The "BLOG"

Good News about Mortgage Rates and Market Activity

2011-06-15T14:57:00.008-04:00

The Mortgage Bankers Association announced that its seasonally adjusted index of mortgage applications increased by 13% in the week ending June 10, 2011. This was the biggest gain since March. This index includes both refinance and purchase transactions.

Total Breakdown:

Refinance application were up 16.5%
Purchase applications were up 4.5%

Declining Rates:

The group went on to point out that Mortgage rates have dropped for 8 of the past 9 weeks.

Contact Dwyer Law:

If you are considering refinancing your property or purchasing a new one and are looking for assistance with the process, please feel free to give us a call (Initial consultations are free).

Final Thoughts:

If you are a first time homeowner or looking to upgrade, NOW is a good time to get off the fence and into the Market. And, if you are already a home owner NOW is a good time to contact your mortgage consultant to see if you can lower your monthly payments.

For more information see: http://http//www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/15/us-usa-economy-mortgages-idUSTRE73C1ZG20110615

ANNOUNCEMENT

2011-04-19T14:24:00.004-04:00

We're pleased to announce that Attorney John Spino has joined the firm as "Of Counsel" to provide full estate planning services for our clients. John brings over 12 years of experience to the firm. John will work with you to determine what estate plan is the best plan for you and your family.

In addition, he'll focus on minimizing the tax liabilities that may be present and on avoiding or minimizing the impact of probate. John accomplishes this by collaborating with you, your Financial Planner and your Tax Advisor to develop a customized Estate Plan that meets your individualized needs and concerns.

John also has the experience to assist you in all phases of the estate administration and probate. He understands the role of an Executor, Administrator, Personal Representative or other interested party and knows how to ease the administrative burdens of estate administration.

We invite you to contact our office to schedule a free, no obligation consultation with John. Call (617) 244-2665.

Team Pie It Foward Raises $17,350.00

2011-03-03T12:42:00.004-05:00

For the second year in a row, we were a proud member of team Pie It Forward. The following is our 2010 press release:

Thanks to generous support from family, friends and clients, Team Pie It Forward sold 604 pies raising $17,350 for “Pie in the Sky” annual bake sale held by Community Servings. From late October to a few days before Thanksgiving, “Pie In The Sky” made history – raising over $500,000 with over 14,000 pies sold by hundreds of volunteers.

True to our namesake; Team Pie It Forward donated gift pies to the United States Marine Corps “Toys for Tots” in Boston to show our appreciation for their service to our country and their continued dedication to make the holidays a little brigher for so many children.

Team Pie It Foward celebration dinner at Eastern Standard

Team Pie It Forward 2010 members: Tamela Roche, Mike Bavuso, Brian Jurgens, Karen Coleman, Brooke Kavoogian, Joseph Aceto, Kathleen Wentworth, Janet Picinich, Andrew Sheehan and Patrick F. Dwyer & Associates. Meet the Team Members below! Special Thanks to the volunteers who helped us at Pie Central - Ryan Moore and Walker Christie!

Team Pie It Forward delivered 150+ pies to local companies such as Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Cambridge Offset Printing, Leader Bank, Patriot Financial Group and for Patrick F. Dwyer & Associates thanks to the generosity of Mike Bavuso, President of Big Foot Moving & Storage, Inc. and his entire crew who donated their services to deliver thousands of pies to pick-up locations throughout greater Boston.

Thanks to all of our clients and friends who purchased pies and/or donated money!

What to buy? Large or Small Condominium?

2011-02-24T10:37:00.009-05:00

About a month ago, there was a very interesting article in the Boston Globe by Kris Frieswick, regarding the struggles of living in a small condominium. The article, called "Home Sweet Hell", chronicled the neighborly battles of a few small condominium homeowners, which were anything but neighborly. So, what's better? Living in a small condominium or large condominium? This is a difficult question to answer, and the answer will vary from person to person. Here are a few important considerations when choosing between a small and large condominium:

Small Condominium (2-10 units)
- Typically self-managed
- Involved in all aspects of decision making; budget
- Less privacy; very familiar with neighbors
- Less amenities
- Lower association fees

Large Condominium (10+ units)
- Typically have property manager
- Decisions usually left to manager and handful of trustees
- More privacy; owners can blend in
- Typically more amenities: concierge, indoor parking, etc.
- Higher association fees

In either case, it's very important to read the condominium documents when purchasing a condominium unit. It's also important to have any attorney represent your interests when purchasing. A good attorney will thoroughly review the documents on your behalf. Lastly: REMEMBER TO ASK QUESTIONS! You're making a large investment, know what you're getting yourself into!

Client Selected To Design First Night Pin!

2010-11-18T13:18:00.003-05:00

Congratulations to client and local artist Scott Listfield! Scott's artwork was selected for this year's official First Night button!

You can check out more of Scott’s artwork on his website, astronautdinosaur.com or at the Laconia Gallery, 433 Harrison Avenue, starting December 3.

Patrick Dwyer featured in Mass Lawyer's Weekly Article

2010-11-15T15:07:00.002-05:00

Reprinted with the permission of Mass Lawyer's Weekly

Lawyers compete in grueling triathlon
By Mass. Lawyers Weekly Staff
Published: November 1, 2010
Iron clad

Two local lawyers recently ventured to the land of leis, but they weren't relaxing in chaise lounges or sipping daiquiris under palm trees. Patrick F. Dwyer and Timothy W. Tapply went to Hawaii to compete in one of the planet's most grueling races: the Ironman World Championship. The pair swam 2.4 miles through a bay, biked 112 miles across scorching lava fields, and ran a 26.2 mile marathon - all in the same day. "I'm still sick," says Tapply of Brand & Associates in Wellesley. "I've been sick since the day after the race. It takes so much out of you physically." It was Tapply's first Ironman triathlon on the Big Island, while Dwyer, who practices in Newton, had raced in two other events in previous years and fared a little better after the Oct. 9 race. "When I did my first Ironman, I was a mess afterward," Dwyer says. "But as you do more of these, your body becomes less fatigued afterward. I could have run a couple of days later. I was fine." Tapply, 35, completed the race in 9 hours, 30 minutes and 1 second. Dwyer, 39, posted a time of 10:09: 28. The winner, a 37-year-old accountant, reached the finish line in 08:10: 37. Dwyer says his body "suddenly locked up" during the run, forcing him to walk the last 13 or so miles and lose time. "Part of it was dehydration and other things," he says. "The physical issues on the run prevented me from having the day I wanted to have." Dwyer and Tapply say they spent dozens of hours training for the event. Tapply locked himself in the furnace room at his house and pedaled a stationary bike for hours on end while wearing a thick hat and heavy clothing to prepare for the Hawaiian heat. The two attorneys ran together and worked out before and after work. The preparation, they say, was more difficult than the race itself. "Ironman training takes so much time that it really limits the work week, especially as the owner of a small firm," Dwyer says. "Whereas some attorneys stay and work late at night, I'm typically trying to get home at a reasonable hour so I can get my workouts in ... and in bed at a reasonable time, so I can get up to get my workouts in." Dwyer kept up with his lawyering by e-mailing clients and colleagues between workouts, he says, adding that the life of a triathlete is not all sweat and pain. The local triathlons he and Tapply compete in throughout the year offer networking opportunities that have netted new clients. "There's a large community of triathletes in the area from all walks of life," he says. "For me, triathlon is my golf course. But instead of hitting the greens, I'm on the bike or at races." Triathlons can pay off for lawyers in other ways, too, Tapply says. "Personally, I gain a great deal of confidence knowing that working diligently yields results," he says. "That is absolutely something I take with me every time I set foot in a courtroom."

2010-10-28T14:25:00.002-04:00

It’s that time of year again! We’re selling Thanksgiving Pies on behalf of PIE IN THE SKY, a fundraiser on behalf of Community Servings which prepares and delivers nutritious meals to over 750 individuals and families with HIV/AIDS, cancer, Lupus, MS and other acute, life threatening illnesses.

Each pie is made by a local chef, baker or caterer, including the likes of Mistral, Lumiere, and Blue Ginger, just to name a few. You can choose from Apple, Pecan, Pumpkin and Sweet Potato pies. Pies sell for $25, and while you may be able to purchase a pie cheaper elsewhere, you won’t get one that’s tastier or more rewarding! For those big spenders, there are also special Raffle Pies for $75, which are gift-wrapped and include the chance to win one of ten fabulous prize packages.

Pies can be picked up the day before Thanksgiving. There are over 40 pickup locations throughout eastern Massachusetts, so you can select the location that is most convenient to you. Furthermore, if you order 20 or more pies (to be delivered to any one location), we’ll personally deliver them to you. And, if you’re going to be out of town during the holiday, please consider buying a pie to donate to one of the individuals or families mentioned above.

Last year, PIE IN THE SKY raised over $435,000.00 in support of Community Servings. Our pie-selling team, PIE IT FORWARD, raised close to $16,000.00! But, we’re out to top that this year! Please join us in raising money for this great cause.

HOW DO I ORDER? It couldn’t be easier! Just click on the link below:

WWW.PIEINTHESKY.ORG/DWYER

Or, feel free to stop by the office or call us at (617) 244-2665 to order your pies or ask any questions you might have.

Thank you for helping us PIE IT FORWARD in 2010!

Shira Steinberg launches her new blog...

2010-10-18T13:42:00.004-04:00

Hey, check out Shira Steinberg's new blog....Brookline Daily Homes! Shira's an agent with Keller Williams, and her new blog provides readers with a snapshot of the Brookline market...using some innovative tools! Be on the lookout as she plans to launch similar websites for Boston, Newton and Cambridge in the near future.

We're on You Tube!

2010-10-18T13:09:00.002-04:00

Patrick Dwyer was recently interviewed by Jason Highland of Keller Williams Metro Boston, regarding residential real estate transactions in Massachusetts. The video can be found on You Tube, as well as on Jason's Facebook page. Enjoy....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1JxcTRsm_M

Follow Pat on his 2010 journey...

2010-06-07T07:37:00.008-04:00

Since we've been a bit neglectful in updating the Blog as of late, we'd thought we'd try something new. As many of our clients and friends know, Pat Dwyer is avid (and sometimes serious) triathlete, having competed at the Ironman World Championships in Hawaii in both 2008 and 2009. Well, he's promised us that this is his last year of ironman and half ironman competition for the forseeable future. So, he's training very hard and focused on making 2010 a memorable year. In the past, Pat has kept his own blog about training and racing, which he's shared with family and very few others. This year, he's sharing it with you. You can keep track of Pat all season long by clicking HERE or going to pdwyer.blogspot.com.

(pictured: Friend and client, Mike Williams and Pat after the

2008 Ironman World Championships in Kona)

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-23T07:24:00.006-05:00

We wanted to take a minute to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. This season the firm was involved with two great causes. The first was Community Servings' Pie in the Sky program, where we teamed up with other fantastic professionals to form the team "Pie It Forward". Pie It Forward raised close to $16,000.00 with over 500 pies sold! We also participated in a grass roots cause, whereby teams and individuals create holiday baskets for families in need. Here are a few pictures of what went into our basket:

We encourage everyone to go the extra mile, especially this year with the economy being hit so hard. Whether it's getting involved in a worthwhile cause, buying a pie for charity or just contributing the extra $1 at the grocery store....everything counts!

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us!

FIRST TIME HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT NEWS AND CHANGES

2009-11-06T13:25:00.005-05:00

As part of the Government’s efforts to encourage people to spend money to help restart the strongest engine of the American economy, the House and the Senate have voted to expand a popular tax credit for home buyers. The Bill, now goes to President Obama, who plans to sign it today.

The Bill extends the time frame for the $8000.00 credit to first time homebuyers and adds a new component for existing Homeowners who have remained in their homes for five of the last eight years and are selling their primary residences. These Home Owners may be entitled to up to $6,500.00 in tax credits.

For a more detailed breakdown of the new changes click HERE.

The above Link from the National Association of Realtors has been provided by Rachel Hillman of Realty Executives. http://www.rachelhillman.com/

Help Us "PIE IT FORWARD"

2009-11-03T12:58:00.006-05:00

This season, we've teamed up with other great professionals to partner with PIE IN THE SKY (part of Community Servings), a charity that sells pies each year at Thanksgiving to raise money towards feeding terminally ill patients and their families. You have the option of purchasing a pie for $25 or a raffle pie for $75, which includes an apple pie and the chance to win a great prize like tickets to a Celtics game or a trip to Newport, among other things. The pies are also really good. These are not store bought, frozen pies, mind you. Rather, each pie is made by a local chef, baker or caterer (from many well known establishments), who has donated his or her time. Once you order a pie or pies, there are over 40 pickup locations throughout eastern Massachusetts to choose from, so you can select a location that is convenient to you. Furthermore, if you order 25 or more pies a volunteer will personally deliver the pies to you. Orders need to be placed before November 18th, so please don’t delay!!!! Please follow the instructions below to place your order….or you can just click HERE and click on “Patrick Dwyer”. You can also place an order by calling our office at (617) 244-2665. More information about the program and team members can be found at our team website (http://pieinthesky.org/events/myteam.cfm?event=47&ID=159). Please help us support this great cause!

"Conversion, Confessed"

2009-04-24T07:13:00.006-04:00

Below is a new writing from Daniel Thomas Moran ("Dan"), a now "local" poet from the South End (and client and freind of the firm). Those of you who follow the Blog may remember that we posted another piece from Dan called "Stripe-less in Boston" back in 2008. Dan submitted "Stripe-less..." after he and his wife, Karen, purchased their new South End condo and viewing his first Sox game. This time, Dan was in to take advantage of the great interest rates! At any rate (pun intended), it's always a pleasure to see Dan and Karen...and Dan never fails to arm us with some great writing! Enjoy...

A Conversion, Confessed
by Daniel Thomas Moran

In 1957, my Father experienced two earth-shaking events. He became a father for the first time, as a result of my arrival in March, but more importantly he suffered a loss from which he has yet to recover. That was the year The Dodgers left Brooklyn. And he is not the only one who has never gotten over that fact. Since then, my Father refuses to watch baseball at all. There are still a lot of people in Brooklyn just like him. To those familiar with New York City, it is very much a city of neighborhoods. It is less so now, but for many, many years people defined themselves by their ethnicity and by the neighborhood they came from. There were Irish in The Bronx, The Italians in Bensonhurst, Blacks in Harlem, Jews in Williamsburg. Often people could tell what your ethnicity was by knowing where you lived. My Italian Great-grandmother lived in Red Hook for 35 years and never learned to speak a word of English. It is more complicated today, with many more groups, but it is essentially the same. With these identities came rivalries which ran deeper than the subways and thicker than the water in The East River. Some of these rivalries were practiced with dirty looks and the occasional fist-fight, but mainly they were fought on baseball diamonds. When I was born, there were 16 major league ball teams and three of them played their home games in New York, ie., The Yankees, The Giants and Dem Bums, The Brooklyn Dodgers. Everyone knew baseball. If you could not get to Ebbets Field or The Polo Grounds or The Stadium up in The Bronx, if you had one, you listened to the game on the radio. Everyone had their favorite team. Beyond that, and almost as important, it was mandatory to absolutely hate the other two. By the time I was old enough to root, I had little choice. Remember, my Father was a Dodger fan and no one hated The Yankees like a Dodger fan, and I liked the idea of eating regularly and sleeping indoors, so I made the default move and went for The Mets. The Mets were a pathetic bunch of clowns sent out to Queens (of all places) to somehow replace both The Dodgers and The Giants, who had both fled New York for California. New York baseball fans suffered the loss of guys with names like Willie Mays and Bobby Thomson, Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese and what we got instead were guys with names like Hobie Landreth, Choo Choo Coleman and Vinegar Bend Mizell. Somehow they managed to keep Gil Hodges in New York even if he was a doddering 39 years of age. He didn’t last long. Managed by the great Casey Stengle they were admonished to “go out there and play your heinys off”. In 1962, in their first season they had 40 wins against 120 losses. Even if I was a young kid, by the time I began rooting I knew I loved an underdog. So this was my team. By 1969 they managed to win The World Series and I still can’t believe it. Most people in New York still can’t believe it either.

So part of my loving the Mets as a kid was really hating The Yankees and moreover, to be willing to take the abuse from Yankee fans who believed that baseball had been invented for The Yankees. Unlike the supporters of other baseball teams, they did not hope for the Yankees to win the World Series, they expected it. No, they demanded it. Some things never change. I hated the Yankees for most of my adult life for all the reasons everyone else hates them. So let’s just agree on that and not go into it. But then one year I decided to take my young son to Yankee Stadium. I had been there once when I was only five and saw the likes of Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris play that day. I wanted my son to see the place with his old man, recapture some of the magic from my childhood, and maybe create some in his. I also knew in my heart, that despite my pathetic enthusiasm for The Mets, they would never be The Yankees. I don’t care who you root for, when you walk around in Monument Park out in center field and see those names, Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Mantle, Berra and the rest, you are enchanted by the inescapable enormity of it. So, not long after that day about ten years ago, I threw in the towel and started rooting for The Yankees. I was a New Yorker afterall, raised with a strong sense of entitlement and superiority. I was no longer going to be ashamed to root for the guys in pinstripes. It felt pretty good, I must say, to assume dominance. The World Series was in the bag in Spring Training. It was not about whether we would win, but which team would be kind enough to supply the drama and allow themselves to be throttled and humiliated as we, once again, assumed the mantle of glory. In New York, we always counted on the fact that one of those teams would be The Boston Red Sox.

Then something incredible happened. No, I don’t mean The Red Sox winning The World Series twice in four years. Or even A-Rod falling in love with Madonna. In the winter of 2008, my wife and I bought a home in The South End of Boston about a mile and a half from Fenway Park. In April, on a freezing afternoon, with layers of clothing and clutching our beer in gloved hands we saw our first Red Sox game at Fenway. We got there pretty early so we could wander around and take it all in. We watched the game and, then we looked at one another, and agreed that, quite frankly, we were smitten. We might have even sang, “Sweet Caroline” along with the crowd, a song I really dislike. Well, used to dislike. An awful lot of baseball things suddenly began to make sense, even my father’s insanity and unrelenting grief over the Dodgers exodus from Brooklyn 51 years ago. There is something about this baseball team which is actually more about this city. Everyone in Boston is a Red Sox fan. Everyone loves an underdog. And no matter what happens each game or each year, people live for Red Sox baseball. It did not take long before we got caught up in the whole thing. One night we even went over to Cask n’ Flagon to belly up and watch an away game with the crowd. We were really deflated when the season ended and not so much because The Sox did not prevail this year, but because we would have no Red Sox baseball to watch until April. Next year we hope to find a better way to score some tickets and see a bunch of games. We have to come to love Boston and to love passing an afternoon or evening at Fenway. But I really have to confess two things. I cannot see myself eating chowdah at a ballgame and, I really liked Manny Ramirez. It took me a while to catch up to the rest of you on The Ramirez thing but I want you to know I get it. I always thought the problem was that his britches were too big for him. I was happy when he inflicted himself on The Dodgers last year. I hope The Yankees get him next year. They deserve one another. Sweet Caroline, Good times never seemed so good.

Dan is a Suffolk County Poet Laureate, originally from Long Island. Dan is also a member of the
faculty at Boston University's School of Dental Medicine. When not writing or teaching, you can find him standing in line and searching the internet for Sox tickets! You can read more about Dan at http://www.danielthomasmoran.net/.

The Importance of the Home Inspection

2009-04-10T14:56:00.003-04:00

Occasionally, we like to endorse our industry partners. One such partner is Mt. Vernon Inspection Associates, a home inspection company serving clients throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Harold and Craig Popp have provided inspection services for the Firm's clients, as well as its attorneys. But, let's let Craig Popp explain what they do...

With the low interest rates that are now available combined with low listing prices the spring market is just kicking into high gear. The prospect of buying a new home is a very exciting, yet nerve racking, experience for most people. One of the most important and least expensive steps potential homebuyers can take to help ease some of the stresses associated with buying a home is conducting a home inspection by an experienced home inspector.

Mt. Vernon Inspection Associates have been protecting the interests of buyers in Eastern Massachusetts for almost 20 years. Using our experience to your advantage, we will help you make sure that your investment in the new home is safe by carefully inspecting the structure and all the major systems of the house. We then provide you with a comprehensive report immediately following the inspection.

Our thorough home inspection follows the current Massachusetts home inspection standards of practice and covers the following.

· Foundation and structural elements
· Heating and air conditioning systems
· Windows and doors
· Roof, gutters, siding, porches, decks, walks and driveway
· Electrical systems
· Plumbing systems
· Basement and attic
· Garage
· Bathrooms
· Kitchen and most appliances

For additional fees the following services can be provided
Radon Testing
Wood boring insect inspection
Standard water testing

Mention Patrick F. Dwyer and Associates and we will extend a $25.00 discount or a free Radon test with your home inspection.

Mt. Vernon Inspection Associates
Craig Popp
MAHIL #652
617-548-0282
http://www.myhouseinspector.com/

Primer: Understanding the Obama Adminstration Housing Bailout

2009-03-25T11:49:00.007-04:00

The Federal Government created a helpful website called www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/, which details the two loan programs, loan modification and refinance, to assist homeowners in reducing the mortgage interest rates.

Loan Modification

The first is a loan modification plan that reduces interest rates down to as low as two percent (2%) and/or forgives some of the loan principal. In order to qualify for this modification plan, the homeowner must:

(1) be an owner-occupant in a one to four unit property;

(2) have obtained the loan on or before January 1, 2009;
(3) have a mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, and homeowners association dues) that is more than 31% of your gross (pre-tax) monthly income;
(4) have a mortgage payment that is not affordable, an unpaid principal balance that is equal to or less than $729,750 for one unit properties (there is a higher limit for two to four unit properties - consult your servicer); and
(5) have a mortgage payment that is not affordable, perhaps because of a significant change in income or expenses.

Refinance

The second loan refinancing program is tailored to assist homeowners who cannot currently refinance because they lost equity in their homes. Homeowners with more than one mortgage may still qualify for the refinance program. The basic requirements are that the homeowner is:

(1) current on mortgage payments;
(2) their current loan is owned or controlled by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac;
(3) the amount owed on the existing first mortgage is about the same or slightly less than the current value of the house;
(4) the homeowner has sufficient income to support the new mortgage payments; and
(5) the refinance improves the long term affordability or stability of your loan.

To determine whether your loan is Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac backed, please contact the agencies by phone or web as follows:

Fannie Mae
1-800-7FANNIE (8am - 8pm EST)www.fanniemae.com/loanlookup

Freddie Mac
1-800-FREDDIE (8am - 8pm EST) www.freddiemac.com/mymortgage

Homeowners should contact their mortgage servicer or lender and ask about the Home Affordable Refinance and Modification process. Please note that beginning April 4, 2009, borrowers whose loans are owned or securitized by Fannie Mae may also apply through any Fannie Mae approved lender. Nearly all major banks and mortgage brokers are approved to work with Fannie Mae. Ask the lender you choose if it is authorized to provide a Home Affordable Refinance.

- Maria Vijil Davis, Esq.

Stimulus Package Reaches Main Street

2009-03-17T13:09:00.005-04:00

On Monday, March 16th, in an effort to recharge the economy (specifically the job market), the Obama Administration announced that the Treasury Department would purchase up to $15 billion in securities backed by Small Business Administration (SBA) loans in an effort to unfreeze the secondary market for SBA Loans.

This announcement is welcomed news to lenders and borrowers alike. It’s also likely to shift the talk away from the mismanagement of Federal funds and the scandalous behavior of business giants like AIG.

What does this mean for Lenders and Borrowers?

Increased Capital:
The bill will increase SBA lending to small businesses by allowing lenders to sell their existing loan portfolios on the secondary market and free up capital to make new loans.

Reduced Fees:
In addition to creating increased capital, the administration is proceeding with plans to eliminate fees for borrowers and reduce fees for lenders in its two signature small business lending programs (SBA 7(a) and 504).

Reduced Risk:
At present, SBA can guarantee up to 85 percent on loans up to $150,000, and up to 75 percent on loans greater than $150,000. The new bill allows SBA to raise its loan guarantee from the current levels to as much as 90 percent for some loans. Increasing the SBA guarantee percentage will encourage lenders to extend more capital to small businesses. With the reduced risk and additional capital, the Obama Administration believes that lenders and borrowers will use the funds to stimulate small business growth and create jobs.

Increased Accountability:
In an effort to track the bill’s effects and maintain accountability, the bill requires that lenders who received Federal bailout funds provide monthly figures on their small businesses lending. All other lending institutions must now report their small business-lending quarterly, rather than annually.

As new aspects of the bill emerge we will continue to examine the potential impacts on small business and commercial lending. So, stay tuned for future updates.

For more information about SBA loan programs please visit: http://www.sba.gov/ or contact Attorney Adam WP Goncalves at (617) 244-2665.

Maria Vijil Davis joins the Firm

2009-02-26T18:27:00.006-05:00

Patrick F. Dwyer & Associates, LLC is pleased to announce that Maria Vijil Davis has joined the firm, where she will hold an "Of Counsel" position. She joins attorneys Patrick Dwyer and Adam Goncalves at the firm, where she will concentrate her practice on residential and commercial real estate, as well as business law. She has advised clients in a wide range of matters including residential real estate transactions; mortgage financing and loan closings; title and survey matters; condominium and multi-use development projects; residential, industrial, laboratory, retail and commercial leasing; and affordable housing.

Prior to joining the firm, Maria was an attorney at Goodwin Proctor LLP, where she was a member of the Business Law Department and a member of its Real Estate, REITs & Real Estate Capital Markets Group. Prior to her time at Goodwin Proctor, she held an associate position at Gill, Devine & White, where she established and managed its Cambridge office, and focused her practice on commercial and residential real estate.

Maria is admitted to the Massachusetts Bar, and is a member of both the American Bar Association and Boston Bar Association. She is also the Secretary of Corporate Sponsorship for the Law Section of the Association of Latino Professionals in Finance and Accounting (ALPFA).

She received her J.D. from Northeastern University, and a B.A. from California State University and an M.S. from Michigan State University. Maria is fluent in Spanish.

Maria can be reached by email or at (617) 244-2665 (ext. 105).

Firm Sponsors 2009 Massachusetts Winter Triathlon

2009-02-10T08:24:00.005-05:00

On Saturday, February 7, 2009, the Massachusetts Winter Triathlon was held in Weston, Massachusetts, the first of 2 races which will be held at the Weston Ski Track. For the second year in a row, Patrick F. Dwyer & Associates is a series sponsor. This year's race saw over 60 participants run 5k, mountain bike 7.5k and skate ski 6K....all in the snow. The Firm not only sponsors the races, but also participates, as Pat Dwyer competed and finished 10th overall. The next race is a winter duathlon which will be held on Sunday, February 23rd. If you enjoy the winter season (and the snow), consider checking out the Ski Track, which offers both skate and classic nordic skiing...and rentals.

The Refinancing Conundrum

2009-01-21T09:49:00.010-05:00

30-year mortgage interest rates are at historical lows, and it seems that all homeowners are looking to refinance their property. Just the thought of refinancing can be overwhelming…with the application, the document gathering, the phone calls, etc., etc.. Who has time for that? Well, even though it may feel like a hassle, the prospect of saving money, in some cases lots of money, may be well worth it. To prepare you for the refinance process Jesse Stein of Mortgage Master, one of our business partners, provides the following refinance primer:

Before calling your lender, answer the following questions:

-What county is your home located?
-Do you own a single family, multifamily or condo?
-What is the approximate value?
-What is your current mortgage interest rate? Is it fixed or adjustable?
-How much is your current principal and interest payment?
-How is your credit? Do you know your credit score?

You should also gather the following documentation:

-Copy of driver’s license (or equivalent) and social security card;
-W2s for the past two (2) years;
-Paystubs for the past month;
-Bank statements (for all accounts) for the past two (2) months;
-Most recent insurance bill;
-Most recent real estate tax bill;
-Most recent mortgage statement.

Jesse says that most of this information and documentation can be faxed or emailed to your lender to get the process rolling.

Jesse Stein is a senior loan office at Mortgage Master and can be reached at (617) 875-6479 or jstein@mortgagemasterinc.com.

For more information about the legal process, please contact your attorney.

Firm Partners to take Disadvantaged Children to the Bruins Game

2009-01-05T11:09:00.005-05:00

Patrick F. Dwyer & Associates is pleased to announce that it has partnered with the Cambridge Salvation Army, the Cambridge Community of Realtors and TD Banknorth to bring a group of deserving children from the Cambridge Salvation Army to a Boston Bruins Game as part of the TD Banknorth Kids Clubhouse program (Kids Clubhouse). The Kids Clubhouse is a TD Banknorth initiative that provides children from non-profit organizations all over Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire with an opportunity to attend a Bruins or Celtics game.

On January 6th, 2009, the children will be in attendance at the TD Banknorth Garden as the Boston Bruins face off against the Minnesota Wild. The children will be chauffeured to the game in a limousine and treated to dinner at the Garden. They will also be spotlighted on the Garden video scoreboard and during the television broadcast.

This partnership was spawned at the Cambridge Community of Realtors Holiday Party in December, which benefits the efforts of the Cambridge Salvation Army. The Cambridge Community of Realtors is a non-profit organization comprised primarily of Cambridge real estate professionals dedicated to helping raise awareness to the homeless. At the event, Attorney Adam Goncalves saw an opportunity to partner both the Cambridge Salvation Army and the Cambridge Community of Realtors with TD Banknorth. Adam contacted Pier Bruno, TD Banknorth’s Boston Business Banking Officer, with the idea. Mr. Bruno was impressed and touched by the efforts of the organizations and was immediately on board.

If you would like to learn more about the organizations mentioned above or would like information about the Kids Clubhouse or one of the organizations please see the links below.

http://www.salvationarmy.org/

http://www.cambridgecommunityofrealtors.com/
http://www.tdbanknorth.com/

Happy New Year!

2008-12-31T10:29:00.002-05:00

We would like to wish all of our friends a happy and prosperous 2009!

Adam Goncalves to speak at annual conference

2008-12-17T14:59:00.006-05:00

We’re pleased to announce that attorney Adam W.P. Goncalves has been asked to speak at the 2nd Annual Conference of the Northeast Members Business Services, LLC (Conference) on January 27, 2009 at the Liberty Bay Credit Union in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Northeast Members Business Services, LLC (Northeast) is a credit union service organization headquartered in Keene, New Hampshire. Northeast’s business is to help credit unions enter the small business loan/deposit market, safely and profitably. Adam will be addressing the rights and remedies afforded to credit unions, pertaining to the terms and provisions of the loan documents, which will include loan workouts, guaranties, and foreclosures. For more information on Northeast, please visit their website at http://www.nembs.com/.

'Tis The Season

2008-12-08T10:14:00.009-05:00

If you enjoy the holiday season, then there’s no better place to be than Boston. The Greater Boston area has many great events to choose from. If you enjoy the theater, there’s “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”, playing at the Wang Theater, and “The Nutcracker”, playing at the Boston Opera House. However, our favorite event of the season is the Holiday Pops with Keith Lockhart at Symphony Hall. You could also choose to attend one of the many free events in the area, like listening to The Bells of Boston at Faneuil Hall or taking a holiday stroll through Beacon Hill. If you’re looking for other holiday ideas, check out Boston.com and the City of Boston's website.

The holiday season is also a time for giving, and there are many charitable causes to choose from. The most visible is the Salvation Army’s Christmas Charity, with volunteers all over the city. Another great charity is the Marine’s Toys for Tots Program. Our friends at Charlesgate Realty are supporters of this cause and serve as a drop-off point for new, unwrapped toys for children under the age of 10. You can read more about Charlesgate’s efforts on their blog.

If you have any unique holiday events or traditions that you'd like to share, please post them in our "comments" section.

Just in time for the holidays!

2008-12-01T17:12:00.002-05:00

Breaking news! It’s official! According to an Associated Press article published today on Boston.com, we’re in a recession. In fact, we’ve been in a recession all year (insert sarcasm)! This may be news to the White House, who apparently still won’t use the term “recession”, but it’s not really “news” to most of us. At least we’re calling it a recession now. Admitting that there is a problem is the first step to recovery.

On a more positive note, interest rates have fallen below 6%, and according to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke in today’s BusinessWeek, further interest-rate cuts are "certainly feasible".

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T14:37:00.006-05:00

We just wanted to take a moment to wish all of our friends and clients a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday. In observance of the holiday, we'll be closing early on Wednesday, November 26th and re-opening on Monday, December 1.

Also, if you haven't noticed already, mortgage interest rates are down. So, now's a good time to speak to your lender about refinancing.

Fixing the housing market

2008-11-18T09:41:00.009-05:00

There was an interesting article in Sunday's Boston Globe titled 6 Steps to Fix the Housing Market by Jenifer B. McKim. With the Treasury switching gears on the economic bailout plan, the article gives us 6 different ways to spend the money and reform the industry. The 6 ways are: 1) Cut/subsidize the interest rates; 2) Modify existing mortgage and pay loan servicers an "incentive" fee; 3) Government buyup/buyout of loans; 4) "shared appreciation mortgages" (ie. forgive a portion of debt...however, if the home appreciates, the lender will get a share of the profit); 5) Buy cooperation from loan servicers and second mortgage holders to modify loans (similar to #2); and 6) Reform the bankruptcy laws to allow bankruptcy judges to modify a debtor's mortgage.

The first one is my favorite....Cut the rates. There are a couple of different theories with this one alone. Columbia Business School dean R. Glenn Hubbard and Columbia Business School professor Chris Mayer propose to refinance "primary residences into 30-year fixed-rate mortgages at 5.25 percent placed under mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac." Another proposal, made by the National Association of Homebuilders, suggests using the economic stimulus package on subsidizing conforming, 30-year fixed interest rates down to 2.99% through June 30, 2009, and 3.99% through the end of 2009. In my opinion, either way you cut it, this is the best idea. First, it's the most basic...people understand it. Second, not only will it push first-time buyers out to buy, but it will also push people currently in adjustable rate or high interest mortgages, who aren't yet in financial trouble, to refinance. Lastly, it will offer a solution that isn't necessarily a band aid. It would put a solution in place before homeowners get into trouble. With people losing jobs, especially in the financial sector, more and more individuals aren't going to be able to afford their current mortgages. Let's set up a framework to help them before they get into trouble.

This brings me to my second point. I don't think cutting the rates alone will help. We also need a secondary solution for those already in trouble (ie. the individuals with low credit scores and/or those affected by the rapid depreciation of home values). Perhaps one of the other proposals, or a combination thereof, will provide a path towards recovery.

For full story see The Boston Globe.

The Firm welcomes Adam Goncalves

2008-11-06T16:04:00.003-05:00

Adam joined the firm as an associate in August. Adam is a seasoned attorney with over 5 years of experience. Prior to joining the firm, Adam was a department head at another Massachusetts firm in charge of small business, commercial and residential lending. Adam was born and raised in Massachusetts, leaving only to attend George Washington University and Northwestern School of Law at Lewis and Clark College.

"Stripe-less in Boston"

2008-06-04T16:39:00.006-04:00

The poem below is by Daniel Thomas Moran, a Suffolk County Poet Laureate from Long Island, and friend and client of the firm, who recently purchased a home in the South End of Boston with his wife, Karen. Dan and Karen have become frequent visitors of Fenway Park (closet Sox fans) and fans of Boston, in general. I recently joked with Dan that he should pen a haiku about Fenway Park, to which Dan, a “New Yorker”, responded:

"Stripe-less in Boston"

Some in The Bronx,
Might think my head full of rocks,
To find me cheering hard for the Sox.
And I especially relish
That nice stroll through The Fenway
To choking to death in the traffic
On The Major Deegan Expressway.
Along with Big Poppi and Manny
It would be that much neater
To have shortstop being manned
By a guy who's named Jeter.
But the park is more nicer,
And the headaches more few,
If only they had some nice pinstripes too.

To read more about Dan, go to http://www.danielthomasmoran.net./

Dwyer & Associates teams with SpeakEasy Stage Company

2008-04-29T09:54:00.002-04:00

The firm is now a sponsor of the SpeakEasy Stage Company located in the South End of Boston. You still have time to check out the company's last production of the 2007-2008 season, The History Boys, playing from May 2 through June 7.

Dwyer & Associates Sponsors 2008 Winter Multisport Series

2008-04-29T08:59:00.004-04:00

Patrick F. Dwyer & Associates, LLC was a proud sponsor of the 2008 Winter Multisport Series consisting of a winter triathlon and 2 duathlons. Footage of the winter triathlon can be found on You Tube: Click here. In addition to being a sponsor, Pat Dwyer also competed in both duathlons, placing 4th overal in both and 3rd in the overall series standing.

Welcome

2008-04-22T11:22:00.000-04:00

Welcome the the HELP DESK, a blog provided by the law firm of Patrick F. Dwyer & Associates, LLC. This blog is intended to provide useful information for the firm's clients and friends. We'll periodically post articles and information on a variety of topics, so check back often. Please note that blog is for advertising purposes only. Any information obtained from this blog is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. See Disclaimer (below).