Monthly Archives: April 2009

Mortgage Rates now 2% Below their High

Freddie Mac released the results of its Mortgage Survey today in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 4.78 percent for the week ending April 30, 2009. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.06 percent. The 15-year fixed-rate … Continue reading

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Mortgage Rates Remain Low while First-Time Buyers Own the Market

The Fed announced Wednesday that it plans to keep key interest rates, such as the federal-funds rate, at near zero for the ascertainable future.  In a statement, the Fed stated, “Although the economic outlook has improved modestly since the March … Continue reading

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When Selling your Home, What Hill do you Die on?

Selling a Home in Athens or in your town?  What hills do you die on?  I am referring to the negotiations process.  What areas do buyers seem to compromise on and what areas are they going to dig in their … Continue reading

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Home Sales Fall in March but Inventory Levels lower

According to the National Association of Realtors, “Existing home sales fell in March, but the data still points towards stabilization. There are normal month-to-month swings in the data, so it is not a total disappointment to see a fall in … Continue reading

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30-YEAR RATES LOWER THAN SHORT-TERM RATES

An unusual turn of events in the interest rate market this week.  Freddie Mac, in its Primary Mortgage Market Survey® found the 30-year mortgage averaged 4.80 percent for the week ending April 23, 2009.  This is a large reason why … Continue reading

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Keeping America Green

Although today’s economic environment has a lot of Americans seeing red, many are still thinking green when it comes to housing. According to the National Association of Home Builders, the green homes market is expected to increase to 10 percent … Continue reading

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Eco-Friendly Ideas for Home Buyers, Sellers, and HomeOwners

*Use Eco-friendly Moving supplies when you find your new Dream Home! Also, look first at energy wise “Energy Star” compliant appliances. *Educate yourself on tax incentives available for Green Homes. *When you have a special occasion or birthday for a … Continue reading

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30-Year Mortgage Rates Continue to Tumble

According to the Zillow Mortgage Marketplace, the average rate, for the recent week, borrowers who contacted Zillow were quoted on for thirty-year mortgages fell to 5.06 percent. This data, compiled by leading real estate Web site Zillow.com®, also noted that … Continue reading

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Home Sales in Athens GA (as we move into Spring); What’s Hot?

As we move into the Spring of the year I am seeing the market really heat up.  As I commented on a previous post, RealtyTrac.com released some numbers showing that Athens Home Prices in a quarter over quarter view have … Continue reading

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Georgia Cities with Highest Gains in Home Sales Prices; Athens Georgia Makes Top 10

According to RealtyTrac.com; Cities with the highest increase in quarterly average home sales prices based on the last two calendar quarters, updated Apr 2009.  These are probably the best buying conditions in 30 years!  If you would like to check … Continue reading

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Nothing says “Pre-Foreclosure” like a Vacant Home!

If you are one of thousands of sellers all across the fruited plain that has a vacant home you are trying to sell, let me give you some advice, raise the price and keep it from looking vacant.  Okay, well … Continue reading

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Taxing Times, First Time Home Buyers, and Why to Buy

As April 15th approaches, many homeowners are taking advantage of a number of tax benefits that just aren’t available to renters. One advantage is the mortgage interest deduction. Current law allows homeowners to deduct all the interest they pay on … Continue reading

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No Down Payment No Problem; FHA to the Rescue

As a follow up to my April 3, 2009 post, “First Time Home Buyer; Got the FICO, need the 3-4% Down, I know where you can get it Tax Free,” I noticed that FHA loans also allow gifts for the … Continue reading

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Athens Area Real Estate buyers be glad; GA the lowest rates in U.S.

State Average 30-yr. Fixed Average 30-yr. Fixed Rate Rate Week ending 4/05/09 Week ending 3/29/09 % Change Arizona 5.07% 5.08% -0.2% California 5.07% 5.06% 0.2% Colorado 5.06% 5.09% -0.6% Connecticut 5.09% 5.10% -0.2% Florida 5.04% 5.06% -0.4% Georgia 4.96% 4.99% … Continue reading

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First Time Home Buyer; Got the FICO, need the 3-4% Down. I might know where you can find it tax free!

With all of the talk about the $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers, the fact that there is potentially “more” tax free money that can be used toward the purchase of a first time home, might be escaping … Continue reading

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