Feb 8, 2012

Archive | Featured

Tags:

January 2012 Market Watch- Hot off the press!!

Posted on 12 December 2011 by Carson

 

 

 

     We have started a new year and it’s a great time to compare 2011 to 2010.  In our market we sold 9 fewer homes in 2011 compared to 2010 (3999 vs. 3990).  The average price of the homes sold was 2% higher than the previous year.  2011 average sales price was $125,697.  Total sales volume was up 1.8%.  None of these statistics sound very exciting but I am pleased with the direction of the market.  Our market has improved and there are other items that bode well for the future.

I have mentioned shadow inventory in previous Market Watch’s.  Shadow inventory is the total of homes 90 days or more delinquent, homes currently in foreclosure and homes banks already own but that have not yet been listed for sale.  Two years ago this inventory was estimated at 2.4 million homes, nationwide.  The current estimate is that there are about half as many or about 1.2 million homes.  Although 1.2 million is more than anyone wishes the reduction from the previous year is very positive. A reduction in these foreclosed homes helps price appreciation, and as these homes are liquidated, demand for new home construction increases.  New home construction provides a significant boost to employment which also helps the economy.   Assuming no big hiccups this year, shadow inventory will be back to near normal levels a year from now.

Listed inventory levels also improved this past year.  Our average month’s supply of homes averaged 8.71 months for 2011.  2009 and 2010 averaged 9.4 months.  Reduced inventory, both nationally and locally, stabilized or slightly increasing prices and exceedingly low interest rates bode well for the future.  I anticipate continued slow improvement to our market in 2012 and more improvement in 2013.

We have recently enhanced our TuckerOpenHouses.com website.  You can now search for virtually all open houses in one spot and from your smart phone.  You can also sign up for open house alerts and even map you open house schedule all in one convenient spot. Make sure you register me as your agent if you go to the site please.

Best wishes for a prosperous new year and please let me know if I can help you sign up to automatically receive information about open houses or new listings from our website.

Comments (0)

88 Types of Turbulence

Posted on 10 October 2011 by Carson

 

Things That Might Go Wrong During Your Transaction
The Buyer/Borrower:1. Does not tell the truth on loan application.2. Has recent late payments on credit report.

3. Finds out about additional debt after loan application.

4. Borrower loses job.

5. Coborrower loses job.

6. Income verification lower than what was stated on loan application.

7. Overtime income not allowed by underwriter for qualifying.

8. Applicant makes large purchase on credit before closing.

9. Illness, injury, divorce or other financial setback during escrow.

10. Lacks motivation.

11. Gift donor changes mind.

12. Cannot locate divorce decree.

13. Cannot locate petition or discharge of bankruptcy.

14. Cannot locate tax returns.

15. Cannot locate bank statements.

16. Difficulty in obtaining verification of rent.

17. Interest rate increases and borrower no longer qualifies.

18. Loan program changes with higher rates, points and fees.

19. Child support not disclosed on application.

20. Bankruptcy within the last two years.

21. Mortgage payment is double the previous housing payment.

22. Borrower/coborrower does not have steady two-year employment history.

23. Borrower brings in handwritten pay stubs.

24. Borrower switches to job with a probation period.

25. Borrower switches from job with salary to 100% commission income.

26. Borrower/coborrower/seller dies.

27. Buyer is too picky about property in price range they can afford.

28. Buyer feels the house is misrepresented.

29. Veterans DD214 form not available.

30. Buyer comes up short of money at closing.

31. Buyer does not properly “paper trail” additional money that comes from gifts, loans, etc.

32. Buyer does not bring cashier’s check to title company for closing costs and down payment.

The Seller:

33. Loses motivation to sell (job transfer does not go through, reconciles marriage, etc.).

 34. Cannot find a suitable replacement property.35. Will not allow appraiser inside home.36. Will not allow inspectors inside home in a timely manner.

37. Removes property from the premises the buyer believed was included.

38. Cannot clear up liens – is short on cash to close.

39. Did not own 100% of property as previously disclosed.

40. Encounters problems getting partners’ signatures.

41. Leaves town without giving anyone Power of Attorney.

42. Delays the projected move-out date.

43. Did not complete the repairs agreed to in contract.

44. Seller’s home goes into foreclosure during escrow.

45. Misrepresents information about home and neighborhood.

46. Does not disclose all hidden or unknown defects and they are subsequently discovered.

The Realtor(s):

47. Has no client control over buyers or sellers.

48. Delays access to property for inspection and appraisals.

49. Does not get completed paperwork to the Lender in time.

50. Inexperienced in this type of property transaction.

51. Takes unexpected time off during transaction and can’t be reached.

52. Misleads other parties to the transaction – has huge ego.

53. Does not do sufficient homework on their clients or the property and wastes everyone’s time.

The Lender(s):

54. Does not properly pre-qualify the borrower.

55. Wants property repaired prior to closing.

56. The market raises rates, points or costs.

57. Borrower does not qualify because of a late addition of information.

58. Lender requires a last-minute second appraisal or other documents.

59. Lender loses a form or misplaces entire file.

60. Lender doesn’t simultaneously ask for all needed information.

61. Lender doesn’t fund loan in time for close.

 The Property:62. County will not approve septic system or well.63. Termite report reveals substantial damage and seller is not willing to fix.

64. Home was misrepresented as to size and condition.

65. Home is destroyed prior to closing.

66. Home is not structurally sound.

67. Home is uninsurable for homeowner’s insurance.

68. Property incorrectly zoned.

69. Portion of home sits on neighbor’s property.

70. Unique home and comparable properties for appraisal difficult to find.

The Escrow/Title Company:

71. Fails to notify lender/agents of unsigned or unreturned documents.

72. Fails to obtain information from beneficiaries, lien holders, insurance companies or Lenders in a timely manner.

73. Lets principals leave town without getting all necessary signatures.

74. Loses or incorrectly prepares paperwork.

75. Does not pass on valuable information quickly enough.

76. Does not coordinate well, so that many items can be done simultaneously.

77. Does not bend the rules on small problems.

78. Finds liens or other title problems at the last minute.

The Appraiser:

79. Is not local and misunderstands the market.

80. Is too busy to complete the appraisal on schedule.

81. No comparable sales are available.

82. Is not on the Lender’s “approved list.”

83. Makes important mistakes on appraisal and brings in value too low.

84. Lender requires a second or “review” appraisal.

Inspectors:

85. Pest inspector not available when needed.

86. Pest inspector too picky about condition of property.

87. Home inspector not available when needed.

88. Inspection reports alarm buyer and sale is cancelled.

Comments (0)

Ten Mistakes You Can’t Afford

Posted on 13 October 2010 by Carson

Buying a home is complex enough but when it comes to financing, you need to make sure you are as prepared as possible in order to get a loan.
There are a number of mistakes you can make along the way of getting your loan approved. Here are some of the things to avoid to make the process go smoothly.
1.Don’t choose the wrong mortgage: Home loans may no longer be the lifetime obligations they used to be but still — you don’t want to be saddled for even a short period of time with the wrong one. Investigate all of your options, then lay your choices side-by-side and do the math, making sure to compare worst-case scenarios. Be sure to look at initial interest rates, future interest rates and payments (if different), and the possibility, though now rare, of prepayment penalties.
2. Don’t confuse “pre-approved” and “pre-qualified” with a loan commitment: When you are “pre-qualified,” the lender is making an educated guess about how much you can borrow based on information you’ve provided. When you are “pre-approved,” the lender has verified everything you’ve provided and is offering to lend you up to a given amount at current interest rates — under certain conditions. It’s much better to be pre-approved when shopping for a home because both you, your real estate agent and the seller know what you can afford. Whether pre-qualified or pre-approved, final clearance and a check at closing — a loan commitment — are subject to an appraisal satisfactory to the lender, good title, a last-minute credit check, and other verifications. When meeting with lenders, always ask what additional steps will be required to obtain a loan.
3. Don’t have too much credit: Excessive credit is almost as bad as no credit or even bad credit. Even if you pay your bills on time, lenders tend to focus just as much on how much credit you have available to you as they do on timeliness. So being up to your ears in car loans and credit cards is a sure way to be turned down for a mortgage. Postpone any big-ticket purchases until after you buy your house.

4. Don’t lie on your loan application: Exaggerating your income on a mortgage application or putting down other untruths can be a federal offense. Lenders rarely prosecute liars but if they find out later, they can call your loan due and payable. Don’t ever sign your name to a loan application that is not completely filled out, either. Loan officers have been known to stretch the truth to get a client approved, but it’s the borrowers who end up paying the price, often in the form of monthly loan payments they can’t afford.

5. Don’t hide if you can’t make your payments: The worst thing you can do is ignore phone calls and letters from your lender when you are behind on your payments. Lenders have many options at their disposal to help keep borrowers from losing their homes to foreclosure. But they can’t do anything for you unless they can talk to you about your difficulties. Lenders are the enemy only if you give them no other choice.
6. Don’t skip a home inspection: Failing to make your purchase contingent on a satisfactory home inspection could be a costly mistake. Independent home inspectors examine houses from stem to stern. They’ll be able to tell you whether the roof or basement leaks, whether the mechanical systems are in good shape and how long the appliances should last. They can’t report on things they can’t see, but at least their trained eyes are better than yours. So don’t pass just to save $300-$400; that’s money well spent.
7. Don’t hire just any agent to sell your house: All real estate agents are not the same. You want to look for those who specialize in your neighborhood and are top producers. Ask your candidates how they plan to market your house, what you can do to make the place more attractive to prospects and how much you should ask. If you don’t like any of the answers, look elsewhere. 
8. Don’t fail to check out a remodeler: Never, ever hire a contractor who knocks on your door or says his prices are good for only a few days. Reputable remodelers don’t solicit door-to-door, and they don’t cut prices just because they happen to be in your neighborhood. Check out a potential contractor thoroughly by calling several of his past clients, your local better business bureau, his bankers and suppliers, and your local consumer affairs agency.
9. Don’t pay too much upfront: If a contractor asks for more than a third of the contract price as a downpayment, chances are something’s wrong. At worst, he’s a scam artist who has no intention of returning after he cashes your check. At best, he’s undercapitalized and can’t afford to purchase materials on his own. Or, in between, he could be using your money to pay workers on another job. Never give a contractor cash, either.
10. Don’t burn your mortgage: It’s a wonderful feeling when you make your last house payment. After all, the place is now yours, all yours. Many people celebrate by holding a mortgage burning party. But they torch the original document. Don’t. Make a copy and burn that instead. Keep all your loan docs in a safe place.

Comments (0)

September Market Watch

Posted on 08 September 2010 by Carson

 I have some good news to report based on August pended (accepted purchase agreements) results.  August pended transactions increased for the fourth consecutive month.  As I have mentioned a couple of times over the past few months, the now expired tax credit makes month to month comparisons difficult.  The tax credit clearly stimulated, then depressed the housing market.  As expected May pended transactions dropped dramatically after the spectacular March and April numbers.  This coincided with the expiration of the tax credit on April 30th.  We have gone from 269 pended transactions in May to 387 pended transactions in August.  This represents a 44% increase.  Although that is good news, it is important to keep in mind that the 44% increase is from a low starting point.  What is good however is that the 387 pended transactions is slightly higher that the preceding twelve month average of closed transactions.  The average sales price in this May-August period has been virtually unchanged.  Both of these pieces of information suggest that our market has stabilized, both in terms of price and units sold.

    I do not anticipate continued growth at these levels over the next few months.  Until the unemployment rate drops and our economy begins growing at a faster rate there will not be additional significant improvement in the housing market.  

 We did add another enhancement to FCTuckerEmge.com last month.  In the detail section of every listing there is a “Community Info” section.  In this area you can click on “What’s nearby”, “Nearby Schools”, “Nearby Sold Listings” or “Community Stats” to get detailed location specific information about every listed home.  If you are not at your computer you can always get property information on your smart phone at Tuckermobile.comHopefully you had a chance to enjoy the fabulous weather over the Labor Day Weekend.  I’ll be back in touch next month with more current local housing information.

Comments (0)

July Market Watch

Posted on 19 July 2010 by Carson

We now have results from June closings and as I suggested, closed transactions declined from April and May.  Although June closings were almost 21% below May levels they were still slightly higher than the average for the preceding twelve months.  I do not expect July closings to be significantly different from June.  2010 will be something of a mirror image of 2009 for closed transactions.  The second half of 2009 was significantly stronger than the first half of 2009.  I believe that the first six months of 2010 will be stronger than the second six months of 2010.  The reason for this disparity in both years is the timing of tax credits.  The initial homebuyer tax credit expired in November of 2009.  The tax credits were subsequently extended and they expired in April of 2010.  I do not expect any renewal of these tax credits.

     The best news going forward is that interest rates are at some of the lowest levels in history.  Since home prices are lower than they were a few years ago, and rates are great, you can buy more house with a lower monthly payment than at any time in recent history.

     We have also made shopping for homes easier than ever.  We just introduced Tuckermobile.com. This allows you to shop for homes quickly from your smart phone.  Now you can find everything from anywhere, any time.  Simply go to Tuckermobile.com and you can search by Street name, MLS number, zip code or any of several other options.  You can also save properties you select.  If you have signed up for MyFCTuckerEmge.com any saved properties you select on Tuckermobile.com will automatically appear on your saved searches.  All of this is free.  All of this is automatic.  None of it requires a download and it gives you 24/7 access to the entire MLS system from your smart phone.

     I can’t do anything about the temperature outside but I can help you shop from where ever you are comfortable.  Give me a call if I can help with any of your real estate needs and as always I really appreciate referrals if you know of someone else that is thinking about buying or selling.

Comments (0)