And not just borrowers. Anyone party to a home purchase including buyers, sellers and their Realtors. It may be the difference between having a smooth transaction or not, or even getting it done at all.

Mortgage Rates jumped considerably this week (about .25%). I’d call it considerably, but considerably compared to what? Considerable in this case means “when it causes disorientation to clients and mortgage lenders alike.”

It’s election year and just about everything spoken by the candidates and pundits alike has a spin on it. Taxes are a big one. How changes to our tax code help or hinder us as individuals and as a country will play out through November 6th. Before getting too tied up in the opinions of what is appropriate, fair and most effective to have a positive impact on the economy, let’s see if we can agree on the facts.

When Walmart has a 50% sale on its entire inventory, store greeters beware not to get trampled. But there is one industry where people generally run the other way, and that’s real estate. This week, the December 2011 Case-Shiller housing price index was released.

There is much in the news regarding the HARP 2.0. Attached is a well written article from Bills.com about the program, it's purpose and how it affects both homeowners and lenders.