Positive real estate news trending? http://n.pr/14tQOVS
Quarterly Housing Statistics
A common question that people ask Realtors is: “How’s the market these days?” The Wisconsin Realtors Association makes available housing statistics on a quarterly basis that are very interesting to follow. You can look at stats for Dane county by clicking here (and other counties in Wisconsin once you are at the site), and you will note that the number of homes sold this year is higher than last year. There is still improvement to be made in our local market as well as real estate markets across the country, however the numbers are promising considering buyers are now buying without the incentive of the federal buyer credit that was previously available.
If you have market questions, please be sure to send me an email at heidi@glassslipperhomes.com.
Interest Rates Are Great – Is It Your Time To Buy?
If you have been thinking about buying real estate, now is a very good time to check in with your lender to find out if:
- You qualify for financing,
- How much you qualify for,
- What timeline you need to close successfully on a home!
Interest rates are as competetive as we have seen them in a long time, which is great news for those that want to buy!
Please let me know if you would like a recommendation of lenders to contact for specifics. Then let’s set a date to get you looking at some homes! Email heidi@glassslipperhomes.com.
$8,000 ~ Used as a Downpayment!
As the loan programs continue to change, many Buyers are excited about the $8000 tax rebate, but do not have sufficent funds for a downpayment. The National Association of Realtors has been working towards a more immediate solution.
Shaun Donovan, secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, said on Tuesday “FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.” This translates into a non-secured loan for 1 year from the lender to the Buyer (read your lender’s fine print regarding exclusions).
To check your eligibility, visit the WRA’s First Time Homebuyer’s Website. Call me today to discuss your home-buying opportunities in Dane County!
The Housing “Crisis”
For most of us, it’s been virtually impossible to ignore the alarming real estate headlines. Everyday, we see newspapers and news programs that scream “Home Prices Plummeting! Foreclosures Soaring!” But is the housing “crisis” just a slight problem that has been blown out of proportion?
CNBC’s Dennis Kneale crunched the numbers, and has come to the conclusion that the word “crisis” is a bit of an overstatement as much of what is happening in today’s Madison real estate market (as well as nationally) is not as bad as it may seem when you really analyze the numbers. He also believes much of what is happening is just a necessary market correction after years of rising prices and easy lending. I would encourage you to watch this video posted last Friday to the CNBC site. You can see it by clicking here.
What do you think about the Madison real estate market? The national one? I’d love to hear your opinions and comments.