In honor of upcoming Father's Day

In honor of upcoming Father's Day, I thought it might be fun to learn some trivia about the holiday!


The idea of Father's Day was conceived in Spokane, Washington by Sonora Dodd while she listened to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909.
Dodd (now known as "the mother of Father's Day") wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart, a widowed Civil War veteran who was left to raise his six children on a farm.
The following year, June 19, 1910 was chosen for the first Father's Day celebration, proclaimed by Spokane's mayor because it was the month of William Smart's birth.
Decades later, the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers was issued in 1966 when President Lyndon Johnson designated the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Father's Day has been celebrated annually since 1972 when President Richard Nixon signed the public law that made it permanent.
Father's Day by the Numbers
This is a big day for the 66.3 million fathers in America.
Nearly 95 million Father’s Day cards were given last year in the United States, making Father’s Day the fourth-largest card-sending occasion.
Sons and daughters send 50 percent of the Father's Day card to their dads. Nearly 20 percent of Father’s Day cards are purchased by wives for their husbands. That leaves 30 percent of the cards which go to grandfathers, sons, brothers, uncles and “someone special.”
While not everyone in America is a fan of Father's Day, 72 percent of Americans plan to celebrate or acknowledge Father’s Day.
Gifts for Father's Day
Neckties are an old standby and lead the list of Father’s Day gifts. A good place to buy dad a tie or a shirt might be one of 9,189 men’s clothing stores around the country.
Other items high on the list of Father’s Day gifts include those items you may find in dad’s toolbox such as hammers, wrenches and screwdrivers. You could buy some of these items for dad at one of the nation’s 14,864 hardware stores or 5,795 home centers.

Other traditional gifts for dad such as fishing rods and golf clubs make for a happy Father's Day for the 22,410 sporting goods stores in America.
More than 68 million Americans participated at a barbecue in the last year — it’s probably safe to assume many of these barbecues took place on Father’s Day.
Mr. Mom
Mr. Mom is becoming a more common sight at parks across America with 147,000 estimated “stay-at-home” dads. These married fathers with children under 15 years old have remained out of the labor force for more than one year primarily so they can care for the family while their wives work outside the home. These fathers cared for 268,000 children under 15.
The dads seem to stay home more with younger children. Preschoolers claim 20 percent of fathers with employed wives who were the primary caregiver for their preschooler. In contrast, only 6 percent of fathers provided the most hours of care for their grade-school-aged child.
Many families split the responsibility of child care. Many Dad's (32%) with full time jobs regularly worked evening or night shifts and were the primary source of care for their preschoolers during their children’s mother’s working hours.

And I would like to say happy Father's Day to a great dad that has put up with years of my antics.  Love ya more!
Jen

My new listing in Denver!!!

Listing 8601 S Estes, Littleton CO

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New testimonal from one of my clients

Sometimes You Need A Few Things-By Ann A Anderson

Being clutter-free, having everything in perfect working order, and in excellent condition is very important for a house on the market. But that's not always enough because the house could stll be, well, boring. And when there are so many houses on the market, it's very important that yours stand out from all the rest. So how can you do that?
Sometimes you have to spend a little money. Not a lot of money, and not for things that (probably) won't be used in the next house. But spending a little money on accessorizing to add that special 'wow' factor is money well spent, even if the things purchased aren't used again. Here are some purchases that help create that pizazz:

• First, make the entrance inviting. Buy a new door mat that says 'welcome'. Add a couple of pots with plants on either side of the door. Just make certain the plants are appropriate for the season. Even in the winter evergreens add a wonderful touch.
• Make walking in the front door warm and inviting. A large area rug provides instant warmth. If you have an entry table, add a lamp. Even with a chandelier, a lamp in the entry hall feels inviting.
• In main living areas (living and family rooms), add softness and pops of color with a few throw pillows, and perhaps an afghan draped invitingly over the arm of a chair. The color will draw the eye around the room and the softness invites people into the room.
• Emphasize the focal point, whether it's a fireplace, a beautiful window, or a bookshelf. Put the prettiest artwork or accessories here, but don't overdo it. Keep it simple but pretty. You want the buyers to notice the beauty of the focal point (which is what you're selling). But you need to create the interest so they'll see it.
• Create a sanctuary in the master bedroom with the addition of an upholstered chair. If you don't have one, use an extra chair you have and add a pillow and a throw. You'll still create the image without having the 'perfect' piece.
• Add pillows to the bed to add color and softness. Don't overdo it, but make it interesting and inviting. If the bedding is really in bad shape, try a new comforter with the pillows, or perhaps a bed-in-a-bag.
• Fluffly towels in the bathrooms (that are never used) are another great idea, as is a new bath mat. Just keep the rug the same color as the floor so it adds softhess without making the room feel smaller.

While none of these changes are big, they will all go a long way to giving your house some personality. But that's the house's personality and not yours. Remember, the buyers must envision themselves living in your house, even when your things are still in it.

Home Warranty Protection: Benefits for Sellers and Buyers-By Mark Etinger

Home warranty protection is an option for any home buyer, new or seasoned. It insures homes against repair issues with appliances or other home components when they just don't work like they are supposed to. While coverage differs from company to company, the over all idea is the same; to help save some money and give the buyer quick repairs. Home warranty plans can be beneficial for buyers as well as sellers.
For the buyer, home warranty service has obvious benefits in saving money. Especially when you are a new home buyer, you won't have a lot of extra cash after such a big purchase. The last thing you want to do is be spending what you have left on major appliance repairs. Having a warranty will cover those repairs and have you paying less in the long run.
Coverage usually applies to built in appliances but many can extend to free standing appliances if you switch to a different plan. Just be aware that any appliances broken before you purchase the warranty will typically not be covered, so those repairs will have to come out of your own pocket.
You can often negotiate with a seller to purchase the warranty themselves before you make a bid on the home. Most will in order to get their home sold quicker, so you may be able to avoid paying for the plan yourself.
Of course, there's also a lot of benefit if you are the seller buying the home warranty plan. First, you are going to attract a lot more buyers to your property. They'll be more interested in a home where they won't have to worry about moving in and having old appliances break down that they can't afford to pay for.
If you buy the warranty while selling your home you will only have to pay for it at closing and won't have to spend your own money before hand. It's also going to give those deliberating over your home the confidence to make the purchase, knowing you are taking the steps to keep their appliances covered.
You also don't want to suffer from any problems with buyers coming to you after a purchase about dysfunctional appliances. If they believe you sold them a house knowing about defects, they can file a lawsuit against you. You do not want to deal with legal problems after the fact, so it's best to cover yourself by buying warranty protection ahead of time.
Whether you are a buyer or seller, there are a lot of positives to choosing a home warranty plan. It'll save you money on one hand a help you sell on the other.

Manufactured Housing Buyer Guide - Useful Tips Before Buying Manufactured Homes-By Aphisit Chiewpanich

Buying a manufactured house maybe the most expensive purchase you've ever made. Make sure you do your research well and plan before you make any commitment. For home-buyers who are considering about buying a manufactured home, you might have to come up with process checklists to summarize your determined budget, needs, financials, site preparation work, etc. Check references as well as coverage insurance before you start seriously looking around to find your ideal home.
Manufactured homes are sold through retailers, real estate agents, manufactured housing developer, manufacturers and many are sold independently. Most of them will provide very supportive services but some are limited to some certain extent. Retailers usually offer nice packages; they will customize with you, take care with delivery and installation process, provide financial supportive information and set up warranty coverage. However, if you are seriously thinking about purchasing a manufactured home, make sure you look around and take these following tips into account.
Determine the size need and floor plan
Think about how much room you need, try to choose the right size for better right prize. With continue development, manufactured home builders today provide multiple choices from a small simple to a large multi-section home with fancy features. Homes are available with floor space ranging from 900 - 2500 Square feet. Decide your need, and then check with your potential retailers.
What designs and features are accessible?
Apart from size and floor plan, you need to decide what designs and features best meet your needs. Most manufactured home builders and retailers use computer- assisted design to customize your preference. You will have flexibility in choosing variations of design and feature both inner and outer. However, this depends on how much you would love to spend on your home.
What other additional costs to consider?
Once you decided to buy a house, there is not only a cost for the building to consider, but there are also future mortgage costs to concern. Start from land, if you have your own land the cost will be lighter but remember most of the manufactured homes are sold separately from the land. You also need to check added cost like septic system, electric and water connections, utility, routine maintenance as well as other regular payments such as land rentals, monthly bills and property taxes. Talk with your retailers or local Consumers Union for some guidance.
Array your financial options
Usually retailers will provide options before you can even get to the lot. Also you can talk with your area lenders for all your choices, make sure you completely understand all the terms and conditions before putting your signature on a contract paper. Knowing all options price in your area will help you to negotiate for better deal.
What warranty coverage is offered on the home?
Most retailers or installation contractors will provide warranty for transportation and installation but manufacturers might not always cover this option. Double check with your potential retailers and make them sign official written papers before start purchasing.
Friends and references are the most reliable tool to lean on. Consult them for better suggestion or you can seek help from Consumers Union and State Manufactured Housing Association, they can help you pick the right one with valuable advice. Remember to check retailers' background and if possible, ask to visit the manufacturing factory where homes are built.

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Mortgage News- WR Starkey

Market Comment - Week of March 14th, 2011
Mortgage bond prices rose last week helping mortgage interest rates improve. The US Treasury auctions generally showed decent foreign demand for US debt instruments. Oil prices fluctuated which continued to cause market volatility. Weekly jobless claims came in higher than expected which sent mortgage interest rates lower as stocks struggled. Retail sales came in as expected while the inflation component of the Michigan consumer sentiment survey shocked to the upside. Despite the mixed data mortgage bonds ended the week better by about 1/2 of a discount point.

The Fed meeting Tuesday will take center stage this week and set the tone for the days ahead. The inflation data that follows has the potential to cause mortgage interest rate volatility.

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Economic Factors
Economic Indicator	Release Date Time	Consensus Estimate	Analysis
Fed Meeting Adjourns	Tuesday, March 15, 2011	No rate change	Important. Few expect the Fed to change rates, but some volatility may surround the adjournment of this meeting.
Housing Starts	Wednesday, March 16, 2011	550k	Important. A measure of housing sector strength. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
Producer Price Index	Wednesday, March 16, 2011	Up 0.6%, Core up 0.2%	Important. An indication of inflationary pressures at the producer level. Lower figures may lead to lower rates.
Weekly Jobless Claims	Thursday, March 17, 2011	380k	Important. An indication of employment. Higher claims may result in lower rates.
Consumer Price Index	Thursday, March 17, 2011	Up 0.4%, Core up 0.1%	Important. A measure of inflation at the consumer level. Weaker figures may lead to lower rates.
Industrial Production	Thursday, March 17, 2011	Up 0.6%	Important. A measure of manufacturing sector strength. A lower than expected increase may lead to lower rates.
Capacity Utilization	Thursday, March 17, 2011	76%	Important. A figure above 85% is viewed as inflationary. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
Leading Economic Indicators	Thursday, March 17, 2011	Up 0.4%	Important. An indication of future economic activity. A smaller increase may lead to lower rates.

Producer Price Index

The producer price index is a measure of prices at the producer level and is important because it is the first inflation report to be released each month. Investors are typically able to gain an initial indication of inflationary pressures from the release. If producer prices are increasing, there is a tendency for producers to pass the increases on to consumers in the form of higher priced goods. It is important to note that the PPI is only a measure of goods, while the consumer price index is a measure of goods and services. It is possible for the price of goods to remain stable, while the price of services increases. In this scenario PPI would do little to warn of a change in inflationary pressures, while the CPI report would provide an indication of the inflationary effects of the service component. This distinction between the two reports shows why most analysts view the CPI as a more accurate indicator of inflation. Nevertheless, market participants still gain valuable insight into potential volatility in the financial markets from the PPI release. Be cautious heading into the inflation data this week. Caution is key.

Recent Mortgage news-WR Starkey

Market Comment - Week of March 7th, 2011
Mortgage bond prices fell last week pushing mortgage interest rates considerably higher. Turmoil in many of the oil producing countries continued to push oil prices higher. Weekly jobless claims came in significantly lower than expected which sent mortgage interest rates higher as stocks recovered. The employment report Friday was slightly better than expected, however bond prices did not suffer. Traders were relieved the data did not mirror weekly jobless claims and show a surge in job creation.

Mortgage bonds ended the week worse by a 5/8 of a discount point.

The foreign demand for the Treasury auctions will continue to factor into trading this week. Rates may improve if foreign central banks continue to support our debt auctions. However, the opposite is also true, weak demand will pressure rates higher.

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Economic Factors
Economic Indicator	Release Date Time	Consensus Estimate	Analysis
Consumer Credit	Monday, March 7, 2011	$5.5b	Low importance. A significantly large increase may lead to lower mortgage interest rates.
3-year Treasury Note Auction	Tuesday, March 8, 2011	None	Important. $32 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
10-year Treasury Note Auction	Wednesday, March 9, 2011	None	Important. $21 billion of notes will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Weekly Jobless Claims	Thursday, March 10, 2011	375k	Important. An indication of employment. Higher claims may result in lower rates.
Trade Data	Thursday, March 10, 2011	$41b	Important. Affects the value of the dollar. A falling deficit may strengthen the dollar and lead to lower rates.
30-year Treasury Bond Auction	Thursday, March 10, 2011	None	Important. $13 billion of bonds will be auctioned. Strong demand may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Retail Sales	Friday, March 11, 2011	Up 0.4%	Important. A measure of consumer demand. A smaller than expected increase may lead to lower mortgage rates.
U of Michigan Consumer Sentiment	Friday, March 11, 2011	76	Important. An indication of consumers' willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.

Fundamental Week

The abundance of fundamental data this week provides a good opportunity for mortgages to improve. If the data shows weakness in the economy with little or no inflationary pressures then it is possible for mortgage bonds to rally resulting in mortgage interest rate decreases. However, if the data shows that the economy continues to rebound or any significant signs of inflation, mortgage bonds may fall pushing mortgage interest rates higher.

Mortgage interest rates remain historically favorable despite some recent increases. Now is a great time to avoid the uncertainty surrounding continued market volatility. Remember, 6 months ago the majority of analysts thought rates would continue to fall. The future is uncertain with so much global economic instability. Escalating energy prices currently dominate headlines. We have been able to avoid any rate hikes typically associated with that but it is very possible for rates to spike higher in the short term. Caution is key.

Add Curb Appeal¬ from Home Magazine

1.       Paint the front door an engaging color, such as a rich red or bright blue, but be sure it complements  its surroundings.

2.       Dress up the front door with seasonal embellishments.  Use floral swags or wreaths to celebrate spring, the fall harvest or winter holidays.

3.       Parade a series of real or faux topiaries in a front hall window.  They will bring a lively touch of the outdoors to the indoor space.

4.       Treat the front stoop or porch as if it were a room.  Flower arrangements or potted plants, a bench, a charming door knocker and the glow of a pair of sconces seen from the curb can make visitors feel welcome before they eve n reach the door.

5.       Add privacy without losing a key source of natural light.  Install frosted glass etched with an eye catching design in sidelights flanking a front door.

6.       Update and old or dented storm/screen door combination with a new more energy efficient and more attractive style

7.       Mount draperies on crane rods behind a windowed entry door.  Adjust the rod to provide appropriate amounts of light and privacy.

8.       Lay down a welcome mat.  Whether it’s a seasonal image, monogrammed or basic coir mat, make sure to provide a place where guests can wipe the outdoor grit and grime off their shoes.  Replace worn or dirty mats regularly.

9.       Rows of potted trees or plants define spaces that lack fences.

How Home Ownership Helps the Economy

How Home Ownership Helps the Economy

Prolong Carpet Life from Home Magazine

1.       Use doormats outside your home’s entrances  and runners inside to help reduce soil and moisture in high-traffic areas.  Clean or replace them regularly.

2.       Vacuum often.  Tiny particles of dirt abrade and wear down the carpet pile.  Vacuum at least twice a week using an upright vacuum with a beater bar.

3.       Keep dark colors from fading by closing draperies or blinds when sunlight beats down on the floor.  Consider low E-glass or adding film to windows to reduce the harm caused by the sun’s rays.

4.       For food and beverage stains, immediately pick up what remains of the spill and the blot (don’t rub) the area.  Rubbing or scrubbing will push the stain into the carpet.  Use a cloth dipped into warm water with a small amount of mild detergent.

5.       Keep all strong chemicals and bleaches away from your carpet.

6.       Professional cleaning using hot water extraction can be done every 12 to 18 months to refresh the look of your carpet.

Energy Saving Tips from Home Magazine

1.       Check out the doors:  If a door does not close properly or lets in a draft, you’ll pay the price in utility bills.  Homeowners should check the weather stripping and any gaps around the door that can let heat escape.  If the features cannot be easily fixed, it may be time to replace the door.

2.       Choose the right materials: Vinyl window frames reduce heat transfer and will help better insulate the home.  They represent 65 percent of the window replacement market.

3.       Rethink the garage The garage is one of the largest entry points of the home and its temperature affects the overall temperature of your home.  Be sure your garage door fits properly and make sure the door that leads from the garage into the home is also energy efficient.

4.       Consider the long-term: Many local utilities offer rebates for purchasing Energy Star-qualified windows and doors.  To find available rebates or incentives, visit Energy Star’s Rebate Finder at energystar.gov

FHA news

FHA TAKES STEPS TO BOLSTER CAPITAL RESERVES
New premium structure for 30- and 15-year loans will help private capital return

WASHINGTON – As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) capital reserves, FHA Commissioner David H. Stevens today announced a new premium structure for FHA-insured mortgage loans increasing its annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) by a quarter of a percentage point (.25) on all 30- and 15-year loans.  The upfront MIP will remain unchanged at 1.0 percent.  This premium change was detailed in President Obama’s fiscal year 2012 budget, also released today, and will impact new loans insured by FHA on or after April 18, 2011.
“After careful consideration and analysis, we determined it was necessary to increase the annual mortgage insurance premium at this time in order to bolster the FHA’s capital reserves and help private capital return to the housing market,” said Stevens.  “This quarter point increase in the annual MIP is a responsible step towards meeting the Congressionally mandated two percent reserve threshold, while allowing FHA to remain the most cost effective mortgage insurance option for borrowers with lower incomes and lower down payments.”
The proposed change was announced last week as part of the Obama Administration’s report to Congress, which outlined the Administration’s plan to reform the nation’s housing finance system.  The Administration’s housing finance plan also recommended that Congress allow the present increase in FHA conforming loan limits to expire as scheduled on October 1, 2011.
This premium change enables FHA to increase revenues at a time that is critical to the ongoing stability of its Mutual Mortgage Insurance (MMI) fund, which had capital reserves of approximately $3.6 billion at the end of FY 2010.  The change is estimated to contribute nearly $3 billion annually to the Fund, based on current volume projections.  It is vital that HUD take action to ensure that FHA will continue to serve its dual mission of providing affordable homeownership options to underserved American families and first-time homebuyers while helping to stabilize the housing market during these tough times.
On average, new FHA borrowers will pay approximately $30 more per month.  This marginal increase is affordable for almost all homebuyers who would qualify for a new loan.  Existing and HECM loans insured by FHA are not impacted by the pricing change.
FHA will continue to play an important role in the nation’s mortgage market in 2011.   President Obama’s FY 2012 budget projects the FHA will insure $218 billion in mortgage borrowing in 2012.  These guarantees will support new home purchases and re-financed mortgages that significantly reduce borrower payments.

Jan Real Estate Stats

Entire MLS (all areas)

Residential Highlights

• 6.4% Decrease in closed sales year over year
• 33% Increase in average days on market (120)
• 5.2% Increase in active listings (13,714)
• 6.7% Increase in average sold price ($277,922)

Condo/Townhome Highlights

• 15.6% Decrease in closed sales year over year
• 44.7% Increase in days on market (123)
• 4.8% Decrease in average sold price ($150,085)

Full report of Entire MLS

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Douglas County West (DCW)

Residential Highlights

• 7% Decrease in closed sales year over year
• 2.3% Increase in days on market (136)
• 10.5% Decrease in active listings (922)
• 1.1% Decrease in average sold price ($391,366)

Condo/Townhome Highlights

• 12.5% Decrease in closed sales year over year
• 12.5% Increase in average days on market (234)
• 14.2% Decrease in average sold price ($133,973)

Full report of Douglas County West (DCW)

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Douglas Elbert Parker (DEP)
Residential Highlights

• 23% Increase in closed sales year over year
• 32.7% Increase in days on market (142)
• 3.8% Increase in average sold price ($339,806)

Condo/Townhome Highlights

• 23.5% Decrease in closed sales year over year
• 225% Increase in average days on market (140)

Full report of Douglas Elbet Parker (DEP)

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Douglas Highlands Ranch Lone Tree (DHL)

Residential Highlights

• 33.8% Increase in closed sales year over year
• 34% Decrease in absorption rate (4.9)
• .8% Increase in average sold price ($355,367)

Condo/Townhome Highlights

• 12.5% Increase in closed sales year over year
• 5.1% Increase in aborption rate (7.4 months)
• 4.6% Decrease in average sold price ($250,781)

Full report of Doulgas Highlands Ranch Lone Tree (DHL)

In honor of the Super Bowl- Super Bowl facts

Super Bowl Facts: Wins

• The NFC leads the AFC in all-time Super Bowl wins 20-18. In the early history of the Super Bowl, the NFL and AFL won two World Championships each.
• Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, and Pittsburgh Steelers have won the most Super Bowl titles with five apiece.
• The player with the most Super Bowl rings is Charles Haley, who is the only player to have been on five Super Bowl winning teams in NFL history.
• Super Bowl tickets have featured Mike Ditka, Tony Dungy, and Tom Flores each winning a Super Bowl as both player and coach.
• In Super Bowl 24, the San Francisco 49ers posted a whopping 55 points, which is still the most amount of points scored by a Super Bowl winning team. Moreover, the 49ers’ 55-10 victory is still the largest margin of victory in any Super Bowl game.
• Jon Gruden was the youngest coach (39 years, 162 days) to win a Super Bowl ring. He did so during Super Bowl 37 when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers pounded the Oakland Raiders 48-21.
• With a Super Bowl 34 win over the Tennessee Titans, St. Louis Rams coach Dick Vermeil became the oldest coach (63 years, 92 days) ever to win a Super Bowl title.

Super Bowl Facts: Losses

• The Buffalo Bills, Denver Broncos, and Minnesota Vikings have each lost four times at the Super Bowl.
• The Buffalo Bills once lost four-straight times.
• If you owned Super Bowl 6 tickets, you may remember that the Miami Dolphins managed only three points in their loss to the Dallas Cowboys, which is the fewest amount of points to be scored in a game in NFL history.

Super Bowl Facts: Setting Records

• Many fans with Super Bowl tickets are already well aware that the Dallas Cowboys have played in the most Super Bowls with eight appearances.
• San Francisco 49ers QB Joe Montana snagged the Super Bowl MVP trophy three times, the most in Super Bowl history.
• Throughout the history of the Super Bowl, Jerry Rice of San Francisco 49ers fame has set a number of single-game records, including most receiving yards with 215 yards and most receiving TDs with three. During his Super Bowl career, Jerry Rice also set records with eight TDs, most receiving yards with 589, and most receptions with 33.
• In Super Bowl 38, ticketholders witnessed the longest pass go down in the record books when QB Jake Delhomme connected with Muhsin Muhammad for an 85-yard TD completion.
• Fans with Super Bowl 40 tickets saw “Fast” Willie Parker break the record for longest run in a Super Bowl game with 75 yards.
• While with the St. Louis Rams, QB Kurt Warner garnered a record 414 passing yards in Super Bowl 34.
• Super Bowl 41 tickets featured the explosive Devin Hester, who set a record for the fastest score from the start of the game at 14 seconds when he returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown.

Super Bowl Facts: Trends & More

• The first Super Bowl game to be numbered was Super Bowl III. The first two Super Bowls were dubbed “The AFL-NFL World Championship Game.”
• There are still six NFL teams that have not yet punched their first Super Bowl ticket: Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New Orleans Saints.
• The longest winning streak in the Super Bowl for any team or coach has been two in a row.
• So far, no coach has won a Super Bowl ring with two different clubs.
• Even with three games tied in the final minute, fans with Super Bowl tickets have yet to see a Super Bowl overtime.
• There has never been a shutout in the history of the Super Bowl. The lowest point total for a team in the Super Bowl was 3 points.
• Teams with higher seeds are 13-12 in the Super Bowl.
• The second-largest food consumption day in the U.S. is Super Bowl Sunday, trailing only Thanksgiving.

Super Bowl Facts: Host Cities

• The cities of New Orleans and Miami have hosted the Super Bowl the most times with 9 apiece
• Tampa, Florida, and San Diego, California, have been the Super Bowl host city three times each.
• New Orleans, Miami, and Los Angeles have hosted 25 out of the 42 Super Bowl games so far.
• The Super Bowl has taken place in northern cities only three times. Moreover, the Super Bowl has never been scheduled outdoors in cold temperatures

Mortgage News

Market Comment - Week of January 31st, 2011
Mortgage bond prices rose last week pushing mortgage interest rates lower. There were several Treasury auctions and most resulted in decent foreign demand. Stock strength the middle of the week along with higher than expected new home sales put some upward pressure on rates. Volatile oil prices also factored into trading. Saudi remarks indicated they might increase production. This helped stem some of the oil price spikes in the middle of the week but world benchmark prices remained near the $100/barrel mark and US benchmark prices were near $90/barrel as unrest in Egypt continued. Stock weakness and weaker than expected GDP figures led to rate improvements Friday afternoon. Mortgage bonds ended the week positive by about 1/8 to 1/4 of a discount point despite the continued market swings.

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Economic Factors
Economic Indicator	Release Date Time	Consensus Estimate	Analysis
Personal Income and Outlays	Monday, Jan. 31, 2011	Up 0.3%, Up 0.4%	Important. A measure of consumers' ability to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.
PCE Core Inflation	Monday, Jan. 31, 2011	Up 0.1%	Important. A measure of price increases for all domestic personal consumption. Weakness may help rates improve.
Construction Spending	Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011	Up 0.3%	Low importance. An indication of economic strength. Significant weakness may lead to lower rates.
ISM Index	Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2011	56.5	Important. A measure of manufacturer sentiment. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.
ADP Employment	Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2011	240k	Important. An indication of employment. Weakness may bring lower rates.
Revised Q4 Productivity	Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011	Up 2.4%	Important. A measure of output per hour. Improvement may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Weekly Jobless Claims	Thursday, Feb. 3, 2011	444k	Important. An indication of employment. Higher claims may result in lower rates.
Employment	Friday, Feb. 4, 2011	9.5%, Payrolls up 85k	Very important. An increase in unemployment or weakness in payrolls may bring lower rates.

ISM

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM), formerly the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM), releases the "Report on Business" on the first working day of each month. Part of this report is the "diffusion index," which tracks the economy's ups and downs fairly well.

In conducting this survey, the ISM questions purchasing executives from over 250 industrial companies compiling data on production, orders, commodity prices, inventories, vendor performance, and employment. Each of the respondents is asked to rank the categories as "up" or "down." Various weights are applied to the individual components to form the composite index.

A composite index reading of 50 can be thought of as a "swing point." A reading above 50 implies an increase in economic activity, while a reading below 50 indicates a decline. The ISM report is difficult for economists to forecast because there is little data upon which to base an educated guess. The report has a large "surprise factor" and can cause market swings.

-WR Starkey