http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/business/2010/dec/31/TDBIZ03-rise-in-signed-contracts-gives-housing-mar-ar-744844/
Looks as though there could be light at the end of this very long and dark real estate tunnel we have encountered over the past few years. The market is starting to turn and people are starting to realize this is the time to take advantage of great investment opportunities. "Sales appear to be picking up and we expect better sales in the next several months," said Patrick Newport, a housing economist at IHS Global Insight.
A major reason for the jump in sales is that people are buying foreclosed homes, which sell at steep discounts, in addition to improvements in the job market, and people are beginning to realize this is the time to take advantage of the low interest rates available while they last.
With an abundance of inventory, depressed prices, and historically low interest rates that continue to inch up, there are great deals to be had NOW...don't miss this opportunity. If I can assist in any capicity, please don't hesitate to let me know!
Friday, December 31, 2010
Let There Be Light!!!
Posted by pmgee84 at 7:57 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Mortgage Update with Teesie Howell
Presidential Mortgage
4701 Cox Rd #365
Glen Allen, VA 23060
Phone: (804) 512-1578
E-Mail: mailto:teesie.howell@presidential.com
This update explains the relationship between US debt and mortgage rates, and it tells people that they can’t wait around for rates to go lower. Rates are still low and should be taken advantage of, but they have been creeping up for the past month. Let’s educate all our customers, that now is the time to act!
Posted by pmgee84 at 8:14 AM 0 comments
Friday, December 24, 2010
"Shadow Inventory"
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/2010/dec/23/new-home-sales-rise-55-percent-november-ar-733522/
Although the housing market is still struggling to recover from the recession, this past November recorded another national increase in people buying homes. Although we had an increase in home sales, the market still has a lot of catching up to do.
The primary concern for 2011 are the current levels of inventory, not to mention the onset of shadow inventory. "These are homes that are in the early stages of the foreclosure process but have not been put on the market yet for resale...when these homes are added, the inventory level would actually be about double where it is now."
Looks like it could be a while before sales return to healthy levels, but at the same time...with interest rates at all time lows, a surplus of inventory, and depressed property values, THIS IS THE TIME TO BUY!!!
Posted by pmgee84 at 9:20 AM 0 comments
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Mortgage Shoppers Get Mandatory Alert
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/business/2010/dec/18/TDBIZ02-mortgage-shoppers-will-be-given-credit-sco-ar-723760/
Starting January 1, 2011, lenders will be required to disclose additional information to home buyers shopping for mortgages. Mortgagee's will be given "a mandatory alert on how their credit scores might affect the rate quote and terms they receive from their lender...alerting applicants when negative information in their credit-bureau files triggers hgiher rates or adverse terms," this new policy will allow applicants time to make informed decisions before commiting to any offers.
Posted by pmgee84 at 1:52 PM 0 comments
Thursday, December 16, 2010
GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
Posted by pmgee84 at 9:53 AM 0 comments
Foreclosures Down in November, but Not Over Yet!
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/business/2010/dec/16/tdbiz01-foreclosure-activity-in-richmond-area-fall-ar-719135/
Foreclosures in Richmond fell over 40% last month due to banks reviewing the entire foreclosure process, to rid the process of flaws including robo-signing and to revamp their internal procedures by revising and resubmitting suspect paperwork. Unfortunately, "sometime in the first quarter, we expect to see a big spike in foreclosure activity as the issues with lenders are resolved," RealtyTrac spokesman Daren Blomquist said.
With interest rates continuing to stay low, foreclosures continuing to come on the market, and home prices continuing to be depressed, there has never been a better time to buy!!!
Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or interest in taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Posted by pmgee84 at 7:47 AM 0 comments
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Condo Financing in Jeopardy!
Kenneth R. Harney, of the Washington Post, discussed a very real and progressing danger in the Real Estate market across the country. In November of 2009, amidst a difficult and declining Real Estate market, the Federal government put tighter restrictions on condo project FHA financing...well the Fed's are coming again and this time they are looking to place even more stringent criteria for condos to qualify for FHA financing.
"Tens of thousands of condominium owners around the country may not know it, but their ability to sell or refinance could be jeopardized by a rolling series of federal government deadlines." Unfortunately when the market was good, FHA had approved thousands of projects with inadequate information regarding home owner association budget's, legal documents, insurance coverage, renter to owner ratios, delinquencies on condo fee payments, the amount of commercial space, among other variables.
In some markets, FHA financing accounted for 75% or more of first time home buyer purchases. And with less liquidity in every one's finances during this tough economic time, FHA will continue to be a very popular option for people in the market to buy.
If you are interested in checking FHA approval on a certain property, check out https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condolook.cfm
And of course, if you are interested in getting more information on your condo or a condo you are interested in purchasing, please do not hesitate to let me know. I am happy to help any way that I can.
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/2010/dec/11/TDBIZ02-the-nations-housing-missed-deadline-might--ar-708685/
Posted by pmgee84 at 8:17 AM 0 comments
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
New Lows for Richmond Real Estate
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/business/2010/dec/09/richmond-home-prices-hit-new-lows-ar-704237/
In a recent study, Richmond Real Estate values have dropped significantly since the top of the market in 2006-2007. Although not as dramatic as the national averages, evidence shows that "home prices here dropped nearly 8 percent from a year ago, according to the report. And prices are down 23.4 percent since they peaked here in April 2007."
The study suggests that we may have finally hit bottom and that a leveling off of prices could mean positive growth to come. For you seller's out there, it might not be a bad idea to sit tight and see what happens in the next year...for you purchaser's, this is the time to buy! Take advantage of these historic low prices in addition to the unbelievable interest rates, as they can't stay like this forever!
Posted by pmgee84 at 6:27 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Price is Everything
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/business/2010/dec/08/right-pricing-key-home-sales-ar-701676/
Reknown real estate author and coach Dirk Zeller discusses the importance of pricing your home when trying to sell in today's market.
"The odds in today's marketplace to sell something overpriced are zero...agents should know whether they missed the market by overpricing a house within two weeks."
With all time lows in terms of home prices and interest rates, and a vast selection of homes on the market this is the time to buy. "In '04, '05, and '06 (a soaring market) people should have been scared to buy. Now they are in a market where it's a safe place to buy."
I am here to assist you with any of your real estate needs. Whether you are looking to buy, sell, get a value for your home, or just see what is out there, do not hesitate to let me know. Thanks so much!
Posted by pmgee84 at 7:17 AM 0 comments
Sunday, December 5, 2010
1921-A W. Cary Street - Open House
Posted by pmgee84 at 10:04 AM 0 comments
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Tax Break's on Home Loans and Equity Lines Survive to See Another Day!
Posted by pmgee84 at 11:37 AM 0 comments
Friday, December 3, 2010
Foreclosures on the Rise & with Banks Overloaded, There's No End in Sight!!!
Along with the rest of the Nation, Richmond, VA saw an uptick in distressed real estate for the third quarter of 2010, and there seems to be no immediate end in sight. With major U.S. Lender's stopping Foreclosures in recent months as they review potential flaws in the Foreclosure process, the freeze is causing a buildup of distressed property across all 50 states. Looks to be another wave of Foreclosures yet to come...now let's just hope interest rates stay low so that Buyer's can continue to take care of all the deals out there!
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/2010/dec/02/b-fore02-ar-689289/
Posted by pmgee84 at 8:06 AM 0 comments
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
MAJOR PRICE REDUCTION - Patriot's Landing (Quinton, VA)
Posted by pmgee84 at 10:29 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Mortgage Update from Logan Tinder, C&F Mortgage Corp.
Mortgage Update From Logan Tinder, C&F Mortgage Corp:
Due to the short week and Thanksgiving holiday, as expected, rates suffered last week. Ticking up about half a point.
This week so far, the EURO is considerably weaker as European debt fears continue. The EU approved a $113b bailout for Ireland over the weekend but the reaction the last few days has been poor. Rumors continue to swirl about Belgium, Portugal and Spain being next. When things like this occur we usually see some flight to quality buying of US debt, which has been the case as of late. This will drive up bond prices (higher demand) and in turn drive rates back down.
As long as there is tension or global uncertainly, mortgage rates will tend to benefit. As mentioned above, US Debt is still viewed as a safe spot to park money.
How the data releases pan out the rest of the week, will certainly play a role in the direction rates will take into the beginning of December.
On tap:
-ADP Employment Report
-Q3 Productivity
-ISM Index
-Employment Report
The Employment report serves as the most important data release every month. An increase in unemployment will likely pressure rates downward...SO THIS IS THE TIME TO BUY!
Have a great week and please let Logan and/or I know if we can assist in any capacity!
Logan Tinder
C & F Mortgage Corp.
Home Mortgage Consultant
Direct : 804-858-8325
Cell : 804-240-9264
Main: 804-858-8300 ext. 305
Fax : 804-419-8481
www.logantinder.com
Posted by pmgee84 at 1:44 PM 0 comments
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Refinance or Refinance Not, That Is the Question!
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/business/2010/nov/25/b-jean25-ar-675645/
With interest rates at historical lows, the question a lot of people are asking is "should I refinance, if I am able?" Given the state of the Real Estate Market and home values at or close to the bottom, is it even an option?
In the article below, Jean Chatzky discusses some important variables one must analyze before moving forward with this process. If you have any additional questions or concerns regarding your particular situation, please don't hesitate to let me know and I can get you in touch with a lending professional for more information.
I hope everyone has a safe, delicious Thanksgiving Holiday filled with the company of family and friends celebrating all we have to be thankful for this year.
Posted by pmgee84 at 8:49 AM 0 comments
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Hard to believe it can happen!
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/2010/nov/20/b-harn20-ar-665561/
If you are in the market to buy, sell, or refinance your real estate, be aware that the current state of our economy could have a negative effect on your credit score without you having to do a thing. You may be in good standing with your creditors, practicing safe financial discipline, and POOF your lines of credit are cut, ultimately killing your credit scores!
Today's lending institutions have their hands tied regarding how much they can lend and to whom they may lend to; anyone with "less than perfect" credit will have a tough time getting a loan or refinancing their existing loan and that is a fact. The above article discusses legislation hoping to stop this plague, and for everyones sake, let's hope they are successful.
Be sure you know where you stand by taking advantage of annualcreditreport.com or calling (877) 322-8228. These resources allow you to obtain a free credit report once a year without hurting your credit scores.
And of course, please do not hesitate to contact me for further assistance and I can put you in touch with a leader in the lending field. Thanks!
Posted by pmgee84 at 7:56 AM 0 comments
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Tenants Beware
Hightened scrutiny is an essential responsibility of Renters in today's market. Be sure you know what you are getting into, and who you are getting into it with, before you make a final decision.
In today's issue of the Richmond Times Dispatch, Jean Chatzky lays out a set of precautionary measures to ensure a pleasant renting experience (http://www2.timesdispatch.com/business/2010/nov/18/b-jean18-ar-660634/).
In today's world you can never be too careful; whether you are looking to Rent or Buy, I am here to assist in any capacity!
Posted by pmgee84 at 9:34 AM 0 comments
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
IMPORTANT LISTING UPDATE
Mary Munford Area
Posted by pmgee84 at 6:28 PM 0 comments
Monday, November 15, 2010
Country Club Hills - 7 Lots FOR SALE $120,000-$260,000
Posted by pmgee84 at 8:42 AM 0 comments
1913 B West Cary Street - FOR SALE $255,000
Posted by pmgee84 at 8:24 AM 0 comments
4805 Lockgreen Circle - FOR SALE $1,095,000
Posted by pmgee84 at 8:10 AM 0 comments
Sunday, November 14, 2010
2550 Radstock Road - FOR SALE $479,000
Salisbury
Posted by pmgee84 at 3:28 PM 0 comments
12202 Ashton Glen Court - FOR SALE $179,900
UNDER CONTRACT
Posted by pmgee84 at 3:18 PM 0 comments
5707 Bromley Lane - FOR SALE $264,950
Mary Munford Area
Posted by pmgee84 at 3:08 PM 0 comments
4632 Grove Avenue Unit #7 - FOR LEASE $950/mo.
Westhampton / Libbie, Grove
Posted by pmgee84 at 2:54 PM 0 comments
1921 A West Cary Street - FOR SALE $225,000
The Lofts at Cary - Residential Condo
Posted by pmgee84 at 2:24 PM 0 comments