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buyers: California Starts To Follow Sacramento’s Lead - 05/25/12 09:41 AM

 
Sacramento has been experiencing price increases since the beginning of 2012.  Now the entire state’s median is beginning to follow.
 
The median price for an existing, single-family home in California rose 1.6 percent in March compared with the year before, marking the first year-over-year increase in 16 months, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® reported Monday.
Making sense of the story
The statewide median price of an existing, single-family detached home jumped 9.2 percent to $291,080 in March from February’s $266,660 median price and was up 1.6 percent from a revised $286,550 recorded in March 2011.  The month-to-month increase … (0 comments)

buyers: Changes in F.H.A. Fees - 04/25/12 08:44 PM
As the cost of FHA financing continues to go up, Conventional financing is gaining more and more traction with First Time home Buyers.  I have an excellent loan officer that offers 5% conventional financing that ends up being a better loan product in most cases than FHA.
 

 
FEES charged on mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration are set to change this spring; they’ll go up for some and down for others.
 
In a nutshell, here is what’s happening: Fees for refinancing will fall sharply, as the upfront mortgage insurance decreases to 0.01 percent of the base loan amount, from 1 percent, starting on … (0 comments)

buyers: Sacramento County Real Estate Video Update April - May 2012 - 04/18/12 08:12 PM
Doug Reynolds, a Sacramento Area Realtor, discusses the latest real estate data for March 2012 in Sacramento County Real Estate. Due to low inventory and high buyer demand, the market has shifted to a sellers market where properties are selling quickly with multiple offers.  The median sales prices has now increased for two straight months, indicating the bottom of the market has passed.  Also discussed, is the "Perfect Storm" currently going on in the Sacramento area.  It's both a great time to sell and also a great time buy due to low prices and low interest rates (it's just tough to … (0 comments)

buyers: Talking Points - 04/16/12 11:10 AM

On closing day, most home buyers are excited about the prospect of moving into their new home.  One important final step must be accomplished before settlement: A final walk-through. While plenty of buyers whip through each room with a glance, eager to unpack, real estate experts suggest home buyers are better served by a slow and careful inspection. While some REALTORS® recommend conducting the final walkthrough hours before closing, others advise doing the walkthrough the day prior.  However, if a significant weather event has occurred between the last time the buyer saw the house and settlement day, like a windstorm, … (1 comments)

buyers: Sacramento County Housing Statistics for March 2012 - 04/12/12 03:06 PM


Prices Rise for Second Straight Month – Bottom of the Market has Passed
In the Sacramento Area, the median sales price of single family homes has rose for the second straight month.  The median price for March 2012 was $165,900.  Up from $160,000 in January 2012.  The increase in price is due to the economics of Supply and Demand.
Low Supply: Currently, the amount of homes for sale on the market (inventory) is at 1.1 months.  That means at the current rate of sales, if no new homes came on the market, we would sell out of homes in only … (2 comments)

buyers: FHA Mortgages Are Poised to Get More Expensive - 04/11/12 01:38 PM

As the cost of FHA financing continues to go up, Conventional financing is gaining more and more traction with First Time home Buyers.  I have an excellent loan officer that offers 5% conventional financing that ends up being a better loan product in most cases than FHA.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) plans to impose significant restrictions on the amount of money that sellers can contribute at closing in the near future.  The FHA also will be raising its mortgage insurance premiums during the coming weeks, increasing charges for new purchases across the board.
Making sense of the story
One … (0 comments)

buyers: Sierra Oaks, Wilhaggin, Del Dayo and Shelfield - Sales Data for March 2012 - 04/09/12 09:03 PM
There were 12 homes sold in Sierra Oaks, Wilhaggin, Del Dayo and Shelfield in the month of March 2012 . This is a increase from the 5 sold in  February 2011.  Here are the addresses and specific details:
 

 
 
Currently there are: 38 active listings, 3 active short sale listings, 13 contingent short sale listings, and 14 pending sales.

If you would like more information (pictures, listing history, what type of sales they were, etc.) feel free to call or email and I’d be happy to provide that for you.  Call or email me if you are looking to … (0 comments)

buyers: Arden Park and Arden Oaks - Sales Data for March 2012 - 04/09/12 08:50 PM
There were 8 homes sold in Arden Park and Arden Oaks in March 2012.  That is slight increase from the 5 sold in the month of  February  2012.  Here are the addresses and specific information: 
 
 
 
 
There are currently: 23 active listings, 3 active short sale listings, 4 contingent short sale listings, and 5 pending sales.
 
If you would like more information (pictures, listing history, what type of sales they were, etc.) feel free to call or email and I’d be happy to provide that for you.  Call or email me if you are looking to buy or sell … (0 comments)

buyers: 3 Hot Trends for Kitchen Remodeling in 2012 - 04/04/12 08:26 PM

Mulling a kitchen remodel but want to keep costs low? You’re au courant with today’s trends that emphasize options and high-tech wizardry at affordable prices.
Trend #1: Remodeling scales back
A new focus on moderation and value has entered the remodeling mind-set. Trends that are likely to show up in your kitchen next year include:You’ll repair your existing appliances instead of replacing them, extending their life with good maintenance and care. If you’re replacing cabinets, you’re likely to build around your current appliances rather than choosing new models.You’re scaling back your cabinetry purchases, with an increased emphasis on kitchen storage and functionality overelaborate decoration. For example, rather … (3 comments)

buyers: FHA TAKES ADDITIONAL STEPS TO BOLSTER CAPITAL RESERVES - 04/02/12 12:47 PM

 
New premium structure will help protect FHA’s MMI fund
 
WASHINGTON – As part of ongoing efforts to encourage the return of private capital in the residential mortgage market and strengthen the Federal Housing Administration’s (FHA) Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund,
Acting FHA Commissioner Carol Galante today announced a new premium structure for FHA-insured single family mortgage loans. FHA will increase its annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) by 0.10 percent for loans under
$625,500 and by 0.35 percent for loans above that amount. Upfront premiums (UFMIP) will also increase by 0.75 percent.
 
These premium changes will impact new loans … (1 comments)

buyers: Pet Odor Can Chase Away Buyers - 03/28/12 08:48 PM

Don’t let pet odors derail your home sale.
Air your house out. While you’re cleaning, throw open all the windows in your home to allow fresh air to circulate and sweep out unpleasant scents.
Once your house is free of pet odors, do what you can to keep the smells from returning. Crate your dog when you're out or keep it outdoors. Limit the cat to one floor or room, if possible. Remove or replace pet bedding.Scrub thoroughly. Scrub bare floors and walls soiled by pets with vinegar, wood floor cleaner, or an odor-neutralizing product, which you can purchase at a pet … (3 comments)

buyers: Top Reasons Your Offers Are Not Getting Accepted - 03/23/12 09:17 PM
 
 
Doug Reynolds, Sacramento Area Realtor, discusses the recent sellers market in Sacramento Spring 2012.  He shares tips with buyers as to why your offers are not getting accepted when you are competing with other buyers:
- Price (low ball offers no longer work)
- Financing (Cash is best, then conventional, then FHA and last VA)
- Needing a credit from seller for your closing costs
- Terms (break down of closing costs)
- Lender (small, direct, local lenders are the best right now)
- If it's a short sale, the commitment you are showing the seller.
 
… (2 comments)

buyers: Sacramento County Real Estate Update March-April 2012 - 03/18/12 07:55 PM
Doug Reynolds, a Sacramento Area Realtor, gives a market updated March and April 2012 Sacramento Real Estate.  This month discussing how the local real estate market appears to have hit the bottom.  Indication signs are: the median sales price increasing in February, the area currently has the second lowest amount of inventory since 2000 at 1.6 months, high buyer demand with multiple offers on properties, the second highest amount of sales in the month of February since 2000 and the lowest interest rates in the history of the US.  The local market appears to be turning around, what do you think? 
… (1 comments)

buyers: Home Buying: Most Affordable in Decades - 03/15/12 01:35 PM

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- Buying a home is now more affordable than it has been in the last twenty years.
Thanks to continued declines in home prices and rock-bottom mortgage rates, the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index hit a record level of affordability.
 
According to the index, 75.9% of all new and existing homes sold during the three months ended Dec. 31 could have been comfortably purchased by families earning the national median income of $64,200.
 
That was the highest percentage recorded in the 20-year history of the index, and a sharp increase from just three months … (1 comments)

buyers: Points Lose Favor - 03/14/12 08:10 PM
With interest rates at or near record lows, many borrowers are seeing little reason to pay points when buying or refinancing a home.  Some are even opting for what’s known as “negative points,” agreeing to a slightly higher rate to help pay closing costs.
Making sense of the story
Paying points enables a borrower to “buy down” the interest rate on a mortgage in exchange for an upfront fee.  The trend away from points partly reflects borrower sentiment that rates are already low enough, according to industry experts. A point equals 1 percent of the loan amount, so paying one point … (0 comments)

buyers: History of Sacramento Real Estate 1986 - 2012 - 03/13/12 09:08 PM
Doug Reynolds, a Sacramento Area Realtor, gives a detailed analysis of the median Sales price in Sacramento Real Estate.  He discusses the ups and downs of the past 25 years in the area.  Doug also discusses the fact that since interest rates are historically low, homes for sale inventory is low and buyer demand is high.  Due to those factors, he feels 2012 is the bottom of the market and the beginning of a new moderately climbing market.
 
What do you think is going to happen in the next 5, 10 or 25 years???
… (0 comments)

buyers: Is a Tankless Water Heater Right for You? - 03/09/12 12:20 PM


Tankless water heaters cut energy bills but aren’t the right choice for everyone. Here’s how to figure out if going tankless makes sense for you.
Traditional vs. tankless water heater
Traditional hot water heaters typically live in your basement and provide gallons of hot water at one time: an 80-gallon tank heats enough water to shower, run a dishwasher, and do a load of laundry simultaneously. But standby energy loss is significant with hot water heaters, and once you've exhausted the hot water supply, you’ll wait 20 to 60 minutes for the heater to cook up more.A tankless water heater produces … (1 comments)

buyers: Land Park and Curtis Park Sales Data - February 2012 (Sacramento, Ca) - 03/07/12 06:39 PM
There were 18 homes sold in Land Park and Curtis Park in the month of February  2012 .  That is a slight decrease from the 13  homes sold in the month of   January 2012.  Here are the addresses and specific information.

 

 


Currently there are: 29 Active listings, 4 Active short sale listings, 10 Contingent short sale listings, and 23 Pending sales.

If you would like more information (pictures, listing history, what type of sales they were, etc.) feel free to call or email and I’d be happy to provide that for you.  Call or email me if you … (0 comments)

buyers: College Greens / Glenbrook Sales in February 2012 (Sacramento, Ca) - 03/06/12 03:11 PM
There were 12 homes sold in College Greens / Glenbrook for the month of February, 2011.  That is a minute increase from the 11 sold in January.  Here are the addresses and specific information.
 


 
 
 
Currently there are: 18 Active listings, 10 Active short sale listings, 14 Contingent Short Sales  and 19 Pending Sales
 
If you would like more information (pictures, listing history, what type of sales they were, etc.) feel free to call or email and I’d be happy to provide that for you.  Call or email me if you are looking to buy … (0 comments)

buyers: Shopping For The Best Mortgage Rates - 02/27/12 01:31 PM
Interest rates are the lowest in decades, enticing many borrowers to shop for a loan.  Mortgage lenders adjust their rates based on perceptions of risk, so unless the borrower can show they’re a low-risk individual, the borrower is unlikely to qualify for a rate that matches those seen in recent advertisements and headlines.
Making sense of the story
The rates quoted are averages drawn from a variety of financial institutions, and lenders use varied approaches to set them.  Consumers who want to try for the lowest rates available need to consider basic factors, such as credit score, points, property type, down … (0 comments)