Jeffrey Tung's Real Estate Blog

Having a hard time keeping your payments up? If you’re like millions of people facing the thought of loosing their home, here are some options from Fannie Mae, that may help your situation. A little knowledge goes a long way.  You may be surprised to know that there is a way for you to keep your home.

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.

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.

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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”.

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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.  

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Are you planning to repair the fixer upper you just bought? Have you had that overwhelming feeling when you shop for kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, tile, etc.? Well, there are a lot of things to consider. You can spend more money then what you can get in return.

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Do you think that the governmental programs from the president are helping the economy to get better? Well, it seems like it has based on a study by Realty Trac. February’s forclosures have declined by 2% from the previous month but still 6% above the level reported in February 2009. This means one in every 418 U.S. housing units received a foreclosure filing in February.

I think we are heading in the right direction but I think it is still too soon to say that we are out of the woods.

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In efforts to help everybody who needs help, HUD has updated their list of counselors.  This will help you find answers to help you with your financial problems.  This is a free service and should be your step in trying to get help from your government.

If you need guidance or more information about your options, HUD may have answers for your situation.

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 The real estate market is still not fully recovered but there are positive signs that we are at the bottom and maybe moving up. The prices of homes fell so much that it is tempting many renters to buy a home instead of renting. The monthly payments might be the same especially when you include your tax savings. Rates are still affordable and there are many homes to choose from. The only problem we have is that many of these homes have gone down so far in price that it is creating a buying frenzy. Many of the homes that are less then $400k are getting multiple offers. Be patient because there is talk that more REO’s and Short Sales are going to hit the market next year.

The market is showing signs of a slow recovery, but it is changing. One of things that is helping the recovery along is the tax credit. The federal government will give qualified buyers a $8000 tax credit for purchasing a home. That’s right!! $8000. So, if you’re planning to buy a home, now is the time before the program expires, 11/30/09. The purchase has to be completed by 11/30/09 to qualify. There is talk about extending the program but there is no guarantee that it will be extended. For more information about the program, please click on the link below or let me know and I’ll be happy to assist you.

http://www.realtor.org/government_affairs/gapublic/homebuyer_tax_credit