of his heart attack.  This blog addresses a few stress issues.  Thanks in advance for reading.

Molly