geraldsantoro's posterous

geraldsantoro's posterous

Gerald Santoro  //  Providing Real Estate Financing for Residential purchase or refinance clients across the country. Conventional, Jumbo,FHA, 203k, VA, USDA and Reverse Mortgage Loans.
Assisiting First Time Home Buyers , move up buyers, 2nd home purchases, investors,refinances,etc. Well versed in FHA,VA and affordable housing loans.
Reverse Mortgages for clients minimum age 62.

njloanman@yahoo.com

732-800-0060

May 6 / 6:42am

Looking for Change? Get Real!

 

Not everyone who seeks help truly wants it. Some people only want attention; others have no clue about what they want, and a few turn their problems into lifetime careers. Yesterday I sat with a man who went on and on. He complained about the very same things he has complained about for years. Nothing has changed in his world, and it isn't going to until he gets real.

 

Real is a state of being; a place where we begin to accept ourselves, warts and all, and a time when we begin to see that it is we who need to change. Improvements in our life begin when we face our shortcomings and begin doing something about them.

 

One of the most effective ways to reach higher ground is by taking one step at a time. Some people make long lists of things they should change. Long lists tend to kill desire. To break free of old habits tackle one shortcoming at a time and work on it until it is no longer any part of us. Then move on.

 

How difficult is it to repackage ourselves into someone much better?

When I began my first transformation I was a two-pack-a-day smoker with the habit of getting drunk weekly. Those were my dark days. Even when sober I lied to myself, pretended I was somebody I wasn't, and experienced moments of absolute insanity. Alcohol is a numbing agent that leads to very stupid decisions; lying does the same thing.

 

Talk about dumb and dumber; there were moments when I was so stupid it's a wonder I didn't kill myself. One night I drove a Mercedes Benz into a tree at 50 miles per hour. That startling event cracked ribs, blackened an eye, and led to my sharing a night with others in a drunk tank. That wasn't my first wakeup call, but it was the one that finally caught my attention. I got honest with myself at a deeper level than ever before, and once my mind truly cleared I saw how insane some of my choices have been.

 

The very first step toward improved performance is self-honesty. The second step is starting to make better choices. We live in raging seas of options, and when we allow our ego and circumstances to lead the way we find ourselves fighting impossible uphill battles.

 

We already have everything necessary to achieve happiness, peace of mind, and joy. What might be missing is the self-honesty to clearly see what we are doing and the self-discipline to tackle one shortcoming at a time. At that pace, one step at a time, anything that makes us stronger is possible.

 

As Robert Schuller said, "Inch by inch, everything is a cinch."  

Dick Warn 

Apr 28 / 5:54am

Have Faith in Yourself and GROW!

         Faith and a Key to Freedom

  

Whenever I mention faith, many people aturally assume that I'm talking about religion. I am not. Faith is belief in things unseen, which is part of everyday living. Whether or not we believe in a Higher Power, each time we flip a light switch we have faith that a light will come on. Each time we step into an elevator we have faith that it will carry us to our selected floor. Our belief in things unseen enables us to walk, talk, and move through this confusing maze called life.

 

What holds people back is their lack of personal faith in themselves. They haven't learned enough about their mind to know how powerful it is. The human mind is the most creative force known to mankind. Every invention that we have, every piece of music we have ever heard, and the greatest books ever written have come through the mind of someone.

 

Research centers dig deeply into what human beings do and don't do, and have discovered that most people use less than 10% of their mental capacity. How can anyone use a truly powerful tool when they don't know they have one?

 

Minds are tools which we can either use or abuse. We abuse our mind when we take it for granted, without knowing that every thought we have plays a role in what we become. Idle thoughts are not willy-nilly nothings. Every thought we hold has an effect. When we believe we can, we can.

 

When we believe we can't, we can't. We are the result of all our thoughts.

When faced with something he has never done before, a friend of mine never says he can't. What he tells himself is "maybe I can." He knows that the only way to find his upper limit is by stretching his mind, expanding his understanding of what works by trying things he has never done. As a result of stepping beyond his comfort zone and proving to himself what's true, his faith in himself increases.

 

Isn't finding out what's true something we should all be doing? Maybe we need to do a better job of pushing ourselves out of our comfort zones. To become fully alive we need to begin walking through life with one foot on the known and the other foot on the unknown-forever testing those things that we don't know for sure.

 

Uncovering what's true and real expands our faith, and faith in ourselves determines the quality of our life. Continual growth leads to freedom.

Dick Warn
Mar 31 / 8:11am

A Big Mistake.....forgiven. Lesson to be learned....and shared by example.

                   The Miracle Minute  
Bob Hoover 

Bob Hoover, a world-famous test pilot and performer at air shows, had just taken off, flying back to his home in Los Angeles from an air show in San Diego with two passengers on board. As the plane reached 300 feet, both engines stopped. By deft maneuvering he was able to land the plane, but it was badly damaged.

Hoover's first act after the emergency landing was to inspect the airplane's fuel. Just as he suspected, his World War II propeller plane had been fueled with jet fuel rather than gasoline.

Bob returned to the airport and asked to see the mechanic who had just serviced his airplane. That young man was sick with agony and tears were streaming down his face as Hoover approached. He had just caused the loss of a very expensive plane and could have caused the loss of three lives - and he knew it.

When Bob Hoover reached the mechanic he put his big arm around the young man's shoulder and said, "Everyone makes mistakes, including me. To show you that I'm sure you'll never do this again, I want you to service my F-51 tomorrow."

Finding fault with someone doesn't actually help them. All scolding and criticizing does is drive a person's low self-esteem even lower. To help people grow, we must raise the bar and trust that the individual will live up to our higher expectations. Hoover did just that by asking the young man to service the very plane he would fly the next day.

When we honestly and sincerely tell someone we expect more from them, they will usually live up to our expectations. Isn't that what we should be doing with our children, fellow workers, and friends?

Feb 14 / 12:31pm

Real Estate Bright Spot: 50% of Tracked Markets Improve

Despite a shadow inventory of 1.6 million seriously delinquent loans, and a huge inventory of foreclosures, nearly 50% of 900 housing markets tracked by CoreLogic registered price gains last year.

CoreLogic chief economist Mark Fleming labeled the improvement “quite a turnaround” from 2009 when 90% of markets posted declines.

“The shadow inventory doesn't mean we can't have, in many parts of this country, home price growth,” Fleming said during a speech Friday.

The $26 billion robo-signing settlement is expected to remove processing road blocks and speed up the sale of foreclosed properties in the shadow inventory.

Speaking at a Capitol Hill panel discussion on housing issues, Fleming noted that it will take 18 months for the shadow inventory (loans that are 90-days or more past due, in foreclosure/REO not listed for sale yet) to work its way through the system. The luncheon was sponsored by mortgage insurer Radian.

Currently, there is a five- to six-month supply of existing homes for sale -- and the shadow inventory will add another two-month supply.

Fleming called an eight-month supply “unhealthy,” noting that it puts “downward pressure on prices.”  

A four- to five-month supply of homes on the market is considered healthy or neutral because it doesn't exert upward or downward pressure on home values.

Overall, the CoreLogic chief economist says he is seeing signs of improvement in the economy, labor markets and housing. “I feel like it is heading in the right direction,” Fleming said.

 

Jan 25 / 5:53am

Can I Borrow $5?

A woman came home from work late, tired and irritated, to find her 5-year old son waiting for her at the door. 

SON: 'Mummy, may I ask you a question?' 

MUM: 'Yeah sure, what it is?' replied the woman. 

SON: 'Mummy, how much do you make an hour?' 

MUM: 'That's none of your business. Why do you ask such a thing?' the woman said angrily. 

SON: 'I just want to know. Please tell me, how much do you make an hour?'

MUM: 'If you must know, I make  $20 an hour.' 

SON: 'Oh,' the little boy replied, with his head down. 

SON: "Mummy, may I please borrow $5?" 

The mother was furious, 'If the only reason you asked that is so you can borrow some money to buy a silly toy or some other nonsense, then you march yourself straight to your room and go to bed. Think about why you are being so selfish. I don't work hard every day for such childish frivolities.' 

The little boy quietly went to his room and shut the door.. 

The woman sat down and started to get even angrier about the little boy's questions. How dare he ask such questions only to get some money? 

After about an hour or so, the woman had calmed down, and started to think: 

Maybe there was something he really needed to buy with that $5 and he really didn't ask for money very often. The woman went to the door of the little boy's room and opened the door. 

'Are you asleep, son?' She asked. 

'No Mummy, I'm awake,' replied the boy. 

'I've been thinking, maybe I was too hard on you earlier' said the woman. 'It's been a long day and I took out my aggravation on you. Here's the $5 you asked for.' 

The little boy sat straight up, smiling. 'Oh, thank you Mummy!' he yelled. Then, reaching under his pillow he pulled out some crumpled up bills. 

The woman saw that the boy already had money, started to get angry again. 

The little boy slowly counted out his money, and then looked up at his mother. 

'Why do you want more money if you already have some?' the mother grumbled. 

'Because I didn't have enough, but now I do,' the little boy replied. 

'Mummy, I have $20 now. Can I buy an hour of your time? Please come home early tomorrow. I would like to have dinner with you.' 

The mother was crushed. She put her arms around her little son, and she begged for his forgiveness. 

It's just a short reminder to all of you working so hard in life. We should not let time slip through our fingers without having spent some time with those who really matter to us, those close to our hearts. Do remember to share that $20 worth of your time with someone you love. 

If we die tomorrow, the company that we are working for could easily replace us in a matter of hours. But the family & friends we leave behind will feel the loss for the rest of their lives. 
Please don't break this even if you only send it to one person. 
Thanks

 

Jan 14 / 10:02am

Who Are Your True Friends?

Who Are Your True Friends?

 

Thomas J. Watson, founder of IBM, said this about friends, "Don't make friends who are comfortable to be with. Make friends who will force you to lever yourself up."

 

When acquiring friends, the easiest way to go is looking for people you have fun with and people who are lower than you on the ladder of awareness. These people will pay you compliments, fill you with pride, and never challenge you to grow. It's like bowling with someone who never bowls -- you can look awfully good with almost no effort.

 

Looking good is nice, but it is not as nice as feeling good. Feeling good results from honest effort and personal growth. We have to know that we are finding better ways and following those ways; not just talking the talk, but walking the talk.

 

The Talmud, a Jewish archive of oral tradition, says, "Join the company of lions rather than assume to lead among foxes."

 

Another way of saying that: "He that lies down with the dogs will rise up with fleas." And as E.K. Piper said, "Keep out of the suction caused by those who drift backwards."

 

One of the proven ways to stay on track and keep improving yourself is to find someone who has climbed much higher than you and ask them for help. When you've asked the right person, their flood gates of wisdom will open wide.

 

Who will that right person be? It will be someone who has fought their battles, discarded their myths, and found peace within themselves. These rare souls will be covered in scars, and they'll truly want to help you. Everyone else is guessing.

 

Your true friends are wise enough and caring enough to help you grow.

 

Dick Warn

Dec 27 / 4:26pm

It's all about the mayonnaise jar....

 

I heard this a long time ago, but thought that it's so good to be reminded every now and again that I had to share it with you - especially at this time of year.

It's all about the mayonnaise jar....

When things in your life seem almost too much to handle. 
When 24 hours in a day is not enough; remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.

When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and started to fill it with golf balls.

He then asked the students if the jar was full.  They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly.  The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. 
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.

He asked once more if the jar was full.  The students responded with a unanimous 'yes'.

The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively 
filling the empty space between the sand.
 The students laughed.

'Now,' said the  professor, as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life.'

'The golf balls are the important things - family, children, health, friends, and favourite passions - things that if everything else was lost and
only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.'

'If you put the sand into the jar first,'  he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls.  The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are
 really important to you.'

So...

'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness.  Play with your children. Take time to get medical checkups.   Take your partner out to dinner.   There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap.'

'Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really  matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.

The  professor smiled.  'I'm glad you asked'.  It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.'

Happy New Year and here's to staying focused on what is really important!
Gerald C Santoro
Mortgage Planning Specialist
NMLS # 630694
Cell: 732-241-4015
"P.S. While my business is good and growing steadily, it is important for you to know that I am never too busy to help those you refer to me: your family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers."

Nov 12 / 7:59am

Will to Win

 

When things refuse to go your way and skies become dark, what must you know to make things better? Is there a secret that can help you?

 

The missing link in most people's lives is the assumption that something outside of them will make a difference. Abraham Lincoln gave us a clue when he said, "Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be."

  

How we see the world is more a matter of choice than actual reality. If more people knew the truth of their being they would never be sad. All of us have a genius like center that can truly guide us. Yet most of us have never been taught how to access it.  

 

Abraham Lincoln also said, "Things may come to those who wait, but only the things left behind by those who hustle."

 

We can settle for what's left. That's one choice. Or we can try something else. Harvey Mackay, respected author, said, "People begin to become successful the minute they decide to be."

 

The minute they decide! Isn't that the secret? The instant we make up our mind to improve, something within us shifts gears and we can feel it. That feeling results from hope and desire - which, in turn, fuels our will to win.

 

How do people without a will to win view the world? Every barrier looks taller than it is, every path appears uphill, and nothing seems worth doing. Rather than make commitments to improve, these people create excuses to justify their poor results. Have you ever known an absolute loser who could not justify their bad decisions?

 

It doesn't matter where you've been, what you've done, or how far you've fallen off the path. Your key to climbing begins by saying to yourself, "Enough is enough, and I refuse to continue living this way." And then, adding your commitment to improve.

 

"Commitment" is the tipping point. Once your mind is made up and you commit, everything else falls into place. This is a cosmic secret that only committed individuals ever discover.

 

How do I know this? I've read about some of the greatest souls who have ever lived. Each one of them has made this same discovery. Your ability to climb is determined by your commitment and will to win.

Nov 11 / 8:27am

New Leadership in Italy and Greece

With little economic data in the US this week, events in Europe were the primary influence on mortgage rates. During the week, shifting sentiment about the risk posed by Italy caused a high degree of volatility. By the end of the week, though, mortgage rates were little changed from last week.


Italy was the center of attention this week. While an important budget vote passed, Prime Minister Berlusconi failed to gain the support of a majority in Parliament. As a result, he agreed to resign. Italy will either hold special elections or will be ruled by a national unity government, a temporary coalition. Investors believe that a national unity government might be better able to implement politically unpopular austerity measures. The rapidly shifting events in Italy have had a significant impact on global financial markets and likely will continue to do so.

In Greece, an agreement was reached to form a coalition government, which is expected to accept the terms of the European Union bailout package. The Greek Prime Minister voluntarily resigned, and a new leader was named.

Bigger picture, the fundamental questions in Europe remain the same. Will the weaker countries make the sacrifices necessary to cut spending and will the stronger countries be willing to pay the cost of the bailout? As perceptions change for the likelihood of the spread of the European debt troubles, investors will continue to shift funds between relatively risky assets and safer assets. US government guaranteed mortgage-backed securities (MBS) are considered to be less risky assets, and changing demand for MBS will keep mortgage rates on the move.

Also Notable:

  • Weekly Jobless Claims fell to 390K, the lowest level since April
  • The Fed's Plosser argued against allowing inflation to rise to boost the economy
  • Italian bond yields rose to the highest levels since the Euro was launched
  • Oil prices climbed to $97 per barrel, the highest level since July

Jobless Claims

Average 30 yr fixed rate:
Last week:
-0.10%
This week:
+0.02%
Stocks (weekly):
Dow:
11,850
-50
NASDAQ:
2,625
-25

Week Ahead

The most significant economic data next week will be the monthly inflation reports. The Producer Price Index (PPI) focuses on the increase in prices of "intermediate" goods used by companies to produce finished products and will come out on Tuesday. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), the most closely watched monthly inflation report, will come out on Wednesday. CPI looks at the price change for those finished goods which are sold to consumers. In addition, Retail Sales will be released on Tuesday. Retail Sales account for about 70% of economic activity. Industrial Production, another important indicator of economic growth, will come out on Wednesday. Housing Starts and Philly Fed will be released on Thursday.

Brought to you courtesy of MBS Quoteline