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Will Shuster’s Zozobra 2010

September 1st, 2010 • By: Anthony Blog, Santa Fe Style

Every year Old Man Gloom appears in Santa Fe. He moans and groans and threatens gloom on us all. But never fear, along comes the fire dancer to ignite and burn the ugly monster.

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Will Shuster’s Zozobra burns this year, September 9, 2010. Ft. Marcy Park, Santa Fe, NM. This fundraiser for needy kids in Santa Fe, run by the Kiwanis Club of Santa Fe. All rights reserved, copyright & trademark apply.

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Zozobra Website

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For more information on Santa Fe Lifestyle and Real Estate -
Anthony Atwell, Associate Broker, Santa Fe Realty Partners

Free Relocation Services:
Relocation package – MLS listing research – Discount Santa Fe Hotels – Moving Discounts – Home Rental Program.

The Gravy Train is Over Soon

August 20th, 2010 • By: Anthony Blog, General, Tips

THE END IS NEAR!
Just when you thought that it was safe to go back in the water…

Today the Federal Reserve Board announced the final rule on loan originator compensation practices. These rules are effective April 1, 2011, to provide lenders and originators time to develop new business models, implement necessary changes to their systems, and train personnel. The final rules, which apply to closed-end loans secured by a consumer’s dwelling (a/k/a: conforming mortgages), will:

  • Prohibit payments to the loan originator that are based on the loan’s interest rate or other terms (e.g. rebate). Compensation that is based on a fixed percentage of the loan amount is permitted.(e.g. origination points)
  • Prohibit a mortgage broker or loan officer from receiving payments directly from a consumer while also receiving compensation from the creditor or another person. (e.g. a little rebate and a little points)
  • Prohibit a mortgage broker or loan officer from “steering” a consumer to a lender offering less favorable terms in order to increase the broker’s or loan officer’s compensation.
What does this mean?  Mortgages are going to get a lot more expensive if we (as loan originators) can’t get paid by rebate from the lender.  It will mean that, in order to be compensated, we will have to charge points.

Brokers and bankers have been fighting these changes because they obviously hurt the consumer.  For example, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association,  a mortgage today, after new regulations to limit costs tot he consumer, costs 36% more than it cost last year.  Oops, something went wrong.

A chunk of this additional cost is due to the Home Valuation Code of Conduct which was intended to weed out appraisal fraud and make appraisals more cost effective.  Recent findings by the FBI indicate that appraisal fraud has increased AND appraisals cost at least 25% more because of increased regulation and disclosure.

Not only have new regulations increased loan documentation and the cost and timing of underwriting and appraisal, but now these new regulations appear poised to significantly increase the cost of getting a loan.  With rates lower than ever imagined, it is time to buy or refinance; I can guarantee that it will be more expensive next year.

I am available every weekday to respond to your mortgage-related requests in my office in the Casita Building, or nights and weekends by phone
andrew hoffman
mortgagepartners/santa fe
505.629.4161

Sitting on the Fencepost

August 18th, 2010 • By: Anthony Blog, Tips

I was listening to associate broker Rey Post the other day, talking about his aunt Hazie giving him advice as a youth when he had tough choices to make. Aunt Hazie would say, ” If you sit on a fence too long, you are bound to get splinters!”

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Listen to your mentors, Santa Fe Buyers. Now is your time to act because of:  – moderate pricing – historic low interest rates – seller flexibility – excellent inventory.

How long will these prime Santa Fe real estate conditions last?

Jim Gay, of Superior Mortgage Services notes that when rates are this low, 30yr at 4.625%,  there is definitely only one direction for them to travel and that is up.

Jim also points out other factors that will force mortgage rates up:  foreign buyers of US Treasuries demand higher yields. Federal Reserve becomes concerned about inflation. When business and individuals understand the affects of new congressional legislation and taxes affect upon us all.

Also keep in mind, the government now charges new closing fees to cover new liabilities with: Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the foreclosure environment around the United States. Further, there are new stringent financing rules requiring larger down-payments and lower debt rations. Perversely, this lowers Buyer’s purchasing power! What the hell is our government thinking???

Santa Fe Real Estate Buyers must never forget that Santa Fe is a bubble market within the US real estate market. Santa Fe market trends indicate market growth and stabilized pricing. According to Santa Fe Association of Realtors, total gross sales in Santa Fe city and Santa Fe County increased 40% in 2nd Quarter 2010 versus 2nd Quarter 2009.

Take advantage now to put your financial world in a stronger position. If you are considering a home purchase, do not wait another month or else you might suffer some financial splinters from fence sitting too long.

For more information on Santa Fe homes and land contact:
Anthony Atwell, Associate Broker, Santa Fe Realty Partners

Free Relocation Services:
Relocation package – MLS listing research – Discount Santa Fe Hotels – Moving Discounts – Home Rental Program.

Where is the best margarita in Santa Fe?

August 13th, 2010 • By: Anthony Blog, Santa Fe Style, Tips

Since today is Friday the 13th,  it seems appropriate to let you in on a big secret here in little ole Santa Fe, New Mexico. Where is the best margarita in Santa Fe?

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The answer to your secret lies on Cordova Road, in a white adobe building. There stands Maria’s, home to 111 types of Margaritas.  Choose from Blanco tequila, Reposado tequila, Anejo tequila. You can even try a tequila sampler to learn the finer points of Tequila.

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Maria’s makes superior margaritas, because they use no mix, sugar, additives. Maria’s uses only REAL tequila, REAL triple-sec, REAL fresh squeezed lemon juice and ice made with filtered water.

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After a fine dinner of Northern New Mexico food with green and red chile, make sure you purchase a copy of The Great Margarita Book. Robert Redford wrote the introduction, so you will be in good company as you make and enjoy your margarita masterpieces at home.

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For more information on margaritas and Santa Fe homes contact -
Anthony Atwell, Associate Broker, Santa Fe Realty Partners

Free Relocation Services:
Relocation package – MLS listing research – Discount Santa Fe Hotels – Moving Discounts – Home Rental Program.

Haciendas – A Parade of Homes

August 11th, 2010 • By: Anthony Blog, New Properties, Santa Fe Style

Haciendas – A Parade of Homes is the largest Real Estate Event in Santa Fe, New Mexico. You’re invited to take a self-guided tour of new and remodeled homes in every price, ranging from the affordable to the luxurious. Don’t miss Santa Fe’s best open house. This year, over 16 homes will be on tour.

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STARTS FRIDAY, SATURDAY, SUNDAY: AUGUST 13-15 and 20-22, 2010 from 11am-6pm

Twilight Tour: August 19, 2010 at 4pm-9pm.

Come out and enjoy the Santa Fe sunset at selected homes that will be showcasing exterior lighting and evening ambiance.

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Tickets are $15.00 and are available at the Lensic box Office 505.988.1234 and will also be available at most Sponsor locations and all Parade homes.

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Visit Products & Services; this section is packed with everything and everyone you will want to know to complete your building and remodeling project. And don’t forget to visit our Sponsors.

Be sure to look for the companion magazine coming out every April, Haciendas-Home / Design / Remodel. This issue features the Excellence in Remodelors awards and is focused on remodelers, remodel projects and products and services in our area. For more information on how to order your own personal copy of these resource guides please visit the SFAHBA website.

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For more information on Santa Fe builders and Santa Fe homes contact:
Anthony Atwell, CRS, ABR, GREEN
Associate Broker, Santa Fe Realty Partners

Serving You Santa Fe Lifestyle and Santa Fe Real Estate for 20 years.

Free Relocation Services:
Relocation package – MLS listing research – Discount Santa Fe Hotels – Moving Discounts – Home Rental Program.