Update on Possible Homebuyer Tax Credit Extension - 10/29/09 11:53 AM
Some encouraging news on the extension of the $8000 tax credit...while it is not a done deal (as it still must be reconciled between the House and Senate and then voted on for final approval), it's looking good. And it's not only looking good for the extension, but there are some additional enhancements to the credit in the works as well. Yesterday, the Senate reached an agreement to extend the $8000 tax credit for first-time home buyers. They also added a $6,500 tax credit for other primary home purchasers, meaning not just limited to first time home buyers. They also raised … (2 comments)

Senators Agree To Extend Homebuyer Tax Credit - 10/28/09 07:07 PM
Proposed Plan Would Give Repeat Buyers Reduced Tax Credit
STEPHEN OHLEMACHER, Associated Press Writer
October 28, 2009
Senators agreed Wednesday to extend a popular tax credit for first-time homebuyers and to offer a reduced credit to some repeat buyers.
The tax credit provides up to $8,000 to first-time homebuyers but is set to expire at the end of November. The Commerce Department said Wednesday that new homes sales fell 3.6 percent in September, and some industry representatives blamed uncertainty about the tax credit.
Senators agreed to extend the existing tax credit for first-time homebuyers while offering a reduced credit of up … (2 comments)

Push on to expand $8,000 tax credit - 10/26/09 03:23 PM
By Jeanne Sahadi, CNNMoney.com senior writer. October 14, 2009
Some want to expand the tax credit for homebuyers. Supporters say it could stem price declines. Critics say it would just be a costly, temporary fix.
Congress is considering proposals to greatly expand a soon-to-expire $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers -- potentially applying it to all but the wealthiest homebuyers.
Supporters say doing so would further boost home sales, stabilize housing prices and generate jobs. Opponents say extending and expanding the credit would be a waste of money and only temporarily stave off further price declines.
The credit now can be … (0 comments)

Want to pay off your Mortgage early? - 10/23/09 06:53 PM
Homeowners not wanting to refinance into a new 30-year loan, and intending to pay off their mortgage loan early, should consider making biweekly payments rather than monthly mortgage payments.  Sending in half the monthly payment every two weeks instead of once a month will cancel out years of mortgage payments later on because it speeds up paying off the principal.  A homeowner who makes biweekly payments on a $500,000, 30-year, fixed-rate loan with a 6.5 percent interest rate would shorten the loan by five years and pay $150,000 less in interest over the life of the loan.
Doug's take: this is … (2 comments)

6 Myths About Foreclosures - 10/22/09 06:06 PM
Debunking common misperceptions about this once overlooked market of real estate
Because the foreclosure market has been relatively dormant in years past, many people don't fully understand how foreclosures work. This lack of understanding can foster foreclosure myths that are dangerous both for homeowners who want to avoid foreclosure and buyers interested in purchasing a foreclosure.
Here are six of the most common myths about foreclosures:
Myth 1:  Foreclosures only happen in poor areas.
Foreclosures come in all shapes and sizes and occur in all neighborhoods.  From low-income to million-dollar properties, you will see the full spectrum of homes entering into … (5 comments)

"Cash for Appliances" - Coming Soon!! - 10/20/09 03:03 PM
By the end of 2009, consumers nationwide will be able to take advantage of a federal "cash for appliances" program offering rebates on purchases of a wide array of home appliances certified as energyefficient by the EPA's Energy Star program. Backed by an initial $300 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the state-run rebate program is intended to help make American homes more energy-efficient while further stimulating the economy.
Who Will Run the Program?
Each state will administer its own cash for appliances program. The states will be free to select which residential Energy Star qualified appliances … (3 comments)

Adventures of Being a Buyer in this Market - 10/19/09 01:21 PM
Bank Owned Story:
I want to share a recent story that I was involved with.  It has to do with a Bank Owned/Foreclosure/REO (all three of those terms are basically interchangeable. REO the most commonly used term by me and my fellow Realtors.  It stands for Real Estate Owned, meaning it is property that the bank now owns and has on their books).  This is an educational story for anyone just starting to look for a home or is thinking about buying a home soon.  A lot of people out there hear about REO's but don't really know how they work.  … (3 comments)

October/November 2009 Sacramento Real Estate Market Update - 10/16/09 05:58 PM

clear skies,
doug
www.BuyWithDoug.com
… (2 comments)

First time home-buyer tax credit extended for troops overseas - 10/14/09 02:39 PM
written by Shelby Bateson:
The House of Representatives has voted to extend the popular $8000 first time home buyers tax credit to military personnel who are currently serving overseas. These soldiers and their families might have missed out on this credit, if it is not otherwise extended, because they were serving their country while it was being offered.
There has been a lot of controversy over extending the $8000 tax credit beyond the current expiration date of November 30, 2009. While home builders, lenders, realtors, and almost anyone employed in the housing industry have been aggressively lobbying to have the bill … (1 comments)

The Troubles of Trying to buy a Bank Owned House - 10/13/09 07:45 PM
For all of you fellow agents and clients who have either purchased a bank owned home or have tried to purchase a bank owned home, here's a funny, although unfortunately pretty true video about attempting to buy a bank owned house.  This is merely for comical purposes that another agent sent this video to me.  I hope you find it funny.  Enjoy:

… (1 comments)

Mortgage Rate Update - Unfortunately, they are headed up - 10/12/09 05:48 PM
Below is some information I recieved from a Local Lender that works with my buyer clients:
"LISTEN TO WHAT THE MAN SAID." And those aren't just the words from Paul McCartney's hit song of the same title...they're also words of advice for anyone who's considering buying a home or refinancing. Last week, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said that as the economy heals, the Fed will be very vigilant to protect against inflation. While inflation is not a problem at present...it will most certainly become a problem down the road. So why does this matter if you are considering purchasing or … (2 comments)

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Update - 10/10/09 03:36 PM
First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Update
As of today, the tax credit currently will be expiring on December 1.  That means you must close escrow on or before November 30th to be eligible for the tax credit.  There has been a lot of talk about extending and expanding the credit.  There are currently a handful of bills out there with multiple variations of some form or extension and expansion to the tax credit being supported by politicians.  The hope is that something will be announced by the middle of November on whether or not it will get extended.  Most people … (0 comments)

Sacramento County Housing Stats, September 2009 - 10/09/09 02:28 PM
data and information from the Sacramento Association of Realtors:

 
Sales skipping along the bottom, median prices showing similar trend

After a 5.6% increase in August, the median sales price decreased for the month of September. Sales volume followed a similar trend, decreasing slightly month to month.
Single family home sales dropped to 1,631 total units in September. This is a 3.1% decrease from the 1,683 units sold the previous month. Year-to-year, the current figure is 19.3% below the 2,020 sales of September 2008. Of the 1,631 sales this month, REO sales made up 45.4% of the total sales … (0 comments)

Homeowners Insurance Information - 10/09/09 01:37 PM
… (2 comments)

Home buyer tax credit might be extended for service members - 10/08/09 04:22 PM
from the LA Times:
Reporting from Washington - Will Congress extend the wildly popular $8,000 home buyer tax credit beyond its Dec. 1 expiration date?That's a question generating huge pressure on Capitol Hill from would-be buyers who haven't found the right house as well as from realty agents, builders, lenders and squads of lobbyists working on their behalf.But here's the first hint of an answer: On Sept. 17, the leadership of Congress' primary tax legislative committee introduced a tax credit bill that's likely to zip through the House and move to the Senate rapidly. Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.), chairman of the … (1 comments)

95826 Sales Data for September 2009 (Rosemont, College Greens/Glenbrook) - 10/05/09 04:31 PM
One of the areas i specialize in, is the 95826 zip code (Rosemont, College Greens and Glenbrook).
Here is sales data information for that area for closed sales in Sept. 2009:
 
All of the 95826:
31 Sold Single Family Homes.
Median Square footage: 1,563
Median Listing Price: $180,000
Median Sales Price: $182,000
Average Days on Market: 19 days
 
Rosemont:
21 Sold SFR's
Median Sq. feet:1,465
Median List: $175,000
Median SOLD: $178,100
Avg. DOM: 16
 
College Greens/Glenbrook:
7 Sold SFR's
Median Sq. feet:1,563
Median List: $244,900
Median SOLD: $227,000
Avg. DOM: 21
 
Doug's take: As you can see … (0 comments)

***Reduced Price*** Motivated Seller*** 3 bed / 2 bath Mobile Home*** - 10/05/09 12:40 PM
Quiet and Private Location 163 Magnolia Ave., Sacramento, CA 95828 View Map Motivated to sell, willing to entertain all offers. Submit one today and lets make a deal on this 3 bedroom mobile. In a quiet and private location, located in the back of the park. Recently added Sun Room will give you a peaceful setting year round. Perfect for tea in the summer and coffee in the winter. Cared for, clean, some updating throughout, as well as tons of storage. Come and see this rare three bedroom today!
Details Asking Price: $43,000 MLS: 80124759 Sq. Feet: 1,440 Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: … (2 comments)

Tax Credit for Current homeowners - 10/01/09 02:44 PM
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 isn't limited to the $8,000 tax break for first-time homebuyers. It also established a number of tax breaks for current homeowners who want to improve their home's energy efficiency, according to the National Association of Realtors. Energy-efficient improvements to exterior windows, skylights and doors, as well as certain metal and asphalt roofs, qualify for 30 percent of the project cost up to $1,500. The credit covers installation costs for HVAC, gas, oil and propane water heaters and biomass stoves. These improvements qualify for the credit through December 31, 2010.
Here's a link for … (2 comments)