No Money to Buy a Home? Try These Savings Tips

For many people, buying their own home is still the American dream. Yet, it remains out of reach for a lot of people, even though the housing affordability index in many areas of the country is as good as it's ever been. But if you're not prepared to buy a house, then the index doesn't mean a thing to you—except, perhaps, to create a painful sting and a constant reminder that you're missing out on a good opportunity to buy real estate at lower prices.

Full Story: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090417_savingtips.htm

Real Estate Outlook: Sales Rising?

Pushed by a powerful combination of historically-low fixed mortgage rates, an $8,000 tax credit, and affordable prices, sales of existing homes jumped 5 percent in February compared with the same month last year.
Full Story: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090331_realestateoutlook.htm

Hot Market: Bloomberg: 2008 Home Prices Increase in Various U.S. States

Buried at the tail end of new report on Bloomberg.com was the news we've all been waiting for -- home sales price increases. The headline was pointing out how home prices had dropped in 70% of states across the country (34 states); which meant that there were, indeed, states where home prices increased.

Full Story: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090327_hotmarket.htm

Mortgage Rates Dip in Response to Fed's Decision to Buy Treasury Bonds and Mortgage Securities

RISMEDIA, March 23, 2009—(MCT)—Mortgage rates are again dropping to near-record lows - below 5% - in the wake of the Federal Reserve's decision to buy up Treasury bonds and mortgage securities. Continued

INTEREST RATES BELOW 5%

I just received my daily interest rate update. Can you believe that it was

30 yr fixed 4.625%

15 yr fixed 4.50%

I don't think I have ever seen rates this low. It is no wonder home buyers are getting excited about buying a home right now. If you throw in the 10% or up to $8,000 First Time Buyers Credit what could be better. If you have not owned a home in the last three years you could qualify as a First Time home buyer.

Home prices are low and rates are even lower, inventory is high and people are ready to deal. If you have been think about buying your first home or that weekend get-away, give me a call and we will work together to find that right property. Now is the time to buy!!!!!

Real Estate Outlook: Balancing the News

Sometimes bad economic news comes at you so hard and fast that you forget to notice some of the more encouraging trends that may be underway, like super low mortgage rates, record-setting affordability, new tax credits, and big sales increases in the boom-to-bust real estate markets of Florida, California and Nevada.

Full Story: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090310_realestateoutlook.htm

Real Estate Outlook: Housing Positioned For Growth

No economist has more information at his or her disposal than Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke, and what he told Congress last week should be encouraging news for anyone interested in real estate: The recession that has gripped the country painfully for 18 months will "end" later this year - moving us into positive economic growth.
Full Story: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090303_realestateoutlook.htm

Introducing Distressed Homeowners to Their Options

The first step is to educate homeowners in your area. Most homeowners think they have only two options – pay up or move out. The fact is that more than a dozen options are available. Although all of these options may not be realistic for every homeowner, most homeowners can realistically consider at least four or five of the options on this list:

Full Story: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090223_options.htm

Buy Now! Beat The Spring Rush

Record low interest rates, low-low home prices, less competition and other factors have converged. You've got plenty of time to beat the spring rush. Use it wisely.
Full Story: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090219_buynow.htm

Real Estate Outlook: Encouraging Signs

Could the tide be turning for real estate? It's probably premature to make that call, but you can't ignore the encouraging signs -- especially when they come in multiples.
Full Story: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090210_realestateoutlook.htm