Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Mortgage Rates Hit Record Low

Thirty year mortgage rates hit a record low last Friday at 4.78 percent (on a fixed rate note). This is the lowest rate since Freddie Mac has been tracking rates back to 1970.
There is an old saying: If You Snooze - You Loose
Now is the time to take advantage of this market. Email Kendra or Roger

Sunday, May 3, 2009

With so many misperceptions created by the national news about the real estate market, dfwREALTORS.com - MetroTex Association would like to update you on what’s really going on in your market. It is important to know that real estate is local and knowing the facts about your area will help alleviate your concerns.

Why Texas is Different

Strong, diverse economy: Texas is strong in industries that are still growing (such as professional & business services, education & health services, government) and has the second largest economy in the nation by GDP according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Steady job growth: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Texas added 153,700 jobs (1.5% increase in employment) from December 2007 to December 2008, while during the same time the national unemployment rate rose 2.3%.

Top state to relocate: According to Allied Van Lines’ 41st Annual Magnet States Report, Texas is the No. 1 destination state for residential relocations for the 4th year in a row. New data from the U.S. Census Bureau confirms that Texas gained more residents (484,000) between July 2007 and July 2008 than any other state.

Statewide Facts

Texas real estate remains a strong long-term investment. The average home sales price in Texas has increased $15,600 from December 2004 to December 2008; over the same four years, median sales prices (half of all homes sold are priced higher and half are prices lower) increased $8,600.
Texas has a balanced market. Statewide, there was 6.4-month inventory of homes for sale at the end of 2008. Economists at the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M say that about 6 ½ months of inventory is a balanced market, where homes are being sold and prices continue to increase at a moderate pace.
Texas homes have appreciated steadily. Home-price appreciation in Texas has not fallen below zero in the last 16 years.
Texas has steady home value appreciation. Sales prices in places like California, Florida, Nevada, and Arizona have had rapid rises and drops in values, while Texas prices have remained relatively steady.
Most borrowers are approved. According to a report by the National Association of REALTORS®, 91% of buyers in Texas were NOT rejected by lenders last year.