The new Economic Stimulus package, presented earlier this month, may impact the economy larger than expected.  The Economic Stimulus package includes increasing the federally insured and conventional loan limits.  This should make the American dream of home ownership safer and more affordable, for the time being.  The conforming loan limits are currently at $417,000 and will be increased to $729,250, until the end of the year.  Since California is a high-cost state, and the median home priced in North San Diego County is well over $500,000, economists estimate an increase in sales of more than 250,000 homes purchased nationwide.

Presently, there is an excellent inventory of homes on the market, combined with below-normal interest rates, in addition to homes priced lower than they have been in years, defines a true buyer’s market.

Buyers beware of a good thing, remain cautious and never get greedy!  Don’t wait to see the bottom of the market.  This will more than likely lead to missing the best buying conditions.

Be prepared and get your financing in order, to determine how much home you realistically can afford. You can do this by applying online on this secure website.  There are also mortgage calculators here on the site that will give you a realistic loan amount and purchase price that you can afford.  

Getting a Realtor in place is also very important!  A real estate professional will help you find the right home, negotiate the best price and make you a player so that you can take advatage of the buyer’s market in 2008.

Networking Event - Merlot Mortgage Sponsoring PWR Members

May 22, 2008 - 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Free & Complimentary way to shop for Cookie Lee jewelry to enchance your business wardrobe & network at the same time.  Cookie Lee jewelry will be on display to try on and place orders.  Wine, Cheese & Light Snacks along with Dessert & Coffee will be served. 

Located at Morgan Hill Clubhouse at 44994 Frogs Leap Street, Temecula, CA  92592 (951) 587-9352.  RSVP if you plan on attending is a must for entry - (951) 240-5202  - Melanee Lay, Broker - Owner of Merlot Mortgage. (Member of PWR, Temecula Vly Chamber of Commerce & Affiliate Member of So. Riverside Cty. Assoc. of Realtors.

Professional Women’s Rountable (PWR) - Luncheon Meeting

May 1, 2008 - 11:15 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Located at Sizzler in Temecula, on Jefferson

Monthly luncheon includes time for networking, socializing, an informative guest speaker and making worthwhile connections in the community.  Activities include non-profit and raising money for scholarships.  All are welcome to attend and annual membership dues are $99. 

*** Merlot Mortgage offers 1 free hour of consultation, credit repair and rescoring.  Apply online now on our secure website.  Check out industry articles, articles of interest and community events in our blogger section at www.merlotmortgage.org ***

Preparing a romantic dinner tonite for your loved one?  Here is a dinner menu to include in your celebration of  Valentine’s Day!  This delicious meal is easy to prepare and sure to please.  Put some candles around the room to create a romantic atmosphere.  

                              Valentine’s Dinner Menu

               Appetizer - Wild Mushroom Phyllo Purses

               Salad - Mixed Greens

               Entree - Pan Seared Pork Chops, accompanied by

               Wine Braised Leeks, Oven Crisped Red Potatoes

               Dessert - Glitzy Chocolate Puddings

This menu goes well when paired with 3 various wine choices; Merlot, Bordeaux or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Recipe for:   Glitzy Chocolate Puddings

These puddings may be low-effort, but they’re showstoppers:  Without fail, you can expect a greedy silence to fall over the table as soon as you put them out.

MAKES 8

1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature

2 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped

2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped

1/3 cup flour

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1/8 tsp. salt

4 eggs

1 cup sugar

For the glaze:

3 Tbsp. unsalted butter

5 ounces bittersweet chocolate,  chopped

One 1 ½ to 2 ounces toffee candy bar or peanut brittle, pistachio nuts chopped

1.  Preheat oven to 350 °. Set eight 1-cup ovenproof custard or coffee cups on a rimmed baking sheet.  In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add chocolate, cover, and remove from heat.  Let stand 3 to 5 minutes, or until chocolate is melted.  Stir until blended, and set aside to cool.  In a medium bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and salt until combined.

2.  Combine eggs and sugar in a large bowl.  Using electric mixer on high speed, beat together until thickened and pale, about 2 minutes.  Reduce mixer speed to low and beat in melted chocolate until just combined.  Add flour mixture and fold in by hand until just combined.  Spoon into cups, dividing evenly.  Bake until puddings are just set in center, about 25 minutes.  Set on rack to cool.

3.  Prepare the glaze: In the same saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Add chocolate, cover, and remove from heat.  Let stand 5 minutes, or until chocolate is melted.  Stir together until blended, and spoon over puddings.  Garnish with chopped candy or pistachio nuts and serve warm.

These puddings have the texture of a moist brownie and will deflate in the center as they cool. 

For a no-mess method of making the crumbled topping for the puddings, put candy or nuts in a plastic bag and have at it with a rolling pan.  ENJOY!