2/20/07 Newsletter

"Pic" of the week:

Parking garage of the future? This is a 20 story storage facility for newly manufactured cars in Wolfsburg, Germany. Read more about it via this link: http://www.snopes.com/photos/automobiles/parkade.asp

Headline Mortgage News:

Home price trends in your area – This CNN Money article compares value trends in 149 markets
http://money.cnn.com/2007/02/15/real_estate/latest_prices_q4/index.htm?postversion=2007021514

Sticker shock – a list of 8 of the most valuable “homes” in America (according to CNN & Zillow)
http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2007/fortune/0702/gallery.Famous_Zestimates.fortune/index.html
RealtyTrac article – U.S. Foreclosures Increase 19 Percent in January
http://www.realtytrac.com/ContentManagement/pressrelease.aspx?ChannelID=9&ItemID=1907&accnt=64847

Senator says US mortgage lending practices are “Out of Balance”
http://today.reuters.com/news/articleinvesting.aspx?type=bondsNews&storyID=2007-02-07T162840Z_01_N07432719_RTRIDST_0_USA-ECONOMY-MORTGAGE.XML

Inman News: “Builder confidence highest since June ‘06”
http://www.inman.com/inmannews.aspx?ID=62249

MBA Report – Mortgage loan applications up 1.5 % for week ending Jan 9
http://www.mortgagebankers.org/NewsandMedia/PressCenter/48508.htm

Thought for the Week:

“Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”
Mark Twain

The Four Stages of Life:

How to keep more of your own paycheck

The flu has been going around in our neck of the woods lately, so we wanted to share some health and wellness tips with you this week. Always use good judgment when going online to address medical needs. An interesting web site where you can order your own medical tests instead of paying whatever the doctor or hospital charges is www.directlabs.com/index.php There are a number of prescription programs that will save you money as well. To find the Rx program for your state go to http://www.pparx.org/ Low-income seniors who qualify can get the "Eli Lilly" card and really save on their medications. Call 1-877-RX-LILLY. For a $10 fee, Rxaminer will permit users to enter all current prescriptions and returns a list of available generic or other suggested brands for less money. Go to www.rxaminer.com/consult/index.asp

And now, for this week's fun freebies!

Almost free (with rebate) 2 Kingston USB 2.0 Data Traveler 1GB flash drives
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=204134643&adid=17070&dcaid=17070

Here's a free mouth wash sample:
http://walmart.triaddigital.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid11366.aspx

Click on here and you'll get a coupon for free veggies from Green Giant:
http://www.bettycrocker.com/Products/Green-Giant/green-giant-offers.htm

Free skincare samples from Chamonix:
http://www.betterskintoday.com/requestsample.htm

Free sample of Palmer's Cocoa butter formula with vitamin E lotion. Go to "Like Some?"
http://skinisfashion.com/


And finally, Appraise That!
Appraisers need to look at a house from "all possible angles".

Brought to you by:
Boice & Associates, Inc. Real Estate Appraisers
885 Woodstock Road, Suite 430-305
Roswell, GA 30075
Office# 770-926-5284
Fax# 866-870-0930
order at: http://www.hotlynk.net/
http://www.highspeedhighstandards.com/

2/7/07 Newsletter

"Pic" of the week:

North Korea's wacko dictator Kim Jong Il is promising his starving people a giant bunny in every pot.
The government is studying plans to end its food shortage by breeding gigantic rabbits.
Diplomats from the North Korean Embassy in Berlin have approached big bunny breeder Karl Szmolinsky to help "feed the population," the Washington Post reported yesterday.
Kim, a hard-drinking, Elvis-loving communist, has relied on foreign food aid since natural disasters and mismanagement devastated North Korea's economy in the 1990s and led to a famine estimated to have killed 2 million people.
Szmolinsky has been breeding giant rabbits - some more than 20 pounds - since 1967 http://www.nypost.com/seven/02032007/news/worldnews/let_em_eat_bugs_worldnews_dareh_gregorian.htm

Headline Mortgage News:

Has good weather propped up the housing market? Check out the following clip:
http://player.clipsyndicate.com/player/play_url?url=http://www.clipsyndicate.com/clipsyndicate/play_asx.php?clip_id=292074

"The next threat against the mortgage industry"? MBA urges regulators to avoid invoding "Suitability Standards":
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/252007_Suitablity_Standards.asp

Why is the NAR opposed to "Wal-Mart Bank"?
http://originatortimes.com/content/templates/standard.aspx?articleid=2286&zoneid=5

Best Places to Live - Are these the top 10 "Great American Towns"? (CNN Money.com)
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2006/index.html

Thought for the Week:

"You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." Ralph Waldo Emerson
(February 12-18 is "Random Act of Kindness Week")


How to keep more of your own paycheck

Credit Cards may be signing you up to pay!

Have you heard of "Buyer's Advantage?" Supposedly, it's a marketing program sponsored by certain banks and credit card companies that allows you to get discounts on merchandise. But that is a bunch of hooey. It's really an excuse for companies to remove money from their customer's accounts. Chase and Bank of America are soliciting for Buyer's Advantage and it's one of the worst schemes out there. The banks will send you a $10 check or "account credit" that signs you up for Buyer's Advantage. The problem is that when you sign and cash the check or take the credit, you are agreeing to pay an annual fee of $150 for nothing. The money is usually a small monthly deduction from checking accounts, and people just don't notice it. So, check your statements and if you see something questionable, dispute it right away!

Book lovers save money

I just discovered http://www.booksfree.com/ . They have an entire inventory of mass market paperbacks you can borrow for free by paying a monthly fee for shipping and handling of $6.99, which is less than the cost of one book. They'll ship you two books at a time. When you're done reading both (no due dates, no late fees ), return them in the pre-paid mailer they came in. Automatically you will receive the next two books on your reading list. It's just like Netflix, but for books!

And now, for this week's fun freebies!

http://tinylink.com/?GT68Bo7lQf

Free flash memory card (with rebate) Connect 3D 512MB Secure Digital Card
http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=204044458&adid=17653&dcaid=17653

TUMS sample
http://calciuminfo.com/promotions/Sample.aspx

And finally, a new feature in Boice Mail: Appraise That!

A "Whomping Willow" in Asia?

2/1/07 Newsletter

In BOICE MAIL this week...
"Pic" of the week:

TOKYO, Japan (Reuters) -- A species of shark rarely seen alive because its natural habitat is about 2,000 feet under the sea was captured on film by staff at a Japanese marine park this week. http://www.cnn.com/2007/TECH/science/01/24/shark.japan.reut/index.html

Headline Mortgage News:

Mortgage Bankers Association has released its economic forcasts for the next three years. Read a summary here:
http://www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/1182007_Mortgage_Rates.asp

More than 1.2 million foreclosures reported in 2006
http://originatortimes.com/content/templates/standard.aspx?articleid=2274&zoneid=5

Builder confidence continues to improve in January
http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?newsID=3939&print=false

Spammers back from a holiday break
http://news.com.com/2061-10789_3-6150025.html?part=rss&tag=2547-1_3-0-20&subj=newsmmers

Condo prices reveal housing trends (CNN Money.com)
http://money.cnn.com/2007/01/18/real_estate/condo_prices_reveal_trends/index.htm?postversion=2007011813


Thought for the Week:

"Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure that there is one rascal less in the world" Thomas Carlyle

How to keep more of your own paycheck

Why extended warranties are a rip

Consumer Reports' latest edition is all about what a waste of money extended warranties are. Every dollar you pay for an extended warranty, you're really only getting about 15 or 20 cents on it. Why is that? First of all, the quality of electronics and appliances is so good these days that the chance of them breaking is miniscule. Secondly, if something does happen, it will probably be after the warranty runs out. In addition, although the products are high quality, they will lose value with each year you own them. And you never want to insure a rapidly decreasing product. Also keep in mind that when you buy an item on a major credit card, you usually extend the manufacturer's warranty by one year. So, extended warranties and service contracts simply aren't worth it.

Jellyfish.com could save you dough

The latest invention to save you money online is called Jellyfish.com. It's a comparison shopping site like the others, but Jellyfish also gives you a direct discount off your purchase. Usually it's about two percent. What you need to remember is that no site will always have the best deal, so you should always shop arround.



And now, for this week's fun freebies!

http://tinylink.com/?GT68Bo7lQf

Free movie from Movie Gallery
http://www.moviegallery.com/coupons/conh49a7.aspx

Brought to you by:

885 Woodstock Road, Suite 430-305
Roswell, GA 30075
Office# 770-926-5284
Fax# 866-870-0930
order at: http://www.hotlynk.net/
http://www.highspeedhighstandards.com/

Love our new "Boice Mail" more than life itself? Then check our new Blog at http://www.boicemail.blogspot.com/ where you can read past newsletters and other cool stuff. We'd love to hear from YOU too! We know you like being informed and even entertained, but if you would like to stop receiving "Boice Mail" just let us know by clicking "reply" and writing "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

Jan 24, 2007 BoiceMail Newsletter

In BOICE MAIL this week...

"Pic" of the week:
PROTECTION FOR 'WEIRDEST' SPECIES: A conservation program for some of the world's most bizarre and unusual creatures has been launched by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Species like the bumblebee bat and the pygmy hippopotamus will be protected under the Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered (Edge) project

Headline Mortgage News:

FHA Maximum Mortgage Limits effective for all loans closed after January 1, 2007
http://originatortimes.com/content/templates/standard.aspx?articleid=2254&zoneid=5%20

ARMs lose popularity according to new survey
http://originatortimes.com/content/templates/standard.aspx?articleid=2250&zoneid=5%20

Homebuilder launches web site that might be a helpful tool for your customers
http://www.kbhomes.com/

Who are today's home buyers? The demographics are changing and your home purchase customers have also
http://money.cnn.com/2007/01/23/real_estate/new_real_estate_buyers/index.htm?postversion=2007012417

Thought for the Week:

"Live in such a way that you would not be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip." Will Rogers

How to keep more of your own paycheck

So, did you declare a "New Year's Resolution" to start saving more money in 2007? Like any resolution, unless some action is taken on your part, nothing will ever change. The key to making your resolution become a reality is to set a goal. In other words, what do you want the 'extra' mony for? Are you saving for a new car stereo system? What about a family trip?

Point is, when you have something to strive for, saving money becomes ten times easier. This goal is something you really want, so you will do what is necessary to be successful. Adopt the "Do I REALLY Need This" approach. Before you purchase ANYTHING, ask yourself if you REALLY, truly need to have it or just want it. Take time to reflect on your current situation. Analyze your expenses to see where you might be able to cut-back and save more money. Remember, you and only you control the amount of money you save in 2007.

Below are some fun freebies to get you started on your other resolutions: cleaner house, lose weight, laugh more with the kids and spouse, take better care of your health, etc.

Free DVDPlay Kiosk movie rental - in Safeway/Vons supermarkets http://www.dvdplay.com/kiosk-promos/free-movie.html

Free Swiffer Duster http://www.startsampling.com/partners/familycircle1/

90% off plus free shipping! Stock up on BAGS, RIBBONS, NICE paper, tissue paper, stuffed animals, christmas cards. http://www.papyrusonline.com/category/sale.do%20Use coupon code WFS06 for free shipping.

Two-Week FREE Trial Membership to any participating Curves location & free headband. http://www.proline-intl.com/CurvesPromo/sign_up.cfm

Free Latin Salsa band CD http://www.sontumbao.com/hsb_DemoCDForm.aspx

Free sample of Del Mar fragrance for men http://tinylink.com/?azcwePWUyb

Free Noxema 4 Blade Shaver (Click on Savvy Shaving, then Promotions)

First newsletter

In BOICE MAIL this week:

Headline Mortgage News

· Bank of America tests no-fee mortgage in Washington state to see whether it’s effective in luring customers. http://phoenix.bizjournals.com/stlouis/stories/2007/01/01/daily34.html

· Mortgage rates mixed: Five-year adjustable rate mortgages rose last week, but one year adjustable rate mortgages fell. http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20070105/3041508.asp

· Mortgage lenders predict steady 2007 http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/business/16395322.htm

· Potential mortgage foreclosures for Americans with sub-prime mortgages http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070106/OPINION03/701060367/1038/LIFESTYLE01


How to keep more of your own paycheck
Looking at your calendar for the new year? Now is the time to book travel for your vacations! Have you ever tried using those bidding web sites like Priceline? Here are some tips to save money… First of all, stick to a 4-star hotel and never pay more than half of the lowest priced room. You can see what other people are bidding by going to biddingfortravel.com, which gives you information about the rates people are getting. The second best site is betterbidding.com. Next, go to http://www.hotwire.com/ , which gives exact prices on hotels. Everything you book on Hotwire is non-refundable, but it’s so easy. Yes, it’s work. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it if you want to save.


Brought to you by:
885 Woodstock Road, Suite 430-305
Roswell, GA 30075

Office # 770-926-5284
Fax # 866-870-0930
Order your appraisal today at:
http://www.hotlynk.net/
http://www.highspeedhighstandards.com/

Welcome to Boice Mail!

Welcome to 2007, where cyberspace is now bursting with yet one more blog! But wait, this isn't just any blog...it's one written by a Real Estate Appraiser to give you the inside scoop, share headline news in the industry, entertain, and fascinate you with the incredibly glamorous and mysterious world of an appraiser. Yes, sarcasm will abound.

Feel free to make comments, ask questions, and snap back with feisty retorts. I look forward to hearing from you!

To learn more about my company, check out www.highspeedhighstandards.com