Many home owners could help themselves when it comes to getting their home appraised. Take a look at the steps in this article and let us know if you have any questions.
http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2011/10/11/ten-tips-for-high-value-home-appraisals/
This climb in national building permits signals an uptick in optimism. Both permits and construction have increased from a year ago. The article further states that housing starts are up 16.5% from the same month a year ago, and building permits are up 17.7%.
http://money.cnn.com/2011/11/17/real_estate/housing_construction/index.htm
We wanted to share this article that mentions 6 good reasons to buy a home now. They may not all apply to your current situation, so take a look at the details in this Kiplinger article.
1. Prices have nearly hit bottom.
2. Houses are affordable again.
3. Mortgage rates won’t go any lower.
4. It’s a buyer’s market.
5. You may find a distressed property.
6. Homeownership is still attractive.
http://www.kiplinger.com/magazine/archives/six-reasons-to-buy-a-home-now.html
With lower prices and interest rates it is reported that the percentage of Californians who can afford to purchase a home has increased. Take a look at the findings in this article.
http://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/la-fi-housing-affordability-20111111,0,6083426.story
Since 2005, although homeowners’ expenditures for housing has risen, renters’ costs have risen even more, from 35.6 percent to 38.4 percent. This article also points out a few key factors that have contributed to this trend.
http://rismedia.com/2011-10-25/renters-outspend-owners-on-housing/
As pointed out in this article, the American dream isn’t dead. The desire to own a home coupled with affordability are excellent reasons to purchase real estate.
http://agbeat.com/real-estate-news-events/top-reasons-cited-for-purchasing-real-estate-new-report/
According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, good school scores may offer additional benefits besides providing a great education. Take a look at this article for details from a study provided by Location, Inc. Do you see similar trends in your area?
http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2011/11/16/one-antidote-to-foreclosures-good-schools/
This action will reinstall higher conforming loan limits for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) through the end of 2013. Do you understand how this affects you? Contact us directly if you have questions.
http://www.housingwire.com/2011/11/18/obama-signs-extension-for-higher-fha-loan-limits
Insurance is determined based on what it would cost to rebuild your home, not its market value — and as we know, the cost of construction has gone up.
Read this informative article for tips on how to protect against this increase in costs in your coverage.
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704487904576267512488763924.html
