Victoria Falls Market Watch – Condo sales for 2015 have been extremely strong! Market values continue to increase with sales prices driven by lack of inventory, increased demand, previous sales, documented upgrades and square footage of each unit. There were thirteen condos that sold during 2015. The sold prices range from a low $212, 000 – to a high of $276,400. Average days on Market - 54.08 days! MRIS Residential Stats – Analysis report compares: Condo prices when initially listed vs. Price at time of sale. The report totals indicate that the high list price was $279,900 and the sold Price was $276,400 which equates to 99.65 % of list price. Condo Market update as of January 2016: Active – 13601 Belle Chasse Blvd. #214 – List Price: $249,900. This is a Fannie Mae HomePath property. Buyer pays all transfer taxes. Go to www. Homepath.com - www.fanniemae.com. Features include 2 bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room, dining area and one … [Read more...]
Victoria Falls Fourth Quarter Market Watch – Single Family/Villa Styled Homes
Victoria Falls Fourth Quarter Market Watch – Single Family/Villa Styled Homes (SFH) summarizes the SFH and Villa styled homes market activity within the VF Resort Community through the end of 2015. The average days on the market during the year was 46.15 days. This past summer market activity gained traction in the growing demand for SFH, villa styled homes and condos with an increase in sales prices during the year. There were thirteen closed properties in 2015. With a villa on Brooktree Ln. that sold for $260,000 and a SFH Thoreau model that closed at the highest sales price for the year at $490,000 in September. Now, to the latest data regarding Single Family/Villa Styled Homes…… Active – 13706 Autumn End Ter. – List Price: $499,000. This Michael Harris (MH) Thoreau (largest) model features four bedrooms, three full baths and two car garage. . This home was one of the original model homes built back in 2005. Tax living area: 2,200 square feet. Days on market: … [Read more...]
Homes Sell Faster When Marketed as ‘Coming Soon’ First”
"Homes Sell Faster When Marketed as 'Coming Soon' First" - Research indicates that properties marketed as "coming soon" before being listed on the MLS generally sell faster. Amanda McMillan of Chicago-based @properties says the strategy "creates excitement so that when we do list [on the MLS], we hit with a bigger bang. People are reaching out to us, trying to get in earlier." According to off MLS CEO Bob Safranski, 173 Chicago homes posted first on off MLS and then later on the local MLS spent 28 days on average as "active" in the local MLS before going under contract, compared to an average of 42 days for homes in the same ZIP codes that were not posted on off MLS first. He says the analysis offers "compelling ... evidence of the value of pre-MLS marketing on off MLS." However, agents in Chicago and other markets must obtain written permission from sellers to withhold listings from the local MLS for longer than a certain amount of time after a listing contract is … [Read more...]
Ask the Experts – Should we wait to buy a home?
Ask the Experts – Should we wait to buy a home? By all means - No, the time to buy a home is now! With below market interest rates and the below average market inventory today maybe the opportune time for buyers to make the move to a new home. The Federal Reserve has delayed increasing the interest rate for fear of disrupting the future growth of the economy. Mortgage lenders eager of offer a variety of mortgage loan programs to suit your family financial status. In this current market the greatest risk to potential home buyers is to wait to jump into the market to buy a home. Buyers should always be actively looking to buy a home at bargain or below market price. A mortgage lender will determine your buying power by retrieving your credit report, reviewing your credit score and debt ratios compared to gross income. Here are some facts to consider: Home prices in the DMV have risen 3 to 8%. Prices nationwide are projected to appreciate by more than 18 percent by … [Read more...]
Home Buyers Assistance – State of Maryland
Home Buyers Assistance - State of Maryland have a great program to help home buyers obtain home ownership. And now, first time home buyers can get a tax credit too! If you have not owned a home in the past three years in the State of Maryland, there is an EXCELLENT chance you will be eligible for assistance of $5,000 at a MINIMUM. And, even if you have owned a home in the past three years, there are targeted areas where you can buy again without the 3 year wait. For example, the entire City of Baltimore is classified as targeted so any buyer can get $5,000 in assistance as long as they don't own any other property when they go to settlement. The Maryland Mortgage Program offers $5,000 in assistance or potentially more depending on the buyer's employer for down payment or closing cost assistance. So, if a buyer is purchasing a $200,000 home and they need 3.5% of the purchase price ($7,000) as a downpayment, this program will give them $5,000. If they then receive a full seller … [Read more...]
Can you negotiate the price of a newly built home?
Can you negotiate the price of a newly built home? Let's say....it can be quite difficult because the builders’ final sales price is based on the construction cost increases and inventory of homes available for sale. But, it can be done! Subsequently, the best time to begin negotiations on a newly constructed home, and to have some input into the final cost is during the planning phase with the new home sales manager. Be sure to have your Realtor representative there at the initial introduction to the new home development. At this time you will select exactly what amenities, appliances and finishes you would like or don’t like in your new home….Your decisions on the type of materials used and other special options will influence the final sales price. After the initial contract is written the new home sales manager will discuss your selection of options, e.g. cabinets, counter tops, carpet, hardwood floors, finished rooms, etc. It would be wise to have a good understanding of … [Read more...]
What is PMI? Ask the Experts – Adolphus Hawkes Realtors
What is PMI? When you buy a house there are four key cost components that are included into your monthly mortgage payment. The four components are commonly referred to as “PITI”. PITI includes the (P) - principal amount of the mortgage, (I) Interest on your new mortgage, (T) county taxes and (i) insurance. Now, we will now explain how… and when PMI is added to your monthly mortgage. If you cannot afford to make a 20 percent down payment on a conventional loan - PMI, or private mortgage insurance protects your lender from loss in case of default. Having private mortgage insurance will allow you to make a significantly lower down payment than the required 20 per cent, and still obtain a traditional conventional financing. You could be eligible to cancel your PMI coverage if specific lender guidelines are met, e.g., having no late payments and the overriding factor - having built at least 20 percent equity. You build equity quickly when… and if your property value increases or, if … [Read more...]
Selling a Home
Selling a home seems to be a major undertaking….. Question: We are ready to list our house for sale. We would like a quick sale, want to make a reasonable profit on our investment, and save as much as possible on the commissions. Do you have any advice on how to set a fair asking price to attract buyers? Ask the Experts: Selling a home - Deciding on the right asking price is one of the most important factors when selling your home. A price that’s too high can dissuade potential buyers, while a below-market price will reduce the return on your investment. And, may cause buyers to think something’s wrong with the house. Selling a home can be tricky endeavor – To start the process consult with a real estate professional who will prepare a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) based on your home’s fine features, recent upgrades and location. The CMA will compare your home features with similar homes with similar features that have recently sold in your neighborhood. Usually, within 180 … [Read more...]
Is a Condo Right for You?
Is a condo right for you? Condominium sales have increased in many parts of the country. The three largest groups of condo buyers are people buying real estate for the first time, couples whose children have left home, and retired people buying in a retirement community or buying a vacation home. There are several things to consider when investing in a condo, no matter where it is located or why you are making the investment. In some condo communities, you will share the facilities of the common areas, e.g. hallways, parking spaces, storage areas, clubhouses, swimming pool, and tennis courts with other residents. Therefore, you want to buy a unit in a community where these facilities are properly maintained and secure. Is a condo right for you? Another consideration is the added cost that comes with owning a condo. Most condos charge a monthly Homeowners Association (HOA) fee and condo fee that covers upkeep and repairs. Fees of this nature usually cover such things as water, trash … [Read more...]
April – 2014 Housing Trends eNewsletter
The April - 2014 Housing Trends eNewsletter ....Welcome to the most current Housing Trends eNewsletter. This eNewsletter is specially designed for you, with national and local housing information that you may find useful whether you’re in the market for a home, thinking about selling your home, or just interested in homeowner issues in general. The Housing Trends eNewsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau and Realtor.org reports, videos, key market indicators and real estate sales statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus local neighborhood information and more. Please click here to view the APR-2014 Newsletter Housing Trends eNewsletter. If you are interested in determining the value of your home, click the Home Evaluator link for a free evaluation report. … [Read more...]