HouseLogic

Green Remodeling: Floors and Counter...

Home Price Monitor: July 2011
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1785312249?bclid=1740033302&bctid=1118158415001

NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun at an August 18 press conference says borrowers' problems getting financing remains a roadblock to getting closed...

10 Easy Upgrades to Add Style & Value to Your Home

Sometimes, it’s the little things that make the biggest difference in the value and appeal of your home. Whether you’re trying to sell your home of just spruce up the place, here are 10 easy ways to get started.

1. Update hardware on cabinets and drawers
2. Replace towels and rugs in the bathroom(s)
3. Add overhead lighting or wall sconces to brighten rooms
4. Declutter small spaces and closets with DIY storage kits
5. Wash or power wash the exterior of your home (especially windows)
6. Add area rugs to throw in a hint of color
7. Hang a mirror in small rooms to give the illusion of more space
8. A fresh coat of paint on walls and trim brighten any room
9. Try a fresh new color on your front door for character
10. Mow and mulch your lawn even in the cooler months

Make a plan. Set a budget. Get started!

Study Shows Homeownership Affordability at Record High

According to the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), homes were more affordable during the first quarter of 2011 than at any other time during the past two decades. The HOI shows the percentage of homes sold across the country that families earning the national median income of $64,400 can afford. Of all the new and existing homes sold within the first three months of the year, 74.6 percent were affordable to these median-income families.

Affordable Home Prices
In line with the lending industry's standards, the National Association of Home Builders considers a home affordable when no more than 28 percent... Read More

Realtor Warning: 20% Min Down Payment Law Taking Effect

Realtor Warning: 20% Min Down Payment Law Taking Effect

May’s market data suggests that home prices are starting to stabilize - Buying a Home

06-15-2011 03:14 PM

According to Clear Capital reports, some markets are seeing quarter over quarter home price increases, and REO saturation is decreasing. Individual markets showing signs of recovery include Washington DC, New York City/Long Island, and San Jose/Silicon Valley. See list below.

All 10 of the highest performing markets posted improved quarterly gains compared to April’s data.

	Qtr/Qtr	Yr/Yr	REO Saturation
Washington, DC	4.5%	4.9%	17.5%
New York, Long Island NY	1.5%	1.4%	9.6%
San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara CA	0.5%	-5%	25%
Phoenix, AZ	-0.2%	-11.9%	45.6%
Orlando FL	-0.6%	-6.8%	49.2%
Los Angeles Ca, Long Beach CA	-0.6%	-2.5%	32.3%
Philadelphia PA	-0.7%	-6.4%	13.7%
Denver, CO	-0.9%	-7.1%	32.8%
Raleigh, NC	-1.3%	-8.4%	10.7%
San Diego, CA	-1.4%	-4.1%	35.7%

As we can see from this data, REO saturation rates for all 10 of the highest performing markets improved this month, compared to last month’s, with Washington, D.C., New York, and Long Island experiencing both positive quarterly and yearly price changes.

Buying A Home

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Housing Shortage Is Likely Coming, Report Says

REALTOR® Magazine-Daily News-Housing Shortage Is Likely Coming, Report Says