According to Realty Trac, “A total of 340,740 California properties received a foreclosure filing in the first half of 2010, the nation’s highest total but down 15 percent from the previous six months and down nearly 13 percent from the first six months of 2009.”
It is encouraging to know that the foreclosures are on a decline, however is the real estate market going to survive the next wave of REOs? I think it will as long as the interest rates stay at today’s levels, unemployment declines, and the demand for housing remains strong.
The San Francisco market is a great example. Although the hardest hit areas in San Francisco, are in the lower and medium priced homes, the home sales have increased and spurred on the sales of the more expensive areas of the city. It is expected to continue for the rest of the 2010.
I believe San Francisco and San Mateo counties’ prices have stabilized in most areas and may stay at this level until something happens with the projected increase of interest rates and foreclosures, defaulting homeowners and unemployment. Based on a study by Homegain, it is not surprising to see that homeowners and agents have different views about the market place.
FHA loans have been around for a long time, however, it is more popular these days then ever before. Borrowers can qualify for a loan with as little as 3.5% of the sales price. Here are some things to know about these types of loans. With the way the economy is today, these programs can help you.
Great news!! Congress has finally approved a extension for those of you who have been in escrow since April 30th.
Since we have been in this recession for a while now, what’s your feeling about the results from all of the government bail outs? Some areas have seen some improvement but some have not. There have been some many different programs that have been implemented to help everybody, but is it really working or are we digging a big whole, deficit, for our future generations to pay?
You’re renting now and your lease is about to expire, do you want to stay for another year or do you think you might want to take advantage of the best buying opportunity since 1968? Well before you make a decision to purchase, there are a few things to consider before you start shopping. Once you understand what’s involved, you will feel better about making a decision to pursue the “Great American Dream of Home-ownership”.
Even though the federal tax credit may not make a come back, there are lots of reasons why it is still a great time to purchase a property.
One of the most important factor that affects most buyers is interest rates. As the rate gets higher, the amount of money a person can qualify for would be less. Interest rates have been really low historically speaking and with the problems we are facing today, the rates will go back up. I don’t think interest rates will ever be lower then what they are today. 30 years ago, I thought I would never see rates as low as they are today. We could see rates as high as 18%, just like it was in 1981, or even more.
Are you going to make the June 30th deadline? Hopefully you will since it’s been a stressful process. If you don’t make it, then let’s hope that Congress votes to extend the deadline 3 more months. The Senate has approved the extension because of the enormous back log of sales and now it time for Congress to consider the extension.
According to Vicki Cox Golder, president of the National Association of Realtors, said the extension was a matter of fairness.
“These are not buyers who just entered into the market. These are buyers who previously met all the qualifications for the tax credit, but find themselves at the mercy of a work-flow jam with the lenders or other delays and might not be able to complete the purchase of their homes.”
I think it’s the right thing to do, especally since it’s not the buyer’s fault for not meeting the deadline.
With all the talk about more foreclosures and short sales coming in record numbers, you might have thought about buying a home instead of renting. There are a few things to consider when you do make the purchase. Although home ownership offers a lot of benefits, (i.e. tax shelter, appreciation, etc.), it may not be a good time for you now.
Spring is almost over but cleaning is a chore that seems to never end. It is even more important if you’re planning to sell your home in time for the summer selling season. There are a few things that you can do to help make your home more attractive.
![Reblog this post [with Zemanta]](http://img.zemanta.com/reblog_e.png?x-id=12ec2c00-2bd1-4977-93d1-c5df7985db30)
