Positive Economic News: Home Prices Rise--Eleven of 20 cities tracked showed gains - 12/29/09 05:14 PM

In line with expert's estimates, the The Standard & Poor's/Case-Shiller home price index rose by 0.4 percent.
This was the 5th month in a row for an increase.  But, the index was lower by 7.3 percent from October last year. 
The index is now up by 3.4 percent from its May bottom but is below it's April peak yy 30%in April 2006. Only 11 of the 20 cities tracked in the report showed gains.
Reports showing an increase in durable goods orders and a decline in claims for unemployment benefits helped spur the market higher last week. On Monday, … (0 comments)

Home Buyers Rate Keller Williams Realty - 12/28/09 07:59 PM
I am delighted to be associated with Keller Williams Realty.
Keller Williams
is now the 3rd largest Real Estate Company in the U.S. was the only real estate company to report gains in associates added 22,786 new agents in 2009 What matters most is that you have allowed us to serve you and we want to do that better and better...
… (2 comments)

S.C. Homebuyers: HUD's Home Loan Pamphlet - 12/18/09 01:33 PM
In my previous post I wrote about the new RESPA regulations.
Here's a Quick Recap of The Recent Changes in RESPA (The Real Estate Settlement Protection Act)
A new form replaces the one page Good Faith Estimate previously provided. Typical of regulatory agencies--the new form is now 3 pages--it used to be just 1. There will be greater transparency when it comes to closing costs. The new form and regulations will make it easier for the consumer to shop The Loan Orginator or Mortgage Broker is required tro give you the "Shopping for Your Home Loan phamplet within 3 days of applying for … (0 comments)

New RESPA Regulations Protect Consumers-- in effect on January 1, 2010 - 12/17/09 09:12 AM
Beaufort County, South Carolina Homebuyers, it is important to be aware of these changes, since--according to HUD-- these new regulations are to your advantage. And --we are told--you might save on average $700 on your closing fees. 
BUT HONESTLY--I am not going to bet on that! From my point of view, the more regulation we have, the more complicated it gets for all involved in a real estate transaction. Most of us are well aware that estimates on "saving money" that come  from a governmental agency is highly questionable.
In the name of keeping everyone honest and protecting the consumer, most of us know, the reverse is … (2 comments)

Brief Overview of the Home Buyer Tax Credit Program and Benefits - 12/15/09 10:47 AM
Interested in purchasing a home in Bluffton, Beaufort and Hilton Head areas of  SC?  Maybe you QAULIFY to take advantage of the recent Home Buyer Tax Credit Program Extension--
Here's a brief overview:
The Tax Credit Benefits will Help those who areIt is dollar-for-dollar benefit, not a tax deduction which would reduce a tax liability which would yield less in actual dollars in your pocket. In effect, a  homebuyer who qualifies for the entire benefit and owes $8,000 in income taxes would owe nothing to the IRS.
Secondly, homebuyer who qualifies for the $8000 credit or the $6500 credit would receive a check from the … (0 comments)

In Beaufort County, SC We Are Thankful and Hopeful - 12/04/09 03:56 PM
While we enjoyed family, fun and food this past thanksgiving, it was hard not to think about those who are struggling to meet their basic needs this holiday season. 
We continue to have an abundance of foreclosures and short sales. I did a quick analysis of 188 active listings in the lower price ranges. Most of these were short sales or foreclosures. There are plenty of buying/investing opportunities in our Beaufort county area. While foreclosures and short sales can be challenging, for home that represent great values, it is worth the effort 
There are no easy solutions to Beaufort County foreclosure and short sale problem. Realtors are … (0 comments)