Bay Area Finance: Week 1, August 2009
Some statistically-promising news has been coming out lately that indicates hopeful signs for the second half of the year in housing. Rates are staying low and demand for both new homes and for previously-owned homes has caused an increase in The S&P/Case-Shiller home price index for the first time since 2006, according to the article in the link below. Also from the article: “If you’re a homebuyer and you’re employed, you can’t complain,” said Donald Rissmiller, chief economist at New York- based Strategas Research Partners. While I can’t completely agree with that statement— considering events such as wholesale lender Taylor, Bean and Whitaker closing up shop on one day’s notice yesterday can still happen to unsuspecting folks with loans in process— I am still remaining bullish on the progress I see. Indeed, if you have the qualifications to fit into the box, right now is a GREAT time to apply for a mortgage loan. Opportunities for long term financing are excellent right now, and those who can take advantage definitely should. ‘Cause folks, if promising stats start coming in for successive months we’re going to see rates climb right up. But the silver lining there will be that qualifying guidelines will probably loosen as well once those promising stats are sustained.
If you’d like to learn more about some of the latest housing stats click here.
To contact me about financing your dream-home click here.
Weekend Wanderer’s Events
…finding the treasures in your town and beyond.
Two for This Weekend:
East Bay Express: Best of the East Bay Party in Oakland: This is one I have been wanting to get to for years, but never have. It’s a free party put on by the local newspaper East Bay Express and features live music, art, dance, great food and drink, a kid’s zone organized by the Chabot Space and Science Center and more. And this year, the headliner, Goapele, is not only FANTASTIC, she’s the daughter (in-law) of one of my friends/clients! Gotta go! Click here for more info.
Grandmaster Flash in San Francisco: One of the original innovators of hip-hop music will be performing Saturday night at the renowned jazz club Yoshi’s in the Fillmore District. Forming his group Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five in the 1970s, they became pioneers of the genre bringing their creative style to grand success in the early 80s. The first to include turntable “scratching” on a recording, they’re also the first hip-hop group to be inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame. Click here for more info.
Help Your Fellow Living Beings:
Building Futures with Women and Children Homeless Shelters: From their website: “At Building Futures with Women and Children our mission is to build communities with underserved women and children where they are safely and supportively housed, free from homelessness and family violence. Children’s Program is a special place where children and youth can come and learn something new, have fun, talk, and create a community.” Click here to find how you can help.
Two Weekends from Now:
Art and Soul Festival in downtown Oakland: Newly moved to this date from its usual Labor Day weekend, the Art and Soul Festival remains some of the best live entertainment you can find in the Bay Area, and for an extraordinarily low price. Taking place between the downtown high-rise buildings you’ll have your chance to enjoy downtown Oakland in a street fair atmosphere and maybe, maybe you’ll come back to enjoy some of the many new restaurants and clubs making “Uptown Oakland” and “Old Oakland”— both great spots to wander around. Click here for more info.
Pic of the Week… from my own camera. 
Rickey Henderson
(in maroon pants and vest at center)
adored by A’s fans at jersey retirement game.