Anxiety rising

The rates for mortgage interest rates rose last week for the second week in a row adding to the angst many first-time homebuyers are feeling due to the lack of inventory and heated competition for those few houses. Far from the higher interest rates, we have seen in recent history these rates still come as a shock to many who are new to the mortgage market. Last week’s increase marked a jump of 7 basis points from the previous week landing at 4.03 percent according to Fannie Mae. A year ago that rate was 3.42 so from some buyers’ perspective this is a huge increase.

Under pressure, gross meals might emerge

One of the latest culinary fades is the use of pressure cookers. Fifty years ago, pressure cookers were replaced by microwave ovens. Now the circle is complete: The marrying of pressure cooking and computers has given rise to the electric, computerized pressure cooker, complete with touch screen controls and pre-programmed settings.

Fall sales should be strong

There is a nip in the morning air. Kids are back in school and the leaves are beginning to turn colors. Do not let the dormancy of fall foliage set you into dormancy as well. Realtors are selling properties daily and for many, September is proving to be busier than August. Gone are the smoke filled skies and back are the beautifully clear and comfortably warm skies of fall.

Great deals at auction

Many ask and even more wonder what opportunities they may be missing to buy bargain-priced real estate at auction. The answer is, it depends. It depends on a lot of factors like; do you have cash or a lender who will authorize you to bid up to a pre-approved amount? Some auctions want to receive the entire sale amount the day of your successful bid. Others will wait a couple of days and some will allow a financing contingency period that will give you the appropriate 30-45 days to get your ducks in a row.

Sheriff’s blotter

Notable calls

Local Briefs March 3, 2012

Holiday shoppers came out to spend in November

NEW YORK - Shoppers had retailers' registers ringing in November, getting the holiday season off to a roaring start.

When adversity is not adverse

It is a requirement of all licensed real estate agents to disclose, "Adverse Material Facts" to parties in a real estate transaction. As defined in Idaho real estate license law an Adverse material fact is one that, "would significantly affect the desirability or value of the property to a reasonable person..."

Retail sales post strongest gains since late 2007

NEW YORK - Shoppers returned to the nation's malls last month, buying a surprising amount of spring clothing and other items and helping stores post the strongest retail sales since November 2007, a month before the recession began.

World/Nation 12/03/2013

Going too far?

Judge questions necessity in hospital lawsuit

Be careful when selling with Craigslist

Not so long ago, success in using Craigslist to sell real estate was limited. Today the free classified site is considered a required strategy by most sellers, especially those wanting to sell their own property. Recently, we heard of a mourning widow who, finding no use for some of her late husband's possessions offered them for free on Craigslist. Several unsavory fellows showed up for the free stuff, using the opportunity to assess the home, returning later to take expensive tools and other items she had no intention of liquidating.

Bitcoin is booming

Digital payment option soaring in popularity, stocks jump

World/Nation Briefs October 12, 2012

Cash-strapped Postal Serviceraises mailing rates

Hecla closes Monday up big on Reddit-driven trading

The online forum responsible for inflating GameStop shares by 1,700 percent turned its attention to silver commodities, driving Hecla's prices up 28 percent.

Dems' sweeping social, climate bill passes divided House

Wrapped into one bill are far-reaching changes in taxation, health care, energy, climate change, family services, education and housing

The death of DVDs

Ask The Propellorheads

A: First, watch what you say about my Granny. She makes great bread pudding and $2 used to buy a lot of ribbon candy.

Suspect turns self in

POST FALLS - Darin M. Pannell, 21, Coeur d'Alene, one of two suspects in the alleged Sunday robbery at the Post Falls Walgreens, turned himself in on Wednesday.

Insurance available for Idaho children

COEUR d’ALENE — Thousands of Idaho children could be going without critical prescriptions or life-saving surgeries simply because their parents don’t have health insurance.

Finding the best child care for your budget

Choosing child care can be daunting. You want the best quality and care for your children, but that care has to fit into your budget. It's similar to buying a car: you may want a Mercedes-Benz but you buy a Honda Accord because it fits into your budget and still offers high quality, but at a lower cost.