In an examination of median monthly rental payments in relation to median monthly mortgage payments, housing economist at Capital Economics, Paul Diggle, argues that the monthly payments of both housing types are catching up to each other. According to Diggle, “A 33 percent drop fall in home prices, a plunge in mortgage rates and 15 percent rise in rents since the housing crash has evened the scales. Today, the median monthly mortgage payment of about $700 has fallen to about the level of a median monthly rent check.” Even still, who is likely to fair better in the long run – the renter or homeowner? http://on.msnbc.com/y2TdNH

• Located within 45 minutes of world-class fly fishing
• Located 80 miles south of West Yellowstone and 80 miles west of Jackson Hole, Wyoming
• Home of the world-renowned Idaho International Dance and Music Festival
• Home of Brigham Young University – Idaho, the State’s largest, private 4-year university with approximately 14,000 students

But, what really makes our Rexburg office incredible are the associates who work there. Here are some interesting facts about the capable individuals in our Rexburg office:  

• The 14 associates in this location have a combined 215 years of service in the industry
• They are all community-minded and active in various organizations including the Rotary Club, the Kiwanis, the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce, the Idaho International Dance & Music Festival, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Upper Valley Youth Association. There is even an associate who volunteers as a fireman!
• One associate has her own rock band and is a licensed hypnotherapist
• Another associate has two sons serving in the military
• Last, another associate is studying to become a forensic accountant

While these associates work hard in the office and in their community, they, also, know how to balance it with a little fun. Senior VP and Branch Manager of the Rexburg office, Daryl Olsen, points out that many of these associates are very crafty, witty, and enjoy playing practical jokes. Please join us as we recognize the remarkable people that make up our Rexburg location staff and for the lovely City of Rexburg, Idaho.

Back row - left to right: Tami Wade, Lori Hoover, Alison Banta, Janel Young, Dan Hanna, Eric Taylor, Clarence Gummow, Daryl Olsen, & Todd Davis. Front row - left to right: Vicky Hanson, Jana Bishoff, Kathy Lords, Whitney Hysell, Jennifer Schernecker, & Beck Loomis. (Not pictured: Kathlean Brown)

If you are in the market to buy a home, and depending on the housing market conditions in the area you are looking to buy in, you may have considered taking advantage of the possibility of getting a great deal on a distressed property. Similar to other types of housing transactions, understanding your options and real estate terminology when purchasing a distressed property can help you in making the decisions that are right for you. Here are some things to think about: 

• What is the difference between a short sale and a bank-owned (REO) property?
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of the purchasing process for either a short sale or REO property?
• Should I buy a distressed property at auction?
• What can a title search reveal about the property I’m interested in?

Read more at http://fxn.ws/yQei8H

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work for a Company that would allow you to plan a 30 day ‘vacation’ away from work and still get paid? There is a reason that Alliance Title & Escrow Corp. was selected as ‘one of 2010’s top 10 best places to work in Idaho’. Alliance Title truly is a great company to work for. Alliance Title has a ‘Sabbatical’ program for its employees that allow them to qualify for and take four weeks off with pay. I was able to qualify for this benefit during June/July 2011. My wife, Sheila, and I wanted to take a cruise to Alaska and have the time to enjoy our vacation. We didn’t rush through our vacation like other times but really enjoyed ourselves with four full weeks planned to perfection. It was like a wish come true. It’s no cliché, just the truth. Alliance Title & Escrow Corp. really does care about its employees and it shows. – written by Clarence Gummow, VP and Business Development Director 

Sheila and Clarence Gummow on their Alaska cruise.

If you haven’t heard already, 94%* of our customers would recommend us to a friend, colleague or real estate industry professional!

Here is what else they are saying about us…

The overall experience was really good. I’ll tell anyone that buys a home to use Alliance Title & Escrow. – Tim Z.

Alliance Title & Escrow did an amazing job for a very small piece of property. – Michael O.

Your staff was very helpful, friendly and knowledgeable…thank you! – Eric & Stacie T.

Very professional! Thanks Tami Paul! – Reed & Jonna W.

Diana Zagelow and Brandy Charlo are priceless. – Monte & Judy W.

I was pleasantly pleased overall. – Josephine S.

Very good and efficient experience! – Kathy G.

*Based on customer satisfaction survey responses.

Freddie Mac’s Primary Mortgage Market Survey this week reflected for the seventh week in a row that some average mortgage interest rates continue to decline. As of January 19th, the average rate for a 30-year fixed rate mortgage was down to 3.88% while 1-year ARM rates sank to 2.74%. On the other hand, 15-year fixed rate mortgage rates experienced a tiny increase of 0.01%, causing the average rate to come in at 3.17%. Finally, 5/1-year ARM rates stayed flat at 2.82%. http://bit.ly/zeodJQ

The Closing 203K Streamline Rehabilitation Transactions continuing education class, IREC course E0883, will be held on February 22nd from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm at the:

The course fee will be $25.00 and 3 CE elective credit hours will be offered.  To register, visit www.AllianceTitle.com or contact your local Alliance Title & Escrow Branch.

The Mortgage Bankers Association reported today that mortgage applications for refinances and originations jumped up by 23.1%. This is a consecutive increase in mortgage application activity since the New Year began when the application volume recorded showed a 4.5% increase after the holidays. Out of the surge of applications, “Refinancing activity made up 82.2% of all mortgage activity.” http://bit.ly/wHV6L5

Placing an order with Alliance Title & Escrow Corp. is just a click away. Our streamlined services on my.AllianceTitle.com make placing an order easy and environmentally friendly! Request your own login for our my.AllianceTitle.com website or access my.AllianceTitle.com as a guest. Just another way Alliance Title & Escrow works to make your transactions simple and green. https://www.alliancetitle.com/PublicSite/Tools/OnlineTools.aspx

Lynsie Odd

Customer Service Rep.

Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Lynsie joined the Coeur d’Alene Team in April 2004 as the office courier/recorder.  Since that time, she has been an escrow assistant and is currently the customer service representative; in addition, Lynsie is very versatile within the office as she assists in numerous positions. 

Lynsie was raised in Bonners Ferry, Idaho near the Canadian border where she resided through high school.   She is married to Matt Odd and has her hands full raising three boys, Kellen, Brennen and stepson Devon.  The entire family are diehard Seattle Seahawk fans and travel West to attend at least one home game each year!

In her spare time, Lynsie enjoys cooking (where she is always eager to try new recipes), gardening, fishing and hiking.  Her favorite thing to do is camping at Priest Lake with her family.