theBubbler - Blogs http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ Wisconsin, Free Classifieds, Events, Music, Wisconsin Chat, Forums, Business, Weather, Sports, News, Wisconsin and Upper Michigan, Bubbler, theBubbler en Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:38:06 GMT vBulletin 1 http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/images/misc/rss.jpg theBubbler - Blogs http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ doing ok I gues http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/terimarie/2268-doing-ok-i-gues.html Tue, 10 Jan 2012 04:24:24 GMT :highfive:hello everyone , all is going ok here for now.the van did... :highfive:hello everyone , all is going ok here for now.the van did not past its tests for the platte renew.it the darn reason it did not pass two years ago.but we will get itto pass one way or the other.Saw the cancer doctor today and all is great,but the my should is not the report state that ,severe glenohumeral joint DJD and degenerative tearing of the superior and posterior labrum and partia; -thickness fraying/tearing of the undersurface of the supraspinatus tendon.

no full-thickness component..suoraspinatus tendinopathy is present as well./acromiocular joint DJD...

So now I have to get into see the orthopaedic surgery asp. because that why I am in so much darn pain.well I hope that everyone is doing great and have a great week.God Bless ]]> Terimarie http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/terimarie/2268-doing-ok-i-gues.html Items Wisconsin First Time Home Buyers Need to Know: Part 4 – Pre-qualify http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2267-items-wisconsin-first-time-home-buyers-need-know-part-4-pre-qualify.html Tue, 20 Dec 2011 20:36:11 GMT Image:...

If you missed Part 1 – Available Mortgage Programs, Part 2 – Understanding the Payment or Part 3 – The Loan Process, be sure to read those first.

Many fall in love with the idea of buying a new home. Unfortunately, that euphoric feeling causes people to get details and plans mixed up. Buying a home is a wonderful investment, but it should be approached with the right strategy. BEFORE finding a home, and falling madly in love with a neighborhood, people should first talk to a mortgage loan officer to get pre-qualified.


It’s Best for the Buyer
Getting pre-qualified gives the buyer a chance to find out how much home they can afford. A competent loan officer will tell the buyer not only the principal and interest payments per month, but also the estimated taxes, insurance and mortgage insurance monthly amounts. This gives the borrower a true number to work with in order to decide how much they are comfortable paying.

It’s Best for the Realtor
Once the buyer is pre-qualified they can contact a realtor and start looking for a home. Realtors have the ability to search for a home based on a number of criteria. Some of the items can be number of bedrooms, number of baths, square footage, location and total price. By having a maximum price amount the realtor can eliminate homes outside of the buyer’s budget.

It’s Best for the Loan Officer
Getting pre-qualified allows the loan officer to decide on the best loan for the borrower and ensures that the borrower will be approved for the loan. Too many times a potential home buyer will find a house they really like and ask a mortgage company to try and qualify them for the home. The problem is that the home is too expensive for them and they blame the loan officer for not being able to secure a loan. It is much easier for the loan officer to get a prequalified applicant approved vs someone who just has their heart set on one house.

View additional
Wisconsin first time home buyer information from our main site. Also, you may want to check out our detailed loan process page.

Contact us below or apply online to see if you qualify for a first time home buyer program including FHA, FHA 203k, VA and USDA loans!

Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Bankers NMLS ID #1016

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.madisonmortgageguys.com

Visit our main blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blog/ ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2267-items-wisconsin-first-time-home-buyers-need-know-part-4-pre-qualify.html Gypsy Collection is now posted on Etsy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2266-gypsy-collection-now-posted-etsy.html Sat, 17 Dec 2011 20:38:50 GMT Here ya go! Everything is hand made - the site only allows hand... Here ya go! Everything is hand made - the site only allows hand crafted art and vintage items. The bench and necklace are vintage, the rest is all made by me.


http://www.etsy.com/shop/judyadams3 ]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2266-gypsy-collection-now-posted-etsy.html <![CDATA[Miscellaneous (you'll see)]]> http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/talleyjudy/2265-miscellaneous-youll-see.html Sun, 27 Nov 2011 18:12:06 GMT I am currently reading the book, _The Last Talk With Lola Faye_ by... I am currently reading the book, The Last Talk With Lola Faye by Thomas H. Cook. On p.42 he has a line that in this place and time in my life resonates with me, it reads, "the way her thoughts rushed around like rabbits in a field,"

And on P.75, "Fitzgerald said that you lose yourself in pieces."...going to have to look up the context of that one. ]]> talleyJudy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/talleyjudy/2265-miscellaneous-youll-see.html Pre Paid Legal name change! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2263-pre-paid-legal-name-change.html Sun, 30 Oct 2011 22:04:55 GMT Pre Paid Legal is now called Legal Shield. Here is our new... Pre Paid Legal is now called Legal Shield.


Here is our new website! Same link but new content: www.prepaidlegal.com/hub/ejsachs ]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2263-pre-paid-legal-name-change.html <![CDATA["Gypsy" Art Show in November - Open House]]> http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2262-gypsy-art-show-november-open-house.html Sun, 30 Oct 2011 22:02:40 GMT I am finishing up a textile collection called "Gypsy".

Inspiration is not part of this one - I am only putting together existing pieces to create something else. It is a bit of a physical effort doing this. The raw materials are not admirable, and the lint is annoying but in some way I believe it will improve over time, after it is admired for a while.

It is already happening that a piece has transformed into something else much more attractive than anyone might have guessed. That is why I don't show my work until it is done. I've never met anyone yet who can see the good I see in something before it is complete.

I'll post photos when it is all finished and ready to show.

We'll be having an art/music open house in November with various artists and music, food, etc. Depending on the number of guests we may have to accept donations towards food and entertainment. This is a small place! Let me know if you are interested in showing your art work at this holiday open house. ]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2262-gypsy-art-show-november-open-house.html Items Wisconsin First Time Home Buyers Need to Know: Part 3 – The Loan Process http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2261-items-wisconsin-first-time-home-buyers-need-know-part-3-loan-process.html Fri, 14 Oct 2011 19:07:38 GMT Image:...

If you missed Part 1 – Available Mortgage Programs or Part 2 – Understanding the Payment, be sure to read those first. When you are ready, Part 4 – Pre-qualify is out!

Although buying a home usually requires getting a loan, this type of loan is very different from other types of lending. Here are some of the typical steps involved in the loan process for first time home owners.

Pre-Qualify
This is the first step in all loans. A potential home buyer will contact a loan officer and find out how much they can borrow. The loan officer will discuss the person’s housing history for the past few years, as well as their employment history. The loan officer will review the person’s credit file. After a preliminary discussion about the person’s down payment and monthly payment abilities, the loan officer will determine the best type of loan for their situation.

Documentation
This is where the borrower provides documents to prove their information is correct. Paystubs, W-2 forms, tax returns, bank statements, rental agreements, and retirement account statements are the usual items needed by the mortgage company.

Appraisal and Title
Once it has been decided that a person’s credit and income meet the criteria of a certain mortgage program then it is time to qualify the house. An appraisal will be ordered to make sure the value of the home is at least equal to the asking price. A title inspection is completed to find out what, if any, liens or mortgages are recorded on the property as well as to identify the current owner of the property. In addition, the title will usually indicate that amount of last year’s taxes and whether or not the taxes are up to date.

The Closing
Once the appraisal and title have cleared necessary guidelines then the loan is ready for closing. This is where the seller and buyer will meet at a title agent’s office to sign necessary documents. The documents turn over all possession to the new owner. It also spells out the terms of the loan to the buyer as well as several other things about the new relationship between lender and borrower.

View additional
Wisconsin first time home buyer information from our main site. Also, you may want to check out our detailed loan process page.

Contact us below or apply online to see if you qualify for a first time home buyer program including FHA, FHA 203k, VA and USDA loans!

Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Bankers NMLS ID #1016

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.madisonmortgageguys.com

Visit our main blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blog/ ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2261-items-wisconsin-first-time-home-buyers-need-know-part-3-loan-process.html Wisconsin FHA 203k Loans the Series Part 2: The Guidelines http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2260-wisconsin-fha-203k-loans-series-part-2-guidelines.html Fri, 14 Oct 2011 18:59:09 GMT Image:...

Welcome to Part 2 of our Wisconsin 203k series. Today we are going to cover the guidelines of the two types of 203k financing.

When purchasing or refinancing with a 203k loan the eligible mortgage amount is based of the projected value of the home after the improvements are completed. The appraisal is a two step process, the as-is value and the value after rehabilitation. This basically means that the better deal you can get on the property, the more you can spend on improvements. This is an excellent program for foreclosed properties and short sales.


Eligible property types are going to be 1-4 family homes and FHA approved condos. Condos are limited to improvements are only for the interior of the unit. Exterior improvements are the responsibility of the condo association. All properties must comply with local zoning requirements. Properties that have been or need to be demolished are eligible as long as the original foundation remains in place. Additionally, an existing home from one site can be moved to another property as long as the new foundation has been properly inspected and the home will be properly secured to the new foundation as approved by a FHA inspector.

When choosing a contractor, it’s important that they have all the necessary insurance and licensing to do business. We will be checking on these items as part of the approval process. Required documentation from the contractor will include license, bonding, insurance, and any other necessary credentials that would pertain to the improvements required.

The contractor is required to submit cost estimates for all repairs required on the appraisal. The bids must clearly itemize the repairs being done. All repairs must be complete within 30 days of closing unless there are weather related problems. If weather is a factor, work must be completed in a reasonable amount of time as soon as weather permits.

In order to qualify, improvements need to be a minimum on $5,000. The streamline becomes a full rehabilitation loan if required improvements exceed $35,000. The full rehabilitation loan will require an approved FHA inspector to be involved.

Currently we have a minimum credit score requirement of a 640 FICO for all of our 203k programs (please verify with us the required minimum credit score as that can and will change over time). Borrowers must occupy the property and investors are not allowed to use this or any other FHA program. Terms can be fixed or adjustable.

Our next post will explain more about the process of the steps involved and how the timeline should go. Thanks for tuning and make sure to comment down below or call me with any questions. Make it a great day!

For additional information see our FHA 203k page on our site or to see if you qualify, contact us below or apply online!

Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Banker:

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.madisonmortgageguys.com

Visit our blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blogs-mortgage-guru/ ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2260-wisconsin-fha-203k-loans-series-part-2-guidelines.html Organic Foods! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2259-organic-foods.html Sun, 25 Sep 2011 02:16:46 GMT Just add this to my list of memberships to the best companies. This... Just add this to my list of memberships to the best companies. This one is organic foods - actual foods, like cheese, meats, veggies online! I started a group on this subject to share sources like this, and this is the first one.

http://www.beyondorganicinsider.com/...?enroller=2505

The above was started by a brother of a friend, of a friend, etc. but I am getting the low down on the guy - he's really into organics and shares his best. Now is a pre-launch of his new company. Follow link above.

We have been eating more and more organic foods and less of the chemical stuff. Another reason we are looking at food sources. Everything is sprayed and dusted anymore, with strange chemicals and we just don't like it. Fruits rot from the inside out and store food tastes bland.

This year I threw in a garden at the last minute (I was in Florida until June 8) but it still produced some tasty tomatoes and basil, some green peppers and one unidentified green thing. We are even adding yard dandelions to our salads. Dandelion is an excellent detox for the body. And we don't put chemicals on our lawn, either. I'll blog about that sometime too.

Now we are looking at stocking up with organics - seems as though the FDA is coming down hard on organic food companies these days. They are bed partners with pharmaceutical companies and it doesn't make them any money if people are healthy.

Anyway, Eddie is singing and playing guitar now so I am going to enjoy it for a while. Later!

PS We will have another vegetarian potluck this fall if anyone is interested. We are not vegetarians but lean that way and like sharing recipes and food with like minded folks. ]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2259-organic-foods.html Items Wisconsin First Time Home Buyers Need to Know: Part 2 – Understanding the Payment http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2258-items-wisconsin-first-time-home-buyers-need-know-part-2-understanding-payment.html Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:29:24 GMT Image:...

If you missed Part 1 – Available Mortgage Programs be sure to read those first. When you are ready, Part 3 – The Loan Process and Part 4 – Pre-qualify are out!

Understanding a mortgage payment is very important for a Wisconsin first time home buyer. Most loans, such as for a car, are fairly simple to understand because it usually involves just two parts, the principal payment and the interest payment. However, that is not the case with the majority of mortgage loans.

Mortgage Insurance
For the remainder of this article we will assume that your down payment is less than 20% of the home’s asking price. For the conventional loans as well as the FHA loans, any time a buyer pays less than 20% as a down payment; the borrower will be charged with mortgage insurance. This is an insurance protection to help the lender against any losses. The amount of the monthly mortgage insurance will depend on the type of loan, the borrower’s credit, the loan to value ratio, and the outstanding loan balance.

Homeowner’s Insurance
One common practice for new home buyers is the use of an escrow account. This account is a holding place for the homeowner’s yearly homeowner’s insurance premium as well as the property taxes. Each time a mortgage payment is made some money is deposited into this account. When the insurance premium comes due, money is removed from this account and directed to the insurance agent.

Property Taxes
Similar to the homeowner’s insurance, taxes are also accrued in the escrow account. When a person first buys the home, the taxes are pro rated. The seller of the home pays the taxes for the part of the year in which they owned the home. This allows the new buyer to pay taxes only covering the time they actually owned the property.

Principal and Interest
This is similar to other loans. Each month the amount of interest being paid goes down as the amount of principal goes up, reducing the outstanding balance a little more every month.

View additional Wisconsin first time home buyer information from our main site. Also, you may want to check out our detailed loan process page.

Contact us below or apply online to see if you qualify for a first time home buyer program including FHA, FHA 203k, VA and USDA loans!

Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Bankers NMLS ID #1016

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Florida Mortgage Brokers Refinance FHA 203k VA Reverse USDA Jumbo Rates

Visit our main blog at Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Florida FHA Loans, VA, Refinance, Jumbo, First Time Home Buyer, No Money Down ? Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Florida FHA Loans, VA, Refinance, Jumbo, First Time Home Buyer, No Money Down, USDA, Cash Out, Jumbo VA Loans, ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2258-items-wisconsin-first-time-home-buyers-need-know-part-2-understanding-payment.html Wisconsin FHA 203k Loans the Series Part 1: Types Available http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2257-wisconsin-fha-203k-loans-series-part-1-types-available.html Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:48:00 GMT Image:...

Welcome to Part 1 of our Wisconsin 203k series. Today we are going to cover why a 203k loan would be used.

There are 2 types of the Wisconsin 203k loans – the 203k rehabilitation loan and 203k streamline. Both are very useful tools for those that are looking to improve a property they want to purchase or refinance. This program has gained a lot of popularity with ill maintained foreclosed properties. These loans are more complicated than your average purchase loan and will require the borrower to be more involved in the transactions. One should expect 60-90 days to complete the closing and all additional improvements must be completed in 6 months. You will have some wiggle room if you’re in a northern state and may have seasonal issues with completing certain jobs.

There are certain checks and balances along the way the will keep you from getting involved in bad investment or pouring too much money in to a home that wouldn’t be recouped on the sale in the future. This is not a free for all to finance a new pool or certain luxury items, but you will be surprised with the things you can do with this loan.

The rehabilitation loan is used for Wisconsin properties that need major improvements over $35,000 or if the borrower is looking to modify the foundation or load bearing walls. This includes moving a home to a new foundation if necessary. Additionally a borrower could use this type of financing to rebuild a home that needs to be torn down. Also, if you are looking to build an addition or convert a multi unit to a one unit, the rehabilitation loan would be used. The full rehabilitation loan requires a FHA approved inspector to be involved with all parts of the reconstruction.

The Wisconsin streamline 203k loan is meant for improvements less than $35,000 and the borrower is not required to use a FHA inspector. This is the more common of the two programs. A few examples of these types of improvements are new roofing, windows, siding, electrical and plumbing upgrades, decks, patios, room remodeling, energy conservation, appliances, and pretty much anything else a borrower may want to do that won’t disrupt the foundation or load bearing walls. This is also a great program to improve an FHA approved condo.

It’s important to know that not every lender offers 203k financing. We have the experience with this program to help you a long the way.

In our next post of the series we will be covering the guidelines and the requirements of these to loans so stay tuned! If you need information sooner contact me below.

For additional information see our FHA 203k page on our site or to see if you qualify, contact us below or apply online!

Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Banker:

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.madisonmortgageguys.com

Visit our blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blogs-mortgage-guru/ ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2257-wisconsin-fha-203k-loans-series-part-1-types-available.html Milwaukee Mortgage Rates Unchanged http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2256-milwaukee-mortgage-rates-unchanged.html Mon, 22 Aug 2011 15:44:36 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are MINUS 38bps this morning. The... Mortgage Backed Securities are MINUS 38bps this morning.

The biggest news out today was my lender's underwriting is taking 6 days. That means that there is no need for them to go out and try to buy the markets. They will keep rates favorable and keep margins up.

The equity markets rallied as investors thought 4 weeks of selling was enough. The Dow was up as many as 200 points today. The Dow is currently up 69 points as I write this article. That brings us to the word of the week, volatility. There is no real news out this week and plenty of speculation.

The Fed Chairman is gathering knowledge from other economists in Jackson Hole,WY over the next week. The economists are patting him on the back telling him how great QE2 was that he released at this very meeting last year. The problem is QE2 did nothing to spark the economy and it only caused the markets to rally and fall to their previous levels. That is why many analyst are saying nothing will come out of his speech on Friday that is not already been announced.

Next month the Eurozone has to vote on what is being compared to our TARP. There are big government bond rollovers across Europe starting in September. The Fed needs to keep some powder dry in case we get caught up in the Eurozone contagion.

The up markets and the heavy flow of new business to the lenders has rates unchanged today. Milwaukee Mortgage rates still remain low. ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2256-milwaukee-mortgage-rates-unchanged.html Milwauke Mortgage Rates to Move Higher in the Short Term? http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2255-milwauke-mortgage-rates-move-higher-short-term.html Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:30:19 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are PLUS 6bps this morning. The... Mortgage Backed Securities are PLUS 6bps this morning.



The fear mongers have held the markets down for the last few weeks. Retailers Target and Staples say not so fast my friends. Target the 2nd largest retailer profits rose 3.7% and beat expectation. They also raised their year end guidance. Raised their guidance in the face of the largest recession we will see in our lifetime? Staples the number one office supplies chain also beat expectations. That means the consumer is spending but just not on the high end merchandise. That was evident by Ambercrombie lowering its year end outlook. The demise of the US economy may be overstated.

Tomorrow three very key numbers will be released. The first will be the Philly Fed Index. The index looks at manufacturing in the east region. The second will be Initial Jobless Claims. The last few readings have come in under 400,000. A better than expected number will rally equity markets. The last is the CPI number that tracks consumer inflation. We saw today that the Producer Price Index was higher. The CPI number will tell us if the producer inflation is being passed to the consumer.

The equity markets are looking for a reason to run higher. We started today with good retail numbers. If we see jobs and manufacturing pick up, the markets will rally and push interest rates higher. I am not saying that eventually the markets will not falter under global pressure. I am saying in the short term we could see rates move higher on a better than expected economic outlook.

Milwaukee Mortgage Rates remain unchanged today. ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2255-milwauke-mortgage-rates-move-higher-short-term.html Milwaukee Fitness Trainer Questions Under Water Mortgages http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2253-milwaukee-fitness-trainer-questions-under-water-mortgages.html Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:41:13 GMT I look in many places to find content and try to answer questions... I look in many places to find content and try to answer questions where people are looking for answers. I recently started working with a fitness trainer, Mike Sweeney of Sweeney's Gym on Howell Ave in Milwaukee. We started talking about what it is I do for a living. When I told him he said that his clients, the people in his business network and charitable organizations he helps are always talking about the state of the housing market. The fact that people are upside down on their mortgages is concerning. There are no easy answers.

The government has a program currently in place that if you have only one mortgage on your property that you can refinance even if you are upside down on your mortgage. The rates and underwriting are the same as if you were taking out a normal loan. If you had 20% equity in your home before the refinance, you will not have PMI after you refinance. That is a very easy process to complete.

Most people who are upside down have 2 mortgages on their property. That is a little more difficult. I do not have any lenders that will exceed 95% of the homes value when you try to refinance a first and second mortgage. Combining the 2 mortgages would be considered a cash out transaction and be limited to 85% of the homes value. The best way is to reduce the balance on the second and just refinance the first mortgage at these great rates. It is not the optimal solution but it will save you money. I was recently quoted in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and another contributor said that going to the Bank of Mom and Dad maybe the answer. Again this is not optimal but it is a solution.

Lenders have stopped being creative when it comes to solving the problems with the housing market. It will be up to the home owners to pinch their noses and swallow that awful medicine. I wish I had better news or answers but these are the current Milwaukee Mortgage conditions.

My body is the epitome of having it way to good for way to long. Thanks to Mike Sweeney I will be feeling the burn and getting my fitness house in order. Mike tells me to be balanced in my approach. That is the way everyone should attack their financial situation. Start out slow and get a handle on the problem. Get on a financial diet and bring down that bloated mortgage. It can be done but it will take commitment. ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2253-milwaukee-fitness-trainer-questions-under-water-mortgages.html Setting up a Realistic Budget for a Wisconsin Home Purchase http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2252-setting-up-realistic-budget-wisconsin-home-purchase.html Wed, 20 Jul 2011 20:00:17 GMT Image:...

Wisconsin First time home buyers usually start searching for a home with wide eyes and big dreams. Dreams are great and should be pursued with great gusto. But this does not mean that people should get a house at the very end of their income. Here are some guidelines for setting up a budget for that first home purchase.
  • Acceptable mortgage payment – Most experts agree that no more than 25% of a person’s gross monthly income should be spent on the actual mortgage payment. This includes the amount for principal, interest, mortgage insurance and escrow payments to cover the property taxes and home insurance.
  • Money for maintenance – About 10% of the monthly payment should be set aside for repairs and maintenance. This will include routine plumbing issues, repairs to the heating and air conditioning unit, pest protection and replacing the roof every few years.
  • Utility Payments – Utilities generally do not decrease over time. A good rule of thumb is that 8% to 10% of monthly income will be devoted to utilities. If the actual utilities are much higher than that it may be time to look at cost saving measures such as better windows, increased insulation in the attic and a better heating/air conditioner unit.

This brief outline should help people to prepare themselves for the actual costs they will incur as homeowners. A loan officer can help provide estimates for loan payments as well as mortgage insurance and can also help with the escrow estimates.

For additional first time home buyer program information, please visit our first time home buyer page!

Contact us or apply online to determine if you qualify for a first time home buyer mortgage!
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]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2252-setting-up-realistic-budget-wisconsin-home-purchase.html What Religion Are You? http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2251-what-religion-you.html Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:25:15 GMT Until I was 8 I thought I was Episcopalian like my mother. When I... Until I was 8 I thought I was Episcopalian like my mother. When I found out I had actually been baptized Lutheran like my father, I found a nearby church and went to Sunday school there. Out of 4 kids I was the only one who went. I woke my dad up so he would take me and I loved it! I was an active member for the next 30 years - Sunday school teacher, summer Bible camp counselor, etc. but never got into Evangelism. It was more about helping others in a group and kids having a healthy up bringing. I also learned quite a lot about other religions wanting to know what each was about - U.U., Ba'hai, Jehova Witness, Mormon, Judaism, Islam, Native American, etc. (lots more)
Once I found Scientology, that pulled it all together, enhanced what I knew and made sense. I didn't have to "convert" and found out it is available to everyone, free of charge - also met people from other churches who use it to help their individual congregations.
What do I consider myself? A Christian Scientologist. My husband is a Jewish Scientologist. ]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2251-what-religion-you.html Potential Financing Problems Milwaukee http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2250-potential-financing-problems-milwaukee.html Wed, 20 Jul 2011 17:00:04 GMT I have seen my share of issues over the last 11 years with the... I have seen my share of issues over the last 11 years with the appraisal process. Recently we are seeing an abnormal amount of fallout from needed repairs on a property. Lenders will not refinance or extend money for the purchase of a property that needs work.

Currently 25% of all homeowners are under water on their mortgages. That number could increase as housing values are expected to slip another 5 to 10 percent this year. That means the lenders are underwriting the home as much as they are the borrower. When refinancing you should make sure any curled shingles, loose mortar, peeling paint or exposed wood should be repaired BEFORE the appraiser comes to the property.

When the appraiser comes out to the property and states there are potential problems, it puts the lender at high alert. They are now looking for any additional problems with the appraisal. What could have been a simple fix is now a complex issue. The underwriter will request experts to come out and inspect the property to make sure there is not a larger issue. Then they will make the same inspector come out and write a letter that says the work was completed. Something that could have been fixed before the appraiser showed up is now going to cost you the cost of the inspector and a rate lock in most cases.

Here are problems that can be avoided. I had a client and it had rained hard the night before and the sump pump crock flowed over the top. The appraiser came the next day to a wet basement. The lender wanted a basement specialist to check for foundation issues. The borrower should have canceled the appraisal and dried the basement floor. The was no foundation issue but rather the borrower should adjust the landscape around the home. This will put less pressure on the sump system.

You should always present the property in its best condition. This will allow you to avoid any delays and added expense. If you are refinancing to fix the problems let your loan officer know up front. Explain the magnitude of the problem so they can determine if the lender will have a problem with the financing. There is no perfect solution but at least this may alleviate potential problems.

www.mortgageserviceswi.com/resources ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2250-potential-financing-problems-milwaukee.html Another steamy day in Walworth - Ramble http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2249-another-steamy-day-walworth-ramble.html Tue, 19 Jul 2011 22:57:46 GMT It is way too uncomfortable out there - what did they do in the old... It is way too uncomfortable out there - what did they do in the old days? Well the sun was probably not as hot it is now, shining through aluminum nanoparticles giving it that halogen light look, you know artificially bright? I am getting so tired of looking up and seeing those guys spray trails, as if they and their own families are not going to breathe it too.

I am old enough to remember the sun being an orange ball behind a beautiful deep blue sky. Haven't seen that in years.

We have HEPA filters in the house, but they don't handle nano particles because they are too fine. But, they do help somewhat with air quality. So, what do I do but paint the basement walls today. Breathing paint fumes what else. Ha! So much for complaining about air quality, huh. It took me 15 years to make the basement into a comfortable family room - most of it was done by myself and my sons. It does look a bit home made but fresh paint and nice colors do it right. I even had berber carpet installed over the old square tiles and moved all my old furniture down there. It looks like a real room now! The upstairs living room has 2 chairs and a small rug in it, that is it and I kind of like it that way, except for the echo.

So now I am done with painting and can pretend to be a lady of leisure, because I am going to watch a movie down there for the first time in years. In all the years I raised children in this house I never owned a TV nor did I pay for cable. Someone gave us an old TV and VCR/DVD player for the kids to watch movies on, and it was kept in our unfinished basement. That was the kids room - they could do pretty much what they wanted down there. But they chose rather to be outside and do outside activities, which has served them well now that they are in their late 20's and early 30's.

I am happy with my life right now. I just turned 59 and still looking pretty decent, in good health with a nice husband, his daughter and 3 fine sons. So, there is my story for the day. When it cools off out there I won't be writing much, because my next project is outside. Bye now! ]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2249-another-steamy-day-walworth-ramble.html Equity Markets Soar Milwaukee Mortgage Rates Pause http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2248-equity-markets-soar-milwaukee-mortgage-rates-pause.html Tue, 19 Jul 2011 15:45:49 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are minus 22bps this morning. The... Mortgage Backed Securities are minus 22bps this morning.

The headlines are stating that the equity markets are soaring based on a Housing Starts report that states a 14.6% increase. Single Family homes in that report were actual flat and the big increase was in Multifamily units. More Americans can not afford to buy and are renting should be the headline. The economy and government has made more renters than homeowners.

In an article at http://www.marketwatch.com/story/hou...MW_latest_news the writer takes issue with the report and its contents. I have included the quote.

"In most months, the government can’t be sure whether starts increased or decreased — in June, the standard error for starts was plus or minus 10.9% — and large revisions are common."

I thought stock brokers did research before they jump in with the herd. Single family starts are flat with a plus or minus of 10%. They could have decreased for all the brokers know. It is common for large revisions later. Equity markets are looking for any reason to move higher. This will bring volatility back to the market. We were down 100 points on the Dow yesterday and up 100 today.

Milwaukee mortgage rates are flat today. With the volatility in the markets it would make sense to lock on the dips.

www.mortgageserviceswi.com/rates ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2248-equity-markets-soar-milwaukee-mortgage-rates-pause.html 100% Purchase in Wisconsin http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2247-100-purchase-wisconsin.html Mon, 18 Jul 2011 17:34:33 GMT I recently had two clients call me looking for 100 percent purchase... I recently had two clients call me looking for 100 percent purchase loans. I work so much in the Milwaukee, Waukesha and Madison area that I forget about a little used Rural housing 100 percent loan program. You can qualify under this program with very little out of pocket expenses. There are some guidelines that differ from regular financing but they are manageable.

These loans are trying to help people with average income and average credit scores obtain financing. That is not to say if you have perfect credit you can not apply. It does allow for scores as low as 640. The area where most people have trouble qualifying is too high of an income. The program allows for 115% of the median income for the county. Most counties in the State of Wisconsin are between $74,000 and $83,000 for median income. You have to include all income for the entire household.

Location is the other area where this loan program fails. Most cities with a population over 10,000 people will not qualify. There are some exception to the rule and that is why you should call and check the address of the home you would like to purchase. Larger cities that qualify are Hartford, Slinger, Hartland, Delafield, Burlington, Waterford, Muskego, Mukwonago and Sussex. These are just a few cities close to larger populated areas that you may recognize. The most important thing is to call and we can enter the address and verify the home qualifies for this program.

There is NO PMI on this loan. There is a funding fee of 3% that is financed on top of the purchase price. That means if you have a purchase price of $100,000 you would have a loan amount of $103,000. The difference between the payment of these two loans at 6% interest is $18 per month. The PMI for that same loan would be $95.83 per month. You can see the additional $3000 on top of the purchase price keeps your monthly payment lower.

The underwriter will be looking very close at you as the borrower. They will be looking just as hard at the appraisal. They want to limit any potential future risk in case the property is foreclosed. That means buying a house that needs work to be performed may not fit this program. A house with a high sales price compared to other properties in the area may not work.

I am here to tell you 100 percent financing in Wisconsin is alive and well. Give us a call when you want to make that Wisconsin home purchase and we will get you and most importantly the house approved.

www.mortgageserviceswi.com/rates ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2247-100-purchase-wisconsin.html Buying a Condo in Wisconsin http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2246-buying-condo-wisconsin.html Wed, 13 Jul 2011 16:04:16 GMT A recent check of my web traffic alerted me to a rash of inquiries... A recent check of my web traffic alerted me to a rash of inquiries regarding the purchase of a condo in Wisconsin. Like any part of the housing market right now there are deals to be had in the condo market. There are plenty of potential pit falls and hopefully this will help you navigate the mine field.

The recent foreclosure market has turned investors sour on the condo market. You can still get financing at 80% of the condo's value. You will have to pay a premium of .75 points for the loan to value to 80% or take a .25% hit to the rate. That means on a $100,000 loan you will pay an additional $750 in closing costs. The alternative would be if you see 4.5% is the current rate for a 30 year fixed rate you could take 4.75% for your rate and avoid the fees. The other option and what the lenders seem to be pushing is putting down 25% on the property and avoiding the higher fees and the higher rate. That is what most condo buyers are choosing as their best option.

We figured out that the best option is 25% down and now we are ready for closing. No, now we have to talk about the condo association. With all the foreclosures in all areas of the housing market condos were hit just as hard. That means that some condo association dues were going unpaid and the health of the association could be in jeopardy. That means the lender is underwriting the condo project as much as they are you the borrower.

The most important item lenders will be looking at is the amount of units that are vacant or unsold as a percentage of the total number of units. Lenders will differ in the requirements but I would be confident if the project is 90% sold and occupied your financing will be approved. That does not mean that you can not get financing below 90% but it becomes more difficult and in some cases more costly.

The other area the lenders pay particular close attention to are rental units. Some condo projects do not restrict the amount of rental properties in the project. Lets face the fact that renters do not take care of properties as well as home owners. A project full of renters could bring down the value of a complex in a hurry. Most complexes have restrictions on the number of rental units for this very reason.

If your intention is to buy a condo it is very important to let your mortgage professional know this during the pre-approval process. You may want the condo association to fill out a condo questionnaire before you write an offer to make sure the condo qualifies for financing. Condos are a little more difficult to finance but not impossible. Call or email today with any questions.

www.mortgageserviceswi.com ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2246-buying-condo-wisconsin.html Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke Testifies Milwaukee Mortgage Rate Move Higher http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2245-fed-chairman-ben-bernanke-testifies-milwaukee-mortgage-rate-move-higher.html Wed, 13 Jul 2011 15:01:57 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are minus 28bps this morning. Chairman... Mortgage Backed Securities are minus 28bps this morning.

Chairman Bernanke stated in his semi-annual testimony that the Fed is ready to step in and try untested measures to stimulate the economy if it falters. That signaled to investors that another round of quantitative easing maybe in the cards. Just two weeks after the Fed stopped QE2 there is more talk of easing. This has investors cheering and running for the exits in the bond markets and rushing into equities.

China announced GDP grew at 9.5% in the second quarter and that was slightly above expectations. That is good news for investors that one economy is not suffering and can purchase our goods and services. That will also allow China to purchase more of our debt. With two more auctions looming this week.

Fitch announced that an Italy austerity measure could stabilize the countries rating. That may put an end to Eurozone debt crisis talk for the rest of this week.

There is no other economic news being released today. We will see the results of today's auction at 1:00. The stock markets will be left to digest the Chairman's remarks and move the markets accordingly.

Milwaukee Mortgage Rates appear to headed up in the near future.

www.mortgageserviceswi.com/rates ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2245-fed-chairman-ben-bernanke-testifies-milwaukee-mortgage-rate-move-higher.html FOMC in Focus Will Move Milwaukee Rates http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2244-fomc-focus-will-move-milwaukee-rates.html Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:29:14 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are Plus 0 this morning. The FOMC will... Mortgage Backed Securities are Plus 0 this morning.

The FOMC will release the minutes from its last meeting today at 1:00. It will give us a look at the discussions of the last meeting. It will tell us what the Fed thinks about the economy and inflation. The may even mention the affects of the Fed not buying Treasuries as today we have the first auction since the end of QE2. That auction will be at noon today. The markets will be moved on these auctions.

"Longer-maturity Treasury prices were supported by the turmoil in the European sovereign-debt crisis as fears that Italy will be dragged into the problems attracted investors to less-risky assets such as bonds". This is from a Marketwatch.com article. The article confirms that the recent move into bonds is based on the Euro zone again. That will help today's auctions as investors flock to safety.

We have been writing that the natural direction of rates is higher. It seems every time we are ready to move rates up there is another debt crisis. This has been really good for the Milwaukee Mortgage Rates. The problem is it is not good for confidence and the economy.

We should see in the coming weeks that the debt ceiling will be lifted. That will be another boost to the markets. We believe that rates will be trending up. Take advantage of the low mortgage rates while there is still an opportunity.

www.mortgageserviceswi.com/mortgage-rate-commentary ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2244-fomc-focus-will-move-milwaukee-rates.html What is the Difference Between a Recession and a Depression? http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2243-what-difference-between-recession-depression.html Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:27:12 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are Plus 34bps this morning. A... Mortgage Backed Securities are Plus 34bps this morning.



A comedian once quipped the difference between a recession and a depression. He said "A recession is when your neighbor is out of work and a depression is when you are out of work". I think that may be the case with the latest jobs report.

We are seeing better than expected manufacturing numbers being released. We saw an increase in private sector jobs. We are seeing slow growth and a little consumer confidence. That means the economy is recovering. Why the lackluster jobs report?

Employers are faced with more orders and a recent bleak economic forecast. They are using the machines they have and the people they have in place. They are not looking to hire and pay added health care cost and employment tax if they can use the people in place. I talked to a couple of gentlemen recently that told me they were getting plenty of work and overtime was available. One of the men I talked with was in manufacturing and the other was in shipping.



The uncertainty in the tax cuts, health care costs, energy prices and the Dodd Frank bill have employers very concerned. That makes me not so worried about the economy as it does our Government. I watched CNBC this morning and watched to politicians yell at each other over the same things that put us in this mess. The sides do not want to make concessions to get the debt ceiling worked out. Political posturing is all they were accomplishing.

We as a country have to look at what is going on in Europe currently and decide if we want to look like them in the near future. The only way we get back on track will be by making cuts, compromises and tough decisions. That will bring confidence back into the economy and put us on the right path.

The good news is Milwaukee Mortgage Rates are slightly better today. We have three bond auctions this week that could turn that momentum on a dime.

www.mortgageserrviceswi.com/rates ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2243-what-difference-between-recession-depression.html Analysts Whiffed and Rates Retreat http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2242-analysts-whiffed-rates-retreat.html Fri, 08 Jul 2011 15:10:39 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are PLUS 65bps this morning. The guy... Mortgage Backed Securities are PLUS 65bps this morning.

The guy sitting on the bench never strikes out. The only problem is he is never in the game to begin with. That means if you are in the game long enough you will strike out every once in awhile. It is not because you did not do the research or did not see the market trends. With the best intentions you are sometimes on the wrong side. I was on the wrong side yesterday.

I wrote yesterday to lock the rate in front of a big jobs number. The markets rallied in the afternoon and were poised to rally again this morning. Then the job numbers were horrific. Analysts predicted 120,000 jobs would be created in June. The actual number was 18,000 jobs. The goes against the four manufacturing reports that said orders had increased. There were actually 57,000 private sector jobs created last month. The government laid off 39,000 employees to help balance their budgets.

What investors will have to digest is if we are in a soft patch or quicksand. Private sector job growth is what we need to create and sustain growth. We just need to stabilize the housing sector and keep the private sector busy to grow the economy. No one said it would be easy and it is time for Washington to get it figured out.

Milwaukee Mortgage Rates retreat on job reports and the rate direction is lower today.

www.mortgageserviceswi.com/rates ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2242-analysts-whiffed-rates-retreat.html Markets Pull Head Fake on Milwaukee Mortgage Rates http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2241-markets-pull-head-fake-milwaukee-mortgage-rates.html Thu, 07 Jul 2011 15:51:03 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are Minus 28bps today. Milwaukee... Mortgage Backed Securities are Minus 28bps today.

Milwaukee mortgage rates started to move up last week. We questioned why they would be pulling back other then just getting ahead of themselves. Today they restarted their ascent. This after weekly jobless claims came in lower by 14,000. ADP also said there were 157,000 new jobs created ahead of the 60,000 anticipated. That gives markets reason to believe tomorrow's job reports will be favorable. Equity markets are cheering and moving higher today.

The Treasury said this morning that it will auction $66 billion in debt next week. This is a surprise move and brilliant. The Fed had been buying a large supply of the debt offered. When you have lost so much demand you must reduce the supply. This may help keep the prices up and help smooth over the transition to no Fed purchases. The last three auctions were met with tepid interest. This gives the Fed and Treasury hope these auctions will perform better.

I know you may have missed the 4.5% yesterday and you feel like Charlie Brown having the football moved again. You still have the chance to get a great rate before tomorrow's game changing jobs report.

Milwaukee Mortgage Rates are moving HIGHER and we are advising all of our clients to lock.


www.mortgageserviceswi.com/rates ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2241-markets-pull-head-fake-milwaukee-mortgage-rates.html Wisconsin Mortgage Rates Recover http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2240-wisconsin-mortgage-rates-recover.html Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:15:39 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are Minus 6 this morning. Lenders came... Mortgage Backed Securities are Minus 6 this morning.

Lenders came out very aggressive in their pricing today. The short week and low volumes may have prevented them from producing the best rates available. Today they are very aggressive in the face of head winds. We will have to see if they keep their sentiment the rest of the trading day. We are already off the best levels of the day and sliding.

The Institute for Supply Management released their current reading. Most analyst predicted a number of 54 and the markets were disappointed in the 53.3 reading. A reading over 50 signals expansion and that further supports the last 3 economic reports that showed we were in a soft patch.

The equity markets stumbled out of the gate this morning. Investors did not know how much weight to put on the current readings. It appears investors have found their direction as they are taking the equity markets higher.

I said yesterday that mortgage rates never move in a straight line. This could be a small dip and an opportunity to lock. Remember that Friday we will see a very important set of job reports.

Milwaukee Mortgage Rates are improved today.

http://www.mortgageserviceswi.com/mo...ate-commentary ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2240-wisconsin-mortgage-rates-recover.html Items Wisconsin First Time Home Buyers Need to Know: Part 1 – Available Mortgage Programs http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2239-items-wisconsin-first-time-home-buyers-need-know-part-1-available-mortgage-programs.html Wed, 06 Jul 2011 00:29:07 GMT Image:...

When you are ready, Part 2 – Understanding the Payment, Part 3 – The Loan Process and Part 4 – Pre-qualify are out!

It is assumed in this country that any reasonably intelligent adult understands the basic points of a mortgage before purchasing a home. However, lots of people don’t know how to change the oil in a car they own. Likewise, millions of people own computers and have no idea how to fix some of the most common problems. Here is the first part in a series designed to teach first time home buyers required information before buying a home.

Available Mortgage Programs

Conventional – This is still one of the most common types of mortgage loans available. It usually requires excellent credit and a down payment of at least 3-5% of the purchase price. The conventional mortgage will usually offer the absolute best interest rate compared to other programs.

Wisconsin FHA Loans – Authorized by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) these loans are one of the most preferred loans for new buyers. The loan only requires a down payment of 3.5% and the credit score requirements are less stringent. And, the down payment can be a gift from a relative or friend. Wisconsin FHA 203k loans are also available if the house you are looking at needs rehab work done.

Wisconsin VA Loans – The Veterans Administration sanctions lending to veterans of the military. The VA loan does not require any down payment and also has lenient credit qualifications.

Wisconsin USDA Rural Housing – A division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides home lending for properties in rural areas. No down payment is required if the appraised value of the home is high enough. For properties with a sufficiently high enough value, the closing costs can be added to the loan balance as well.

These are the primary types of loans available to a Wisconsin first time home buyer. Although the rates will vary from one loan to the next they are usually extremely close to each other. In order to decide which loan is best for your situation, contact us to see if you qualify.

View additional Wisconsin first time home buyer information from our main site. Also, you may want to check out our detailed loan process page.

Contact us below or apply online to see if you qualify for a first time home buyer program including FHA, FHA 203k, VA and USDA loans!

Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Bankers NMLS ID #1016

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Florida Mortgage Brokers Refinance FHA 203k VA Reverse USDA Jumbo Rates

Visit our main blog at Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Florida FHA Loans, VA, Refinance, Jumbo, First Time Home Buyer, No Money Down ? Wisconsin Illinois Minnesota Florida FHA Loans, VA, Refinance, Jumbo, First Time Home Buyer, No Money Down, USDA, Cash Out, Jumbo VA Loans,
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]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2239-items-wisconsin-first-time-home-buyers-need-know-part-1-available-mortgage-programs.html Milwaukee Housing Market http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2238-milwaukee-housing-market.html Tue, 05 Jul 2011 16:51:43 GMT One in four homeowners is underwater on their mortgage. That is... One in four homeowners is underwater on their mortgage. That is putting pressure on the real estate market. Homeowners that would typically look to upgrade during the recent historic rates are helpless and unable to sell their current homes. We talked in a previous blog about sellers needing to fix their home to make sure it met all different program guidelines. There is a new fear and that is the neighbor who fire sells their property.

A new disturbing trend is homeowners getting out while the getting is good. They will sell their home $20,000 below the current market value of similar homes in the area. Once they have someone interested in their property they will do anything to rid themselves of their property. I am not sure I can blame them.

Every week there are new reports being released that state the housing markets will depreciate again this year. A home that has a value of $200,000 will lose 5-10 percent if you believe the experts. That means the seller will lose ten to twenty thousand if they keep their home until the same time next year. A bird in the hand is the saying that comes to mind. What are the results of these actions?

I have clients currently in Madison that are refinancing their home. They refinanced last year and had an appraised value of $470,000 and now the home appraised for under $400,000. Did they lose 20% equity over the last 12 months? No, they did not lose that value. The only properties currently being sold are under pressure to sell. Most homeowners are waiting out the stabilization of the housing market. Those who can not wait must sell at greatly reduced prices to get buyers interested in their properties. The effect is properties owners being shocked at the appraised value of their home when they try to refinance. In some cases it is stopping them from refinancing.

Here is an article from JSonline that I was recently quoted in regards the Milwaukee Housing Market ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2238-milwaukee-housing-market.html Milwaukee Mortgage Rates on the Rise Again http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2237-milwaukee-mortgage-rates-rise-again.html Thu, 30 Jun 2011 16:08:06 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are Minus 40bps this morning and puts the... Mortgage Backed Securities are Minus 40bps this morning and puts the 3 day total above 100bps.

The Chicago PMI came in at 61.1 rising from the 56.6 reading last month and well above the 51 that analysts expected. Last month the same reading slipped and gave investors pause that the stimulus was not working. This reading tells investors that we were in a soft patch and the long term health of the economy may be just fine.

"The Greek parliament bore a gift to the financial markets Thursday, passing legislation that will implement further austerity measures and allow the country to get enough aid to avoid defaulting on its massive debts." This was taken directly from Marketwatch. This gives markets further reason to cheer. The fallout from a Greek default would have hit banks world wide. This reminds me of the childhood game where everyone hides and gets put in the can until someone can kick it and free everyone and start over hiding again. The days of our youth being played out on a world stage as a good old fashion game of "Kick the Can".

When it looked like Greece would default on their debt it took the 10 year Treasury yields to 2.83 and after the PMI report and the Greek vote it hit 3.21. A slow and steady growth forecast with no global worries will result in even higher rates.

Milwaukee mortgage rates are on the rise. It is time to lock at these historic lows.

http://www.mortgageserviceswi.com/mo...ate-commentary ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2237-milwaukee-mortgage-rates-rise-again.html Milwaukee Mortgage Rates Climb http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2236-milwaukee-mortgage-rates-climb.html Wed, 29 Jun 2011 16:08:59 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are minus 16bps this morning and are down... Mortgage Backed Securities are minus 16bps this morning and are down 47bps since yesterday afternoon.

Equity markets rallied yesterday afternoon and contiune the rally here again today. Last week we had investors pile into the bond markets like clowns into a small car at the circus. That took the 10 year Treasury yield to the 2.83. We are now at 3.08 on a 10 year Treasury. Most of that movement happening in the last 48 hours. This as Greece pushed to get austerity measures pushed through the parliament.

This morning the Greek parliament voted to approve the austerity measures as people rioted in the streets.This is a tale of a country that could not get its spending in line with its tax base. Does that sound familiar to anyone?

This will take investors out of the safe haven of bonds for the immediate future. That means Milwaukee Mortgage rates could continue to rise. We also have an acution this afternoon. The last two auctions were rated a C and D. Better equity markets and bad auctions spells higher mortgage rates. Remember this is the last auction where the Fed is to participate.
http://www.mortgageserviceswi.com/mo...ate-commentary ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2236-milwaukee-mortgage-rates-climb.html Credit Fixes When Buying a Milwaukee Home http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2235-credit-fixes-when-buying-milwaukee-home.html Wed, 29 Jun 2011 15:35:39 GMT We have created a few e-books lately that talk about the simple steps... We have created a few e-books lately that talk about the simple steps to home ownership in the Milwaukee Real Estate market. The fact of the matter is there are cavernous holes you can fall into if you do not stay on the path during the home purchase process. I created an e-book that talks about 15 possible mistakes. I would like to talk about paying on an old collection.

When you dive into the Milwaukee home purchase market it can be confusing on what should be done to improve your credit. I wrote a blog about "Painting Your Best Financial Picture Milwaukee". We talk about the importance of transaction of the last 12 months. People instinctively believe that if they pay off a collection from 2 years ago that it will improve their credit score. That is not necessarily the case.

A two year old collection is just that 2 years old. The models that the credit bureau's look at dismisses those items as old debt. In many cases the may have been paid and the creditor did not pay to have them removed from your credit history. If you pay this obligation or get it fixed on you credit it will show as a paid collection in the last 30 days. A collection in the 30 days prior to purchasing a home is the last thing you want.

When you sat down with your Milwaukee Mortgage Broker they pre-approved you for a mortgage. Now that you have an offer to purchase and the file is at underwriting they lender will ask you to provide proof it has been paid or it was resolved previously. This will clear up the matter in the lender's eyes and you will get home financing. This will all take place with in 30 days of closing and it takes 45 days to show on the credit bureau's.

Now that you have your brand new Milwaukee home. You can go back and get the matter cleared permanently from your credit history.

http://www.mortgageserviceswi.com/blog ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2235-credit-fixes-when-buying-milwaukee-home.html Milwaukee Mortgage Rates Could Climb http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2234-milwaukee-mortgage-rates-could-climb.html Tue, 28 Jun 2011 16:26:28 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are Minus 22bps this morning. The... Mortgage Backed Securities are Minus 22bps this morning.

The results of yesterday's auction were fair at best, This started a slide in MBS yesterday afternoon. The slide continues today as equity markets are rising over optimism in Greece. Olli Rehn, the European Union’s commissioner for economic and monetary affairs, in a statement Tuesday said

The austerity and privatization measures “must be approved if the next tranche of financial assistance is to be released,” Rehn said. “To those who speculate about other options, let me say this clearly: there is no Plan B to avoid default.”

Greece is being told it has to pass the austerity measures because there is no other way they will get more bailout funds. That will put some confidence back in the equity markets. That means money will be taken out of the safe haven of bonds and back into stocks. That means Milwaukee mortgage rates will climb with confidence.
http://www.mortgageserviceswi.com/mo...ate-commentary ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2234-milwaukee-mortgage-rates-could-climb.html Milwaukee Refinance and Reverse Mortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2233-milwaukee-refinance-reverse-mortgage.html Mon, 27 Jun 2011 21:30:29 GMT I recently refinanced my in-laws from a 20 year mortgage to a 30 year... I recently refinanced my in-laws from a 20 year mortgage to a 30 year mortgage and did that create a stir. Most of the family told them they were getting older and they should refinance to a shorter mortgage term. With Milwaukee mortgage rates hitting close to record lows I suggested that they take a longer term loan. A 4.5% percent 30 year is no different then a 4.25% 15 year they would have received if they would have refinanced two years ago. The difference is working with a realistic budget. This is no different then a first time home buyer. You can always pay more when your budget allows. You can not call the bank and tell them I can not make my 15 year payment.

When clients start to get older many think they want to payoff their loan to leave more for the kids. That is coming from the heart and not from what is best for their wallets. You have people doing reverse mortgages after they pay off their homes to get some equity from their homes after retirement. A reverse mortgage can be at a much higher rate than current market conditions. Do not get me wrong if you can pay off the home early and have the resources to do so then by all means.

What happens if you pay off the mortgage and something happens to a spouse. That spouses income may have been the income needed to qualify for a mortgage. Now that the income is not there you may not qualify. Getting the mortgage now with both names allows for the transfer of the mortgage after the death of a spouse. There are no re-qualifications. This will make sure that the spouse would not have to sell the home. When you refinance Milwaukee, keep your best interests in mind. Talk with your financial adviser and see what is in your budget.

http://www.mortgageserviceswi.com/blog ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2233-milwaukee-refinance-reverse-mortgage.html Frankie Valli Coming to Milwaukee and Greece Still is the Word http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2232-frankie-valli-coming-milwaukee-greece-still-word.html Mon, 27 Jun 2011 15:29:36 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are Minus 9 this morning. Frankie Valli... Mortgage Backed Securities are Minus 9 this morning.

Frankie Valli will be performing at Festa Italiana on Sunday July 24th. I would have to guess that part of the show will include "Grease is the Word". It seems that every week we are talking about this small country and its effects on the world stage. This week the Greek Parliament will vote on austerity measures. Here is a excerpt from Marketwatch.

“If the austerity package is passed by the Greek parliament, safe-haven flows will recede as investors celebrate by buying high-yielding currencies. This would drive the dollar sharply lower,” said Kathy Lien, director of currency research for GFT. “If the Greek parliament rejects the package, investors will become very nervous and we will most likely see a massive flight to quality into safe-haven currencies such as the U.S. dollar and Swiss franc.

That means this week you should polish up on the hit song by Frankie Valli. We will be singing this song all week. According to Marketwatch it will certainly move rates in one direction or the other. I can not image them letting Greece fail. That would mean money flowing out of the safe havens and into the markets. That will take Milwaukee interest rates higher. Here is a verse from Grease is the Word.

I solve my problems and I see the light
We gotta plug and think, we gotta feed it right
There ain't no danger we can go to far
We start believing now that we can be who we are

Grease is the word ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2232-frankie-valli-coming-milwaukee-greece-still-word.html Recovery in Housing?? Not so Fast Milwaukee!! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2231-recovery-housing-not-so-fast-milwaukee.html Mon, 27 Jun 2011 14:20:41 GMT New home sales were up 11% from February to March. WOW the recovery... New home sales were up 11% from February to March. WOW the recovery is finally here. What the headline does not tell you is February had the worst reading of new home starts in a few years. The 11% only brings us back to the flat number we had in January and is down 21.9% from last March's reading.. Here is a CNBC article: http://www.cnbc.com/id/42749735 The author seems to share my sentiment. "Don't get me wrong, I'm thrilled to see the sales numbers going in the right direction; I just questioning whether "optimism" is the right word right now. I'm not even sure about "recovery."

The fact is that it will probably get even worse before it gets better. This article I found on Marketwatch.com says that federal funding for first time buyer education and foreclosure prevent may be cut. The 88 million program is part of the governments cuts to balance the budget. Here is the link: http://www.marketwatch.com/story/fun...-ax-2011-04-25

Current homeowners find themselves underwater after losing most of their equity over the last few years. Low rates have allowed current homeowners to refinance to historic low rates. That leaves little motivation to upgrade or down grade their current situation. That leaves the all important first time home buyer to help stimulate the new and existing home sales market. What they need is to be educated how the process works and gain the confidence to purchase their first home. Cutting the 88 million from the current budget would be cutting off your nose to spite your face.

This articles says that nationally we saw a 3.1% decline in home prices. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/out...ear-2011-04-13 The article also goes on to say that we could see another 10 to 15 percent decline this year nationally. I have seen some local predictions that show a 3 - 5 percent decline.

The housing market's demise has been greatly understated. Homebuyers lack the confidence, commitment and the means to change the course of the recovery. I think at this time we should not proclaim a recovery but rather state that we have stabilized the market. Recovery is going to be years away. ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2231-recovery-housing-not-so-fast-milwaukee.html 6/24 Weekend Starts Early Milwaukee http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2230-6-24-weekend-starts-early-milwaukee.html Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:31:26 GMT Mortgaged Backed Securities are Minus 3bps this morning. I waited... Mortgaged Backed Securities are Minus 3bps this morning.

I waited until this afternoon to write the commentary because there was nothing happening early in the bond markets. It is now noon Milwaukee time and MBS are basically flat. Volume seems to be decreasing as we get later in the day. Traders appear to be excited about the first official weekend of summer. Reports released today showed GDP was in line and durable goods orders were slightly higher than anticipated.

I wrote yesterday about the three bond auctions early next week. The auctions will give MBS direction next week. Oil prices continue to fall as the government released some of its oil reserves. The price for a barrel oil today is $90. That has pushed gas prices down to $3.49 per gallon at several Milwaukee are locations. This information was supplied by Milwaukee Gas Prices - Find Cheap Gas Prices in Wisconsin. Cheaper gas prices would result in higher profits for companies. That could push markets higher and take Milwaukee Mortgage Rates higher.

Have a Great Weekend.

:highfive: ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2230-6-24-weekend-starts-early-milwaukee.html 6/24 QE2, Treasury Auctions and Milwaukee Home Prices http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2229-6-24-qe2-treasury-auctions-milwaukee-home-prices.html Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:07:52 GMT Mortgage Backed Securities are Plus 31bps this morning. Making today... Mortgage Backed Securities are Plus 31bps this morning. Making today a great day to lock your mortgage home loan.

The markets are reacting to the speech given by Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke. He said the Fed will end QE2 on schedule June 30th. He also revised down the GDP forecast for next year and admitted to slow steady growth. This started to hit the markets yesterday afternoon. It spilled over to pre market trading this morning with Dow futures down almost 100 point before weekly jobless claims. Jobless claims were higher than the already revised up numbers and the stock market doubled down on its losses. The Dow was off as many 200 points in early trading. This article from Marketwatch sums up sentiment. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/tre...ise-2011-06-23

The Treasury announced this morning that it will hold auctions on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of next week. The total being auction will be $99 billion. That is the last auction the Fed will being bonds. The auctions skip a week and that means the first post QE2 bond auction will be the week of July 11th. Those are the auctions that will layout the future of the bond market. If you hold an auction post QE2 and the Fed is not buying does anyone show up?

Research provided by Trulia.com shows that listing prices for Milwaukee Homes declined in the first part of June. This number has since recovered and the current Milwaukee Home listing price is $161,000.

www.mortgageserviceswi.com ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2229-6-24-qe2-treasury-auctions-milwaukee-home-prices.html Paint Your Best Financial Picture Milwaukee http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2228-paint-your-best-financial-picture-milwaukee.html Fri, 24 Jun 2011 15:04:16 GMT In the current Milwaukee mortgage market it is imperative that you... In the current Milwaukee mortgage market it is imperative that you present yourself in the best possible light. Most first time home buyers do not look at their credit until they are ready to purchase. Are they ready or is it to late?

The one certain fix for credit is time. A credit report is front end loaded. What have you done to me lately? 12 months of perfect credit is solution for most dings on a credit report. When you are purchasing a home in two months you just do not have enough time to fix blemishes. Start researching your credit early.

The Milwaukee mortgage environment has changed to focus on credit scores and the amount of the down payment. You might say that has always been the case. The difference is the penalty for not having perfect credit. The difference between a 700 and a 740 score could be .25% to the rate. The difference in payment on $150,000 is $25 per month or $300 per year. It only gets worse as your credit scores decline.

How to check your scores and other valuable information is listed in out "5 Musts before you even start House Hunting" EBook. It gives you the list of credit reporting agencies that you would need to contact to correct any mistakes on your report. ]]> dlenski http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/dlenski/2228-paint-your-best-financial-picture-milwaukee.html Introduction to the Wisconsin FHA 203k Mortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2227-introduction-wisconsin-fha-203k-mortgage.html Wed, 08 Jun 2011 21:34:03 GMT Image:...

Today we will be giving you an overview of a very special loan program: the FHA 203k. This complex loan is a very useful tool for borrowers looking to purchase or refinance a property that needs improvements. This is becoming more and more popular as buyers are hungry for cheap foreclosed properties. Often these properties fall into poor condition because basic maintenance is not being done as the home sits vacant on the market. FHA 203k loans can be used to make repairs to the property, update appliances, and even add square footage! Not every lender out there offers this program, but we excel at it. Because of the complexity of this type of lending we will actually be doing a several part series to cover all that it has to offer.


The FHA 203k program rolled out in 1978 as part of a revision of the National Housing Act. The program was put in place to offer alternative financing for those that wanted to improve and update an existing home. The 203k program lost it’s popularity in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s when the mortgage market exploded with unique loan programs and the popularity of 2nd liens. These programs offered an easier way to obtain the financing even though the terms and rates may not have been as favorable. During those times money was cheap and easy to lend.

If we fast forward today, the 2nd lien has gone by the wayside and along with it, the ability to easily improve or update an existing home so most people believe. This couldn’t be further from the truth as we still offer the Wisconsin 203k program. Sure you’re going to have to jump through some hoops, but every loan requires the borrower to be more involved these days. My job as a loan consultant is to help guide you through the obstacle course.

In this series we will be covering many points of the FHA 203k program. This will include what it can be used for, eligible improvements, lending process, guidelines to qualify, the 203k refinance, and frequently asked questions. Please stay tuned to our blog as this series will be updated frequently.

For additional information see our FHA 203k page on our site or to see if you qualify, contact me below or apply online!

Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Banker:

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.madisonmortgageguys.com

Visit our blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blogs-mortgage-guru/ ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2227-introduction-wisconsin-fha-203k-mortgage.html cancer and my family http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/terimarie/2226-cancer-my-family.html Mon, 23 May 2011 02:42:11 GMT the last few days I have been able to talk with my froster daughter's for the first time in many years.but to only find out that Shair has kindy cancer a nd MAry has lupus and now my daughter has cancer in her uterus for the second time and all you know that Harry had skin cancer on his eye lip back in Dec but their had cut it all out,last week the doctor call and told Harry that his skin cancer is back on his upper lip of his mouth.I have all this courage because that was the way my Grandma raise me to be.My Grandma alway told me to.

Think about some of the most inspirational people in your life and tell them precisely why you admire them.As you express your appreciation.you'll feel inspired by the simple act of acknowlegment.

hope you are all haveing a great weekend a nd have a wonderful week ahead of you.Love you all.♥ ]]> Terimarie http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/terimarie/2226-cancer-my-family.html John hopkins report http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/terimarie/2225-john-hopkins-report.html Thu, 19 May 2011 02:47:42 GMT :eek:Johns HopkinsUpdate - This is an extremely good article.... :eek:Johns HopkinsUpdate -

This is an extremely good article. Everyone should read it.



AFTER YEARS OF TELLING PEOPLE CHEMOTHERAPY IS THE ONLY WAY TO TRY ('TRY',

BEING

THE KEY WORD) TO ELIMINATE CANCER, JOHNS HOPKINS IS FINALLY STARTING TO

TELL

YOU THERE IS AN ALTERNATIVE WAY .



Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins:



1. Every person has cancer cellsin the body. These cancer

cellsdo not show up in the standard tests until they have

multiplied to a few billion. When doctors tell cancer patients

that there are no more cancer cellsin their bodies after

treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the

cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable

size.



2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a

person's lifetime.



3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer

cellswill be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and

forming tumors.



4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has

nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic,

but also to environmental, food and lifestyle factors.



5.. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing

diet to eat more adequately and healthy, 4-5 times/day

and by including supplements will strengthen the immune system.



6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing

cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells

in the bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract etc, and can

cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.



7.. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars

and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.



8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often

reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of

chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor

destruction.



9. When the body has too much toxic burden from

chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either

compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb

to various kinds of infections and complications.



10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to

mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy.

Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other

sites.



11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer

cellsby not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.



*CANCER CELLS FEED ON:



a. Sugar substituteslike NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made

with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute

would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small

amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in

color Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.



b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the

gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting

off milk and substituting with unsweetened soy milk cancer

cells are being starved.



c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based

diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little other meat,

like chicken. Meat also contains livestock

antibiotics, growth hormonesand parasites, which are all

harmful, especially to people with cancer.



d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole

grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into

an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked

food including beans. Fresh vegetable juicesprovide live

enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to

cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance

growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building

healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice(most

vegetables including be an sprouts) and eat some raw

vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at

temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C)..



e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high

caffeine Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer

fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or

filtered, to avoid known toxins and heavy metals in tap

water. Distilled wateris acidic, avoid it.



12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of

digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the

intestines becomes putrefied and leads to more toxic

buildup.



13. Cancer cell wallshave a tough protein covering.. By

refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes

to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the

body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.



14. Some supplements build up the immune system

(IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals,

EFAs etc.) to enable the bodies own killer cells to destroy

cancer cells.. Other supplements like vitamin E are known

to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's

normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or

unneeded cells.



15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit.

A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior

be a survivor. Anger, un-forgiveness and bitterness put

the body into a stressful and acidic environment. Learn to

have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy

life.



16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated

environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to

get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen

therapyis another means employed to destroy cancer

cells.



1. No plastic containers in micro.



2. No water bottles in freezer.



3. No plastic wrap in microwave..



Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This

information is

being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin

chemicals

cause cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxinsare highly poisonous to the

cells

of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this



releases dioxins from the plastic. Recently, Dr Edward Fujimoto, Wellness

Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this

health

hazard.. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that

we

should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers.

This

especially applies to foods that contain fat He said that the combination

of

fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately

into

the cells of the body. Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning

Ware,

Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food You get the same results, only



without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups,

etc.,

should be removed from the container and heated in something else. Paper

isn't

bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use

tempered

glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast

food

restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper The dioxin problem

is

one of the reasons.

Please share this with your whole email list.........................

Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous

when

placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the

high

heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and

drip

into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.



This is an article that should be sent to anyone important in your life. ]]> Terimarie http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/terimarie/2225-john-hopkins-report.html something going around and I got at a time like this. http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/terimarie/2223-something-going-around-i-got-time-like.html Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:02:23 GMT I woke this morning coughing,sqezzing,all plug up,feel like ****..So... I woke this morning coughing,sqezzing,all plug up,feel like ****..So I called the day surg and the nurse said to call off my port surg until its was all healed.WHich I hope they can put in very soon so that they can start my chemo real soon to kill my cancer..God Bless amd I hope you a re all haveing a better day and week.... Name: 12.jpg Views: 103 Size: 9.9 KB ]]> Terimarie http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/terimarie/2223-something-going-around-i-got-time-like.html <![CDATA[Two years later is a long time....when one is 'old']]> http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/talleyjudy/2221-two-years-later-long-time-when-one-old.html Fri, 14 Jan 2011 17:19:25 GMT *first thing to do is change font size, heh, heh, heh* The most... *first thing to do is change font size, heh, heh, heh*

The most important recent personal news is that just 10 minutes ago today (1/14/11) is that Bud, my 81 year old 'hubby' returned safely off of our roof, having cleaned the chimney that is used by our wood burning stove which lives in the basement.

We lasted barely 2 months after Auggie died and started looking for another 'fur kid'. A delightful Border Collie/Corgie named Timmy came into our life early April,'09, and has taken his own place in our hearts and home.

Then May,'09 I had a total hip replacement, and Sept.,'10 had revision of same.... yes, it was the now infamous J&J metal on metal that needed revision. Recovery from both surgeries went very well.

Then this past Christmas Bud got me a new MacBook (white) computer!!! So now I have a new learning curve to negotiate; so far the experience has been good and I like it more and more every day. And Bud has spent time on it too, learning to navigate his way around - he would not even consider trying to learn anything about my old pc - so all is good! ]]> talleyJudy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/talleyjudy/2221-two-years-later-long-time-when-one-old.html Ring in the New Year at The Cove of Lake Geneva’s ‘Flashback to the 70’s Disco Party’ http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2218-ring-new-year-cove-lake-geneva-s-flashback-70-s-disco-party.html Wed, 29 Dec 2010 15:13:52 GMT Join The Cove of Lake Geneva this New Year’s Eve as we turn back the... Join The Cove of Lake Geneva this New Year’s Eve as we turn back the hands of time and party 70’s style at our ‘Flashback to the 70’s’ Disco Party’ on December 31, 2010. The Party begins at 7:00 pm and will last through 1:00 am. So be sure to arrive in your biggest wig, favorite bell-bottom jeans, and your highest platform shoes for an unforgettable night under the shimmering lights of the disco balls!

Dinner
The Party will kick off with an open bar all night long and delicious hors d’ oeuvres being served at 7:00 pm, which will include Asparagus and Ham in a Phyllo Tart, Sautéed Eggplant with Mozzarella Cheese and Fresh Basil, and Homemade Holiday Meatballs in a Mustard Sauce.

After hors d’oeuvres, you can take a seat at your table of eight and enjoy “Salad Alice” which will include a plate of lettuce topped with Granny Smith Apples, Gorgonzola Cheese, and Holiday Nuts all tossed in a Sweet Celery Seed Dressing, followed by a wonderful Rigatoni Pasta with Provencal Tomato Sauce topped with Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese. The main course will consist of professional carving stations featuring; Chicken Breast Athenian, Roast Inside Round of Beef Au Jus, and Roast Loin of Pork with Honey and Fresh Thyme. Dinner will also include a Mashed Potato Bar with sides of Cheddar Cheese, Chive, Sour Cream and Bacon Bits, and a Medley of Steamed Vegetables.

Dinner will then round off with a coffee station and wonderful dessert table featuring Chocolate Covered Strawberries and other delicious deserts.

Entertainment
The fun will continue on the rest of the evening by dancing to live music by the area’s best Disco band, ‘The7Deez Band’, under the disco ball with a champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight! Party favors will also be handed out to guests throughout the night. For more information about 7Deez Band, visit http://www.7deezband.com/.

Babysitting Service
And don’t let your children hold you back from a night out! Bring them along for their own children’s party from 6:00 pm until 1:00 am, where they’ll enjoy pizza, movies, games, and snacks. Babysitting services costs $35 per child.

Discounts
Discounts will be given to those looking to book a full table of eight at the New Year’s Eve party.

Registration
To attend the ‘New Year’s Eve Flashback to the 70’s Disco Party’ only, please call 800-770-7107 to purchase tickets. If you would like to book an ‘Overnight New Year’s Eve Package’ in one of our luxurious suites, which includes tickets to the party, you may also call 800-770-7107 or visit our website at www.Cove-Lake-Geneva.com. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2218-ring-new-year-cove-lake-geneva-s-flashback-70-s-disco-party.html Important Considerations for Wisconsin FHA loans http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2217-important-considerations-wisconsin-fha-loans.html Thu, 23 Dec 2010 03:58:30 GMT Image:...

Important Considerations for Wisconsin FHA loans

With the recent changes in the mortgage world, many people are trying to find a loan to meet their needs. The no money down and interest only options from just a few years ago are quickly drying up. However, the tried and true FHA home loan is still a viable option for many homeowners. Here is a list of things to consider in regards to FHA loans.

  1. The down payment requirement for an FHA loan is 3.5% of the purchase price. In addition, this down payment can be a gift from a relative, employer, or approved non-profit agency.
  2. FHA loans typically have less stringent requirements compared to conventional loans. This makes it easier for people to qualify if their credit score is less than 700.
  3. FHA allows buyers to have a “non-occupant co-borrower.” This means that a parent or grandparent can sign as a co-borrower without being required to live in the home. Sometimes a parent or grandparent may have a very strong credit profile and little debt, enabling them to help a relative qualify for the loan.
  4. FHA will allow the seller of the home to give 6% of the purchase price to cover the closing costs. Conventional loans only allow 3% of the price to go towards closing costs.
Although there have been a tremendous amount of changes in the mortgage lending world over the last few years, the FHA loan has stood the test of time. This type of loan is a great way to assist people accomplish the American dream of home ownership.

Your local Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Bankers

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com

www.MadisonMortgageguys.com

Visit our main blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blog/










 ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2217-important-considerations-wisconsin-fha-loans.html This Weekend Around The Cove of Lake Geneva http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2216-weekend-around-cove-lake-geneva.html Thu, 16 Dec 2010 16:05:57 GMT Festive Friday’s in Lake Geneva Enjoy the last ‘Festive Friday’s’... Festive Friday’s in Lake Geneva
Enjoy the last ‘Festive Friday’s’ this Friday, December 17th from 6-8pm at the downtown Lake Geneva shops.

Abbellimento – Men’s Night. Abbellimento’s elves will help you find that perfect gift and have it gift wrapped! Appetizers will be served.
Absolutely Home – Offering refreshments while you shop. In-store specials for the holidays.
The Bootery – Bootery give-aways and specials for Fridays.
Brick and Mortar – Free Starbucks gift card with $50.00 purchase from 6-8pm.
Clearwater Outdoors – Join Clearwater Outdoors for movie night – A Wonderful Life, a coloring contest, and refreshments.
Cornerstone Shop and Gallery – Meet and greet internationally renowned professional speaker, author, and playwright, John Powers. Music and holiday treats.
E Street Denim - Free Starbucks gift card with $50.00 purchase from 6-8pm.
Flemings LTD. – Irish genealogy and Pam Kehoe.
Global Gourmet and Village Baker – Wine tastings. Featuring after dinner drinks and port wines.
I Love Funky’s – Live window displays.
Leather Accents – Candy canes for all that come in to shop.
Main St. Memories – Cookies and hot chocolate served by Santa’s little elves.
McCullough’s Gifts – Mulled cider sampling as you shop.
Nancy’s Petites and Modern Missy – Refreshments served.
Notice – Impromptu fashion show, cider candy canes, holiday movies, and last chance specials.
Overland Sheepskin – Come to Overland and send your letters to Santa by way of direct mail chute to the North Pole.
Paws for Treats – 20% off all bowls and beds promotion for your favorite pet. Enter to win a custom pet dinette!
Rag Thyme – Hosting Festive Fridays with hot apple cider and treats.
Scents and Sensibilities – Create and decorate! Make Alpaca wool felted soaps. 4-7pm.

Dancing Horses Holiday Show
Don’t miss your chance to see the show that only comes around once a year….The Dancing Horses Holiday Show! The next show will take place this Saturday, December 18th at 1pm and 6pm. The show will feature all new music that will keep you singing along including all the great holiday classics from Johnny Mathis, Dolly Parton, Frank Sinatra, and more. The show will round off with a water show that is said to put the Las Vegas water shows to shame! So for your chance to catch this great show, call 262-728-8200 or visit www.thedancinghorses.com.

John Powers Book Signing in Lake Geneva
This Friday, December 17th be sure to get a copy of your John Powers book signed by…John Powers! He will be doing a signing for his latest book, Odditude, as well as another one of his books, The Last Catholic in America from 5-7pm at Cornerstone Shop in Lake Geneva.

As many people around the area know, John Powers is an internationally renowned professional speaker, author, and playwright, as well as a Lake Geneva resident. He wrote and produced “Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Really Reflect Up”, has hosted his own PBS special, and has made appearances on hundreds of radio and televisions shows, including some that you may have heard of like Oprah and Today! He has also received two Emmy Awards for his television work and was featured in the book, Chicken Soup for the Catholic Soul.

So if you’ve been waiting to get your John Powers book signed or looking to pick up his newest one, be sure to stop by Cornerstone Shop on Friday for your chance! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2216-weekend-around-cove-lake-geneva.html Enjoy a Christmas Away from Home this Year http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2214-enjoy-christmas-away-home-year.html Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:45:42 GMT Celebrating the holidays away from home at a travel destination?... Celebrating the holidays away from home at a travel destination? Spending a family Christmas vacation at a resort can be a wonderful way to celebrate the holidays and can be a great way to break out of the ordinary! Be sure to follow these few tips to make sure you don’t miss a step to ensuring your family has a wonderful holiday vacation away from home!

1.Play Santa
Be sure to wrap your gifts early if you plan on taking them for the trip. Be sure to package your gifts much more carefully than you would normally, especially if they are fragile, to avoid any damage that may occur during your travels. If you don’t have much extra room to travel with your gifts, ship them before you leave home. If you ship to the address that you will be arriving at, it will save you from traveling with them.

2. Don’t Forget
To ensure that you have a great family vacation, be sure that your trip and your planned activities are enjoyable for everyone in the family. Before you finalize any details, sit down with your entire family and make sure that each person has a say in something they would like to do while on vacation. Also, be sure that you have set aside enough time on your trip so that everyone can enjoy their favorite activities.

3.Weather Planning
If you are planning on partaking in outside activities, be sure to check the weather forecast. If you are going to check out one of Lake Geneva’s special holiday events while you’re in town, be sure you know the weather ahead and pack accordingly.

4.Arrive Early
When making travel plans, always check for road construction and road closings. The last thing you want to do on your way to your vacation destination is to get stuck in traffic if you can avoid it. Also be sure to leave at the appropriate time to avoid rush hour or congested roads.

5.Santa Questions
Planning on celebrating Christmas morning while you’re on vacation? When your children start asking questions like “How will Santa find me if I’m away from home,” have your responses ready and reply with reassurance that Santa is always watching!

And most importantly……….Have a Very MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2214-enjoy-christmas-away-home-year.html Blastoff is back http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2212-blastoff-back.html Wed, 24 Nov 2010 20:48:39 GMT I don't know if this site is ready for new people yet - they revamped it and have added bonus money. It is totally free to register, and you get back percentage on every online sale, including anyone you have signed up under you, who buys something.

Stores are well known, such as Lord and Taylor, Toys R Us, Starbucks, Dell, etc. All the major stores are on this site. And the best part is everyone wins! We recently received our first check $28.00


http://ppl.blastoffnetwork.com/edjudysachs ]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2212-blastoff-back.html the real thanksgiving http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/terimarie/2211-real-thanksgiving.html Wed, 24 Nov 2010 03:29:14 GMT THE REAL STORY OF THANKSGIVING by Susan Bates THE

REAL

STORY OF THANKSGIVING

by Susan Bates



Most of us associate the holiday with happy Pilgrims and Indians sitting down to a big feast. And that did happen - once.

The story began in 1614 when a band of English explorers sailed home to England with a ship full of Patuxet Indians bound for slavery. They left behind smallpox which virtually wiped out those who had escaped. By the time the Pilgrims arrived in Massachusetts Bay they found only one living Patuxet Indian, a man named Squanto who had survived slavery in England and knew their language. He taught them to grow corn and to fish, and negotiated a peace treaty between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Nation. At the end of their first year, the Pilgrims held a great feast honoring Squanto and the Wampanoags.

But as word spread in England about the paradise to be found in the new world, religious zealots called Puritans began arriving by the boat load. Finding no fences around the land, they considered it to be in the public domain. Joined by other British settlers, they seized land, capturing strong young Natives for slaves and killing the rest. But the Pequot Nation had not agreed to the peace treaty Squanto had negotiated and they fought back. The Pequot War was one of the bloodiest Indian wars ever fought.

In 1637 near present day Groton, Connecticut, over 700 men, women and children of the Pequot Tribe had gathered for their annual Green Corn Festival which is our Thanksgiving celebration. In the predawn hours the sleeping Indians were surrounded by English and Dutch mercenaries who ordered them to come outside. Those who came out were shot or clubbed to death while the terrified women and children who huddled inside the longhouse were burned alive. The next day the governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony declared "A Day Of Thanksgiving" because 700 unarmed men, women and children had been murdered.

Cheered by their "victory", the brave colonists and their Indian allies attacked village after village. Women and children over 14 were sold into slavery while the rest were murdered. Boats loaded with a many as 500 slaves regularly left the ports of New England. Bounties were paid for Indian scalps to encourage as many deaths as possible.

Following an especially successful raid against the Pequot in what is now Stamford, Connecticut, the churches announced a second day of "thanksgiving" to celebrate victory over the heathen savages. During the feasting, the hacked off heads of Natives were kicked through the streets like soccer balls. Even the friendly Wampanoag did not escape the madness. Their chief was beheaded, and his head impaled on a pole in Plymouth, Massachusetts -- where it remained on display for 24 years.

The killings became more and more frenzied, with days of thanksgiving feasts being held after each successful massacre. George Washington finally suggested that only one day of Thanksgiving per year be set aside instead of celebrating each and every massacre. Later Abraham Lincoln decreed Thanksgiving Day to be a legal national holiday during the Civil War -- on the same day he ordered troops to march against the starving Sioux in Minnesota.

This story doesn't have quite the same fuzzy feelings associated with it as the one where the Indians and Pilgrims are all sitting down together at the big feast. But we need to learn our true history so it won't ever be repeated. Next Thanksgiving, when you gather with your loved ones to Thank God for all your blessings, think about those people who only wanted to live their lives and raise their families. They, also took time out to say "thank you" to Creator for all their blessings.

Our Thanks to Hill & Holler Column by Susan Bates susanbates@webtv.net ]]> Terimarie http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/terimarie/2211-real-thanksgiving.html New iphone Applications! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2210-new-iphone-applications.html Sun, 14 Nov 2010 14:03:50 GMT This company has developed a sophisticated application that you can... This company has developed a sophisticated application that you can try on your iphone, and purchase more if you like it.

The new app is called List Central. There are more in development.

Take a look!

Welcome to DunRight Software | DunRight Software
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]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2210-new-iphone-applications.html <![CDATA[A short story about hidden "power"]]> http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2209-short-story-about-hidden-power.html Mon, 08 Nov 2010 04:52:20 GMT I never thought we'd have to worry about what was overhead - not in my whole life. Who would even think of poisoning our skies? Letting caustic chemicals rain down on the population - an ever-present threat. This is not that big a planet so it doesn't make sense that anyone would want to destroy it, and destroy it they will, if the rug doesn't get pulled out from under the culprits. Obviously whoever is responsible, doesn't realize that they and their own family would be included in the illness and demise of the population from chemtrails.

I don't know if this is true or not, but do remember reading somewhere about a very early civilization that believed their lives depended on a hidden "God" inside the temple on the hill. This "god" was actually the priest incognito who claimed to have power over all - and he did. He knew how to mix up sedative chemicals in incense to create an overpowering smoke that layered itself over the city every day and night, blocking out the sun and moon so the people would never be able to see outside their little space. The priest figured if they couldn't see anything and didn't know any better, they would never leave the area and he would have plenty of slaves who depended upon "god" in the temple for their sustenance. He was pretty smug about the power he held over the people.

The priest maintained that power by declaring anyone who noticed or spoke up about the temple pouring smoke vapors every day, anyone who asked about it would be sent in to it via a big ceremony. Either that or they would have to give up their first born daughter to the interior, or their first born son as a guard of the temple, chained to the doorway. Most families with daughters kept quiet and trained their children to never speak out loud lest someone hear them and report them. They burned their incense (provided by the temple guards) religiously inside their homes just to make sure they were breathing the holy vapors everywhere and all the time.

Once in a while, a child would point to the temple and ask who lived there, and why was it there? If they spoke too loudly, they were next to go and they never returned to their home. That meant the vapors didn't affect them - they must be "holy" and it should be an honor for the family to send them inside the temple where they obviously belonged. The child would serve "god". The parents would receive gifts, they would have prestige over others that their child was "chosen" and the aware child would be out of the way.

Inside the temple, the priest used the girls for his own entertainment. He had underground tunnels where he could leave any time he wanted to blend in with the population and learn about the people who lived there, collect herbs and roots from suppliers that he would burn inside the temple on his pyre, that went out the chimney and all over the land while he stayed inside where it was clean and safe. Do you see how he could do that and get away with it?

Well, one of the girls who did end up inside the temple for good wasn't as dumb or as drugged as the priest expected. She was alert to his whereabouts and followed him outside one night as he slipped out to visit his suppliers. He returned to find her gone from the temple. He was terrified - she might tell! And tell she did, to everyone who would listen. They were shocked that the girl they thought was "going to heaven" in the temple with god came back to tell them the truth - that the guy was an impostor and no better than anyone else.

The only thing he had that was different, was chemicals and the knowledge to use them on unsuspecting, fearful people. But now they knew what was really going on, and how they were being used and abused. Their fear disappeared. They got together and stormed the temple to expose everything inside. They found very little, but a huge burn pile and a tall chimney where the smoke came out. The priest ran out the back way, and disappeared into the land, never to be seen again.
His power was gone, the fire went out, fresh air returned, and the people woke up.

Ever since that time, when unknown substances floated around in the air above the people and the vapors were being poured out from a hidden source, they became suspicious and willing to expose them to the world. The culprits became fearful and exposed themselves instead.

All the people wanted was to breathe fresh air and see the stars again.
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]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2209-short-story-about-hidden-power.html David Rockefeller Quotes http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2208-david-rockefeller-quotes.html Sun, 31 Oct 2010 20:21:30 GMT David Rockefeller Quotes David Rockefeller’s own words he spoke... David Rockefeller Quotes

David Rockefeller’s own words he spoke before the secretive Trilateral Commission in June, 1991, when he said:

“We are grateful to The Washington Post, The New York Times, Time Magazine and other great publications whose directors have attended our meetings and respected their promises of discretion for almost forty years. It would have been impossible for us to develop our plan for the world if we had been subject to the bright lights of publicity during those years.
But, the work is now much more sophisticated and prepared to march towards a world government. The supranational sovereignty of an intellectual elite and world bankers is surely preferable to the national auto determination practiced in past centuries.”



In 2002 Rockefeller authored his autobiography “Memoirs” wherein, on page 405, Mr. Rockefeller writes:

“For more than a century ideological extremists at either end of the political spectrum have seized upon well-publicized incidents such as my encounter with Castro to attack the Rockefeller family for the inordinate influence they claim we wield over American political and economic institutions. Some even believe we are part of a secret cabal working against the best interests of the United States, characterizing my family and me as "internationalists" and of conspiring with others around the world to build a more integrated global political and economic structure - one world, if you will. If that's the charge, I stand guilty, and I am proud of it." ]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2208-david-rockefeller-quotes.html Madison Refinance - Can Paying Cash at Closing Make Sense? http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ameristar/2207-madison-refinance-can-paying-cash-closing-make-sense.html Sun, 31 Oct 2010 03:16:33 GMT Image:...

With the recent turmoil in the mortgage world, people have lots of questions about refinancing. There are times when borrowers need to consider paying money at the closing in order to complete the refinance. Can this be a good deal for the borrower? Let’s consider a couple of situations and see how the math works out.

A married couple buys a home valued at $250,000 and finance it for 30 years with a 6.875 interest rate. At the time they only had a 5% down payment, so they are paying Private Mortgage Insurance of $136 monthly. A few years have gone by and they decide to refinance at 5.00% for 20 years. But here is the problem. Due to the decrease in property values, their home has declined. With the new value of $235,000 they would need a Madison refinance loan of $187,900 in order to avoid paying private mortgage insurance. The loan they are considering, including closing costs, is $192,000.

If they pay the $4,100 at closing, their new loan payment will be $1241 compared to their previous payment of $1,560, a savings of $319, in addition to the $136 that they will be saving by not paying Private Mortgage Insurance. This brings the total monthly savings to $455. Over the course of the next 10 months the mortgage savings will allow them to recover their $4,100 cost.

Another reason to consider paying cash at closing is to avoid jumbo mortgage rates. Someone that is considering buying a home that is between $5,000 and $10,000 above the conforming loan limits could seem similar savings by paying the money at closing rather than financing it.

Every situation is different and every borrower has their own goals. Talk to your mortgage lender and find out if paying cash at closing is the best scenario for you.

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.MadisonMortgageguys.com

Visit our main blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blog/

Madison Refinance Madison Refinance Rates Madison FHA Refinance ]]> ameristar http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ameristar/2207-madison-refinance-can-paying-cash-closing-make-sense.html Inlanta Mortgage of Madison Has a New Website http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2206-inlanta-mortgage-madison-has-new-website.html Sun, 31 Oct 2010 03:01:20 GMT Image:...
The old expression is true; “The only thing that is consistent is change.” In order to stay up to date with the latest technology we are launching a brand new website with lots of new features.

Our new site is going to be packed with helpful information about the different types of mortgages that we currently offer. Buying or refinancing a home is an expensive undertaking and you want to make sure you have the right people doing the work for you so that you can eliminate any unnecessary costs. We will keep you up to date with the latest changes in rules and laws affecting home purchase, refinances, cash out loans, and streamline refinances.

In addition to our content and informative blog we are going to offer you additional ways to get in touch with us. We still have our phone numbers, fax numbers and email addresses available and we are still using the “Request a Call Back” feature that so many people have enjoyed. We are now adding our Facebook and Twitter account information. This gives you a chance to see what is going on with our business in real time.

We understand that some people like to put a face with a name. We are going to be adding updated pictures of our loan officers and our staff so that our customers can get a better feel for who we are and why we handle your business with the highest standards of ethics and excellence.
We are now offering loans in 13 states (Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota and Wisconsin) and we want you to feel confident in referring your friends, relatives and co-workers to us for all of their mortgage needs.

Over the past several years we have enjoyed helping customers buy homes and plan their future finances around their mortgage needs. We hope that our new website will enhance our relationship with our customers and enable us to provide even better service in the future.

Visit us at our new site at http://www.madisonmortgageloans.com ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2206-inlanta-mortgage-madison-has-new-website.html <![CDATA[New Documentary - "Dead Wrong"]]> http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2205-new-documentary-dead-wrong.html Sat, 23 Oct 2010 18:11:33 GMT This tells what a mother discovered after her son was prescribed... This tells what a mother discovered after her son was prescribed Lexapro.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NfOouCgmL8



Click here for more documentaries:

http://www.cchr.org/videos.html ]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2205-new-documentary-dead-wrong.html Wisconsin VA Loans: Streamline Refinance IRRRL http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2204-wisconsin-va-loans-streamline-refinance-irrrl.html Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:47:15 GMT Image:...

Many years ago the Veteran’s Administration (VA) began offering home loans for veterans as one way of showing appreciation for their service. The loans have several attractive features that make it easier for veterans to purchase a home. The VA also has an option to take advantage of the falling interest rates.

The VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loan, also known as the VA IRRRL, is a condensed version of a basic refinance loan. The primary purpose of this loan is to lower the interest rate and nothing else. This type of loan does not allow the borrower to tap into the equity of the home and get cash at closing. The main idea is to lower the interest rate in order to lower the payments.

The VA does not specifically require a new appraisal of the home. However, most lenders do request an appraisal just to ensure the current condition of the property. But, the certificate of eligibility does not have to be used. Since the homeowner currently has a VA loan it is not necessary to provide that documentation again.

All of the costs usually associated with the home refinance can be included in the new loan amount to prevent the borrower from paying costs out of their own pocket.
Many mortgage bankers have access to a wide array of lenders that offer the VA IRRRL. Veterans that are currently paying on an interest rate higher than the extremely low VA Mortgage rates available in the market should contact us about refinancing. This loan can also be used for veterans that have an adjustable rate mortgage and would like to convert to a fixed rate mortgage.

You can also view our VA Refinance page for addition program details.

Your local Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida VA mortgage banker!















Additional resources:
Wisconsin VA Loans Illinois VA Loans Minnesota VA Loans Florida VA Loans Wisconsin VA Refinance Chicago VA Refinance VA Loans ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2204-wisconsin-va-loans-streamline-refinance-irrrl.html The Marketing of Madness - Free DVD http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2203-marketing-madness-free-dvd.html Mon, 18 Oct 2010 01:46:11 GMT This is a riveting and informative DVD to watch. Important... This is a riveting and informative DVD to watch. Important information for today's times.

http://www.cchr.org/freeinfo.html

Containing steps to safeguard oneself and others from the dangers of psychotropic drugs, this kit provides hard-hitting facts and recommendations to help you save lives.

The kit includes The Marketing of Madness: Are We All Insane?, a multi-award-winning documentary film presenting the story of the high-income partnership between psychiatry and drug companies that has created an $80 billion profit center. Digging deep beneath the corporate veneer, this three-part documentary exposes the truth behind the slick marketing schemes and scientific deceit that conceal a dangerous and often deadly sales campaign. ]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2203-marketing-madness-free-dvd.html Check out What’s Going on in Lake Geneva This October http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2202-check-out-what-s-going-lake-geneva-october.html Thu, 14 Oct 2010 16:42:19 GMT Wisconsin Author visits Lake Geneva This Wednesday, October 20th... Wisconsin Author visits Lake Geneva
This Wednesday, October 20th local best-selling author and Wisconsin’s leading authority on paranormal activity, Linda S. Godfrey, will be visiting the Lake Geneva Public Library to present a book talk and signing for her newest book, “Haunted Wisconsin: Ghosts and Strange Phenomena of the Badger State”.

Linda will present a powerpoint presentation of her newest book, which will include accounts of ghosts at Black Point Manor in Lake Geneva, as well as strange tales from around the state, from spirits in Madison to witches in Wisconsin Dells. Following her presentation, all of her books will be available for signing.

So if you are looking to add a little scare to your day, don’t miss this opportunity! The presentation will begin at 6:30pm and everyone is welcome to attend this free event.

Senior Prom by the YMCA
Come celebrate being a senior citizen at the YMCA’s Senior Prom this Monday, October 25th at the Lake Geneva Riviera from 5pm to 9:30pm.

The evening will include a dinner buffet, dessert, wine and coffee, followed by a night of dancing to the music of ‘Blazing DJs’ out of Madison. Plus, the night will include the crowning of Prom King & Queen, as well as door prizes!

Bring a date or come with friends for a night of great fellowship and fun! For more information, visit: http://www.lakegenevaymca.com/news-events.php.

Halloween Fun
Looking for something fun to do with your children on Halloween? Bring them to the Annual Halloween Costume Parade, followed by trick-or-treating at downtown Lake Geneva businesses!

The Annual Halloween Costume Parade will begin at 12pm at the Lake Geneva Museum’s Main Street Exhibit Hall. Children 11 and under are invited to participate in the Halloween Parade giving them a chance to showcase their Halloween costumes. Admission is free.

Then spend the rest of the day trick-or-treating around downtown Lake Geneva area businesses from 1pm to 4pm! Look for a ‘Welcome Trick or Treaters’ orange pumpkin in the window for those businesses that are participating. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2202-check-out-what-s-going-lake-geneva-october.html How to Get a VA Home Loan – Part 4: Choosing a Mortgage Loan Officer http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2200-how-get-va-home-loan-part-4-choosing-mortgage-loan-officer.html Mon, 27 Sep 2010 18:35:16 GMT Image:...

So far in the series “How to Get a VA Home Loan” we have explained who is eligible for the loan, how to get a certificate of eligibility and the VA funding fee. Today’s article will offer suggestions on choosing a mortgage loan officer.



Veterans have numerous options for choosing a mortgage lender. These options fall into three categories.
  • Credit union, local bank or national bank – The availability of a VA loan is typically limited with this group. The additional paper work as well as the costs to being an approved lender keeps many of these “traditional” lenders from participating in VA home loans. Furthermore, the only requirements for the loan officers come from the bank or credit union and not the VA. These loans are usually sold to other investors.
  • Mortgage lender – Loan officers that work for a mortgage lender must be licensed and have to pass specific state and national tests in order to retain their license. The actual lender that will ultimately purchase the VA loan reviews and underwrites the loan before it is approved.
  • Corresponding lender – This type of lender is a blend between the banks and the mortgage companies. The correspondent lender has the option of using their own mortgage underwriters to authorize a loan and then subsequently sell it to investors. On the other hand, a good correspondent lender will have relationships with other investors that can underwrite and authorize loans. This additional outlet for loans provides the lender to offer excellent rates and terms to the borrowers.
When deciding on a loan officer, review the information from the previous installments. Ask your potential lender a question about one of these items to see how they answer. Make sure that your loan officer knows more about the process than you. If all they have to offer you is a good rate and low fees, you may not necessarily get the loan if the loan officer does not understand the VA process.

After you have chosen a loan officer you can go through the normal steps of qualifying for a loan. Get a range for payment amounts based on different mortgage amounts. Use this information to decide your comfort level for the monthly payments.

Now that you have a better understanding of the VA loan process it is time for the best part: picking a home.

You can also view our VA mortgage page for additional VA information.

Your local Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Bankers

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.MadisonMortgageguys.com

Visit our main blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blog/ ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2200-how-get-va-home-loan-part-4-choosing-mortgage-loan-officer.html How to Get a VA Home Loan – Part 3: The VA Funding Fee http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2199-how-get-va-home-loan-part-3-va-funding-fee.html Fri, 17 Sep 2010 18:37:40 GMT Image:...

In the first two portions of this series we discussed the people that are eligible for a VA loan as well as how to acquire the Certificate of Eligibility. Today’s article will describe the VA Funding Fee.

A common misconception is that the VA offers home loans. This is not true. The Veteran’s Administration guarantees the loan for lenders. In the event that a VA home loan is not repaid and the home is foreclosed, the VA will pay 25% of the loan to the lender.

The VA funding fee ranges from 3.3% down to 1.25%. Different factors affect which percentage rate is used. The factors can be the type of military service, whether or not this is the first time for the veteran to purchase a home, or whether or not the veteran pays a down payment.

The VA does not require a down payment and monthly mortgage insurance is also not required. To make it even better, the funding fee can be added to the overall mortgage so that the veteran can pay it over time.

Some veterans are excused from paying the funding fee. These veterans include:
  • Persons that have a service connected disability and receive VA compensation for it.
  • The spouse of a veteran that passed away during service.
  • Any veteran that currently receives retirement pay but could be eligible for compensation due to service connected disability.
  • Any veteran that previously received VA disability compensation
Any veteran that falls into one of these categories will need to complete VA Form 26-8937 as well as having your lender verify your VA Benefits.

In Part 4 of this series we offer guidelines on choosing a mortgage loan officer.

Your local Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Bankers

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.MadisonMortgageguys.com

Visit our main blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blog/

Additonal Resources:
Current VA Funding Fee (PDF)
Veterans’ Benefits Improvement Act of 2008
VA Eligibility Requirements

Wisconsin VA Loans Illinois VA Loans Minnesota VA Loans Florida VA Loans ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2199-how-get-va-home-loan-part-3-va-funding-fee.html How to Get a VA Home Loan – Part 2: Getting your VA Certificate of Eligibility http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2197-how-get-va-home-loan-part-2-getting-your-va-certificate-eligibility.html Thu, 09 Sep 2010 17:48:25 GMT Image:...
Welcome to the second installment of our series on How to Get a VA Home Loan. Part 1 described the different groups of people that can apply for a VA home loan. Today we will discuss the VA Certificate of Eligibility.

In this modern day of countless choices and opportunities, the Veteran’s Administration (VA) offers eligible people many ways to get their Certificate of Eligibility.

Online

People that are currently enlisted may request the certificate online. Simply contact one of our mortgage loan officers and make an appointment. At this time only qualified lenders have the access to the online system. If for some reason the certificate cannot be obtained through this system, the loan officer can assist you in requesting it from the VA. Simply fill out VA Form 26-1880 and give this to the lender along with proof of service. Your loan officer can then make an online request to the VA and receive and answer within a few days. The loan office can also use this process to determine your eligibility for the VA loan.

Mail

For those individuals that would prefer to handle the process on their own, you can provide your proof of service along with VA Form 26-1880 and mail them to the VA office located in Winston-Salem, NC. This approach usually takes at least 3 weeks or longer to complete.

What if you have used your Certificate of Eligibility?

For those people that have already taken advantage of the VA home loan with their Certificate of Eligibility you will need to provide proof that home was sold or the mortgage was assumed by a veteran. Along with this information you will need VA Form 26-1880 and your proof of service in order to restore your eligibility. Provide all of this documentation to your loan officer and they can get your new certificate for you.
In the upcoming Part 3 of this series, we will explain the VA Funding Fee.

Your local Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Bankers

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.MadisonMortgageguys.com

Visit our main blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blog/ ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2197-how-get-va-home-loan-part-2-getting-your-va-certificate-eligibility.html The Best Detox Program Ever! True Story. http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2194-best-detox-program-ever-true-story.html Tue, 03 Aug 2010 16:59:50 GMT It is imperative that every one of us who has any interest in helping... It is imperative that every one of us who has any interest in helping to make this world a better place, do something now before our environment becomes worse, and we ourselves could be too affected to even help others.

About 15 years ago I read a book called "Clear Body, Clear Mind" describing a sauna program that would take a couple weeks, sweating every day in a sauna, taking vitamins, exercise, etc. It claimed all the chemicals and radiation in the body would sweat out through the pores and you would just rinse it all down the drain in a shower. It even mentioned repairing the ravages of the past - almost like the fountain of youth!
I really didn't think much of it as too unreal. Your organs were supposed to do that, right? That is why you drink lots of water to flush it all out, and wait a couple weeks, and you are good as new. The body rebuilds itself. At least that is what I learned in biology class and reading up on such things.

Meanwhile, my youngest son Neil suffered from the most severe allergies and asthma since he was 2 years old. His first attack landed him in the hospital emergency room with an adrenaline shot to the heart after he stopped breathing. He learned how to use a child size inhaler with an air squeeze ball at the end to help him get the meds into the lungs, and that became a ritual at least 3-4 times a day until he started school and could carry a pocket inhaler to use himself. He was so dependent on that inhaler, they did not make him leave it with the school nurse. When he needed it, he had to have it immediately. Many times he was sent home wheezing. He developed that "moon face" so many asthmatics have. Another effect was that so much medication in his system caused his heart to palpitate, and gave him the jitters. He could not sit still and finally the school informed me he needed to be on Ritalin, which became a legal situation that I had to handle for him not to be on any more meds.

I brought Neil to a Naprapath, holistic doctors, and nutritionists. A good friend of ours, also asthmatic, mentored him in breathing techniques. I removed every piece of wool from our home, and red colors, (restimulative) and threw away all foods in our home containing colorings, MSG, sugar, etc.

Neil received weekly allergy shots for about 5 years and missed out on many activities, especially horses which he loved. His grandparents have a horse ranch and many times we could not even visit them, because even the air with horse dust blowing around could trigger an attack. So you see our family pretty much revolved around Neil's health problem. I was so lucky to have a job that allowed me to be with my kids any time, and be a stay home mom more often than not.

Suddenly, the detox program from that book - why not? The kid was missing so much school already. By now he was 14 years old. When I told the Principal he would miss school for a couple weeks for a detox she thought it was a great idea. Neil was willing to do anything at that point, too.

So, we started. First I brought him to an M.D. to have him checked out. I wasn't taking any chances. The M.D. told me good luck with the program - he didn't think anything would ever help, but if this did, to let him know.
I followed the book diligently. From the first day in the sauna, Neil did not use his inhaler one time. Every day, the same ritual - vitamins, exercise, sauna, sweat, showers, no inhaler, sleeping through the night, ahhhhh...........

2 weeks later, he told me he was "cleaned out". We stopped the program as directed by the book and he returned to school, drug free, breathing deep, energetic, thinking clearly and the happiest I had seen him in his whole life. When we met with Neil's special ed teacher a few weeks later, she cried telling me how much he had changed. The next year, he was officially removed from the special ed classes, and the label removed. He was pronounced "CURED". (The papers are right here with the signatures of all his teachers, the school pyschologist, principal, everyone.) The following summer he grew about 4".

Neil's favorite story to tell was how for the first time, he could go see the horses at his grandparents ranch, and actually saddled one up, rode it and washed the horse - breathing freely the whole time. He later attended a private school in New Mexico (www.mojaveacademy.com) and guess what one of his jobs was - taking care of the horses. He kept an inhaler with him "just in case" but did not use it.
Neil is today 6'4", married and living in Paris, France. He met his wife in Paris when she was doing HER detox at a facility! Same program.

Yes, there are facilities all over the world to do this detox officially, with supervision and help along the way to get a completion that you know is a real completion. No wondering if your done. When I found out I could go and get certified to supervise this program for many others, it was easy to decide what to do next.

While Eddie and I were in Chicago, I joined staff at the Church of Scientology to get trained as a Purification Rundown I/C (in charge) During that time on staff there must have been 35 - 40 people from all over come in. Each and every one of them changed dramatically in some way or another, every one is different so everyone had their own successes. It was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.

All I can tell you is, after the miracles I have seen with this program and changes in people's health and temperament - this is the one that works. It is the grand daddy of all of them. And you want to do it "by the book", as it was originally set up to produce results. That means in a Purification Rundown center, as laid out in Clear Body Clear Mind.

We did our detoxes using the book because we lived so far from any facility at the time, there was no place to do it. But now there are so many locations all over the world, it is easy to find one! Every Church of Scientology has a center, and I think every Mission as well. You don't have to change your religion to do the program. It is available for everyone.

Start by reading the book "Clear Body, Clear Mind" and see if it is something you want to do. www.clearbodyclearmind.com

Then find a location near you and get started. Send me a message if you have any questions.



P.S. I am working now on setting up a group in southern wisconsin, to officially deliver this program. ]]> Judy http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/judy/2194-best-detox-program-ever-true-story.html What’s going on at The Cove this week? Check it out! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2189-what-s-going-cove-week-check-out.html Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:58:09 GMT Hot Summer Deal Take advantage of The Cove of Lake Geneva’s... Hot Summer Deal
Take advantage of The Cove of Lake Geneva’s ‘Sizzling Hot Summer Deal’. All you need to do is book a 3 night stay and you’ll receive a $50 resort voucher which you can use at the Cove’s fabulous Gift Shop or at the full service poolside Tiki Bar! Hurry, this offer ends on 7/31/10!

International Cycling Classic
The International Cycling Classic recently visited Lake Geneva, Wisconsin for their Lake Geneva Criterium race on Wednesday, July 14th.

The International Cycling Classic is celebrating their 42nd year during 17 consecutive days of high caliber racing which started on Friday, July 9th and run until Sunday, July 25th. The races take place throughout 14 city centers within Wisconsin and Illinois, with their biggest race taking place on Friday, July 23, 2010 in downtown Kenosha, Wisconsin.

Be sure to stop by and check out The Cove of Lake Geneva’s booth at the race!

Plus, The Cove of Lake Geneva will be offering spectators and riders a special rate of $99.00 per night throughout the entire summer!!!

To make your reservation, please call (800) 770-7107 and mention the Bike Race Promotion!

Check Out New Pictures of The Cove
Famed Photographer, Jerry Arnold, recently visited The Cove of Lake Geneva and took pictures of the property and the Lake Geneva area during his stay.

These new photos will be used for marketing purposes in order to show off the wonderful amenities that The Cove has to offer its guests, as well as the Lake Geneva area!

To view all of the pictures from this shoot, please visit The Cove of Lake Geneva’s Photos on The Cove of Lake Geneva’s Facebook page: www.Facebook.com/TheCoveOfLakeGeneva.

DID YOU KNOW?
The Cove of Lake Geneva was built in 1995 featuring 222 rooms. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2189-what-s-going-cove-week-check-out.html Take Part in the Fun in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2188-take-part-fun-lake-geneva-wisconsin.html Wed, 21 Jul 2010 18:57:38 GMT LAKE GENEVA CRUISE LINE - Lake Geneva Cruise Line is one of the areas... LAKE GENEVA CRUISE LINE - Lake Geneva Cruise Line is one of the areas premiere attractions - a must see experience when in the Lake Geneva area! A variety of boat tours are available, all of which offer an in-depth historical narration about the many estates and mansions that line the shores of beautiful Geneva Lake.

CLEAR WATER OUTDOOR - Ready to get out on the lake? Clear Water Outdoor is ready to help! Stop by their store on Main Street and get set up in one of their many Hobie or Current Design kayaks or canoes. They even offer rentals and lessons. Whether on your own or with a group of friends, you'll enjoy this quiet way to get some exercise and enjoy the lake in a whole new way.

MARINA BAY BOAT RENTALS, INC. - Located directly downtown on the shores of Geneva Lake across from the Best Western / Harbor Shores is Lake Geneva’s largest family water sports center, Marina Bay. It has been rated the #1 rental company for over 30 years, and offers such activities as skiing, tubing and wakeboarding.

LAKE GENEVA BEACH – Enjoy a long stretch of sand and water next to the Riviera Pier. The Beach is open Memorial Day thru Labor Day from 9am to 6pm daily. Admission is as follows: children under 6 yrs old are free, 6 to 12 are $3 and anyone over 12 is $6.

BLACK POINT HISTORIC PRESERVE, INC. - The Black Point Preserve House, built by beer baron Conrad Seipp in 1888, is one of the oldest of its type on the lake and the only one open for tours from mid-May through October.

SALON 180 - Salon 180 is Lake Geneva’s only five star, full service beauty salon and spa. Featured in the national magazine “Sophisticate’s Hairstyles Guide” Salon 180 was recognized for its cutting edge hair services, and its trendsetting color and cuts. Spa professionals offer a complete relaxing experience that will leave you feeling fresh and rejuvenated.

GENEVA NATIONAL GOLF CLUB - Featuring three championship courses designed by the masters, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino. Each course is unique in its layout and design, taking full advantage of the mature woodlands, lake views, and rolling hillsides. Each course offers five sets of tees, making a wonderful challenge for the experienced golfer while giving the new golfer an enjoyable round as well.

AERIAL ADVENTURES –This new facility features zip lines, climbing towers, a ‘vertical playground’ boasting 12 different climbs, and bicycle rental (as they are located adjacent to the paved trail). Nestled in the trees and natural landscape, their course is designed to provide you and/or your group the safest and most rewarding experience possible.

DANCING HORSES THEATRE & ANIMAL GARDENS - The Dancing Horses Theatre presents an enchanting Vegas-style performance unparalleled anywhere else. Plus, after the show you can meet their amazing parrots who roller skate, play basketball and sing.

LAKE GENEVA BALLOON CO., LLC - "THE BEST OF CARE IN GENEVA'S AIR." The Lake Geneva Balloon Company offers Hot Air Balloon rides over scenic Lake Geneva area, flying seven days a week at sunrise as well as two hours before sunset. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2188-take-part-fun-lake-geneva-wisconsin.html <![CDATA[Update:>>>>]]> http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/oakie/2187-update.html Fri, 16 Jul 2010 04:32:58 GMT Looks like the 'chemo' needs updating...I got on 'clinical trials' being I had/have at least 5 different kinds of cells in one location. My group went straight to hormones, 'arimidex' being what I am on...it is not bad being on them I just feel as if I could supply the Bubbler here with water..lol! Being it makes me perspire like there is no tomorrow. I am due for visit with oncologist a months end and we will see if he still says...good....

We now have a new social worker for our building and she is such a blessing for us all!

I just had laser treatment done on my legs. I am now back in the 'shorts' world...hehe'
Also got a leg brace for my right leg hoping to delay knee surgery....I just had to wait for my legs to heal from the laser work done on them. So 2day is my 2nd day wearing it. Those who watch me walk when comparing to being without the brace, seem to feel it straightens my leg a bit.... so hopefully this will do the trick for me....

Lately my friend and I have been going to Waterford on Friday nights to the 'Cousins Subway' there...they also serve Figgaro (sp?) pizza there. They have a jam session there and is right up my alley for music as it is mostly Bluegrass....Usually there are at least 6 guitars, a banjo, harmonicas (2), lately one of those BIG BASE instruments...all together I feel as if I have landed in dreamworld. This is FREE to the public, starting around 6 PM Friday nights, when the musicians start streaming in, for some reason they have to stop by 930 PM or so...my friend is handicapped but this is one place where he says he does not feel handicapped....he plays guitar and I can tell he really gets into it and truly does 'forget' for a while...

Midway thru the session they take a break and the owner provides pizza, YUM!--We are also allowed soda free during the session. Following is their Facebook link however it does not seem to be used much:

Jan Williams | Facebook


It is good for location info etc....sometime I hope to see some of you there!! I will try to post it in the Waterford section also.....:) ]]> oakie http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/oakie/2187-update.html Upcoming Events in the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Area http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2185-upcoming-events-lake-geneva-wisconsin-area.html Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:48:20 GMT Concerts by the Lakefront The place to be is Lake Geneva every... Concerts by the Lakefront

The place to be is Lake Geneva every Thursday night for Concerts by the Lakefront. The concerts take place in Flat Iron Park across from The Cove of Lake Geneva at 7pm. All you need to do is bring a blanket or chair to relax on as you enjoy a wonderful night of music by local musicians.

Farmer’s Market

Be sure to check out the Lake Geneva Farmer’s Market every Thursday from 8am – 1pm. The Farmer’s Market, at Historical Hall, is within walking distance from The Cove of Lake Geneva and takes place until October.

International Cycling

The Cove of Lake Geneva would like to welcome the 2010 International Cycling Classic, which will be spending a day in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin on Wednesday, July 14th!

The International Cycling Classic will be celebrating their 42nd year during 17 consecutive days of high caliber racing which started on Friday, July 9th and run until Sunday, July 25th. The races take place throughout 14 city centers within Wisconsin and Illinois, with one of the city center locations being Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

The first race of The Lake Geneva Criterium will begin at 9:00am, with the last race starting at 5:45pm. The race’s start/finish line is located on Center Street, directly in front of The Cove. Throughout the day, the one mile course will consist of six different categories of races that participants can choose from.

Lake Geneva’s course will have riders traveling up Center Street, turning right onto Main, a right on Wells Street to head back towards Geneva Lake, then around Baker Street to end the race at the start/finish line back on Center Street.

The Cove of Lake Geneva will be offering spectators and riders a special rate of $99.00 per night!!!

To make your reservation, please call (800) 770-7107 and mention the Bike Race Promotion!

Country Thunder

Be sure to check out Country Thunder this July 22nd – 25th, 2010 in Twin Lakes, WI. Only 15 minutes away from The Cove of Lake Geneva!

Country Thunder is one of the nation’s premier music and entertainment festivals offering off-the-chart music to thrilling amusements and unique merchant vendors. The action packed annual four-day music festival features over 20 chart-topping country music artists such as Kenny Chesney, Sugarland and Miranda Lambert.

Kenny Chesney is only playing 10 shows this year, and one of them is Country Thunder! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2185-upcoming-events-lake-geneva-wisconsin-area.html What’s Happening at Mike Ditka Resorts http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2184-what-s-happening-mike-ditka-resorts.html Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:47:49 GMT New GM Mike Ditka Resorts would like to introduce our new General... New GM

Mike Ditka Resorts would like to introduce our new General Manager, Tatiana Vanvelzor. Tatiana has been a great asset to our team thus far, and we are excited to have her on board.

If you are visiting Mike Ditka Resorts, Tatiana will be more than happy to meet with you regarding any questions, comments or suggestions you may have.

Wine & Cheese

Take part in Mike Ditka Resorts Wine & Cheese Reception every Friday afternoon at 4pm in the lobby of Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club. Mingle with other guests, as you relax and enjoy a complimentary glass of wine.

Guest Surveys

While you’re here, please take a few minutes and fill out our new Guest Survey. The survey can be found in your villa and asks such questions such as “What was your favorite part about your stay?” and “Do you have any suggestions that would make your stay with us next time more enjoyable?”.

Our goal at Mike Ditka Resorts is to make your stay as fun and pleasurable as possible, so we would love to hear your feedback! Plus, if you turn your survey in to the front desk, you’ll receive a special gift!

Ice Cream Socials

Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club has been hosting Ice Cream Socials every Saturday, where guests can make their own sundaes for only $5.00. At the end of the summer, all proceeds raised during our Ice Cream Socials will go to benefit the Give Kids The World Foundation.

Can’t stop by to make your own ice cream sundae? Why not donate a ‘Scoop of Hope’ to Give Kids The World! You can donate at the front desk of Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club where a token of your donation, shaped like an ice cream cone, will be displayed for all guests to see! Plus, you’ll be helping out a great cause!

Give Kids The World is a non-profit resort in Central Florida that makes dreams come true for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. The Give Kids The World program provides these children and their families with weeklong, worry free vacations that include everything from travel, accommodations at the resort, meals, donated tickets to attractions and much more! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2184-what-s-happening-mike-ditka-resorts.html Great Golf Courses in the Lake Geneva, Wisconsin Area http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2183-great-golf-courses-lake-geneva-wisconsin-area.html Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:47:18 GMT Geneva National Golf Club Geneva National Golf Club features... Geneva National Golf Club
Geneva National Golf Club features 54-holes of golf designed by the masters, Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Lee Trevino. All courses offer beautiful grass tees, fairways and greens, as well as five tee boxes offering a great challenge for every player’s skill level and takes full advantage of Wisconsin’s beautiful natural surroundings.

Geneva National Golf Club is only a quick drive from downtown Lake Geneva and Wisconsin’s Premier All Suite Condominium Resort and Convention Center, The Cove of Lake Geneva.

Currently, The Cove of Lake Geneva has partnered up with the Geneva National Golf Club to offer visitors a ‘Stay and Play’ Package. Visitors can now call Geneva National Golf Club to set up their tee times and book their room at The Cove of Lake Geneva, all in one call!

For questions or to book your memorable ‘Stay and Play’ golf package, please call the Geneva National Golf Club at (262)-245-3020 or email golfpackage@ghresort.com.

Hawks View
Hawk's View Golf Club, Lake Geneva's only 5 star rated course, features Como Crossings, a championship caliber course and Barn Hollow, a unique 18 hole 2,708 yard short-game challenge course. Hawk's View is located 3 miles north of beautiful downtown Lake Geneva, only a quick drive from The Cove of Lake Geneva.

These courses, designed by Craig Schreiner, are recognized by Golf World as one of the nation's premier golf course architects. Hawks View offers golfer’s dramatic elevation changes, mature trees, open meadows, and lakes and wetlands unique to southeastern Wisconsin.

The clubhouse features numerous banquet rooms and outing venues which include the Red Tail Ballroom, Sparrow Hawk rooms, and Overlook Terrace. Tail Feathers Bar and Grille is opened daily during golf season offering golfers and guests a wide variety of soups, sandwiches, and salads.

Abbey Springs Golf Course
Across the lake from The Cove of Lake Geneva you’ll find Abbey Springs Golf Course. Abbey Springs offers some of the most breathtaking scenery you'll ever experience while golfing in the state of Wisconsin, featuring rolling hills and wooded fairways. On several holes, the elevation changes will provide you with panoramas of beautiful Geneva Lake.

The golf course at Abbey Springs was built in 1971 and was designed by Killian & Nugent, a well-known golf design firm that has laid out many renowned courses in the Midwest, including Kemper Lakes. Abbey Springs is rated a 4.5-star golf course by Golf Digest "Places to Play". ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2183-great-golf-courses-lake-geneva-wisconsin-area.html Preparing for a Mortgage Wisconsin Refinance http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2182-preparing-mortgage-wisconsin-refinance.html Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:25:50 GMT Image:...
Preparing for a Mortgage Wisconsin Refinance

With the record low mortgage rates making headlines on a regular basis, now is a good time to consider refinancing a home loan. Here are a few guidelines to consider when preparing for a refinance.

1. Your Current Ratio
The first thing to find out is where you stand. Find a recent billing statement from your lender or call them and get the most recent balance. Next, determine your home’s worth. If homes have sold lately in your area you should have an idea of how much your house could sell for. If not, check with a local realtor and ask for an estimate. Next, take your current value and divide it by your current mortgage balance. Hopefully this ratio will be less than 90%.

2. Consider 2nd mortgages or Lines of Credit
If you have a 2nd mortgage or a home equity line of credit then you will need to add that current balance to your first mortgage balance from the previous step. This will give you an accurate picture of your situation.

3. Get your documents together
Once you have made these calculations you will need to get your financial paperwork in order. This will include copies of the following:

1. Copies of pay stubs from the last 60 days
2. Copies of last two months checking account statements
3. Copies of last two months savings account statements
4. Copies of last retirement account statements
5. Copy of homeowners insurance declaration

Take this information to your broker and allow them to determine the best loan to fit your needs. Following these steps will save time and effort for both you and your lender.

Dennis Hardy
Phone: 877-240-5810 x104
dennis.hardy@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.madisonmortgageguys.com

Visit my blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blogs_dennis_hardy/









On my blog:
http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blogs_dennis_hardy/content/illinois-refinance-loans-streamwood-elgin-schaumburg-hoffman-estates-buffalo-grove-and-arlington-heights/

http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blogs_dennis_hardy/content/preparing-for-a-mortgage-refinance/ ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2182-preparing-mortgage-wisconsin-refinance.html Spend 4th of July Weekend at The Cove of Lake Geneva http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2180-spend-4th-july-weekend-cove-lake-geneva.html Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:44:48 GMT Fourth of July Weekend Haven’t made plans for this Fourth of July... Fourth of July Weekend

Haven’t made plans for this Fourth of July weekend yet? Book your stay at The Cove of Lake Geneva today! The Cove has so much going on this weekend! On Saturday & Sunday afternoon, you can enjoy listening to the live band “Kojo” while lounging by the pool, create a delicious ice cream sundae during our ice cream social on Saturday from 1-3pm, or enjoy relaxing with your family during our nightly poolside “Dive-In” movie.

Make sure you stay Sunday night and enjoy some of the most beautiful fireworks over Geneva Lake. For the best spot to watch the fireworks head over to Fontana Beach or enjoy a Special Fireworks Cruise aboard a Lake Geneva Cruise Line boat.

Guest Surveys

While you’re here, please take a few minutes and fill out our new guest survey. Guest surveys can be found in your suite and ask questions such as “What was your favorite part about your stay?” and “Do you have any suggestions that would make your stay with us next time more enjoyable?”.

Our goal at The Cove is to make your stay as fun and pleasurable as possible, and we would love to hear your feedback! Plus, if you turn your survey in to the front desk, you’ll receive a special gift! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2180-spend-4th-july-weekend-cove-lake-geneva.html Enjoy a Great 4th of July Weekend at Mike Ditka Resorts! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2179-enjoy-great-4th-july-weekend-mike-ditka-resorts.html Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:44:17 GMT Spend your 4th of July weekend in Kissimmee, Florida at Mike Ditka... Spend your 4th of July weekend in Kissimmee, Florida at Mike Ditka Resorts! Your family will have a wonderful weekend relaxing by one of the beautiful outdoor pools, tanning on the spacious sundeck, and enjoying delicious drinks and snacks from the full service tiki bar!

The Kissimmee and Orlando area have many festivals and firework displays taking place this July 4th as well! Below are just a few of the great festivals taking place that you and your family can enjoy.

4th of July Lakefest Celebration

Free Admission- St. Cloud Lakefront - Events starting at Noon - Fireworks at 9:30pm

Continuing a 4th of July tradition that began on the Lakefront in St. Cloud in the 1930s, this event has grown to represent a community “get-together” with a dynamic fireworks display. Festivities include local bands, cloggers, patriotic singing, carnival rides, plus arts & craft displays.

2009 July 4th Celebration

Free Admission - Kissimmee Lakefront Park - Activities begin at 5pm - Fireworks begin at 9:10pm

Parking
Lakefront Park Boat Ramp area $8.00
Kissimmee Civic Center $5.00, free shuttle

Spectators come together for a spectacular, patriotic celebration and fireworks display starting at 9:10pm at the Kissimmee Lakefront. Live entertainment and activities are held at various locations at the Lakefront Park.

Flashback 4th of July

Free Admission - Celebration's Town Center - Festivities begin at 5:30pm - Fireworks will start at 9:30pm

Enjoy a 4th of July celebration packed with 50’s themed fireworks, costume contest, food, dancing and live entertainment. The 50’s Costume contest will begin at 7:30pm, so break out the poodle skirts, roll up those sleeves and lace up the leather jackets. Concerts by some of the world’s most famous tribute artists will begin performing at 6pm. The fireworks show will get under way at 9:30pm.

Be sure to check out: http://www.2000orlando-florida.com/orlando-4th-july.htm for more the major 4th of July festivals! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2179-enjoy-great-4th-july-weekend-mike-ditka-resorts.html Isla Margarita is the Ideal Vacation Destination http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2178-isla-margarita-ideal-vacation-destination.html Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:43:43 GMT Weather Isla Margarita is located outside of the hurricane belt,... Weather
Isla Margarita is located outside of the hurricane belt, placing it in a very comfortable environment which offers warm days and cool nights. This pristine location in the Caribbean provides guests with fairly consistent 80 degree days amongst dramatic mountainous terrain, lush vegetation, flora and fauna, and many spectacular sandy beaches.

Resort Amenities
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort offers three themed restaurants, a nightclub, convention hall with capacity for 2000, mini-market, duty-free high-end retail shopping, salon, state-of-the-art sport and fitness center, luxury spa, beachside activities center, plus four infinity pools, complete with water slides, lazy river, and tropical swim up bar.

Outdoor Activities
• Remarkable golfing locations
• Numerous hiking grounds from mountainous rain forests to sand flats
• High end duty-free shopping at locations such as Tommy Hilfiger, Benetton, and Tiffany’s
• Horseback riding
• Extraordinary scuba diving and snorkeling locations with abundant and diverse underwater life
• Windsurfing (it’s the surfing capital of the world)
• Uninhabited islands for exploring
• National parks, forests, lagoons, and beaches
• Historical forts

Beaches
With over 70 unique beach on Isla Margarita, you are bound to fine the perfect one that suites you. Below are the five must check out beaches:

1. Playa Caribe - It offers a quiet and relaxing atmosphere with quite a few good restaurants along the coastline, plus some nice caves for exploring near the end of the beach.

2. Playa El Agua–This beach offers many activities including several water sports, micro plane rides, concerts, nightlife and many hotels.

3. Playa Parguito –Here you will find some restaurants which open early and serve breakfast, while others open from noon until early evening. If you walk down to the ends of the beach you will find great lookout areas that give a nice overview of the area.

4. Playa El Yaque – This beach attracts people from all over the world to surf, kite, or swim because of the shallow, warm water that extend several hundred meters from the shore.

5. Playa Manzanillo- It is a small beach but never very crowded. It is 900m long and 25m wide and its quiet waters offer an ideal swimming location. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2178-isla-margarita-ideal-vacation-destination.html Enjoy All That Surrounds Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2177-enjoy-all-surrounds-palatinum-golf-spa-sport-resort.html Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:43:04 GMT Mar Menor Mar Menor is Europe’s largest natural salt-water lagoon,... Mar Menor
Mar Menor is Europe’s largest natural salt-water lagoon, which is separated from the Mediterranean Sea by only a narrow strip of land known as La Manga (the strip).

During the summer months, Mar Menor’s temperatures rise due to the shallow water and warm atmosphere, making this lagoon a hot spot for water lovers. The average depth of Mar Menor is about 13 feet which makes it possible to venture out several hundred meters before the water has any real depth. The shallowness of this lagoon makes it the perfect location for all kinds of water!

The salinity of Mar Menor provides a great deal of buoyancy, making it one of the safest places to swim in the world. The combination of this buoyancy and the shallowness of the lagoon make it a natural water park for people of all ages.

La Manga
Be sure to set aside a day to enjoy all the activities that La Manga offers.

La Manga, which is also known as “the sleeve”, lies at the southern most part of Costa Blanca. It is a small strip of land that is approximately 13 miles long and makes up the lagoon of Mar Menor. On La Manga visitors will find sailing ports, recreational centers, supermarkets, shops, bars, discos, and many different types of water activities.

Mediterranean Sea
The combination of the wonderful climate, the beautiful coastline and the diverse culture, are just some of the reasons the Mediterranean regions are the most popular tourist destination in the world, attracting approximately one third of the world’s international tourists.

Water activities
-Sailing
-Windsurfing
-Waterskiing
-Kitesurfing
-Jet Skiing
-Scuba Diving
-Snorkeling
-Fishing
-Boating
-Swimming
-plus, so much more! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2177-enjoy-all-surrounds-palatinum-golf-spa-sport-resort.html Let Geneva Hospitality be Your Management Company http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2176-let-geneva-hospitality-your-management-company.html Wed, 30 Jun 2010 16:42:33 GMT The management division of Geneva Hospitality offers a full menu of... The management division of Geneva Hospitality offers a full menu of services, encompassing all aspects of operations in the hospitality industry including design, pre-development planning, staff support, and accounting. Our services are available as part of a package, or geared towards your specific projects and individual needs.

Design:
Geneva Hospitality is your turn-key hospitality, design-to-operations, property management partner. We specialize in providing a spectrum of services employed to guide your enterprise through all phases of development and operation.

Though the managing operations of a hospitality property might seem forthright and simple, success requires that those at the helm are completely knowledgeable of the industry, capable of planning for the future, and able to handle the day-to-day situations that may arise. Extraordinary daily operation directly influences guest satisfaction, return visits, and word-of-mouth recommendations.

Pre-Development Planning:
• Site evaluation
• Market and demographic research
• Budget planning assistance
• Formulation of Business and Marketing Plans
• Recommendations regarding unit design specification, common areas, landscaping, and amenities
• Operating Budget proposal upon review of building’s staffing needs
• Introduce systems for unit pricing and inventory control
• Coordinate selection of auxiliary agencies including advertising, public relations, designers, landscapers, etc.
• Assist in creation of advertising, direct mail, publicity, and other
supporting materials

Staff Support:
A successful business is a reflection of front-line employees. Geneva Hospitality, provides continual training in all areas of the industry including; safety, job performance, and positive attitude skills.

Billing and Accounting:
At Geneva Hospitality, we know the importance of effective billing, collection, and accounting practices.
We feel it’s our responsibility to provide Owners a detailed accounting of all transactions. Under our management, Owners can expect to receive complete, monthly financial information packages. These include vital information such as collections analysis, cash flow report, detailed check registers, bank activity summaries, detailed expense reports, and full accrual financial statements.

We want owners to know we are dedicated to working for them in every way to make their project successful, and of the highest quality. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2176-let-geneva-hospitality-your-management-company.html The FHA 203k Home Improvement Loan – Part 4 http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2174-fha-203k-home-improvement-loan-part-4.html Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:30:30 GMT Image:...
The FHA 203k Home Improvement Loan – Part 4

The FHA 203K program is a wonderful tool to help homeowners and potential buyers with home repair and remodeling projects. Over the course of the last few posts we have shown you some of the basic guidelines for these types of loans. We will conclude this series with questions frequently asked about this topic.
  • Are all improvements eligible under the FHA 203k program?
    No. Luxury items are not allowed. However, painting, addition of a room, and the building of a deck can be allowed if the home does not need other repairs.
  • Is there a minimum loan amount for this program?
    Yes. Loans must be at least $5,000 for the eligible improvements proposed for the home.
  • Are the improvements or repairs expected to be completed within a certain time frame?
    Yes. The Rehabilitation Loan Agreement contains restrictions about when the work should begin and end.
  • Is there a maximum amount that can be financed?
    Yes. There are different formulas for calculating the maximum loan amount. There is a formula for a home purchase and a separate formula for a refinance of an existing loan.
Although we have explained some of the general requirements of the FHA 203K loan, there is actually a lot more information about the rules governing these types of loans. In order to ensure that you are eligible for this loan you should contact a reputable lender authorized to process FHA loans. Your lender can walk you through the entire process and help you achieve your desire of remodeling your house into the home you really want to have.

Detailed program information can be found on our FHA 203k page of our website.
If you missed any of the previous posts, please see below:

Part 1: Guidelines of the FHA 203K program
Part 2: How to utilize the FHA 203k program
Part 3: Types of Properties Eligible for the program

Your local Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Bankers:

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.MadisonMortgageguys.com

Visit our main blog at http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blog/



On our blog:
http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/b...vement-loan-4/ ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2174-fha-203k-home-improvement-loan-part-4.html Looking for a summer vacation? Look no further than Lake Geneva, Wisconsin! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2173-looking-summer-vacation-look-no-further-than-lake-geneva-wisconsin.html Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:01:38 GMT Below you will find just a sample of what Lake Geneva has to offer... Below you will find just a sample of what Lake Geneva has to offer this summer!

June

Saturday, June 19th - Walworth County Farm Bureau Dairy Breakfast

Saturday, June 26th – Music By The Lake – ‘A Night on Broadway’

Sunday, June 27th – Big Foot Triathlon


July

Thursday, July 1st – Concerts at the Lakefront – U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America

Saturday, July 10th – Music by the Lake – Big Bad VooDoo Daddy

Friday, July 16th – Ecofair


August

Friday, August 13th – 54th Annual Lake Geneva Antique Show and Sale

Saturday, August 14th – 30th Annual Art in the Park

Wednesday, August 18th – 22nd – 48th Annual Venetian Festival

Friday, August 27th – Maxwell Street Days


The Cove of Lake Geneva

All summer long The Cove of Lake Geneva has a lot of great things going on! Take part in the many great summer activities we offer including, two outdoor heated pools, one which features a children’s water playground, an outdoor hot tub, cabana rentals, poolside massages, nightly poolside “dive in” movies, daily children’s activities, and delicious drinks and snacks at the tiki bar. Plus, you can enjoy live poolside bands and take part in our ice cream socials every Saturday!

For more information about The Cove of Lake Geneva and happenings in Lake Geneva, please visit http://www.cove-lake-geneva.com/lake...ecreation.html. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2173-looking-summer-vacation-look-no-further-than-lake-geneva-wisconsin.html Top 10 Reasons Your Sports Group Should Stay at Mike Ditka Resorts- Runaway Beach Club http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2172-top-10-reasons-your-sports-group-should-stay-mike-ditka-resorts-runaway-beach-club.html Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:01:02 GMT 1.Mike Ditka Resorts is the only resort in Central Florida with a... 1.Mike Ditka Resorts is the only resort in Central Florida with a professional sports figure endorsement.

2.It is a smoke free property which provides your team with a clean and healthy environment.

3.The resort features an all suite property with large floor plans which provides your group with enough leg room and can accommodate up to 12 players or team members.

4.Each room is equipped with a full-sized gourmet kitchen and cookware which makes eating on site accessible and inexpensive.

5.Every room comes equipped with a full sized washer and dryer; perfect for washing clothes or uniforms after a long workout or team practice.

6.An on-site indoor basketball court is available, perfect for team practices or cardio workouts.

7.The extensive fitness center features cardio and magnum machines, which provides your team with the right equipment no matter what their exercise regime calls for.

8.The business center offers computers, fax machines, and printing capabilities which make it easy to create and print game plans for all your players.

9.The clubhouse is perfect for team building exercises and meetings no matter how big or small your group is.

10.Two refreshing pools, as well as a relaxing hot tub and full service tiki bar, are perfect for unwinding after a long practice or tournament. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2172-top-10-reasons-your-sports-group-should-stay-mike-ditka-resorts-runaway-beach-club.html Thinking about traveling overseas? Head to Isla Margarita! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2171-thinking-about-traveling-overseas-head-isla-margarita.html Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:00:31 GMT Here are the top 8 reasons Isla Margarita is a True Vacationer’s... Here are the top 8 reasons Isla Margarita is a True Vacationer’s Paradise

1.Beautiful beaches – Isla Margarita is the home to over 70 unique beaches you will not want to miss. Those that top the list are Caracola Beach, Playa El Agua, Playa El Yaque, and Playa Caribe. Isla Margarita has even been named one of South America’s Top Beach Resort Destinations!

2.Historical cities and landmarks - Isla Margarita is home to many historical forts, churches, and museums. Some of the sites you must check out on your visit are: The Ruins of Caranta Fort, Francisco Narvaez’s Art Museum, and Porlamar Lighthouse.

3.Windsurfer’s paradise - Windsurfing got its start on Isla Margarita due to the areas strong, warm winds and warm water and has since become a windsurfer’s paradise. Isla Margarita is now recognized as one of the top five windsurfing destinations worldwide and is known by many as the capital of windsurfing.

4.Plenty of water activities - The crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea offer many water activities including boogie board rentals, ski boat rentals, jet ski rental, water skiing, wake boarding, boat charters, fishing boat rentals, kayaking, parasailing, canoeing, rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, and so much more!

5.Duty free shopping – Isla Margarita has been exempt of duties and taxes since 1975, thus providing tourists and residents with an excellent opportunity to acquire top brand name goods at no name prices. Be sure to check out the Sambil Shopping Complex, Galerias Fente, Jumbo, and the AB Commercial Center.

6.Adventurous excursions – Excursions on Isla Margarita are definitely the best way to see the island, its surrounding areas, and overall, experience the enchanting beauty of the Caribbean. Be sure to check out these excursions: Los Roques, La Blanquilla, Coche, Cubagua, Araya, Canaima, Delta del Orinoco, and La Gran Sabana.

7.Delicious local restaurants - When visiting Isla Margarita, be sure you have a chance try a few dishes local to the island. Be sure to try Casa Caranta, El Pacífico, or Nikkei.

8.Tropical weather - Temperatures on the island are fairly consistent at 80 degrees, and although located in the Caribbean, it is not in the hurricane belt. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2171-thinking-about-traveling-overseas-head-isla-margarita.html Traveling to Murcia, Spain on a Solo Vacation? Have no worries! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2170-traveling-murcia-spain-solo-vacation-have-no-worries.html Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:59:59 GMT 1.Collect all related information about local culture, manners,... 1.Collect all related information about local culture, manners, history, safety precautions, etc. The more you know about your vacation destination, the more comfortable and prepared you will be for your vacation, which in turn means the more enjoyable time you will have.

2.Research the climate, season, and weather of the place you are visiting. This will help choose the proper clothing for maximum comfort.

3.Find out everything the area has to offer for recreation and sight-seeing. Planning ahead will make your trip run smoother and will provide you with more time to see and do what you want to do.

4.Purchase foreign currency before you leave. You will be happy to have it when you land tired and disoriented in a foreign airport. Most major U.S. banks sell all types of foreign currency. If traveling to a remote region, bring a wad of cash and guard it with your life. If visiting a safe, developed region, credit cards and ATM cards should work fine. Research that before you leave.

5.Learn useful phrases in the language of your destination. It’ll come in handy if you get lost, need to find a destination, and will come across as a sign of respect to the local culture.

6.For international flights, arrive at the airport at least two hours before the flight leaves. Call ahead to check the status of the flight.

7.Book a non-stop flight if possible. Don't choose a multi-stop flight to save money. That will only cost more due to delays and loss of vacation time. Non-stop flights also help avoid loss of luggage and theft that could occur at connecting airports.

When you arrive:

8.Carry a map with you everywhere. Also, be sure to write down any information which you must remember.

9.Keep an adventurous mind. It’ll help you enjoy your trip, and keep a good relationship with people who you will meet in other countries.

10.Traveling alone does not mean that you will be lonely. It only means that you will have more opportunities to meet interesting people in a faraway place. Some of these new friends you may know for the rest of your life. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2170-traveling-murcia-spain-solo-vacation-have-no-worries.html We have a Great Father’s Day Weekend Planned at The Cove of Lake Geneva http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2168-we-have-great-father-s-day-weekend-planned-cove-lake-geneva.html Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:46:53 GMT Father’s Day Weekend Activities Join us this June 18th – 20th as we... Father’s Day Weekend Activities
Join us this June 18th – 20th as we celebrate Father’s Day at The Cove of Lake Geneva! The Radio Disney Road Crew will be visiting on Saturday from 11am until noon playing everyone’s favorite Radio Disney music. They will also be playing cool games, and giving away tons of awesome prizes by The Cove’s outdoor pool.

The Cove of Lake Geneva will also be featuring the live band “Tassi” at the outdoor pool during the day on Saturday as well as holding their weekly ice cream social from 1pm to 3pm.

Father’s Day Contest
Still haven’t found the perfect Father’s Day gift? Why not take a chance to treat your dad to a free weekend getaway at The Cove of Lake Geneva by entering our Father’s Day Contest?

For your chance to win, all you need to do is tell us why you think your dad deserves a wonderful free weekend getaway to The Cove and you could win him a two night stay in one of our beautiful Anchor Suite's, just in time for Father’s Day!

All entrants please send their submissions to: contest@GenevaHospitality.com by June 17th, 2010. The lucky winner will be announced June 18th on The Cove of Lake Geneva website: www.cove-lake-geneva.com.

Stay and Play Package
The Cove of Lake Geneva and Geneva National Golf Club have recently partnered up to create a ‘Stay and Play’ Package for visitors to take advantage of when planning their next vacation to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

To book the package, call Geneva National Golf Club and choose how many nights you would like to stay at The Cove of Lake Geneva and how many rounds of golf you would like to play on Geneva National’s Championship Courses. Then sit back as the reservations team builds your individualized package "to a tee." Guests will also be given the opportunity to chose from three different courses at Geneva National, as well as two levels of ‘Stay and Play’ packages, one which includes an 18-hole round per person per day or one which includes unlimited golf per day.

All ‘Stay and Play’ packages can also be completed with a meal or two at Geneva National’s award winning restaurants.

For questions or to book your ‘Stay and Play’ package, please call Geneva National Golf Club at (262) 245-3020 or e-mail golfpackages@gnresort.com. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2168-we-have-great-father-s-day-weekend-planned-cove-lake-geneva.html Spend Father’s Day Weekend With Your Dad at Mike Ditka Resorts http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2167-spend-father-s-day-weekend-your-dad-mike-ditka-resorts.html Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:45:11 GMT Father’s Day Contest Still haven’t found the perfect Father’s Day... Father’s Day Contest
Still haven’t found the perfect Father’s Day gift? Mike Ditka Resorts is currently running a fabulous Father’s Day Contest. Entrants of the contest are asked to tell us why they believe their special dad deserves to win a great getaway to Mike Ditka Resorts. The winning submission will receive a free two night stay in a spacious and comfortable one bedroom villa at Mike Ditka Resorts - Runaway Beach Club in Kissimmee, Florida.

All entrants should send their submission to contest@MikeDitkaResorts.com by June 17th, 2010.

The winner will be announced June 18th at MikeDitkaResorts.com

Father’s Day at Mike Ditka Resorts

Spend Father’s Day weekend hanging out at Mike Ditka Resorts! Enjoy one of our tropical themed pools, tiki bar with daily drink specials, sun deck, hot tub, indoor basketball court, and the nightly ‘dive in’ family movie by the outdoor pool! Everything you need for a weekend full of fun with your dad! Mike Ditka Resorts even offers free shuttle service to and from Disney World Theme Parks!

Father’s Day Weekend Activities in the Area
•SeaWorld - Enjoy a late evening at SeaWorld during the summer months. Pay for a day and get the rest of the year free.
•Star Wars Weekends - Fan-fest scheduled for Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during June.
•Harry P. Leu Gardens - Celebrates Father's Day with free admission for dads all day long, 9am – 5pm
•Pirate's Dinner Theater - Free admission for fathers with one paid child's admission, June 19th – 21st.
•Medieval Times - Free admission for fathers with one full paid admission, June 18th – 20th. Mention code DFFLV09 when making reservation. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2167-spend-father-s-day-weekend-your-dad-mike-ditka-resorts.html Enjoy the Many Restaurants Near Caracola Beach and Spa Resort http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2166-enjoy-many-restaurants-near-caracola-beach-spa-resort.html Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:44:30 GMT Casa Caranta Check out Casa Caranta, housed in a beautifully... Casa Caranta
Check out Casa Caranta, housed in a beautifully restored colonial-era house in downtown Pampatar. Italy, Asia, and America are the principal inspirations for the regularly changing menu, which is handwritten on a few large chalkboards and brought to your table. Options range from homemade pasta with shrimp and porcini mushrooms, to fresh grouper in a green curry sauce. With live entertainment most nights, this restaurant really turns into a fun meeting place around 10pm each evening.

El Pacífico
This is the best beachside joint of all the restaurants that line the strip of Playa El Agua. Get a table near the large windows overlooking the sea, or live dangerously and dine at a table under one of the tall coconut palms. Start things off with the plato de pescado ahumado (plate of smoked fish) and follow it with the fresh grilled red snapper or langostinos al parchita (jumbo shrimp in passion-fruit sauce).

Nikkei
This stylish restaurant serves up a wide range of traditional and fusion creations from the cuisines of Peru, Japan and a few of other Asian countries. The second-floor dining room is actually a large loft, with walls of solid glass on all sides. You may want to start with a Salad Nikkei, a small bowl of fresh mixed greens and seaweed in a ginger, honey-mustard vinaigrette, where bits of fried salmon skin take the place of croutons. It is recommended that you try to mix and match dishes for a Pan-Asian/Peruvian feast. Don't let the small sushi bar fool you; the sushi here is excellent.

Hard Rock Café
Looking for something a little more familiar? Check out the 5th Hard Rock Cafe to open in the Caribbean!

This 3,280-square-foot, two-story Hard Rock Cafe features an outstanding menu, collectible merchandise, and a world-renowned memorabilia collection for your viewing pleasure. Some of the many pieces of memorabilia on display include items from contemporary stars, as well as items from rock legends, including a costume worn by KISS guitarist Paul Stanley and Carlos Santana’s guitar.

Hard Rock Café Margarita was recently named Café of the Year in the Hard Rock International – Franchise Awards! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2166-enjoy-many-restaurants-near-caracola-beach-spa-resort.html Enjoy one of the Many Festivals in Murcia, Spain http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2165-enjoy-one-many-festivals-murcia-spain.html Wed, 16 Jun 2010 17:43:57 GMT One of the best times to visit Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort... One of the best times to visit Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort is when there is a festival taking place in Murcia, Spain. These festivals are a great time for visitors to better understand the area and its unique traditions.

Holy Week
The Holy Week procession, which is hosted by the city, is the most famous festival throughout all of Spain. This traditional festival portrays the events that lead up to the Crucifixion of Jesus according to the New Testament. During this festival, life sized sculptures, created by Francisco Salzillo, are removed from Salzillo’s museum and paraded around town in an elegant procession among flowers and candles. These sculptures pause at stations which are meant to reenact the final moments before the Crucifixion.

Huerta Parade
The Huerta Parade, the most colorful festival in Murcia, comes the Tuesday after Holy Week where locals dress up in traditional huertano clothing to celebrate and on Saturday they fill the streets for the Entierro de la Sardina (Burial of the Sardine) parade.

Three Cultures International Festival
Murcia also celebrates Three Cultures International Festival each May. The festival was originally organized with the intent of overcoming racism between the three cultures that reside there: Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Each year, the festival celebrates these three cultures through music, exhibitions, symposiums, and conferences.

Fiestas de Septiembre
From the first Friday of the month until the Monday, 10 days later, Murcia (city) celebrates the Fiestas de Septiembre. During this period, there is a grand fair for all ages, as well as many concerts and the heralded bull fights! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2165-enjoy-one-many-festivals-murcia-spain.html Take Advantage of Guest Rewards at The Cove of Lake Geneva! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2164-take-advantage-guest-rewards-cove-lake-geneva.html Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:54:14 GMT The Cove Loyalty Card Take advantage of being a loyal Cove guest!... The Cove Loyalty Card
Take advantage of being a loyal Cove guest! The Cove Loyalty Card rewards guests for their continued patronage to The Cove. Each time you stay make sure to give us your Cove Loyalty Card so we can mark it for you. Every mark puts you one step closer to a free nights stay!

For more information about The Cove Loyalty Card, please call The Cove at (800) 770-7107. Sign up today!

Guest Referral Rewards
Cove guests can earn discounts on their next stay by referring a new guest to The Cove! To qualify, person(s) referred must be new Cove guests and must provide us with your first and last name and either mailing address or e-mail address. We will then mail or e-mail you a discount coupon good for your next stay with The Cove! It's that easy!

Meeting Planner Rewards
Book your next meeting in one of The Cove of Lake Geneva’s spacious meeting rooms and receive meeting planner rewards!

The Cove is the perfect meeting venue in scenic Lake Geneva for small to mid-sized groups. From sales trainings to celebrations, you can count on The Cove of Lake Geneva's meeting and event specialists to plan every detail to perfection.

Below is a list of the newly updated meeting planner rewards. Each time you book a function, you earn one point for each room night.

Meeting Planner Rewards

25 Points - Two tickets to Showboat Theater or a 30 minute massage
50 Points - Manicure/Pedicure combo or $25 Houlihan’s gift certificate
75 Points - Two tickets to Geneva 4 or two tickets to The Dancing Horses Theater
100 Points - Horseback riding for two or two 30 minute massages
150 Points - Two hour scoop coupe rental or four tickets to The Dancing Horses Theater
200 Points - Two Lake Geneva Cruise Line tickets or two one hour massages
250 Points - Horseback riding for four or four tickets to Geneva 4
300 Points - Four Lake Geneva Cruise Line tickets or four 30 minute massages
350 Points - Two hour boat rental or two night stay at Mike Ditka Resorts
400 Points - Two rounds of golf or three night stay at The Cove of Lake Geneva

To book your next function, email The Cove Sales Department at sales@cove-lake-geneva.com or call (880) 770-7107. We look forward to helping you make your next function a success!

Share your Experience
Have you and your family experienced a great vacation getaway at The Cove of Lake Geneva?

Share it with us; we would love to hear all about it. Let us know what you and your family did during your visit, your favorite thing about the resort, and, overall, what made your vacation memorable. If you took pictures, feel free to share them as well. You may even get your experience and picture posted up on our website!

Visit www.cove-lake-geneva.com and click on the “The Cove’s Share Your Experience” link at the bottom of the page to submit you experience.

We can’t wait to hear all about it!

And as an added bonus, if you submit your experience to tripadvisor.com you will be entered to win a free getaway to the resort! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2164-take-advantage-guest-rewards-cove-lake-geneva.html Reward Yourself for Being a Mike Ditka Resorts Guest! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2163-reward-yourself-being-mike-ditka-resorts-guest.html Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:53:16 GMT Share your Experience Have you and your family had a great... Share your Experience
Have you and your family had a great experience at Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club or Lighthouse Key Resort? Share it with us; we would love to hear all about it.

Let us know what you and your family did during your visit, your favorite thing about the resort, and, what made your vacation memorable overall.

If you took pictures, feel free to share them as well. You may even get your experience and picture posted up on our website!

Visit www.mikeditkaresorts.com and click on the “Memories Made at Mike Ditka Resorts” link on the right hand side of the page to submit you experience.

We can’t wait to hear all about it!

And as an added bonus, if you submit your experience to tripadvisor.com you will be entered to win a free getaway to the resort!

Mike Ditka Resorts Loyalty Card
Take advantage of being a loyal Mike Ditka Resorts guest! The MDR Loyalty Card rewards guests for their continued patronage to the resort. Each time you stay make sure to give them your card so they can mark it for you. Every mark puts you one step closer to earning a free nights stay.

Sign up today for the Mike Ditka Resorts Loyalty Card! For more information about the card, please call Mike Ditka Resorts at (888) 512-2200.

Become a Facebook Fan
Stay up to date with everything happening at Mike Ditka Resorts by becoming our fan on Facebook! Learn helpful information about the resort, take part in online contests, and be the first to hear about the latest specials and deals!

Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club – http://www.facebook.com/MikeDitkaRes...nawayBeachClub

Mike Ditka Resorts – Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kissim...axpipe=1&__a=3

Meeting Planner Rewards Coming Soon!
Looking to host a business meeting in the Orlando/Kissimmee, Florida area? Why not do so at Mike Ditka Resorts!

Mike Ditka Resorts has the perfect meeting facilities and amenities to keep both meeting planners and attendees happy. Amenities include: free wireless high speed internet access property wide, a 24 hour business center with print, fax, and computer usage available, and three meeting spaces, including outdoor seating, depending on the size of your group. Whether your meeting consists for four people or 104 people, Mike Ditka Resorts has the perfect meeting space for your group.

Stay tuned for meeting planner rewards coming soon! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2163-reward-yourself-being-mike-ditka-resorts-guest.html Love to Shop? You’ll Find Plenty of Shopping on Isla Margarita http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2162-love-shop-you-ll-find-plenty-shopping-isla-margarita.html Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:52:44 GMT Plaza Bolivar In Porlamar, you will find the Plaza Bolivar named... Plaza Bolivar
In Porlamar, you will find the Plaza Bolivar named after Simon Bolivar, which is the most important public space and Ceremonial Square in Porlamar. Plaza Bolivar is a pedestrian friendly area which offers visitors plenty of ubiquitous shops for exploring. This plaza is also the social center of the city where people meet to hang out, play a game of chess, or provide entertainment to other visitors of the area.

Avenida 4 de Mayo
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort is located near one of the top tourist destination on Isla Margarita. This destination is dominated by two streets: Avenida Santiago and Avenida 4 de Mayo. Avenida 4 de Mayo is populated with boutiques and shopping centers which carry the best lines of all sorts of merchandise including clothing, electronics, cosmetics, perfume, liquor, etc. Many of these items carry exclusive manes like Gucci, Fendi, Cartier, Nike, etc. Avenida 4 de Mayo also houses many international goods, fast food joints, and restaurants.

New Market of Los Conjeros
The New Market of Los Conejeros is a huge shopper’s destination featuring both food and apparel within hundreds of small stalls. On the eastern end of the market visitors will find T-shirts, shorts, towels, swimsuits, and sandals, among many other clothing items that are cheaper here than in the stores. On the western end, visitors will find a lively center for fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish, and dry goods. New Market of Los Conejeros is located on the northwestern border of Porlamar near the corner of Avenida 4 de Mayo and Avenida Santiago Mariño.

Sambil Mall
The Sambil Margarita Shopping Mall or "centro" is the largest retail center on Isla Margarita.
The Sambil Mall is located near the town of Pampatar, just a few miles away from Porlamar, and very close to a large "Rattan Hypermarket" grocery store.

Some of the most notable features of the Sambil Margarita Mall include; a movie theater, a variety of dining options in the food court, a Baby Buggy child care service, various events, and a huge selection of retail stores. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2162-love-shop-you-ll-find-plenty-shopping-isla-margarita.html Travel Around Murcia, Spain http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2161-travel-around-murcia-spain.html Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:52:13 GMT When visiting Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort in Murcia Spain,... When visiting Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort in Murcia Spain, you have a few options depending on how you would like to go about traveling around the area.

Flying
Whenever flying in and out of Murcia, Spain, you will go to the Murcia-San Javier Airport (MJV), which is located at the edge of the Mar Menor. There are regular daily flights in and out of Murcia at this airport.

Take the Bus
Bus transportation is provided by LatBus, which operates both the urban and interurban bus services. The bus station is located on the western side of town, near Museo Salzillo. Local bus services include Cartagena Alicante, Orihuela, and Lorca. Alsa also has daily buses going to Granada (3.5 hours), Valencia (4 hours), and Madrid (5 hours).

Ride the Train
If you would rather take the train, RENFE (La Red de los Ferrocarriles Españoles) is situated south of the Rio Segura. Up to five trains travel daily from Murcia to Madrid (4.5 hours) and trains also operate hourly to Lorca and Alicante (1.5 hours).

Car Hire
In the summer months, when the area has more tourists, car hire services provide a comfortable alternative to riding the other crowded transportation systems. Car hire companies have representatives at their own receiving area at the San Javier Airport of Murcia.

Tramway Transportation
The Tramway is another alternative to get around the area. Currently there is about a mile and a half of service available but construction is currently taking place for the production of 4 more lines. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2161-travel-around-murcia-spain.html Ways to Save at Geneva Hospitality’s Resorts! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2160-ways-save-geneva-hospitality-s-resorts.html Thu, 10 Jun 2010 16:51:40 GMT The Cove of Lake Geneva – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin The Cove Loyalty... The Cove of Lake Geneva – Lake Geneva, Wisconsin

The Cove Loyalty Card
Take advantage of being a loyal Cove guest! The Cove Loyalty Card rewards guests for their continued patronage to The Cove. Make sure to show your card every time you stay at the Resort so they can mark it for you. Every mark puts you one step closer to earning a free nights stay. For more information about the Cove Loyalty Card, please call the Cove at (800) 770-7107.

Guest Referral Rewards
Cove guests can earn discounts on their next stay by referring a new guest to The Cove! To qualify, person(s) referred must be new Cove guests and must provide us with your first and last name and either mailing address or e-mail address. We will then mail or e-mail you a discount coupon good for your next stay with The Cove! It's that easy!

Meeting Planner Rewards
Book your next meeting in one of The Cove of Lake Geneva’s spacious meeting rooms and receive meeting planner rewards! The Cove is the perfect meeting venue in scenic Lake Geneva for small to
mid-sized groups.

To book your next function, email The Cove Sales Department at sales@cove-lake-geneva.com or call (880) 770-7107.

Share your Experience
Share a recent visit to The Cove of Lake Geneva with us! Let us know what you and your family did during your visit, your favorite thing about the resort, and, what made your vacation memorable overall. If you took pictures, feel free to share them as well. You may even get your experience and pictures posted up on our website! Visit www.cove-lake-geneva.com and click on the “The Cove’s Share Your Experience” link at the bottom of the page to submit you experience.

Mike Ditka Resorts – Kissimmee, Florida

Share your Experience
Have you and your family had a great experience at Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club or Lighthouse Key Resort? Let us know what you and your family did during your visit, your favorite thing about the resort, and, overall, what made your vacation memorable. You can even share pictures!

Visit www.mikeditkaresorts.com and click on the “Memories Made at Mike Ditka Resorts” link on the right hand side of the page to submit you experience.

Mike Ditka Resorts Loyalty Card
Take advantage of being a loyal Mike Ditka Resorts guest! The Mike Ditka Resorts Loyalty Card rewards guests for their continued patronage to the resort. Every time you stay at the resort, make sure to show your card so they can mark it for you. Each mark puts you one step closer to earning a free nights stay!

Become a Facebook Fan
Stay up to date with everything happening at Mike Ditka Resorts by becoming our fan on Facebook! Learn helpful information about the resort, take part in online contests, and be the first to hear about the latest specials and deals!

Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club – http://www.facebook.com/MikeDitkaRes...nawayBeachClub

Mike Ditka Resorts – Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa-
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kissim...axpipe=1&__a=3

Meeting Planner Rewards Coming Soon!
Mike Ditka Resorts has the perfect meeting facilities and amenities to keep both meeting planners and attendees happy! Amenities include: free wireless high speed internet access property wide, a 24 hour business center with print, fax, and computer usage available, and three meeting spaces, including outdoor seating, depending on the size of your group.

Stay tuned for meeting planner rewards coming soon! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2160-ways-save-geneva-hospitality-s-resorts.html The FHA 203k Home Improvement Loan in Wisconsin – Part 3 http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2159-fha-203k-home-improvement-loan-wisconsin-part-3.html Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:31:45 GMT Image:...
The FHA 203k Home Improvement Loan – Part 3

Now that you have a better understanding of the FHA 203K loan let’s look at the types of properties that are eligible for this loan.
The home or dwelling must be at least one year old and be a one- to four- unit family dwelling. Cooperative units are not eligible. If a home is to be torn down during the remodeling then at least some part of the original foundation must remain.

Not only are you allowed to repair a home but you can also pursue a conversion. For instance, you can take a one family unit and change it to a two-, three-, or four- family unit. And the reverse is also true. You could take a four-, three-, or two- unit and reduce it down to the size you require.


A condominium is also eligible for the 203K loan, but with certain restrictions. Here is a list of the restrictions:
  • The individual condo must be located in a condominium project approved by either FHA or the Department of Veterans Affairs.
  • The condo must be an owner occupied property; condos owned by investors are not allowed.
  • Only interior renovations are allowed.
  • The maximum mortgage amount may not be more than 100 percent of the value of the condo after the improvements are made.
As you can see, the primary focus of this program is aimed at helping future homeowners acquire and renovate a home with affordable financing. This strengthens the local community and allows more people to pursue the American Dream.

Detailed program information can be found on our FHA 203k page of our website.

If you missed any of the previous posts, please see below:

Part 1: Guidelines of the FHA 203K program
Part 2: How to utilize the FHA 203k program

Your local Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota and Florida Mortgage Bankers:

Toll Free: (877) 240-5810
questions@madisonmortgageguys.com
www.MadisonMortgageguys.com

Visit our main blog at
http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/blog/



On our blog:
http://www.madisonmortgageguys.com/b...vement-loan-3/ ]]> madisonmortgage http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/madisonmortgage/2159-fha-203k-home-improvement-loan-wisconsin-part-3.html Enjoy ‘Fun in the Sun’ at The Cove of Lake Geneva http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2157-enjoy-fun-sun-cove-lake-geneva.html Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:05:48 GMT What a great Memorial Day Weekend! Guests enjoyed the beautiful... What a great Memorial Day Weekend!

Guests enjoyed the beautiful weather this past Memorial Day weekend at The Cove of Lake Geneva. They had ‘fun in the sun’ as they relaxed in lounge chairs and swam in The Cove’s pools! Guest also enjoyed our first Ice Cream Social benefiting the Give Kids The World foundation where everyone had the chance to make their own ice cream sundae! The Cove will be hosting Ice Cream Socials every Saturday from 1pm to 3pm. For more information, please visit: http://www.prlog.org/10700013-the-co...the-world.html.

Another highlight of the weekend was The Cove’s opening summer band, Kojo! This great band played poolside both Saturday & Sunday afternoon and provided guests with fun, upbeat entertainment! For a complete list of upcoming summer bands, please visit: http://thecoveoflakegeneva.blogspot....g-to-live.html

Cabana Rentals at The Cove of Lake Geneva

Looking for the perfect way to relax at The Cove of Lake Geneva? Rent a poolside cabana! The cabana will help to provide you and your family with the perfect day at the pool. Plus, all cabana rentals come with a gift basket which includes snacks, sodas, beer, and drink tickets for the tiki bar. Call The Cove of Lake Geneva at (800) 770-7107 to reserve yours today!

Tiki Bar Specials

The Cove’s tiki bar opens daily at 11am serving both snacks and beverages. Stay tuned for weekly tiki bar specials coming soon! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2157-enjoy-fun-sun-cove-lake-geneva.html Enjoy a Weekend at Mike Ditka Resorts http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2156-enjoy-weekend-mike-ditka-resorts.html Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:05:18 GMT Memorial Day Recap Guests at Mike Ditka Resorts had a wonderful... Memorial Day Recap

Guests at Mike Ditka Resorts had a wonderful time this past Memorial Day weekend. Guests cooled off by swimming in the resort’s tropical themed pools, enjoyed daily drink specials from the tiki bar overlooking the scenic lagoon, and relaxed at night while enjoying our nightly “dive in” movie!

“Dive in” Movies

Be sure you don’t miss our poolside “dive in” movies! Our “dive in” movies are shown nightly in the pool area. Enjoy your night relaxing with your family while enjoying a ‘favorite’ kid friendly movie.

Disney Shuttle Vouchers

Thinking about heading out to the Disney World Parks for the day? Don’t forget to pick up your free Disney Shuttle Voucher from the front desk. When staying at Mike Ditka Resorts you will never have to worry about stressful drives and expensive parking at Disney World Parks. Just pick up your voucher and enjoy our complimentary shuttle.

We Attended Pow Wow

Sales Manager Sina Kilbourne recently made Mike Ditka Resorts big debut at the 2010 Orlando International Pow Wow held at the Orange County Convention Center May 15-19th, 2010.

The International Pow Wow is the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of Visit USA travel. This year’s event included more than 1,000 U.S. travel organizations from every region of the USA with as well as close to 1,500 International and Domestic buyers from more than 70 countries!

Mike Ditka Resorts booth featured a “Spin to Win” wheel, offering qualified travel buyers the chance to win top prizes such as an official Mike Ditka Jersey, a two night stay at the resort or an autographed bottle of Mike Ditka brand wine.

This was huge event where Sina was given the opportunity to meet with International travel buyers one on one. Sina met with some top producing players in the Wholesale market such as Virgin Holidays, Tourico Holidays, Florida Travel Network and American Tours International just to name a few, and all had a great interest in partnering with our resort!

This was truly a great opportunity to launch our property as a new supplier to the International travel industry and we look forward to seeing our occupancy increase from these new accounts! ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2156-enjoy-weekend-mike-ditka-resorts.html Enjoy Exploring The Major Cities of Isla Margarita http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2155-enjoy-exploring-major-cities-isla-margarita.html Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:04:31 GMT When staying at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, be sure to check out... When staying at Caracola Beach and Spa Resort, be sure to check out one, or all, of Isla Margarita’s major cities. Each city is sure to offer its visitors something different.

Porlamar- This is the biggest city on Isla Margarita and is known for its commercial center. It has a wide variety of shops and restaurants, sure to appeal to every taste. Boulevard Guevara, a narrow, store-lined road, is the best place to shop at good prices. The city also has two major beaches: Playa Moreno and Playa Guacuco.

Pampatar- This is the home to most of the largest shopping malls on Isla Margarita, including Sambil Margarita, Rattan Depot, Centro Commercial Avenida Bolivar, and La Redoma. It also houses the Castillo de San Carlos de Borromeo, which was constructed entirely of coral and built on the waterfront of the town center to protect the bay of Pampatar.

La Asuncion- This is the oldest city on Isla Margarita and is the capital of the Federal State of Nueva Esparta. It is also the center of the commercial and manufacturing industries, which include the growing of cotton, sugarcane, coconuts, and cassava.

Juan Griego- This city has small shopping centers and beaches but is well known for the fortress La Galera. La Galera is not far from the center of the city and it is where the fierce battle of independence was fought in the 1820’s. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2155-enjoy-exploring-major-cities-isla-margarita.html Enjoy Murcia, Spain’s Many Natural Wonders http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2154-enjoy-murcia-spain-s-many-natural-wonders.html Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:03:56 GMT Take In The Beauty of The Parque Natural de Monte el Valle While... Take In The Beauty of The Parque Natural de Monte el Valle

While staying at Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort, be sure to experience the Parque Natural de Monte el Valle, located on the outskirts of Murcia. The Parque is an abrupt landscape with marked slopes, tree-lined avenues, and ravines. It is also interesting to note that this park has 16 different flora species listed, all which are protected on a regional level. The Parque Natural de Monte el Valle is the most important natural area of Murcia and is among the four most important in Spain.

Enjoy the Beaches of Mar Menor

Murcia, Spain offers visitors some of the most beautiful beaches around, nearly all of which are located on Mar Menor, Europe’s biggest natural salt-water lagoon.

During the summer months, Mar Menor’s temperatures rise due to the shallow water and warm atmosphere, making this lagoon a hot spot for water lovers. The shallowness of this lagoon makes it the perfect location for all kinds of water sports such as windsurfing, sailing, waterskiing, and jet skiing. The salinity of Mar Menor provides a great deal of buoyancy, making it one of the safest places to swim in the world. The combination of this buoyancy and the shallowness of the lagoon make it a natural water park for people of all ages.

Take a Walk through Murcia, Spain

Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort is set within the Murcia Mountains offering all guests a magnificent setting to take in. The Murcia Mountains also offer guests miles of nature trails for walking, hiking, and horse riding. Most trails have predominantly well prepared and maintained tracks and paths, while some trails even start at various levels of the mountain so you don’t have to start at the bottom to see the breathtaking views from the top.

Caves to Explore

Why not explore a few caves on your visit? The Cave of El Puerto and The Cave of Monigotes are particularly spectacular locations and contain cave paintings in a multitude of shapes and hues. They contain many impressive stalagmites and stalactites as well. Guided tours are available in some of the caves. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2154-enjoy-murcia-spain-s-many-natural-wonders.html Latest Happenings at Geneva Hospitality’s Resorts http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2153-latest-happenings-geneva-hospitality-s-resorts.html Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:02:50 GMT Cabana Rentals at The Cove of Lake Geneva Looking for the perfect... Cabana Rentals at The Cove of Lake Geneva

Looking for the perfect way to relax at The Cove of Lake Geneva? Rent a poolside cabana! The cabana will help to provide you and your family with the perfect day at the pool. Plus, all cabana rentals come with a gift basket which includes snacks, sodas, beer, and drink tickets for the tiki bar. Call The Cove of Lake Geneva at (800) 770-7107 to reserve yours today!

Mike Ditka Resorts Attended Pow Wow

Sales Manager Sina Kilbourne recently made Mike Ditka Resorts big debut at the 2010 Orlando International Pow Wow held at the Orange County Convention Center May 15-19th, 2010. The International Pow Wow is the travel industry’s premier international marketplace and the largest generator of Visit USA travel. This year’s event included more than 1,000 U.S. travel organizations from every region of the USA as well as close to 1,500 International and Domestic buyers from more than 70 countries!

The Mike Ditka Resorts booth featured a “Spin to Win” wheel, offering qualified travel buyers the chance to win top prizes such as an official Mike Ditka Jersey, a two night stay at the resort or an autographed bottle of Mike Ditka brand wine.

This was a huge event where Sina was given the opportunity to meet with International travel buyers one on one. Sina met with some top producing players in the Wholesale market such as Virgin Holidays, Tourico Holidays, Florida Travel Network and American Tours International just to name a few, and all had a great interest in partnering with our resort!

Geneva Hospitality’s Resorts Twitter

The Cove of Lake Geneva: www.Twitter.com/TheCoveLG
Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club: www.Twitter.com/MikeDitkaRBC
Mike Ditka Resorts – Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa: www.Twitter.com/MikeDitkaLHK
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort: www.Twitter.com/CaracolaResort
Palatinum Golf Spa and Sport Resort: www.Twitter.com/PalatinumResort
Geneva Hospitality: www.Twitter.com/GenevaHOS

Become a Fan of Geneva Hospitality’s Resorts on Facebook!

The Cove of Lake Geneva: www.Facebook.com/TheCoveOfLakeGeneva
Mike Ditka Resorts – Runaway Beach Club: http://www.Facebook.com/MikeDitkaRes...nawayBeachClub
Mike Ditka Resorts – Lighthouse Key Resort and Spa: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Kis...xpipe=1&__a=17
Caracola Beach and Spa Resort: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Margar...4982155?v=wall
Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Murcia...rt/59250404059 ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2153-latest-happenings-geneva-hospitality-s-resorts.html Upcoming events at The Cove of Lake Geneva http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2152-upcoming-events-cove-lake-geneva.html Fri, 28 May 2010 13:39:32 GMT Memorial Day Weekend No plans yet for Memorial Day weekend? Spend it... Memorial Day Weekend
No plans yet for Memorial Day weekend? Spend it at The Cove of Lake Geneva, in nearby downtown Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. In addition to opening our pools this weekend and hanging out poolside listening to the live band Kojo, we will also be holding our first ice cream social of the season on Saturday morning!

Ice Cream Socials
Starting Memorial Day weekend, The Cove will be hosting ice cream socials every Saturday to benefit the Give Kids The World Foundation which is a non-profit resort in Central Florida that makes magical memories for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. The Give Kids The World program provides these children & their families with weeklong, cost free vacations that include everything from travel, accommodations at the resort, meals, donated tickets to attractions and much more.

Can’t make it out this Memorial Day weekend? Then how about spending Father’s Day Weekend with us?

Radio Disney
This Father’s Day weekend, The Cove of Lake Geneva is looking forward to having a rockin’ good time with Radio Disney on Saturday, June 19th! Your kids will enjoy dancing to their favorite songs on Radio Disney, playing games, and winning prizes by the poolside from 11 am till noon.

The fun doesn’t end there! The whole family can spend the rest of the day hanging out by the pool listening to the live band Tassi, swimming in the pools, and enjoying delicious snacks and drinks from the tiki bar!

Father’s Day Contest
And don’t forget about dad! Enter The Cove of Lake Geneva’s Father’s Day Contest for your chance to win a two night stay in a luxurious Anchor Suite for your dad! All you have to do is tell us why you think your dad deserves a getaway to The Cove of Lake Geneva. All entries must be submitted to: contest@genevahospitality.com by June 17th, 2010. The winner will be announced June 18th on The Cove of Lake Geneva’s website: www.cove-lake-geneva.com. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2152-upcoming-events-cove-lake-geneva.html Upcoming events at Mike Ditka Resorts - Runaway Beach Club http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2151-upcoming-events-mike-ditka-resorts-runaway-beach-club.html Fri, 28 May 2010 13:38:06 GMT Summer Vacation Looking for the perfect family summer vacation?... Summer Vacation

Looking for the perfect family summer vacation? Head over to Mike Ditka Resorts for great summer rates! Enjoy many great resort amenities, such as:

- Free WiFi throughout the resort
- Tanning pool with hot tub
- Tiki bar serving your favorite cocktails & refreshments
- Zero depth entry family pool with water features for the kids
- Spacious sun deck overlooking the lagoon
- Complimentary shuttle service to & from Disney
- State of the art fitness center
- Seasonal poolside activities
- Nightly poolside family movies
- Indoor basketball court
- “Da Coach’s” gift shop and sundries

Disney World Parks

While you’re here, visit any one of the Walt Disney World Theme Parks. No need to worry about the hassle of driving or expensive parking, Mike Ditka Resorts offers free shuttle services to & from Disney!

Ice Cream Socials

This summer Mike Ditka Resorts - Runaway Beach Club will be hosting ice cream socials in benefit of the Give Kids The World Foundation which is a non-profit resort in Central Florida that makes wishes come true for children with life threatening illnesses and their families. The Give Kids The World program provides these children and families with weeklong, cost free vacations that include travel, accommodations at the resort, meals, donated tickets to Disney and much more!

Father’s Day Contest

Don’t forget about dad! Enter the Mike Ditka Resorts Father’s Day Contest for your chance to win him a two night stay in a spacious one bedroom villa! All you need to do is tell us why you think your dad deserves a relaxing getaway to Mike Ditka Resorts - Runaway Beach Club. Please submit all entries by June 17th to: contest@MikeDitkaResorts.com.. The winner will be announced June 18th on the MikeDitkaResorts.com website. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2151-upcoming-events-mike-ditka-resorts-runaway-beach-club.html Learn the History of Isla Margarita http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2150-learn-history-isla-margarita.html Fri, 28 May 2010 13:35:27 GMT Are you a history buff? Be sure to check out these locations on Isla... Are you a history buff? Be sure to check out these locations on Isla Margarita when visiting Caracola Beach and Spa Resort.

Ruins of Caranta Fort

Caranta Fort is located on top of La Caranta Hill and was built between 1586 and 1595. It was originally built to shut off access to the bay and shoreline, but before it could perform this duty, it was destroyed during an attack by Dutch pirates in 1626.

Today, the ruins of Caranta Fort still have a few original cannons pointing towards the ocean that visitors can experience. La Caranta Hill also provides visitors with a world class view of the bay which is always filled with sailboats from around the world.

San Nicolas de Bari Church

The first church that was originally built on this site was looted and burned down by pirates in 1555. From there, worship was held in a home until San Nicolas de Bari Church was built 400 years later.

San Nicolas de Bari Church showcases the history of this island and is an important landmark to the locals, which makes this church a must see site when visiting.

Francisco Narvaez’s Contemporary Art Museum

Located in the heart of downtown Porlamar on Isla Margarita, you will find Francisco Narvaez’s Contemporary Art Museum. This museum was opened in 1979 to honor Francisco Narvaez’s work, who was known as one of the greatest Margaritan sculptors.

The museum contains a collection of oil paintings plus wood, stone, and bronze sculptures created by Narvaez during time spent in Caracas, Paris, and Italy. You will find contemporary works by other artists here as well.

The Diocesan Museum

The Diocesan Museum is located next to the La Virgin Del Valle Church, showcasing a diversity of offerings granted by the faithful devotes of the Virgin.

Here guests can admire all the offerings from the parishioners, the dresses of the Virgin, objects that belong to the church, and paintings where numerous scenes depict the Virgin Mary and her miracles.

The museum is open from 9 am to 12 pm, & again from 2 pm until 5 pm. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2150-learn-history-isla-margarita.html Experience the History of Murcia, Spain First Hand http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2149-experience-history-murcia-spain-first-hand.html Fri, 28 May 2010 13:33:44 GMT If you like history, be sure to check out these spot during your stay... If you like history, be sure to check out these spot during your stay at Palatinum Golf, Spa, and Sport Resort in Murcia, Spain.

The Castle of Monteagudo
Before the founding of Murcia, The Castle of Monteagudo was a place where local peasants took refuge. Later, when the city became the true capital of the territory, it became a fort and defensive watchtower of the Murcian ruler who resided in the city. In times of instability, the permanent garrison of the castle was ready to alert the defenders of Murcia to the arrival of the enemy, by way of smoke signals at day or fire at night.

The Almudi Palace
The Almudi Palace is a unique, imposing building located in the Plano de San Francisco and features many columns which recall the baroque style of Murcia.

The building was once the Law Court and today it is home to the City Archives, where the administrative documentation of the city and the "Huerta" has been kept since the XIII century. It is also an art center with an exhibition room in the grandiose hall.

Catedral de Murcia
Catedral de Murcia was created in 1394 on the site of a former mosque. The Catedral has many Renaissance and Baroque elements, although its interior is fundamentally Gothic. It features a 302 foot tower whose construction was started in 1519 and took more than two hundred years to build with the involvement of many different architects.

For those interested in the history of Murcia, Spain, Catedral de Murcia is the best attraction because this extraordinary building reflects the memory, time, art, and history of Murcia.

The Gran Casino Murcia
Rooted in the tradition of the 19th century, the Gran Casino Murcia offers visitors 35 slot machines and 10 table games including American Roulette, Blackjack, French Roulette, and Poker.

After a comprehensive rehabilitation was conducted from 2006-2009, it has been restored to its original splendor. The Gran Casino Murcia, which originally opened in 1847 as an exclusive and elite club, now provides a very enjoyable experience for the public. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2149-experience-history-murcia-spain-first-hand.html Geneva Hospitality’s Resorts Upcoming Events! http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2148-geneva-hospitality-s-resorts-upcoming-events.html Fri, 28 May 2010 13:32:27 GMT Ice Cream Socials at Geneva Hospitality’s Resorts This summer,... Ice Cream Socials at Geneva Hospitality’s Resorts

This summer, Mike Ditka Resorts - Runaway Beach Club and The Cove of Lake Geneva, will be hosting ice cream socials in benefit of the Give Kids The World Foundation which is a non-profit resort in Central Florida that makes wishes come true for children with life threatening illnesses. The Give Kids The World program provides these children & their families with weeklong, cost free vacations that include travel, accommodations at the resort, meals, donated tickets to Disney and much more! The weekly Saturday ice cream socials are all leading up to the big event "Ice Cream for Breakfast" that is taking place nationwide in July to raise awareness for this great charity!

Enter Geneva Hospitality’s Father’s Day Contest!

Do you live in the Florida Area?
Enter the Mike Ditka Resorts Father’s Day Contest for your chance to win him a two night stay in a spacious one bedroom villa! All you need to do is tell us why you think your dad deserves a relaxing getaway to Mike Ditka Resorts - Runaway Beach Club. Please submit all entries by June 17th to: contest@MikeDitkaResorts.com. The winner will be announced June 18th on the MikeDitkaResorts.com website.

Do you live in the Wisconsin area?
Enter The Cove of Lake Geneva’s Father’s Day Contest for your chance to win a two night stay in a luxurious Anchor Suite for your dad! All you have to do is tell us why you think your dad deserves a getaway to The Cove of Lake Geneva. All entries must be submitted to: contest@Cove-Lake-Geneva.com by June 17th, 2010. The winner will be announced June 18th on The Cove of Lake Geneva’s website: www.cove-lake-geneva.com.

Both The Cove of Lake Geneva and Mike Ditka Resorts are managed by Geneva Hospitality, a premier hotel/condominium management company. ]]> GHMarketing http://www.thebubbler.com/forums/blogs/ghmarketing/2148-geneva-hospitality-s-resorts-upcoming-events.html