Posts from December 2011
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28
One in Five Baby Boomers Gifting or Loaning Money to Children or Grandchildren to Help Buy Homes
A national survey commissioned by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate has found that baby boomers are part of a growing trend in which they are helping their children or grandchildren become home buyers. According to the survey, one in five baby boomers have already gifted, loaned or co-signed a loan to support their children or grandchildren in purchasing a home, and more than two-thirds of baby boomers want to provide this type of support in the future. "With historically low interest rates and competitive listing prices, now is a great time to invest in real estate for those in a position to do so. However, in today's economy saving money for a down payment can be a struggle for young adults. Baby boomers are a unique generation that has driven the economy for the past 30 years. Our data shows that they...
16
"As A Home Seller, Why Should You Care About Involving A LENDER In The Home Selling Equation?"
- They stand ready to screen all potential buyers. Today's lending landscape is a rapidly changing environment. Programs and requirements are changing regularly. A good loan officer should have a reputation for being on top of current guidelines and finding the best solutions for prospective clients. You need to know that when you accept an offer, the buyer can actually close.
- Financing is an important component to getting a home sold. Whether it's marketing flyers, carrying costs, unique mortgage strategies (such as buy-downs and Sales Concessions) or even loan programs to differ...
14
The Need for a True Real Estate Professional
Anyone in the real estate industry for any length of time realizes that the education required and the resources necessary to be a true industry professional have dramatically increased over the last two decades. In today's volatile market, it is necessary to have a true real estate professional if you want to sell your home for the best possible price in the shortest amount of time – and make sure the deal gets to the closing table! The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explained in a recent Existing Sales Report that 18% of all contracts were cancelled in the previous month. This compares to 16% the prior month and 9% in August of 2010. The good news is homeowners have realized that attempting to sell their home on their own is an arduous process best left to an industry expert. According t...
6
Home Prices Strong in our Markets
Home prices in our markets continue to be resilient when compared to the rest of the country, ranking in the top 16% in the nation. Nationally home prices have fallen 18.56% in the last five years, but all of our markets' home prices are up: 8.06% in Dubuque; 5.23% in the Quad Cities; 2.39% in Cedar Rapids; and 2.27% in Iowa City. This compares to other cities: Chicago, IL down 21.93%; Fresno, CA down 47.22% and the Daytona Beach, FL area down 48.67% According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, of the 306 MSA's (Metropolitan Statistical Areas) ranked by home price appreciation, all of our markets in eastern Iowa ranked in the top 16% in the nation – Dubuque at 2nd, the Quad Cities at 12th; Iowa City at 40th; and Cedar Rapids at 50th. Analysts report that 3rd quarter home values were relatively stable and those markets that have shown sharp declines appear to be on the upswing. Our local markets...
