BORROWER EDUCATION 101

It has been remarked that one of the most frightening sentences in the English language is, "Hi, I am from the government and I'm here to help."  Of course, that is not always the case.  Take for example the Federal Reserve Board.  It was created by Congress nearly 95 years ago to provide our nation with a safer, more flexible and more stable monetary system. 

Because of Federal Reserve's role as the central bank for the United States the Fed has some incredible information resources for homebuyers or people looking to refinance a home.  And, with the internet the information is available 24/7.  The Fed can provide you a wealth of information about loan types and it even has an easy to use calculator that allows you to compare loan types before you commit to one with your bank or mortgage lender. 

Whether you are contemplating the latest exotic loan de jour or a more basic 30 year fixed rate you can go to the Federal Reserve's Mortgage Comparison Calculator and see which would be best for your needs. 

Get Ready...The 155th Annual California State Fair is almost here!

The best state fair in the state starts August 17 and runs through Labor Day.  Great events, midway rides, farm animals, harness racing, amazing attractions, all kinds of "food on a stick" and much, much more will be part of this annual extravaganza.

Check out the list below of this year's FREE concerts at CalExpo, that's right all concerts are free with your admission. 

Friday	8/17	Tesla
Tuesday	8/21	Huey Lewis & the News
Wednesday	8/22	Daughtry
Thursday	8/23	Temptations Review
Friday	8/24	Lonestar
Saturday	8/25	Jenni Rivera
Tuesday	8/28	Third Day
Wednesday	8/29	KC & the Sunshine Band
Thursday	8/30	All American Rejects
Friday	8/31	The Commodores
Saturday	9/1	Amy Hanaiali'i
Sunday	9/2	Chicago
Monday	9/3	Weird Al Yankovic

   PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST THEFT & FRAUD

We have seen in commercials how smoothly commerce is supposed to run when we all use debit cards instead of cash and checks.  Unfortunately while the card may be interchangeable for cash it is also an access to our bank accounts that can be easily accessed by unscrupulous individuals.  Below are a few tips to maintain your debit card security.

1.  Check your wallet often and report lost or stolen cards immediately.  Cash is cash.  Your is access to your entire bank account. Hang on to your card!

2. Sign your card as soon as you receive it.  Read the security precautions that come with your card and follow them.

3. Check your statements.  Know what you have spent and where you spent it so you can spot problems quickly.  Contact your bank right away if you notice unusual activity and follow up with them in writing. 

4. Be aware.  Know what is going on around you when using your debit card.  Don't let others see your PIN while you are entering it.

5. Write down the name and phone number of the issuer for each card in your wallet.  Put it in a safe place - separate from your wallet - so you can speed up the process if your cards are lost or stolen.

6. Check the calendar.   Know when you statements should arrive.  If one is late or missed contact the issuer immediately.  Missing statements could be indicative of fraud.

7. Be safe.  Don't write down your PIN memorize it!  Don't write in on the card, keep the number in your wallet or share it with others.

8. Check the numbers.  Keep your receipts from debit card transactions. Make sure the amount you purchased is correct and deduct the amount from your checkbook to avoid bouncing checks.

Following these tips can help prevent fraud and protect your hard earned savings. So, be alert, be safe and if you believe your credit or bank account may have been comprised or that you are a victim of identity theft you find more information about Identity Theft and how to handle it at the FDIC website.

NEW CA MLS - REAL ESTATE ON STEROIDS!

This week a new alliance of real estate agents and brokers throughout much of California launched the new "California MLSAlliance" providing over 150,000 CA REALTORS® with access to more than 2.5 million active listings and off-market properties around the state.  The alliance enables California REALTORS® to deliver more information to their clients in this time of changing market conditions. Now, that's real estate on steroids!

The MLSAlliance provides a technological gateway for a single point of access for real estate listing information.  While it is always best to operate within the markets one knows, for agents and brokers who conduct business in various locations around the state this new portal provides a one stop search vehicle.

This alliance of ten MLSs who came together with Metrolist Services, Inc. to make this happen were East Bay Regional Data, Inc. (EBRDI), Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc. (BAREIS), Combined L.A./Westside MLS (CLAW), CRISNet Regional MLS, Greater South Bay Regional MLS, iTech MLS, Multi-Regional MLS (MRMLS), San Francisco Association of REALTORS®, and Southern California MLS. 

With the MLSAlliance agent and broker subcribers are able to locate listings in the following 22 major California counties: Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco, Napa, Solano, Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake, Marin, San Mateo, Sacramento, Yolo, Placer, El Dorado, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, Merced, Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino, Riverside and Ventura.

If there is power in numbers then this new alliance will offer REALTORS® more power to service the needs of an every increasing demand for professionalism and technical know how.