I’ve been in three car accidents in my lifetime, the first was on the day I got my driver’s license. I rammed the dumpster at the Dairy Queen by my home in Wilmette because I thought I had the car in reverse, panicked as the car moved forward, and slammed headfirst into it. The dumpster was full – it was during the 1982 garbage strike, and one big garbage bag fell onto my hood – it looked like a Dilly Bar pipe bomb exploded all over my car. This was before iPhones and social media so thankfully the only humiliation I suffered was a group of junior high kids making fun of me. The second accident occurred at the University of Kansas: Headed to class I put the car in reverse but didn’t move.
I pressed on the accelerator harder and still nothing. Finally, I floored it and then realized my emergency brake was on. I released the break but neglected to take my foot off of the gas – and I zoomed backward at 60mph into another dumpster. (*side note: both of those dumpster accidents occurred with a Billy Joel song playing. As a superstition now, when I‘m driving and one of his songs comes on I turn the station – the dumpsters have suffered enough. #SaveTheDumpsters).
My last accident happened in 2009 – it was raining pretty hard and I didn’t see the stop sign (*side note 2: I told the police officer, “In my defense – with the rain and all – I didn’t see the stop sign,” to which the officer replied, “In your defense open your stupid eyes.” At first, I was mad but then realized these are the same eyes that helped me get a 17 on my ACTs so I guess he was right.), I swerved to avoid a car, jumped the curb, and rammed into a funeral home sign. It would’ve been a cool story had I died because then whenever they told the story of how I passed away it would always start with, “You wanna know the definition of irony?” 2020 was a year that slowed the world down, and as hard as that was, sometimes it felt good.
I don’t know how 2021 will be but I’ll carry some of that slow-down into the year with me because I feel like that’s what Mother Earth wants us to do. Chill out. Relax. Love each other. Be kinder. Take a deep breath and tell yourself it’s okay to keep your life in park every once in a while.
Parking Quote of the Day: “Life is a journey, but don’t worry, you’ll find a parking spot at the end.” – Isaac Asimov
This Day in Economic History: It was on this day in 1983 that the government approved an increase on the federal gas tax which created funding for roads and bridges, which in turn created more jobs. Now you’re in for a treat, Mortgage Fans. What does everyone crave on a Wednesday morning? Yep – here are 15 fun facts about gasoline you’ve been waiting to read.
Wuss’up This Week: This is a big week for economic reports that can sway interest rates – being the first week of the month it’s all about jobs. Today we’ve got the ADP Employment Report, tomorrow Jobless Claims, and Friday’s biggie the Employment Numbers for December. This report is predicted to show unemployment up a tick to 6.8%. I do know Santa and his elves were working – I got a Mr. Bubble sweatshirt and a box of Midnight Milky Way bars. (*Here’s a website that ranked the 20 best candy bars – not sure I agree with them). As usual, if the numbers come in good for the economy you’ll see rates go up, and vice-versa if the numbers disappoint.
Interest Rate Update: We’re starting to see a bigger spread between purchase rates and refi rates. For instance, a 30-year fixed conforming loan (*that’s any loan at $548k or less) is at around 2.50% for a purchase and 2.875% for a refinance. 15yr fixed conforming rates are in the low-to-mid 2s. Jumbo 30-yr fixed (*over $548k) are in the high-2s/low-3s. In addition to purchase vs. refi, rates will vary based on the type of home, equity in the home, your credit score, and if you’re a dad that photoshops your kid in dangerous situations.
Don’t Forget to Remember: Any purchase or refinance loan that closes with me I will waive $595 in closing costs! Grab yourself a cup of instant karma and pass my info along to any friends, family, coworkers, or fans of nachos that can use this gift.
Parking Quote of the Day 2: “Whenever I see someone trying to parallel park I avert my eyes and continue walking, giving them the privacy they need because I’m a decent human being.” – @TomiObaro
Timeout for Trivia: Congrats to those who guessed Shannen Doherty on my last blog. Want to be entered into a drawing to win a Snoop Dogg Cook Book? Simply email me the answer to this week’s Who Am I? question. Good luck: “It was on this day in 2019 my film won Best Picture at the Golden Globes. When I say ‘my film’ I’m really saying a film about me. Well… me and three other guys, but mostly about me. My last name will make you think of outer space, and my first name – although spelled differently – will make you think of a movie serial-killer. And our name that you know us all by? Well, I named us but really, the name has nothing to do with a playing card or an empress.”
