Numerous buyers are delaying a decision to purchase a home because of the economy and the unpredictability of the current real estate market. But it seems it is the Generation Y population delaying more than most. Generation Y people as described by Wikipedia: Generation Y, also known as the … [Read more...]

In the National Association of Realtors 2011 3rd Quarter Housing Report, increased sales were evident across the country. In the report, they showed that combined sales of single family homes, condos and co-ops increased in every state as compared to the 3rd quarter of last year. Here were the … [Read more...]

With loans that do not involve mortgage insurance (PMI). The suggestion is to borrow as much as you can afford. As an example, borrowing $310,000, as opposed to $300,000, will increase your mortgage payment by about $51 at 4.5%. Recognize that by doing so, you will have $10,000 in the bank. It is … [Read more...]

Getting a mortgage for your next home you’re thinking of buying, and then keep your credit scores as high as possible. Credit scores play a large role in deciding what types of mortgages products you qualify for, and especially important, the rate your lender provides you. Credit Scores? A … [Read more...]

Increased Foreclosures The shadow inventory of foreclosures has been growing and will ultimately be introduced to the market. And since distressed homes sell at discounted prices, they will impact the housing values of the non-distressed homes. Increased Short Sales Home prices will likely … [Read more...]

It used to be that there was logic applied in the world of mortgage lending. An appraiser determined the value of a home by the axiom, “what a reasonable buyer would pay a reasonable seller”. An underwriter weighed the plusses and minuses of a file (after analyzing the income, the assets, the … [Read more...]

Should people buy or rent in today’s market, what is the current condition of the U.S. housing market,  how affordable are homes today, is the market turning around or are we headed for another dip? If you are a consumer (buyer, seller, renter or landlord), the information contained within … [Read more...]

Business School professors Eli Beracha of East Carolina University and Ken H. Johnson of Florida International University have done extensive research on which makes more sense financially: to rent or own a home. They published, Lessons from Over 30 Years of Buy versus Rent Decisions: Is the … [Read more...]

What is shadow inventory? It is an inventory of houses that will come to market as distressed properties at discounted prices. Each of the data companies define shadow inventory in slightly different ways. Standard & Poors defines it this way: “We include in the shadow inventory all … [Read more...]

When it comes to remodeling, exterior replacement projects have routinely rewarded homeowners with more bang for their buck. This year is no different, as Realtors® recently rated many exterior improvements as among the most valuable home investment projects as part of the 2011-12 Remodeling Cost … [Read more...]