Happiness Index: Nebraska Nabs Top Spot

According to MainStreet.com’s happiness index, Nebraska is the “happiest” state in the nation. The top ranking is a result of the following rankings… Nebraska ranked #2 overall in lowest number of foreclosures, #2 overall in lowest unemployment rates, and #5 in lowest percentage of non-mortgage debt by income.

By comparison, Hawaii ranked the 4th happiest state. Hawaii ranked #21 overall in lowest number of foreclosures, #14 overall in lowest unemployment rates, and and #1 in lowest percentage of non-mortgage debt by income.

Is happiness tied to employment and income?

幸福は気持ちの問題？
MainStreet.comのハッピネス　インデックスによるとネブラスカ州がナンバー１の”幸福”な州。　ネブラスカは下から数えて2番目にフォークロージャー率が低く、2番目に失業率が低い。そして5番目に住宅ローン以外の借金が低い州。

それに比べて、ハワイはナンバー４の幸福な州。　フォークロージャー21番目、失業率14番目、そして住宅ローン以外の借金が1番低い州。

幸福とは就業率と借金と結ばれている？

According to Freddi Mac, the national average of interest rate last week has dropped to the lowest ever since 1971.  This historical low interest rate is sparking a big refinancing boom among homeowners trying to lower their monthly payments, shorten the life of their loans, or convert from adjustable rate to fixed rate mortages. It’s expected that more people will refinance as word of the low interest rates spread. Check out the Honolulu Advertiser article.

Ofcourse… when rates are this low, it’s also a great time to buy.

突然のリファイナンスブーム

フレディーマックの調査によると　先週の全国平均住宅ローン利率が１９７１年以来の低率になったことがわかった。　この歴史的な利率は　持ち家がある人の間で突然のリファイナンスブームを巻き起こす原因となった。　ホノルルアドバタイザーの記事を読む

About 2,400 Hawai’i homeowners who are behind in mortgage payments or are being threatened with foreclosure may gain some help from lender Countrywide Financial Corp. and its parent company, Bank of America.  Eligible owner occupants may be eligible to modify the terms of their Countrywide loans.  Relief may also come in the form of reduced interest rates, loan modifications, and reduction in principal balances.  Check out the Honolulu Advertiser article.