GoBend.com Real Estate Newsletter

Interest Rates Fall

In Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.28 percent, with an average 0.5 point, for the week ending November 25, 2005. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.72 percent.
"Lower oil prices -- at least compared to the last several months -- have helped to alleviate some of the inflation fears that the market has been experiencing lately," said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president

Mortgage Rates

Source: Realty Times

U.S. averages as of November 25, 2005:

30 yr. fixed:   6.28%
15 yr. fixed:   5.81%
1 yr. adj:        5.14%

and chief economist. "That result has helped reduce upward pressure on interest rates, allowing mortgage rates to ease a bit for the first time in thirteen weeks."

Timely Gifts

There always seems to be a time or event where gifts are both appropriate and appreciated, celebrations such as birthdays, holidays, housewarmings and other occasions. Alas, it's not always easy to give gifts.
What to do? Here are three winners in all price ranges that most people will greatly value:

Tools. Yup, you gotta have 'em. Prices range from bargain-basement to Fifth Avenue. Look for utility, durability, packaging and safety.

Emergency lights and radios. These are great to have around the house, devices that can be hand-cranked to provide light and news at the very time they are most needed.

Everyone has a need for kitchen storage, the more the better.

College Students And Homeowners Insurance

Homeowners insurance policies often cover far more than a home and its contents. If you have a child entering college he or she may well have personal property protection under your household policy. Policy coverages differ, but in many cases homeowners automatically have personal property protection equal to 50 percent of the property's total value -- and some policies go as high as 70 or 75 percent. A college student living in a dorm is often considered a "resident" within your household for insurance purposes. In the event of theft, a portion of your personal property coverage can apply to the student.
For details, speak with your insurance agent.

Tips For A Safe
Holiday Season

    As you pull out those holiday storage boxes filled with decorative goodies and embark on your seasonal embellishing, take extra care as you hang those outdoor lights, choose that tree, and spark those holiday candles.
     In any given year, about 8,700 people go to the emergency room because of holiday-related injuries, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Additionally, Christmas trees are the cause of about 400 fires a year, resulting in 20 deaths, 70 injuries, and an average of $15 million in property loss and damage.
     Trees aren't the only cause of holiday fires: Some 10,000 candle-related fires are also reported each year. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind as you begin your holiday decorating:

Your Christmas tree should be green.

It should be difficult to pull the needles from the branches.

The needles shouldn't break when bent between your fingers.

The trunk butt should be sticky with resin.

When the trunk is bounced on the ground, needles shouldn't shower to the ground.

Be sure the tree is away from fireplaces and other heat sources.

Place away from traffic. If you buy an artificial tree, make sure it is fire-resistant.

Equal Housing
Opportunity

Terry Denoux, P.C. Broker
Cellular: (541) 350-2921
Web: http://www.gobend.com
E-mail: terryd@gobend.com

RE/MAX Equity Group
235 SE Wilson Ave.
Bend, OR 97702

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