Today's Real Estate News and Advice
Today's Real Estate News and Advice
Updated: January 27, 2012
Are Homeowners Glad They Own?
It might come as a surprise but a whopping 72 percent of surveyed homeowners nationwide are satisfied with owning a home. The other 28 percent, not so. They say they're dissatisfied and that's likely due to the devaluation of their homes. FULL STORY->
Mortgage Rates Reverse Course on Positive Housing Data
In Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® the average mortgage rates climbed as the housing market ended 2011 on a high note. The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.98 percent reversing its previous three-week trend of setting all-time record lows. Despite the jump, this marks the eighth consecutive week the 30-year fixed has remained below 4.00 percent.
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The Twelve Types of Sales Call Reluctance®
There are twelve types of Sales Call Reluctance®. Some are more challenging to correct than others. Dirk Zeller examines the twelve types.
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Super Bowl Host Indianapolis Stepping Up Its Game In The Housing Arena
The Indianapolis area housing market has been dropping back to punt every year since 2006, but short term statistics reveal it could be ready to score. Fortunately, when the New England Patriots and the New York Giants roll into Lucas Oil Stadium for Superbowl XLVI on Feb. 6, Super Sunday will give the town something to celebrate.
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Why Buy a Home?
You’ve probably heard it all over media outlets. "Affordability is at an all-time high." "Interest rates are at an all time low!" The question remains, however, why buy a home? What do these proclamations actually mean for you?
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Buying in an HOA
An HOA, or Homeowner's Association, can be very appealing to buyers. It can be the perfect way to have control over the appearance of your neighborhood as well as the look of your common areas. Many HOA's offer neighborhood activities (dances, mixers, etc), pools, gyms, walking trails, tennis courts, and of course beautiful landscaping.
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Ask the HOA Expert
Our governing documents describe allowable signs as either for sale or for rent. Since no other types of signs are described, some interpret to mean no others are allowed. This seems overly restrictive. What about open house, garage sale and political signs? How about holiday decorations and flags?
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Accidental Property Managers May Pose Problems for Brokerages
The phenomenon of "accidental landlords" has been with us for a while. Last month’s Wall Street Journal article (Dec. 12, 2011) on the topic didn’t uncover anything new. Time Magazine had written about it as early as 2009. In both cases, "accidental landlord" referred primarily to homeowners who had become landlords as a result of (i) either a need to move or a need for cash flow, and (ii) an inability to sell in this continuing depressed real estate market.
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'Grown Up' Means The Right to Live at Risk
Dependency is not an inevitable outcome of aging, however, continued independence is no more guaranteed than keeping your waistline unless you make an effort. |PJ Wade explains that preserving independence and the right to live at risk is a lifelong commitment, not a last minute shot.
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Kitchens Sell a House
It's a tool used by house flippers all across the nation. Stagers know its power. Real estate agents push its importance. What is this not-so-well-kept secret of real estate? A kitchen can sell a house.
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Real Estate Outlook: Housing at Forefront of Concerns
As the race for the 2012 Presidential Election gets rolling, a new survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows what is on voters' minds. Topping the list of concerns for voters is the importance of homeownership and the ease of obtaining it.
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Impact of Rural India on American Real Estate Values
As Americans, we need to continue to be extraordinarily creative and competitive in order to keep jobs onshore, rather than have them outsourced. If we do not, our unemployment rate will continue to rise. As our unemployment increases, even with increases in population, our housing need will stay flat and our need for commercial buildings will remain low. This will have a serious impact on future real estate investments in the United States, as it is employed Americans that pay rent for apartments and employees that fill office towers, industrial and retail buildings.
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30-year Fixed-rate Mortgage Averages 3.88 Percent
In Freddie Mac's results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® the average mortgage rates changing little amid mixed economic data. Regardless, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage edged down slightly to 3.88 percent to a new all-time record low marking the seventh consecutive week below 4.00 percent.
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How Does My Home Compare to Others on the Market?
Real estate agents use comparable sales or "comps" (properties recently sold in the area) to see what the market bears for a listing price or value range marketing. But what makes a home a good comp? A few things must line up in order for the agent to utilize the comp to justify your listing price.
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Agents: Expanding Your Reach In Cyberspace
The more tentacles we have out all over cyber land, the more traffic we can generate. There are a number of different ways we can create the outreach that we want in cyberspace. Having all of your properties on Realtor.com and your company website is the right start, but it’s not enough.
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Driveways For Rent
ParkatmyHouse.com is coming to America so you can make cash by renting out your driveway, garage or other parking space to drivers down on their parking luck. You can rent your space by the hour, day, week or month. The only restrictions could be those imposed by a homeowners association, city ordinance or other jurisdiction.
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