Real Estate Hot Topics

21st Century Real Estate Business
Brokers and agents must embrace the fact that the market is ever changing and competitive. We asked several Real Estate Agents the same questions, and got a consensus that we wanted to pass on to you to help you do business in the 21st Century real estate market.

New Treasury Department Guidelines for Short Sale Approvals 
The government recently released a new guidance plan to help mortgage companies and lenders speed up the approval process for short sales. The new program applies to all banks that are federally regulated, but not to local or state chartered banks.

2010 Home Price Predictions
Although it appeared that there were signs of stabilization in housing prices and demand through October 2009 and 6 months prior, the National Association of Real Estate Agents (NAR) recent reports show that pending sales of existing homes in the U.S. fell 16% in November despite the government's efforts of continuing to jump starting the housing industry by extending the $8,000 federal tax first time home buyer credit and the additional credit of $6,500 to non-first time home buyers.

Fizber's Real Estate Predictions for 2010
The beginning of the new year brings all sorts of predictions. Since housing market conditions are one of the hottest topics affecting so many of us, real estate industry experts start making all sorts of predictions. Some are valid and others are merely opinions. A real estate investor/buyer needs to think on their own, find their own relevant data and be able to understand and analyze that data. Don't believe everything you read and hear, check things out for yourself. Only you know whether your investment is a wise and profitable one for you.   

Is Now Really the Best Time to Buy?
Now is still a great time to buy a new home or refinance your existing mortgage. Although rates have increased, they are still low, Housing is affordable and the federal government's extension of the first time home buyer tax credit of $8,000 and the new addition of $6,500 for non-first time home buyers make it one of the best times to buy.

Rise in Foreclosure Activity
The numbers say it all. Accordingly to RealtyTrac's U.S. Foreclosure Market Report for the first quarter 2010, there was a 7% increase in foreclosure filings, including notices of defaults.

Mortgage Rate Predictions
Mortgage rates have been holding steady even with the Federal Reserve's conclusion of its buy up of mortgage-backed securities. Rates for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have been averaging

Inventory Rising — What's in Store for Summer Home Sales?
March 2010 new and existing home sales were up according to the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders as a result of the federal $8,000 and the $6,500 tax credits. Buyers must have signed a purchase contact by April 30, 2010 and close their transaction by June 30, 2010 to receive the credits. However, now that the credits are over with, the pool of buyers has shrunk.