Dallas Texas Real Estate Blog

Fort Worth Real Estate Agents - Fort Worth Apartment Locators

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 17:03:56 -0700

DFW Urban Realty is currently hiring Fort Worth real estate agents and Fort Worth apartment locators to handle large volume of leads. If you are looking for a change, contact DFW Urban Realty today. We provide sales/rental leads and training. Work from home with no office time or desk fees. Position will consist of assisting buyers, sellers, renters with purchasing, selling and renting homes, condos, townhomes, lofts, highrises and apartments throughout Fort Worth including all of Tarrant county in Aledo, Azle, Bedford, Burleson, Crowley, Euless, Grapevine, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Mansfield, Newark, North Richarland Hills, Saginaw, Southlake, Trophy Club, Watauga, Weatherford.

Requirements: Texas Real Estate License
Knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Apartment Locating Databases, Ntreis
Computer, Fax, Printer
Member of MetroTex Association of Realtors, NAR, TAR

If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Kenneth (214) 764-4124 or email info@dfwurbanrealty.com

For more information please visit: Fort Worth Real Estate Agents & Apartment Locators

Fed Drops Mortgage Rates Below 5% - Dallas Mortgage Rates

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 16:29:18 -0700

Fed Drives Mortgage Rates Below 5% - dallasnews.com

Less than a day after the Federal Reserve said it would double its purchases of mortgage debt, fixed rates on conforming 30-year mortgages dropped as much as half a percentage point to well under 5 percent.

Many analysts doubt that rates will be headed back up anytime soon.

A check of lenders' Web sites Thursday showed rates ranging from 4.625 percent to 4.75 percent, not including points, for the most creditworthy customers.

Except for a day or so in December, rates are at the lowest levels since at least 1965, according to mortgage giant Freddie Mac.

Mortgage rates already were at near-record lows. Nationally, the average conforming 30-year fixed rate for the week ended Thursday was 4.98 percent, according to a Freddie Mac survey taken before the latest interest rate dips.

The rate drop is likely to encourage more borrowers to see whether they can qualify for the lowest rates.

Now is a great time to purchase real estate in Dallas with low interest rates and an idea buyer's market. For more information on purchasing a homes in Dallas visit Dallas Real Estate. Also, check out the complete article on mortgage rate drop at: Mortgage Rates Drop Below 5%

Hiring Fort Worth Real Estate Agents - Fort Worth Apartment Locators - Leads Provided

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:04:10 -0800

Are you looking for a change in 2009? Contact DFW Urban Realty today to learn more about real estate careers in Fort Worth! DFW Urban Realty is currently hiring Sales Agents and Apartment Locators to work leads in Fort Worth throughout Tarrant County. Leads consist of buyers, sellers and renters looking for Homes, Condos, Townhomes, Lofts, Highrises and Apartments in Aledo, Arlington, Azle, Bedford, Burleson, Crowley, Euless, Fort Worth, Grapevine, Haltom City, Haslet, Hurst, Keller, Mansfield, Newark, North Richland Hills, Saginaw, Southlake, Trophy Club, Watauga, Weatherford.

For more information on Fort Worth Real Estate job opportunities available please visit:

http://www.buyandsellfortworth.com/dfw_employment.htm

or contact DFW Urban Realty at (214) 764-4124 or info@dfwurbanrealty.com

Requirements:

Sales/Apartment Locating experience preferred
Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Ntreis, Apartment Locating Databases
Ability to work from home
Member of MetroTex Association of Realtors
Texas Real Estate License

Preston Hollow Real Estate in Dallas - President Bush brings National Attention

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 18:45:28 -0800

The rumors have been confirmed. President George Bush and family are getting ready to move into a $2,000,000 home in the prestigious Prestow Hollow Neighborhood of North Dallas. Cindy Adams, columnist for the New York Post, orginally released claim back in September, which was later confirmed by Press Secretary to Laura Bush in December. Houses in the Preston Hollow area range from approximately $800,000 - $40,000,000. Residents who have lived in Preston Hollow include Mary Kay Ash, Tom Hicks, Mark Cuban, and Ross Perot.

For more information, check out President George Bush Buys Real Estate in Preston Hollow

For more information on Preston Hollow Real Estate available, contact one of our Preston Hollow Realtors. DFW Urban Realty Realtors specialize in buying and selling Preston Hollow Homes. To search Preston Hollow properties instantly, visit Preston Hollow Homes For Sale and Preston Hollow New Homes For Sale

Anna Real Estate - Anna Homes - Slayter Creek Park

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 12:25:42 -0800

Anna is a great place to live and work with plenty of open land for both commercial and residential development. Residents enjoy easy access to Lake Lavon and Lake Texoma as well as Anna's Hurricane Creek Country Club which features an 18 hole golf course.

Anna recently launched phase I of Slayter Creek Park which will feature 32 acres of recreation including baseball/softball complex, soccer field, playground, shuffleboard, horeshoe pits, exercise trail with stations and a bridge, basketball court, picnic tables, pavilion, two tennis courts, skateboard park, restroom facilities, concession stands. Slayter Park is scheduled fro completion in October.

If you are interested in learning more about Anna Real Estate, please contact one of our Anna Realtors today. Our Anna Real Estate agents specialize in buying and selling Anna Homes and locating Anna Apartments For Rent.

Plano Real Estate Ranks #4 For Fastest 10 Selling Markets in U.S.

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 14:43:37 -0700

Plano, Texas was recently ranked #4 out of the top 10 fastest selling market in the U.S. Check out the recent statistics below. On average, homes selling in the 75075 zipcode are taking 75 days to sell. The median home price is around $185,589.

If you are interested in learning more about the Plano Texas Real Estate Market, contact DFW Urban Realty today! We have Plano Realtors specializing in both commercial and residential real estate.

The 10 Fastest-Selling Housing Markets in the U.S.

1. Sunnyvale, Calif. 94087
Days on the Market (DOM): 66 days
Median Price: $1.031 million
Annual Asking Price Change: -0.4%
Annual DOM Change: 46.6%

2. Austin, Tex. 78749
Days on the Market (DOM): 68 days
Median Price: $250,693
Annual Asking Price Change: -0.9%
Annual DOM Change: 19.0%

3. San Diego, Calif. 92131
Days on the Market (DOM): 70 days
Median Price: $771,025
Annual Asking Price Change: -9.7%
Annual DOM Change: 14.7%

4. Plano, Tex. 75075
Days on the Market (DOM): 75 days
Median Price: $185,589
Annual Asking Price Change: -2.8%
Annual DOM Change: 9.9%

5. Portland, Ore. 97202
Days on the Market (DOM): 77 days
Median Price: $395,877
Annual Asking Price Change: -1.1%
Annual DOM Change: 27.7%

6. Houston, Tex. 77094
Days on the Market (DOM): 77 days
Median Price: $351,803
Annual Asking Price Change: 6.7%
Annual DOM Change: 13.7%

7. Wakefield, Mass. 01880
Days on the Market (DOM): 79 days
Median Price: $429,485
Annual Asking Price Change: -7.3%
Annual DOM Change: 3.7%

8. Seattle, Wash. 98117
Days on the Market (DOM): 86 days
Median Price: $535,020
Annual Asking Price Change: -0.9%
Annual DOM Change: 34.2%

9. Littleton, Colo. 80130
Days on the Market (DOM): 90 days
Median Price: $378,420
Annual Asking Price Change: 6.6%
Annual DOM Change: 79.9%

10. Atlanta, Ga. 30340
Days on the Market (DOM): 91 days
Median Price: $217,285
Annual Asking Price Change: 5.5%
Annual DOM Change: 21.9%

For More information on this report, please visit wikimedia.org

For more information on housing options in Plano, please contact one of our Plano Realtors. Our Plano Real Estate Agents specialize in buying and selling Plano Homes, Plano Condos, Plano Townhomes.

Government Bail Out - Fannie Mae Freddie Mac - Should we have seen this coming?

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 14:52:29 -0700

Everyone will agree that American is now facing some of the most difficult times since the great depression. Republicans and Democrats alike are pointing fingers in hopes of steering the vote and gaining public support. Recently Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac lost control and as a result the government had to step in and initiate yet another bail out. Many are asking, "How did we get to this point?" "Why is our economy on the brink of failing and sending us into another recession?

Steven Holmes, a writer for the New York Times, may have been right on the money with his article entitled, "Fannie Mae Eases Credit to Aid Mortgage Lending" written on Sept 30th, 1999.

Where do you place the blame for the current economic crisis and need for a $700 billion dollar government bail out program? Are you for a government bailout or against? Will the $700 billion dollar bailout create another catostrophic crisis down the road? These are just a few questions many Americans are asking as uncertainty increases and consumer confindence continues to fall.

_____

Fannie Mae Eases Credit To Aid Mortgage Lending

By STEVEN A. HOLMES

Published: September 30, 1999

In a move that could help increase home ownership rates among minorities and low-income consumers, the Fannie Mae Corporation is easing the credit requirements on loans that it will purchase from banks and other lenders.

The action, which will begin as a pilot program involving 24 banks in 15 markets -- including the New York metropolitan region -- will encourage those banks to extend home mortgages to individuals whose credit is generally not good enough to qualify for conventional loans. Fannie Mae officials say they hope to make it a nationwide program by next spring.

Fannie Mae, the nation's biggest underwriter of home mortgages, has been under increasing pressure from the Clinton Administration to expand mortgage loans among low and moderate income people and felt pressure from stock holders to maintain its phenomenal growth in profits.

In addition, banks, thrift institutions and mortgage companies have been pressing Fannie Mae to help them make more loans to so-called subprime borrowers. These borrowers whose incomes, credit ratings and savings are not good enough to qualify for conventional loans, can only get loans from finance companies that charge much higher interest rates -- anywhere from three to four percentage points higher than conventional loans.

''Fannie Mae has expanded home ownership for millions of families in the 1990's by reducing down payment requirements,'' said Franklin D. Raines, Fannie Mae's chairman and chief executive officer. ''Yet there remain too many borrowers whose credit is just a notch below what our underwriting has required who have been relegated to paying significantly higher mortgage rates in the so-called subprime market.''
Demographic information on these borrowers is sketchy. But at least one study indicates that 18 percent of the loans in the subprime market went to black borrowers, compared to 5 per cent of loans in the conventional loan market.

In moving, even tentatively, into this new area of lending, Fannie Mae is taking on significantly more risk, which may not pose any difficulties during flush economic times. But the government-subsidized corporation may run into trouble in an economic downturn, prompting a government rescue similar to that of the savings and loan industry in the 1980's.

Read Full Article Here: New York Times Article - Fannie Mae Eases Credit to Aid Mortgage Lending

FHA Downpayment Assistance Programs - Terminate or Compromise?

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 14:28:10 -0700

Many are questioning whether the October 1st ban on FHA down payment assistance programs is good for business. Seller funded gifts have allowed many families with little or no money in the bank an opportunity to enjoy the benefits of homeownership. Many claim that these types of DPA programs inflate home prices and have contributed to our currrent foreclosure epidemic. Congress is now considering alternative options for FHA down-payment assistance programs that might provide a better solution than terminating the program altogether.

One of the proposals is to allow borrowers with credit scores of 680 or above to use seller-funded down-payment assistance on FHA backed loans. Credit Scores between 620-680 would be subject to higher insurance premium fees and borrowers with scores below 620 would be excluded from participation.

One thing is certain, if these types of programs are abandoned, home sales and lending options will decrease for first time home buyers.

For more details on FHA Downpayment Assistance Programs and new government proposals, please visit:

Dallas Home Buyer Assistance Programs

FHA Down Payment Assistant Program Proposals

Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate
Fort Worth Real Estate
Dallas Real Estate

1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit - Take Advantage Now Before Time is Up

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 18:19:06 -0700

Housing sales and pricing continue to fall raising many questions on how soon we can expect to recover. The government is slowing enacting legislatiion to bail the housing market out and restore balance to local real estate economies.

Recently, President Bush signed The Housing and Eonomic Recovery Act of 2008 which includes a new temporary tax credit to provide an incentive to purchase for first time home buyers.

Only 1st time home buyers are elgible for the $7,500 tax incentive and depending on income may only qualify for half or possible even no tax credit. Here is a basic guidline for determining elegibility. Offer expires on July 1st, 2009.

Single or Head of Household

Income < $75,000 = $7,500 tax credit
Income $75,000 -$95,000 = partial tax credit
Income over $95,000 = no tax credit

Married Filing Jointly

Income < $150,000 = $7,500 tax credit
Income $150,000 - $170,000 = partial tax credit
Income over $170,000 = not tax credit

For details on qualifying, please vist Dallas Fort Worth 1st Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Car or Suv? Which is the better option?

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:11:07 -0700

Rising gas pricing have definitely raised the question on what is the best solution for my automobile needs. Everyone seems to think the best option these days is to trade in the gas guzzling SUV for a more economical car, but is this really the best option?

Rising Gas Expenses have also placed automobile dealers in a predicament that might actually work to the consumer's advantage. Just today, GM's stock fell to the lowest dollar/share seen since 1955. In an effort to increase sales, profit margins and bail itself out of the bottomless oil pit, GM has taken the offensive and is now enacting special incentive programs to encourage consumers in the market to purchase an automobile to take action. For example, GM is now offering 0% financing for 72 months on select SUVs and Trucks. This is just one tactic to lure auto buyers into their dealerships and move inventory.

Dealers across the board are offering discounts and incentives to move the gas guzzlers off the lot and into the buyer's garage. Of course if you visit the lot and pass by the wandering salesman, you'll still get the ever so clever one liner, "We can't keep the trucks and suvs on the lot". One thing for sure, we all know now is not a good time to be selling a truck or SUV, with low consumer confidence, high gas prices, and low gas mileage, you just can't win.

So when comparing advantages and disadvantages of purchasing a car or suv/truck, be sure and consider the following points:

Weigh benefit, cost, value and expense in monthly, annualized, and life terms
If you are self employed, such as a Fort Worth Real Estate Agent or Dallas Realtor, consider the tax write off you may claim with additional gas expense, could help place you in a lower tax bracket and end up saving you thousands in the long run
Compare annual gas expenses with upfront initial savings
Always take a closer look at Warranties, a 100,000 mile warranty on a truck or SUV might save you thousands in expenses down the road compared to a 50,000 mile warranty on the gas efficient car you have in mind.
Ask yourself this question, Are car sales managers going to negotiate more on a Truck or SUV that are difficult to give away in the current market or a gas efficient car that everyone is beating down the doors to buy?
What is your ultimate financial goal? To save money in the Short run? Save Money in the Long Run? Or secure comfortable monthly payments?
Always compare apples to oranges with emphasis on interest rates, trade in value down the road, monthly and annual expenses including gas and repairs (remember these may be minimized with extended warranties

So, in conclusion, I ask everyone the million dollar question, Car or SUV? Welcoming your comments, feedback, suggestions, and insight into the Automobile Industry....

For More Information on this article, please contact our Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate Brokerage.

DFW Urban Realty Launches New Fort Worth Real Estate Site

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 01:25:42 -0700

DFW Urban Realty launches new Fort Worth Real Estate site to better serve the Residential and Commercial Market throughout the Fort Worth Metroplex. With over 700,000 residents, Fort Worth has a growing demand for agents who specialize in urban property sales. DFW Urban Realty expanded into the Fort Worth market to meet these demands by providing assistance buying, selling, renting and investing in all types of Fort Worth properties including, Homes, New Home, Townhome, Condos, Lofts, Highrises, Aparments, Lots, Acreage, Warehouses, Farm & Ranch, Retail, Industrial and Office Building and Complexes. After successfully integrating www.buyandselldallas.com into DFW Urban Realty's profile, DFW Broker Kenneth Cox new it was time to take another step and create a site devoted to Tarrant County Real Estate.

If you are looking for a Fort Worth Realtor who specializes in your area, contact DFW Urban Realty today and let us assist you with your next real estate transaction in Fort Worth. DFW Urban Realty has Fort Worth Sales and Rental Agents ready to assist around the clock with all your Fort Worth Real Estate needs.

Our Fort Worth Apartment Locators know the Fort Worth renal market and are able to find you special incentives and discounts that may not be listed online. We even offer up to $500 cash rebate for referring our free rental locating service.

Check out the quick reference guide below to assist with navigating through the new Fort Worth Real Estate site. Please call or email if you have any questions over Fort Worth Real Estate or have a comment or suggestion on the new site.

North Dallas Real Estate - Remains Stable in the Midst of National Foreclosure Crisis

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Wed, 14 May 2008 14:42:21 -0700

In the midst of a national foreclosure crisis, North Dallas Real Estate continues to appreciate in most areas and show signs of growth. New Construction and Pre Owned North Dallas Homes For sale have been receiving a significant amount of traffic coming into the summer season. Owners have been able to secure a reasonable sales price on their current investment which has allowed a smoother transition into their new home. If you are able to make a move, now is an excellent time with the current buyer's market offering historically low interest rates and a large pool of housing inventory to choose from.

Of course, no market is immune to the foreclosure epidemic which has spread throughout the nation. If you are an investor looking for a bargain, Carrollton Real Estate, Plano Real Estate, Addison Real Estate and Richardson Real Estate offer excellent opportunities to build your investment portfolio. Although these areas on average have held strong through the mortgage crisis, there are many VA, FHA and Bank Foreclosures that could potentially be your diamond in the rough. Many investors are buying up foreclosures in these areas and converting into rental income hoping to ride the market into appreciation down the road. With rental occupancy rates on the rise, this seems to be a very good strategy. North Dallas Apartments and Homes being leased by individual owners are in high demand which allows a unique opportunity to capitalize on rental investment properties.

For More Information on the North Dallas Real Estate Market and to search available properties, visit North Dallas Real Estate or just click below to search North Dallas Condos/Townhomes, North Dallas Homes, or North Dallas Apartments

Turtle Creek Real Estate - Home Tour featuring Turtle Creek Highrises

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 18:32:53 -0700

Turtle Creek Real Estate Tour

Experience the luxury of Turtle Creek. The Turtle Creek Association is hosting its 8th Annual Turtle Creek Hour Tour on May 4th from 1:00-5:00p.m. The tour will highlight four Luxury Turtle Creek Highrises and one townhome located in the Turtle Creek area. The public is invited to check out the ritzy and luxurious ambiance offered by the Turtle Creek Lifestyle. Funds raised by the tour will be applied toward the Master Plan Vision developed by TCA and to preserve and protect area parks, creeks, landscaping and infrastructure. Refreshments will be provided at 3000 Turtle Creek Blvd, a 200 million dollar development by Hyatt. The property will feature 273 residences, four resaurants, cocktail lounge, indoor heated pool, exercise room, beauty salon, library, art gallery, and a spa all located on a acre site. Turtle Creek Real Estate offers beautiful landscaping, eclectic design, and architecturally significant homes.

Turtle Creek Real Estate Featured in Home Tour: (click to view properties for sale)

The Plaza at Turtle Creek I - 3535 Gillespie

The Goldcrest - 3601 Turtle Creek

3525 Turtle Creek

The Vendome - 3505 Turtle Creek

Place Des Vosges - The Place des Vosges is a 16 residence community in Dallas located off Turtle Creek Boulevard. The residential community was named after the Place des Vosges in Paris, which was originally constructed by King Henry IV in the 17th Century. The structure is an early example of urban community design with a symmetrical square surrounded by buildings with red brick and white stone. Other features include slate roofs and dorm windows. The Place des Vosges features a park within an interior common area surrounded by a wall with 24 hour onsite security. For more information, visit Place Des Vosges Dallas

For More Information on this Tour, please contact DFW Urban Realty

Addison Real Estate - Addison Circle District A - Aventura 5055 Addison Circle

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:08:39 -0700

Addison Real Estate - Addison Circle Apartments - 15777 Quorum

Addison is located in the heart of North Dallas, convenient to Dallas North Tollway, I635, and I75. Residents enjoy a vibrant urban atmosphere close to Downtown Dallas and other popular suburban areas such as Carrollton, Plano, Richardson and Farmers Branch. Addison Real Estate offers many different styles of homes including Highrises, Condos, Lofts, Townhomes, and Apartments.

Addison Circle offers a place to work, live and play. Residents enjoy curbside dining, professional services, local pubs, parks. Addison circle offers many different styles of living including Midrise Condos such as Aventura Condos 5055 Addison Circle, Urban Apartments such as Post Addison Circle, and three story townhomes located in the newly developed Addison District A Townhomes.

Las Colinas Real Estate - La Villita at Las Colinas - Master Planned Community

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 15:46:58 -0700

La Villita at Las Colinas has become one of the most popular communities in the DFW area. La Villita offers one of the best locations in the metroplex minutes from DFW Airport, Downtown Dallas and Fort Forth with convenient access to I35, I635, George Bush Turnpike. Residents enjoy a beautiful ambience centered around a lake, two canals, trails and parks. Las Colinas Real Estate continues to attract local home buyer and out of state investor interest as one of the most highly desired areas to relocate in the Dallas Fort Worth area with one of the best Master Planned Communities around.

La Villita offers many different housing options including homes, townhomes, and apartment living. Offering Spanish/Mediterranean and traditional architecture with features including tile roofs, stucco, stone, wrought-iron and cedar decorate.

If you are looking to purchase Las Colinas Homes For Sale, there are many different builders offering a variety of floorplans to fit your needs. Las Colinas New Home Builders include K. Hovnanian Homes, Darling Homes, Pasquinelli-Portrait Homes, and City Homes offering many different floorplans and options for home buyers. Prices range from the low $200's and up to $600's depending on square feet, location, and finish outs.

Plano Real Estate - Legacy Town Center

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 12:18:11 -0700

Denver Developer UDR, Inc. acquired the Legacy Town Center apartments from a local development and investment partnership earlier this week. This will go on record as one of the largest apartment buys in the North Dallas suburbs. More than 1,000 luxury urban-style rental units were purchased in the $100+ million range. These Plano Urban Apartments are surrounded by shops, homes, and commercial offices on the east side of the Dallas North Tollway at Legacy Drive. The Legacy Town Center apartments are located next to the Marriott Hotel and are currently 95 percent occupied.

Interested in learning more on Plano Real Estate and the award winning Legacy Town Center properties. Contact one of our Plano Apartment Locators today to check on current availability. Our Plano Realtors specialize in Plano Homes, New Homes, Condos, Lofts, Townhomes and Apartments. To access our apartment database and search Plano Apartments directly, visit: Plano Apartment For Rent.

Increase in Existing Homes Sales - Signs of Market Stabilization

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:21:52 -0700

According to NAR Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, the latest information on existing home sales confirms stabilizing trends. Existing homes sales increased 2.9% in February. With sales still down over 24% from February 2007, the market is still on the road to recovery.

Regional sales changes from a month ago:

In the Northeast Region, sales rose 11.3 percent
In the Midwest Region, sales rose 2.5 percent
In the South Region, sales rose 2.1 percent
In the West Region, sales fell 1.1 percent

Reports on median national home prices fell to $195,900 in February, down 8.2% from 2007. Reports are indicating a surplus in inventory around 9.6 months which presents optimal conditions to purchase and points toward a ongoing buyer trend in the coming months.

Condo Sales performed better than single family, which hints toward a strong investor market as opposed to owner occupant buyers. This is clearly the case in Downtown Dallas, where condo, townhome, and loft new construction sales continue to out perform existing home sales.

Existing home sales are anticipated to remain similarly soft through the first half of 2008. FHA loans will play an important role in lifting sales later in the year, but many lenders first need to get HUD approval. The FHA loan market share was only 2 to 3 percent in 2007 and any return to its historic market share of 15 to 20 percent will greatly revive home sales. Moreover, a recent law permitting Fannie and Freddie to pick up loans in excess of the $417,000 limit will help lower interest rates on many jumbo loans. The economy is also anticipated to pick up momentum in the second half of the year, which will help lift consumer confidence.

For a detailed analysis on existing home sales and a breakdown of sales by major regions and property types, visit: Existing Home Sale Rise in February

For more information on the Dallas Real Estate market, visit our Dallas Real Estate News Center. DFW Urban Realty keeps you up to date on Dallas Real Estate.

Also, if you are in the market to purchase a new or preowned home in Dallas, check out the Dallas Real Estate Home Buyer Tax Credit.

Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate
Dallas Real Estate

Declines in Commercial Real Estate Investment - March 2008 Report

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 12:17:19 -0700

Investment in commercial real estate has decreased to levels not seen in four years. Many analysts report that lack of capital is the major contributor for the decline in investment due to constraints placed by Banks and other sources of equity on lending for commercial real estate. NAR reports this is not the case and the decline in commercial real estate investment can be linked to a lack of confidence by investors and lenders who are leery about current market conditions and are waiting to see more positive signs of life in the economy.

For more information visit: Commercial Real Estate Outlook March 2008

Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate

NAR acquires ePropertyData for National Commercial MLS Database Search

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 11:58:00 -0700

In a press release dated March 7, 2008, The National Association of Realtors annouced Second Century Ventures acquired eProperty Data, a major provider of commercial information exchange services for the commercial real estate industry. Second Century Ventures, a private equity fund was conceived to help support NAR members in emerging technologies and services.

Through this merger, NAR will provide its members with two important services:

1. a robust national commercial real estate listing and transaction platform
2. a broker-centric provider of solutions for the commercial information exchange industry

Commercial realtors will receive many benefits from this service including national exposure for all their sale and lease listings as well as providing a trusted resource to search properties across the country.

The new listings and transaction platform will be located at www.commercialsource.com. This site is expected to become the primary source for commercial real estate information on the net.

For More information visit: NAR Commercial Real Estate

Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate

HUD Releases FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Loan Limits

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 17:08:21 -0800

The new loan limits for FHA and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are now calculated at 125 percent of the HUD published median prices, with a floor of $271,050 and $417,000, respectively, not to exceed $729,750.

We expect the impact of these loan limit increases on the housing market to be significant because of the infusion of capital into the mortgage market, which should result in lower interest rates across the board. In addition, there will be a direct impact on high-cost areas that previously required borrowers to take out costlier jumbo mortgages.

As NAR research points out, increasing FHA loan limits will help an additional 138,000 Americans achieve the dream of home ownership and will allow nearly 200,000 homeowners to refinance and potentially keep their home. In addition, NAR believes that increasing the loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will bolster the housing finance market, which continues to be severely stressed, by providing an immediate infusion of much needed liquidity to the nation's mortgage market.

An economic impact study conducted by NAR in January 2008 estimated that increasing the GSEs' conforming loan limits would result in as many as 500,000 refinanced loans and could help reduce foreclosures by as much as 210,000. In addition, over 300,000 additional home sales could be generated, housing inventory would be reduced and home prices would be strengthened by two to three percentage points.

National Association of Realtors

Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate

Fed Rate Cut Fails to Reduce Mortgage Interest Rates

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 13:56:30 -0800

Federal Chairman Ben S. Bernanke who has historically been able to reduce interest rates faster than any Federal Rserve Chairman is having issues bringing down the cost of credit for American homeowners.

The average 30 Year Fixed Home Loan Rate rose .5+ percentage point during the past four weeks to 6.04%. Mr Bernanke is scheduled to face Congress Feb 28th and explain why long-term bond yields are moving in the opposite direction to the Fed Funds rate.

Lower Fixed rates will ultimately decrease foreclosures and increase consumer spending. More than two-thirds of American own their home, bringing the nation's total mortgage debt to $11 trillion. An estimated 1/3 of the loans are adjustable rate.

Check out Federal Reserve Fails to Cut Loans Rates

Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate

NAR President Reports - Stimulus Package To Give Market a Boost

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 12:56:53 -0800

President of The National Association of Realtors, Dick Gaylord, reports on the impact of the recently enacted Economic Stimulus Package. The stimulus package will include increases in both FHA and conforming loan limits and will be published by HUD within 30 days.

Ex. GSE Loan Limit Increases:

Washington D.C - $562,200

Boston - $538,683

Sacramento - $521,250

Check out the Video Economic Stimulus Package Market Boost

Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate

Bush signs Economic Stimulus Package - Housing Reform

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 16:46:09 -0800

This afternoon Bush will be signing the economic stimulus package in hopes of bringing our national economy back on track. The stimulus package includes tax refunds to most households and tax incentives for business investment.

This package also promotes the GSE and FHA limit increase. The government is expecting an additional 300,000 homes sales from an increase in the GSE. The FHA loan limit increase is expected to allow an additional 138,000 Americans to purchase homes and over 200,000 will be able to refinance to a more secure and affordable loan program.

Dallas Texas Real Estate

Collin County Realtor Association 2008 Forecast

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:49:25 -0800

The Collin County Association of Realtors recently reported good news for the DFW area. Sources indicate real estate market conditions might not be as bad as everyone thinks, especially in North Texas.

2007 A Relatively Stable Real Estate Market for Collin County and Surrounding Areas

2007 proved to be a relatively stable housing market for Collin County and parts of surrounding Dallas, Denton and Grayson Counties. Despite the national downturn, our local real estate market experienced only a small percentage of decline, according to the Collin County Association of REALTORS^®(CCAR) based on data from the North Texas Real Estate Information Systems' Multiple Listing Service.

The CCAR Pulse, which delves into the real estate markets of 35 communities in Collin, Dallas, Denton and Grayson Counties, reports that our area currently does not have an oversupply of homes as one might expect in a down real estate market. Rather, in the month of December, we maintained a balanced supply of homes and a steady mortgage rate.

While December's new listings and sales were down from a year ago, sales prices are holding strong with median sales prices down slightly by 2 percent and average sales prices up by 4 percent. Homes in our area also remain very affordable, with the affordability index at 134. This number indicates that the median family income is 134 percent of the income necessary to qualify to buy a median priced home with a 20 percent down payment and a 30-year fixed rate mortgage.

"We are expecting a very good year with the real estate market getting back to its traditional cycle of heavy activity in the spring and summer," says Jacob Narisi, 2008 CCAR president. "I strongly suggest that if anybody wants to sell or buy a home now is the time to start looking, spring is almost here."

Last year also saw the median sales price of homes increase, a trend that has been ongoing since 2002. Currently, the median price of a home in the area is $178,000, up 3.3 percent from 2006. In addition, houses were on the market an average of 73 days in 2007, which is up slightly from 2006, but still in line with what it has been for the last several years. In 2004, homes were on the market a lot longer, an average of 87 days.

"As you can see from the data, Collin County and surrounding areas have not suffered the major market adjustment as reported by the national media, nor have we been affected as much by the lending crisis. However, we have felt a small sting and we are working through it like everybody else," notes Narisi.

- Collin County Association of Realtors

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2008 Tax Rebate - How much do you get?

DFW Urban Realty (Dallas Fort Worth Real Estate) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:54:22 -0800

You could receive as much as $2100.00 in tax rebates from the federal government for 2008. This rebate is part of a federal simulus package intended to boost consumer spending. For those looking to maximize the benefit received from the federal tax rebate, check out 6 Smarter Ways to Spend Your Rebate. Suggestion include making an extra mortgage payment. An extra payment of $1,000 today could save you $4,000 over the life of a loan on a 30-year fixed 7% rate.

Tax Rebate Proposed Schedule:

Married with 3 children - $2100

Individuals with Gross Income up to $75,000 - $600

Married Filing Jointly with an AGI up to $150,000 - $1200.00

Taxpayers with children receive additional $300/child

Workers who earned income of at least $3,000 - $300

Couples who earned income of at least $3,000 -$600

For More Information, visit: Tax Rebate 2008

Dallas Texas Real Estate