April 29, 2011

My mother is one of the greatest of all time. Every holiday, every occasion, we get cards, gifts, and hugs like clockwork. Never late, always on time. She is sentimental that way. So Easter morning, she asked me if the Easter Bunny came for her 2 only grandsons. Well……………I never found the time to put that whole charade together. All I could hear was gasping through the phone line. “Jennifer, don’t tell me you did not get them an Easter Basket! My baby (Diego, 5) will be horrified when his friends at school are bragging about what the EB brought them and he got nothing!” Boy did I feel bad. Later that day let’s just say the EB basket appeared and we all acted surprised. How could I have been so lame? The life lesson I learned here is that small details are important. Very important. My mother has it down packed. I felt very loved growing up knowing she was always there for me for the little details. She cared.

Let’s fast forward to your business. What ‘small’ things are you doing consistently, like clockwork in order to make your clients feel special? A handwritten note at introduction, a gift at closing, or delivering food the day of closing? There are dozens of things you could implement, consistently, that would enhance the transaction and make your clients feel special. Repeat referrals guaranteed. On the Hernandez Team (we are now 5!) we have a 9 step process that we implement from the time clients call us to post closing. Our everyday goal is to ensure we give raving fan service, so that we and the referring realtor get future referrals! And we genuinely care about our clients.

In the markets, the Federal Reserve made no change this week in the rates. As expected. Bernanke did allude to the fact that rate hikes are not far away, maybe in 2 meetings, and that we should not expect much continued government support. This means that no longer will the buy our own debt! This has been somewhat stabilizing the economy as the Fed has gobbled up our own treasuries when sold, where no other buyers have been standing in line. Since the mortgage crisis began in 2007, foreign investors have been hesitant to purchase our bonds. It’s a trust factor.

Jobless claims were unexpectedly higher this week at 429,000. This has done no favors for rates. The trend is that rates are edging higher. We continue to encourage our clients to lock and not ‘float’ rates, in order to reduce their exposure to rising interest rates.

Have a wonderful weekend, and Spring is finally here! Now if it would only rain………

RATES as of April 29, 2011 (DOWN FOR THE WEEK)
The following assumptions apply:
• 20% Down Payment (Conforming) / 25% Down Payment Jumbo (Lower down payments available – call for details)
• 1% Origination Fee
• Escrows Required (if no escrow, higher fees may apply)
• Purchase Transactions, Primary Residence (Refinances have different rates)
• 30 day closing
• Credit Score 740 +
• Debt to income ratio <=40%
• Full Documentation of Income/Assets

Conforming ($200,000* - $417,000) Jumbo ($417,001- $1,000,000*)
10 year (fixed) 3.500% APR 3.845% 15 year ( fixed ) 4.375% APR 4.587%
15 year (fixed) 3.875% APR 4.116% 30 year ( fixed ) 5.250% APR 5.377%
30 year (fixed) 4.750% APR 4.892%
7/1 ARM 3.750% APR 3.488% 5/1 ARM 3.500% APR 3.459%
7/1 ARM 3.875% APR 3.666%
10/1 ARM 4.625% APR 4.142%
5/5 ARM 3.500% APR 3.992%
FHA/VA call for quote (max loan $270,000)


We do originate loans below $200,000. These amounts are chosen to show the most favorable rates.
For other product options or for loan amounts less than $200,000 or above $900,000 please call for quote.
Call for details!


If you know of someone who would appreciate my services, please contact me with their name and number and I will be happy to help them!

Jennifer Hernandez
Vice President/Mortgage Consultant
Patriot Bank Mortgage

Office: 713-337-8400
E-mail: jennifer@patriotbankusa.com
Blog: www.loanwithjennifer.blogspot.com