Friday, December 30, 2011

What's new:
Nothing much here: rates still at or near historic lows; unemployment both nationally and locally down. Indicators for 2012 appear for gradual improvements in both the economy and the housing market, be you buyer or seller. Sooooooo: from here to all of you out there: THE HAPPIEST AND HEALTHIEST OF NEW YEARS!

Friday, December 23, 2011

Just a brief bit of info and it's all good. The latest unemployment benefits filings nationally are down, now around 360,000, the lowest in 3.5 yrs! Also, in California, jobless rate is down to single digits (too high, but moving in the right direction), and here in Marin in the mid-7%'s! These numbers, coupled with continued historic lows in interest rates, mean that the market is great for buyers. A buyer can afford to pay more for a home as the monthly payment won't be as bad at these rates. For Sellers, although things have slowed a little bit for the holidays, in another couple of weeks, buyers will be back on the market, cash in hand and looking to buy! Don't disappoint them! There is not nearly enough inventory available to keep even a small portion of the buyers happy, and with rates helping them out, what better opportunity to sell your home! Call us for any assistance you may need!
Finally, Hanukkah is here; Christmas arrives in 35 hours and 40 minutes; and the New Year follows in a week. Jane and I want to wish all of our valued friends and clients the happiest of holidays and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

Friday, December 09, 2011

It's Getting Better--s l o w l y:
That's not meant to be a negative. For quite some time now, I've written here about the good things that will help you, be you buyer or seller, in your housing market needs. These continue. The headline above refers to the fact that we are continuing to get good news, but to also note that the overall economic issues that have affected everyone for the last few years are not yet totally resolved. Fortunately, here in Marin things are, overall, better than many parts of the country and even the state. We have one of the lowest unemployment rates anywhere in the state, under 8%, and housing prices continue to be rising, although that is, as I've cautioned previously, with the condition that they are priced correctly for this market. Priced correctly, they are getting attention and homes are selling. Incorrectly, they will sit on the market.
Rates continue at or near historic lows. This will continue to benefit you as a buyer, and help sellers as sellers will be more likely to achieve their asking price or close to it when buyers can get money relatively inexpensively.
Need personal help? Call us: Peter is (415) 279-6466; Jane's at (415) 531-4091.
Enjoy the Holiday season; looks like 2012 will be a great year!

Friday, December 02, 2011

The latest news--and it's GOOD! You've heard me talk about good reasons for you to get in on the market whether you're a buyer or seller. Well, today's comments are no different! Just new ammunition to support it. Interest rates continue at or near historic lows. This helps buyers afford more house and sellers get reasonable prices for their homes. For the past 2-3 months we have seen one of the most active buying markets in Marin--lots of folks out there, cash in hand, seeking homes to buy. With that kind of interest, if you're thinking of selling, you should DEFINITELY give some serious consideration to taking full advantage of the market. These buyers are not going crazy--they are looking at prices, but the prices do not have to be 'bargain basement' steals. Quite the contrary--all that is necessary is that they be reasonably priced according to the market circumstances.
If you're a buyer, having the cheap rates available is sufficient reason to get in on the market and buy. While the4 event may not occur for some time, it is certain that rates can't remain this low forever. Why wait. Just as in the stock market, you cannot time interest rates. You have an opportunity now! Grab it and find your dream home!
Questions or help? Call us: Peter: (415) 279-6466; Jane (415) 531-4091; or email us: pjrichmond@pacunion.com . We'd be happy to help.