Archive for November, 2006

Stock Market Surge

Wednesday, November 8th, 2006

After experiencing a downturn last week the U.S. stock market has taken off on Monday and Tuesday in anticipation of the mid-term elections.

At the end of last week many investors were thinking it was the beginning of a major decrease in the value of the stock market. Tuesday morning the market reached a peak and then some of the air came out of it the remainder of the day.

Remember that most investors in the stock market consider a Democratic victory bad for the economy because historically the Democrats have favored more spending than Republicans. However, the Bush Administration has made a run for the Democrats money in his bloated budget. If the Dems win they may spend like they have historically, but I think in this case they will be more careful stewards of the U.S. taxpayers money.

Cars: Buy v. Lease

Tuesday, November 7th, 2006

Can you remember when you could not lease a vehicle? It really was not that long ago, but in 2005 30% of new car buyers leased. While many do this because leasing is less expensive in the long run it will be more costly. Stop looking at the monthly payment and pay attention to the actual cost. Car dealerships will do anything do get you in that car so they ask how much you can afford a month instead of how much can you afford period.
It is just like owning a home versus leasing an apartment; you build equity when you own and you do not build equity when you lease. There are very few instances when leasing is a better choice than buying so do your homework before leasing a car because it will not save you the money you think it will.

Blueprint’s opinion on Buy v. Lease.

CVS, Walgreen's and Wal-Mart: The Prescription Drug Battle, Continues

Monday, November 6th, 2006

Recently we have discussed the ramifications of Wal-Mart’s roll-out of $4 perscription drugs. This week things have gotten more interesting in this battle for this segment of the market.

CVS bought pharmacy-benefits manager Caremark this week to strengthen its position against Wal-mart and Walgreen’s. Walgreen’s stock faltered most of the week until a bounce back on Friday. Wal-Mart is down about 5% since its peak after they announced their $4 preescription drug plan. And rumors are circulating that is the Democratic Partyu takes over the House of Representatives they might be going after Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart already has enough enemies so this will not help their cause if it does take place. It will be interesting how this battle evolves.

How to Buy a House?, Part 6

Sunday, November 5th, 2006

Things seem to get more difficult as we move along this home buying process.

The home sellers have dragged their feet and basically taken up another week by not responding to our requests from our real estate attorney. Then we wanted to have our own electrician come in along with a floor and cabinet contractor. No dice–they could not do it at the time we needed so I have to do this myself (I have none of the above credentials).

Even though they have not gotten back to our real estate lawyer they have said that their new construction is 1-2 weeks behind schedule and they asked our real estate agent if we would allow theym to stay for that period of time and pay our mortgage while there. There are a few problems with this scenario for us. First, is the legal ramifications if something breaks while they are living in our home after closing? Next, we have a renter to take over our current apartment lease–we will lose that renter if we extend the time at all. Three, the sellers have not been terribly cooperative and now they want us to bend over backwards to help them. Lastly, we would lose the great rate we just locked.
We switched mortgage companies for the second time because they offered an excellent rate that would save us $40-45 a month for the life of the mortgage. So there is some good news to this.

In the meantime, my wife and I have started packing our belongings and hope this time we actually get the house.

How to Buy a House?, Part 5

Friday, November 3rd, 2006

The sellers have replied to our letter requesting some things to be done before the house closing date. All conditions were agreed to, but we are asking for more documentation on a minor mold situation and a potentially large electricity problem. We are having our electrician come in and then we will compare his evaluation to the sellers’ electrician. These issues should be formalities, but we will know a lot more in the next few days.

Also, we have secured mortgage financing and have locked a good rate. The home appraiser has visited the house so we are on track to close on the house in just a couple weeks.

Gold

Thursday, November 2nd, 2006

Gold is back–again. It was up $11.60 an ounce to $618.65 on Wednesday. Gold experienced a technical breakout and rally overnight and futures hit an eight-week high. Investors are definitely bullish on gold.
How do you capitalize on this upward trend for gold? Mutual funds are always a choice. Or you can dig deeper and try a mining stock, or simply buy gold. Many believe gold will continue its rise and if instability in the world remains piqued as it has been for months you will see more of the same. When in doubt investors move to gold.

The New Rules of Real Estate

Wednesday, November 1st, 2006

Business 2.0 recommends some books and websites that can be helpful in learning about real estate.

  1. Irrational Exuberance (2005) by Robert Schiller: Details the economic and psychological that can bring about a bubble.
  2. Real Estate Finance & Investments: Risks and Opportunities (2004) by Peter Linneman: Textbook on professional real estate investing.
  3. Journal of Real Estate Research Uses hard evidence and research to make everyday real estate decisions
  4. About Real Estate Free e-newsletter discussing current real estate topics.
  5. Matrix: Interpreting the Real Estate Economy Blog on the latest and greatest on real estate trends.
  6. Housing Doom Housing Bubble Blog Gives the ramifications of the ghousing bubble.