Kevin's Thoughts:

Financial Peace of Mind

It's that dreaded time of the year again, time to start preparing your tax returns. And since 2008 was one of the toughest years in the history of our financial markets, this also may be a time that many of us learn exactly how much of a hit our investments and retirement accounts actually took this year.

With this in mind, the most practical financial advice we can offer right now is to consider a Certified Public Accountant. An experienced CPA not only helps you navigate complex tax codes to save you money and possibly additional financial losses, he or she can also offer a new perspective on your financial goals and needs, providing a peace of mind that we can all really use right now, especially if you're one of many Americans who suffered significant losses in 2008.

Remember, your accountant should be an extension of your overall financial plan, someone trustworthy who you can count on throughout the whole year to provide information and advice you need to succeed. If you need help finding someone you can trust, we'll be glad to refer you to one of the great CPAs we work with on a daily basis to help our clients reach their financial goals. Please, don't hesitate to give us a call.

Mortgage Interest Rates*

Rates as of Monday, 15th December, 2008:

Conforming APR Payment per $1,000 Jumbo APR Payment per $1,000 30 Year Fixed - FNMA/ FHLMC 5.000% 5.175% $5.37 5.500% 5.626% $5.68 15 Year Fixed - FNMA/ FHLMC 5.000% 5.302% $7.91 5.125% 5.337% $7.97 30 Year FHA 5.375% 5.554% $5.60 6.000% 6.130% $6.00 30 Year VA (100% Financing) 5.500% 5.680% $5.68 6.000% 6.130% $6.00 Guaranteed Rural Hsg (100% Financing) 5.500% 5.680% $5.68 N/A% 0.000% $0.00 5 Year Interest Only 5.750% 5.933% $4.79 % 0.000% $0.00 Investor 75% LTV or Less (4 financed or less) 6.125% 6.405% $6.08 % 0.000% $0.00 Investor 80% LTV (4 financed or less) 6.125% 6.498% $6.08 % 0.000% $0.00

*Rates are subject to change due to market fluctuations and borrower's eligibility.

Note: Investor Guidelines are changing rapidly. We have lenders that will go over 4 properties, but on a case by case basis. 80% Finance is subject to change at any time. Jumbo are all quoted at Jumbo Conforming Rates.