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quick question I was interested in some feedback from my fellow United States Marines. My question to you regards the use of our jungle cammies for hunting? I know that Marines are not supposed to wear our cammies off base however the digi pattern works perfectly for early season bow hunting. I cut my name tags and removed all signs of rank however I am more interested in the moral ethics behind wearing them. Does anyone have a problem with it? Might sound a little overkill that I am bringing this up however I was curious to see how other MARINES felt about it. Do you ever break em out to head out on a hunt? Just curious thanks guys and gals.

RISMEDIA, Monday, September 29, 2014— Nearly two out of three applications for mortgages to buy a home were approved in August, a new high for purchase loan approvals. The closing rate is a new high for Ellie Mae’s monthly Origination Insights reports, which began in late 2011. Since November 2011, the purchase loan average closing rate has risen 9.9 percent. However, refi closing rates have risen further, making the combine closing rate increase for both loan types 14 percent, according to Ellie Mae, the mortgage software program that processes about 3.5 million mortgages a year. In August, the closing rate for purchase loans was 65.1 percent, or about two out of every three applications. Two years ago the rate was 61.0 percent. Only 27 percent of those who got mortgages to buy houses were first-time buyers. First-timers, vital players in the housing economy, are dangerously few. Younger, with lower incomes and less established credit, many saddled with student debt, first-timers have lost 25 percent or more market share in home sales, largely because of their difficulty getting credit. REALTORS® report that despite the slow progress, access to credit is continuing to constrain the housing recovery. About 18 percent reported having clients who could not obtain financing in August 2014, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. That the vast majority of mortgage applicants applications today are not the “no doc” and “pulse loan” borrowers who existed ten years ago. Rather, a large number are pre-qualified or pre-approved by lenders who know what they are up against. They have worked hard to get their credit, debt and paperwork in order. About 50 percent of survey respondents who provided credit score information to NAR’s monthly REALTOR® Confidence Index survey reported FICO credit scores of 740 and above. Only about 2 percent of REALTORS® reported a purchase by a buyer with a credit score of less than 620. For more information, visit www.RealEstateEconomyWatch.com.

RISMEDIA, Wednesday, September 24, 2014— (MCT)—There’s been lots of debate lately in housing circles about the impact of student debt on home ownership. Now there’s a new study out that attempts to put a number on that impact: 414,000. That’s how many home sales will not happen this year because of high levels of student loan debt, according to a report from John Burns Consulting, an Irvine, Calif.-based firm that advises home builders. That’s equal to about 8 percent of all home sales, and enough to dent the housing industry by $83 billion a year. The report estimates that the number of households under age 40 that owe $250 or more each month in student loans has nearly tripled since 2005, to 5.9 million. And it projects that every $250 in monthly student loan payments decreases home borrowing and purchasing power by $44,000. Figure a typical sale price of $200,000, throw all that together, and you get $83 billion in lost sales. “We actually think it’s pretty conservative,” says Rick Palacios, director of research at John Burns Consulting. “We’re only looking at people age 20 to 40. We know there’s a big chunk of households over age 40 who have student debt, too.” The report is the latest in a growing pile of research that links rising student debt levels — overall student loan debt has nearly tripled since 2005 to $1.1 trillion — with sluggish home sales, especially among young adults. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York has found that young people with student debt are now less likely to hold a mortgage (and own a house) than people who never attended college, a reversal from long-held trends that link higher education with higher earnings and home ownership. Trade groups such as the National Association of Realtors have pointed to student debt as a key factor in the lower-than-normal rates of first-time home buyers. And it has become a growing concern for builders, which is why Palacios decided to try to put a number on it. Other studies have suggested the effect of student loans on housing may be overblown. A report by the Brookings Institute in May points out that most people who carry student debt have relatively modest monthly payments. And while the Burns report notes that 35 percent of young adults now have monthly payments topping $250, that means 65 percent have payments of less than that. There are two things nearly everyone agrees on: Student debt keeps growing. And as it does, its effect on the housing market will need more study. “We’re hoping to look more into it,” Palacios says. “It’s scary how much debt there is out there.” ©2014 Los Angeles Times Distributed by MCT Information Services

Hey guys I am a licensed Realtor for Coach here on long island. If anyone has any questions related to Real Estate in NY then feel free to ask and I will do my best to answer all of your questions!

By Robert Dietz RISMEDIA, Saturday, September 27, 2014— The August increase of the pace of new home sales pushed the months’ supply measure of inventory to its lowest level in more than a year. According to estimates from the Census Bureau and HUD, on a non-seasonally adjusted basis the inventory of for-sale newly built homes stood at 206,000 in August. This was a slight increase from the July estimate of 202,000. Of this total, 48,000 homes were completed, ready-to-occupy residences. Another 37,000 were for-sale units that had not yet begun construction. The largest component of inventory, homes under construction, came in at 121,000 in August. In August, the median months-for-sale time for new single-family homes fell to 3.3 months. This is higher than the 2.9 months registered a year ago. In terms of months’ supply (the time required for the existing inventory to be sold at the current pace of sales), the inventory of new single-family sales fell to 4.8 months (on a seasonally adjusted basis). Due to the increase in the August rate of sales, this is a notable drop from the 5.6 months’ supply reported in July and is the lowest measure of supply since June 2013. These numbers counter claims made last week that home builders are constructing new homes faster than they can be occupied. Single-family construction is occurring at a pace about half of the normal, sustainable rate determined by population growth and the need for replacement of older housing. While vacancy rates for some kinds of single-family housing remain elevated, newly built homes offer multiple benefits over older housing, including lower maintenance and upkeep costs and cost saving green and energy efficiency features. Comparing new homes with vacant, older homes, likely in need of repair/modernization or located in areas with lower levels of job creation, is comparing apples with aging bananas. View this original post on the NAHB blog, Eye on Housing.

RISMEDIA, Thursday, September 25, 2014— REALTORS® are showing tremendous interest and enthusiasm for new drone (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) technologies that could help them market listings in an efficient and environmentally sensible manner. But for now, the Federal Aviation Administration does not permit the use of UAVs for commercial purposes such as the marketing of real estate. Recently, the National Association of REALTORS® responded to the FAA’s prohibition on the use of UAVs by calling on the agency to quickly come up with a framework for commercial use of UAV technology that addresses safety and privacy concerns, but permits a commercial UAV industry to flourish. The letter outlines the following points: - The potential of using UAV technology to collect images is also a game-changer for the real estate industry. - UAV-obtained images are a cost-effective way to get more information to the consumer. The cost is very small compared to existing methods, such as driving around a property or using a private helicopter or airplane. - Just like online listings and 360 degree virtual tours, UAV-obtained imagery is a further advancement of technology that puts brokers and agents in a better position to serve their clients, and the consumers in a better place to make an informed decision. - NAR supports regulation that is appropriate for real-world use of UAV technology; regulation that permits businesses to use UAV technology while maintaining safety in the NAS and privacy of citizens. - NAR looks forward to working with the FAA to support mutual education about the realities of UAV use from both the REALTOR® and FAA perspectives. NAR is excited to create materials and resources that will inform REALTORS® about safe and responsible use of UAV technology. NAR is committed to fostering an environment for safe and responsible UAV operation.

Hey guys I am going in for an ultra sound today to find out the sex of my baby! I cant wait! Good god I hope its a boy lol. Is that wrong? I just really want to take em hunting and not have to worry about guys coming around the house when they turn 16 if its a girl. Then again I guess I can still take a girl hunting I just don't know how I would feel about shooting a deer in front of a little girl. Anyone take there little girls hunting? So pumped ill keep you posted with the updates!

By Ann Wynter RISMEDIA, Thursday, September 18, 2014— Even when a move goes off without a hitch, it can still be one of life’s most stressful events. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard by a case of identity theft just as you’re settling into your new home. Unfortunately, moving can put a big target on your back for identity thieves. “Transporting documents and electronic devices that contain sensitive personal information, leaving a residence unoccupied and [losing] misdirected mail are all risks associated with moving,” says Stacey Vogler, managing director of insurance company Protect Your Bubble. If your stress levels are skyrocketing at the thought of having your identity stolen in the middle of your next move, take a deep breath and follow these five tips for protecting yourself against identity theft. 1. Choose a Reputable Moving Company. While a great moving company can make your relocation easier and more efficient, dishonest movers can quickly turn the process into a nightmare. Don’t forget that moving professionals often have direct access to your private possessions and information, so you always should do research to make sure a company is trustworthy. Before you hire a mover, read customer reviews online and view a company’s rating with the Better Business Bureau, recommends Robert Siciliano, identity theft expert with BestIDTheftCompanys.com. 2. Keep Sensitive Documents Safe. If you’re holding on to a large number of old bills and financial records, reduce your risk by getting rid of sensitive documents you don’t need. “Sort through stored paperwork to determine what should be moved to the new location and what can be discarded,” Vogler says. Just make sure you’ve got a shredding machine handy to prevent identity thieves from combing through your trash or recycling bins for valuable information. Organize all the sensitive documents you want to keep and separate them from the belongings your movers will be handling. Vogler recommends storing your most important records—including passports, birth certificates and Social Security cards—in a locked safe that stays with you during the move. 3. Safeguard Electronic Information. As more information is stored online and on electronic devices, it’s increasingly important to make sure no one gains access to your computers, tablets or smartphones while you’re in the midst of moving. If you’re discarding, donating or selling old electronics before your move, thoroughly wipe all data from those devices. Keep your other devices safe with password protection before the movers show up. 4. Direct Your Mail to the Right Place. Even if you shred or lock away all your existing sensitive information, you still need to consider the documents that are on their way to you. Financial records mailed to the wrong address easily can put you at risk for fraud, so be sure to set up a change of address with the U.S. Postal Service before you move, Vogler says. To further prevent these records from falling into the wrong hands, get in touch with your financial institutions and verify that they have your new address on file, says Eva Velasquez, president and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center. 5. Consider a Credit Freeze. For even more peace of mind during your next move, Siciliano recommends investing in a credit freeze. The reason? When an identity thief steals your information and tries to open up new lines of credit, lenders typically run a credit check. “With a credit freeze, nobody can check your credit until you personally unlock the freeze,” Siciliano says. Without access to this information, lenders are much less likely to grant a thief a new line of credit under your name. To put this safeguard in place, you’ll need to contact each of the three credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion), follow their credit freeze procedures and pay a small fee (usually $3 to $15) to each bureau. While you could opt for a fraud alert to protect your credit, Siciliano recommends a credit freeze because a fraud alert lasts for only three months. “A credit freeze is forever,” he says. Putting a freeze in place gives you one less thing to worry about during your next move—and all future moves. For more moving tips, visit the moving tips section of SpareFoot.com.

RISMEDIA, Thursday, September 18, 2014— First impressions are everything and your home is no exception. When your home is listed for sale, you'll want the initial look to create a positive impression that invites house hunters indoors to see what's inside. "You should be getting your home picture-ready as soon as you know for sure that you'll be selling it. The more time you have, the better," says Brett Furman, a real estate professional from St. Davids, Pennsylvania Furman stresses following these 12 tips to enhance your home's curb appeal: 1. Keep your lawn mowed and maintained. 2. Spruce up your existing landscape. Trim shrubs and bushes and clean up any dead leaves. 3. Add a splash of color by planting seasonally-appropriate flowers. 4. Keep your garage door closed. 5. Keep cars off the driveway 6. Make sure kids' bikes, skateboards and other toys are not blocking the front door. 7. Paint your front door and replace hardware. 8. Clean windows that can be seen from the front yard. 9. Make sure pets are in a secure place. 10. Place a nice, clean doormat at the front door. 11. Seep front porch and clean outdoor furniture. 12. Keep sidewalks clear. If it's winter, make sure ice and snow are removed. "Potential buyers will look at your home via pictures on the Internet first and then in person. The first few photos are usually outdoor shots. This is why keeping your home well-maintained from the outside is most important," says Furman. Sources: www.BrettFurman.com, www.homesellerhandbook.com

By Carolyn Bigda RISMEDIA, Tuesday, September 16, 2014— (MCT)—It was a silly oversight. Back in high school, I had worked for my town’s library and accumulated a tiny retirement savings account. Years later, I was told I could transfer the funds to another retirement plan. If I did nothing, I’d get a check for the balance, minus taxes and a penalty. Can you guess which one happened? Cashing out of a 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan is common, especially among young workers. According to a study by Boston-based Fidelity Investments, 41 percent of plan participants ages 20 to 39 cashed out a 401(k) when leaving their job from Jan. 1 to Sept. 30 last year, the highest of any age group. The trend is concerning because young workers, many of whom change jobs frequently, forfeit years of compound growth when they empty their retirement savings. Plus, in most cases, money that’s withdrawn from a retirement plan before you turn age 591/2 is subject to income taxes, as well as an early withdrawal penalty of 10 percent. “The last thing you should do is cash out,” says Meghan Murphy, director of thought leadership at Fidelity. So, what should you do? Roll it over. Most financial planners recommend rolling your 401(k) balance directly into another retirement account. In doing so, the cash stays out of your hands (and the temptation to spend), and you won’t owe taxes or fees. In many cases, you can roll the money into your new employer’s retirement plan. Not all companies accept a 401(k) rollover, so check with your human resources department. Andrew Sloan, a financial planner in Louisville, Ky., likes this option because many 401(k) plans give employees access to low-cost institutional funds. What’s more, your 401(k) funds, including future contributions, will be in one account, making it easier to track. Unfortunately, transferring money from one 401(k) to the next is not always easy. A report last year by the Government Accountability Office found that investors often face plenty of red tape, as well as waiting periods, to roll funds from one employer plan to the next. Plus, not all 401(k) plans offer a diverse set of funds or charge low fees, especially smaller employer plans. As an alternative, you can transfer your 401(k) balance directly into a rollover individual retirement account. Again, you won’t owe taxes and fees when you do a direct transfer. You may also have more investment choices within an IRA. “You have total control over your own money and can invest it however you wish,” says Debra Morrison, a financial planner in Lincoln Park, N.J. And you can choose “index mutual funds and keep the costs lower than a majority of corporate plans.” Morrison says that once you set up a rollover IRA, you can later decide to convert all or part of the balance into a Roth IRA. If you do so, you’ll owe income taxes on the money you convert. “That’s why I recommend waiting until November of the year to determine what your taxable income will be and, thus, what your tax bracket will be before making the conversion,” Morrison says. But once you’ve switched to a Roth, your money will grow tax-free, and qualified withdrawals will be tax-free too. Leave the money be. Don’t want to bother with a rollover? If your balance exceeds $5,000, you have the option to leave your money in your former employer’s 401(k) plan, which may be a good idea if you like the investment choices in the account and fees are reasonable. If your balance is $5,000 or less, though, your employer may opt to transfer the money into an IRA for you or send you a check for the balance of your savings, minus 20 percent for federal income taxes, plus any state taxes. You’ll get a notice before it happens, so pay attention to communication from your former employer — unlike me. Carolyn Bigda writes Getting Started for the Chicago Tribune.