RE/MAX Professionals Springfield

Curb appeal!

2011-03-04T14:11:00.000-08:00

Making your home look nice from the outside is important in today's market. Here are some additional fun and simple tips!

1. Take care of your lawn. Find a high-quality weed killer with lots of micronutrients as well as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium with pre-emergent herbicides (organic ones use corn gluten) to kill growth before it starts.

2. Trim the overgrowth. Prune any branches that touch the house, cover a window or block a path. To reduce mold growth, keep plant material at least a foot away from siding.

3. Splurge on mulch. Try using a finely shredded texture this spring for its superior visual appeal.

4. Edge your flowerbeds. It makes your yard look neat and groomed. Here's a helpful tip... simply tie a string between two sticks and follow the line with a sharp, flat-ended spade pushed about four-to-six inches into the soil.

5. Powerwash! Cobwebs, mold and dirt accumulate on decks, patios, fences, trellises, eaves, windows and siding over the winter, but can be blasted away in an afternoon with a power washer.

6. Add color! Potted flowers and hanging baskets can brighten dull spots in your yard, draw attention to features you want to emphasize or flank an entrance. Best of all, you can take them with you when you move!

7. Create conversation areas. Make your yard inviting by drawing attention to attractive features in your yard.

Just make sure everything is in good shape when potential buyers come to look at your house!

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Why chose a career in Real Estate...

2011-03-03T13:16:00.000-08:00

The unemployment levels nationwide are still at high levels and many people are struggling to find a job to make ends meet. Although, the national economy is beginning to show signs of improvement. Many people need help right now and don't have time to wait for things to turn back around.

According to the US Labor Department, opportunities for employment in the real estate industry are expected to grow over the next eight years! Experts agree that the housing market recovery will happen; it is only a question of when. The security of a career with a growing market is one benefit of a career in real estate.

The requirements to earn your real estate license depend upon what state you reside in, but in general, the basic requirements are that you must be at least 18 years old, a US citizen, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and be of good character. The number of hours of real estate courses that you will need to complete in order to take your state real estate examination will also vary ranging any where from a couple of weeks to a few months.

Some online real estate schools are convenient and affordable which end up costing less than a semester in college.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

People are cashing in on forclosed properties...

2011-03-02T19:39:00.000-08:00

According to CNN Money, foreclosures make up 26% of home sales and short sales. These numbers are anticipated to go up because investment opportunities aren't going away.

http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/24/real_estate/foreclosure_sales/index.html

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Mortgage rates continue to go up...

2011-03-01T09:15:00.000-08:00

According to Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey the national average interest for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage surpassed 5% for the first time since May 2010. These rising rates mostly impact owners trying to finance, rather than those trying to buy.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Bright Spot in the Housing Market!

2011-02-28T17:04:00.000-08:00

Good article on CNN looking at the bright spot in the housing market! :)

http://finance.fortune.cnn.com/2011/02/24/a-bright-spot-in-housings-bad-market-rentals/

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

30% of mortgages are under water...

2011-02-18T15:11:00.000-08:00

Interesting article below. What are your thoughts?

http://money.cnn.com/2011/02/09/real_estate/underwater_mortgages_rising/index.htm

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Mortgage Rates back up to 5%

2011-02-17T16:00:00.000-08:00

According to Fredie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey... the national average interest for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage surpassed 5% for the first time since May 2010. The rising rates can give a temporary boost to home sales because waffling buyers to get off the fence thinking it may cost them more to delay.
This week's rate bump comes in a time of uncertainty surrounding the future of mortgage lending. Washington is mulling over the future of two government-backed mortgage giants.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Obama's short term changes...

2011-02-16T10:11:00.000-08:00

From CNN.

The paper recommends requiring Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to price their loan guarantees to the same standards as private banks. It also says Congress should allow a temporary increase in those firms' conforming loan limits to expire. Currently, Fannie and Freddie are allowed to buy loans worth up to $729,000. If the increase expires on schedule in October, the limit would fall to $625,500.
In addition, the plan calls for gradually increasing down payments for loans backed by Fannie and Freddie and shrinking their loan portfolios.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Obama's plan for the long haul...

2011-02-15T08:12:00.000-08:00

The paper offers three possible solutions.
1. Government would only guarantee mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration and other programs for lower- and moderate income borrowers.
2. Backing of FHA loans by proposing additional steps to reform government For example, using a "backstop mechanism" to support the mortgage market during a crisis.
3. Backing of FHA loans by providing insurance for mortgage-backed securities.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Obama wants big changes in mortgages...

2011-02-14T13:37:00.000-08:00

The Obama administration is planning to remake the mortgage market and reduce the government's role in housing finance. Obama will outline steps the administration says will help draw private capital back into the mortgage market, curb unfair lending practices and make federal support for borrowers more targeted.

What are your thoughts?

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Virtual floor plans!

2011-02-12T09:55:00.000-08:00

Virtual Floorplan
Tour

See the floor plans of the majority of homes we list!

View Floorplans >>

Virtual Floorplan
Tour

See the floor plans of the majority of homes we list!

View Floorplans >>

Want to take a look at house's floor plans? Check out our virtual floor plans!

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

A new, convenient way to shop homes from anywhere!

2011-02-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

Text: viewhomes To: 32323 and shop for a home from your mobile phone!

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Good news for farmers...

2011-02-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

Wow, take a look at this. The Corn Belt was the real estate place to be in 2010. According to Creighton University economist Ernie Goss... land prices in the states centered grew at a 15% to 20% clip, annualized, over the last six months of the year.

For more information...
http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/19/real_estate/farm_prices_rise/index.htm

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

New home sale jump!

2011-02-09T08:22:00.000-08:00

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) -- New home sales climbed 17.5% in December to the highest level in eight months, the government reported Wednesday.

Sales of newly built single-family homes rose to an annual rate of 329,000 units last month, from a revised 280,000 units the month before, the Commerce Department said. That was the highest level since April. But compared with 2009, sales are down 7.6%.

The monthly sales figure was higher than the annual rate of 300,000 analysts surveyed by Briefing.com had expected.

"Though it's better than expected, we're still not getting a serious rebound," said Doug Roberts, chief investment strategist for Channel Capital Research. "This is a U-shaped situation, where we can have monthly blips when it's positive, but we're going to be bouncing along the bottom for a while."
Sales may have been boosted by homebuilders clearing out inventories at discounted rates at the end of the year, he said.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

10 foreclosure hotspots

2011-02-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

According to CNN... Las Vegas always wins the title for worst foreclosure rate in the country. But these 10 unexpected cities have the fastest-growing rates out of the 100 worst-hit places. Bet you'll be surprised!

1. Spartenburg
2. Albuquerque
3. Mrytle Beach
4. Savannah
5. Charlotte
6. Tulsa
7. New Orleans
8. Virginia Beach
9. York
10. Mobile

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Signs we are headed toward recovery!

2011-01-28T17:55:00.000-08:00

Existing home sales jumped in December. The National Association of Realtors shows existing home sales in December increased 12.3 percent from November.

To read more... http://www.realestateindustrynews.com/real-estate-market/existing-home-sales-jump-in-december-signs-we-are-headed-toward-recovery/#more-2204

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Builders feeling the pinch too...

2011-01-27T18:05:00.000-08:00

Builders are seeing a decline in housing starts. According to the US Commerce Department the starts have declined 4.3 percent since October 2009.

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20110124_realestateoutlook.htm

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Foreclosures reach a record high in 2010

2011-01-26T12:06:00.000-08:00

According to CNN Money... Foreclosures were at a record high in 2010. More than 1 million people lost their homes, even as notices started leveling off during the end year. To read more click on the link below... http://money.cnn.com/2011/01/13/real_estate/foreclosures_2010/index.htm

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

And yet another good reason to feel better about your money in the New Year...

2011-01-25T16:16:00.000-08:00

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/There are bidding wars for top talent in most fields and great opportunities in the so-called STEM careers (science, technology, engineering, math). At the same time, employees everywhere are restless. A report from outplacement firm Manpower found that more than 80 percent of workers are itching to switch jobs as soon as they can. "No doubt that is a reaction to the amount of work that's being done by each individual in every single company," Manpower CEO Jeffrey Joerres said. So 2011 might well be your year to ask for more responsibility, a bigger title, maybe even a raise.

3 sinple ways to make your old kitchen feel new

2011-01-24T17:38:00.000-08:00

1. Update your backsplash
2. Dress up old appliances
3. Make your own concrete countertops

Become a RE/MAX Preferred Vendor!

2011-01-21T14:31:00.000-08:00

Ways to save money in 2011

2011-01-20T09:34:00.000-08:00

1) Negotiating a lower interest rate on your credit card
2) Refinance your mortgage and save money every month

3) Combine bills to cut costs by staying with one insurer

4) Shop for insurance rates online

5) Save big on prescriptions by choosing generic

6) Don't pay full price for anything... instead shop online!

7) Write off big ticket donations like electronics and furniture

8) Try out thrift stores

9) Sell old items to make money (ebay, garage sales, craig's list etc..)

10) Stock up on sale items

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Another reason to feel better about your money in the New Year...

2011-01-19T13:20:00.000-08:00

The debt purge continues.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/ Throughout 2010, Americans shed all kinds of debt (except for student loan debt), and as the debt load lightens, so does a family's financial flexibility. "You can't move forward unless you've gone back and made sure you are paying off all of your debt," said Stacy Francis, a certified financial planner and president of Francis Financial. "The most important thing you can do is take a look at 2011 and get very clear about how much you need to be putting toward those credit cards ... to make sure ... you are free and clear."

Another reason to feel better about your money in the New Year...

2011-01-18T07:55:00.000-08:00

Interest rates remain low.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/ Rates on a 30-year fixed mortgage are still historically low, even after ticking up in the past few weeks. The Federal Reserve is working hard to keep rates low to stimulate the economy. That means first-time homebuyers have a rare convergence of super-low interest rates and depressed home prices.

REALTOR.com (MOVE) presently powers MSN Real Estate, and will soon power AOL Real Estate as well.

2011-01-16T09:41:00.000-08:00

This is hot off the dock.

Today, Move, Inc. and AOL Inc. announced that Move will exclusively power AOL Real Estate’s homes for sale search experience beginning the second half of 2011.

Under the new agreement:

AOL Real Estate will provide access to property listings, neighborhood and school content, and connections to real estate experts powered by Move
Millions of listings will be syndicated to AOL Real Estate via Move’s ListHub network

To read more... click on the link below!

http://www.move.com/trends/move-inc-to-power-aol-real-estate-search-experience/

AOL Inc. and Move, Inc. Agreement Expands Online Real Estate Marketplace.

2011-01-15T07:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, read this article!

New Relationship Unites Power of AOL Audience with Move's Leading Real Estate Search Experience

CAMPBELL, Calif., Jan. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- AOL Inc. (NYSE:AOL - News) and Move, Inc. (Nasdaq:MOVE - News) today announced an agreement giving Move exclusive rights to power the AOL Real Estate homes for sale search experience. The agreement delivers a powerful ad network for agents and advertisers to expand their reach and visibility to AOL.com's millions of monthly visitors.

Read the rest at...

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/AOL-Inc-and-Move-Inc-prnews-437134898.html?x=0&.v=1

Another good reason...

2011-01-14T08:04:00.000-08:00

Mass layoffs are over! A recent report shows weekly jobless claims falling below 400,000 new filers for the first time since July 2008, a sign that layoffs are slowing. It may not feel like it, but the economy created almost a million new jobs in 2010. This year, the wait to find a job will probably get a little shorter for people newly laid off.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Reasons to feel better about your money in the New Year...

2011-01-13T13:14:00.000-08:00

Bank lending is likely to improve.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Surveys from the Federal Reserve and Moody's show commercial and industrial lending should pick up this year. Businesses are more likely to get loans to expand, and that in turn could mean expansion and more jobs. The economic recovery until now has been barely self-sustaining. Better business lending, economists say, is critical to getting the recovery onto more solid ground.

Where does Illinois Rank in foreclosures?

2011-01-10T08:34:00.000-08:00

According to CNN... Illinois is at 10.1% Take a look at the link below to see how our state compares to others. Very interesting!

http://money.cnn.com/news/storysupplement/economy/gapmap/index.htm

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Unemployment is expected to improve...

2011-01-07T20:30:00.000-08:00

There is talk that the unemployment picture is expected to improve this year. If it does... it will help the housing and mortgage markets get back on track. It will help curb delinquencies by ensuring homeowners can keep up with mortgage payments. It'll also help improve consumer confidence!

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

More good news...

2011-01-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

Via Real Trends...

Freddie Mac's Nothaft Predicts Mortgage Rates to Remain Below 5%. Frank Nothaft, chief economist for Freddie Mac, says he expects long-term mortgage interest rates to hold below the 5 percent threshold throughout 2011, as key macroeconomic drivers provide a backdrop that supports a continued, albeit gradual, recovery in the housing and mortgage markets.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Prediction: Mortgage Delinquencies Will Decline in 2011

2011-01-05T10:17:00.000-08:00

Good news... the annual consumer credit forecast from U.S. credit bureau TransUnion expects to see a 20 percent drop in national mortgage loan delinquencies this year!

What are your thoughts? Do you agree with this? Why or why not?
http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Is the worst behind us?

2011-01-04T10:14:00.000-08:00

Yes. Realtors and consumers want to believe the worst is behind us. Even the media is reporting favorable economic trends. Data on unemployment, incomes, retail spending, mortgage delinquencies and other factors are slowly improving.

The question now is how sustainable the favorable trends are given the low level of consumer confidence. We expect that housing will be better in 2011 than it was in the last six months of 2010, but we continue to believe it will be only incrementally better – not explosive.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Real Trends Market Predictions 2011

2010-12-18T12:51:00.000-08:00

Curious about real trends market predictions in 2011? Check out the blog below and see what they're predicting in 2011!

http://www.realtrends.com/real-trends-2011-market-predictions

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Youtube videos

2010-12-17T06:14:00.000-08:00

check out these youtube videos...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m16Fx_npgXM&feature=youtube_gdata_player

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGodZaza5a8&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Energy efficiency tax credits...

2010-12-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

Just a friendly reminder to those who are thinking about making energy efficiency updates to their home. The deadline is December 31,2010! Take advantage of up to $1,500 federal tax credits for consumer energy efficiency. Energy Star offers a list of eligible projects including adding insulation and efficient windows and doors. Tax credits for higher-end improvements, such as geothermal heat pumps and small wind turbines, don’t expire until Dec. 31, 2016.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

October home sales

2010-12-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

October home sales: Illinois median price holds steady from September; sales up year-to-date. Year-to-date home sales remain in positive territory with statewide sales up 0.1 percent January through October 2010 and the statewide median price remained unchanged in October at $145,000, according to the latest IAR housing report. Less positive, statewide home sales totaled 7,325 in October, a 34.2 percent drop compared to a year ago. Find county-by-county housing statistics for October, IAR Talking Points on the market and the U of I forecast. Nationally, existing-home sales declined in October following two monthly gains, according to NAR.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Despite the economy... people still aspire to own

2010-12-14T12:24:00.000-08:00

According to a new article by Fannie Mae... most Americans want to own a home despite the ongoing turmoil in the housing market. However, many families are being more cautious... leading to an increase in renting.

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

Establishing value

2010-12-10T03:33:00.000-08:00

The person whose opinion matters is the buyer who makes an offer. Pricing homes is part art and part science. It involves comparing similar properties, making adjustments for the differences among them, tracking market movements and taking stock of present inventory, all in an attempt to come up with a range of value, an educated opinion. This method is the same way an appraiser evaluates a home. And no two appraisals are ever exactly the same; however, they are generally close to each other. In other words, there is no hard and fast price tag to slap on your home. It's only an educated guess and ultimately the market will dictate the price.

Holiday Decorating tips...

2010-12-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

If you discard advice not to decorate and do it anyway, at least keep the decorations to a minimum. Don't block or cover up important selling features such as fireplace mantels, stairs, stained-glass windows.

Tone down the size of tree. In place of a 10-foot tree, try decorating a table-top, four-foot version.
Stack wrapped presents in a closet or in one corner.
Use more splashes of red than green because red is an emotionally appealing color.
Resist the urge to hang banners and use greenery instead such as evergreen or rosemary garlands.
Display centerpieces made from pine cones or other wintry pieces of nature.
Never leave candles burning unattended.
Set a plate of cookies on the counter, next to festive paper napkins for guests.
Simmer spicy apple cider on the stove, and set out cups and ladle.

Selling your home during the holidays?

2010-12-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

There seems to be many pros and cons in regards to keeping your house on the market during the holidays. Some homeowners prefer to take their house off the market because:
1) It's inconvenient to always be ready to show at a moment's notice.
2) The offers you receive will likely be for less than list price.

3) It's almost impossible to close a transaction in December if the offer is received mid-month. Buyers who want to close in January make offers in January.

On the other hand, some prefer to keep their house on the market because:
1) Buyers during this time are serious... buyers think twice about bundling up in heavy coats, boots and gloves.

Ultimately, it's a personal decision and largely depends on the area. What is your opinion?

Foreclosure Freeze during holidays

2010-12-07T11:14:00.000-08:00

Several of the large mortgage players are saying they will not evict borrowers in default around Christmas. The two mortgage giants (Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae) are freezing all foreclosure evictions from December 20th through January 3rd. Any thoughts on this? Is it a good thing or just delaying the inevitable?

Calculators

2010-12-06T11:13:00.000-08:00

Want to estimate monthly mortgage payments or calculate gain or loss on your home? Check out all kinds of calculators on CNN's website below!

http://cgi.money.cnn.com/tools/

How much should I spend on a house?

2010-12-03T11:26:00.000-08:00

Knowing how much you can afford to spend will help you when shopping for a house. Although there are many factors to consider, you may want to do your homework. You can use online "real estate calculators" to help you get a better idea of how much to spend when buying a home.

Learn more about real estate and realtors in Springfield, IL http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com.

Overcoming home buying obstacles...

2010-12-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

The biggest home buying obstacles generally involve the buyer and the property qualifying for a mortgage. It's not always an easy process to buy a home. Many home buyers encounter obstacles, and it's not unusual to run into flying monkeys and wicked witches along that yellow brick road to home ownership.

The first step in home buying is to prepare for the obstacles!

1) Expect a down payment:
Most loans require a down payment. The most popular mortgages are FHA and conventional loans which on average require 3.5% to 10% down payment.

2) Obtaining a Minimum FICO Score:
To find out your FICO score, you should ask your lender to run your credit report or obtain it online.

3) Meeting Lender Ratios:
Most lenders expect a buyer to have a maximum 33% front-end ratio. This means your mortgage payment, plus taxes and insurance (PITI), cannot exceed 33% of your monthly gross income.

4) Receiving an Appraisal at Value
In the past, a lender could select its own appraiser. That appraiser was generally experienced, knew the neighborhood and had appraised many homes in specific areas, which typically would result in a fair and balanced appraisal. Now, appraisal management companies pluck an appraiser at random from a pool of appraisers. Your appraiser could be from another area or unfamiliar with the neighborhood, which often results in a low appraisal. If the appraisal does not come in at value, and if the seller refuses to adjust the price, buyers with an appraisal contingency can either walk away from the transaction or pay the difference in cash.

5) Satisfying Loan Conditions:
The way to increase the odds of underwriting approval is to disclose everything about yourself and your financials to your lender, and make sure the loan officer has been in the business long enough to foresee future problems before you get that far.

Learn more about real estate and realtors in Springfield, IL http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com.

Tiny house movement

2010-12-01T13:11:00.000-08:00

Even though many Americans continue to downsize, there is a part of the housing market that is booming. Many Americans are buying or building small homes! Very interesting article below which illustrates a new movement that is taking shape!

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gH8Q7Us9wzjEUcaJQNH9Bjo_nyvQ?docId=ae03a9c2da014bcc9dd9cbe71ab251d5

Learn more about real estate and realtors in Springfield, IL http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com.

Moderate growth in 2011?

2010-11-30T08:00:00.001-08:00

According to the National Association of Business Economics' latest report... consumer spending is expected to remain modest due to weak job gains, high unemployment and negligible growth in household worth. Concern about federal debt, unemployment and business regulation is causing experts to forecast only moderate growth in 2011 in regards to the real estate outlook. Any thoughts?

Learn more about real estate and realtors in Springfield, IL http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com.

good article...

2010-11-29T14:15:00.000-08:00

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20101125_vacation.htm

Learn more about real estate and realtors in Springfield, IL http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com.

Take advantage of Black Friday specials!

2010-11-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Looking to sell your home? Black Friday is a great day to take advantage of all the service specials out there. For example, many businesses offer special prices, clean out specials, debris removal, lawn care, gutter cleaning and pressure washing. Take a look around and see what is being offered locally!

Learn more about real estate and realtors in Springfield, IL http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com.

Good news... fewer homeowners behind on mortgage payments.

2010-11-25T08:13:00.000-08:00

In the last three months... mortgage delinquency rates dropped in the last three months.

http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/18/real_estate/mortgage_delinquencies_decline/index.htm

Learn more about real estate and realtors in Springfield, IL http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com.

Another hot topic... home prices are expected to slide another 8%

2010-11-24T10:13:00.000-08:00

According to another interesting article on cnnmoney.com....

"Many banks have been slowing the foreclosure process because they already own a glut of homes, according to Rick Sharga, spokesman for RealtyTrac, the online marketer of foreclosed properties.
He said the banks are "managing" their inventory and not pushing delinquent borrowers quickly through the foreclosure pipeline so they don't have to repossess homes that will take a long time to sell.
It's better for the banks to allow borrowers to stay in these homes, doing the maintenance and protecting them from vandalism, than leaving them vacant for months in moribund markets."

Add 2.1 million homes to the glut

2010-11-23T14:03:00.000-08:00

According to an article posted on cnnmoney.com, approximately 2.1 million more homes are expected to be added to the glut. What are your thoughts on this?

http://money.cnn.com/2010/11/22/real_estate/shadow_inventory_lengthening/index.htm

Remortgage- What is it?

2010-11-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

Remortgage means refinance. Yep, its the same thing. Many people are looking for new a new loan once their existing rate starts adjusting. This is fairly typical with a 3 or 5 year ARM instead of locking in a 30 year fixed.

If your looking for a better overall mortgage rate, now is the time to look because interest rates remain low. The Internet can easily help you find the right person or loan broker to work with. I recommend trying a search engine comparison site.

The market will clear eventually...

2010-11-09T09:19:00.000-08:00

Another reason it is a good time to buy is that the market will eventually clear. Demand will meet supply. Population is forecasted to grow by more than 100 million people over the next 40 years. All of those people will be looking for new homes and the housing glut will eventually work itself out.

Shopping for the "right" real estate agent!

2010-11-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

Remember that when you are searching for a real estate agent, you are doing the hiring. You want to hire someone to work for you and should check their credentials to make sure it’s the right fit! You wouldn’t hire a family friend for your company if he wasn’t qualified just like you shouldn’t hire an acquaintance to take care of one of your biggest investments unless they are qualified! Make sure to ask any agent or brokerage that wants to represent you, what kind of experience and expertise they have. Check out our website to see if our real estate team is right for you!

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

There are lot great houses to choose from...

2010-10-29T07:58:00.000-07:00

According to the National Association of Realtors there are around 4 million homes for sale out there. Even though that may be below last year's peak, it is still well above typical levels. More keep coming on the market as banks slowly unload their inventory of unsold property. That means you have a lot to choose from at great prices.

Inflation protection?

2010-10-27T07:52:00.000-07:00

Buying a home does have another benefit... it offers some inflation protection. No, it's not perfect. But studies by Professor Karl "Chip" Case (of Case-Shiller) suggest that over the long-term housing has tended to beat inflation by a couple of percentage points a year. Not bad if especially if you're thinking about the next 30 or 40 years.

Why buying helps you save on taxes!

2010-10-26T06:59:00.000-07:00

You save on taxes! Did you know that you can deduct the mortgage interest and real estate taxes from your income taxes? You'll only get the income tax break if you itemize your deductions, and many people prefer to take the standard deduction. However, the more you earn and the bigger your mortgage, the more valuable breaks become.

Another reason it's a great time to buy...

2010-10-25T08:57:00.000-07:00

Mortgages rates are the lowest on record! You can get a 30-year loan for around 4.3%. What's not to like!? Keep in mind that only two years ago they were about 6.3%. If inflation picks up, you won't see these mortgage rates again in your lifetime and if we get deflation, rates will fall even further.

Is it a good time to buy?

2010-10-23T08:43:00.001-07:00

People are hearing a lot of different things about whether or not it’s a good time to buy or not. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal this week, rates on 30-year mortgages dropped to 4.19%. In addition, homes are declining in value which means it's a good time to buy! There are many great properties for sale this fall and lots of ways to finance them. If you are thinking about feel free to contact us. We'll be glad to answer any questions you have! :)

http://www.viewspringfieldhomes.com/

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703631704575552060735802100.html

“Foreclosure freeze”… good or bad?

2010-10-18T09:01:00.000-07:00

The recent “foreclosure freeze” that many major lenders recently adopted was a sigh of relief for many on the cusp of losing their homes. Many lenders are doing this in effort to avoid inaccurate/unlawful home seizures. However, for people looking to buy it could have a reverse effect.

The National Association of Realtors® (NAR) previously issued a press release, warning that “a prolonged review process would have a damaging impact on many communities and hinder the nation’s economic recovery.”

There is fear that the freeze could stall an already soft market and, in the process, deter potential buyers from making purchases. In addition, the temporary halt could put more pressure on an ailing job market. Remodelers, contractors, and other workers employed to rehab newly purchased foreclosures may now find themselves without work.

Any thoughts?

RE/MAX Professionals Springfield

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Remortgage means refinance. Yep, its the same thing. Many people are looking for new a new loan once their existing rate starts adjusting. This is fairly typical with a 3 or 5 year ARM instead of locking in a 30 year fixed.

If your looking for a better overall mortgage rate, now is the time to look because interest rates remain low. The Internet can easily help you find the right person or loan broker to work with. I recommend trying a search engine comparison site.

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Virtual Floorplan
Tour

Virtual Floorplan
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