Home price increases that we have enjoyed over the last 9-12 months are slowing down in markets across the country Price increase strategies should be reined in. A rising interest rate environment and double digit price increases over the last 12 months have the new home buyers hitting their limits of what they will or
Housing Dimension to Forbes’ Recent Projection
Forbes magazine recently released an infographic showing the top markets for expected job growth in the coming years. As has been the case for about eighteen months now, Texas continues to lead the way. The fact that Texas owns 7 of the top 10 spots is no surprise considering the energy boom that took off
GEORGIA ONE OF THE 6 Hot Spots for Retirees
As the housing recovery rolls on, baby boomers and empty-nesters may be looking to finally downsize and trade-in for a retirement home in a new locale. Kiplinger recently ranked the top states in which to retire based on special tax breaks for seniors, easy access to amenities, and active lifestyle opportunities for older adults. The
Regulators drop 20%-down requirement from mortgage proposal
Dropping the 20% down requirement will aid in our housing recovery. ——————————————————————————————– Bankers and housing advocates were concerned that requiring a 20 percent down payment would keep many people from buying a home. Lenders and affordable housing advocates won a victory when federal regulators walked away from a proposed rule that would encourage mortgage lenders
5 INSPECTION PROBLEMS BUYERS SHOULDN’T IGNORE
Home buyers need to be extra vigilant about inspections in the early stages of a purchase because if problems are discovered too late in the process, it can “dash home owners’ dreams and budgets,” writes Yahoo! Finance in a recent article. One home buyer in Long Island, N.Y., explains in the story that she didn’t
HOME PRICES CONTINUE TO GAIN STEAM
Atlanta is up 20% in home prices year over year but we are still 24.4% below the peak of June, 2006. Collateral for underlying loans is appreciating in value, which should help lending standards with the banks. It is imperative to remain diligent and not take our eye off the ball with our pricing, locations
HOUSING RECOVERY PRICING OUT FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS
First-time homebuyers are being squeezed out of the housing market recovery due to a sharp rise in home prices in some markets, a recent jump in mortgage rates, tighter lending practices, and competition from investors picking up lower-price property for cash, reports The Wall Street Journal. First-time homebuyers are more likely to be unemployed, underemployed,
HOUSING MARKET DOING SO WELL ONLY CONGRESS COULD DISRUPT THE MOMENTUM
Home builders’ confidence in the market for new single-family homes is at its highest level since January 2006. Kent Hoover Washington Bureau Chief Home builders’ confidence in the housing market hit its highest level since January 2006, rising for the third month in a row. The Housing Market Index compiled by the National Association
FED GIVES COMMUNITY BANKS A FEW BREAKS ON NEW CAPITAL RULES
The real test for Basel III Rule is whether the rule makes it easier or more difficult for banks to serve their customers,” said Frank Keating, president and CEO of the American Bankers Association. “If it makes it harder, that’s not what our still-recovering economy needs For immediate release The Federal Reserve Board on Tuesday
Why No City Can Afford to Forget About Seniors
Traditionally, mayors and economic developers have focused their efforts on making their communities great places for families, emphasizing good schools, up-to-date infrastructure, and low crime rates. Over the past decade or so, increasing attention has been paid to attracting younger talent. But one age group has factored much less in the conversation: older Americans. 10,000
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