Fact: Approximately 30% of all U.S. homes are free and clear and do not have a mortgage.
Fact: Of the 70% of households that do have a mortgage, 96.7% are not in foreclosure.
Source: Mortgage Bankers Association
It seems like every time we turn on the evening news or read a newspaper headline, the bad news deepens our fear and concerns about the economy. With the news media in full throttle, using terms such as "MELTDOWN" and "CRISIS," it's easy to understand why you might lack confidence in buying or selling a home.
We have to remind ourselves that the media reports NEGATIVE news, not positive news. Their key objective is to pull in an audience (and advertisers), not to make you feel good about yourself.
They announce the unemployment rate rising, despite the fact that millions of people are still working, making money, eating at restaurants and even buying/selling homes. In fact, while 3.3% of homes in the United States are in foreclosure, 96.7% are in good standing.
Instead of internalizing the negativity the headlines can cause, choose to be optimistic and focus on the opportunities around you.
Fact: When mortgage rates fall to a record low, housing affordability surges to a record high.
NAR Predictions: 2009 Inflation Forecast: 4.0% to 5.0% Real Household Income Growth = -2 % to -3% Consumer Spending Down 5% to 10%
Fact: The Housing Affordability Index is at the highest level of affordability in history.
As of January 2009, the Housing Affordability Index hit 166.8 This means that a typical household earning the median family income ($59,821) would have 166.8% of the qualifying income to purchase a median-priced existing single-family home ($169,900) with a 20% down payment-the highest level of housing affordabilit in history.
Source: National Association of Realtors
First-time buyers:
First-time buyers have more flexibility when entering into the real estate market because they aren'tconcerned about selling an existing home-and given the low home prices, plentiful supply and attractive interest rates, it's an optimal time for entry-level buyers with a long-term view. Plus, first-time buyers can get a tax credit for as much as 10% of a primary residence purchase (up to $8,000) as part of the recently passed Economic Stimulus Bill of 2009.
Move-up buyer:
If you own a home that doesn't fulfill your current needs or you have a desire to change neighborhoods, take advantage of all options in available inventory.It's a perfect time to find a home you really love.
Investor:
Houses are on SALE! Prices have adjusted approximately 12% across the country. If you are looking for along-term investment in real estate, then you should be enthusiastically looking for properties right now. With the built-in discount on prices and interest rates, smart investors can hold onto the property to build equity and long-term wealth.
1449 Schoenherr Ave, $389,829 4 Br, 3.1 Bths, Bolingbrook Park District, Plainfield Schools, Full Finished Basement - click here for a visual tour http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=950418
770 Lenox Ave., $329,900 - 4 Br, 3.1 Bths, Bolingbrook Park District, Plainfield Schools, full Finished Basement - click here for a visual tour http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1005659
3013 Kentshire Cr., $187,900 - Naperville, 2 Br, 1.1 Bath Townhome in Naperville, close to the Naperville Train Station, click here for a visual tour http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1723051
1469 Waterside Dr., $299, 995 - 4 Br. 2.1 Bths, Bolingbrook Park District, Plainfield Schools, click here for a visual tour http://www.visualtour.com/shownp.asp?T=1584396 For sale or for Rent $2000.00
If you have any buyers that might be interested in one of these homes, please give me a call at 630-759-4839 TODAY!
Though the weather didnt cooperate with the Parade as it was soooo windy and cold that I was not able to set up the carnival games but the children enjoyed collecting their candy and meeting with the Fire Department (too bad the Police Department didnt show up) the children also had a great time sitting in the Fire Truck and seeing all thier equipment.
See you all next year for the 4th Annual Easter Egg Hunt in either March or April and of course for next years Halloween Parade.
On Sunday, October 26th, 1:30 - 2:30 Residents of Somerfield and Fields of Bradford will attend their 9th Annual Halloween Parade. Come back at the end of the month to see the photos of this GREAT event. Last year I had over 100 children and thier familes come out for parade & carnival games and also visited with Officer Ferry about Halloween Safety and The Bolingbrook Fire Department who shared their Fire Truck allowing children to get inside for a look around. Only Residents may attend, and they must register with Donna Hahn to ensure that they receive their Halloween Bag of goodies.
A LOVELY MELBOURNE MODEL WITH 4 BR, 2.1 BTHS, WHITE 6 PANEL DOORS, HARDWOOD IN FOYER & KIT. OAK CABS., BUILT IN MICRO, LARGE CORNER LOT W/FENCED BACK YARD, FIREPLACE, 2FT. EXT. IN LIVING RM, & MB. SECURITY SYSTEM, CENTER ISLAND, 2 STORY FOYER W/ PLANT SHELF, FULL BASEMENT, BEAUTIFULLY DECORATED HUNTER DOUGLASS WINDOW TREAMTMENTS & NO SSA TAX A MUST SEE!
Disclaimer: ActiveRain Corp. does not necessarily endorse the real estate agents, loan officers and brokers listed on this site. These real estate profiles, blogs and blog entries are provided here as a courtesy to our visitors to help them make an informed decision when buying or selling a house. ActiveRain Corp. takes no responsibility for the content in these profiles, that are written by the members of this community.