Monthly Archives: March 2009

Housing Affordability; Spring ’09

Housing affordability continues to improve as mortgage rates fall and home prices remain low. The National Association of Realtors affordability index went higher in February to an all time high.   This is saying something considering this index was created more … Continue reading

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Atlanta’s Housing Market Report; Metro Atlanta to Athens

Every housing market is unique. Local Market Reports put forth by the NAR reflect data available through December 2008.  They provide insights into the fundamentals and direction of the nation’s largest metro housing markets. Reports evaluate a number of factors … Continue reading

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ANOTHER RECORD LOW FOR MORTGAGE RATES THIS WEEK

Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey yesterday in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.85 percent for the week ending March 26, 2009.  Last year at this time, the 30-year mortgage averaged 5.85 percent. The … Continue reading

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First-Time Home Buyers Say Now is Good Time to Buy

More than seventy-five percent of potential first-time home buyers say that now is a good time to buy. Of prospective U.S. first-time home buyers surveyed in March for a First-Time Home Buyer Survey, almost 70% think now is a better … Continue reading

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U.S. Housing Prices up 1.7% in January; South up 3.6%

“U.S. home prices rose 1.7 percent on a seasonally-adjusted basis from December to January,” according to the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s monthly House Price Index. “December’s previously reported 0.1 percent increase was revised to a 0.2 percent decline. For the … Continue reading

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Study Finds One in Five Americans Plan to Buy a Home Despite Economic Conditions

Study Finds First Time Buyers Optimistic, but Values and Attitudes Changing “While half of all Americans are concerned they or someone they know will face foreclosure in the next six to 12 months, 23% of adults plan to purchase a … Continue reading

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Existing-Home Sales Rise In February Wiping out Losses in January

“Existing-home sales increased in February, reversing losses in January,” so says the National Association of Realtors® in a press release this morning. Existing-home sales which include single-family residences, townhomes, and condominiums rose more than 5 percent to a seasonally adjusted … Continue reading

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Mortgage Rates Near Record Lows

This past Thursday Freddie Mac released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.98 percent for the week ending March 19, 2009, down from last week when it averaged 5.03 percent. Last … Continue reading

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Federal Reserve to Buy Mortgage Backed Securities; Boost to Housing

Washington, March 18, 2009 The following is a statement by National Association of Realtors® President Charles McMillan: “The National Association of Realtors® applauds the Federal Reserve announcement today that it would purchase an additional $750 billion in Fannie Mae and … Continue reading

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Athens Georgia Mortgage rates below 5%

Average interest rates: * 30-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 4.89 percent from 4.96 percent; * 15-year fixed-rate mortgages decreased to 4.52 percent from 4.54 percent; * 1-year ARMs decreased to 6.20 percent from 6.21 percent. Source: Mortgage Bankers Association (03/18/2009) … Continue reading

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Jackson County Georgia, an increase in properties sold for Q1 ’09

Okay, okay, I know that the first quarter is not over yet, but through March 17th, we have seen an increase in sales in Jackson County Georgia both in numbers of sales and dollars for first quarter ’09 over the … Continue reading

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Median Home Prices, Sales Figures, and the cost of Tea in China

It has been in the news in recent weeks now that the median home sold in ’08 was $204,000.  This was down nationally about 5% in ’08.  If you are selling your home currently or thinking of selling, what do … Continue reading

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30-Year Mortgage Rates Drop Substantially in Recent Week

According to a press release issued by Zillow, 30-Year Mortgage Rates Drop Substantially for First Time in Four Weeks.  They went on to say that rates fall lower on Monday, according to Zillow Mortgage Rate Monitor. In the press release … Continue reading

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Looking for a Renovation Loan with high Loan to Value?

I had mentioned this before, but wanted to bring it up one more time due to its value.  A zero-loan product from HUD,  called “203 K” allows borrowers to buy a “distressed property” for not only the property price but … Continue reading

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The Boulevard Historic District of Athens Georgia

The Boulevard Historic District of Athens Georgia is an area of town just as unique as Five Points.   The area is “governed” or overseen by the Boulevard Neighborhood Association.  According to the Boulevard Neighborhood Association, The Boulevard Historic District is … Continue reading

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