SunCrest April 24, 2013

SunCrest Market Update – April

SunCrest March 28, 2013

SunCrest Market Update – March

Our March update includes Februarys new active, pending and sold SunCrest homes. We also discuss inventory and what to expect going forward.  

SunCrest March 8, 2013

SunCrest Market Update – February

Uncategorized February 27, 2013

Big Changes to FHA Loans

 

The 3.5% down payment on FHA loans could be more expensive for buyers than expected. Beginning April 1, 2013, the mortgage insurance premium will go up by .1% to 1.35% which may not even be noticeable to most would-be homeowners.
 
The staggering increase will occur on 6/3/2013 when FHA’s policy on the duration of the required mortgage insurance will be increased for the life of the mortgage. It basically doubles the amount of total MIP if the loan is paid to term.
 
(Regarding the current MIP duration: When the unpaid balance reaches 78% LTV of original purchase, the MIP can be released. In any event though, the minimum time must be five years.) 
 
Currently, the MIP is required for approximately 9 years 9 months with normal amortization. The new program would require the MIP for the life of the loan. In this example, the initial monthly MIP is $196.88 which decreases based on amortization.
 
There are buyers that qualify on income and credit who may not have the necessary additional down payment required for 80% and 90% conventional loans. The 3.5% FHA program has provided a great vehicle to get into a home with a minimum amount of cash.
 
For homeowners that expect to stay in their home for ten years or less, the new changes might not have much financial impact. Homeowners who expect to be in their home long term can refinance with a conventional loan without mortgage insurance once the equity has increased due to amortization and appreciation.
 
For buyers to avoid these increases, they will need to act now to get the FHA commitment issued prior to these change dates.
 
Source: http://www.kcmblog.com/2013/02/19/fha-more-expensive-than-expected/

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SunCrest January 25, 2013

SunCrest Market Update – January

SunCrest December 18, 2012

SunCrest Market Update – November

Uncategorized November 29, 2012

Cost of Waiting a Year

Thinking about waiting a year to buy? May want to rethink, it could cost you. The above graphic shows both the projected appreciation* and projected interest rate*. What would you do with an extra $127.87 a month ($1,546 a year!)? 

 

*nar.com, marketwatch.com

Uncategorized November 7, 2012

Where are mortgage rates headed?

This is one of the most common questions folks ask me. Where are rates going? What will happen after the election? What will happen after the holidays? What will happen next year? Should I wait to see if they go lower? Should I buy now before the go higher? 

 

Below is a fantastic article I'd like to share with you folks. 

 

 The best people we can go to on this issue are the people who deal with it on a daily basis –The Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA). Here is what was reported by MarketWatch in a recent article:

“After reaching record lows in 2012, mortgage rates are expected to creep up slowly in the year ahead, the Mortgage Bankers Association predicted.

Rates on the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage are expected to average 3.8% in the fourth quarter of 2012, rising to 3.9% in the first quarter of 2013 and eventually rising to an average 4.4% by the fourth quarter of next year.”

If the MBA is correct, mortgage interest rates could inch up almost a full percentage point in the next year. Tomorrow, we will explain what that means to a potential buyer.

http://www.kcmblog.com/2012/11/06/where-are-mortgage-rates-headed-2/

Uncategorized October 26, 2012

A Step Ahead

Utah is a step ahead.

Our local market continues show improvement in just about every measure.

September data shows we are on track towards recovery.

·       Pending Sales: Up 22% from same period last year.

·       5 consecutive months of gains (first time since 2007 5 STRAIGHT gains!)

·       Median Sales Price: Up 10% from same period last year.

·       An average of 45 homes were sold per day in September.

·       Number of Homes Sold: Up 21% from last year.

 

Nationally, the National Association of Realtors are releasing numbers that also continue to show strong signs of recovery.

·       Pending Sales: Up 14.5% from same period last year.

·       Existing Sales: Up 10% from last year.

·       Median Sales Price: Up 11% from same period last year.

·       Less than 1 in 4 properties are distressed (Foreclosure or Short Sale)

 

In summary, both nationally and locally, housing is strong compared to recent years. No, we aren’t back to where we were, but were headed in the right direction. Interest rates remain attractive and low levels of inventory make it a great time to sell. Ask around, talk to your co-workers, friends, and family of anyone who have recently looked for a house and they’ll tell you how competitive it is. Multiple offers and homes selling at or above list are happening daily. The ship has sailed for those “killer” deals.

My take: Having the power of knowledge will help you maximize your profit in our competitive market. Make sure you have the right player on your team to help you sell for more and buy for less. 

Sources:

http://www.realtor.org/news-releases/2012/10/september-existing-home-sales-down-but-prices-continue-to-improve

http://www.realtor.org/news-releases/2012/10/september-pending-home-sales-show-slight-improvement

http://en.calameo.com/read/00161630611130b22e1c2

SunCrest October 18, 2012

SunCrest Market Update – September