CNN shows how Feng Shui attempts to predict markets in 2010

I had to share these videos with you IF you believe in Feng Shui or are at least CURIOUS? Yes, we are in the year of the tiger (still a difficult year for many). Here is a clip on CNN where they try to predict the economy based on Feng Shui. Click here to view video. Differing opinions on this video so I included another below.

The second video (click here) I found is more detailed and notes improvements and gains in stocks in May and June of 2010 (YIPPEE, so we have that to look forward to...if you believe in it) and they note that 2010 is a great time to invest in property! Well, I could have told you that. Write to me with your comments at mbedard@hickokandboardman.com

New property of the month. NEW listing in Burlington

Brand new listing this week in sought-after Burlington neighborhood. This home HAS IT ALL! Join us this Sunday (2/28/10) at 65 Glen Road in Burlington for an open house (1-3) and you can enjoy my home-made cookies, ask a lender from Spruce Mortgage your questions, and view this fantastic home

Everything is done already for you in this home so you can come home to relax in your surround sound family room with 42-inch flat screen tv. Or invite your friends over to enjoy the extended deck, jacuzzi, and fenced in large back yard. Dine and entertain in front of your wood burning fireplace on those cold Burlington nights. OR, pamper yourself in your beach glass mosaic tile and marble stone luxurious bathroom. Tons of southern light exposure pours through the large open windows of this home. You can live the dream and have it all! Offered at $499,000. For more information click here or contact me at mbedard@hickokandboardman.com You can also see a visual tour here

Happy Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year

Happy Valentine's Day and Chinese New Year everyone! Last night a group of friends joined me for dinner to explore the year of the tiger and how their sign will do for the year. If you wish to explore this for yourself, click here. It can be a lot of fun if you do it with a group and read your responses aloud.

Today being the Chinese New Year (Year of the Tiger) is a great day to figure out your intentions for the year (similar to New Years Resolutions) and write them down on paper. The Chinese encourage people to then set these intentions on fire (in a bowel...please don't burn your house down). This releases these intentions into the air. This will be my third year doing this ritual and I believe in it 100%

May this Chinese New Year be a safe, productive, and prosperous year for you! If you find yourself on the brink of making a scary change/decision in your life, you are not alone... be brave and FIERCE like the tiger!! This is a difficult time of change and uncertainty for many people.
As always, feel free to contact me at mbedard@hickokandboardman.com with all of your questions.

Picture taken from http://tinyurl.com/y8whtht

Interest rates rise and what your payment would look like

As mentioned previously in my blog; later this spring the top economists are predicting that interest rates will rise. What that means to you when you break it down in terms of your monthly payment is the following, (here is an example):

Purchase of $200,000 with 3.5% down payment at current rate of 5.200% for a 30 year fixed rate loan = $1,078.33

Same scenario as above with an increase to the rate of 1% for a total rate of 6.200% = $1,202.75

Total increase in monthly payment of $124.42.

To purchase at the same monthly payment as what you could with today’s rates in an economy with higher rates you would be buying a home for around $179,000. That is a decrease in purchasing power of $21,000 or over 10% less of a home!

If you are curious about viewing a property on the MLS now, or you have another real estate need, please contact me at mbedard@hickokandboardman.com and I will be happy to help you!