This Month in Real Estate
September 2010
Market Update
The housing market was off to a rocky start as the second half of the year began. Much of the volatility, however, was anticipated and attributed to the now-expired tax credit. Despite softened sales this last month, home prices continued to gain – thanks in part to record low jumbo loan rates, which are fueling more interest and activities in the higher end of the market.
Meanwhile, the economy still has a lot of ground to cover before achieving its full, sustainable recovery. Consumers, while remaining on the cautious side, have increased their spending, which is supported by a gradual improvement in income. The stagnant job market continues to be a cause for concern, but overall, financial conditions have improved.
For the first time in fourteen months, home sales fell below year-ago levels. Although the drop exceeded expectations, it is undoubtedly due to the expiration of the tax credit. Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said, “given the rock-bottom mortgage interest rates and historically high housing affordability conditions, the pace of a sales recovery could pick up quickly, provided the economy consistently adds jobs.”
July’s median home price was virtually unchanged. Home values have been stable for the past 18 months due in part to the tax credit. Experts believe that home prices will continue to be stable going forward.
The total number of homes on the market remains stable but the number of months worth of inventory has jumped due to lower home sales and fewer buyers in the market. This represents a great opportunity for buyers who have not yet purchased or who are considering a second home or investment property. Important to note is that experts anticipate stable prices and do not expect this to be an ongoing trend.
Source: National Association of Realtors
Interest Rates
Mortgage rates continued to set new record lows in August, providing real savings in interest and monthly payment for buyers and refinancers. As economic activity picks up, rates will rise to keep inflation in check.
Rates as of September 2.
Topics for Home Owners, Buyers and Sellers
Financial Reform
What it means for consumers
The Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act was signed into law in late July. Before the pains of the financial crisis were just a thing of the past, Congress passed the biggest financial reform measures since the Great Depression. While much of the bill covers Wall Street measures and regulations, there are several changes consumers should be aware of. The following are the top measures related to financing for consumers:
- Mortgages. Lenders must determine if borrowers will be able to meet monthly obligations including mortgage, taxes, insurance, and assessments. Borrowers of adjustable rate mortgages must qualify at the highest rate. Additionally, lenders won’t be able to incentivize mortgage brokers to make higher-rate or riskier loans.
- Credit Reports. All consumers will no longer have access to government-mandated free annual credit reports. Consumers who are denied a loan or who are not offered the best interest rate will receive free copies of their credit scores. Credit scores and reports will be available for purchase through a credit bureau or myFICO.com.
- Credit and Debit Card Changes. Most notably, merchants may start incentivizing consumers to pay with cash, debit, or check. There may be changes to credit card rewards programs.
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. This new bureau will regulate consumer loans including mortgages, credit cards, student loans, payday loans, and check-cashing companies. Auto loans and insurance lending will be excluded.
The government’s goal of creating safer and easier to understand lending practices is to benefit the long-term strength of the economy.
For more information, see the following links:
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http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/articles/financial-services-reform.aspx
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http://www.usatoday.com/money/perfi/basics/2010-06-25-financial-regulations-consumers_N.htm
Local Lenders Rates
Consumers would be wise to do some shopping around for interest rates on mortgages.
Since the financial crisis began, many of the big banks consolidated and merged – Wells Fargo and Wachovia, for example – increasing the “big banks” combined market share. With fewer players in the game, rates don’t need to be as competitive as before the consolidation to get the same amount of business.
Smaller local or regional banks can offer significantly advantageous rates. Of course, each loan situation is different and depends on a variety of factors, but don’t forget due diligence – it could save big bucks in the long run.
Sources: The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, myfico.com
Brought to you by Keller Williams Research.
Please “Contact Me” if you have Real Estate interests in Sarasota and the Bradenton Florida area.