Your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender: March 2014

Monday, March 31, 2014

3 Secrets to a Better Business Mind

It's commonly held that intelligence is set from birth, meaning there's no way to "boost" brainpower. However, many studies prove just the opposite. A combination of lifestyle adjustments and mental exercises can not only increase intelligence, but also improve general brain health. The following tips can help boost mental activity and increase your intelligence…all of which helps your business!

1. Keep Memorizing. There is no shortage of contemporary studies that show a powerful correlation between a strong working memory and overall intelligence. A good memory has also been shown to slow down mental aging. Start small by memorizing your to-do list or daily schedule, then step it up a notch and memorize scripts that can help you during meetings with clients. If you want to take it to another level, try learning a new language and use it to expand business contacts in your community.

2. Mix it up. Do you have the exact same routine every single day? Falling into rigid patterns promotes mental passivity, or the opposite of stimulation. So, try mixing things up a bit. Challenge yourself by participating in new activities. Join a softball league, a reading club, or even a theater group, which are not only fun but also great ways to expand your connections in your community. At the very least, play around with your daily schedule. The point is that too much regimen can dull the senses.

3. Exercise. In his book Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain, author John J. Ratey, M.D., says if you want clear thinking, stress reduction, relief from depression, and more confidence in yourself, you only have to do one thing: exercise. All of which is sure to result in a better bottom line for your business, too!

Start implementing these easy tips today to benefit not only your brain, but also your business. Feel free to pass these tips along to your team, clients, and colleagues so their brains can benefit as well!

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance. Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please

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Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Monday, March 24, 2014

Mortgage Loans Made Easy with Michael Lasson

Many people find themselves overwhelmed with the home financing process, as your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender, it is my job to ensure that you receive the best loan for your situation as quickly and easily as possible!

Here's an overview of the loan application process

STEP ONE - Pre-Approval Call me first. Why? By giving me some general financial information, I can help you determine how much you will be able to borrow. Having a pre-approved mortgage loan could give you more power when you're looking for a home and negotiating the purchase price. I will also review your credit report and evaluate your debt-to-income ratio. This information will allow you to make an educated choice for your future financial security.
STEP TWO - Application & Processing When you've made your decision on a home or property and have a contract with the Seller, the next step is to complete your loan application. I try to make this process very simple by allowing you to complete this process online or in our office. If you choose to do it online, you select "Full Application" from Apply Now drop-down menu on the left sidebar of my website and complete the application. For those clients that are not comfortable completing their application, we will set up a time that is convenient and complete the process in our office.
STEP THREE - Loan Approval, Funding & Closing Your Real Estate Agent or the Seller will designate an Escrow/Title Company to handle the funding of your loan, along with many other factors which make your purchase go smoothly. The Loan Closing is an exciting meeting where you will complete the final paperwork to purchase the home from the seller, sign your mortgage documents and receive the deed and keys to your new home! We will coordinate with the escrow team and you'll sign the final papers at their office.

Now, How Do I Help You Get the Best Loan??

Customer service is my highest priority. Throughout the loan-application process, I will provide you with regular updates on your loan process. You can also e-mail me with questions or new information anytime. If you need immediate assistance, I am just a phone call away! I do my very best to be available to answer any questions that you may have about your mortgage loan process.

I can make you Lake of the Ozarks Home Mortgage Simple, Straightforward, Cost-Effective, and FAST! As your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Lender, I will work hard to help you buy your next home or property.

For resources and tips on financial services, please
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Michael Lasson
Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

2140 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite 303B
Lake Ozark, MO 65049
Direct: (573) 746-7211
Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141
Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com
NMLS #: 493712

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Will Fed's New Leadership Impact the Housing Market?

One of the biggest questions in the weeks ahead is: What will the Fed do?

Remember that the Fed is now purchasing $35 billion in Treasuries and $30 billion in Mortgage Bonds (the type of Bonds on which home loan rates are based) to help stimulate the economy and housing market. This is down from the original $85 billion per month that the Fed had been purchasing. The minutes from the Fed's recent meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee revealed a lack of consensus on this topic. If economic data continues to be weak, the Fed may have to rethink the tapering it has begun.

In addition, the minutes also provided mixed signals about the Fed Funds Rate. Some Fed members indicated that they felt uncomfortable with the ongoing accommodating stance, which suggests they may be leaning towards higher rates sooner rather than later. However, other Fed members continued to believe that rates should remain low for the foreseeable future.

Finally, let's not forget that the Fed is undergoing a change in leadership. That said, new Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen pledged last month to continue her predecessor's policies by scaling back stimulus in "measured steps." She said she's "committed to achieving both parts of our dual mandate: helping the economy return to full employment and returning inflation to 2 percent while ensuring that it does not run persistently above or below that level."

The bottom line is that any news story involving the Fed may impact home loan rates in the coming weeks and months. I will continue to watch the latest economic reports, as well as statements made by Fed members.

I would love the opportunity to help you manage your Lake of the Ozarks Mortgage Loan or refinance. Give me a call at (573) 746-7211 or send me an email at mlasson@fsbfinancial.com with any questions you may have!!

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Monday, March 10, 2014

Job Creation for February is HIGHER than Expected!!

"Missed it by that much." Maxwell Smart. For the first time in several months, the number of job creations came in above expectations rather than missing the mark. Read on for details and what this means for home loan rates.

Despite the harsh winter weather, 175,000 jobs were created in February. This was above the 163,000 expected, and the largest gain in three months. In addition, there were revisions to the numbers for December and January, adding 25,000 more job creations than were previously reported.

The Unemployment Rate ticked up to 6.7 percent from 6.6 percent, while the Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR) remained at 63.0 percent, a 35-year low. The LFPR measures the proportion of working-age Americans who have a job or are looking for one, and it should be moving higher in a recovery. Overall, this report was a positive sign for the labor market, but more and consistent improvement is still needed.

In other news to note, research firm CoreLogic reported that home prices, including distressed sales, rose by 12.02 percent in January 2014 compared to January 2013. January marks the twenty-third consecutive month of year-over-year price gains. And inflation remains a non-issue, as evidenced by the Personal Consumption Expenditures report, which was in line with expectations.

What does this mean for home loan rates? Remember that the Fed is now purchasing $35 billion in Treasuries and $30 billion in Mortgage Bonds (the type of Bonds on which home loan rates are based) to help stimulate the economy and housing market. This is down from the original $85 billion per month that the Fed had been purchasing. The Fed will be watching key economic reports closely in the weeks and months ahead. If economic data points are weak, the Fed may have to rethink the tapering it has begun. This will be a key story to monitor as we move ahead in 2014.

The bottom line is that now remains a great time to consider purchasing a Lake of the Ozarks Home or refinance, as home loan rates remain attractive compared to historical levels. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.

For Lake area news, resources and tips on financial services, please

LIKE my Facebook Page, Follow me on Twitter or Connect on LinkedIn

Michael Lasson

Sr. Residential Mortgage Lender

NMLS #: 493712

2265 Bagnell Dam Blvd, Suite B

PO Box 1449

Lake Ozark, MO 65049

Direct: (573) 746-7211

Cell: (573) 216-7258

Fax:(573) 693-9141

Email: mlasson@fsbfinancial.com

Monday, March 3, 2014

March Comes In Like a Lion and Goes Out Like a Lamb

As March comes in this year, the housing sector continues to roar ahead with good news, while other sectors are struggling. Read on to learn the latest details, and what they mean for home loan rates.

Despite the harsh weather, New Home Sales rose by 9.6 percent from December to January to an annual rate of 468,000, well above expectations. The 468,000 rate was the highest level since July 2008. Pending Home Sales for January also came in just above expectations and well above December's reading. In addition, research firm CoreLogic reported that completed foreclosures fell by 19 percent from January 2013 to January 2014, while the Case Shiller 20-city Home Price Index ended its best year since 2005.

On the other end of the spectrum, the second reading for 2013 fourth quarter Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was, in a word, gross. GDP fell to 2.4 percent from the initial reading of 3.2 percent, sharply beneath the 4.1 percent recorded in the third quarter of 2013. The decline was due in part to consumer spending and exports that were less robust than initially thought, signaling U.S. economic growth remains choppy. However, there was some good news in the report as company spending was revised up sharply, suggesting an improvement in business conditions.

In labor market news, weekly Initial Jobless Claims rose by 14,000 in the latest week, reaching a one-month high as the job markets continues their up and down pattern. The labor market has been choppy lately, especially after the anemic number of job creations in December and January.

What does this mean for home loan rates? Remember that the Fed is now purchasing $35 billion in Treasuries and $30 billion in Mortgage Bonds (the type of Bonds on which home loan rates are based) to help stimulate the economy and housing market. This is down from the original $85 billion per month that the Fed had been purchasing. With the December and January job creation numbers far below expectations, the Fed will be looking closely at February's numbers for any signs of a pattern. If this report and other key economic data points are weak, the Fed may have to rethink the tapering it has begun. This story is sure to impact the markets and home loan rates as we move ahead in 2014.

The bottom line is that now remains a great time to consider a home purchase or refinance, as home loan rates remain attractive compared to historical levels. Let me know if I can answer any questions at all for you or your clients.