Hard to believe that the year is coming to an end today! WOW! What a year it has been. It started with a bang, getting married in February and honeymooning in Africa from there. A close family member continues to kick cancer up and down the block! My grandmother continues to have such vigor for life, only to be attributed to her Italian blood.

My team expanded, and we continued to grow our reach in Denver known as mortgage lenders who get things done, and deliver over and over again. We had a banner year together so I am looking towards 2014 with optimism.

I was fortunate enough to be awarded a second consecutive 5 star mortgage lender, which is humbling. I also was able to get 2 continuing education classes approved through the state of Colorado to teach the Real Estate community about sweet lending programs (a la: FHA 203K loans). We are in the beginning stages of developing a new website that you will see at the end of 1st Q 2014, so be on the lookout!

As for the housing market in Denver, it is moving in the right direction. We have had numerous past clients buy up and sell their old homes for gain. Inventory has been slim, so there has been more patience for my buyers, but they have been finding good homes.

And interest rates, oddly ended where I predicted they would, in the upper 4% range at the end of the year. So that has been a hot topic this winter as well.Where will rates go? I have felt for a while that we will likely see rates in the mid 5% range by the end of next year. However, there are so many domestic and international aspects that impact our markets that could impact things alone. If the economy continues to show signs of recovery, we will see tapering, and that will lead to higher interest rates.

So we look ahead to 2014 tomorrow. And with that I leave you with this. Life is fleeting. You have one shot, and are promised nothing. There will be bumps in 2014, and so make the most of it. Walk with a purpose, and fill those blank pages with memories of those you care for and love. Surround yourself with greatness and strive for more. Be Well Colorado and Happy New Years to you all! 2014 is going to be amazing!

~ Ray Williams

Branch Manager Summit Mortgage – Denver

The Mortgage Maestro Group