HOW FAST DO YOU DRIVE YOUR HARD DRIVE?

It often intrigues me to find, that with regard to many things, people don't perceive something I call, "How Things Work." One day I suppose I may write a book; for how things work applies to everything!

Friends and associates alike often do not understand why and how their computers slow down in performance. While the causes of such diminishing performance are many, there are some that typify those that are most consistent. Many already know to delete the contents of their "cookie" folder as well as the "Temporary Internet Files" and their “Temp” folder. However, did you know that there are a multitude of "trace" elements left behind your web surfing in numerous areas of your computer you likely don't know about? I am not a true geek as I am constantly learning but I know enough to be dangerously efficient when it comes to optimizing daily computer performance. I am self taught which can be dangerous… lol

With trial and error I have discovered that which works!

Over time I have discovered methods and means to accomplish efficiency and where in the past much of the process was done by hand, we now have software that handles all of those concerns. I am always looking for value added and provide as much to others in every thing I do. It is to this end that I offer these solutions to you. Some you may be aware of while others may be new to you. Take what you can use and benefit from the value I have suggested and discard the rest. I use all of that which I am about to share with you… FOR FREE!

These are POWERFUL solutions to the issues of optimization and performance given no hardware changes that will enhance performance such as increasing random access memory (RAM).

Let me begin by describing the windows operating environment as a child with a toy box. When you fire up your computer, Windows (the child) says, “OK. It’s time to play!” Windows the child, then proceeds to throw all of its toys out onto the hard drive. Every time you open any software, its simply the child taking more toys out of the toy box. Later when you are through using your Word Processor or Internet Explorer or any software, you are essentially telling the child to put its toys away. Just like a child, not all the toys get put away! They certainly are not put away in a collated fashion!

The truth is that when you close a file some fragments of that file may still remain under the couch, behind the refrigerator and in the corner. And you KNOW you told that child to put everything away! Well, kids will be kids won’t they?

In fact, in prior versions of Windows, resources could easily compromise the speed at which your computer ran. The reason for that is due to the fact that when the child fails to put things back AND IN ORDER, the read arm on your hard drive, when you tell it to find a file, is forced to rummage through files that are not contiguous, files that are not in order and files that are fragmented. Fragmentation leaves gaps between files of open and or occupied space. Every fraction of space is read by the read arm when it is searching for that which you told the child to find. Because it has to look at everything that is in and out of order as well as looking at open space, speed of access is compromised. "Tech heads" referred to it as “Latent Seek Time.” The time it takes to find and present on screen, those things you’ve asked the child to find. This is why is is important to “DEFRAG” your hard drive at least once a month if not more depending on how much you use your computer.

When you “DEFRAG” your hard drive you are telling the child “widows” to put its toys away and to put them away in a contiguous and collated manner so that files have no drive space between them which makes the “Latent Seek Time” speed up. Unlike your children, the child “windows” actually knows where everything is. It just takes time to go get it when it does not end up with everything in order. When your hard drive is defragged you have optimized your computers ability to move quickly addressing your commands. If you are fortunate enough to own “Norton’s System Works,” I believe it was from 2003 (not free), it has a defragging tool that goes a step further and offers a better optimization of your drive space by not only defragging the drive but arranging intuitively, those files it knows you access the most and places those files on the drive for the fastest access possible. It does this by re-arranging file position/allocation to place those things necessary for ultimate seek time speed closest to the center of the disk. Obviously, the first would be the operating system files, High Memory allocation space, swap file space and then the files you access most often with those you use the least way out on the hard drive and at the end of contiguous file placement leaving nothing else on the drive but open free space.

HERE ARE THE SOLUTIONS I RECOMMEND.

First let me tell you that there is nothing wrong with Internet Explorer. I know that many are now using Firefox and Mozilla rather than Internet Explorer. It seems that many don’t know how to keep their computers updated and optimized.

I am going to give you several tasks to perform in the following order:

1) First thing you should do is update windows and if you don't have it set up for automatic updates than you should set it that way. To update windows go to:

http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/default.aspx?ln=en-us

2) I suggest you defrag your hard drive no matter what windows defrag utility

tells you about not needing to do it.

3) Update your “Webroot” Spy Sweeper (excellent program) software or set it to update every time you logon to windows. In addition to what you are currently using may I suggest you also use as a cross check against Spyseeper; AVG Anti-Spyware 7.5. You can download it free at:

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-spyware-free/lng/us/tpl/v5

4) You should be running an Anti-Virus program. AVG also has an

excellent Anti-Virus program that has a small footprint on your hard drive

unlike Nortons.

You can download the free version at:

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5

5) Another feature that keeps your computer running optimally is to delete traces

of web surfing. Many people know how to delete the contents of your

“Cookie” folder as well as the “Temporary Internet Files” folder and the

“Temp” folder but do you know that surfing the net leaves traces in the

I.E. “History” folder? There are a good number of other “log files” you are

not likely to know about in XP that also need purging to keep your

computer running optimally. To do all this and discover all the files I refer to

I suggest two free downloads that will handle these issues and do it on

auto-pilot EVERY time you logon to windows if you set them this way; they

are CCleaner and Webroot’s “Windows Washer.”

You can download CCleaner at:

http://www.filehippo.com/download/dfd2c33821e6c294ab7e186cf58ea0eb/downloa/

To get the latest free version of Webroots’ “Windows Washer” go to:

http://www.webroot.com/consumer/products/windowwasher/?rc=266&ac=383&wt.srch=1&wt.mc_id=383

Once on this website look in the lower right hand column to find “Try Window Washer for Free.” Underneath this link it tells you to download the “trial” version. Do that and if it does expire on you hit me up and I will send you a permanent executable file. Once you have both CCleaner and Windows Washer you can set Windows Washer to run when XP opens. CCleaner you will run manually. This way you can test both software types and decide. CCleaner is not a trial version so if Windows Washer expires you will still have CCleaner. CCleaner is actually VERY fast; much faster than Windows Washer. I like them both and have kept them both. You will be amazed at how many trace element files receive data from the internet that eventually slows down your computer.

One last item that is highly significant is that XP has a file called “Prefetch.” It is another file that logs heavily from internet surfing.

THIS FILE CAN BE PURGED COMPLETELY! THERE IS NEVER ANY HARM IN DELETING EVERY SINGLE FILE INSIDE THE “PREFETCH” FOLDER! If you have never purged this file it can contain hundreds of trace elements or thousands depending on how long you owned your computer or how much you surf the net. It can eat up drive space! Both CCleaner and Windows washer can be set to purge this file simply be naming it.

Yes, you can tell either one of these software to add any file you choose to be purged BUT DON’T unless you know the consequences.

I suggest you DO NOT set either one to purge the Prefetch file. The reason is that the software will constantly ask you, per line item, are you sure you want to purge this file. It is a complete nuisance and will cause a novice to say that the software sucks. Therefore, do it manually at least once a week and certainly when you think about it. The prefetch file is located in XP’s “WINDOWS” folder.

There are two “WINDOWS” folders in XP. One is inside the “Documents and Settings” folder in Windows “Explore.” The correct file can be found by right clicking on the “Start” button in the lower left hand side of your system tray. You will get a pop-up box and inside it select “Explore.” This opens the “Start Menu” which shows the system “tree” where all the files on your hard drive are located. Scroll down to find the “Windows” folder. It will be located lower in the system “tree” below the “Programs” folder. (Note: both “Windows” folders will be found using this description. Just know that if you don’t see the “Prefetch” folder inside the “Windows” folder you are viewing, that you selected the wrong one. Now… go find the other one.)

Once you see the prefetch folder “Left” click on it. It will open up and display all the files inside the folder on the right hand side of the split screen. Go to the top of the “Prefetch” window that it switched to (it will say “Prefetch” in the upper left hand corner of the window.) and select “Edit.” A drop down list appears; click on “Select All.” This will turn every file on the right hand side of your “split screen” blue, as it has now been selected/highlighted. Next place your curser over any part of the blue highlighted area and right click it one time. A pop-up box appears and inside of it, select “Delete.” When the “Delete” properties box pops up, simply click “YES.” It is asking are you sure you want to delete all these files.

DONE! I know this description was lengthy and cumbersome but it tells you how to get to that file the fastest way. You could have simply searched for it through the “File Search” attribute in XP but I want you to know there that file resides in your system tree.

Ok, doing these things sounds very involved but trust me… Once you have the software installed and running, the only thing to do by hand is the prefetch purge and that… only once one a week depending on your surfing habits. The only other thing I suggest is that you run Defrag a minimum of once a month unless you are on your computer every day. Then you may want to do it more often.

May I suggest you run Defrag at night after you are through using your computer? That way it will not draw resources while you are running the net or using other programs. XP can handle it but if you have not defragged in a long time or perhaps never, it can take a very long time to complete defragging your hard drive.

Actually, this was a very good explanation along with suggested resources that you can use to optimize your computer. I don’t know about you but I have saved this to a file on my desktop in the event I want to share this information again. You may want to do the same. I hope this helps.

Warmest Regards,

L. D. Walls, The Mortgage Pro!
Mortgage Broker, Planner & Trusted Advisor, C.L.O., CalPERS

23272 Mill Creek Dr., Suite #100
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
213.700.1968

EMAIL: stocktec1@go2themortgagepro.com
WEB SITE: http://www.go2themortgagepro.com/Intro.aspx
BLOG SITE: http://www.themortgagepro.blogspot.com

Is an Interest-Only Loan the Right Loan For You?

Interest-only loans have been generating a lot of interest over the last couple of years. As they become more readily available to the average consumer, more and more people are considering interest-only loans as a possible solution to their financial needs. But interest-only loans are simply not for everyone.

During the initial interest-only term of the loan, borrowers experience lower than average monthly payments. These payments may fluctuate based on the highs and lows of the market, but typically remain much lower than those of a traditional mortgage. But what happens after the interest-only period has passed?

Depending on the loan and the lender, borrowers have a few options after the interest-only period of an interest-only loan has expired. They may choose to pay the entire balance in full, which can be a huge financial burden. They may choose to refinance, in which case new loan-processing fees and closing costs enter the fray. Or they may choose to make payments on the balance for the remainder of the loan term, at which point the monthly payments skyrocket. So, who exactly would benefit from an interest-only loan the most?

• THOSE WHO WORK FOR IRREGULAR COMMISSIONS OR BONUSES

Lower monthly payments allow these borrowers to keep up during lean months and make larger payments when bonus time comes around.


• THOSE WHO WILL BE GENERATING SUBSTANTIALLY MORE INCOME IN THE NEXT SEVERAL YEARS

Career fast-trackers who will generate more income will be more able to handle the increased monthly payments after the interest-only period has ended.


• THOSE WHO WILL INVEST THE SAVINGS GENERATED BY AN INTEREST-ONLY LOAN

Those who place the savings generated from an interest-only loan over a traditional mortgage into an investment vehicle with a high confidence of return will be more capable of handling the principal payments, and may even be able to pay off the entire balance at once.


• THOSE WHO LIVE IN AN AREA WITH A HIGH-COST HOUSING MARKET

Some regions (such as those on the East and West Coasts) have particularly high-cost housing markets. Low interest-only payments allow borrowers to afford homes more easily in such inflated housing markets.


• THOSE WHO EXPECT TO MOVE BEFORE THE INTEREST-ONLY PERIOD IS OVER.

Those who expect to live in a home for only a few years would do well to consider an interest-only loan. They will benefit from low interest-only payments without the soaring costs afterwards.


As you can see, interest-only loans aren't tailored for everyone. The initial savings offered by interest-only loans are tempered by the deferred principal payments that come due afterward. Whether an interest-only loan seems like it may be a good fit or not, if you're thinking about refinancing your mortgage or looking for a home, please give me a call at 213-700-1968 today! There's no reason to box up your financial goals and wait around. Visit my website www.go2themortgagepro.com and see all that I have to offer!

Sincerely,

L. D. Walls, The Mortgage Pro!
23272 Mill Creek Dr., Suite #100
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
213.700.1968
EMAIL: stocktec1@go2themortgagepro.com
WEB SITE: http://www.go2themortgagepro.com/Intro.aspx
BLOG SITE: http://www.themortgagepro.blogspot.com/

Saving for a Down Payment?

Saving for a down payment isn’t as daunting as you might think. In addition to your cash savings, there are many resources you can tap into to help with your down payment. Here’s a quick list of some of the most common ways buyers gather their down payment funds.


TIPS FOR ACCUMULATING A DOWN PAYMENT

• BORROW THE DOWN PAYMENT FROM YOUR RETIREMENT PLAN
Check the provisions of your retirement plan.
You can borrow funds from a 401(k) plan for a down payment
or make a withdraw from an Individual Retirement Account.

• SELL SOME INVESTMENTS

• GIFT FROM FAMILY
Parents and other family members are often anxious
to help children buy their first home.
They may have the means to give you a gift of money for a
portion or all of your down payment.

• DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE CHARITIES
If a willing and able family member is not available, you
also have the option of turning to a non-profit organization
for down payment assistance. You can learn more about down
payment assistance charities by visiting my website:

www.go2themortgagepro.com.

LOW DOWN PAYMENT AND NO DOWN PAYMENT MORTGAGES

Don’t let the thought of saving for a down payment deter you from purchasing a new home. There are many low down payment and even no down payment programs available. I’d be glad to help you find a loan option that meets your financial situation. Give me a call at 213-700-1968 or e-mail me at StockTec1@go2themortgagepro.com to set up a time to meet that is convenient for you.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Stay Focused,

L. D. Walls, The Mortgage Pro!
23272 Mill Creek Dr., Suite #100
Laguna Hills, , CA 92653
213.700.1968
EMAIL: stocktec1@go2themortgagepro.com
WEB SITE: http://www.go2themortgagepro.com/Intro.aspx
BLOG SITE: http://www.themortgagepro.blogspot.com/

Are you paying for Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) unnecessarily?

PMI, also known as Private Mortgage Insurance, is a supplemental insurance policy you may be required to obtain in order to get a mortgage loan. PMI is provided by private (non–government) companies and is usually required when your loan–to–value ratio – the amount of your mortgage loan divided by the value of your home – is greater than 80 percent. PMI isn’t a bad thing – it allows lenders to accept lower down payments on homes, which in turn helps many of us buy our home.

HOW IS PMI CALCULATED?

PMI is calculated by your mortgage lender and covers the lender for a percentage they think will make them whole if they have to sell your property in foreclosure. Your PMI premium is fixed based on plan type (loan–to–value ratio, loan type, loan term, etc.) and is not related to your particular credit history or other individual characteristics. PMI typically amounts to about one–half of one percent of your mortgage amount, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, and the premium payment is usually rolled into your monthly mortgage payment. On a $200,000 mortgage, you may be paying $1,000 per year for PMI.

HOW CAN YOU ELIMINATE YOUR PMI INSURANCE?

For loans made after July 1999, lenders are required by federal law to automatically cancel PMI when the loan balance falls below 78 percent of your purchase price not when you achieve 22 percent equity, which will happen much more quickly with rising property values. (Certain "higher risk" loans are excluded.) You do, however, have the right to cancel PMI (for loans made after July 1999) once your equity reaches 20 percent, regardless of the original purchase price.Keep track of your principal payments, and what other homes are selling for in your neighborhood. If your loan is under five years old, chances are you haven’t paid down much principal – it’s been mostly interest. Since property values in many parts of the country have gone through the roof lately, you can earn you 20 percent equity even if you haven’t paid down much principal.When you think you’ve reached 20 percent equity in your home, you can begin the process of freeing yourself from PMI payments! You will need to notify your mortgage lender that you want to cancel PMI payments and you’ll need to submit proof that you have at least 20 percent equity. A state certified appraisal on the appropriate form (URAR– 1004 uniform residential appraisal report for single family homes) is the best proof there is – and most lenders require one before they’ll cancel PMI.

WE CAN HELP YOU ELIMINATE PMI!

If you think you have at least 20 percent equity in your home by now, send me an e–mail at StockTec1@go2themortgagepro.com and I’ll be happy to let you know at what price homes in your neighborhood are currently selling. I’ll also include a list of appraisers in the area who can complete an appraisal for your property to see if you can eliminate your PMI insurance. If you can avoid paying hundreds of dollars a year to insure someone else’s risk, it’s worth starting right away.

Stay Focused,

L. D. Walls, The Mortgage Pro!
23272 Mill Creek Dr., Suite #100
Laguna Hills, , CA 92653
213.700.1968
Web Address: http://www.go2themortgagepro.com/Intro.aspx
Emai Address: stocktec1@go2themortgagepro.com

Tip of The Month

Tell the truth

Mortgage Originators have a special responsibility to deal ethically and honestly with customers. If you are licensed by the Department of Real Estate in your state it is required by law. Half-truths are not whole truths; they are whole truths missing half the information which is likely to be misleading. Do not tolerate partial, incomplete or misleading disclosures. Business-owners and managers establish an office's corporate policy with regard to ethics, and they should be extraordinarily ethical and honest. Employees should associate themselves only with owners, managers and colleagues who have good reputations in the industry.

Do you have a "HOT" business or marketing tip?
E-mail it in 75 words or less to stocktec1@go2themortgagepro.com, Subject: Tip of the Month

An Interview with God

INFLATION REPORT

WASHINGTON, Mar 01, 2006

-- U.S. personal incomes rose 0.7% in January, but higher inflation eroded most of the gains, the Commerce Department reported Wednesday.

Consumer inflation increased 0.5% in January on higher energy costs. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy costs to give a better view of underlying inflation pressures, increased 0.2%.

Core inflation has risen 1.8% in the past 12 months, down from 1.9% in December and just below the 2% lid the Federal Reserve would like to keep on inflation. It's the lowest year-over-year core inflation since March 2004.

Real disposable incomes - after inflation and after taxes - increased 0.1% in January, the weakest gain since August. Real disposable incomes are up 2.2% in the past 12 months. Real consumer spending - adjusted for inflation - increased 0.4% in January, the weakest since October. In nominal terms -- that is, not adjusted for price changes -- consumer spending rose 0.9%, the biggest gain since July.
The personal savings rate fell to negative 0.7%, the lowest since August. Savings have been negative for eight of the past 10 months.

The divergent inflation numbers - with headline inflation soaring 0.5% but year-over-year core inflation moderating - puts the Fed's dilemma in stark terms. While the Fed focuses on core inflation as its policy target, it cannot afford to unleash inflationary forces.

The Federal Open Market Committee is expected to boost its overnight lending rate to 4.75% in four weeks, and will likely add another rate hike in May or June, analysts say. In the report, the government also revised third-quarter income figures higher by about $20 billion annualized. If past years are any gauge, fourth-quarter incomes could be boosted much higher in later revisions, as year-end bonus incomes are reported. Income from wages and salaries increased 0.7% in January, the biggest increase since July. Real spending on durable goods increased 1.3%. Real spending on nondurable goods also rose 1.3%. Real spending on services fell 0.3%, largely reflecting lower heating bills.

Who We Are

"Let's make 2006 YOUR best year!"
L. D. Walls, C.L.O. CalPERS, Mortgage Broker,
Planner & Trusted Advisor

We are “Mortgage Planners” and “Trusted Advisors” to our clients. We help our clients successfully manage their home equity to increase liquidity, safety, rate of return, and tax deductions. We are not traditional loan officers or commoditized application takers. Our role is to help our clients integrate the loan that they choose into their over-all long and short term financial and investment plan to help minimize taxes, improve cash flow and minimize interest expense.

We understand that the largest asset on a family’s balance sheet is their home. We’ve discovered many people mismanage the equity in their home. They have goals to try and pay off their home the smartest, quickest way possible, but may go about it the wrong way. Most people devote the largest portion of their incomes to housing. Consequently, how you handle the purchase of your home will have far-reaching implications on virtually every facet of your financial life, including your ability to save, pay for college and plan for retirement.

Too often, people buy homes in a vacuum, without considering how that purchase is going to affect other aspects of their lives. This can be a big mistake, and therefore you must recognize that owning a home holds very important implications for the rest of your financial plan. Although a fine goal, owning a home is not the ultimate financial planning goal, and in fact how you handle issues of home ownership may well determine whether you achieve financial success.

One of the top 100 Financial Planners in the country, Bert Whitehead, CFP, wrote in his book, Facing Financial Dysfunction, “Use your mortgage to convert wealth to capital. Your mortgage provides positive leverage, good debt that promotes long term financial freedom. It is actually much more risky from an asset allocation standpoint to have a home paid off and few other assets, than to have a mortgage and a more balanced investment portfolio.”

Steven Drozdeck and Lyn Fisher in their book, Wealth Management Teams says, “If you want to get rich, don’t look at the guy at your own level, look at the wealthy and ask, ‘What are they doing differently....and why?’” They go on to say, “For middle class America, properly managing their home’s equity over time can be the difference between being able to retire when they want to, versus not being able to retire at all.”

Take a look at what professional mortgage planning can do for you. Give us a call and see how our advice makes the difference. Help us understand what’s important about a home loan to you.


GO 2 MY WEBSITE !

Use the link at the very bottom of this page, on the left, to go to my website. Once there, please refer to the Loan Application button in the header above and fill out a full application or use the short form.

Additionally, you may be simply looking to ask a question about buying or selling a home in which case please use one of the buttons in the right hand column (Got A Question?, Home Status Report, Looking to Buy?, Looking to Sell?) and we will get back with you quickly with the answers you are looking for.

Use our calculators to check your scenarios but keep in mind, while the tools we supply here at The Mortgage Pro! are amazing, they are no substitute for a one on one consultation with a qualified mortgage planning professional.

Best Regards,

L.D. Walls, The Mortgage Pro!

Monday Jan. 30, 2006 Rate Lock Advisory