RISMEDIA, August 6, 2010--In spite of all the frenzy over selling to first-time buyers this past year, many are still hesitating. While some first-timers aren’t ready to own a home, others would be wise to invest now.
Many first-time buyers want to own a home and can afford to own a home, but they're worried that the market is going to continue to decline and the home won't be worth what they paid for it. However, short-term future value should not matter if the other circumstances are right.
Here are some points from Marte Cliff, a copywriter who specializes in writing for real estate and related industries.
First-time buyers aren't investors. They're buying to own a home for themselves to live in and enjoy. If the home falls in market value a little, so what? They aren't planning to sell.
-Money paid for rent buys a house for someone else to own.
-Rents do rise with supply and demand.
-Homes in most areas are now so inexpensive that first-time buyers may be able to make their payments and set aside a few dollars for maintenance for less than their current rent.
-Interest rates are still low, making inexpensive homes even more affordable.
-With interest rates so low, a few extra dollars per month on a 30-year mortgage could mean a first-time buyer could own the house free and clear within 15-20 years.
-Hesitation could cost big dollars. Just a 1% rise in interest rates will add several hundred dollars per year to even a moderately-priced home. And interest rates are expected to rise.
-This tide will turn, and homes will begin appreciating in value. That trend has already begun in some markets and will begin in others as the foreclosures and short sales are sold.
-Over time, first-time buyers will be earning more while their house payment will remain stable.
Once a first-time buyer has determined that they are ready to take on the responsibility of homeownership, their primary concerns should be:
-Their desire to remain in the home for several years.
-Their ability to make the payments and take care of maintenance without having to give up everything else they now enjoy.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Friday, July 30, 2010
WHY It's a Great Time to Buy a Home
Five Smart Reasons to Buy a Home Now
The economy is stabilizing. Home prices are holding. It's not just as good a time as ever to buy a house. It's one of the best times ever.
Al Davis with Keller Williams DFW presents five overlooked reasons why now is a great time to buy a house.
1. Low mortgage rates serve as an equity shock absorber. When buyers borrow at today's record-low rates, they start building equity as soon as they close. That means they have a little give to absorb a few ups and downs as the still-recovering housing market gains traction.
2. Houses are in move-in condition. Homeowners have continued to spend on maintenance and repair, according to the Harvard Joint Center on Housing. Homeowners who have been holding back kept their houses in good shape while they waited. As those houses enter the market, they are in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.
3. Terrific houses are coming on the market. Foreclosures are finally starting to clear the system – and this is just the opportunity that owners of many desirable properties have been waiting for.
4. Appraisal regulations are finally aligned with market realities. Fannie Mae has adjusted its appraisal guidelines...again. Now that appraisers have more flexibility to set values that reflect the current market, today's deals will make it over the finish line.
5. Plenty of programs. Homes are more affordable than they have been for years, but communities have stuck by "workforce housing" programs that encourage middle-class families to buy houses. Buyers who qualify can get a big boost by combining one of these programs with today's low mortgage rates.
The economy is stabilizing. Home prices are holding. It's not just as good a time as ever to buy a house. It's one of the best times ever.
Al Davis with Keller Williams DFW presents five overlooked reasons why now is a great time to buy a house.
1. Low mortgage rates serve as an equity shock absorber. When buyers borrow at today's record-low rates, they start building equity as soon as they close. That means they have a little give to absorb a few ups and downs as the still-recovering housing market gains traction.
2. Houses are in move-in condition. Homeowners have continued to spend on maintenance and repair, according to the Harvard Joint Center on Housing. Homeowners who have been holding back kept their houses in good shape while they waited. As those houses enter the market, they are in marked contrast to tattered foreclosures.
3. Terrific houses are coming on the market. Foreclosures are finally starting to clear the system – and this is just the opportunity that owners of many desirable properties have been waiting for.
4. Appraisal regulations are finally aligned with market realities. Fannie Mae has adjusted its appraisal guidelines...again. Now that appraisers have more flexibility to set values that reflect the current market, today's deals will make it over the finish line.
5. Plenty of programs. Homes are more affordable than they have been for years, but communities have stuck by "workforce housing" programs that encourage middle-class families to buy houses. Buyers who qualify can get a big boost by combining one of these programs with today's low mortgage rates.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
LUXURY HOME SALES
Customers ask me what it’s like to sell luxury real estate. As you read below, you’ll discover what it takes to succeed in the luxury real estate market. If you are a consumer you must factor this information in when hiring an agent.
Here’s what you’ll discover when you enter the luxury real estate market:
1. Luxury agents must protect your privacy – The homes they show are appropriate only for a handful of buyers. They may go unlisted to protect a high-profile seller’s privacy. What’s more, they’re often found through personal connections rather than public open houses.
2. Each property requires its own marketing plan – this is because a luxury home will likely be bought by an out-of-state buyer.
3. A good agent will bring the seller only qualified buyers - this may require asking buyers to show asset statements. Qualifying these prospects is different from mortgage prequalification or preapproval, which show that a buyer can borrow to buy. Many luxury-home buyers will use cash or convert other assets to cash. These buyers are asked to demonstrate which assets will go toward the purchase.
4. Working around buyers’ busy schedules is critical!
When you hire me to help you buy or sell your luxury home, you will find an agent who protects your privacy, develops a unique marketing plan, finds only qualified buyers, and is available to service a buyer with a crazy schedule.
If you’re in the market to buy or sell your luxury home then you should call my office today…especially if you want to guarantee you get the privacy and attention you deserve! Call 817-975-6607 or visit www.whenlifemovesyou.com
Here’s what you’ll discover when you enter the luxury real estate market:
1. Luxury agents must protect your privacy – The homes they show are appropriate only for a handful of buyers. They may go unlisted to protect a high-profile seller’s privacy. What’s more, they’re often found through personal connections rather than public open houses.
2. Each property requires its own marketing plan – this is because a luxury home will likely be bought by an out-of-state buyer.
3. A good agent will bring the seller only qualified buyers - this may require asking buyers to show asset statements. Qualifying these prospects is different from mortgage prequalification or preapproval, which show that a buyer can borrow to buy. Many luxury-home buyers will use cash or convert other assets to cash. These buyers are asked to demonstrate which assets will go toward the purchase.
4. Working around buyers’ busy schedules is critical!
When you hire me to help you buy or sell your luxury home, you will find an agent who protects your privacy, develops a unique marketing plan, finds only qualified buyers, and is available to service a buyer with a crazy schedule.
If you’re in the market to buy or sell your luxury home then you should call my office today…especially if you want to guarantee you get the privacy and attention you deserve! Call 817-975-6607 or visit www.whenlifemovesyou.com
Are You Self Sabotaging Your Own Success?
Great Article on Success
Are You Sabotaging Your Own Success?
By Maya Bailey, Ph.D.
RISMEDIA, July 29, 2010--Have you ever felt like you had reached a plateau and could go no higher? If so, you're not alone, many people sabotage their own success. This article teaches you how to reverse self sabotage. In my work as a real estate business coach for the past 14+ years, I have had many people present a similar question, "Why can't I be more successful? Why do I stop myself? I feel like I am my own worst enemy."
If you've ever felt this way, you're probably suffering from a pattern of self sabotage in which you get in your own way. While on the one hand, your conscious mind is saying," I want to be more successful," your subconscious mind is caught in a "Fear of Success syndrome".
There are several things that cause people to be afraid of success:
1. They associate success with stress:
It's a prevailing idea in our society that if you want to be successful, you have to work hard, struggle and strive. Many of my clients have done that and reached a place of "burnout". Then they are faced with the dilemma of wanting to move forward, but having a very unpleasant memory of what it was like before.
They need to work hard at reprogramming the self limiting belief, "To be successful you have to work very very hard," and replace it with an Empowered Belief, such as "I am committed to working smarter not harder."
2. The next self limiting belief that stops people from success is "I'm not worthy or I do not deserve."
Usually we are not scripted to be successful when we were growing up. Rather we were told to fit in and not bring too much attention to ourselves.
We often incurred criticism when we felt too good about ourselves and heard things like, "Who do you think you are?" Being boastful was considered conceited and a definite "no no". Many of us over generalized and made the mistake of thinking that we shouldn't think too highly of ourselves, and if we did someone would shoot us down.
The truth is that a healthy level of self-confidence is necessary to be successful. In addition, happiness is feeling good about you. If you've been carrying any of the old beliefs that make you feel unworthy, I urge you to replace them with empowered beliefs, such as:
* I am more than worthy of prosperity
* I am highly deserving of an abundance of good
* It is now okay for me to feel good about myself
* I give myself permission to feel pride in the work that I do
* As I share my expertise I am worthy of being amply rewarded
Say these Empowered Beliefs to yourself frequently to raise your level of self-confidence.
3. The "gung ho" vs. "comfort zone" conflict
Let's face it; in order to be successful you do have to take a leap of faith and leave your comfort zone. Moving forward always involves some risk.
However, what many people fail to realize is that staying stuck in your comfort zone also involves risk. What risk? It's the risk of not fulfilling your potential, the risk of staying at a low financial level, the risk of never reaching your dreams.
In all of us there is an inner struggle between the part of us that wants us to dream big, and the part of us that wants us to settle for what we have. Usually some inner "conflict resolution" will help you to realize that you can have a win-win between both parts of you.
The "gung ho" part needs to realize that you need a balanced life with plenty of time for self-care and self maintenance. The "comfort zone" part needs to realize that the comfort zone is not safe, and that sensations that are labeled fear can just as easily be labeled excitement as you find the growing edge of your comfort zone and move beyond it.
To reinforce the balance of these two parts of us, I recommend these empowered beliefs:
* It is now safe for me to grow and expand
* I'm committed to creating success in a balanced way
Here's one of my favorites, "In an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, I create total financial success, for the highest good of all".
Let this be your mantra and allow yourself to grow into your full potential with ease and grace.
Dr. Maya Bailey, author of Law of Attraction for Real Estate Professionals, integrates 20 years of experience as a psychologist and 14 years as a business coach with her expertise in the Law of
Attraction. Her powerful work creates a Success formula for professionals ready to double and triple their incomes. Get Dr. Maya's free report, 7 Simple Strategies For More Clients in 90 Days,
by visiting 90daystomoreclients.com.
Are You Sabotaging Your Own Success?
By Maya Bailey, Ph.D.
RISMEDIA, July 29, 2010--Have you ever felt like you had reached a plateau and could go no higher? If so, you're not alone, many people sabotage their own success. This article teaches you how to reverse self sabotage. In my work as a real estate business coach for the past 14+ years, I have had many people present a similar question, "Why can't I be more successful? Why do I stop myself? I feel like I am my own worst enemy."
If you've ever felt this way, you're probably suffering from a pattern of self sabotage in which you get in your own way. While on the one hand, your conscious mind is saying," I want to be more successful," your subconscious mind is caught in a "Fear of Success syndrome".
There are several things that cause people to be afraid of success:
1. They associate success with stress:
It's a prevailing idea in our society that if you want to be successful, you have to work hard, struggle and strive. Many of my clients have done that and reached a place of "burnout". Then they are faced with the dilemma of wanting to move forward, but having a very unpleasant memory of what it was like before.
They need to work hard at reprogramming the self limiting belief, "To be successful you have to work very very hard," and replace it with an Empowered Belief, such as "I am committed to working smarter not harder."
2. The next self limiting belief that stops people from success is "I'm not worthy or I do not deserve."
Usually we are not scripted to be successful when we were growing up. Rather we were told to fit in and not bring too much attention to ourselves.
We often incurred criticism when we felt too good about ourselves and heard things like, "Who do you think you are?" Being boastful was considered conceited and a definite "no no". Many of us over generalized and made the mistake of thinking that we shouldn't think too highly of ourselves, and if we did someone would shoot us down.
The truth is that a healthy level of self-confidence is necessary to be successful. In addition, happiness is feeling good about you. If you've been carrying any of the old beliefs that make you feel unworthy, I urge you to replace them with empowered beliefs, such as:
* I am more than worthy of prosperity
* I am highly deserving of an abundance of good
* It is now okay for me to feel good about myself
* I give myself permission to feel pride in the work that I do
* As I share my expertise I am worthy of being amply rewarded
Say these Empowered Beliefs to yourself frequently to raise your level of self-confidence.
3. The "gung ho" vs. "comfort zone" conflict
Let's face it; in order to be successful you do have to take a leap of faith and leave your comfort zone. Moving forward always involves some risk.
However, what many people fail to realize is that staying stuck in your comfort zone also involves risk. What risk? It's the risk of not fulfilling your potential, the risk of staying at a low financial level, the risk of never reaching your dreams.
In all of us there is an inner struggle between the part of us that wants us to dream big, and the part of us that wants us to settle for what we have. Usually some inner "conflict resolution" will help you to realize that you can have a win-win between both parts of you.
The "gung ho" part needs to realize that you need a balanced life with plenty of time for self-care and self maintenance. The "comfort zone" part needs to realize that the comfort zone is not safe, and that sensations that are labeled fear can just as easily be labeled excitement as you find the growing edge of your comfort zone and move beyond it.
To reinforce the balance of these two parts of us, I recommend these empowered beliefs:
* It is now safe for me to grow and expand
* I'm committed to creating success in a balanced way
Here's one of my favorites, "In an easy and relaxed manner, in a healthy and positive way, I create total financial success, for the highest good of all".
Let this be your mantra and allow yourself to grow into your full potential with ease and grace.
Dr. Maya Bailey, author of Law of Attraction for Real Estate Professionals, integrates 20 years of experience as a psychologist and 14 years as a business coach with her expertise in the Law of
Attraction. Her powerful work creates a Success formula for professionals ready to double and triple their incomes. Get Dr. Maya's free report, 7 Simple Strategies For More Clients in 90 Days,
by visiting 90daystomoreclients.com.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Timely Article that you might find helpful
Tricks to Keep Your House Cool this Summer
By Paige Tepping
RISMEDIA, July 3, 2010--As the temperatures continue to rise this summer, so does the cost of keeping your home cool. While homeowners across the country come to depend on air conditioners to keep the temperature down during the warm summer months, there are other options that will keep you cool while keeping your energy bill low.
Fans and ceiling fans
-If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat, a ceiling fan can be a great investment for your home. This one appliance can make a room feel 6 or 7 degrees cooler, and even the most power-hungry fan costs less than $10 a month to use if you keep it on for 12 hours a day. Good fans make it possible for you to raise your thermostat setting and save on air-conditioning costs. Fans don’t use much energy, but when air is circulating, it feels much cooler. Ceiling fans are best, but a good portable fan can be very effective as well.
-You should remember that even mild air movement of 1 mph can make you feel three or four degrees cooler. Also, make sure your ceiling fan is turned for summer – you should feel the air blown downward.
Shades, drapes or blinds
-Install white window shades, drapes or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun (east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing windows in the afternoon) to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans or air conditioners cool more efficiently. Always remember that the best way to keep your home cool is to keep the heat out.
Internal Heat
-The most common sources of internal heat gain are; appliances, electronic devices and lighting. Be aware of devices in your home that are generating heat and if you have air conditioning, use it wisely.
Don’t put lamps, televisions or other heat-generating appliances next to your air-conditioning thermostat, because the heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer. The heat they produce will make the thermostat think your house is warmer than it really is, and your system will run harder than it needs to.
-Unless you absolutely need them, turn off incandescent lights and heat-generating appliances. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents; they produce the same light but use a fifth the energy and heat.
-You should also try to avoid heat-generating activities such as cooking on hot days or during the hottest part of the day. If you are cooking, use your range fan to vent the hot air out of your house. By reducing the amount of heat in your home, you will use less energy to cool it.
Plants
-Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units, but not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses less electricity. Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides will keep your house cool in the summer and allow the sunlight to warm the house during the winter.
Other things to remember
-Humidity makes room air feel warmer, so reduce indoor humidity. Minimize mid-day washing and drying clothes, showering and cooking. When you must do these things, turn on ventilating fans to help extract warm, moist air.
-Avoid landscaping with lots of unshaded rock, cement, or asphalt on the south or west sides of your home because it increases the temperature around the house and radiates heat to the house after the sun has set.
-If the attic isn’t already insulated or is under-insulated, insulate it now. Upgrading from 3 inches to 12 inches can cut cooling costs by 10%.
Tricks to Keep Your House Cool this Summer
By Paige Tepping
RISMEDIA, July 3, 2010--As the temperatures continue to rise this summer, so does the cost of keeping your home cool. While homeowners across the country come to depend on air conditioners to keep the temperature down during the warm summer months, there are other options that will keep you cool while keeping your energy bill low.
Fans and ceiling fans
-If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat, a ceiling fan can be a great investment for your home. This one appliance can make a room feel 6 or 7 degrees cooler, and even the most power-hungry fan costs less than $10 a month to use if you keep it on for 12 hours a day. Good fans make it possible for you to raise your thermostat setting and save on air-conditioning costs. Fans don’t use much energy, but when air is circulating, it feels much cooler. Ceiling fans are best, but a good portable fan can be very effective as well.
-You should remember that even mild air movement of 1 mph can make you feel three or four degrees cooler. Also, make sure your ceiling fan is turned for summer – you should feel the air blown downward.
Shades, drapes or blinds
-Install white window shades, drapes or blinds to reflect heat away from the house. Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun (east-facing windows in the morning and west-facing windows in the afternoon) to keep the sun’s heat out and help fans or air conditioners cool more efficiently. Always remember that the best way to keep your home cool is to keep the heat out.
Internal Heat
-The most common sources of internal heat gain are; appliances, electronic devices and lighting. Be aware of devices in your home that are generating heat and if you have air conditioning, use it wisely.
Don’t put lamps, televisions or other heat-generating appliances next to your air-conditioning thermostat, because the heat from these appliances will cause the air conditioner to run longer. The heat they produce will make the thermostat think your house is warmer than it really is, and your system will run harder than it needs to.
-Unless you absolutely need them, turn off incandescent lights and heat-generating appliances. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents; they produce the same light but use a fifth the energy and heat.
-You should also try to avoid heat-generating activities such as cooking on hot days or during the hottest part of the day. If you are cooking, use your range fan to vent the hot air out of your house. By reducing the amount of heat in your home, you will use less energy to cool it.
Plants
-Plant trees or shrubs to shade air conditioning units, but not block the airflow. A unit operating in the shade uses less electricity. Deciduous trees planted on the south and west sides will keep your house cool in the summer and allow the sunlight to warm the house during the winter.
Other things to remember
-Humidity makes room air feel warmer, so reduce indoor humidity. Minimize mid-day washing and drying clothes, showering and cooking. When you must do these things, turn on ventilating fans to help extract warm, moist air.
-Avoid landscaping with lots of unshaded rock, cement, or asphalt on the south or west sides of your home because it increases the temperature around the house and radiates heat to the house after the sun has set.
-If the attic isn’t already insulated or is under-insulated, insulate it now. Upgrading from 3 inches to 12 inches can cut cooling costs by 10%.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Mortgage Rates Hit Record Low
Mortgage Rates Drop to Record Low: 30 year fixed mortgage rates dropped to their lowest levels in 39 years according to a new survey released by Freddie Mac, the second largest mortgage finance company.Interest rates on 15 year fixed rates and hybrid adjustable rate mortgage rates reached fresh lows as well. While record low rates and high housing affordability helped the housing market gain ground over the last year, the sector is struggling since the popular home buyer tax credit expired on April 30th.According to a Freddie Mac survey, the average 30 year fixed rate for conventional (non-FHA and VA) mortgages averaged 4.69 percent for the week ended June 24th and is the lowest since Freddie Mac started the survey in April 1971. Still, Freddie Mac's data is at least a week old before they publish it and it has been another week since then. 15 year rates are below 4%. Rates do vary depending on credit, debt ratios, down payment, area of the country, property type, points paid and many more factors.
Friday, June 25, 2010
This absolute Dream Home in North Central Keller has recently been listed for sale by Al Davis of Keller Williams Realty DFW. This incredible home features one of the most spectacular home sites anywhere in the Northeast Tarrant County area. Loaded with mature oaks and native grasses, the home is landscaped to perfection both front and back. Offering approximately 1 acre of pristine land which includes a full coverage sprinkler system, In-Ground Salt Water Pool with Spa, Stone Fireplace, Mosquito Repellant System and Peaceful relaxation garden.
Inside you're welcomed by the dramatic Foyer with massive staircase and Hand Scraped Wood Flooring. To the left a Formal Dining Room suitable for your favorite Formal Dining Occassions. Right of the Foyer a Formal Living Rooms awaits. Just perfect for those times you just want to relax with a good book and enjoy the quiet solitude of the day. The Kitchen is adorned with granite counter tops, tile floors, an island and gas cooking appliances. Upgraded to the max with Sub-Zero Refrigerator, Spacious and Plentiful cabinets, a breakfast bar and open to breakfast area and family room.
This is a 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath home with three living areas, media room and private study.
Tour this home on line at http://vu.realbiz360.com/listing-400235.html
Thanks for stopping by DFW Rea Estate Today
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