A great deal of first time home buyers have taken action in purchasing their homes; however many are still on the fence...waiting...waiting...waiting.  Waiting for what I don't quite know. 

They may be waiting too long as most may not realize there are times when a 30 day closing is not in the scope of their plan.  Others may think they can have until November 30th to initiate a contract instead of that being the date in which they will need to have closed the deal.

Some feel they so not have the down payment or funds to take to closing and do not understand these costs are eligible up front.

Whatever their reasons I encourage any first time homebuyer to contact a local REALTOR® to get accurate information and get the ball rolling.  A REALTOR® is your "go to" person who will guide you from start to finish so you don't have to go it alone. 

Pick up the phone now and call a REALTOR®.

Despite current economic challenges, 83 percent of Americans still believe buying a home is a good financial decision, according to NAR's 2009 National Housing Pulse Survey.

The survey also found that one-third of renters are thinking more about buying a home than they were a year ago. Many of them still need to save toward that goal - 82 percent of potential homeowners consider down payments and closing costs to be the greatest challenges to homeownership.

Flooding in some San Antonio areas continue to be present.  With this in mind the City of San Antonio has developed a flood preparedness program called S.A.F.E. - San Antonio Flood Emergency System.  This system will provide early flood notification when heavy rains are received and to educate actions to take necessary to protect life and property.  To learn more CLICK HERE.

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Daily Real Estate News  |  April 20, 2009  |   Share Housing Market Faces New Rules for Appraisals
The housing industry is facing new national rules for real estate appraisals, which will ban mortgage brokers from ordering valuations and divert more business to third-party appraisal management companies.

Lenders seeking to sell their loans to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will have to adopt the home valuation code of conduct; but they have expressed some concern about the new standard, which takes effect on May 1.

Lenders can still focus on FHA financing, considering the agency has its own appraisal rules and does not plan to adopt the code of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

Source: Realty Times, Kenneth R. Harney (04/20/09)

© Copyright 2009 Information Inc.

Out of the seven (7) major lenders only one (1) is offering loans with a credit score below 600.  Most require a credit score of 620 and one (1) has increased their credit score approval to 640.  Unfortunately for the consumer if one does it they all soon follow suit.

The current low interest rates are great and should be taken advantage of and buy now; however if your credit score does not meet the loan requirements this is a mute opportunity.

 If you haven't met with your loan officer recently, I suggest you contact them or your REALTOR® as soon as possible.

Talk to a Texas REALTOR®to find out about real estate HERE in Texas and visit TexasRealEstate.com.

It seems buyers are waiting...for what exactly I cannot explain. This is the best time for serious buyers to purchase a house.  Inventory is high, interest rates are low, First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit is available, and you can still buy without having a credit score of 720 and putting 20% down. So why are buyers waiting?  If you are a serious buyer "buy now"! 

Downtown San Antonio is honored to welcome REALTORS® from all over the state of Texas beginning today, Friday, September 5 - 11, 2008 for their annual convention and trade expo.  In addition the Women's Council of REALTORS® will also be conducting their Texas state convention.  Highlights to this year's convention will be guest speaker former White House Senior Adviser Karl Rove and humorist and motivational speaker Suzie Humphreys.  Since San Antonio is the place to be whether you are buying or selling a house, it only seems right the convention is held here this year.