Obviously, if a person doesn't have the down payment or credit score, they won't be able to seize this opportunity. If a person is concerned about losing their job, that would be a valid reason for not buying now. If you are planning on relocating in the next year or two, maybe now isn't the time to buy.
On the other hand, if a person doesn't own a home, has good credit and job stability, they should seriously consider capitalizing on this unique combination of opportunities. A qualified real estate professional can explain all of the reasons and even suggest some very interesting financing alternatives.
Top Ten Reasons to Buy a Home NOW
1. Interest rates incredibly low – the rates are hovering at near historic lows. Interest rates play a huge part in the cost of housing together with the price and shouldn't be overlooked. The average mortgage interest rates for the past four decades were: 1970's 8.9%; 1980's 12.7%; 1990's 8.1%; 2000's 6.3%. Most experts agree that they're going to rise this year.
2. Lower Prices - Recent price adjustments have made good values that haven’t been available in some situations for years. Current buyers are able to take advantage of the discounted prices.
3. Selection is good – In a seller's market, buyers sometimes have to accept a home that may not meet their needs completely because of short supply. Inventories in most markets and certain price ranges are higher which allow buyers better choices.
4. Negotiate financing concessions – FHA, VA, and Conventional allow the seller to contribute towards financing concessions for the buyer. The money can be used for buyer's closing costs, pre-paid items or interest rate buy down.
5. Costs for FHA loan going up – Currently, a seller can pay up to 6% of the sales price in financing concessions but the number will be reduced to 3% later this year; the date has not been announced yet. The annual MIP for FHA loans will also probably be going up this year which will increase the monthly payment. Buyers who get in now will pay the lower fees.
6. Interest and property tax deduction – the U.S. is one of the few countries in the world that allow an interest and property tax deduction for homeowner/taxpayers.
7. Source of funds with deductible interest - a homeowner can borrow up to $100,000 above their acquisition debt and deduct the interest regardless of what purpose the money is used. This is a great opportunity to consolidate debt at a lower interest rate and be able to make the interest deductible that otherwise may not have been.
8. Capital gain exclusion – the U.S. allows qualified homeowners to make a profit on their home without having to pay tax on the gain.
9. Borrowing against equity is non-taxable event – taking money out of the equity in your home does not require recognizing capital gains income.
10. The combination of reasons to buy a home may never be stronger than now.
Interest rates are going up; it is just a matter of when. Inventories are starting to be absorbed by current demand. New home construction is down considerably which could lead to higher prices due to not enough annual housing units to keep up with the population. Prices have started to climb in some markets; others will surely follow.
A basic rule of investing is to buy low and sell high. There will be some buyers who take advantage of the current opportunities and will look back and remark how fortunate they were to act when they did. There will be others who look back on these conditions and say "We should have bought then." Hindsight is always 20/20. Evaluating the present and acting takes equally clear vision. The help of a trusted professional can make the difference.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Buy instead of renting
In spite of all the frenzy over selling to first-time buyers this past year, many are still hesitating. While some first-timers aren’t ready to own a home, others would be wise to invest now.
Many first-time buyers want to own a home and can afford to own a home, but they're worried that the market is going to continue to decline and the home won't be worth what they paid for it. However, short-term future value should not matter if the other circumstances are right.
Here are some points from Marte Cliff, a copywriter who specializes in writing for real estate and related industries, that you can use when talking with first-time buyers or when writing prospecting letters.
-First-time buyers aren't investors. They're buying to own a home for themselves to live in and enjoy. If the home falls in market value a little, so what? They aren't planning to sell.
-Money paid for rent buys a house for someone else to own.
-Rents do rise with supply and demand.
-Homes in most areas are now so inexpensive that first-time buyers may be able to make their payments and set aside a few dollars for maintenance for less than their current rent.
-Interest rates are still low, making inexpensive homes even more affordable.
-With interest rates so low, a few extra dollars per month on a 30-year mortgage could mean a first-time buyer could own the house free and clear within 15-20 years.
-Hesitation could cost big dollars. Just a 1% rise in interest rates will add several hundred dollars per year to even a moderately-priced home. And interest rates are expected to rise.
-This tide will turn, and homes will begin appreciating in value. That trend has already begun in some markets and will begin in others as the foreclosures and short sales are sold.
-Over time, first-time buyers will be earning more while their house payment will remain stable.
Once a first-time buyer has determined that they are ready to take on the responsibility of home ownership, their primary concerns should be:
-Their desire to remain in the home for several years.
-Their ability to make the payments and take care of maintenance without having to give up everything else they now enjoy.
Many first-time buyers want to own a home and can afford to own a home, but they're worried that the market is going to continue to decline and the home won't be worth what they paid for it. However, short-term future value should not matter if the other circumstances are right.
Here are some points from Marte Cliff, a copywriter who specializes in writing for real estate and related industries, that you can use when talking with first-time buyers or when writing prospecting letters.
-First-time buyers aren't investors. They're buying to own a home for themselves to live in and enjoy. If the home falls in market value a little, so what? They aren't planning to sell.
-Money paid for rent buys a house for someone else to own.
-Rents do rise with supply and demand.
-Homes in most areas are now so inexpensive that first-time buyers may be able to make their payments and set aside a few dollars for maintenance for less than their current rent.
-Interest rates are still low, making inexpensive homes even more affordable.
-With interest rates so low, a few extra dollars per month on a 30-year mortgage could mean a first-time buyer could own the house free and clear within 15-20 years.
-Hesitation could cost big dollars. Just a 1% rise in interest rates will add several hundred dollars per year to even a moderately-priced home. And interest rates are expected to rise.
-This tide will turn, and homes will begin appreciating in value. That trend has already begun in some markets and will begin in others as the foreclosures and short sales are sold.
-Over time, first-time buyers will be earning more while their house payment will remain stable.
Once a first-time buyer has determined that they are ready to take on the responsibility of home ownership, their primary concerns should be:
-Their desire to remain in the home for several years.
-Their ability to make the payments and take care of maintenance without having to give up everything else they now enjoy.
Friday, September 17, 2010
10 Reasons to buy
Why is now a great time to buy? Here are 10 reasons:
1. You can get a good deal. Prices are down 30 percent on average. They're at a level that makes sense for people's income.
2. Mortgages are cheap. At 4.3 percent on average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your costs to own are down by a fifth from two years ago.
3. You can save on taxes. When you add up the deductions for mortgage interest and others, the cost of owning can drop below renting for a comparable place.
4. It'll be yours. The one benefit to owning that never changes is that you can paint your walls orange if you want (generally speaking; there might be some community restrictions). How many landlords will let you do that?
5. You can get a better home. In some markets, it's simply the case that the nicest places are for-sale homes and condos.
6. It offers some inflation protection. Historically, appreciation over time outpaces inflation.
7. It's risk capital. If the economy picks up, you stand to benefit from that, even if you're goal is just to have a nice place to live.
8. It's forced savings. A part of your payment each month goes to equity.
9. There is a lot to choose from. There are some 4 million homes available today, about a year's supply. Now's the time to find something you like and get it.
10. Sooner or later the market will clear. The U.S. is expected to grow by another 100 million people in 40 years. They have to live somewhere. Demand will eventually outpace supply.
1. You can get a good deal. Prices are down 30 percent on average. They're at a level that makes sense for people's income.
2. Mortgages are cheap. At 4.3 percent on average for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage, your costs to own are down by a fifth from two years ago.
3. You can save on taxes. When you add up the deductions for mortgage interest and others, the cost of owning can drop below renting for a comparable place.
4. It'll be yours. The one benefit to owning that never changes is that you can paint your walls orange if you want (generally speaking; there might be some community restrictions). How many landlords will let you do that?
5. You can get a better home. In some markets, it's simply the case that the nicest places are for-sale homes and condos.
6. It offers some inflation protection. Historically, appreciation over time outpaces inflation.
7. It's risk capital. If the economy picks up, you stand to benefit from that, even if you're goal is just to have a nice place to live.
8. It's forced savings. A part of your payment each month goes to equity.
9. There is a lot to choose from. There are some 4 million homes available today, about a year's supply. Now's the time to find something you like and get it.
10. Sooner or later the market will clear. The U.S. is expected to grow by another 100 million people in 40 years. They have to live somewhere. Demand will eventually outpace supply.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Standing by YOU
Real estate transactions are complicated and unpredictable. Professional real estate agents are trained to handle the many facets of buying a home. A good agent is an invaluable asset to your venture if you are in the market for a house.
When you find a real estate agent with whom you feel confident, it is good to enter into a committed working relationship with that person. Concentrating your search with one agent will allow that agent to become truly familiar with your needs, desires, and financial capacities.
Maintaining loyalty to the real estate agent of your choice will bear you more fruit than scattering your attention among several agents. An agent who feels your commitment will devote his or her entire energy to finding the right home for you.
I am committed to devote all my energy in helping you, whether it's selling or buying or renting.
When you find a real estate agent with whom you feel confident, it is good to enter into a committed working relationship with that person. Concentrating your search with one agent will allow that agent to become truly familiar with your needs, desires, and financial capacities.
Maintaining loyalty to the real estate agent of your choice will bear you more fruit than scattering your attention among several agents. An agent who feels your commitment will devote his or her entire energy to finding the right home for you.
I am committed to devote all my energy in helping you, whether it's selling or buying or renting.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Five Reasons Why to Buy Now
Don't let the seemingly endless run of bad housing news discourage your potential to own a home. The truth is that the advantages of home ownership have very little to do with investment gains. The best things about owning a home have a lot more to do with personal comfort and satisfaction.
Here are five of them:
· Be your own landlord. The bank can only kick you out if you don’t pay; a landlord can be much less dependable – deciding to sell the property or choosing to live there themselves. I currently know of a couple where the apartment complex is telling tenants to move because they will be renovating.
· Paying the principal is forced savings. Yes, it’s possible that home prices will fall further. It is also possible that your 401(k) will lose value. But over the long haul, both are likely to enjoy modest gains in value.
· Fixed-rate mortgages never rise – and eventually you pay them off. With mortgage rates at record lows, people who buy now are locking in real bargains.
· Good schools. Family-sized rentals are harder to come by in areas with excellent public schools.
· Spacious properties in pleasant neighborhoods. Sizable homes in attractive communities are almost always owned – not rented.
I'm always here to answer any of your real estate questions.
Here are five of them:
· Be your own landlord. The bank can only kick you out if you don’t pay; a landlord can be much less dependable – deciding to sell the property or choosing to live there themselves. I currently know of a couple where the apartment complex is telling tenants to move because they will be renovating.
· Paying the principal is forced savings. Yes, it’s possible that home prices will fall further. It is also possible that your 401(k) will lose value. But over the long haul, both are likely to enjoy modest gains in value.
· Fixed-rate mortgages never rise – and eventually you pay them off. With mortgage rates at record lows, people who buy now are locking in real bargains.
· Good schools. Family-sized rentals are harder to come by in areas with excellent public schools.
· Spacious properties in pleasant neighborhoods. Sizable homes in attractive communities are almost always owned – not rented.
I'm always here to answer any of your real estate questions.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Positive News
With today’s market conditions and the constant media headlines, my role has officially transcended from that of a sales associate to a Real Estate advisers.
People have financial advisers. They have career advisers. And now more than ever, they need Real Estate advisers.
With the collective experience and expertise I have here at Long & Foster, it is my responsibility to identify real estate opportunities for my clients. Potential buyers and sellers are bombarded every day with headlines and reports that would make even the most confident consumer take pause. This is where being the best-trained, best-equipped Real Estate professionals comes into play. I can step in and help consumers cut through the fog and see a clearer picture of what opportunities might exist for them.
We’ve seen a lot of headlines in the last week or so that don’t tell the full picture of our local Real Estate market. So allow me to cut through the fog a bit, and present a side of the story that we won’t always see in mainstream media reports.
Further, I'll assert once again that we were expecting this pull-forward effect as a result of the tax credits. Keep in mind that when the media reports existing home sales figures from the National Association of Realtors, these are closed transactions. The lagging July data we just absorbed is a reflection of contracts that were signed in May and June, right after the expiration of the tax credit, and just made it to the settlement table.
Our area is so different that the rest of the country. Our job market is great.
People have financial advisers. They have career advisers. And now more than ever, they need Real Estate advisers.
With the collective experience and expertise I have here at Long & Foster, it is my responsibility to identify real estate opportunities for my clients. Potential buyers and sellers are bombarded every day with headlines and reports that would make even the most confident consumer take pause. This is where being the best-trained, best-equipped Real Estate professionals comes into play. I can step in and help consumers cut through the fog and see a clearer picture of what opportunities might exist for them.
We’ve seen a lot of headlines in the last week or so that don’t tell the full picture of our local Real Estate market. So allow me to cut through the fog a bit, and present a side of the story that we won’t always see in mainstream media reports.
Further, I'll assert once again that we were expecting this pull-forward effect as a result of the tax credits. Keep in mind that when the media reports existing home sales figures from the National Association of Realtors, these are closed transactions. The lagging July data we just absorbed is a reflection of contracts that were signed in May and June, right after the expiration of the tax credit, and just made it to the settlement table.
Our area is so different that the rest of the country. Our job market is great.
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