Prevent Identity Theft

How do I Prevent Identity Theft

• Don't give out your Social Security Number unless you initiate the contact.


• Leave your Social Security number off checks and driver license.


• Shred documents with sensitive information before throwing in the trash.


• Send/receive sensitive mail using post office boxes.


• Carry only the cards and documents you need on a daily basis.


• Do not carry your social security card.


• Use virus protections, a firewall, and spyware detection on your computer.

For more info go to the Attorney General of Missouri website www.ago.mo.gov

Jefferson City Area REALTORS Impact the Community

In 2007, the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS® made a positive impact with their community service efforts, raising $17,221.94 for area organizations. These members, REALTORS® and Affiliates, recognize the importance of strengthening the community and making it a better place for everyone.

* Sponsored the 1st Annual "Cinco de Mayo 5K Run/Walk". Over 90 runners and walkers participated - $3,012.00 raised for the Council for Drug Free Youth.

* Sponsored the 5th Annual Chili Supper REALTORS® & Friends Keep the Home Fires Burning chili supper, raffle and food drive. Over 600 people attended this event. This event raised $5,670.94 for the Samaritan Center utility assistance program and 5,793 pounds of food for the Samaritan Center pantry.

* Sponsored a WILDflower for the Art in the Park event. This $3,500.00 sponsorship supported art in the community. The WILDflower is currently on display on the West Edgewood greenway, but will be shared with local schools this spring, giving area children and their families the opportunity to enjoy this art.

* Provided eight scholarships at a total cost of $4,000 for students to attend Missouri Business Week. This summer entrepreneurial camp is for high school sophomores and juniors and teaches them about marketing and business.
* Provided three schools with the “It’s Your Move” materials for their classroom, totaling $289.00. This course provides practical information for high school students to prepare them for their futures as housing consumers. Students from Fatima, Russellville and South Callaway benefited from this program in 2007.
* Purchased $750 worth of school supplies to help "Pack the Bus" providing school supplies to children in need. REACT (REALTOR® Educating and Challenging Teens) continued its partnership with Jefferson City High School (JCHS), by mentoring students at-risk and also assisting with school supplies.

Members of the Jefferson City Area Board of REALTORS® are professionals who enhance and better our communities through their active involvement in the many facets of real estate.

Understanding Purchase Points

Not only do you have to understand what type of mortgage you should choose, you have to understand the costs associated with your mortgage. All of these costs will be paid upon closing your mortgage.
Purchase Points
Purchase points, also known as a "buy-down" or "discount points," are an up-front fee paid to the lender at closing to buy-down or lower your interest rate over the life of the loan. Each point is equal to one percent of your total loan amount. If you have a $100,000 loan, one point would equal $1,000. The more points you buy, the lower your interest rate, but the more money you'll need at closing.
How do you decide whether you should buy points and if so, how many? Well, the decision should be based on how long you plan on living in your home and what you can afford to pay each month toward your mortgage. If you plan on living in your home for more than five years, it's probably a good idea to purchase points. The longer you live in your home, the more you can save on interest over the life of the loan.