The Deal of the Century??

Recently, Freddie Mac published a blog post titled Mortgage Rates: Still the Deal of the Century. They explained that, if you are planning to purchase a home, now may be the time: “If you are in the market to buy a home, today s average mortgage rates are something to celebrate compared to almost any year since 1971.” 

And they let their readers know that there is no guarantee that rates will remain this low: “Over the past few years, we've enjoyed a long run of historically low mortgage rates. While no one expects them to change dramatically overnight, they are expected to head up. 

Most experts agree that mortgage rates will drift up in the coming months to end the year approaching 4.50%. Buying a home is a big investment – perhaps the biggest one you ll make in your life. So, it s important to be sure you are ready to make that purchase. If you are ready, today s rates are not to be missed.” 

http://www.homesforsaleinirvingtx.net/the-deal-of-the-century/

This Advice on Homeownership Hasn’t Changed in 200 Years

Last month, we reported that billionaire John Paulson believes in the financial advantages of home ownership. He has often repeated: I think, from an individual perspective, the best deal investment you can make is to buy a primary residence that you re the owner-occupier of.” 

However, he has not been the only billionaire to give such advice. As a matter of fact, that same advice has been given by people of wealth throughout the history of our nation. Here is a quote often attributed to Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United States and billionaire real estate developer: “Every person who invests in well-selected real estate … adopts the surest and safest method of becoming independent, for real estate is the basis of wealth.” 

Andrew Carnegie, one of the richest entrepreneurs in American history said: “90% of all millionaires became so through owning real estate.” 

http://www.homesforsaleinfortworthtx.org/this-advice-on-homeownership-hasnt-changed-in-200-years/

There’s No Place Like Home

Last week, we reported on the financial reasons purchasing a home in today’s market makes sense. The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University performs a study every year surveying participants for the reasons that American’s feel are most important in regards to home ownership. 

The top reasons to own a home cited by respondents were not financial.

1. It means having a good place to raise children & provide them with a good education From the best neighborhoods to the best school districts, even those without children at the time of purchasing their home, may have this in the back of their mind as a major reason for choosing the location of the home that they purchase.

2. You have a physical structure where you & your family feel safe It is no surprise that having a place to call home with all that means in comfort and security is the #2 reason.

3. It allows you to have more space for your family Whether your family is expanding, or an older family member is moving.

http://www.homesforsaleinarlingtontx.org/theres-no-place-like-home-arlington/

Existing Home Sales Skyrocket!

Existing Home Sales Skyrocket!
http://www.homesforsaleinfortworthtx.org/existing-home-sales-skyrocket/

Home Sales Skyrocketing!!

Yesterday, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) released their Existing Home Sales Report. The numbers shocked many analysts as they revealed a 10.4% increase over the same month last year. This is the highest number of sales since September 2013. Sales have increased year-over-year for six consecutive months and the 10.4% increase is the highest annual increase since August 2013. 

March's sales increase was the largest monthly increase since December 2010. Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, explained: After a quiet start to the year, sales activity picked up greatly throughout the country in March. The combination of low interest rates and the ongoing stability in the job market is improving buyer confidence and finally releasing some of the sizable pent-up demand that accumulated in recent years. Here is a graph showing home sales so far this year: An increase in sales occurred in every region of the country even the Northeast that experienced one of their roughest winters:

http://www.homesforsaleinarlingtontx.org/home-sales-skyrocketing/

Qualify to Refinance? How and When?

In today’s housing market interest rates are falling and you may be considering refinancing your home loan to take advantage of low interest rates. You may also think that your home’s value has increased. 

Do you know when and how to determine if it’s the right time to refinance? According to experts, before stepping to qualify for a refinance you should find out how much your home is worth in the current market.  It is also critical to consider how much you still owe on your current mortgage. 

Another way to know when you should consider refinancing is to determine if refinancing is affordable. Expert suggests that the total cost of the refinance plus other debts should be no more than 43% of your gross income. Take note that your home refinancing will go smoothly if you have a high credit score. 

Finally, you must remember to make sure that the refinancing is worth it. It s only worth it to refinance if you can make a monthly savings and you plan to stay in your home for years.

http://www.homesforsaleinirvingtx.net/qualify-to-refinance-how-and-when/

Unforgivable Home Seller Mistakes

Thinking of selling a home is huge and difficult decision to make, especially if this your first time. Some people who are thinking of selling might be sad because they need to let go of the house where they built a home. In contrast some are excited to welcome a new house in a new neighborhood. 

Home selling has never been easy and is indeed a complex process. When selling a home you need to be prepared and ready to get the best value of your home. One of the unforgivable mistakes home sellers make is overpricing their homes. We understand that you know how much you invested in your house.  

However, it’s critical to remember that today’s market is different than when you purchased your home. When the price of the home is too high it will drive off potential buyers, resulting in a house that stays on the market for too long. 

The second most common mistake is letting emotions control you. It is important to remember this is a business transaction.  

http://www.homesforsaleinarlingtontx.org/unforgivable-home-seller-mistakes/

Why Rates are Low?

It was announced that the housing market this year will have stronger growth but while interest rates are expected to remain low. Thinking of buying a house this year? Should you take advantage of the low rates? Should you lock in? Experts explained that one of the reason why rates are low is because of low oil costs. 

Consumers have lower import costs of goods and will have an increase with their cash flow. Another reason stated was the fall of treasury rate, because when treasury rate falls, interest rates fall. Experts suggest that if you’re serious and have current financial stability, buying now makes sense. Fixed mortgage rates are expected to remain and are moving forward with solid home sales. 

Call homes for sale in Fort Worth Texas so we can provide you with greater details.  We are waiting to show you homes that will capture your attention with complete property details, virtual tours and photos. Take advantage of the low rates and lock in now!

http://www.homesforsaleinfortworthtx.org/why-rates-are-low/

Housing Market: Freddie Mac Remains Optimistic

The April 2015 U.S. Economic & Housing Market Outlook from Freddie Mac revealed that they are optimistic about the real estate market in 2015. As a matter of fact, the sub-title of the report was “Great Expectations”. What made Freddie Mac so optimistic? 

Here are a few highlights from the report: “For the remainder of the year we should see a resumption of solid economic growth and acceleration in housing activity. Notwithstanding a disappointing March jobs report the acceleration is already underway.” “With spring upon us, housing markets are poised to accelerate and we expect the best year for home sales since 2007. Despite harsh winter weather to start the year, home sales through February are only off from the 2013 pace by 7,000 sales 

Pending home sales were up 3.1 percent in February to the highest level since June 2013. This marked the fourth consecutive month for rising pending home sales showing positive momentum in general for the housing market.” 

http://www.homesforsaleinfortworthtx.org/housing-market-freddie-mac-remains-optimistic-fort-worth/

Selling Your House in 2015? Don’t Miss this Opportunity

Every seller wants to get the best price for their house. We learned in high school that the best price for any item will be determined by the demand for that item relative to the supply of that item. We have reported that the inventory of houses for sale is well below normal numbers. There is historical evidence that the demand for housing is about to increase dramatically. 

Each year, more homes sell in May, June, July and August than any other four months of the year. You want to make sure your house is available for sale during peak selling season. If you are thinking of selling this year, contact a local real estate professional today. 

http://www.homesforsaleinirvingtx.net/selling-your-house-in-2015-dont-miss-this-opportunity/

I Need A VACATION… Home!

http://www.homesforsaleinarlingtontx.org/i-need-a-vacation-home/

3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying A Home

If you are debating purchasing a home right now, you are surely getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family will have your best interest at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in real estate. Let’s look at whether or not now is actually a good time for you to buy a home. 

There are questions you should ask before purchasing in today’s market: 

1. Why am I buying a home in the first place? This truly is the most important question to answer. Forget the finances for a minute. Why did you even begin to consider purchasing a home? For most, the reason has nothing to do with finances. A study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University reveals that the four major reasons people buy a home have nothing to do with money: 

A good place to raise children and for them to get a good education. 

A place where you and your family feel safe. 

More space for you and your family. 

Control of the space.

http://www.homesforsaleinarlingtontx.org/3-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-buying-a-home-arlington/

Using An Agent in Purchasing a Home

When buying a home, there is a difference in the process with or without a professional real estate agent.  Some home buyers prefer not to use an agent when buying in an effort to save commissions.  Many find that working with an agent when buying a home helps the process be more efficient.

What are the benefits of working with a real estate agent? An agent can determine how much you can afford and recommend mortgage lenders and work on your behalf. A real estate agent has access to MLS. An agent can arrange open houses and showings for homes you have interest in. An agent can answer all your questions about current market trends, home buying issues, interest rates and many other real estate related issues. An agent will assist with necessary documents, negotiations and deals. 

A real estate agent will guide you through the entire home buying process. An agent will ensure all your wants and needs are met and all the necessary steps are completed.

http://www.homesforsaleinfortworthtx.org/using-an-agent-in-purchasing-a-home-fort-worth/

Is Getting a Mortgage Getting Easier?

There has been a lot of discussion about how difficult it is to get a home mortgage in this market. There is no doubt that the process is not as easy as it was eight to ten years ago and that’s probably good news. However, it does appear that availability to mortgage money is increasing with each passing day. 

The Mortgage Bankers’ Association publishes the Mortgage Credit Availability Index(MCAI). According to their site the index is “a summary measure which indicates the availability of mortgage credit at a point in time”. As we can see from the graph below, mortgage availability has been increasing dramatically over the last six months. 

Accompanying the latest index was this comment from Mike Fratantoni, MBA s Chief Economist: A number of factors contributed to a loosening of credit in March: Freddie Mac s introduction of their 97 LTV program (Fannie Mae s was implemented in December) [and the] additional loosening of parameters on jumbo loan programs.

http://www.homesforsaleinirvingtx.net/is-getting-a-mortgage-getting-easier/

Housing Market is Healthiest in Years!

According to Nationwide’s recently unveiled, Health of Housing Market (HoHM) Report, the US housing market is at it’s healthiest levels since the index’s creation in 2001. The index analyzes the health of the housing market across the country and in 373 metro areas every quarter. Using the data that they have collected over the past 15 years, Nationwide will look to give a “data-driven view of the near-term performance of housing markets based upon current health indicators.” The fourth quarter of 2014 ended with the highest indicator score in over 15 years of data analyzed by the study at 109.8. 

The report explains: “An index value over 100 suggests that the national housing market is healthy, with lower chances of a housing downturn over the next year as the index moves increasingly above the 100 breakeven value.” Employment, demographics, the mortgage market, and housing prices are all used to evaluate the health of each market.

http://www.homesforsaleinarlingtontx.org/housing-market-is-healthiest-in-years/

Pending Sales Surge: Great Sign for the Housing Market

The most recent Pending Homes Sales Index from the National Association of Realtors revealed that homes going into contract in February increased to their highest level since June 2013. The Pending Home Sales Index is a leading indicator for the housing sector, based on pending sales of existing homes. A sale is listed as pending when the contract has been signed but the transaction has not closed, though the sale usually is finalized within one or two months of signing. The Index is now 12.0 percent above February 2014. 

The index is at its highest level since June 2013, has increased year-over-year for six consecutive months and is above what is considered “the average level of activity” – for the 10th consecutive month. Here is a graph showing the Pending Sales numbers: Here is a chart showing the Pending Sales increases by region: 

http://www.homesforsaleinfortworthtx.org/pending-sales-surge-great-sign-for-the-housing-market/

Selling Your House? Price it Right Up Front

In today’s market, where demand is outpacing supply in many regions of the country, pricing a house is one of the biggest challenges real estate professionals face. Sellers often want to price their home higher than recommended, and many agents go along with the idea to keep their clients happy. 

However, the best agents realize that telling the homeowner the truth is more important than getting the seller to like them. There is no “later.” Sellers sometimes think, “If the home doesn’t sell for this price, I can always lower it later.” However, research proves that homes that experience a listing price reduction sit on the market longer, ultimately selling for less than similar homes. 

John Knight, recipient of the University Distinguished Faculty Award from the Eberhardt School of Business at the University of the Pacific, actually did research on the cost (in both time and money) to a seller who priced high at the beginning and then lowered the their price. 

http://www.homesforsaleinarlingtontx.org/selling-your-house-price-it-right-up-front-arlington/