Economic and Housing Outlooks Brighten According to Fannie Mae Analysis Group

RISMEDIA, December 28, 2010—Improvements in consumer spending and consumer confidence, increased demand for goods and services, and falling unemployment claims are all positive factors for a brighter outlook as we move into 2011, according to the December 2010 Economic Outlook released today by Fannie Mae’s (OTC Bulletin Board: FNMA) Economics & Mortgage Market Analysis Group. Downside risks still exist, however, including a weaker than expected employment report, the ongoing economic turmoil in Europe, and potential inflation problems in China.
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Source: rismedia.com

Deciding to Sell

Deciding whether or not to sell your house can be a trying time. Many questions pervade your mind. "Is now the best time to make a move?" "Will I make money from this sale?" Will a move disrupt my family's routine?" There are numerous factors that come into play when making this decision. Let's look at just a few to consider.
Full story

Source: realtytimes.com

Homeowners Recoup More with Exterior Replacement Projects, REALTORS® Report

RISMEDIA, December 16, 2010—As part of the 2010-11 Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report, REALTORS® recently rated exterior replacement projects among the most cost-effective home improvement projects, demonstrating that curb appeal remains one of the most important aspects of a home at resale time.
Full story

Source: rismedia.com

10 Reasons to Buy

Owning a home has been a part of the American Dream for decades. If you are still unsure, however, whether or not homeownership is the move for you, be sure to read these ten reasons to buy.
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Source: realtytimes.com

U.S. Pending Home Sales Jump 10.4 Percent in October 2010

RISMEDIA, December 3, 2010—Pending home sales jumped in October 2010, showing a positive uptrend since bottoming in June, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator, rose 10.4% to 89.3 based on contracts signed in October from 80.9 in September. The index remains 20.5% below a surge to a cyclical peak of 112.4 in October 2009, which was the highest level since May 2006 when it hit 112.6.
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Source: rismedia.com

New Roofing Options Allow Homeowners to Cut Energy Bills

RISMEDIA, November 23, 2010—(MCT)—When Scott Harris and Sarah Jack did a major renovation of their 1925 Teaneck, N.J., colonial in the summer of 2009, they kept the environment in mind—for example, choosing kitchen counters made of cement and recycled glass. They thought about solar roof panels, but rejected that idea when they were told they’d have to chop down a towering tree that shades their back yard and house. Instead, they installed a green, or living, roof. The greenery absorbs and filters rainwater, as well as adding insulation, which cuts heating and cooling costs.
Full story

Resource: rismedia.com

Housing Market Recovery Depends on Jobs and Access to Credit, Says NAR

RISMEDIA, November 18, 2010—Although the recent trend of rising long-term borrowing rates may mean higher mortgages for consumers in the coming months, the greater obstacles to housing market recovery are job creation and availability of credit, according to a National Association of Realtors analysis. “Modest changes in mortgage rates are less important to a housing market recovery than the number of people who are able to obtain mortgages,” said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun.
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Source: rismedia.com

Napier Realtors ERA Proudly Sponsors the New USO Center at RIC

Napier Realtors is proud to be a founding sponsor of the new USO Center that recently opened at Richmond International Airport.

Since the USO’s primary mission is to enhance the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families, partnering with the USO right here in the Richmond area is a way for Napier Realtors to show their heartfelt thanks to our men and women in uniform and their families.



The agents and staff at Napier's area offices are collecting items to donate to the Center -- snacks, drinks, paperback books, magazines, and toiletry items such as travel size hand sanitizer, lotion, and lip balm -- and committing to volunteer their time to work in the Center one day a month. The cart of donations has been overflowing with goodies for "our" troops!

A huge THANK YOU! to everyone for donating items that were on the Center's wish list or giving of your time by volunteering at the Center!!

Real Estate Prices Fall, Will Sellers Take Note?

For the fourth consecutive month, price reductions have increased for home listings currently on the market in the United States. The reductions are now at an all-time high of 27 percent, according to Trulia.com.
Full story

Source: realtytimes.com

Mortgage Rates Up But Still Incredibly Low

McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS), which found that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage rate rose slightly for the second consecutive time in six weeks. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage rate also rose slightly while the 5-year ARM set another low, and the 1-year ARM tied last week's low.
Full story

Source: realtytimes.com

Time Management is Crucial

How you use your time determines the quality of your life. It determines how successful you are in business and how effective you are in your business and personal life. It is linked with your level of happiness in life. Time management is the most challenging skill in life to master. Most people don't control time ... time controls them. We spend our whole lives trying to acquire the skill to utilize our time to create the greatest return.
Full story

Source: www.realtytimes.com

Weekly Mortgage Rate Pulse Reveals Rates Drop to Lowest Levels on Record

RISMEDIA, October 7, 2010—Average mortgage rates dropped to their lowest levels on record this week, according to the LendingTree Weekly Mortgage Rate Pulse, a snapshot of the lowest and average mortgage rates available within the LendingTree network of lenders. On October 5, average home loan rates offered by LendingTree network lenders dropped week-over-week to 4.35 percent (4.56% APR) for 30-year fixed mortgages, 3.81 percent (4.13% APR) for 15-year fixed mortgages and 3.32 percent (3.55% APR) for 5/1 ARMs.
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Source: www.rismedia.com

Existing Home Sales Move Up in August

Washington, September 23, 2010. Existing home sales rose in August following a big correction in July, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Existing home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, increased 7.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.13 million in August from an upwardly revised 3.84 million in July, but remain 19.0 percent below the 5.10 million-unit pace in August 2009.
Full story

Source: www.realtor.org

Napier Proudly Sponsors the Richmond Sprint Triathlon

The Napier Realtors Richmond Sprint Triathlon will be held on October 10, 2010, and you're invited to join us in raising money for this important cause. Our goal this year is to raise $6000 for the Massey Cancer Center! This is only $10 per triathlete. We have a growing list of people racing that are cancer survivors, which is so inspirational!

Many of you know people that have lost to the disease, and we want to make a difference. You can race in their name and also make a donation in their name.

Thank you so much for placing attention and focus in this direction for research to find a cure! http://NapierTriathlon2010.kintera.org

Napier Realtors Proudly Sponsors the New USO Center at RIC

Napier Realtors is proud to be a founding sponsor of the new USO Center that just opened at Richmond International Airport.

Since the USO’s primary mission is to enhance the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families, partnering with the USO right here in the Richmond area is a way for Napier Realtors to show their heartfelt thanks to our men and women in uniform and their families.



The agents and staff at Napier's four area offices are collecting items to donate to the Center -- snacks, drinks, paperback books, magazines, and toiletry items such as travel size hand sanitizer, lotion, and lip balm -- and committing to volunteer their time to work in the Center one day a month. The cart of donations has been overflowing with goodies for "our" troops!

A huge THANK YOU! to everyone for donating items that were on the Center's wish list or giving of your time by volunteering at the Center!!

FHA Gives Home Buyers One Month Window to Lock in Low Insurance Premium

RISMEDIA, September 2, 2010—“The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is giving homeowners and buyers until October 4, 2010 to lock in a low monthly insurance premium,” said Gibran Nicholas, chairman of the CMPS Institute, an organization that trains and certifies mortgage bankers and brokers. “After October 4, the monthly insurance premiums on FHA loans will increase by over 63%.”
Full story

Source: rismedia.com

Mortgage Rates Amazingly Low, Continue To Fall

30-year fixed mortgage rates are now at 4% for well-qualified borrowers who pay .07 to 1 point origination shows FreeRateUpdate.com research of wholesale lenders' interest rate sheets. 15-year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.5%. Both fixed mortgage rates, which continue to decline, are at all time record low levels. FHA mortgage rates remain at similar levels to conforming rates. FHA 30-year fixed loan rates are at 4%; however, APR on an FHA loan at 4% is quite higher than that of a conforming mortgage at the same note rate. Why? MI at 2.25% of the amount financed and other FHA fees drive up closing costs.
Full story

Source: realtytimes.com

Housing Starts Rose in July

Is it welcome news to the many slowly recovering housing markets? Real estate is waiting on a marked recovery from the recession, and some of the latest regional housing start figures seem to show it could be happening. According to the U.S. Commerce Department, "Housing starts increased 1.7 percent, consistent with private­sector expectations of a 2.0 percent increase."
Full story

Source: realtytimes.com

Napier Realtors Proudly Sponsors new USO Center at RIC

Napier Realtors is proud to be a founding sponsor of the new USO Center that just opened at Richmond International Airport.

Since the USO’s primary mission is to enhance the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families, partnering with the USO right here in the Richmond area is a way for Napier Realtors to show their heartfelt thanks to our men and women in uniform and their families.



The agents and staff at Napier's four area offices are collecting items to donate to the Center -- snacks, drinks, paperback books, magazines, and toiletry items such as travel size hand sanitizer, lotion, and lip balm -- and committing to volunteer their time to work in the Center one day a month. The cart of donations has been overflowing with goodies for "our" troops!

A huge THANK YOU! to everyone for donating items that were on the Center's wish list or giving of your time by volunteering at the Center!!

New-Home Sales Bounce Back from Record Low in June

July 26, 2010 - Coming off an historic low in May, sales of newly built, single-family homes rose 23.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 330,000 units in June, according to U.S. Commerce Department data released today. “Today’s numbers are an encouraging sign that new-home sales are coming back from an expected slow period that followed the expiration of the home buyer tax credit program,” said Bob Jones, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and a home builder from Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “While we still have quite a way to go on the path to recovery, it’s good to see that we are headed in the right direction.”
Full story

Source: nahb.com

Fixed-Rate Mortgage Rates Inch Downward to Another New Low for the Sixth Consecutive Week

McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (OTC: FMCC) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®), with the 30-year and 15-year fixed-rate mortgages reaching record lows for this survey. (The 30-year fixed-rate survey began in 1971, and the 15-year began in 1991.) 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.54 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending July 29, 2010, down from last week when it averaged 4.56 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.25 percent. Read more

Source: realtytimes.com

Napier Realtors Proudly Sponsors new USO Center at RIC

Napier Realtors is proud to be a founding sponsor of the new USO Center that just opened at Richmond International Airport.

Since the USO’s primary mission is to enhance the quality of life of the U.S. Armed Forces personnel and their families, partnering with the USO right here in the Richmond area is a way for Napier Realtors to show their heartfelt thanks to our men and women in uniform and their families.

The agents and staff at Napier's four area offices collected items to donate to the Center -- snacks, drinks, paperback books, magazines, and toiletry items such as travel size hand sanitizer, lotion, and lip balm -- and committed to volunteer their time to work in the Center one day a month. The cart of donations was overflowing with goodies for "our" troops!

A huge THANK YOU! to everyone who donated items that were on the Center's wish list or gave of their time on our first day of volunteering at the Center!!

Join Us at the 6th Annual 'MUSIC FOR MASSEY' Benefit Concert

The benefit concert will be held on Sunday, July 25 at the Snagajob.com Pavilion @ Innsbrook, 4901 Lakebrook Drive, Glen Allen, VA. This year's roster includes three popular national recording artists: CHRIS ISAAK, MARC BROUSSARD and THE WAYBACKS. Gates open at 3pm and Music starts at 4pm. Presented by Connor's Heroes Foundation and all proceeds go to the VCU Massey Cancer Center for research. For ticket information, please visit http://www.musicformassey.com.

We greatly appreciate your support in helping to aid research in finding a cure for cancer.

Napier is a Leader in the Community

Napier Realtors ERA’s dedication to service has been rewarded time and time again with numerous awards locally and nationally. However, our commitment to making our community a better place to live is more important than any award. As a proud supporter of the VCU Massey Cancer Center, MDA, the Faison School for Autism and many others, Napier ERA’s management, sales associates and staff proudly donate their time and efforts to worthy programs like these that need our support.

If you would also like the satisfaction of supporting one of the nation’s Top Cancer Research Centers, we invite you to join us on July 25, 2010, at the Snagajob.com Pavilion @ Innsbrook, 4901 Lakebrook Drive, Glen Allen, VA, for a “Music For Massey” concert featuring CHRIS ISAAK with Special Guests Marc Broussard and The Waybacks. Gates open at 3pm and Music starts at 4pm. Presented by Connor's Heroes Foundation and benefiting the VCU Massey Cancer Center. For ticket information, please visit http://www.musicformassey.com.

We thank you for your support.

House Extends Home Buyer Tax Credit Closing Deadline

RISMEDIA, July 1, 2010—(MCT)—The House of Representatives introduced and passed a proposal to extend the original June 30 closing deadline for home buyers who want to get up to $8,000 in tax credits. The Home Buyers Assistance Act of 2010 would push the deadline to midnight September 30, 2010 on contracts that were signed by the midnight April 30 deadline. The vote was 409 to 5, with 18 not voting.
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Source: www.rismedia.com

May 2010 Shows a Continued Strong Pace for Existing-Home Sales

RISMEDIA, June 23, 2010—Existing-home sales remained at elevated levels in May on buyer response to the tax credit, characterized by stabilizing home prices and historically low mortgage interest rates, according to the National Association of Realtors. Gains in the West and South were offset by a decline in the Northeast; the Midwest was steady.
Full story

Source: www.rismedia.com

How To Make Buyers Want Your Home

You love your home, but when it comes time to sell, you have to share the love. In other words, you have to make your home be seen in the eyes of potential buyers as their home. That can be tricky.
Full story

Source: www.realtytimes.com

Mortgage Rates Remain Historically Low

McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 4.72 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending June 10, 2010, down from last week when it averaged 4.79 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 5.59 percent.
read more

Source: www.realtytimes.com

Second Homeownership and Interest in Vacation Rentals Continue to Remain Strong through Economic Recession

RISMEDIA, June 4, 2010—Second homeowners who rent their homes to travelers, on average, generate more than $35,000 in rental income each year, according to HomeAway, one of the world’s leading online vacation rental marketplaces which recently released its quarterly “Home Away Vacation Rental Marketplace Report.”
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Source: rismedia.com

For Want of a Nail

One of the earliest advocates of preventive maintenance was Ben Franklin. He wisely wrote: "A little neglect may breed mischief...for want of a nail, the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost..." Old Ben nailed what happens when seemingly minor things are overlooked. Little things have major impact on the assets of a homeowner association. For example, a small lack of flashing can lead to major dryrot structural problems and big bucks (Ka-CHING!).
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Source: realtytimes.com

Home Buying Secrets for the 'Average Joe'

New York City attorney Edward A. Mermelstein is, well, a big shot in the Big Apple --but he hasn't forgotten the little guy. Clients include international conglomerates, start-up ventures and entrepreneurs, multi-national corporations, land charitable organizations, government officials and others, but he also offers insight for the 'Average Joe' -- home buyers who need all the help they can get right now.
Full story

Source: realtytimes.com

Survey Suggests Affordable Prices and Mortgage Rates Could Help Propel Housing Market Past Tax Expiration

RISMEDIA, May 12, 2010—The majority of people looking for, or considering buying, a home had no plans to take advantage of the first-time or move-up/repeat home buyer tax credits, according to a survey recently released from Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate.
read more

Source: rismedia.com

Mortgage Rates at Lowest Level in Six Weeks

Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® (PMMS®) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.00 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending May 6, 2010, down from last week when it averaged 5.06 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.84 percent.
full story

Source: realtytimes.com

First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Extended For Armed Service Members

The expiration date of the $8,000 first-time home buyer may have already passed for most, but there are some potential homebuyers who can still take advantage of this great opportunity. For those who are qualified service members, you have an extra year to cash in on the credit. Your new deadline is April 30, 2011. The government defines "qualified service member" as a member of the uniformed services of the U.S military, a member of the Foreign Service of the U.S., or an employee of the intelligence community."
Full story

Source: realtytimes.com

Fixed-Rates Stable, Posting Little Change From Last Week's Figures

McLean, VA – Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.06 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending April 29, 2010, down slightly from last week when it averaged 5.07 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.78 percent.
Read more

Source: realtytimes.com

Existing-Home Sales Rise on Home Buyer Tax Credit and Favorable Market Conditions

RISMEDIA, April 23, 2010—Buyers responding to the home buyer tax credit and favorable affordability conditions boosted existing-home sales in March 2010, marking the beginning of an expected spring surge, according to the National Association of Realtors.
read more

Source: rismedia.com

Housing Starts Maintain Upward Trend in March 2010

RISMEDIA, April 20, 2010—(MCT)—Fresh data on new construction of U.S. housing units revealed an upward trend in place since the beginning of the year, with an initial report of February 2010 weakness revised away.
Full story

Source: rismedia.com

Foreclosure Activity Increases 7 Percent in First Quarter 2010 According to RealtyTrac U.S. Foreclosure Market Report

RISMEDIA, April 15, 2010—RealtyTrac, a leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties released its U.S. Foreclosure Market Report for Q1 2010, which shows that foreclosure filings—default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions—were reported on 932,234 properties in the first quarter, a 7% increase from the previous quarter and a 16% increase from the first quarter of 2009. One in every 138 U.S. housing units received a foreclosure filing during the quarter.
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Source: rismedia.com

Study: Number of U.S. Households Falls by 1.2 Million

RISMEDIA, April 9, 2010—(MCT)—The number of American households dropped by an estimated 1.2 million between 2005 and 2008, even though the population increased by 3.4 million in 80 of the largest metropolitan areas during that time, according to a new study by a professor at the University of Southern California.
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Source: rismedia.com

Real Estate Outlook: Positive Track

When home prices, mortgage applications to buy homes and consumer confidence are ALL pointing upward, even the perpetual doomsayers on Wall Street have to admit: Housing in the U.S. looks like it's on a very positive track. And that's where we are right now. The latest monthly Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index came in higher last week. Prices were up in 12 of the 20 major markets that Case Shiller monitors.
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Source: realtytimes.com

A Time to Sell, a Time to Buy – Opportunities Abound for All in 2010

RISMEDIA, April 1, 2010—The real estate brokerage industry is in the process of coming out of a significant storm that has wreaked havoc on a large percentage of firms. Some have failed, some are hanging on, and yet others are reinventing themselves for the future. Regardless of your company’s situation, it’s time to assess where you want to be in the next few years and what it’s going to take to get there. Doing nothing is simply not an option.
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Source: rismedia.com

Online Marketing: Technology Without Technique Doesn’t Work

RISMEDIA, March 30, 2010—Recently, a former client posted the following on a forum in response to an inquiry on the effectiveness of our company and products: “Yes (I used them) and (they are) not as good as they say they are. They seem to have a system that has worked for some but when rinsed and repeated does not work for others, me included.” We always find these kinds of things disturbing, so I set about looking into her post.
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Source: rismedia.com

U.S. Unveils Plan to Shrink Some Home Loans

New effort would also help jobless keep paying their mortgages.
WASHINGTON - After months of criticism that it hasn't done enough to prevent foreclosures, the Obama administration is announcing a plan to reduce the amount some troubled borrowers owe on their home loans.
Full article

Source: www.msnbc.com

3 Reasons Why Those Who Don’t Buy Now Might Regret It Later

RISMEDIA, March 24, 2010 — Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions an individual can make. So it’s understandable that one considering a home purchase may take their time to avoid rushing into such a large financial commitment. However, several factors might leave prospective home buyers who don’t purchase a property now wishing they had taken action sooner.
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Source: rismedia.com

Recouping Your Remodeling Costs

Projects that will recoup the most amount of your money on resale.
As homeowners consider where to spend money on their homes in 2010, the latest Remodeling Cost vs. Value Report reveals that the most cost-effective home improvement projects are small in scale. Seven of the top ten projects that will recoup the most money for homeowners are improvements to the exterior of a home that cost under $15,000.
Full article

Source: cyberhomes.com

Time Is Running Out - Don't Miss The Federal Tax Credit!!

Click here for details on how you can take advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credit that was extended through June 2010 and expanded to include people with higher incomes and some who want to trade up into new homes. If you have specific questions or would like more details, we invite you to contact our Mortgage Department or any one of our professional Sales Associates for assistance.

5 Tips for a Successful Home Remodel

RISMEDIA, March 12, 2010—As spring approaches, many homeowners grow eager to start remodeling projects to update and refresh their surroundings. Before getting started, it’s a good idea to hire a professional remodeler for a workable plan and better results, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
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Source: rismedia.com

NAHB Commends President’s Proposed Energy Efficiency Incentives

RISMEDIA, March 9, 2010—Home energy efficiency incentives proposed by President Barack Obama will create much-needed jobs and help make America more energy independent, according to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). Speaking recently in Savannah, GA., President Obama outlined a $6 billion proposal to provide cash rebates to home owners who make energy-saving home improvements. “This has the potential to be a real shot in the arm for the home building industry,” said NAHB Chairman Bob Jones, a builder and developer in Bloomfield Hills, Mich. “It will help put America back to work and it will help families save on monthly energy bills.”
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Source: www.rismedia.com

Things Are Looking Up - Finding Success During Tough Economic Times

RISMEDIA, March 5, 2010—Despite the changes in the real estate industry and the economic despair that accompanied 2009, Realty Executives International, Inc. has maintained a steadfast approach in its commitment to supporting its “Executives” (real estate agents) in their success. Contrary to the consumer-focused approach of most real estate companies, Realty Executives’ Owner and Executive Chairman Rich Rector believes that consumers reap the benefits of agents distinguished in their marketplace for productivity, entrepreneurial business approach and expert real estate knowledge.
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Source: rismedia.com

Fort Lee Expansion Has Been Economic Boon For Area

Emily C. Dooley Times-Dispatch Staff Writer
Published: February 28, 2010
Base's growth brought jobs, will bring more Deep into the recession, Dave Martin still had plenty of work. His company, Hall Brothers Electrical Contractor Inc., won four subcontractor contracts working on expansion projects at Fort Lee. The first contracts started in June 2007 and the firm at times employed as many as 100 people to handle the work.
Read more

source: timesdispatch.com

Existing Home Sales Down in January but Higher than a Year Ago; Prices Steady

Washington, February 26, 2010 - Existing-home sales fell in January but are above year-ago levels, according to the National Association of Realtors®. Existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – dropped 7.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate1 of 5.05 million units in January from a revised 5.44 million in December, but remain 11.5 percent above the 4.53 million-unit level in January 2009.
Full article

Source: realtor.org

National Association of Realtors Launches New Consumer Website

RISMEDIA, February 18, 2010—The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) announced the launch of HouseLogic, a new, comprehensive consumer website about all aspects of homeownership. HouseLogic helps homeowners make smart decisions and take responsible actions to maintain, protect and increase the value of their homes.
Full article

Source: rismedia.com

Fourth Quarter Existing-Home Sales Surge in Most States, Prices Up in More Areas

WASHINGTON, February 11, 2010 - Strong gains in existing-home sales were the predominant pattern in most states during the fourth quarter, with many more metro areas seeing prices rise from a year earlier, according to the latest survey by the National Association of Realtors®. Sales increased from the third quarter in 48 states and the District of Columbia; 32 states saw double-digit gains. Year-over-year sales were higher in 49 states and D.C.; all but three states had double-digit annual increases.
Full article

Source: www.realtor.org

The Basics: Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009/2010

Bringing the Dream of Homeownership Within Reach.
As part of its plan to stimulate the U.S. housing market and address the economic challenges facing our nation, Congress has passed new legislation that:
•• Extends the First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit of up to $8,000 to first-time home buyers until April 30, 2010.
•• Expands the credit to grant up to $6,500 credit to current home owners purchasing a new or existing home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
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Source: www.realtor.org

5 Reasons Why Refinancing May Be a Good Option Now

RISMEDIA, February 4, 2010—Mortgage experts from Bills.com, one of the leading resources for free, objective and expert money advice, advised that consumers considering a home refinance should begin the process now. Further, the company reported that the most frequently asked question of its Ask Bill expert advice center concerned home refinancing rates and recommendations.
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Source: www.rismedia.com

Best economic growth in six years

NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The U.S. economy grew at the fastest pace in more than six years during the fourth quarter of 2009, according to a government report Friday. The nation's gross domestic product, the broadest measure of economic activity, rose at a 5.7% annual rate in the fourth quarter. That was much stronger than expected and provides another sign that a recovery in the economy is taking hold.
Full story

Federal Home Buyer Tax Credit--Take Advantage of this Opportunity!

Click here for details on how you can take advantage of the Home Buyer Tax Credit that has been extended through June 2010 and expanded to include people with higher incomes and some who want to trade up into new homes. Learn everything you need to know about the tax credit including: What types of homes will qualify? Who is eligible to claim the tax credit? What is the amount of the tax credit? If you have a unique situation and more specific questions, we encourage you to contact our Mortgage Department or any one of our professional Sales Associates for assistance.

New Year Brings New Lows in Home Price Reduction Levels, Says Trulia

RISMEDIA, January 14, 2010—Trulia.com recently announced that 21% of homes currently on the market in the United States as of January 1, 2010 have experienced at least one price cut. This represents the second straight month price reduction levels have decreased and the lowest level since Trulia started tracking price reductions in April 2009. The total amount slashed from home prices also dropped to $21.2 billion compared to $24.7 billion in December, a 14% decrease. The average discount for price-reduced homes continues to hold at 11% off the original listing price. This was also the second straight month where inventory levels have dropped for single-family homes and condos across the United States.
Full article

Source: rismedia.com

Expanded Home Buyer Tax Credit: Small Window, Big Opportunity

RISMEDIA, January 8, 2010—The countdown is under way. As of January 1, you have four months to promote the expanded U.S. Homebuyer Tax Credit and get your qualified buyers under contract by the April 30 deadline.
Full story

Source: rismedia.com

Realtors See a Decade of Dramatic Developments

RISMEDIA, January 5, 2010—At the beginning of the 21st century, most home buyers had never viewed a home online; the three top home sale marketing methods were yard signs, newspaper ads and open houses; and nearly nine out of 10 buyers financed their purchase with a fixed-rate, 30-year mortgage. What a difference a decade makes.
Full story

Source: rismedia.com