by Phoebe Chongchua
If you're renting and wondering if you should buy a home, consider what bestselling author, David Bach, says, "The average homeowner is worth 35 times more than the average renter."
He advises renters to take action immediately and start saving part of their paycheck every month to help accumulate a down payment. He also encourages renters to borrow 10-20 percent less than what the bank is willing to lend; that way they're only buying as much home as they can afford.
The longer you rent, the longer it may take you to eventually get into homeownership. If the market conditions have scared you, perhaps you're not looking at the other side of the coin. Owning a home becomes part of your investment portfolio, provides tax benefits, allows you to build equity (it still exists), and, if you buy now, you may get an excellent deal. "People can get a lot of what they need and almost all of what they want today," said Jay Papasan, one of the authors of "Your First Home".
While poor market conditions have created a troubling situation for some homeowners, the downturn has made the buying market ripe for others. The affordability of homes is better than ever. The National Association of Realtors' housing affordability index concluded that homes in December of 2008 were more affordable than at any other point since 1970 (the start of the index). And with numerous foreclosures on the market and prices dropping in many areas, now is a good time to buy. But in order to make your purchase profitable, here are some things you should consider:
How much you can afford. Don't let tighter lending regulations scare you off from making a purchase. Instead, understand what you truly can afford. Don't get caught up in buying too much home. In fact, these days, the trend is moving toward smaller homes -- simpler living.
Mortgage rates drop to historical low. How much home you can afford is affected by mortgage interest rates that, right now, are highly appealing. Good credit, documenting your income, and a substantial down payment will make you a better candidate for the better mortgage rates.
Freedom to choose. Now, unlike several years ago, the market has a large inventory in many areas. The market time to sell a home has increased which creates a large inventory of homes, everything including new, existing, and foreclosures. Buyers can peruse the market and have the freedom to select the home they really want. If you're interest is in a new home, know that many developers are getting more competitive with their pricing because they also have taken a hit by the ailing economy.
Quality of life. Buying a home can create a higher quality of life, giving you pride of homeownership, and something to enjoy improving and developing over the years.
Tax credit benefit.
Monday, February 16, 2009
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Real Estate Outlook: Encouraging Signs
by Kenneth R. Harney
Could the tide be turning for real estate?
It's probably premature to make that call, but you can't ignore the encouraging signs -- especially when they come in multiples.
First we saw a surprising 6.5 percent jump in home sales for December. Now we've just gotten the latest Pending Home Sales Index, and it's up 6.3 percent, thanks to double digit gains of 13 percent in the Midwest and the South.
The index is based on signed contracts for home sales that haven't gone to closing, but that are scheduled to settle in the coming two or three months.
The National Association of Realtors collects the data from Multiple Listing Services around the country, and most economists accept the index as a reliable gauge of where we're headed in housing activity.
Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, attributed the upward movement to "buyers responding to lower home prices and interest rates" that have improved the affordability equation to its most favorable level in 39 years.
Sales in the coming months might also be powered by something no index can measure: Congress is likely to improve last year's $7,500 home buyer tax credit by turning it into a nonrepayable incentive for new sales this year -- all as part of the stimulus package on Capitol Hill.
Though it's impossible to predict how many more home sales a true credit might stimulate -- one that doesn't have to be paid back to the government like the 2008 version -- industry estimates range anywhere from several hundred thousand upward, provided the expiration date runs through this coming December.
On other economic fronts last week, reports of tens of thousands of industry layoffs definitely won't help housing, but new numbers on inventories of unsold homes just might be a plus. Total homes for sale on the market nationwide dropped nearly 18 percent last month to the lowest level since May of 2007.
Mortgage rates inched up slightly last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, with thirty year fixed rate loans averaging 5.3 percent compared to 5.2 percent the week before. That's up a notch, but it's still close to 40 year historic lows.
As we've said before on this program: Keep your eyes open for the little statistical improvements in the market that often get ignored by the media: Once they start mounting up, month after month, you'll know we're in turnaround mode.
We're not there yet, but we're headed in a promising direction.
Could the tide be turning for real estate?
It's probably premature to make that call, but you can't ignore the encouraging signs -- especially when they come in multiples.
First we saw a surprising 6.5 percent jump in home sales for December. Now we've just gotten the latest Pending Home Sales Index, and it's up 6.3 percent, thanks to double digit gains of 13 percent in the Midwest and the South.
The index is based on signed contracts for home sales that haven't gone to closing, but that are scheduled to settle in the coming two or three months.
The National Association of Realtors collects the data from Multiple Listing Services around the country, and most economists accept the index as a reliable gauge of where we're headed in housing activity.
Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, attributed the upward movement to "buyers responding to lower home prices and interest rates" that have improved the affordability equation to its most favorable level in 39 years.
Sales in the coming months might also be powered by something no index can measure: Congress is likely to improve last year's $7,500 home buyer tax credit by turning it into a nonrepayable incentive for new sales this year -- all as part of the stimulus package on Capitol Hill.
Though it's impossible to predict how many more home sales a true credit might stimulate -- one that doesn't have to be paid back to the government like the 2008 version -- industry estimates range anywhere from several hundred thousand upward, provided the expiration date runs through this coming December.
On other economic fronts last week, reports of tens of thousands of industry layoffs definitely won't help housing, but new numbers on inventories of unsold homes just might be a plus. Total homes for sale on the market nationwide dropped nearly 18 percent last month to the lowest level since May of 2007.
Mortgage rates inched up slightly last week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association, with thirty year fixed rate loans averaging 5.3 percent compared to 5.2 percent the week before. That's up a notch, but it's still close to 40 year historic lows.
As we've said before on this program: Keep your eyes open for the little statistical improvements in the market that often get ignored by the media: Once they start mounting up, month after month, you'll know we're in turnaround mode.
We're not there yet, but we're headed in a promising direction.
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Real Estate Outlook: Sales Up in December
by Kenneth R. Harney
Mass layoffs by major employers continue to generate scary headlines, but last week housing got a long-awaited dose of good news.
After months of declining sales of existing homes -- and dire predictions by economists of more drops to come -- sales in December jumped by a surprising six point five percent.
Equally important, inventory levels of unsold housing plummeted by twelve percent, and have fallen below six months in several large metropolitan markets. Sales in the western states increased nearly fourteen percent last month and were thirty-two percent higher than the year before. In the south, sales were up by seven percent, and in the midwest by four percent. Only the northeast states saw a decline in December a little over one percent.
Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, attributed much of the boost in sales to sharply lower prices in many markets, combined with near record low mortgage rates. "It appears that buyers are taking advantage of lower prices," he said, adding that the median existing home price hit one hundred seventy five thousand in December which was fifteen percent below year earlier levels.
Yun said key factors in the median national sales price drop were the high percentages of distressed sales in a number of markets. Nationwide, foreclosures and short sales accounted for about forty-five percent of December's transactions, but in some parts of California and Florida the percentage was much higher.
A Wall Street Journal quarterly survey of twenty-eight of the largest metropolitan real estate markets also turned up positive news: Unsold inventories in Washington, D.C., Houston, Denver, Boston and Dallas fell below six months, which is the level at which economists describe supply and demand as relatively balanced.
Besides the good news on the housing front last week, mortgage rates continued to hover in the five percent range -- five point two percent for thirty year loans on average, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Low interest rates also contributed to a slight upward tick in the Leading Economic Indicators Index from the Conference Board. Four of the ten key indicators that make up the index -- which forecasts the direction of the overall economy in the months ahead - were positive.
So is all this a prelude to an economic bottoming out and turnaround? It could be, but it's too early to say for sure. What we can conclude though, is that when we begin to see positive numbers like these for two and three months in a row, we'll know we are past the bottom and we're on a recovery track.
Mass layoffs by major employers continue to generate scary headlines, but last week housing got a long-awaited dose of good news.
After months of declining sales of existing homes -- and dire predictions by economists of more drops to come -- sales in December jumped by a surprising six point five percent.
Equally important, inventory levels of unsold housing plummeted by twelve percent, and have fallen below six months in several large metropolitan markets. Sales in the western states increased nearly fourteen percent last month and were thirty-two percent higher than the year before. In the south, sales were up by seven percent, and in the midwest by four percent. Only the northeast states saw a decline in December a little over one percent.
Dr. Lawrence Yun, chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, attributed much of the boost in sales to sharply lower prices in many markets, combined with near record low mortgage rates. "It appears that buyers are taking advantage of lower prices," he said, adding that the median existing home price hit one hundred seventy five thousand in December which was fifteen percent below year earlier levels.
Yun said key factors in the median national sales price drop were the high percentages of distressed sales in a number of markets. Nationwide, foreclosures and short sales accounted for about forty-five percent of December's transactions, but in some parts of California and Florida the percentage was much higher.
A Wall Street Journal quarterly survey of twenty-eight of the largest metropolitan real estate markets also turned up positive news: Unsold inventories in Washington, D.C., Houston, Denver, Boston and Dallas fell below six months, which is the level at which economists describe supply and demand as relatively balanced.
Besides the good news on the housing front last week, mortgage rates continued to hover in the five percent range -- five point two percent for thirty year loans on average, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. Low interest rates also contributed to a slight upward tick in the Leading Economic Indicators Index from the Conference Board. Four of the ten key indicators that make up the index -- which forecasts the direction of the overall economy in the months ahead - were positive.
So is all this a prelude to an economic bottoming out and turnaround? It could be, but it's too early to say for sure. What we can conclude though, is that when we begin to see positive numbers like these for two and three months in a row, we'll know we are past the bottom and we're on a recovery track.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Real Estate Outlook: Obama Effect
by Kenneth R. Harney
Will there be an "Obama effect" on the housing and real estate markets? Barely days after his inauguration, it's obviously premature to make any forecasts.
But there's a case to be made that a quickly-enacted economic stimulus package, continued rock-bottom mortgage interest rates, low inflation and improving consumer sentiment could begin to have that effect -- at least in small measure. For example, the bellwether poll of consumer confidence -- conducted by the University of Michigan -- has just come out and it found consumer sentiment up by two percent in January over December. The component of the index that's based on "expectations" -- do you expect the economy will start improving? -- was up by three percent.
Now you can argue that January's bounce had nothing to do with the arrival of a new president and economic team in Washington, and was barely a notch over December's number. But the fact is: the arrow pointed up not down. Given the country's high expectations about the new administration, documented in every major poll on the subject, higher consumer confidence shouldn't be all that surprising.
Also, the massive economic relief package coming from Capitol Hill within weeks is virtually guaranteed to create jobs, and put more money into millions of households' pockets through tax breaks. You can argue that the stimulus package cannot possibly work its magic quickly enough to alter the course of the recession.
That's debatable and the full story won't be known for a year or more. But for housing, there's no question that a tax credit with teeth, nonrepayable and with a use-it-or-lose-it deadline, can only spur additional sales, maybe several hundred thousand over the course of the coming 12 months, according to some housing group estimates.
Meanwhile mortgage rates remain under five percent -- at least for applicants with solid credit and a downpayment. Inflation is close to zero: the CPI urban index dropped by seven tenths of a percent in December, and the energy index was down by eight point three percent.
Doomsayers may not be impressed by sales turnarounds, but anyone who sells -- or buys real estate and is looking for a great price -- can't afford to ignore positive signs
Will there be an "Obama effect" on the housing and real estate markets? Barely days after his inauguration, it's obviously premature to make any forecasts.
But there's a case to be made that a quickly-enacted economic stimulus package, continued rock-bottom mortgage interest rates, low inflation and improving consumer sentiment could begin to have that effect -- at least in small measure. For example, the bellwether poll of consumer confidence -- conducted by the University of Michigan -- has just come out and it found consumer sentiment up by two percent in January over December. The component of the index that's based on "expectations" -- do you expect the economy will start improving? -- was up by three percent.
Now you can argue that January's bounce had nothing to do with the arrival of a new president and economic team in Washington, and was barely a notch over December's number. But the fact is: the arrow pointed up not down. Given the country's high expectations about the new administration, documented in every major poll on the subject, higher consumer confidence shouldn't be all that surprising.
Also, the massive economic relief package coming from Capitol Hill within weeks is virtually guaranteed to create jobs, and put more money into millions of households' pockets through tax breaks. You can argue that the stimulus package cannot possibly work its magic quickly enough to alter the course of the recession.
That's debatable and the full story won't be known for a year or more. But for housing, there's no question that a tax credit with teeth, nonrepayable and with a use-it-or-lose-it deadline, can only spur additional sales, maybe several hundred thousand over the course of the coming 12 months, according to some housing group estimates.
Meanwhile mortgage rates remain under five percent -- at least for applicants with solid credit and a downpayment. Inflation is close to zero: the CPI urban index dropped by seven tenths of a percent in December, and the energy index was down by eight point three percent.
Doomsayers may not be impressed by sales turnarounds, but anyone who sells -- or buys real estate and is looking for a great price -- can't afford to ignore positive signs
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Your House Payments Could Be Lower Than Your Rent Payments!
With every rent check you write, you're helping to build equity in your landlord's property. That money could be going toward building equity in a home of your own. Today's rates are low enough that your house payment could be lower than your rent payment!
There are many advantages to owning a home, including:
Security - A feeling of security that comes from owning a home and the knowledge that your home is a safeguard against inflation.
Investment - Payments on your mortgage loan mean you are acquiring a major possession; instead of rent, you own more and more. The garden you plant, the permanent improvements you make - all enhance your way of living as well as the value of your home.
Tax Advantage - Your real estate taxes and the interest on your mortgage are deductible from your income tax.
Financial Independence - Most people start on the road to financial independence through home ownership. Your principal and interest payments remain the same for the full term of your mortgage while your rent usually goes up as the cost of living increases.
Environment - Your children grow up in the neighborhood of your choice.
Cash Equity - Better than a savings account, your home can appreciate to keep pace with inflation.
Satisfaction - Home ownership offers special advantages that make life more enjoyable - backyard barbecues, large family gatherings during holidays, a home workshop, a chance to enjoy your family's companionship in the privacy of your own home.
Call Jake @ 402-429-3946 for more information
There are many advantages to owning a home, including:
Security - A feeling of security that comes from owning a home and the knowledge that your home is a safeguard against inflation.
Investment - Payments on your mortgage loan mean you are acquiring a major possession; instead of rent, you own more and more. The garden you plant, the permanent improvements you make - all enhance your way of living as well as the value of your home.
Tax Advantage - Your real estate taxes and the interest on your mortgage are deductible from your income tax.
Financial Independence - Most people start on the road to financial independence through home ownership. Your principal and interest payments remain the same for the full term of your mortgage while your rent usually goes up as the cost of living increases.
Environment - Your children grow up in the neighborhood of your choice.
Cash Equity - Better than a savings account, your home can appreciate to keep pace with inflation.
Satisfaction - Home ownership offers special advantages that make life more enjoyable - backyard barbecues, large family gatherings during holidays, a home workshop, a chance to enjoy your family's companionship in the privacy of your own home.
Call Jake @ 402-429-3946 for more information
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Real Estate Outlook: What's in Store for 2009?
by Kenneth R. Harney
What will the new year bring for housing and real estate? It's easy to look at all the negative economic news in the headlines and say - there's no sign that 2009 is going to be any better than 2008.
But here's a different perspective to consider from one of the country's veteran financial analysts -- Richard Bove of Ladenburg Thalmann, the investment banking company.
In a research report issued late in December, Bove said he sees a positive dynamic taking shape in the current cycle. The government has intervened aggressively in the markets to push interest rates down -- most notably in the home mortgage sector.
Though it takes awhile for low-cost money to begin having its effect, Bove said he expects “housing prices to stabilize and/or rise (in 2009) after a likely boom in mortgage refinancings as rates fall and loan applications increase.”
Add in the expected massive economic stimulus package being put together on Capitol Hill with the incoming Obama administration -- and there's a good chance we're going to see a gradual transformation of the downward cycle into a slow rebound over the coming several quarters.
Already there are positive signs of the turnaround Bove predicts:
Mortgage applications are off the charts, mainly for refis but also to buy houses at affordable prices.
Rates continue to hover at 50-year lows - five percent and even four and three quarters percent for 30-year mortgages, and still lower for 15 and 20 year mortgage terms.
Plus we're all paying a lot less at the gas pump, and sharply discounted prices for retail goods and autos.
And guess what? Americans are actually SAVING again, the national savings rate took a nearly three percent jump last month. That might sound small, but it's hugely important if it is the start of a trend.
There are also some signs that housing prices are stabilizing in some parts of the country. The latest monthly Federal Housing Finance Agency index found home prices UP by six-tenths of a percent in the Mountain states and UP by two tenths of a percent in New England.
You can ridicule small regional gains as statistically irrelevant, but here's Realty Times's economic proposal to you for the New Year: Keep your eyes open for the small positive signs that are accumulating out there … because all downcycles tail off and come to an end.
We think the smartest players in real estate -- consumers and the industry - will make the most of the positives -- low-cost money, low prices, stabilizing local markets -- and thrive in the new year.
What will the new year bring for housing and real estate? It's easy to look at all the negative economic news in the headlines and say - there's no sign that 2009 is going to be any better than 2008.
But here's a different perspective to consider from one of the country's veteran financial analysts -- Richard Bove of Ladenburg Thalmann, the investment banking company.
In a research report issued late in December, Bove said he sees a positive dynamic taking shape in the current cycle. The government has intervened aggressively in the markets to push interest rates down -- most notably in the home mortgage sector.
Though it takes awhile for low-cost money to begin having its effect, Bove said he expects “housing prices to stabilize and/or rise (in 2009) after a likely boom in mortgage refinancings as rates fall and loan applications increase.”
Add in the expected massive economic stimulus package being put together on Capitol Hill with the incoming Obama administration -- and there's a good chance we're going to see a gradual transformation of the downward cycle into a slow rebound over the coming several quarters.
Already there are positive signs of the turnaround Bove predicts:
Mortgage applications are off the charts, mainly for refis but also to buy houses at affordable prices.
Rates continue to hover at 50-year lows - five percent and even four and three quarters percent for 30-year mortgages, and still lower for 15 and 20 year mortgage terms.
Plus we're all paying a lot less at the gas pump, and sharply discounted prices for retail goods and autos.
And guess what? Americans are actually SAVING again, the national savings rate took a nearly three percent jump last month. That might sound small, but it's hugely important if it is the start of a trend.
There are also some signs that housing prices are stabilizing in some parts of the country. The latest monthly Federal Housing Finance Agency index found home prices UP by six-tenths of a percent in the Mountain states and UP by two tenths of a percent in New England.
You can ridicule small regional gains as statistically irrelevant, but here's Realty Times's economic proposal to you for the New Year: Keep your eyes open for the small positive signs that are accumulating out there … because all downcycles tail off and come to an end.
We think the smartest players in real estate -- consumers and the industry - will make the most of the positives -- low-cost money, low prices, stabilizing local markets -- and thrive in the new year.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
US rates slashed to nearly zero
The US Federal Reserve has slashed its key interest rate from 1% to a range of between zero and 0.25% as it battles the country's recession.
In its statement, the Federal Reserve warned that "the outlook for economic activity has weakened further".
It predicted that rates would stay at the current exceptionally low levels "for some time".
It added that it was considering ways it could spend money on supporting the economy and credit markets.
Analysts said that the key rate is now virtually zero.
"Whether it's zero or 0.25% actually does not make a huge difference," said Holger Schmieding at Bank of America.
He added that the more important factor is what policymakers plan to do now that they cannot cut interest rates any further.
The Federal Reserve is already injecting billions of dollars into the banking system as well as buying debt based on home loans.
Postpone purchases
The Federal Reserve stressed that it was already planning to buy large quantities of additional debt based on mortgages and is considering whether it would be a good idea to buy long-term US government bonds.
The strategy of a central bank buying government bonds mirrors the so-called quantitative easing carried out by the Japanese government when it was fighting deflation in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Federal Reserve promised to use "all available tools"
Deflation becomes more of a risk as interest rates approach zero.
It is a serious problem for an economy because people postpone making any large purchases as they believe prices are going to fall, which stifles economic activity even further.
Quantitative easing is, "just another word fr the central bank injecting so much money into the system that a good deal of it is passed onto households and businesses at a reasonably low interest rate," Mr Schmieding explained.
The rate has been cut drastically by the Federal Reserve from the 5.25% where it stood in September 2007.
Market response
It is the lowest the central bank's key rate - the target rate for banks to charge to lend to each other overnight - has been since records began in 1954.
The decision received a luke-warm initial reception from the stock market, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising from 8,684 just before the decision to 8,740 about half an hour after it, which is a rise of just 56 points.
But once the news had been digested, the Dow Jones closed up 360.4 points, or 4.2% at 8,924.9.
"You've seen the dollar weaken because it was a larger than expected cut - the dollar is falling against all major currencies," said Matt Esteve at Tempus Consulting in Washington.
"On one side, we effectively have a zero interest rate in the US - on the other side, the Fed has sent a sign that they are ready to use all tools to help the US economy out of recession."
Earlier in the day, official data confirmed that the threat of inflation is receding, as consumer prices fell a record 1.7% in November.
Government help
President-elect Barack Obama said in a speech on Tuesday that his administration would also be doing its bit to stimulate the economy because the central bank could no longer use its main tool.
"We are running out of the traditional ammunition that is used in a recession, which is to lower interest rates," he said.
"That's why the economic recovery plan is so absolutely critical."
He has undertaken to create at least 2.5 million jobs by 2011 as well as launching a programme of improvements to the country's infrastructure.
story courtesy of BBC news
In its statement, the Federal Reserve warned that "the outlook for economic activity has weakened further".
It predicted that rates would stay at the current exceptionally low levels "for some time".
It added that it was considering ways it could spend money on supporting the economy and credit markets.
Analysts said that the key rate is now virtually zero.
"Whether it's zero or 0.25% actually does not make a huge difference," said Holger Schmieding at Bank of America.
He added that the more important factor is what policymakers plan to do now that they cannot cut interest rates any further.
The Federal Reserve is already injecting billions of dollars into the banking system as well as buying debt based on home loans.
Postpone purchases
The Federal Reserve stressed that it was already planning to buy large quantities of additional debt based on mortgages and is considering whether it would be a good idea to buy long-term US government bonds.
The strategy of a central bank buying government bonds mirrors the so-called quantitative easing carried out by the Japanese government when it was fighting deflation in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The Federal Reserve promised to use "all available tools"
Deflation becomes more of a risk as interest rates approach zero.
It is a serious problem for an economy because people postpone making any large purchases as they believe prices are going to fall, which stifles economic activity even further.
Quantitative easing is, "just another word fr the central bank injecting so much money into the system that a good deal of it is passed onto households and businesses at a reasonably low interest rate," Mr Schmieding explained.
The rate has been cut drastically by the Federal Reserve from the 5.25% where it stood in September 2007.
Market response
It is the lowest the central bank's key rate - the target rate for banks to charge to lend to each other overnight - has been since records began in 1954.
The decision received a luke-warm initial reception from the stock market, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising from 8,684 just before the decision to 8,740 about half an hour after it, which is a rise of just 56 points.
But once the news had been digested, the Dow Jones closed up 360.4 points, or 4.2% at 8,924.9.
"You've seen the dollar weaken because it was a larger than expected cut - the dollar is falling against all major currencies," said Matt Esteve at Tempus Consulting in Washington.
"On one side, we effectively have a zero interest rate in the US - on the other side, the Fed has sent a sign that they are ready to use all tools to help the US economy out of recession."
Earlier in the day, official data confirmed that the threat of inflation is receding, as consumer prices fell a record 1.7% in November.
Government help
President-elect Barack Obama said in a speech on Tuesday that his administration would also be doing its bit to stimulate the economy because the central bank could no longer use its main tool.
"We are running out of the traditional ammunition that is used in a recession, which is to lower interest rates," he said.
"That's why the economic recovery plan is so absolutely critical."
He has undertaken to create at least 2.5 million jobs by 2011 as well as launching a programme of improvements to the country's infrastructure.
story courtesy of BBC news
Monday, December 15, 2008
Lessons Learned: Low-cost mortgage could be a big gift
By GENE KELLY/Personal Finance ColumnistFriday, Dec 12, 2008 - 12:17:17 pm CST
December is dwindling down to a precious few days. Yet, there may still be time to power shop for a major family gift — a low-cost home mortgage.Fixed rates available on 30-year and 15-year loans are the lowest in a half century. This appears to be a major inflection point for long-term interest rates.A few days ago, a Lincoln friend called to share good news: Instead of making payments on both a first and second mortgage, she had just locked in a 30-year mortgage that will carry a bargain fixed rate of 5.25 percent.“We knew rates had been dropping,” she explained, amidst all the upheaval in the credit markets and loan foreclosures. Their old “piggyback” loan package consisted of a larger 30-year fixed loan with an interest rate of 5.75 percent, and a 10-year second mortgage that had a 7 percent interest rate.“Since mortgage rates change daily, we asked our mortgage broker about refinancing,” she said. “He found us a low-cost mortgage, with no origination fee or discount points.“One Lincoln-area lender has even advertised a 30-year fixed rate of 5.125 percent. The rate can be dropped to 5 percent by paying a 0.25 percent discount fee, or to 4.875 percent by paying a 0.50 percent discount.Moreover, the Treasury Department is considering ways to encourage banks to offer rates as low as 4.5 percent for newly-issued 30-year fixed mortgages.Of course, to get a low-cost mortgage, you’ll need a good credit history. Banks have tightened lending standards. Having a credit score of 740 or more should put you in the catbird seat.So before you shop for a new mortgage, check your credit scores and request your credit reports at http://www.annualcreditreport.com/.Declining mortgage rates mean the next few months could be a terrific time to trade up to a bigger house or buy a first home.A home is more a shelter than an investment: Over the long run, home prices tend to increase at an inflation-adjusted rate of 3 to 4 percent a year, roughly in line with household income.Everything seems to be on sale. Since I’m a card-carrying contrarian, you’ll find me shopping for short-sleeved shirts when the winter merchandise cubicles are being stocked. I’m the type who would look for a new umbrella only on a sunny day.Nearly all assets have been repriced. Double-digit markdowns have affected investments ranging from the big dividend-paying growth companies to gold and other commodities, and from high-yield junk bonds to aggressive small-cap stocks.I was as puzzled as anybody by the dramatic global collapse of bond and equity investments. But why are so many long-term investers running away from the resulting bargains? Provided you don’t need your savings in the near future, this could be a phenomenal opportunity to accumulate cheap shares. Readers tell me all their savings are going to be moved into bank accounts, Treasury notes or money-market funds.True, you can get a seemingly-decent yield on certificates of deposit. But after subtracting inflation and taxes, this approach is guaranteed to shrink your purchasing power over the coming decades.Looking into 2009: While volatility will continue, I believe the bear market in stocks has bottomed. If the bear cycle and the recession play out as they have historically, the economy should begin to grow again in the second half. U.S. stocks would then end the year in the black.Early filers: Extra real-estate standard deduction now available. If you usually bulk up your itemized deductions by accelerating payment of charitable donations or state and local taxes into the current year, a change in the Internal Revenue Code might mean a change in strategy:For 2008, you could be better off claiming the standard deduction. For the first time, you can take a new, additional standard deduction to reflect real-estate taxes — up to $1,000 for married folks who file jointly and $500 for singles.A 65-year-old married couple who file jointly could get a standard deduction that totals $14,000 for 2008, if they paid at least $1,000 in state and local real-estate taxes. To do the math, both husband and wife get a basic standard deduction of $5,450. There are additional amounts for those 65 or older add $1,050 for the wife and $1,050 for the husband). Finally, add $1,000 for the new real-estate standard deduction.This change in the tax code will be available again for 2009.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Investor Report: Rethinking Controversial Limits
Here's some potentially good news for investors from the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
James Lockhart, who runs the agency, says there's been some "re-thinking" underway on the controversial limits on the numbers of rental properties investors can own if they're seeking new financing.
Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have imposed a four-unit limit, reversing their previous investor maximum of ten units.
The rationale for the change, according to the agencies, was their belief that investors who own higher numbers of rental condos and houses pose a greater risk of default, foreclosure and loss for the companies.
The restriction effectively shut out many small investors from Fannie's and Freddie's standard programs -- and pushed them into much higher-cost financing from so-called "hard money" lenders.
In a letter to Charles McMillan, president of the National Association of Realtors, Lockhart said, "While no final decisions have been made, I can share with you the fact that the issue of raising the selling guide ceiling on investors loans is under active consideration at one of the (corporations), and reflects an appreciation of the role for investors in the housing recovery."
Realty Times obtained a copy of Lockhart's letter to McMillan, which was intended to respond to issues raised at the Realtors' annual convention in Orlando in November, where Lockhart spoke to two sessions. Lockhart did not disclose which company may soften its rule, but when one changes its standards, the other typically follows suit.
Lockhart addressed another issue of concern to investors and other buyers of condo units: The negative impacts of growing numbers of foreclosed units and bank-owned REO in condo projects.
Under current rules, Fannie and Freddie generally avoid loans in condominium developments where less than 51 percent of the units are owner-occupied. The problem is that both companies define REO and foreclosed units as non-owner-occupied, even though they are temporarily vacant and not owned by investors.
Lockhart said in his letter that "at least one" of the two corporations -- either Fannie or Freddie -- "is considering a clarification of the 51 percent (rule) that would exclude REO units from being counted as investor units … in the owner-occupancy ratio."
Lockhart offered no timetables for either of these key potential policy improvements, but investors may well see one or both changes within weeks.
At the very least, it's good news that the top executive regulating Fannie and Freddie recognizes the significant roles investors can play in helping the industry dig out of the current mortgage mess.
James Lockhart, who runs the agency, says there's been some "re-thinking" underway on the controversial limits on the numbers of rental properties investors can own if they're seeking new financing.
Both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have imposed a four-unit limit, reversing their previous investor maximum of ten units.
The rationale for the change, according to the agencies, was their belief that investors who own higher numbers of rental condos and houses pose a greater risk of default, foreclosure and loss for the companies.
The restriction effectively shut out many small investors from Fannie's and Freddie's standard programs -- and pushed them into much higher-cost financing from so-called "hard money" lenders.
In a letter to Charles McMillan, president of the National Association of Realtors, Lockhart said, "While no final decisions have been made, I can share with you the fact that the issue of raising the selling guide ceiling on investors loans is under active consideration at one of the (corporations), and reflects an appreciation of the role for investors in the housing recovery."
Realty Times obtained a copy of Lockhart's letter to McMillan, which was intended to respond to issues raised at the Realtors' annual convention in Orlando in November, where Lockhart spoke to two sessions. Lockhart did not disclose which company may soften its rule, but when one changes its standards, the other typically follows suit.
Lockhart addressed another issue of concern to investors and other buyers of condo units: The negative impacts of growing numbers of foreclosed units and bank-owned REO in condo projects.
Under current rules, Fannie and Freddie generally avoid loans in condominium developments where less than 51 percent of the units are owner-occupied. The problem is that both companies define REO and foreclosed units as non-owner-occupied, even though they are temporarily vacant and not owned by investors.
Lockhart said in his letter that "at least one" of the two corporations -- either Fannie or Freddie -- "is considering a clarification of the 51 percent (rule) that would exclude REO units from being counted as investor units … in the owner-occupancy ratio."
Lockhart offered no timetables for either of these key potential policy improvements, but investors may well see one or both changes within weeks.
At the very least, it's good news that the top executive regulating Fannie and Freddie recognizes the significant roles investors can play in helping the industry dig out of the current mortgage mess.
Monday, December 8, 2008
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