Shout out to my Peeps

Ok, Ok. Thank you! Honestly. 30+ requests for more "Peeps" humor. Here's the season's last Peep image. Moving forward, this is a blog about me, you, your referrals and real estate financing. You're not alone on Easter Island! This week I'm looking for BUYERS for Single Family Residences in San Rafael. If you know anyone looking to buy in San Rafael, have them contact me to set up their financing (great rates for loans under $625,00) and I'll get you financed and hooked up with a great Realtor, Mark Machado. Together, we're your eyes in real estate. http://www.ptre.net/ and http://www.markmachado.net/. Broker #01234350. Pat Townsley: 415-485-1776.

Life, Economy and The Power of Positive Thinking

Ever watched a movie more than once? Maybe more than two or three times? Why? Probably because you enjoyed it and it gives you Certainty that you're going to have repeated good feelings from it. After being tortured with the continual economic news and subsequent self-fulfilling prophecies, I need that "good feeling" to make my day an inspiration to others. So I've just re-read "The Power of Positive Thinking" by Norman Vincent Peale. It's a classic. Many tales of old inspiration that still hold true today. What you focus on is what you attract, and thoughts become things. If I can be an inspiration to my friends, my family, my coworkers, my employees and my clients, it just may rub off. It's better than the alternative. Life's too short to focus on the negative. Shit happens; How you deal with it is up to you. Why do we fall? To get up again! I'm the guy who keeps getting up again. Every day, you are given 86,400 seconds. How will you use yours today? With a smile, I hope. Keep fighting. I'm an advocate in your corner. Need a sympathetic ear? Let's work it out. Pat Townsley, California Mortgage Advisors. Licensed broker in all 50 states (but let's do some business here in our back yard! Your referrals are appreciated.

1 in 5 Homeowners Underwater: What to do

The map here shows the Lay-off Hot Spots nationwide. Red being high, white, not so bad. So, who wants to be a 'red state' in this map? Stats are indicating that 1 in 5 homeowners owe MORE for their homes than they home has Value. We call this being Upside Down or "underwater." Not a comfortable place to be. Add that to the unemployment and there are several word starting with the letter F that come to mind. A bank that begins with the letter W predicts that by the end of Q4 2009, 34% of all of their current loans in their bank will be in foreclosure. That's probably a bit high to pad shareholder's positions when the number comes in at a similar 1 in 5, but that's still 20% of the country upside down and/or and additional 20% in foreclosure. Long story short: Stick it out as long as you can. See counseling on many levels, and get multiple opinions from objective professionals. And lastly, try to find something positive in the mix. Focus on what's good in your life. Keep your faith high; This is the beginning of when we're going to need it most. Need counseling. I'm here to lend and ear. Pat Townsley, Mortgage Veteran of a Thousand Psychic Wars. 415-485-1776. www.PTRE.net

Groundhog Day and Real Estate Financing

If Punxsutawney Phil says 6 more weeks of winter, are you going to continue to F-off and not pull the trigger on the best 30-year fixed rates we've seen in three generations? If he comes out and Spring is upon us, we're equally screwed, because we'll have NO WATER coming our way...which will be a slower death through higher water costs, conservation, and a diversion of the American mindset away from the fundamentals of fiscal reform to either We Need Water or Mars Needs Women. It reminds me of some futuristic movie with Bruce Dern where it's Mad-max-esqe and we have no water. Perhaps is the vicodin I've been on this past week post surgery. Either way, Groundhog Day 2009 also marks the 44th passing of my father's death via deceleration trauma at Hamilton Air Force Base in 1965 where his "widow maker" F-104 made didn't quite give him the time to announce the third "Eject." Too little too late. Don't wait for your wings to sheer off your jet and go from 600 mph to Zero before you protect your family estate with today's mortgage opportunities. Let's get down to business, with our without the shadow of Phil. Pat Townsley. Live online at www.PTRE.net

Any Press Is Good Press...

IBD: Investor's Business Daily reporter Kathleen Doler has again graced me with an interview on my thoughts on the market. Although slightly misquoted on my "Jumbo Rates," the article does cover the challenges and opportunities today and ahead. Today's online and print article entitled and linked at Lending Is Changing; Getting A Mortgage May Take Bank Visit doesn't really help the independent mortgage broker's plight, but, hey, at least I'm honest. Now, Back to the rates: Jumbos are in the mid 5%'s right now on 5 year fixed rates or the "ARMs" where the Jumbo 30-Year fixed is closer to 7 and 8 percent. So, Jumbos are still getting done, but you'll be more "liquid" on a monthly basis in the 5's on an Option ARM type loan where the payment is manageable on loans from $600,000 to $10,000,000. Every borrower is different, and it's is getting sticky; but give it time. This too shall pass and planning now is a smart move. Go with the honest broker: Pat Townsley. 415-485-1776. http://www.ptre.net/
Thanks Kathleen for your continued support and writing where others don't often tread.

Chase this: Chase Closes Wholesale Lending

I'll put this in the list of the Top 10 crappy things going on in the world of real estate financing. A lot of people were just put out of work and a lot more people won't be getting loans at Chase announces that they're closing the doors to wholesale lending. That's TWO MAJOR BANKS with bad news for homeowners in the first two weeks of the new year. First Wells terminates all Jumbo loans, now JPMorgan Chase just going bye-bye. This is only the beginning. Could the debt of the Bear Stearns acquisition be a factor, or is it all a conspiracy theory, or just the next of 1000 papercuts on global financing? Brace yourselves by Locking In and Refinancing NOW before it's impossible. This lock-down could last years, and you might not. Let's talk. Pat Townsley, navigating the incoming shitstorm of 2009. http://www.ptre.net/

Your 2009 Goal Setting Workshop

Make Goal Setting an ongoing process. Don't fall into the "New Year's Syndrome" and think out a couple of goals and then not look back at them until December 31st of the next year and say "oops, oh shoot." Any plan is better than no plan. A few quick reminders on Goal Setting:

1. Focus: Get into a space where you aren't interrupted.
2. Write them down: Writing gives you a road map to work on
3. Clarity: The more specific, the more achievable.
4. Present tense: Write them now, and "as if" they were achievable Now
5. Time based: Give them a reasonable timeline, but set a "do by" date
6. Personal: Write them in first person, as in "I will..." or "I am..."

Have personal, family, work, material wants and financial goals. Let your Goal Workshop flow. Put on some inspiring music, think of what you want, and put it on paper. You can edit and clean it up later. With your new goals defined, review them in every morning and every night before you go to bed. The conscious and superconsious minds work 24/7. Share some of your goals with friends who will hold you accountable to their achievement. Nothing like Pressure to keep you on track. You might not be honest with yourself, but you'll keep a commitment to a friend. As they say: No Pressure, No Diamonds. On the other hand, Biggie once said "Mo Money, Mo Problems." I'll help you with both. Pat Townsley. http://www.ptre.net/ 415-485-1776 pt@ptre.net

Exodus; Movement of Jah People

All of this has happened before, and it will all happen again. The opening line from Peter Pan. Cycles, trends, changes, history repeating itself, prophecies coming true. Bob Marley sang about it, scriptures tell about it, history records it. So, WTF does it matter to you? It's a relative question. Each person is unique. The most uncomforting comfort that anyone has given is "Hey, you're not alone." Not helping. This time it's not personal: It's global. There are many people who are completely un-phased by global events, stocks, equities, economic, social and political change. They simply continue to make money in any market. That's a small percentage. The majority of "Joe Americans" are really in a tight spot right now. There is one thing you can do to secure one aspect of your pain: Refinance your home loan into a 30 year fixed rate now for security. One less worry in your life. I've got the remaining lenders under my belt to serve you so that you don't have to make a forced exodus from your home. It's times like now when you need the support of your friends, family and solid advisors who know what to do. I'm one of those advisors in the trenches, fighting to save the American way of life and save your home. Pat Townsley, humble smart guy. http://www.ptre.net/. 415-485-1776. Real world answers for today's real world challenges facing you and your family. Your referrals are appreciated.

What Do You Have to Lose? Hedge your Home Now!

Folks, I've said it once, I've said it a million times: Now is the time to secure your loan. That's the long-term security game. If you do it now, you'll get a decent rate versus what will be at least two points higher in a year from now. Can you risk that? Depending on the size of your loan and the program, it can equate to $25 dollars a day in savings to $225 per day in cash flow savings; It can save your home...period. I can't even sleep at night anymore: Concerned over my clients, my own real estate holdings and the entire planet. I'm micro an macro thinking here. Let me help you save your ship so that YOU can Rest easy: I've got the loans. For long term security to short term adjustables for fast real estate plays, I'm on it. Pat Townsley, Mortgage Broker to the Stars. 415-485-1776. http://www.ptre.net/

Any Press is Good Press

While I'm always looking for the opportunity for speaking engagements regarding the mortgage business, buying property, investing, it's always good to be quoted in respected papers. I was recently quoted again as an industry expert in the Investor's Business Daily. Click here or the image to read the article. It's not too much coverage or cheery news about the state of the nation, but I'll take reputable national coverage whenever I can. In short, the article tells what I've been saying all along: Tough times ahead and challenging underwriting plus constantly changing programs make it your call to action to do something sooner than later on your real estate finanancing. Don't wait for the rate 'cause it's gonna be too late. Call Pat Townsley, Mortgage Broker. 415-485-1776. www.ptre.net

Stocks lag, Crude Up, Lehman Lags...

Interesting times my friends. Time to double your efforts that make you the most money. If it's work harder on those key elements that will generate business now, delete/delay senseless projects, re-evaluate your portfolio, cancel that vacation: Time to tighten up. We all want Balance; be it in life, in our accounts, in our future. One thing you can do right now is to secure your home or real estate mortgage. It's a critical time right now. When the Fed addresses Inflation, the rates will take off.
May I offer my phone to you: Please call to see if there is an opportunity for you. Chances are, I can either offer you a better and/or secure rate or give you the assurance that what you have now IS the best deal and don't do anything. I'll cut through the B.S.

I'm the broker on your side, but you've got to take action. Call Pat Townsley, 415-485-1776. http://www.ptre.net/.

Let's get down to business. Don't become a statistic.

Social Networking for your Success

I've got a list of personal coaches, mentors and personal trainers in my background. From Anthony Robbins, Brian Tracy, Ken Blanchard, Depak Chopra, Mike Macedonio, Dawn Lyons, Trey McAlister, Wayne Dyer, Dani Johnson, and companies like Productive Learning & Leisure. Joel Osteen recently reminded me "You must quit looking at what you don't have, and start believing that all things are possible." Short, direct, true. You attract what you focus on, however, sometimes thought and focus aren't quite enough; If you don't take action and just bliss-out, things slide. Motion creates emotion. Getting networked in person and online is a great way to stay proactive, working your "message" and moving forward. If you're not growing, you're dying. Time to get busy. By the same token, if you hide from your finances or simply "hope" that your loan will be fine, you're going to look back and say "Oh Shoot" as you you and your canoe go over Niagara falls without a paddle.

HOW CAN I SUPPORT YOU? Pat Townsley, Advisor. 415-485-1776.

How do BANKS set rates?

With the financial markets and investors in "spooked" mode, NOW, more than ever, banks are taking a new look at how they need to address and "entice" investors to deposit money into their banks. Without growth through deposits, banks will take a loss which will be hard to make up from other services. Statistical data shows banks with up to 150 basis points in difference in what they're pricing their money market deposits at from bank to bank in all 50 states. So, how do banks' price swing so much and how can banks offer the best pricing in a turbulent market to reign in some normalcy, investor confidence and ultimately regain a stronger gain in consumer confidence? ACCURATE RESEARCH. The company that is leading the banking B2B information age is "Market Rates Insight." They're the hub of timely, accurate and relevant data for banks to efficiently create solid price points for continued growth and stability ahead. I look forward to an alliance with MRI to help me better serve my clients as well as promote the services, scope and impact of this first-class global company. Pat Townsley, Advisor. 415-485-1776. Let's Talk.

Stimulus Package Agency Conforming Jumbos take off

Any press is good press, they say. I was recently interviewed by a reporter from Investor's Business Daily regarding the challenges facing the mortgage business and how the new conforming loan limits have impacted the American home owner or home buyer. Indeed, we have challenging times, but we also have markets that are constantly in need to recreate themselves for their own survival, in this case, the Mortgage and Credit Markets. My splash in Investor's Business Daily came out in print in the May 15th, 2008 paper and is also available online by clicking here. When you need true insights and financial reality checks on what opportunities you or your associates have available today, please contact me. Pat Townsley, Independent Mortgage Broker. Serving California and 15 other states as your Mortgage Advisor. 415-485-1776. http://www.ptre.net/

California Mortgage Advisors

“The problems of the world cannot possibly be solved by skeptics or cynics whose horizons are limited by the obvious realities. We need men who can dream of things that never were.” John F. Kennedy

Real estate financing has changed, and changed forever. I refuse to fail in the face of adversity. To stay competitive and continue servicing my clients, I have brought my team to one of the Nation's top mortgage firms, California Mortgage Advisors. We're pleased to be amongst some of the top producers in the US. At "CMA" we have the best-of-breed tools to ensure that our clients have not only the best rates and loans available today from more lenders than were previously available. We're really working harder than ever, because we have to! Trust that I will still deliver my personal best when working with you and your referrals. My contact information remains the same: Pat Townsley, 415-485-1776. http://www.ptre.net/

Broker Versus Bank

Consumers often ask: Why would I go with a mortgage broker over a bank. The answer is that Brokers have far more options for Buyers and Homeowners than a single bank. Indeed, we also represent all the top retail banks, but we've also got other lenders and programs that fit all types of needs. Additionally, brokers are generally available about 24 hours a day. We find solutions and can shop your loan to get the best scenario. Recently, many Realtors are saying ONLY get your financing from a retail bank for "security" to make sure that their client's purchase closes on time. Nobody wants your loan to close more than the mortgage broker and the Realtor. If it doesn't close... nobody wins. I've seen retail lenders fail to fund purchases recently...which is counter-active to the advice of some Realtors. Nobody wants a purchase to fall out. I offer you the argument that a broker will work harder, provide better service, better communication, and be there for you, the CUSTOMER, far more than any other person in your transaction. For refinance or purchase loans, go with a mortgage advisor with all the tools and the experience. I have a referral for you: Pat Townsley, Mortgage Broker. 415-485-1776. Your referrals are appreciated! http://www.ptre.net/

Cash out while you can!

It's been said that cash is king. With home values being "challenged" by today's real estate downturn, it's getting harder to refinance debt consolidation loans, cash for improvements, cash for investments or even to simply Fix or Lower your monthly payment. Please read the article below on utilizing your equity line Now if you need "padding." Also, I highly recommend that you look at the refinance opportunities (and purchase as as well) right now as the banks are getting tighter and tigher. Regardless of any stimulus package, eventually all borrowers, even the best borrowers, won't be able to finance real estate. One action that will help would be a cut in the Discount rate, but until that happens by at least a full point, real estate concernts will continue to drag down the entire country. Take action. Let's Talk: Pat Townsley, Mortgage Broker. 415-485-1776. http://www.ptre.net/