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Archive for the 'Buyers' Category
10 Reasons to Buy a Home
If you believe everything you read or hear in the media, you might have just given up on the “American Dream” of buying and owning your own home. When I read this article (written right on the heals of that wretched Time story), I nearly sat up and cheered! Check out the video below and then read the full article in the Wall Street Journal. If you are still unsure, talk to a trusted lender about your situation and a good Realtor. It may just turn out to be that now is one of the best opportunities to achieve the “American Dream” than you’ll see in a very long time.
Realtor.com iPhone App–very cool!
I have to tell you, I love my iPhone and love all the cool apps that are available. There’s an app for just about anything you can think of in the “app store,” including finding a new home. Realtor.com has one that will make looking for property fun and incredibly easy. Its amazing what a powerful tool this is right at your finger tips and whenever you need it. See a sign in the yard of a home you’d like more information on? Forget those flyers that always seem to be out anyway and lets face it, some are better than others. There’s no reason to run home to your computer for more info. You can get it right on your phone! If you like what you see, give me a call and I’ll schedule a showing. It really is that easy. Check it out!
We Live in the “Texaplex”
Okay in a recent post I referred to the Texaplex and told you to just Google it. Well, here ya go. Texas is not just a great place to live, it is the land of opportunity. And that’s saying a lot in this economy. So if you already live here, you are indeed very fortunate! If you are moving here, welcome to the land of opportunity!
Texas Wins Again!!!
Its all about jobs…isn’t it? That one big item that inspires consumer confidence, right? Well hurray for Texas because Texas takes the top 4 spots out of 10 for the most jobs created over the last 5 years. Wow…can’t shake a stick at that. Here’s the order:
#1 Houston
#2 Dallas
#3 San Antonio
#4 Austin
Are people moving here in droves?…you betcha. Can you blame them? Here’s a great video from Austin Real Estate Daily; 2 local Austin video bloggers who have the skinny. Oh yeah and what is Texaplex? Its the triangle created by these 4 cities–Austin being smack dab in the middle–deep in the heart as you know. Google it. Pretty cool.
First Time Home Buyer?
So you’re a first time home buyer…or you were until the $8000 tax credit expired. Are you still on the fence thinking you’ve missed out on the golden opportunity?
The tax credits may be gone but it there is still opportunity abounding. First of all, interest rates are still historically low. I know, we were telling everyone last year that they’d better take advantage of the low interest rates now before they start going up–way up. Well, here we are a year later, and we’re still saying it and lenders are still scratching their heads and holding their breath. But it is still true. Interest rates will go up. Without a crystal ball, no one is sure when but it is inevitable. The point is, interest rates are REALLY low and have no where to go but up from here.
The other good news is that there are still programs for first time home buyers in Texas based on your location and situation. For more information go to Texas Home Programs and search all the programs that are available to you. Chances are you’ll find one that meets will work for you.
Austin picked as top entrepreneurial center in U.S.
Austin Business Journal
Austin was picked as the nation’s most progressive and proactive entrepreneurial center, according to an article from Entrepreneur.com.
The publication identified 50 cities that best promote entrepreneurial pursuits. It touted Austin’s innovative spirit, commerce and emerging technology culture. Among those efforts, the city’s Emerging Technology Program attracts growing firms and supports established locals.
Austin is home to many successful start-up companies, as well as the growing South-by-Southwest Interactive conference, where social media giant Twitter first announced its micro-blog model. Also in the past year Facebook Inc., LegalZoom Inc. and Host Gator LLC have announced offices in Austin, while other established companies have grabbed funding, new space and people.
This year alone has seen 31 relocations and expansions in the technology-related space, representing nearly 3,000 new jobs, according to the Austin Economic Growth and Redevelopment Services Office.
”Austin is a magnet for talent and a leader in innovation which makes it an ideal location to grow your business,” Economic Growth Director Kevin Johns said.
Others on Entrepreneur.com’s list (in order) include Brooklyn, N.Y.; Seattle; Nashville, Tenn. and Providence, R.I., among others.
“Flat is the new up”
Are you nervous about buying or selling your home? If you watch the news and listen to all that is being said about the U.S. Housing Market it’s no wonder. But what you may hear in National news may not necessarily apply to your market and frankly undermines consumer confidence–especially in markets that are faring much better than the average–for instance Austin, Round Rock and other Texas cities.
The value of real estate is always based on the local, not national market. As we wait for the upturn in the economy, as Travis Kessler, CEO of the Texas Association of Realtors recently puts it, “Flat is the new up. There is nothing wrong with stability.” The Austin and Round Rock markets, contrary to much of the country has remained stable through the worst of the down turn.
With low housing costs, low interest rates, the low cost of living, strong state economy and jobs (Samsung just announced 500 new jobs at their Austin plant) the Austin and Round Rock housing market has remained high in value. So now could very well be a very good time for you to buy or sell.
The point is, don’t pay as much attention to the national talking heads on TV. Go local for your information on the market you’re interested in. You’ll get a much better picture.
Any questions? Contact me here:
Playing the real estate waiting game | Inman News
This is a great article from Inman News.
Our area as a whole has a fairly large inventory. But if you are looking in a neighborhood that’s in high demand and find something you love early on, you’d be smart to jump on it. Read more here:
Playing the real estate waiting game | Inman News.
Its a New Construction Palooza!
First time home buyer? Moving up? Now may be the best time ever to consider new construction. Local builders are sitting on inventory they need to move and are offering unheard of incentives like:
- Zero Closing Costs OR
- Ridiculously low interest rates
AND Move-in Bonuses!
- Refrigerator
- Washer/Dryer
- 2″ Faux Wood Blinds
- Flat screen TVs
- Garage Door Opener
What’s not to like here? These builders are bending over backwards and jumping through hoops to get you to close on a ready to move in home right now. If you’re ready, I can tell you who and where those builders are.
Give me a call!
Could it be a good time to refinance?
If you are paying attention to interest rates these days you will notice that mortgage rates are historically low–their lowest since the mid-50s. Does that mean now is a good time to finance? The answer is…maybe. It depends.
- Can I afford it? Refinancing will cost you several thousand dollars. You’ll have to weigh your savings over time against the fees involved in refinancing. The longer you stay in your home, the more sense it makes to refinance. Some lenders however can make those fees seem “invisible” to borrowers, touting that they’re offering a “no fee” loan by adding them into the the loan and charging a higher interest rate.
- What kind of loans are out there? There are several loans available and even though banks are not lending money
the way they were 5 years ago, there are still risky loans out there so be cautious and go with a trusted lender. - What about loan modification? Refinancing is not the same as “loan modification .” Loan modification is for home owners who are behind in their payments. This involves a reduction in the interest rate and a temporary break on payments. Refinancing is a brand new loan usually with a different lender.
It could make sense to take advantage of these historically low mortgage rates to lower the amount of interest you pay over time and typically lower your monthly payment and freeing up a little cash every month. Who couldn’t use that? Talk to a lender. It may be just the right time.
Got questions? I have answers!
