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

 
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
 
Nov 1 / 5:57pm

Men's Club Dinner, November 2 at 7pm

logo
November 1, 2011
10 Wallace Street
Red Bank, New Jersey 07701 
732-741-1321
Dear Gerald,
 
Men's Club Dinner.This Wednesday November 2 at 7pm 
Please make reservations. Any questions please call 732-741-1321 or my cell 732-320-8315  Thanks Tom

Escarole Salad - With plum tomatoes and red onions tossed with olive oil, lemon, garlic and white balsamic vinegar. 

 Stuffed Calamari 

Sauteed Escarole with Sausage and Cannelini Beans                                                  
Pumpkin Ravioli  

Veal Cutlet Milanese - Lightly breaded and pan fried served over arugula, olive oil and balsamic vinagrette, garnished with red onions and sliced tomatoes.
Black Linguini with Cockle Clams Fra Diavolo  
Pork Osso Buco      

This email was sent to njloanman@yahoo.com by info@gaetanosredbank.com |  
Gaetano's Restaurant | 10 Wallace Street | Red Bank | NJ | 07701

 
Oct 22 / 6:12am

Service Comes First

It appears to me that many people have become so self-centered that they have lost sight of the obvious. With their body piercings, tattoos, half-naked dress, arrogant attitudes, and total lack of respect for work, they must believe in the tooth fairy.

 

Work - service to others - is how we pay our dues. Parasites, people who refuse to be of service are never ever truly happy. Is it no wonder that so many people are confused, angry and acting out in very strange ways?

 

American author and motivational speaker, Zig Ziglar, shared something that all of us should keep in mind when he said, "You can have everything in life that you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want."

 

This "service before self" is a universal truth. It is also a missing link in many minds. These misguided individuals want what they want, with no thought of having to earn it. Anyone who believes they can take from someone else's garden is following a painful path leading nowhere.

 

Where do our minds get their beliefs? When it comes from movies, television, newsprint, and video games, we can expect more killings, crimes, and suicides. Profit motives have driven several industries to absolute self-centered insanity.

 

This reminds me of an early computer saying: GIGO - Garbage In, Garbage Out.

 

Minds fed constant servings of absolute garbage begin to believe in the garbage and can no longer relate to a sane and reasonable world. With the passing of time, minds begin to believe that killing is cool, all corporations are cruel, and happiness is something taken from another.

 

What should people be taught? The truth! That life's truest rewards - high self-esteem, self-confidence, self-acceptance, joy, love, and peace of mind - must be earned by being honest and providing worthy service to others.

 

We get back from life what we give. Life is as simple as that. Service comes first.

 

(The Miracle Minute by Dick Warn)
 
Oct 4 / 8:36am

Lowest Interest Rates in History!

Thinking about buying a home, but have been waiting for the "right" opportunity, now is the time....hear that knocking at your door? 

It is the lowest mortgage interest rates of your lifetime! Call your agent, and write an offer on your dream home today! 

I can help you finance it, and I will even pay some of your closing costs! I am offering up to  1.00% CREDIT (1% of your loan amount, no limit) towards CLOSING COSTS on any purchase or refinance between now & year end. 732-241-4015

or email njloanman@yahoo.com

Available on refinances also! 

 
Sep 24 / 7:15am

A Wonder Drug

 

Thinking is actually that private inner process of talking to ourselves. The major difference is whether or not we process our thoughts with conscious effort. Minds have a mind of their own, and they love to dash off on tangents. Yet, every thought is a seed. It's insane to expect flowers when all we've planted is weeds.

 

A trap many people fall into is assuming that their little nasty, sick, and even hateful thoughts don't really matter. Stop and consider people you know. How many angry people ever find happiness? One absolute reality missed by many is that we become what we think about. Our dominant thoughts mold our futures.

 

Peace Pilgrim (1908-1981), American peace activist, gave us two vital keys to happier days when he said:

 

"If you realized how powerful your thoughts are, you would never think another negative thought."

 

And, "There is a criterion by which you can judge whether the thoughts you are thinking and the things you are doing are right for you. The criterion is: have they brought you inner peace? If they have not, there is something wrong with them - so keep seeking! If what you do has brought you inner peace, stay with what you believe is right."

 

These two keys, plus the self-discipline to apply what they mean, are all we need. It is a matter of consciously choosing the thoughts we entertain and not allowing our minds to wander into the wastelands of negative, hurtful, and misguided thinking.

 

As Patricia Neal said so well, "A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug."

 

 

Dick Warn