For many, this is no surprise…in fact, I would say that most people would say that we are already in a double dip recession. This article from CNN Money is very informative and lays out a very bleak picture of where the economy stands. Are we indeed in a double dip recession? Time will tell, but it doesn’t look good. http://cnnmon.ie/qujRYO
By Chris Casacchia
Friday, December 17, 2010
Seasonal hiring in the retail sector largely accounted for the 1,600 jobs the county added in November from October, but that growth wasn’t enough to push the unemployment rate down as more job seekers entered the market.
Employment rose less than 1% to 1.37 million nonfarm workers in November, according to the state Employment Development Department.
That slim gain, along with more people looking for work, boosted the unemployment rate in Orange County to 9.3% in November, up from a revised 9.1% in October and below the 9.6% of a year ago.
Retail added 2,100 jobs from October as department stores and other outlets readied for the holiday shopping season.
Those gains outpaced losses in wholesale trade, down 700 jobs, and transportation, warehousing and utilities, down 200 jobs.
Local government, educational and health services also saw monthly job gains. Educational services added 800 jobs, while healthcare and social assistance added 400 jobs.
The gains were overshadowed by losses in several key industries here.
Leisure and hospitality and professional and business services each logged 700 job losses, while financial activities lost 400 jobs. Other services were down 300 positions and construction lost 200 jobs.
On a yearly basis, the county continued gaining jobs at small clip.
Employers here in November added 19,100 jobs from a year earlier, a 1.4% gain. That marked the fifth month of consecutive yearly gains.
Professional and business services posted the largest yearly growth, adding 10,100 jobs. Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services accounted for about 70% of that gain, while professional, scientific and technical services accounted for the rest.
Leisure and hospitality had the second largest yearly gain, adding 8,400 jobs. Hotels, restaurants and bars led those gains adding 5,300 jobs, a continuing sign consumers are spending more discretionary income.
Arts, entertainment, and recreation added 3,100 jobs.
Construction reported the largest decline of 4,900 jobs. The specialty trade segment was down 2,600 jobs, while builders shed 2,200 jobs.
Heavy and civil engineering construction saw marginal cutbacks and lost 100 jobs
Orange County Business Journal
Troy Gregory
First Team Real Estate
DRE# 01310455
949.887.8239
www.LaderaRanchRealEstate.info
www.TroyGregory.com
By the way…I am never too busy for your referrals!
Dec. 9, 2010, 10:45 a.m. EST
Mortgage rates jump to six-month highs
Fixed-rate mortgages rise for fourth week in a row: Freddie Mac
By Amy Hoak, MarketWatch
CHICAGO (MarketWatch) — Mortgage rates climbed this week with the average rate on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage at its highest since the end of June, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of conforming mortgages, released on Thursday.
Rates on the 30-year mortgage averaged 4.61% for the week ending Dec. 9, up from 4.46% last week. It’s the fourth week in a row that the mortgage rate rose; it averaged 4.81% a year ago.
“Interest rates for 30-year fixed mortgages are now almost a half percentage point higher than the record low set in mid-October, which for a $200,000 conventional loan amounts to $50 more in monthly payments,” said Frank Nothaft, chief economist, Freddie Mac, in a news release.
Fifteen-year fixed-rate mortgages also rose this week, averaging 3.96%, up from last week’s 3.81%, according to the survey. The mortgage averaged 4.32% a year ago.
Meanwhile, adjustable-rate mortgages also moved higher, with the 5-year Treasury-indexed hybrid adjustable-rate mortgage averaging 3.6% this week, up from 3.49% last week. The ARM averaged 4.26% a year ago.
And 1-year Treasury-indexed ARMs averaged 3.27%, up from 3.25% last week. The ARM averaged 4.24% a year ago.
To obtain the rates, the fixed-rate mortgages required payment of an average 0.7 point and the ARMs required an average 0.6 point. A point is 1% of the mortgage amount, charged as prepaid interest.
“After Europe made strides in its debt situation, investors left the security of U.S. Treasury debt causing bond yields to rise and mortgage rates along with them,” Nothaft said.
Nothaft also said that housing demand appears to be picking up.
“Existing pending sales jumped 10.4% in October to the strongest pace since April, according to the National Association of Realtors. More recently, mortgage applications for home purchases rose for the three consecutive weeks ending on Dec. 3, representing a 17.7% increase and the strongest pace since the week of May 7, based on figures released by the Mortgage Bankers Association,” he said.
If you are looking for a home in Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo or any where in south Orange County, please visit my website at www.troygregory.com
Troy Gregory
First Team Real Estate
DRE# 01310455
949.887.8239
www.LaderaRanchRealEstate.info
www.TroyGregory.com
By the way…I am never too busy for your referrals!
RISMEDIA, November 30, 2010—Mortgage rates retreated last week, following two consecutive weeks climbing higher. The average conforming 30-year fixed mortgage rate decreased to 4.58 percent, according to Bankrate.com. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.40 discount and origination points.
To see mortgage rates in your area, go to http://www.bankrate.com/funnel/mortgages/.
The average 15-year fixed mortgage decreased to 3.97 percent, and the larger, jumbo 30-year fixed rate dipped as well to 5.18 percent. Adjustable rate mortgages dropped as well, with the average 5-year ARM at 3.66 percent and the average 7-year ARM falling to 3.97 percent.
The last time mortgage rates were above 6 percent was Nov. 2008. At that time, the average rate was 6.33 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,241.86. With the average rate now 4.58 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,022.90, a savings of $219 per month for a homeowner refinancing now.
SURVEY RESULTS
•30-year fixed: 4.58% — down from 4.62% last week (avg. points: 0.37)
•15-year fixed: 3.97% — down from 4.02% last week (avg. points: 0.32)
•5/1 ARM: 3.66% — down from 3.71% last week (avg. points: 0.38)
Bankrate’s national weekly mortgage survey is conducted each Wednesday from data provided by the top 10 banks and thrifts in the top 10 markets.
If you want some additional information on interest rates, feel free to contact my lender, Matt Frey, click here for his website.
If you are looking for a home in Aliso Viejo, Mission Viejo or any where in south Orange County, please visit my website at www.troygregory.com
Troy Gregory
First Team Real Estate
DRE# 01310455
949.887.8239
www.LaderaRanchRealEstate.info
www.TroyGregory.com
By the way…I am never too busy for your referrals!
By Stephanie Andre
RISMEDIA, November 23, 2010—Thanksgiving week is here again and with it comes millions of Americans taking road trips, large and small. Drivers must be prepared for everything from snow and ice to sleep-deprived travelers.
To help make sure you are prepared, America’s Road Team Captains, elite professional truck drivers, offers the following advice on how to navigate through highway traffic and arrive at your destination safely:
Prepare your vehicle for long distance travel: Check your wipers and fluids. Have your radiator and cooling system serviced. Simple maintenance can prevent many of the problems that strand motorists on the side of the road before you leave your home.
Plan ahead: Before you get on a highway, know your exit by name and number, and watch the signs as you near the off-ramp. Drivers making unexpected lane changes to exit often cause accidents.
Do not cut in front of large trucks: Remember that trucks are heavier and take longer to make a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
Check your emergency kit: Contents should include: battery-powered radio, flashlight, blanket, jumper cables, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, bottled water, non-perishable foods, maps, tire repair kit and flares.
Be aware of changes in weather: Weather conditions across the U.S. will be changing – especially during early mornings and evenings with the cold. Watch for ice, snow and other weather-related obstacles.
Keep your eyes on the road: Distracted driving is a major cause of traffic accidents. Even just two seconds of distraction time doubles the chances of an accident. Use your cell phone when stopped and never text while driving.
Leave early and avoid risks: Leave early so you won’t be anxious about arriving late and to accommodate delays. Road conditions may change due to inclement weather or traffic congestion.
Be aware of truck blind spots: When sharing the road with large trucks, be aware of their blind spots. If you can’t see the truck driver in his or her mirrors, then the truck driver can’t see you.
Slow down: With the extra highway congestion due to holiday travel, speeding becomes even more dangerous. Allow plenty of space cushion and reduce your speed.
Buckle up: Safety belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45 percent and are a simple way to increase your safety on the road.
Troy Gregory
First Team Real Estate
DRE# 01310455
949.887.8239
www.LaderaRanchRealEstate.info
www.TroyGregory.com
By the way…I am never too busy for your referrals!
Getting into the holiday spirit…check out these entertaining basics!
By Heidi Stevens
RISMEDIA, November 22, 2010—(MCT)¬—Of course your warm hospitality and sumptuous fare are what bring folks to your home for the holidays. But is it wrong to hope they’re a little bit wowed by your killer table settings as well?
Of course not. Which is why we sought some expert advice on hosting holiday festivities that leave your guests sated, spirited and slightly amazed at your all-around fabulousness.
THE BASICS
Plates. Stock up on at least a dozen white dinner plates and a dozen white salad plates, says Kevin Sharkey, Martha Stewart Living’s executive editorial director for decorating. Two dozen if you can swing it.
“That way no one will feel like the 13th person with the odd plate who probably shouldn’t be here.”
If you’re on a budget or short on storage, worry less about the number and size of the plates and focus on the color, which should be, unequivocally, white. “It’s completely versatile, it’s seasonless and it mixes and matches with everything,” Sharkey says.
“Nothing shows off food like a white plate,” adds Jeanne Benedict, host of DIY Network’s “Weekend Entertaining.” “And we all know the better it looks, the better it tastes.”
Dessert plates are a good place to toy with color, say our experts, if you’re hue-inclined.
Flatware. “Flatware is more fun when it doesn’t match,” says Sharkey. Unearth your various inherited sets, bring on the fancy wedding gift sets, and pair it all with a few sale sets from a discount store. (It doesn’t have to hold up to everyday wear and tear, so don’t fret too much over the quality of your add-on sets.)
Glasses. “Find a glass that’s all-purpose and inexpensive that you can use over and over and over,” says Jen Aaronson, Martha Stewart Living’s editorial director of food and entertaining. “I like a basic glass that doesn’t have a stem for wine, cocktails, water. I have dozens that I bought at a restaurant supply store that I just keep in my basement and bring out when I’m entertaining.”
If your soirees tend to revolve around drinks as much as (or more than) food, you may want to keep a dozen extra wine glasses on hand. “I like a water, a red wine and a white wine,” Sharkey says. “But you have to be sensible about your numbers and how much space you have in your cabinets.”
If you’re hosting a larger-than-usual shindig, consider renting glassware. “I tend to rent mine when I’m having large cocktail parties,” says Sharkey.
Likewise for Benedict. “You’re usually able to rent stemmed glasses for about 35 cents each, and they’re easily transportable by car,” she notes.
Linens. Keep at least two dozen cloth napkins on hand, says Sharkey, who is partial to linen. “For me it’s a luxury.”
Napkins are a natural place to play with color and various prints, but Aaronson extols the virtue of white here as well. “White’s going to go with any tablecloth or place mats, and even if you have different kinds — some cotton, some linen, some embroidered — all white lets you mix and match them.”
If you’re hosting more than two dozen guests, Sharkey recommends paper napkins. “Especially if it’s a cocktail or buffet-style party,” he says.
As for place mats versus tablecloths, it’s a personal call. “Tablecloths are much more flexible because you’re not boxed in by place mats, which don’t give you a lot of wiggle room to decorate,” says Sharkey.
Then again, beautiful place mats can serve as decor all their own. Your call.
TAKE IT UP A NOTCH
You’ve covered the basics, so mind the small details that make a big difference.
Serve it. “Have a lot of platters on hand,” says Aaronson. “The easiest way to entertain is to do things family style, where you put everything out on the table for people to serve themselves. That means lots of platters and lots of bowls.”
Shake it. “Everyone has that big ol’ clunky pepper grinder,” says Benedict. “But you can find really affordable, nice salt and pepper shakers that look great on a dining table.” Pick up two or three sets so your guests don’t have to keep reaching across each other.
Pour it. “A simple glass water pitcher — it could be your margarita pitcher, but you’ve filled it with water — is always nice on a table,” says Benedict. As is a gravy boat — and not just for gravy. “They’re really nice for salad dressings,” Benedict says.
ICING ON THE CAKE
Now it’s time to knock it out of the park.
Flowers. “Take your plates and linens to a florist and say, ‘Here’s what I’m looking for, I’d love your pro advice,’” suggests Benedict.
Candles. “Everything looks better candle-lit,” says Sharkey. “But I do not like scented candles. It totally interferes with the food.”
Seasonal touches. “Maybe you put a mini pumpkin on each plate and tie a cranberry bow on the stems,” says Benedict. “Or roll your silverware in red napkins and tie a beautiful white bow around them.”
Or … none of the above. “If you have a chance to sit down and look at something, what would you want to look at?” suggests Sharkey. “Maybe it’s a big white ware bowl filled with tiny white pumpkins. Maybe it’s something from your garden that’s given pride of place. It could be apples or your begonia that’s in bloom. It could be a soup tureen without anything in it. It’s about what you want to spend time looking at.”
OFFSEASON STORAGE
A few tricks will keep your tableware in tiptop shape during the offseason.
Find a designated spot for storing your wares. “In the way you would think of a seasonal wardrobe, you should feel the same way about your dishes,” says Sharkey.
“Felt rounds are a really good thing for protecting dishes,” he says. “If you don’t have felt rounds, get some paper plates and put them between your dishes.”
“Lining your shelves makes a big difference. It keeps things from being chipped, and it’s just the right way to take care of your glasses and dishes,” he says.
(c) 2010, Chicago Tribune.
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
Troy Gregory
First Team Real Estate
DRE# 01310455
949.887.8239
www.LaderaRanchRealEstate.info
www.TroyGregory.com
By the way…I am never too busy for your referrals!
With Thanksgiving just a little over a week away and a lot of people getting ready for holiday travel, I thought this article would be very timely…Enjoy!
By Stephanie Andre
RISMEDIA, November 16, 2010—With just a little more than a week before Thanksgiving, the stress of holiday travel is quickly approaching.
However, with some advanced preparation and a bit more time packing, there’s no reason why your holiday travel can’t be exactly what you’d dream it could be: easy.
Here, AirTran Airways provides some travel tips and guidelines to help you have a happy holiday:
Layer your ingredients – Much like your favorite Thanksgiving dessert, layers work best. Pack a layer of clothes, then a layer of electronics, another layer of clothes and then any heavier items. This allows transportation security officers to see what’s in your bag quickly, thus moving lines along faster.
Set your timer – With increased airport traffic during the holidays, it’s best to arrive at the airport at least two hours prior to takeoff. Airport parking lots will be more crowded, ticket lines will invariably be longer and other passengers, who aren’t as prepared as you, could hold up security check points. Arriving to the airport early helps to alleviate concerns about missed flights due to elongated check-in procedures.
“Dressing” for success – Avoid wearing clothes and accessories that have metal as they will certainly slow down the security process. All footwear must go through the security screening process as well.
A liquid diet – Airport security guidelines do allow for travelers to bring liquids, gels and aerosols in their carry-on luggage. However, the items must be stored in containers no larger than three ounces and must be placed in a single, quart-sized zip-top, clear plastic bag.
Protect your bounty – Place your wallet, keys, money clips and cell phone inside of your carry-on luggage prior to arriving to the security checkpoint. This is extra protection from thieves and will expedite the item retrieval process once you’ve passed the checkpoint.
Check the status of your “pilgrim” age – It is a good idea to confirm your flight status before heading to the airport. Most airlines will allow you to print your boarding pass and a receipt from your computer.
Tag your luggage – A baggage tag with your name, home address and telephone number must be placed on the outside of your bag. For easy identification upon arrival, passengers may also want to use a ribbon or other easily identifiable item to mark their bag.
Harvest your IDs – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) security procedures require that all travelers 18 years of age and older show a government-issued photo ID, such as a valid driver’s license, a passport or military ID. If you do not have one of the above, you may show two forms of non-photo ID, at least one of which must be issued by a local, state or federal government agency such as the following: birth certificate, Medicare card, voter registration card or Social Security card. Ensure that the name on your itinerary matches the name on your identification.
Invest in a security friendly laptop bag – If you want to avoid having to remove your laptop at the security checkpoint, buy a laptop bag that is free of outside pockets, metal snaps, zippers or thick padding that can obstruct a clear X-Ray view of the laptop. Also, keep cords and batteries separate from the laptop to avoid having to remove the laptop from your bag.
Troy Gregory
First Team Real Estate
DRE# 01310455
949.887.8239
www.LaderaRanchRealEstate.info
www.TroyGregory.com
By the way…I am never too busy for your referrals!
