Lots of articles have appeared recently about the booming real estate market in the United States. Home prices, especially on the East and West coasts, are not only at record levels, but are increasing at record rates. In some areas around Washington, D.C. and San Francisco, home prices have tripled in the last five years. While many homeowners have been enjoying huge increases in their equity, realized when they either sell their home or borrow against it, the market has become increasingly difficult for those trying to buy homes. It may get worse, as there are now some strong signs that the market may be near its peak:
# The prices of homes in many markets are so high that few buyers can purchase them using traditional mortgages. In Washington, D.C., for instance, 48% of new mortgages are of the interest-only variety, where the buyer pays only the interest on the loan for the first few years. This keeps the payments low enough that the buyer can qualify for the loan. The problem is that the buyer is only paying interest and not actually contributing to the purchase price of the home. The fact that so many buyers are obtaining interest-only loans suggests that prices in those markets may be too high to be sustained.
# Many home appraisers have complained that lenders are constantly pressuring them to “make the numbers” when appraising homes. Appraisers in some modestly-appreciating markets, such as Buffalo, NY, say that they are often given a value when assigned an appraisal, with the unspoken understanding that their appraisal is expected to come in at or above that figure. The lending industry is competitive, and lenders want to issue as many loans as possible. It would appear that quite a few of them are even willing to lend money when the home doesn’t appraise for the asking price. Appraisers point out that if they don’t provide the “requested” figures, then the lenders will simply hire other appraisers.
# The foreclosure rate is increasing. The rate increased in March and April over the same months last year, suggesting that more buyers may have discovered that they have mortgages on which they cannot make the payments. The foreclosure rates are the highest in Florida and Texas, which have foreclosure rates that are nearly triple the national average. With interest rates near historic lows, mortgages are more likely to become even less affordable as interest rates increase.
What this means for prospective buyers is that they must do even more research before buying a home. Buyers should genuinely consider whether or not they could actually afford to make home payments that include a reduction in principal. If a buyer can’t afford a home without taking out an interest-only loan, the buyer probably can’t afford the home. Buyers should be suspicious of home appraisals and should, if possible, ask the appraiser if they are being pressured to provide a predetermined figure. Every buyer wants his or her home to appraise for at least the amount of the loan. But the current market is one where buyers are straining to make payments on prices that are at record levels. The last thing any buyer wants is to strain to make payments on a mortgage that exceeds the value of the home. The real estate market is in a precarious state at the moment, and prospective buyers should do as much research as possible to make sure that they can both pay for, and keep, their new home.
About the Author:
©Copyright 2005 by Retro Marketing. Charles Essmeier is the owner of Retro Marketing, a firm devoted to informational Websites, including http://www.End-Your-Debt.com, a Website devoted to debt consolidation information and http://www.HomeEquityHelp.net, a site devoted to information on home equity loans.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Real Estate Foreclosure Risk: The Double-Edged Sword In Real Estate Foreclosure Investments
As a real estate foreclosure investor, now is the time to take advantage of the growing opportunities and profits in the real estate foreclose market due to rising foreclosure risk. However, without accurate foreclosure investment advice you also face the inevitable challenge of avoiding foreclosure risk; the double-edged sword.
As a real estate foreclosure investor, now is the time to take advantage of the growing opportunities and profits in the real estate foreclose market due to rising foreclosure risk. However, without accurate foreclosure investment advice you also face the inevitable challenge of avoiding foreclosure risk; the double-edged sword.
Investment opportunities in the real estate foreclosure market have never been brighter. We have all read the past headlines: "85,000 Homes in Foreclosure", "Foreclosures Hit the Highest Level in 30 years", "U.S. Foreclosure Inventory Levels on the Rise"..., brought about by hard economic times and subprime loans. Now we are seeing a new trend: "What's up? Foreclosures rise in record year"..., while new single-family home starts are breaking records, foreclosures are growing. Rising home prices has led anxious first time buyers to purchase homes with little or no equity, combined with other rising costs, such as property taxes, they run the risk of mortgage foreclosures. A recent study by SMR research indicates a future increase in real estate foreclosures due to the rise of foreclosure risk will continue. Don't miss out on these growing real estate foreclosure investment opportunities, for more advice check out Foreclosure-Blogger.
Real estate foreclosure investors can take advantage of the investment opportunities and profits available while minimizing their real estate foreclosure risk. A sharp investor should do some simple homework and get accurate real estate foreclosure information. Avoid risk and mistakes concerning a potential property's fair market value as housing prices escalate. Know the true equity available in the home including liens from property taxes, utility bills and even pending IRS liens. Understand hidden title issues, legal safeguards and more. Don't miss out on lost opportunities because of unnecessary risk due to lack of real estate foreclosure advice.
About the Author:
Diane Bulmer is a freelance business writer who enjoys applying her creativity and expertise in providing readers with invaluable decision making information. With degrees from the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, she has spent over 20 years conducting research, analyzing and reporting information for private industry and nonprofit organizations. For more information visit: http://www.foreclosure-blogger.com
Info Provided by : John Nazareno Real Estate Foreclosure Information @copyrighted 2006 all right reserveyou may used this article providing that you provide a live link back to this blog
As a real estate foreclosure investor, now is the time to take advantage of the growing opportunities and profits in the real estate foreclose market due to rising foreclosure risk. However, without accurate foreclosure investment advice you also face the inevitable challenge of avoiding foreclosure risk; the double-edged sword.
Investment opportunities in the real estate foreclosure market have never been brighter. We have all read the past headlines: "85,000 Homes in Foreclosure", "Foreclosures Hit the Highest Level in 30 years", "U.S. Foreclosure Inventory Levels on the Rise"..., brought about by hard economic times and subprime loans. Now we are seeing a new trend: "What's up? Foreclosures rise in record year"..., while new single-family home starts are breaking records, foreclosures are growing. Rising home prices has led anxious first time buyers to purchase homes with little or no equity, combined with other rising costs, such as property taxes, they run the risk of mortgage foreclosures. A recent study by SMR research indicates a future increase in real estate foreclosures due to the rise of foreclosure risk will continue. Don't miss out on these growing real estate foreclosure investment opportunities, for more advice check out Foreclosure-Blogger.
Real estate foreclosure investors can take advantage of the investment opportunities and profits available while minimizing their real estate foreclosure risk. A sharp investor should do some simple homework and get accurate real estate foreclosure information. Avoid risk and mistakes concerning a potential property's fair market value as housing prices escalate. Know the true equity available in the home including liens from property taxes, utility bills and even pending IRS liens. Understand hidden title issues, legal safeguards and more. Don't miss out on lost opportunities because of unnecessary risk due to lack of real estate foreclosure advice.
About the Author:
Diane Bulmer is a freelance business writer who enjoys applying her creativity and expertise in providing readers with invaluable decision making information. With degrees from the University of Michigan and Eastern Michigan University, she has spent over 20 years conducting research, analyzing and reporting information for private industry and nonprofit organizations. For more information visit: http://www.foreclosure-blogger.com
Info Provided by : John Nazareno Real Estate Foreclosure Information @copyrighted 2006 all right reserveyou may used this article providing that you provide a live link back to this blog
Thursday, May 25, 2006
“5 General Trends in the California Real Estate Market to Watch -- 2006”
“5 General Trends in the California Real Estate Market to Watch -- 2006”
Historically, the real estate trends of California have always been the precursors for the rest of the country. Which is why leading players of the real estate market keep a close watch on the Golden State’s real estate market conditions.
And whether you are a first time homebuyer, debating the viability of building your dream house in San Bernardino, or a real estate investor looking to sell condominium units in Los Angeles, you certainly want to know: When is it the optimum time to buy or sell?
Purchasing a house is a major investment. With judicious planning, this valuable asset will appreciate with each year.
But how do you get the big picture? Fortunately, real estate trends are predictable because these develop over a long period, unlike the stock market, which is rather volatile.
The first thing you will need to do is to read and track real estate articles: the market reports of the California Association of Realtors or the California Building Industry Association, and the briefs created by housing analyst companies.
Once you have identified the following key indicators you will have a better grasp of the general trends in California’s real estate market.
THE FIVE KEY INDICATORS TO WATCH
Interest Rates
When interest rates rise, buyers shy away. Conversely, lowered interest rates attract more buyers.
This year, interest rates in California are on an upswing. For example, thirty-year fixed mortgage rates, which averaged 5.71 percent in 2005, has risen to 6 percent levels in January 2006. And adjustable mortgage interest rates have moved up to 5 percent levels compared to 4.12 percent in 2005.
Building Permits
The higher the number of building permits issued, the higher the demand for houses.
Figures show that number of building permits issued for the year 2006, have fallen by 10 percent in comparison to last year’s figures. In terms of houses, that’s a decrease of 1,430 building permits compared to January 2005 figures, according to California Building Industry Association report.
Home Sales
This key indicator refers to the total number of homes sold. In the law of supply and demand, when there are few buyers, real estate prices fall.
The January 2006 figures of the California Association of Realtors reveal that the number of existing single-family detached homes sold, has gone down by 24.1 percent in comparison to sales for the entire year 2005.
Another factor to consider is the growing inventory of available houses in certain counties in California, which is changing the market dynamics. What was once a sellers market is slowly turning into a buyers market.
Loan Defaults
This refers to the failure of homeowners to pay their monthly mortgage fees. One downside to this is that many Californian homeowners are choosing to have a bad credit report, rather than to keep paying fees for a home whose value has been inflated by as much as 20 percent more.
Foreclosure Sales
Figures presented by DataQuick Information Systems, a housing analyst company, indicate that foreclosure activities in California have gone up by 19 percent in the last quarter of 2005. This is an increase of 3 percent compared to the third quarter of 2005, and is 4.6 percent higher when compared to 2004’s last quarter figures.
When foreclosure sales are on an upswing, consumer spending is down and consumer debt levels have risen. In the real estate market, this has meant that many financially strapped homeowners are selling their homes at lower prices. The other contributable factors are inflation, the rising prices of gasoline, federal budget deficit, and interest rates.
Concurrently, these key indicators confirm that although home sales levels in California are falling, the demand for houses remains strong and steady. Always do your due diligence before undertaking a purchase of property in California.
Author : John Nazareno
@copyrighted 2006 all right reserve
you may used this article providing that you provide a live link back to this blog
Foreclosure Information
Historically, the real estate trends of California have always been the precursors for the rest of the country. Which is why leading players of the real estate market keep a close watch on the Golden State’s real estate market conditions.
And whether you are a first time homebuyer, debating the viability of building your dream house in San Bernardino, or a real estate investor looking to sell condominium units in Los Angeles, you certainly want to know: When is it the optimum time to buy or sell?
Purchasing a house is a major investment. With judicious planning, this valuable asset will appreciate with each year.
But how do you get the big picture? Fortunately, real estate trends are predictable because these develop over a long period, unlike the stock market, which is rather volatile.
The first thing you will need to do is to read and track real estate articles: the market reports of the California Association of Realtors or the California Building Industry Association, and the briefs created by housing analyst companies.
Once you have identified the following key indicators you will have a better grasp of the general trends in California’s real estate market.
THE FIVE KEY INDICATORS TO WATCH
Interest Rates
When interest rates rise, buyers shy away. Conversely, lowered interest rates attract more buyers.
This year, interest rates in California are on an upswing. For example, thirty-year fixed mortgage rates, which averaged 5.71 percent in 2005, has risen to 6 percent levels in January 2006. And adjustable mortgage interest rates have moved up to 5 percent levels compared to 4.12 percent in 2005.
Building Permits
The higher the number of building permits issued, the higher the demand for houses.
Figures show that number of building permits issued for the year 2006, have fallen by 10 percent in comparison to last year’s figures. In terms of houses, that’s a decrease of 1,430 building permits compared to January 2005 figures, according to California Building Industry Association report.
Home Sales
This key indicator refers to the total number of homes sold. In the law of supply and demand, when there are few buyers, real estate prices fall.
The January 2006 figures of the California Association of Realtors reveal that the number of existing single-family detached homes sold, has gone down by 24.1 percent in comparison to sales for the entire year 2005.
Another factor to consider is the growing inventory of available houses in certain counties in California, which is changing the market dynamics. What was once a sellers market is slowly turning into a buyers market.
Loan Defaults
This refers to the failure of homeowners to pay their monthly mortgage fees. One downside to this is that many Californian homeowners are choosing to have a bad credit report, rather than to keep paying fees for a home whose value has been inflated by as much as 20 percent more.
Foreclosure Sales
Figures presented by DataQuick Information Systems, a housing analyst company, indicate that foreclosure activities in California have gone up by 19 percent in the last quarter of 2005. This is an increase of 3 percent compared to the third quarter of 2005, and is 4.6 percent higher when compared to 2004’s last quarter figures.
When foreclosure sales are on an upswing, consumer spending is down and consumer debt levels have risen. In the real estate market, this has meant that many financially strapped homeowners are selling their homes at lower prices. The other contributable factors are inflation, the rising prices of gasoline, federal budget deficit, and interest rates.
Concurrently, these key indicators confirm that although home sales levels in California are falling, the demand for houses remains strong and steady. Always do your due diligence before undertaking a purchase of property in California.
Author : John Nazareno
@copyrighted 2006 all right reserve
you may used this article providing that you provide a live link back to this blog
Foreclosure Information
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