The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) announced their most current data (averages for contract interest rates): 
30 Year Fixed Interest Rate = 5.82 %
15 Year Fixed Interest Rate = 5.38 %
1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage = 6.60 %
Source: Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)
The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) recently identified the main causes which have led to the subprime mortgage crisis. Their findings: Lax lending standards; irresponsible borrowers; mortgage fraud. Investor speculation was not seen as a significant cause.
The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) announced their most current data (averages for contract interest rates):
30 Year Fixed Interest Rate = 5.91 %
15 Year Fixed Interest Rate = 5.49 %
1 Year Adjustable Rate Mortgage = 6.77 %
Source: Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)
Using the Color Wheel Before You Go to The Garden Nursery This Week
There are no "right" or 'wrong" colors in plant or flower selection. It's all a matter of personal choice and creativity. Still, there are some helpful things to know. Cool Colors: Blue, Blue-Violet, Violet (Purple); Warm (Hot) Colors: Yellow, Yellow-Orange, Orange, Red; Neutral Colors: Green, Silver, Black, Brown, White.
Blue= Cool, Calm, Refreshing; (Enlarges your landscape);
Green= Life, Nature, Balance;
Red= Love, Passion, Warmth;
Yellow= Sunshine, Happiness, Hope;
Pink= Soft, Sweet, Soothing;
Purple= Comfort, Mystery, Spirituality;
Orange= Vibrant, Stimulating;
Selecting "complementary" colors on the color wheel works well in the garden as well as in the home---Reds and Greens; Purples and Yellows, etc. With any color arrangement, you can mix in neutral grays. Pots or flower beds, it works!
Interested in purples and yellows? Try salvia (many varieties; mint family, Lamiaceae) and Creeping Jenny (Lysimachia goldi or L. nummularia).
Enjoy!
[Article content solely that of Dan Bonner, part-time gardener and horticulturist, with years of broad gardening experiences, and with knowledge from many nationally-known and locally-known lawn & garden experts.]
