Resales
With lots of jobs coming to the city, San Antonio, Texas offers opportunity along with cultural diversity and beauty.
Realtors in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma are remarking that sales and prices remain strong in summertime housing.
Late snows slowed housing slightly, but overall, local Realtors say summer"s heating up sales, but not as hot as last year.
Local Realtors in Albuquerque are reporting rising home prices, and multiple offers on homes in many areas as the city enjoys a surging seller"s market.
Dayton, Ohio, birthplace of flight pioneers Wilbur and Orville Wright, is leveling off between a buyer"s market and a seller"s market, with prices gaining slightly in altitude.
Ranked as one of the best places to live and work in the country, Austin, Texas has suffered through a dot-com meltdown which also flattened housing sales for several years. Local Realtors are reporting those days are over.
Rural Vermont areas such as the Upper Valley, Waterbury, and Rutland County are attracting city-tired homebuyers, who find they can relax in the country, yet hit the highways and be close to city amenities when they want.
"Centrally located in the Treasure Valley and known for its quality of life, the Meridian area offers excellent schools," says Realtor Tom Zumwalt, " and affordable housing, a growing business climate, and an active community life. A wealth of recreational opportunities are within easy access of the city. Just 10 miles from Idaho"s capital city of Boise, Meridian residents can take full advantage of the cultural offerings and professional sporting events offered there. Meridian, however, retains its unique identity as a place that treasures its past, appreciates the present, and looks to the future with a spirit of harmony and prosperity."
Situated in southern California, just 40 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles, Agoura Hills is a beautiful city, say local real estate professionals.
Realtors in Burbank, California say that the dominant entertainment employers have helped to create a delightful community with a friendly small-town ambiance.
San Antonio, Texas is historically significant, romantic to visit and offers good quality of life, say local Realtors.
Builders" lots are selling in days to buyers who are mostly out of the area, observe Whatcom County, Washington Realtors.
Low taxes, valley access and beautiful neighborhoods are just a few of the reasons to live in Mesa, Arizona, say local Realtors.
What goes up must also come down, says the law of physics, and that is also true of real estate, except that if home sale prices soften, they don"t tend to soften much in a low interest rate environment.
Las Vegas, Nevada home prices have hit the jackpot, but new builder"s rules may slow down speculative homebuying and nothing is slowing down occupant homebuyers.
Continuing low interest rates have lifted February home sales from the letdown in January, say Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Realtors, who now expect a better spring season.
Cape Cod has been one of the fastest growing southern New England mainland areas with the highest rate of homeownership in any county in Massachusetts, say local Realtors.
Vancouver, British Columbia has had a series of record-breaking months in real estate sales, say local Realtors, spurred in large part by investors.
For many real estate investors, it was the most profitable tax strategy around: Move into a rental property you own, use it as a principal residence for two years, and convert taxable capital gains into tax-free dollars when you sell or exchange.
Many folks might know neighboring community Long Beach better by name, but local Realtors say that Lakewood, California offers great advantages to buyers.
Realtors in East Greenwich, North Kingstown, South Kingstown, and Cranston, Rhode Island are reporting terrific increases in home prices over the past year, with anticipation that the rise will continue in the spring.
Realtors in Las Vegas area communities such as Red Rock Country Club, Rhodes Ranch, and Spanish Trails are reporting brisk sales.
Dayton, Ohio, the birthplace of the Wright Brothers, just celebrated 100 years of aviation, and a local Realtor is equally happy down on the ground where he says area real estate sales are flying high.
Tulsa, Oklahoma was once known as the oil capital of the world, but lately the city has diversified its economy to be more attractive for relocation boosting homes for sale and transaction closings, say local Realtors.
Prince George"s County, Saint Mary"s County, Charles County, and Calvert County-area towns offer southern Maryland homebuyers the best of country living, say local Realtors.
Nashville, Tennessee boasts more than platinum-selling country recording artists. Home sales are booming, too, say local Realtors.
Frisco, Texas, a suburb of Dallas, is still experiencing a buyer"s market, but local Realtors are hopeful the beauty of the area and the attractiveness of its many newer and new homes will keep the market buoyant.
The Merrimack Valley Region"s past is every bit as colorful as its maple trees in fall, says a local Realtor.
Henderson, Nevada is one of the most popular suburbs of Las Vegas, largely due to its master-planned communities, say local Realtors.
Mesa is Arizona"s third-largest city, attracting new residents each year with its affordable housing, say local Realtors.
Situated just north of Santa Monica and minutes from the ocean, Brentwood, not to be confused with Brentwood in northern California, is showing quick sales in most price ranges as well as rising home prices, say local Realtors.
More than two-thirds of Canadian households own their home, the highest rate of homeownership since the government started keeping track of that information.
A "small town" city with European sophistication, Savannah is reporting more jobs and greater home sales, largely due to its reputation as the "Hostess of the South."
Charlotte, North Carolina is the hub for several counties, which is keeping real estate sales brisk for fall, say local Realtors.
Some experts fear that a second home mortgage crisis may be on the real estate horizon.
Colorado ski resort towns have had housing sales lately like a winter without snow, but the powder is improving, according to local Realtors.
Question: A board member sent an e-mail to the board stating, "I submit my resignation to the board." The management company advises that it is not an official resignation until the board accepts it. Is that the case?
The gigantic master-planned community of Summerlin in Nevada"s Las Vegas Valley is so popular, say local agents, that there is little new home inventory to choose from, pressuring both new and existing home prices skyward.
Kentucky housing markets are still in a buyer"s market, but some areas are reporting some slight improvement in sales.
Agents report a slowing in the marketplace to neutral in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with good buys emerging for buyers in a low interest rate climate.
Tampa Bay Realtors say the area offers affordable homes, lower taxes, a strong job market, easy commutes, great weather, and beaches. What more could buyers want?
Ocean City, Maryland is a premier beach community with over 30 blocks of boardwalk along the ocean, and sales are rising like a tide.
With Seabiscuit a bestselling book and about to be a summer blockbuster movie, real estate agents expect renewed interest in the "sport of kings" that may cross over into more homebuying in horse farm areas like Lexington, Kentucky.
The spring buying/selling season in Durham, North Carolina waits for its many universities to end the semester, and local brokers are expecting a brisk belated housing market.
The results of a Harris interactive poll commissioned by Move.com reveals that potential home buyers value "green" building features more than luxury amenities. When given the choice of features like solar energy panels or energy-saving appliances, a whopping 49 percent considered them important, while only 31 percent rated luxury amenities as important.
North Las Vegas is experiencing rapid growth due to more favorable pricing on new homes, but Realtors report prices are also rising rapidly.
Realtors say that Missoula, Montana is located in one of the most beautiful areas of the world, with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities.
"Recently named by Forbes Magazine as one of the top 15 regions in the nation based on economic and quality of life factors," says Realtors Michael and Kristin Lyon, "Omaha offers a broad variety of housing styles and prices to suit all budgets. Parenting Magazine just ranked Omaha as one of the top ten cities in the nation for raising a family, and it"s also one of the nation"s top "eco-cities" based on air and water quality, open space and population stability according to "E," The Environmental Magazine. You"ll find a thriving arts and cultural community and many family-based activities."
According to the latest from the Case-Shiller home price index, home prices were down 15.8% in May. They report, "For the second straight month, all 20 MSAs posted annual declines, nine of which are posting record lows and 10 of which are in double-digits."
Question: Can individual unit owners prepay their fees in order to fix just their unit"s roof?
Peachtree City, Georgia offers an abundance of new homes, say local Realtors.
Voted "Best Island In The World" by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine, the Hawaiian Island of Maui, is showing rapidly rising prices in houses and condominiums, particularly for ocean-view homes.
Local Realtors report multiple offers continuing on desirable homes in Berkeley, California, a hot urban and cultural center led by the University of California.
Smaller towns around the major hub of Tulsa, Oklahoma have plenty to offer residents including a university and relaxed country living. Homes are increasing in value and don"t tend to linger on the market very long, say local Realtors.
Realtors in Grand Rapids, Michigan describe the community as a great place to live, with four distinct seasons, a diversified economic base and new growth.
Houston is hot.
Located between Beverly Hills and the main area of Hollywood, West Hollywood is close to the bustle of shops along the famous Melrose Ave and home to some of the finest restaurants in the city, says Realtor Laura Zajdman.
Ocean City, Maryland is a friendly beach resort town, say local Realtors, but the town has more to offer than great game fishing, it also has good buys in real estate.
Lakeview is one of the most livable neighborhoods in Chicago, say local Realtors, who enjoy selling its wide variety of housing. And it doesn"t hurt to be close by to the Chicago Cubs" Wrigley Field, with wonderful restaurants, entertainment and shopping nearby.
Savannah is the second fastest-growing city in Georgia, with a diverse economy and a warm welcome for entrepreneurs, say local Realtors, yet the market is slowing creating buying opportunities in all kinds of housing.
Worried that your town can"t offer you the job you need? Why not move where the economy is hoppin".
A desirable Valley location and lack of much more buildable land is helping Tempe hold on to its seller"s market despite local tech layoffs.
Fannie Mae calls its latest REO home sales program "First Look," but investors might want to call it "Second Look."
The island of Oahu, the main port of call for the Hawaiian Islands, famous for its Waikiki Beach, international shopping and tourist attractions such as Pearl Harbor, is starting to have a real estate comeback.
Communities such Lake Geneva are still attracting commuters just as they did when wealthy Victorian Chicagoans escaped to their summer homes there during the great Chicago Fire. The area still boasts magnificent Gilded Age mansions, and many more practical homes for the commuters of today.
Boston, Massachusetts town Acton offers terrific town services and amenities, and a great lifestyle to commuters who would rather ride the train than drive.
Apple Valley
Johnson County in Kansas offers many middle America amenities to those who want to live near Kansas City.
Portland may have more rain than Seattle, but lately the town has been the rainmaker for real estate in surrounding burbs.
Despite its picture-postcard beauty, Colorado Springs has reversed its recent sellers" market. As more homes are entering the marketplace, prices are coming down, offering bargains to buyers in many price ranges.
If you want an independent, authoritative guide to where the economy is heading, check out the composite quarterly forecast of the members of the National Association of Business Economics.
Situated within a comfortable commute between Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Howard County and its star planned urban development "Columbia," are in the throes of a hot sellers" market.
Kansas City, Kansas suburbs, part of Johnson County, are growing due to attractive quality of life factors, but they are experiencing what Realtors feel is a temporary buyer"s market.
Following the events of September 11 last year, many predicted an exodus from the nation"s most populated city. New York City has, instead, shown its true grit, and is roaring back with a sellers" market where real estate is in more demand than ever.
Honolulu, the state capital of Hawaii is considered the cultural as well as the political center of the Islands. It"s also the leading destination of visitors. Many stay and enjoy the white sands of Waikiki Beach, while others use Honolulu as a base to puddle-jump to the other popular Islands.
Centrally located at Routes 24 and 495, the town of Bridgewater, Massachusetts provides easy access to Boston, Cape Cod, and Providence, Rhode Island. A far-from-the-madding-crowd lifestyle, coupled with affordable housing, is beginning to attract attention from weary city dwellers and retirees. New growth is starting in this area where the population had remained relatively unchanged since the early 1990s.
Founded in 1812, Columbus, Ohio is an historic and cosmopolitan city of over 1.5 million in the metro areas. About 23 percent of its well-educated residents hold a bachelor"s degree and more than 66,900 hold graduate or professional degrees. The city is youthful, with a median age of 33, and approximately 48 percent of its population is in the 18-44 age group.
When most people think of Wisconsin, they think of cheese, as the state is among the nation"s leading producers of dairy products. But Wisconsin has many surprises in store.
The North Dallas suburb of Plano, Texas was once a farming community, but aggressive growth northward from Dallas area transferees as well as the addition of a much needed new turnpike has made Plano one of the most desirable locations in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. In just twenty years, from 1980 to 2000, Plano has grown from a population of 72,331 to 222,030 with an average median age of 34.1 years.
San Diego is so famous for so many things that it is difficult to even start a list. From the world-famous San Diego Zoo to brunch at the turn of the century "Del" hotel, to surfing off the La Jolla coast, to world-class golf (Torrey Pines,) there is something fun for residents and visitors to do all the time.
The 15-year FRM this week averaged 4.27 percent with an average 0.6 point, down from last week when it averaged 4.29 percent. A year ago at this time, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.77 percent. The 15-year FRM has never been this low since Freddie Mac started tracking it in 1991, and breaks the record low set last week.
According to the latest information from the Houston multiple listing service, the real estate market has experienced strong gains and the highest amount of home sales ever recorded for the month of April.
Hit hard by the technology recession, Texas" capitol Austin still remains a top relocation destination. And, it is poised for a housing comeback in light of recent positive economic news. Meanwhile, listings are up in number, and buying opportunities abound, in central Texas" own "Silicon Valley."
Home prices are anything but cool in and around Anchorage, Alaska where Realtors report a brisk sellers" market, quick resales for older homes and a demand for new home construction.
SmartMoney Magazine has predicted that Fort Worth will be the fifth best real estate market in the country in two years. However, Fort Worth and its surrounding areas were hit hard by layoffs after September 11th. As business heals, good homebuying deals are being snapped up by savvy Fort Worth homebuyers.
How hard is it to get prospective new homebuyers to drive out to the hinterlands to walk through, let alone purchase a new home? Just to get them to hit the highway, homebuilders across the nation are going to great lengths.
The National Association of REALTORS® launched the fifth season of its multimillion-dollar Public Awareness Campaign today with six new television spots, six new radio spots, and a significantly enlarged media buy.
David Lereah, NAR"s chief economist, said all the factors necessary for a strong housing market are in place again this year. "As the economy picks up steam in the second half of the year, a rise in jobs and consumer confidence will more than offset slightly higher interest rates. That will boost consumer confidence in purchasing high-ticket items such as homes and keep the housing market in record territory," he said.
The National Association of Realtors has funded, produced and released a new safety video called "Don"t Be A Victim: Personal Safety For Realtors," but the lessons contained within should be equally important for buyers and sellers to take to heart.
The Republican Platform contains a strong statement in support of homeownership, including an endorsement of the mortgage interest deduction. It also supports policies to encourage affordable housing and homeownership for low-income American families, and promotes policies to protect Internet data, including real estate brokers" listings, from piracy.
The explosion in Internet technology and increasing globalization throughout the business sector are causing vast changes in the commercial real estate industry. As a commercial Realtor, I"m very excited about a new alliance - the Realtors Commercial Alliance - that will help provide a framework for collective leadership in developing a common, unified voice for the commercial real estate industry.
In February 2002, I was at a meeting of the Counselors of Real Estate in Washington -- the first time that esteemed group had gathered since the terrorists attacks of the previous autumn.
Long ago it used to be that a million dollars was serious money, especially at a time when Cadillacs cost $5,000 and a $100,000 home was evidence of wealth, success and luxury.
Dear Ask George: "I represent the seller of a 20-year old home in Kennesaw, Georgia. There were concerns about the safety of one of the furnaces. A licensed inspector went to the home and tested the ppm (parts per million) on the furnace and found it to be 122, which is above recommended safety levels. Rather than disable the furnace (there are two others that are not showing dangerous levels, a gas hot water heater, and a stove that are all deemed safe), the inspector called the local utility and had the gas service disabled for the entire property.
One of the things about running a mortgage company that I miss is taking a loan application with people who are buying their first home. Oh sure, I still get my fair share of loan volume but frankly, my clients usually apply online or had previously purchased a home. Just the other day, I took one of my rare face-to-face loan application meetings from a couple buying their first home. These first-timers typically ask the very same questions, only worded a little differently. But no matter how much technology has impacted mortgage lending... some things never change.
A new 35-year mortgage will cost you tens of thousands of dollars more in interest than a conventional 30-year mortgage over the life of the loans, but the special loan is packed with enough attractive provisions to offset that drawback.
Portable sleeping quarters for $10, weather- and wind-resistant homes for $75 and $3,000 water proof shelters that can withstand hurricanes and earthquakes are revealed in the unique efforts of college students to build both prototypical shelters and real homes for the needy.
Looking for guaranteed returns on your real estate investments?
Mold claims can be very costly. Property damage claims relating to mold have, in a few cases, exceeded one million dollars. And personal injury claims can be costly as well. In response to this, corporate America has been busy looking for ways to escape mold related liability.
She adores the kitchen; he hates the back yard. Or he loves the proximity to work but she thinks they need an extra bedroom. In today"s real estate
After a five-year hiatus, a recent "Spring Into Your First Home Affordable Housing Fair" in the twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, IL, population about 225,000, drew 500 people looking to learn how they can afford to buy a home.
Question: We are first time homebuyers, and plan to stay in the new house for a long period of time. We have been offered two kinds of mortgages: a fixed 30-year mortgage for 5.5 percent with no points, or a 5-year adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) at 4.25 percent, again with no points. We recently read that Alan Greenspan, the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Board, indicated his preference for an ARM. This has been a difficult decision for us, and we seek your opinion.
The Veterans Administration has moved its foreclosure property management offsite, signing a deal with Orlando-based Ocwen Federal Bank. At this writing, investors seeking out Veterans Affairs foreclosure properties will be out of luck for a few more weeks as VA carries out the transition of all its foreclosure properties to Ocwen"s website.
Question: We are considering refinancing our home and have decided to use that money to begin buying and selling real estate. I would like to purchase a lower-priced home to fix up and sell. I hear about all of these real estate success stories and I am just wondering if this is a good course of action.
Last night I was reviewing income and expense analysis reports for three different properties, and once again I realized how hard it is for the average investor to make head or tails of the information.
Question: How does the Board choreograph a meeting if not allowed to meet privately in advance? We have always scheduled work sessions every other month prior to the open board meetings. Some members are calling us on it. Some board members have said they will resign if they have to face a room full of homeowners every month especially if we have to allow them to talk as the law requires.
Real estate has been one of the primary sources for investors to place their money for the last thousand years. There have always been investment opportunities for money lenders (a.k.a. banks) of all kinds, but real estate has been one of those investments which includes your home, and this is where the story starts.
Question: I am 21 years old living in a rental condo in California. I have no debt and no credit card balances. My goal for the next ten years is to own ten rental properties. My question to you is what is the best way to finance my goals? I have a small savings of $2,900 and a $25,000 salary. I am able to borrow up to $55,000 from my family. Since rental properties for the most part pay for themselves, are lenders willing to make multiple loans? Is there another way of getting rich without hitting the jackpot in the next lottery?
Q. I am a first time home buyer, and have been pre-approved for a $255,000 mortgage purchase. In my search, I have seen a number of houses in the $300,000 - $500,000 range in good, move-in condition. The problem I am having is where to start my offer. My realtor is telling me that those houses are priced too high, but that no one there will sell their house for under $300,000. What do you recommend?
Armed with your down payment and your pre-approved mortgage loan, the next
When a buyer takes possession of the house after settlement, they truly own the house. Some buyers think they don"t own the house until the mortgage is paid off – in reality, you own the deed to the house and land, but the lender has a lien on the house for a mortgage. Once the mortgage is paid in full, the lien is removed – you hope.
Are you short that 20 percent down payment? Have you been in a job less than five years? Is that out-of-control college credit card frenzy years ago keeping you from even thinking about applying for a home loan? If any of these scenarios ring true for you, it doesn"t mean you can"t buy a home.
James and Michelle Rigdon purchased a new $427,000 Gilroy, CA home with a conventional $282,500 first mortgage, a $25,000 deferred payment California Housing Finance Agency second, an $85,000 third from South (Santa Clara) County Housing, a $6,500 fourth from the Housing Trust of Santa Clara County and a $6,000 grant from a non-profit agency.
Home shopping. For first-time homebuyers it"s an exciting, albeit nerve-wracking, experience. If you"re like others in the market for their first home, you probably have in mind exactly how your soon-to-be home will look.
A bipolar gentleman called me this week to see what it would take for him to buy a foreclosure property. It was kind of sad, having to talk with a man who apparently had been beaten down by his circumstances, but who also had no concept of the homeownership process.
The largest numbers of second homes are in states with large populations. The greatest percentage of second homes, however, are in smaller and less populous states.
Q: For many people in the residential real estate business, questions often arise – from both landlord and tenants – regarding ownership of tenant"s property that becomes "fixed" or "attached" to a part of the landlord"s real property. Particularly in today"s times, tenants want to install high- speed cable modem boxes, additional communications wiring, wall store devices, wine cellars, and more.
Looking for a home in a community that"s adapting well to the new economic order?
Q: In today’s market, it is hard to buy a house on a contingency of getting your own house sold. It is a real dilemma for us, since we are concerned that without such a contingency, we may end up being unable to sell our current house. What is the best strategy?
In a housing market in which supply is woefully short of demand, some buyers have been willing to forgo a home inspection in an effort to get a leg up on the competition.
Are you feeling a little wealthier, a little more comfortable as a homeowner despite all the talk of recession and budget deficits?
The nation"s biggest source of home loan money quietly has been moving to minimize the cost and eliminate the required use of one of the most traditional elements of the mortgage process -- the appraisal.
Home equity to burn, favorable tax laws, and record-low mortgage rates are all converging at an opportune time to make buying your vacation home a dream come true.
After six months in your new house, a nail has popped out of the drywall in the family room.
Question: In the past two months, we have bid on -- but lost -- three separate houses which we really would have liked to buy. The brokers told us that we had too many contingencies, and that the sellers took other offers which were "cleaner". Exactly what is a "clean" contract, and how can we be assured that we will be successful with our next offer.
Each year more than 40 percent of all homes are purchased by first-time buyers according to the National Association of Realtors, a percentage which should offer some comfort if you"re about to buy a first home. Others have done it, others are doing it, and you can too.
First-time homebuyers face a steep learning curve. There"s much to know, much to learn, and a great potential for "rookie mistakes" -- with potentially costly consequences.
When searching for a new home, looking for indications of water in the basement is about as common as kicking the tires of a used car -- everybody does it, but few have any idea what they are really looking for, or why.
Before you buy, sell or refinance, consider an accredited energy rating inspection.
The choice for buyers is often stark: Something small near metro centers because home prices are steep, or something an hour or more into the suburbs where bigger homes and lower mortgages are possible -- but with a cost, a daily commute that consumes much of the day.
Most of us sign up for a homeowner"s insurance policy when we purchase a home not only because of the protection it offers us, but also because of the “required reading” aspect of it to our mortgage lender. Those institutions lending us the money to make homeownership possible cover their bases by making sure their own financial investments are protected in case of fire or natural disasters.
Condominiums are hot property right now. While you"ll find plenty of
Interviewing a listing agent (seller"s agent) over the
If you"re hunting for a bargain in a re-sale home, take
You need three things to buy a house -- good income, good
Most consumers do comparative research before making a major purchase -- a new car, refrigerator, home entertainment center or certainly, a house. But how many consider the environmental factors surrounding a home or land sale?
At a time when some home buyers should consider expressing economic caution, they are buying ever more costlier homes, but without additional financial strain on their incomes, yet.
Fred George of Puritan Realty in Plymouth, Mass., knows a thing or two about buyers" mistakes. In the mid-1980s, he found himself a casualty of the banking crisis. Like many others, George was caught up in the buying and selling frenzy before the bottom fell out. Banks closed, homeowners lost the homes that were now mortgaged at inflated rates, and in a matter of a few short months, George lost the real estate holdings he"d spent 30 years acquiring. (We originally brought you a profile of George in AgentNews" Jan. 21 edition.)
It"s a dream for some and a reality for others -- running your own business from home. For many, it"s often tricky knowing how to start. There are many technical, legal and familial issues that can crop up, especially for those who are self-employed with no employees.
Five hundred Americans accidentally die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, and at least 10,000 people a year are treated for exposure to the colorless, odorless gas.
Remember the energy crisis that ushered in a darkened New Millennium?
There"s no place like home when it comes to having a place to underscore our
Within the last 50 years, wood siding has become increasingly more expensive, adding considerably to the cost of new housing.
Asbestos. Radon. Lead. Mold.