Monday, July 27, 2009

June new home sales rise 11 percent

By ALAN ZIBEL, AP Real Estate Writer Alan Zibel, Ap Real Estate Writer

WASHINGTON – New home sales in June posted the fastest increase in more than eight years as buyers took advantage of bargain prices, low interest rates and a federal tax credit for first-time homeowners.

While home prices are still falling, the figures released Monday were another sign the housing market is finally bouncing back. Earlier this month, the government reported that new home construction rose to the highest level since last fall.

And data out last week showed home resales rose almost 4 percent in June, the third straight monthly increase.
"The worst of the housing recession ... is now behind us," said David Resler, chief economist at Nomura Securities. "We're turning the corner toward increased activity in housing."

New home sales rose 11 percent in June to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 384,000, from an upwardly revised May rate of 346,000, the Commerce Department reported Monday.

Shares of big homebuilders soared on the news, with Beazer Homes USA up by more than 13 percent and Hovnanian Enterprises rising 8 percent in afternoon trading. But with home prices still falling, these companies won't be making much money anytime soon.

The median sales price of $206,200 was down 12 percent from $234,300 a year earlier and off nearly 6 percent from $219,000 in May.

In addition to lower prices, buyers are rushing to tax advantage of a federal tax credit that covers 10 percent of the home price or up to $8,000 for first-time buyers. Home sales need to be completed by the end of November for buyers to take advantage.

"The window of opportunity is closing," said Bernard Markstein, senior economist for the National Association of Home Builders.

June's results were the strongest sales pace since November 2008 and exceeded the forecasts of economists surveyed by Thomson Reuters, who expected a pace of 360,000 units. The last time sales rose so dramatically was in December 2000.

There were 281,000 new homes for sale at the end of June, down more than 4 percent from May. At the current sales pace, that represents 8.8 months of supply — the lowest level since October 2007. If that number falls to just over 6 months, analysts say, builders will feel more comfortable ramping up construction.

Fallout from the housing crisis has played a central role in the U.S. recession, now the longest since World War II. Foreclosures have spiked, homebuilders have slashed construction, and financial companies have lost billions.

But it will still be a while before homebuilders turn into an engine for the economic recovery. Construction levels are still weak because builders still have too many unsold homes sitting vacant.

FREE New Home Buying Guide - Click Here!

Friday, July 24, 2009

Housing Experts: Now Is a Perfect Time to Buy

Don’t forget to remind potential buyers of something that is obvious to real estate professionals:

Now is the time to buy, but that opportunity may be slipping away.

For people who have a job and money, a dream house is within reach, writes Marc Roth, founder of Home Warranty of America and a columnist for BusinessWeek.

He points out that mortgage rates remain low, prices are still at historic lows, and the government is offering incentives for first-time homebuyers.

He also adds that the inventory of homes to buy is still large, but it is shrinking.

According to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, the housing inventory peaked in November 2008 at an 11-month supply.

At the end of May 2009, it had fallen to a 9.6-month supply.

Roth says anyone who dallies will miss a good opportunity to buy a first home at a terrific price or go shopping for a move-up property that is a great buy.

For A FREE Home Buying Guide: Click Here!

Source: BusinessWeek.com, Marc Roth (11/17/2009)

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Staging on a Budget

What's your best, most affordable staging idea? Dozens of real estate pros offer their best tips.
By Melissa Dittmann Tracey

LIVING ROOMS
Create a Focal Point
"Pick out the most visible corner and put a large plant—I've found that silk trees work best. Set up a spotlight behind it so it lights up the leaves and throws an interesting shadow on another wall. It really makes a difference in a person's perception of the space, especially if it's a large room without too much natural lighting."
—Izabela Stone, Keller Williams Realty, Apollo Beach, Fla.

Set Up a Chat Room
"Be sure that the living room furniture is positioned for conversation as well as entertainment. Potential buyers should be able to easily envision sitting in a space where they can easily talk without having to move a chair or turn completely around."
—Rana Lindhorst and Troy Schmidt, Prudential One Realty Centre, Edwardsville, Ill.

Get Rid of Carpet Dents
"Furniture often leaves indentations in the carpet. When a piece of furniture is moved, I tell my clients to put medium-sized ice cubes in the imprints. As the ice melts, it causes the compacted carpet to expand and erase those imprints."
—Shawn Moss, Century 21 C.R. O'Neil & Co.

Accent Special Features
"Place an accent by a home's feature, such as an attractive plant near a fireplace to draw the eye to it or a tall palm or two in place that directs the buyer toward another part of the home or suggests a separation of areas. This also ensures that someone often enters the home to care for it."
—Susan Cramer, HomeSmart Real Estate, Temecula, Calif.

Invoke the Outdoors
"Use a little nature in each room. I create a flow throughout the home using cuttings, flowers, dried flowers, whatever will work. Simple things, such as twigs to spell out a word or a small cutting tied with raffia around a pillow on a bed, draw the eye into the room but don't overpower it. I have even used a branch cutting to make a 'tree' in an empty corner. I try to use one piece of nature in each room to create an ongoing theme throughout the home. It works with any type of decor, whether it's modern or traditional. One important note: Always check for insects!"
—Lauren Scurlock, North Star Real Estate Inc., Virginia Beach, Va.

Indianapolis, Indiana
contact Tony Wilson of Carpenter Realtors at:
317-354-7410 or tonywilson@callcarpenter.com

Fed Chair Says Foreclosures Could Still Rise

Fed Chair Ben Bernanke testified before the House Financial Services Committee on Tuesday, saying that inflation is likely to decline — not rise, as many have feared.

Therefore, the Fed intends to keep lending rates near zero.Bernanke said inflation should be “lower in 2009 than during 2008 as a whole,” in part "because of the sizable amount of slack in resource utilization.”

Bernanke also discussed foreclosures, which he said probably haven’t peaked because of the rising unemployment rate.

He downplayed the unwinding of the commercial real estate market.

“It is a sector we are paying a lot of attention to,” Bernanke said, noting that commercial mortgages are a small segment of the market. “I don’t think we need to have an enormous program to stimulate improvement.”

Source: The New York Times, Louis Uchitelle (07/21/2009)

Saturday, July 18, 2009

Report: New-Home Construction Increasing

Despite high unemployment and general concerns of too much existing inventory, new-home construction appears to be rising.

According to Friday’s report from the U.S. Commerce Department, construction of new homes rose 3.6 percent in June compared to May.

Building permits climbed 8.7 percent, and single-family home starts jumped 14.4 percent to 470,000, after rising 5.9 percent in May.

In real numbers, ground was broken for an estimated 58,300 houses nationwide in June, and an estimated 58,400 building permits were issued.

Here’s a look at housing starts in different U.S. regions:

Midwest: up 33.3 percent
Northeast: up 28.6 percent
South: down 1.4 percent
West: down 14.8 percent

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Jeff Bater (06/17/2009)

Contact Tony Wilson of Carpenter Realtors for a FREE New Home Construction Buying Guide: tonywilson@callcarpenter.com or 317-354-7410

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Video Featuring Indianapolis



Thinking of Relocating to the Indianapolis Area?

Contact Tony Wilson of Carpenter Realtors to learn more about Indianapolis and the surrounding area: tonywilson@callcarpenter.com



Thursday, July 2, 2009

Treasury Makes Refinancing More Attractive

The Treasury Department on Wednesday expanded its foreclosure prevention plan, lifting the current 105 percent loan-to-value cap to refinance up to 125 percent of a home’s value.

Applications to refinance mortgages have fallen as rates have increased in the last couple of weeks, but this move may bring more borrowers to the table.

At the same time, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have agreed to reduce the processing fee for borrowers who select a 25-year mortgage.

Fannie said in a statement, "The reduction is intended to lure borrowers to select shorter terms and build positive equity in their homes sooner than with a typical 30-year mortgage.”

Source: Reuters News, Patrick Rucker (07/01/2009)

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Wednesday, July 1, 2009

HOT TOPICS - Buyer Incentives

$15,000 for Foreclosed Homes

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) announced that Hoosiers may be eligible for up to $25,000 in zero-interest, non-amortizing loans for Hoosiers to purchase foreclosed homes.

Hoosiers who buy foreclosed homes to use as their primary residence can qualify for a $15,000 loan from IHCDA’s Market Stabilization Fund.

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis has committed to supply matching grants of up to $10,000.

“When Hoosiers open the door to their new home, they open several windows of opportunity,” Lt. Governor Skillman said. “This is a unique use of federal dollars that will encourage homeownership while revitalizing communities.”

The money comes from HUD’s Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP), which allocated $84 million to IHCDA. The state will use $33 million of that allocation for the Market Stabilization Fund. Assistance from this fund will be made available to income-qualified individuals and families who choose to purchase foreclosed homes in areas of the state in greatest need of assistance.

Areas of greatest need are identified, with the assistance of the Indiana University Center for Urban Policy and the Environment, using a combination of HUD-provided data and proprietary data. Indiana is the only state using NSP money in a statewide program to help people buy foreclosed homes.

How the Market Stabilization Program (MSP) Works:

IHCDA will offer up to $15,000 (not to exceed 20% of purchase price) to assist home buyers with the acquisition and/or rehabilitation of a foreclosed residential property located within an area of greatest need.

These funds may be used in conjunction with the IHCDA First Home product, FHA, VA, USDA, or prime fixed rate product. No adjustable rate or subprime mortgage products will be allowed for the purchase of these homes.

Home buyers may use these funds for closing costs and down payment assistance related to the purchase of a foreclosed home or residential property that will be used as the primary residence.
To be eligible for rehab funds a residential structure must not meet local building code and therefore is unable to be purchased in its present condition.

Buyers may use both acquisition and rehabilitation assistance in the purchase of a home, but the combined assistance may not exceed $15,000.

These funds will be in the form of a zero-interest, non-amortizing, second mortgage loan. These funds do not have to be repaid as long as home buyers use the home as a principal residence for at least ten years. If the home buyer sells the home within the first five years, the subsidy is repayable to IHCDA on a shared net proceeds basis. If the home buyer refinances within the first five years, the entire subsidy is repayable to IHCDA.

After year 5 and through year 10, the home buyer will retain 20% in equity of the award amount per year.

This funding will be available to home buyers that are at or below 120% of area median income and who intend to occupy the home themselves.
To determine income qualification, compare household income and family size to the income guidelines listed below.

To use the current income limits for MSP as a second mortgage only: MSP Stand-Alone Limits.

To use the current income limits for MSP in conjunction with a Municipal Revenue Bond (MRB) or Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC): MSP Income Limits with Bond or MCC.

Home buyers will be required to participate in 8 hours of pre-purchase education provided by an IHCDA certified counselor.

IHCDA will be coordinating with lenders/servicers, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and HUD to list foreclosed properties on a centralized Web site. Visit www.indianahousingnow.org and click on the Market Stabilization Program link to determine if a foreclosed property is in an eligible neighborhood. Lenders will be required to sell the properties listed on the site at a discount that meets or exceeds NSP guidelines.

MSP Brochure and Detailed Information:

The following link is a consumer friendly brochure on the MSP program: Consumer Brochure.

To view a PowerPoint with detailed MSP information click here: NSP PowerPoint.

If you would like more information on all of IHCDA’s programs, please visit their Web si
te at www.in.gov/ihcda.

Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis's Program:

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis’s (FHLBI) Neighborhood Stabilization Assistance (NSA) program is offering matching grants of up to $10,000. The main qualification for the NSA program is that the home buyer must have already secured IHCDA funds. Once IHCDA funding is secured, proceed by contacting an FHLBI member financial institution. Find a list of member institutions, program guidelines and other information by clicking here.

View a step-by-step guide from the Indiana Association of REALTORS® here.

$8000 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

The home buyer tax credit is one of 10 key provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act signed by President Obama into law on Feb. 17, 2009.

The bill provides for an $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009.

The credit does not require repayment. Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules: the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.

Tax Credit Bridge-Loan Information

HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan recently announced a program that would allow borrowers to use the first-time homebuyer tax credit for a down payment or closing costs on an FHA insured mortgage to scores of REALTORS® at the 2009 NAR Mid-Year Conference.

Under the guidelines of the program, FHA-approved lenders can develop bridge loans that home buyers can use to help cover their closing costs, buy down their interest rate, or put down more than the minimum 3.5 percent. However, according to senior HUD officials, loans cannot be used to cover the minimum 3.5 percent requirement. Thus, buyers applying for FHA-backed financing with an FHA-approved lender that offers a bridge-loan program can get a bridge-loan to significantly bring down the upfront costs of buying a home, but would still have to come up with the minimum 3.5 percent down-payment.

Secretary Donovan said “We think the policy is a real win for everyone, ensuring that borrowers can tap into the numerous organizations that are already part of the FHA network to receive this additional benefit.”

Read the detailed guidelines in HUD Mortgagee Letter 2009-15.

Although this program has been formally announced, details on how Indiana will implement the program are not yet available. The Indiana Association of REALTORS® is currently working with the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) on details for the state. Watch future editions of Fast Track for additional information as is becomes available. If you have further questions, contact MIBOR’s Government Affairs department at 317/956-1912.

The links below are provided by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR):

Chart Highlighting the Major Modifications to the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit
NAR's Presentation: The 2009 First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit
Download the IRS First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit Form 5405
IRS Filing Guidance on First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit
Frequently Asked Questions

For more information please visit NAR’s Home Buyer Tax Credit Web page by clicking here.

For information about purchasing a home through these programs contact:

Tony Wilson
317-354-7410
tonywilson@callcarpenter.com