10 First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes – MSN Money

 This is good advice for the first-time homebuyer, and it is a good review for seasoned buyers.

“A house is probably the biggest purchase you’ll ever make. And, if you can avoid these missteps, chances are you’ll be happy with the home you choose. Are you gearing up to buy your first place? Shopping for a home is exciting, exhausting and a little scary, especially in this market. In the end, your aim is to end up with a home you love at a price you can afford. Sounds simple enough, right? Unfortunately, many people make mistakes that prevent them from achieving that simple dream. Arm yourself with these tips to get the most out of your purchase and avoid making 10 of the most costly mistakes that could put a hold on that sold sign.

1. Not knowing what you can afford.

We learned from the subprime mortgage mess, what the bank says you can afford and what you know you can afford or are comfortable with paying are not necessarily the same. .”

via HOUSTON – KATY AREA REAL ESTATE BLOG.

Housing Market Predictions 2011: Home Prices May Still Be Too High

Housing Market Predictions 2011: Home Prices May Still Be Too High “by Ilyce R. Glink

What’s the forecast for the housing market for the rest of 2011? My prediction is that the market will continue to suffer for the balance of this year and well into next year. Why aren’t home buyers buying? Maybe they’ve heard the recent spate of bad housing news:”

Affordability Reaches Highest Level in 20 Years

Affordability Reaches Highest Level in 20 Years

Homes are more affordable to more families, according to the latest index for the first quarter of 2011 that shows affordability reaching its highest level in more than 20 years.

Nearly 75 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the first quarter of 2011 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,400, according to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index. The previous high was set in the fourth quarter of 2010 with 73.9 percent.

“With interest rates remaining at historically low levels, today’s report indicates that home ownership is within reach of more households than it has been for more than two decades,” says Bob Nielsen, chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.

9 Reasons To Buy A House Now

9 Reasons To Buy A House Now

by Marc Davis

“If you’re planning to buy a house right now, the next few months may be the best time to buy. Waiting for both housing prices and interest rates to fall may not be a good strategy for potential homebuyers since analysts don’t expect any significant declines in these two most important home-buying factors. Here’s nine real estate trends that suggest you should get into the housing market sooner than later. (To learn more, check out 5 Tips For Recession House Hunters)

 TUTORIAL: Buying a Home

 1. Lowest Housing Prices in YearsNobody knows when the housing market will hit bottom, but prices are at their lowest in several years and may soon start inching back up again. So buying now or in the near future may be the right time. An abundance of bargain-priced housing is now available because of foreclosures and falling prices.

2. Interest Rates at a 50-Year LowInterest rates are near a 50-year low, according to housing analysts. By the second week of May, 2011, 30-year fixed mortgage rates had fallen to their lowest rates of the year at 4.63%. Although mortgage rates vary from day to day, the 30-year rate at this level is an attractive inducement to first-time buyers, or buyers who want to either move up to larger residences, or others, including many empty-nesters wanting to sell and move to smaller houses or condos.”

Get the other 7 reasons via Katy and Houston Area News and Events.

Real Estate Market Conditions – Video Update 05-10-2011

Here is this week’s market conditions update:

via Katy and Houston Area News and Events: Real Estate Market Conditions – Video Update 05-10-2011.

NATIONAL NEWS

– Real Estate Outlook: Bernanke on Housing

– Mortgage Moment

– City Report: Remodeling is Heating Up

– Are You Ready to Buy?

– Kitchen Trends for 2011

MORTGAGE ADVICE

Q&A

– Home Inspections 101

– Popular Landscaping Trends

– Modern vs. Contemporary

– Green Living – Low-Impact Homes

– Your Market Conditions

GET YOUR HOME SOLD!”

Housing Trends eNewsletter – April 2011

Here is this month’s Housing Trends eNewsletter, filled with U.S. Census Bureau key market indicators, consumer videos, blogs, a real estate glossary, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, real estate radio, REALTOR.com local community reports and local and national real estate sales and price activity provided by local MLSs and the National Association of REALTORS®.

Housing Trends eNewsletter – April 2011

 

 

Margaret Zamanian
Prudential Gary Greene, REALTORS – Katy
Mobile: (713) 402-8265 Voicemail: (281) 646-1136
http://MargaretSellsHomesinKatyTX.com
http://www.har.com/MargaretZamanian

OPEN HOUSE IN KATY CINCO RANCH ON SUNDAY

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY IN CINCO RANCH, KATY from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
3023 AYLESWORTH CT , Katy TX 77494 MLS# 55376022

The weather has been great this weekend for a ride out to Katy.  Don’t miss this 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, home located in the highly sought-after Cinco Ranch. It is on a double cul-de-sac. It is in the award-winning KISD School district.

Great open floor plan, a 10×24 covered patio that is great for entertaining, and a spacious backyard with room for a pool. New carpet
was installed in March. This home was Inspected in February 2011.

Close to the Grand Parkway (99) with easy access to I-10 and Westpark Tollway.

See Flyer:  3023 AYLESWORTH CT

REALTOR® Magazine – Fannie Offers Closing Cost Help for REOs

 Fannie Mae is trying to lure more buyers to its foreclosure properties by offering to cover 3.5 percent in closing costs for home owners who close by June 30 on its HomePath properties.

Fannie’s HomePath program provides low down payment financing on REO property sales and has no requirements for mortgage insurance or appraisals. 

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Fannie Offers Closing Cost Help for REOs.

This Week’s Real Estate Market Conditions Video Update – 04/11/2011

Here is this week’s market conditions’ video update, loaded with useful information:

Real Estate Market Conditions Video Update – April 11, 2011

NATIONAL
Real Estate Outlook: Jobs and Housing
Mortgage Moment
City Report: Liveability
The Numbers on Buying a House
Competitive Tips for Buyers
MORTGAGE ADVICE
Q&A
Homeownership and Taxes
Should I accept this offer?
Before listing for sale
Spring gardening tips
Pricing a home to sell
GET YOUR HOME SOLD!

Real Estate Market Conditions Video Update – 04-04-2011

Listen to this week’s market conditions’ video update:

via Margarets Real Estate and Katy Events Blog.

NATIONAL NEWS
     Real Estate Outlook:  Consumer Spending Increases
     Mortgage Moment
     City Report:  Newly-Built Sales
     Why Owning a Home Rocks
     Vacation Homes Hold Steady
MORTGAGE ADVICE
Q&A
     Homeownerships and Taxes
     Should I Accept this offer?
     Before listing for sale
     Spring Garden Tips
     Pricing a Home to Sell
GET YOUR HOME SOLD!