Friday, August 27, 2010

A Few Bits of Good News:
First, in comments delivered today, the Fed Chairman, Ben Bernanke, made it clear that he and the Fed do not feel that the nation is going to be double dipping back into the recession. In fact, he stipulated that the Fed is prepared to take whatever steps are necessary to prevent such an occurrence. The stock market responded with a very nice jump. But more to housing.

Interest rates continue to seek new record lows, and once again achieved this across the board. I am reminded of Chubby Checker's lyrics in the song, Limbo Rock: "How low can you go?!" Wait and see, but don't wait too long. With rates like these, whether you're a buyer or seller, there is absolutely no time like the present to get into the housing market! If you're selling, your home is more affordable for buyers due to these rates. If you're buying, just think how much you'll save by financing now with rates where they are!

Even in a grimmer subject area, foreclosures, the news appears to be getting a bit better. A number of different sources reported today that numbers of new foreclosures have dropped again this month, and a trend appears in the making that this may continue, albeit very gradually.
Can we help you with your housing needs? By all means, give us a call: (415) 279-6466 or (415) 531-4091; or email: pjrichmond@pacunion.com . We'll be happy to help.

Friday, August 20, 2010

Rates Continue Down!
Well, if you remember my comments here last week, mortgage interest rates were once again at all time lows. Well, believe it or don't, they dropped a bit further since the, and, if you don't require a jumbo, you can get financing under 4% fixed for a fifteen year loan. Thirty years fixed will cost a bit over 4%, but these rates are still one of the best reasons anyone around can cite for buying a home NOW!
Call us and let us help you in all of your real estate needs.
Have a great week!

Friday, August 13, 2010

A quick word on buyers and sellers--
For those of you considering selling, while it is true that prices continue well below their highs of a few years ago, they continue, on average, to rise slightly. It remains very much a case by case situation, and it is true that some home price have dropped in recent weeks. However, the overall direction of the market continues up at a very gradual pace. No skyrockets here yet.

On the other hand, if you're a buyer, mortgage rates continue to set new records by the day it seems. As of yesterday, 30 year fixed rates hit a new low of 4.44%, while the rate for 15 year fixed loans also hit a new low: 3.82%. What better reason to jump on the bandwagon and become a homeowner!

Questions:

Give us a call. We'd be pleased to help you in any situation!

Friday, August 06, 2010

The biggest news for this week is two-fold. First, the Federal government has extended authorization to the states to utilize federal housing foreclosure avoidance money to further the individual states' efforts in the effort. In essence, both the feds and many of he states have been undertaking a variety of programs to help troubled homeowners avoid foreclosure. This extension of approved funding use should help homeowners avoid the loss of their homes.

Second, the general market continues its slow growth in sales and values. As has been mentioned here before, the increases are not by any means explosive or shooting straight up as was the case in the early and mid-200's. However, the fact that they show improvement is an encouraging factor to keep in mind.

If any of you out there have any questions, or need a valuation for your home, please feel free to call us and we'd be happy to assist. Call: (415) 380-2133 or (415) 531-4091.
See you all next week.