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Lowest Mortgage Rates EVER! so now what?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with UNcommon Homes

 

So the current mortgage rates are the lowest ever and buyers still won’t buy.    Now what do we do?

The real estate industry is its’ their own worst enemy.   The real estate industry has been complicit with congress in creating the current real estate debacle we let – and sometimes lobbied − congress to pass legislation that – in the long run – as we see now is/was harmful to real estate values and the market.

For years we’ve lobbied congress to give real estate SPEACIAL tax treatment − all to the detriment of consumers and the industry.  We’ve propped it up {incentivized it with crony capitalism} with mortgage interest deductions, real estate tax deductions, “FAKE” ARM loans {to entice unqualified buyers} and for the last 10 years ARTIFICIALLY low mortgage rates.

30 year mortgage rates should be in the 7-9% range.  I purchased my first home with a 14% ARM loan and the rate did not stop me.  25 years later I’ve purchased scores of homes with rates of 5-15% and not once did I think of the subsidies, the mortgage rates, the deductions… when making the purchase.  The ONLY thing that mattered was – was is a good purchase {good neighborhood, good value, good neighbors}

When we quit subsidizing real estate then the true value, the worth of its existence will be clear – a piece of land a home you can call your own.

Ban all real estate subsidies, { 20+ year phase in} raise mortgage rates {during the next 5 years} and make real estate value for its own sake and not some subsidy or artificial enticement mortgage rate.

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You’ve sold the home.  You got the price your sellers wanted.  Now what?  The appraiser calls, don’t panic, you’re prepared – or are you?

Here are a few tips for you to assist the appraiser and ensure a smooth path to closing.

Make every effort to be available to the appraiser for the requested inspection date or make sure he has convenient access.

If you attend the inspection do not distract the appraiser during the inspection.

Advise the appraiser of all the homes, you, your office and competitors have sold in the neighborhood.  Let him know YOU are the expert in the neighborhood [even if your not].

Appraisers want statistics and FACTS regarding values, amenities, neighborhood and market area data.  Provide a highlight sheet of all pertinent patent and latent information about the house, i.e. furnace updated, roof replaced, electric upgraded etc…

Provide the sales contract with all addenda and agreements.  Appraisers must consider ALL value-influencing factors.  Undisclosed terms or conditions could adversely influence the reliability of the appraisal report.

Provide a copy of the current deed.  The appraiser needs to know the exact legal description, how title is held and any encumbrances, restrictions, covenants and easements that may affect value.

Providing a site drawing with location and house dimensions is also very useful.  With the site plan, the appraiser can confirm the legal description, lot size, location in or near flood zones and the square footage of the dwelling.

Provide a recent tax bill.  Again, this document will corroborate the legal description, states the annual taxes and occasionally provides the site size.

Provide the appraiser at least three relevant sales – don’t just give him the highest sales you can find.  Remember, he has access to all the data and can corroborate whatever you give him.  If your sales aren’t relevant you lose credibility and the appraiser may not rely on your expertise.  Try to find relevant sales less than 90 days old; you can still supply sales up to six months old.  You should also provide any pending sales and several active listings.  Sold, Pending and Active listings are ALL valuable tools to the experienced appraiser.

Any other information you have floor plans, condominium documents, local developer plans, home inspection reports etc…  all help the appraiser reach accurate conclusions and enhances the opinion of value.

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Ken's Home Team LLC. | 360.609.0226 | Portland, OR & Vancouver, WA Real Estate Team
Ken's Home Team LLC. - Vancouver, WA
- SOLD IS OUR FAVORITE 4 LETTER WORD -

nice post, thank you for this, i wish more people would look at this the same way 

Nov 12, 2010 01:54 AM
Mike Morrison
Will & Will Real Estate Brokers, The Woodlands, Texas - Houston, TX

Jeffery, when you have the NAR president stand up and ask lenders to loosen lending guidelines so more people can buy houses is an example of not understanding how the market works or what got us into an untenable situation.The response from the financial blogs was another embarrassment for our industry.

Sadly, the Fed is going to throw liquidity at the housing market for it is long as it takes to keep the TBTF's worthless assets pumped.

Nov 12, 2010 02:30 AM
Jeffrey Underwood
UNcommon Homes - Columbia, MD

We all need to do our own "Rick Santelli" rant every day to get the markets and the government to understand - CRONY CAPITALISM - does not work, just ask John Galt ;-)

We can't eliminate subsidies overnight or raise rates instantly, we've got a sick patient and we need to wean him off his dependencies - just like a heroin addict.

I have a 20 year plan that would improve the market and make sure our kids aren't hooked like we are.

Good to know other smart guys are out there.  If you haven't already read Atlas Shrugged.

 

Thanks guys.  :-)

Nov 12, 2010 02:46 AM