Current Real Estate Trends Affecting Brokers and Agents

September 8, 2008 · Mark Hasha · 1 Comment

I saw this really interesting list of current real estate trends on Wikipedia. The list is of the top 10 trends that are affecting the way real estate agents are doing business. I wanted to share it with you and over the next couple of weeks add my thoughts and comments on each trend.

The only annual report detailing real estate trends impacting the residential real estate brokerage business lists the following 10 trends as having the largest impact on residential real estate brokers and agents over the next 12 – 18 months.

Trend #1 – Growth of Social Media and Virtual Communities

Trend #2 – The Sub Prime Lending Collapse Driving Rise in Foreclosures

Trend #3 – The Importance of Information in Real Estate Business Read more

What do you get when you cross an FHA Loan with a Short Sale?

August 30, 2008 · Jean Joh · 8 Comments

In my case, a roller coaster ride of emotions ending with a happy client in his new home. Last week, the escrow was closed successfully on my client’s short sale purchase of a home with an FHA loan. When the process started, I knew that it might not be easy. Read more

First time home buyers…great news!

August 26, 2008 · Roweena Nastor · Comment here

It’s a home buyers heaven right now…good rates, a lot of properties to choose from with prices unheard of for years. And now, another credit offer? Read the facts…click here or copy to your browser: http://www.federalhousingtaxcredit.com/ ….and you will end up buying your dream home.

I surely hope home buyers will take advantage of today’s market…because just like every good things in life, this homebuyer’s heaven will not be forever.

Are you ready to buy an REO or Short Sale?

August 26, 2008 · Julie Cleland · 1 Comment

The answer to that question is another question you have to ask yourself…How patient am I? In this difficult market many buyers look for or find themselves involved in a short sale or an REO with the idea that it’s a good deal. It can be but what you are not paying in price you will make up in time, energy, effort and potential frustration. Read more

10 Reasons you should NOT buy a house in 2008!

August 25, 2008 · Karin Cunningham · Comment here

1. You don’t feel like taking advantage of GREAT opportunities while prices have stabilized.

2. You enjoy renting over owning your own home.

3. You believe in buying HIGH and selling LOW rather than what experts suggest which is buy low and sell high. Duh!

4. Your accountant told you that you have enough tax write offs.

5. You don’t believe you can build equity if you buy at the bottom of the market. Read more

Do I really need a home inspection?

August 25, 2008 · Shokoofeh Nowbakht · Comment here

My client asked if he really needed a home inspection. “I’m going to buy this house, no matter what. Why should I pay for home inspection?”, he wondered. My suggestion was Read more

“Bouncing Along the Bottom”

August 20, 2008 · Karin Cunningham · Comment here

Last month I attended the Inman Real Estate Conference at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco. It was so cool because I got to listen to different panels of experts talk about the state of the real estate market, new and improved real estate technology, and a lot about blogging and websites. Read more

Housing Stimulus Package! I don’t think so!!!

August 17, 2008 · Lee Ginsburg · 2 Comments

Credit/Loan Does it Stimulate the Housing Market? I don’t think so!!!

AS promised in my last blog I have continued my thoughts on the most recent Housing Stimulus Package. I will continue in next week’s blog.

Part of the recent Housing Stimulus package is a much publicized First Time Home Buyer Credit! It is not a credit. It is 15 year Interest FREE loan. Gotta take anything For Free. This applies to any home purchased between April 8, 2008 and July 1, 2009. How and why they picked those dates; Read more