Dean Foust over on BusinessWeek’s Hot Property Blog is predicting the future and I think there is merit to his vision. Dean’s post The mortgage mess of…2012 is about the impending trouble in the reverse mortgage market.

Concern over the jobless subprime scalpers, now jobless, is what has Dean worried. He sees a perfect opportunity for these floaters to gravitate toward the reverse mortgage market which should be heating up as more and more boomers look for ways to draw equity out of their houses.

We’re already seeing the over-the-hill celebrities showing up on commercials encouraging folks to go out and get a reverse mortgage. It’s the same crowd of people who encouraged American homeowners to treat their homes like ATM machines with home equity loans.

I find it appalling that people with a certain amount of celebrity will participate in brainwashing campaigns that will put many people in worse financial straits. Oh, I hear their rationalization, I just think they’re full something worse than crap – lack of integrity.

I don’t watch a lot of TV and even fewer commercials these days, so correct me if I’m wrong – I have never seen a celebrity or financial institution using a TV campaign to encourage people to learn how to manage their finances better. It’s all about encouraging people to go deeper in debt, while they consolidate their bills. The problem is that many people, consolidate and then run up more debt and consolidate and run up more debt until their piggy bank house looks like this poor fellow.

America may be land of opportunity, but a large part of it is a society of insatiable need, instant gratification, and constant churning of new stuff that never really satisfies.

I hear it all the time – people are looking for meaning, depth and quality in their life. Many of them don’t even know their neighbors.

Sweeping Changes at KTVU. That’s what we’re hearing out with the seasoned pro, out with experience, out with the numerous awards and in with – the what?

We hear that Mark Curtis may be swept out and we are asking – why? Is it a pizzazz thing? Do we need a fresh face? Is it ratings? Chances are it’s one of those – we haven’t done anything spectacular in a while things, so let’s just make some sweeping changes to shake things up.

It’s the trademark of modern journalism that makes it what it is today – entertainment and gossip not news or journalism.

Here is something that many don’t know abut Mark – he volunteers to host, speak, and participate in virtually any activity in the Bay Area that ask for his time, and does it for ZERO cost to the group or individual. I don't know of many other TV personalities that would participate in so many, let alone do it all for free.

One more reason to sweep Mark under the rug or out the door, the last thing we need in journalism is people truly dedicated to their community.

FREE Computer, Monitor & TV Recycling

Recycle your electronics and E-Waste and help to raise money to prevent breast cancer.

The San Ramon, CA center will take all e-waste items including: TV’s, computers, monitors, cell phones, laptops, servers, digital cameras, hubs, switches and more – working or not.

They also offer free hard drive / data destruction.

Contact info: (925) 735–7203 Website: RecycleForBreastCancer.org

Many Californians are looking out of state for real estate investment properties. The high cost of California real estate has many investors, especially new investors, looking for housing markets to invest in where the cost of entry is low and projected growth is high.

This is the exact strategy at the core of Northpoint Group’s business model. Northpoint has identified over half a dozen markets in the U.S. where the average investment property is between $180K to $280K. Investors will need an average of 20% down, but Northpoint forecasts appreciation in the 7% to 12% range.

The Harper Team would like to welcome Rob Borghese from Northpoint aboard as one of our Out-of-State Investment Coordinators. We have been wanting to add out-of-state real estate investing as part of the service and value we bring to our clients.

Meet Kathleen Rushing. Kathleen is a San Ramon, CA neighbor of ours.

BINGO SCHMINGO is a Language Development Program created by Kathleen. She sings and interacts with her audience, offering creative musical, language and social experiences to promote phonemic awareness, rhythm and rhyme. Kathleen involves children in crafting new innovations to her songs, allowing for playful and meaningful language experiences.

BINGO SCHMINGO has been developed over 40 years experience playing guitar and leading children in song. BINGO SCHMINGO is a culmination of her study and understanding of the importance of music in a child’s intellectual, emotional and social growth and through observation of how children learn best - through fun! Kathleen sings and plays mandolin, bouzoki and guitar in 2 Dublin, CA based bands: Extended Roots, an Irish band, and GrassFire, a Bluegrass Band.

When Kathleen is not touring with BINGO SCHMINGO she is a Kindergarten teacher at Pioneer Elementary School in Union City, CA. A CLAD* certified, credentialed teacher with an Early Childhood Education degree, Kathleen integrates music into all areas of her curriculum.