Cynthia's Chat

By now you have probably all heard that the Federal Reserve cut the prime rate again for the sixth time since September.  At first glance this sounds like good news. 

But rates have already adjusted in advance of this rate cut (as they always do)  And this time, for the first time the word "inflation" was used.  Think about what has happened to gas and oil prices since last September.  Gas is up at least $.50.  Oil is selling at record prices which trickles down to every purchase we make.  Wheat is also selling at an all time high.

Federal rate cuts hurt the dollar and in turn impacts inflation  Higher rates and inflation go hand in hand.  So with a guarded confidence, I am telling you that we really are seeing the last of low interest rates for a while. 

How will this impact you? 

NOW is the time to refinance if this has been your plan but you just haven't done it yet.  If you have a line of credit tied to the prime rate, this would also be a good time to use that money for home improvement projects. 

If you are thinking about buying, it is imperative to do it now, while prices have stabilized and rates are still low.

And if you are a seller, make sure that your product (your home) is the very best in your price range.  We already have more homes on the market than buyers.  When interest rates go up, the pool of buyers will decrease even more.  Your home needs to stand head and shoulders above any other home that the buyers are considering.  Be receptive to buyer's needs which may include seller paid closing costs, contingencies and more. 

Let me know if you need a mortgage referral.  I would be happy to make an introductory call for you.

On a lighter note, here is a recipe for Paula Deen's Hot Chicken Salad.  I had this at a bridal shower last week.  It was delicious, so I thought I would share.

Paula Deen's Hot Chicken Salad

2 Cups diced cooked chicken breast

1 Cup diced celery

1/2 cup slivered almonds

2 Tbsp grated onion

2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 Cup Mayonnaise (light)

1/2 tsp salt and pepper

dash of dill

1 Cup shredded Cheddar Cheese

Mix ingredients in a 9 x 13 greased baking dish. Top with 2/3 Cup of crushed potato chips.  Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly.  ENJOY!

And if anyone is keeping up with the saga of the life of Cynthia......I had 4 grandkids from Sunday until this morning.  They were so much fun, but exhausting.  I told Bill I had to come into the office this morning to get some rest!  I left him at home to handle the clean up.

Have a blessed  Easter!

Bill and I got away last weekend for a quick trip to Colorado Springs. We met my daughter and her family there for a relaxing weekend.  Bill and I left Thursday and drove at a leisurely pace.  We stopped for the night when we were tired and finished the drive on Friday.

We stayed at the luxurious Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.  The views from our room were spectacular.

And the bathroom!  Oh! the bathroom! Opulent! Spectacular!

Andree had her hiking boots and wanted to use them.  So we went hiking

Thomas got a kick out of the black swans in the lake around the hotel.  See the swans' tracks through the icy water?

Bill and I slipped away one night and went out dancing.  Andree and I had a manicure and pedicure.

We had planned to take the kids up the mountain on Sunday, but the weather didn't cooperate.  A big snowstorm was moving in, the mountain was closed, and Bill and I decided to head home.

At one point we were driving about 35 mph and the visibility was zero. 

It was no surprise when the Colorado Department of Transportation decided to close the roads.  We scrambled to find a room for the night.  This hotel was not nearly as nice as the Broadmoor, but it was warm and safe.

We started again for home Monday several hours behind.  But the roads were safe.  I was fascinated by the field of windmills that appeared over a ridge.  They seemed to go on forever.

We finally pulled into the homestead after dark on Monday evening.  It was so good to be home.

I hit the office running early Tuesday morning and I haven't slowed down yet.  I have been very busy showing homes and listing.  I think that if the weather would  stay nice for a few days in a row, we could sell the inventory in Edmond.

Have a blessed week!