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One of the Biggest Myths in Real Estate

By
Real Estate Agent with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate - Rand Realty

One of the biggest myths in real estate today is “nobody can get a mortgage.” The fact is, banks are issuing mortgages on a daily basis. Yes, during the housing boom, getting a mortgage was easier than it is today. Many banks offered creative financing methods and provided mortgages to people who, at any other point in history, would not have qualified for a loan. Lenders have gone back to evaluating applicants and approving loans based on credit scores, verifiable income, income to debt ratios and the amount of the down payment. Keep in mind that not having a 20% down payment will not necessarily preclude you from getting a loan; there are a variety of loan options requiring as little as 3.5% down. Today’s mortgage rates are the lowest they’ve been in history – hovering well below 4%. The monthly mortgage cost of a $500,000 home with 20% down is almost 10% lower than it was this time last year. So, if you are thinking of buying a home, now is a great time to meet with a lender and review the multitude of loan options available for qualified buyers.
With that, here are the homes that sold in the Rockland County Rivertowns during June 2012.

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So, how does the market compare to last year at this time?

2Q 2012 YTD vs. 2Q 2011 YTD – Single Family Homes
New inventory (the number of homes going on the market) increased 9.1% (144 YTD 2012 vs. 132 YTD 2011). The number of sales increased 25.6% (54 YTD 2012 vs. 43 YTD 2011). The average sales price of homes that have sold decreased approximately 14% to $674,723. Overall, the average sales price for single family homes that have sold in Rockland County (inclusive of the river villages) was $418,825, down 5% over the same period last year.

2Q 2012 YTD vs. 2Q 2011 YTD – Condos
New inventory (the number of condos going on the market) increased 12.8% (53 YTD 2012 vs. 47 YTD 2011). The number of sales increased 60% (24 YTD 2012 vs. 15 YTD 2011). The average sales price of condos that have sold decreased 0.2% to $308,580. Overall, the average sales price for condos that have sold in Rockland County (inclusive of the river villages) was $224,170, down 3.1% over the same period last year.

What are the Hudson Valley Rivertowns?
The rivertowns are a collection of small towns and villages situated on the western banks of the Hudson River. The rivertowns are among the most special and sought after locations in the lower Hudson Valley and include Palisades, Sneden’s Landing, Piermont, Upper Grandview, Grand View, South Nyack, Nyack, Central Nyack and Upper Nyack. Located about 15 minutes north of Manhattan, the rivertowns are perfect for those looking to live in a beautiful, diverse and convenient location with easy access to Manhattan, Connecticut and Westchester.

For all homes for sale in Rockland County and the Hudson Valley Rivertowns, visit my website, www.DonnaCox.com.

Carol Faaland-Kronmaier
Weichert, Realtors; Hillsborough - Hillsborough, NJ
PhD, e-PRO, Manville, Hillsborough, Somerset NJ

Donna, I do still hear this myth, but I have noticed that more people seem to be more optimistic of the opportunities of a great home deal.  Sometime the network real estate coverage seems to scare off potential buyers.

Aug 02, 2012 09:07 AM