Homebuilder confidence lower. Hamilton Mill and Dacula Ga

Well, here we go again. Another day another article new article on the housing market with mixed messages. I read just the other day about how the real estate market is turning for the better and that Buyer confidence is higher than any time in the past year.

Now, a new story in USA Today advises us that Builder confidence is slipping in light of the recent expiration of the housing tax credit.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2010-06-15-homebuilders-index_N.htm?csp=usat.me

Perception is reality without reason. The market is what you make it. I refuse to give into other peoples reality. We all need to get out there and make it happen.

My new tool for real estate : iPad

Got it today. My iPad and I was already able to use it with clients. Took it with me to show some houses and we were able to view comparable sales and listings within the local area. Already paid for itself the first day.

Beyond The Homebuyer Tax Credit – Hamilton Mill and Dacula GA

 The data is in! According to the National Association of REALTORS® existing-home sales rose again – increasing 7.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.77 million units in April–due to buyers motivated by the tax credit, improving consumer confidence, and favorable affordability conditions.

That’s great news for real estate and the economy, but one question still remains:

What happens beyond the homebuyer tax credit?  

Answer: distressed properties. The market for distressed properties – including foreclosures, short sales and REOs – remains high and many buyers stand to save considerable money on the purchase of one of these homes.

Is a distressed property the right deal for you?

With the first-time homebuyer tax credit deadline having come and gone, you may be asking yourself, “What now?” Fortunately, the door is now open to a new wave of savings: distressed properties.

 For many buyers, the term foreclosure brings up images of run-down homes with no heat and rotting wood. While this is still the case for some homes, it’s no longer the standard. In fact, first time buyers are snatching up distressed deals in decent condition for great prices. 

According to a November 2009 Keller Williams Research Buying Distressed Properties Survey, 40 percent of all buyers for bank-owned foreclosures (REOs) were first-time buyers in 2009. 50 percent of all short sale buyers were first-time buyers.

By definition, a distressed property is one that was purchased with a loan and the homeowner is no longer able to make their mortgage payment resulting in foreclosure – or if they’re lucky a short sale – meaning they owe more on the home than it’s currently worth. With a 20 percent increase in foreclosures from 2009, distressed properties still remain a large portion of home sales and are going to continue well into 2010 as homeowners continue to feel the effects of an economy on the mend.

If you’re in the market for a home and are prepared for a unique transaction, a distressed property can be a great option. Here’s why:

Prices are low – Buying a foreclosed property is an excellent way to get a home for less. Research shows you can save 10-40 percent over the price of similar properties in a traditional sale.

Mortgage costs are low – With rates hovering near historic lows, financing costs to are favorable. Keep in mind, rates are always changing. It’s important to begin the pre-approval process so that you know how much you can realistically afford.

You have options – The number of homes in some stage of the foreclosure process still remains high. RealtyTrac, a site dedicated to tracking foreclosures across the country, estimates that there are approximately 2.1 million homes in some stage of foreclosure in the United States.

Sellers and lenders are motivated – According to data from RealtyTrac, in April, one in every 387 households in the country has received a foreclosure filing. The bottom line is that many sellers are still feeling the pain of a down economy and are anxious to out get from under a home that is putting stress on their current financial frustrations. While it is still an emotional transaction, these sellers are willing to come down on price or even consider concessions such as helping out on closing costs. Banks holding on to large portfolios of Real Estate Owned (REO) properties want to unload quickly – and price these home to sell. 

What do Burglars look for and looked at – Hamilton Mill

I saw the following article this morning on Readers Digest and thought it was very informative and appropriate as we head into vacation season.  A couple of these items I did not really think about but after reading the article they make perfect sense.  The article is written from the Burglars point of view and is right on in its thought process.

Hamilton Mill and Dacula are great places to live but we all need to be aware of our surroundings.

Let me know what you think or if there are other items you would recommend. Have a great and safe summer.

Here is the link and the story is below:

13 Things a Burglar Won’t Tell You

1. Of course I look familiar. I was here just last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters, or delivering your new refrigerator.

2. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, I unlatched the back window to make my return a little easier.

3. Love those flowers. That tells me you have taste … and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have.

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4. Yes, I really do look for newspapers piled up on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it.

5. If it snows while you’re out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house. Virgin drifts in the driveway are a dead giveaway.

6. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don’t let your alarm company install the control pad where I can see if it’s set. That makes it too easy.

7. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom—and your jewelry. It’s not a bad idea to put motion detectors up there too.

8. It’s raining, you’re fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door—understandable. But understand this: I don’t take a day off because of bad weather.

9. I always knock first. If you answer, I’ll ask for directions somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don’t take me up on it.)

10. Do you really think I won’t look in your sock drawer? I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet.

11. Here’s a helpful hint: I almost never go into kids’ rooms.

12. You’re right: I won’t have enough time to break into that safe where you keep your valuables. But if it’s not bolted down, I’ll take it with me.

13. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you’re reluctant to leave your TV on while you’re out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates the flickering glow of a real television. (Find it at  faketv.com.)