Mark R. Hardy's Blog

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE... A shower of home purchases sure sweetened the real estate market in April, as Existing Home Sales gained 0.6% for the month, hitting an annual rate of 4.97 million units. This put them up 9.7% over a year ago, reaching their highest sales pace since November 200...

Answer these questions as you embark on your research into pools.  Can you afford the annual maintenance costs?  Are you willing to invest in landscaping? Buyers want the whole experience of a pool which includes landscaping, patios, or other additions to the backyard. Is there a community pool n...

Memorial day is a very special day to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for the country in which they loved. I hope you take a minute during the weekend to say a prayer for our country, leaders, and the men and women of the armed forces who protect our way of life.   Have a won...

Effective June 3rd, FHA monthly mortgage insurance (MMI) becomes permanent for the life of the loan.  Up until now, MMI only had to remain in place for 5 years, and then was automatically removed once the LTV reached 78%.  This will add thousands of dollars over the life of the loan.  For example...

THE SKINNY ON JOBS AND HOUSING Over the years, in good times and bad, the most accurate indicator for the health of the housing market has been the health of the job market. When people are working full-time in good jobs they believe they'll keep, it's good for housing too. Here are three ways la...

Life is Peachy at Schnepf Farms! A weekend of peach food sampling, activities including peach pit spit, pie eating contest, celebrity chef demonstrations, peachy sampling tent, and peachy pancake breakfast. Also featuring train rides through the orchard ($3), U-Pick peaches, and a Country Store &...

Armed Forces Day Tribute to all Service People, Families & Veterans! Music and dancing all day with DJ's Kevin James & Aleisha; Dance contests & drawings; Remembrance & Patriotic ceremonies; Meet local Veterans advocacy groups and organizations; Surprise appearances! May 18, 2013 Location: Mesa M...

So part 2 of this series - here are the #4 and #5 ways to create a happy, healthy life in a crazy, hectic world: Walk or exercise for 30 minutes or more a day. Exercise is an essential part of the health equation, and 30 minutes a day is where it begins. Take a walk with a friend after work, leav...

Life. It’s fast-paced, unpredictable, and ridden with change at every corner. There are new challenges, new opportunities, and new distractions which have complicated our lives in both good ways and bad. We’re highly connected, information-seeking individuals who also can’t quite find the time to...

Weaker than expected economic data tends to send bond prices up and interest rates down, while positive data points to lower bond prices and rising loan rates. Economic Calendar for the Week of May 13 – May 17  Date Time (ET) Release For Consensus Prior Impact M May 13 08:30 Retail Sales Apr –0.3...