Monthly Archives: January 2011

JUST RELEASED: 4th Quarter Metro Market Profile

After several positive market changes in the first half of  2010, signs of decline occurred again during the last half of the year. The effect of Federal Government stimulus actions during 4Q 2009-2Q 2010 have now expired, producing an apparent lapse in what had previously appeared to be the possible start of a recovery.

Highlights:

Cumulative monthly sales through 4Q 2010 dropped below those of  2009 by -7.5% and below 2008 by –11.9%
Foreclosure sales as a percent of total sales declined slightly in 4Q 2010 following a slight increase in 3Q
Even after taking a price reduction, Sellers realized a lesser portion of their new list price than those Sellers who initially priced correctly

  Read the full version of Metro Atlanta Real Estate Update   … Continue Reading JUST RELEASED: 4th Quarter Metro Market Profile

Mortgage News You Can Use – January 24, 2011

Housing Sector Getting Stronger

Housing sector statistics continue to strengthen.  December Existing Home Sales rose 12% from November to an annual rate of 5.28 million units.  The inventory of unsold existing homes declined 4% to an 8.1-month supply. First-time buyers purchased 33% of existing home sales.  December Housing Starts fell 4% from November, but December Building Permits, a leading indicator, rose 17% to the highest level since March.  The performance of the housing market varied in different regions, but to see improvement on the national level is encouraging.

When Good News is Bad News

There has been more and more good economic news rolling in over the last few months.  Good economic news is a double-edged sword though, as it can lead to higher mortgage rates. This … Continue Reading Mortgage News You Can Use – January 24, 2011

This Month in Real Estate: Video

This Month’s Video
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Use the Season to Your Home-Selling Advantage

While summer is generally known as the peak season for home sales activity, the winter can also offer great advantages for sellers – such as less competition from other sellers. With a little effort, you can use the season to your home-selling advantage.

Let’s put these ideas to work, so your home shows at its best.
Keep snow and ice at bay. If the buyer can’t get in easily, the house won’t sell. That means keeping walkways and driveways free of the frozen stuff. You want to make the home look well maintained.

Warm it up. Think warm, cozy, and homey. Before a buyer comes through, adjust the thermostat to a warmer temperature to make it welcoming. If you have a fireplace, turning it on right before the tour can create a more welcoming ambience.

Emphasize winter positives. Is your ho… Continue Reading Use the Season to Your Home-Selling Advantage

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Housing Affordability Report: January 2011

Housing affordability set a new record in November. The relationship between mortgage rates, home prices, and family income is the most favorable on record for buying. The home price-to-income ratio, currently at 13.5%, continues to remain well below the historical standard. Stabilizing home prices and rising interest rates are expected to begin drawing affordability back up toward more normal levels…. Continue Reading Housing Affordability Report: January 2011

Mortgage News You Can Use – Jan. 17, 2011

Low Inflation and Strong Demand

Positive news to report from last week on two of the most important influences on mortgage rates.  First of all, inflation continues to be benign.  Inflation is always negative for mortgage rates but recently, despite improving economic growth, there have been few signs of rising inflation.  The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is the most closely watched inflation indicator and December’s report shows that it is only up 1.5% higher than one year ago.  In addition, Core CPI, which excludes the volatile food and energy components, increased an even lower 0.8% from one year ago. While food and energy prices recently have been rising more rapidly than the overall price level, investors generally focus on core inflation.  The Fed considers a range for core infl… Continue Reading Mortgage News You Can Use – Jan. 17, 2011

Inventory Report: January 2011

The number of homes on the market continued to decline. Total inventory fell to 3.71 million in November from 3.86 million in October. This reflects the increasing response from buyers to improved affordability conditions. As lending standards return to historical norms and consumers become more confident about their financial situation, more people will be able to buy their first home, move up, or invest.

 … Continue Reading Inventory Report: January 2011

Home Price Report: January 2011

Home prices continued to stabilize. Median home prices edged up slightly to $170,600, 0.4% above year-ago levels. Distressed homes have accounted for a fairly stable market share, representing 33% of sales in November. This is on par with the 34% in October and 33% in November 2009. Historically favorable interest rates, coupled with stable home prices, continue to offer advantageous buying opportunities .

 … Continue Reading Home Price Report: January 2011

Home Sales Report: January 2011

Existing home sales resumed on an upward trend since bottoming in July. Sales activity rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.68 million in November. This was up 22% from July and 5.6% above the 4.43 million level in October, but remained 27.9% below the 6.49 million tax credit rush a year ago. As steady job creation is expected to continue, industry experts are hopeful for 2011.

 

 … Continue Reading Home Sales Report: January 2011

January 2011 Market Update

The housing market is recovering. As more home buyers are taking advantage of the improved affordability conditions. With mortgage rates hovering around recent record lows and home prices having generally stabilized, economists are expecting an upward trend to a healthy and sustainable level in 2011.
Encouraging signs are showing up across the economy. Retail sales recently hit their highest level since before the recession. Key measures of small and big businesses’ optimism marched back up to prerecession levels and new claims for jobless benefits are trending lower. Together they bode well for steady job creation and improved consumer confidence which is generally manifested in more spending.

As the economy improves, current stimulus efforts by the government and the Federal Reserve B… Continue Reading January 2011 Market Update

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