this month in real estate april 2009

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Thi M hi R lE RESEARCH This Month in Real Estate Released: April 9 2009 Released: April 9, 2009 Commentary……………………………. 2 The Numbers that Drive Real Estate… 3 Recent Government Action……………. 9 Research for Buyers and Sellers………. 14 1 - Courtesy of Mike Walker www.ShowMeTheKeys.com

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Page 1: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Thi M h i R l ERESEARCH

This Month in Real EstateReleased: April 9 2009Released: April 9, 2009

Commentary……………………………. 2

The Numbers that Drive Real Estate… 3

Recent Government Action……………. 9

Research for Buyers and Sellers………. 14

1- Courtesy of Mike Walker

www.ShowMeTheKeys.com

Page 2: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

CommentaryAffordability, low rates, desire to buy provide hope for the U.S. housing market

Housing affordability now stands at its best level since 1971. This greater affordability helped boost home sales in February Especially strong was the activity attributed to first-time home buyers, who represented half of newin February. Especially strong was the activity attributed to first time home buyers, who represented half of new home purchasers this month. The $8,000 tax credit helped move many of these first-time buyers out of their rentals and into their own homes.

In light of weakening global economic indicators and a poorly functional financial system, the U.S. government and Federal Reserve remain proactive, with the Federal Reserve alone purchasing and holding up to an additional $750 billion of agency mortgage-backed securities and $100 billion more in housing agency debt. The Fed moves are designed to provide greater support to mortgage lending and housing markets.

Whil i i d f i h ll h i k i b i b dWhile economists expect continued softness in the overall housing market, encouraging buyer signs abound given the historically low mortgage rates and the availability of distressed properties. There are localized opportunities for savvy investors and for those buyers who are qualified, willing, and ready to buy on the cheap.And with rates at historic lows, the question for many borrowers becomes, how long will the good times last? The Fed's actions and mounting federal deficits could weaken the dollar and spur the aforementionedThe Fed s actions and mounting federal deficits could weaken the dollar and spur the aforementioned inflationary trend, which could send interest rates back up. In addition, the first-time home buyer tax credit expires at the end of November. Prominent economists maintain that low rates should be available for "at least the next several months." But if fears of inflation cause investors to shun Treasurys, the Fed's impact on long-term interest rates could be short-lived.

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Page 3: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

The Numbers That Drive Real Estate

3- Courtesy of Mike Walker

www.ShowMeTheKeys.com

Page 4: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Home Sales - In MillionsThe annual rate for a particular month represents what the total number of actual sales for a year would be if the relative pace for that month were maintained for 12 consecutive months. f p f f

Existing home sales rose 5.1% in February, reversing losses in January. Favorable market conditions and government-granting incentives are gaining traction in attracting a larger wave of first-time home buyers, who accounted for half of all home sales last month. More robust activity is expected in the next few months. A recent House Hunt survey revealed that the U.S housing market appears to be showing early signs of emerging from the worst real estate market in three years.

4.925.10

4.934.994.904.95

4.854 95 4.54

4.94

4.724.49

4.744.95 4.54

Annual Rate of Sales

Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb

Annual Rate of Sales

4Data released on March 23, 2009

Source: National Association of Realtors

p y g p

Page 5: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Median Home PriceIn ThousandsThe national median home price continues to overcorrect. Home prices stood at 2003 levels in February at $165,400, which translates to a 16% decline from a year ago. “Given the downward distortion in price comparisons due to distressed sales, it’s important for owners to keep in mind that this doesn’t equate to a similar loss of value for traditional homes in good condition,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. Regionally, the West is showing signs of recovery with stronger-than-expected sales gains California is in the lead with median listing prices starting to rise for the firstgains. California is in the lead with median listing prices starting to rise for the first time in three years.

$137 $143 $156 $166 $181 $198 $218 $214 $165$196

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2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009Median home price as of February every year (Data released on March 23, 2009)

Source: National Association of Realtors

Page 6: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Inventory - Months SupplyNumber of months it would take to sell all the homes on the market at the current rate of sales

Continuingly improved affordability conditions and lower interest rates are expected to attract more potential home buyers and help reduce inventory. According to Move Inc., approximately 1 in 4 (23%) Americans expect to buy a home in the next five years.

The months supply of homes has fallen to less than 10 months this year in comparison to double-digit levels for most of last year. In February, 3.8 million existing homes were available for sale representing 9 7 months of supply at the current pace of sales

111110 911.3 11

available for sale, representing 9.7 months of supply at the current pace of sales.

10

9.79.79.4

1010.6111110.911.3

9.7

1110

Monthly Inventory

Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb

Monthly Inventory

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p y g p

Latest data release: March 23, 2009

Source: National Association of Realtors

Page 7: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Mortgage Rates 30-Year FixedAfter the Fed announced that it would expand purchases of mortgage-backed securities and Treasury securities, applications for both purchase and refinance loans jumped 32%. Last month, mortgage rates averaged around 5%, down from 5.1% in February and 6 % a

i j l kl f ll 4 8year ago. Buyers continue to enjoy lower mortgage rates as weekly rates fell to 4.78 percent in the first week of April. With rates at historic lows, uncertainty remains as to how long these low rates will last. Increasing federal deficits due to massive government spending could weaken the dollar and prod inflation, which could send interest rates back up.

5.15%5.03%

5.01%5.12% 5.10%

5.25%5.16%

5.07%5.01%

5.04%4.98%

4.85%4.78%

4.96%

A W kl M t R t

1/8/2

1/15/

1/22/

1/29/

2/5/2

2/12/

2/19/

2/26/

3/5/2

3/12/

3/19/

3/26/

4/2/2

Average Weekly Mortgage Rates

7Source: Freddie Mac

2009

/2009

/2009

/2009

2009

/2009

/2009

/2009

2009

/2009

/2009

/2009

2009

Page 8: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Affordability - % of IncomeThe percentage of a median family’s income required to make mortgage payments on a median priced home

Quality buyers are continuing to take advantage of stimulus incentives and favorable affordability conditions as evidenced by increasing sales last month. Exceptionally low home prices and mortgage rates continue to give them more buying power. According to NAR President Charles McMillan, “With the drop in interest rates, a median-income family can afford a home costing $20,000 more than a year ago for the same monthly mortgage payment.”

20% 19% 19% 18% 19% 20% 23% 22% 18% 14%

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2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009Affordability as of February every year. Calculations assume a 20% down payment.

Source: National Association of Realtors

Page 9: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Recent Government Action

9- Courtesy of Mike Walker

www.ShowMeTheKeys.com

Page 10: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Government Teams Up with Investors to Purchase Toxic Assets

The Treasury Department recently released the Public-Private Investment Program to ensure that lending continues to flow to households and businesses. This program is intended to mend the balance sheets of banks which are filled with toxic assets due to losses incurred during the housing market implosion.

The government will come together with private investors to purchase the loans from the banks at discounted prices. The government and investors will

l h t t f ti f h t th t ll f d th FDIC ill ionly have to put up a fraction of what the assets sell for and the FDIC will insure the remainder. Investors and the government will own the assets as an investment in hopes of making money because they believe fear has driven prices below their actually worth. y

If this initiative works, banks will have a greater ability to extend more new loans. Banks could have more flexibility in originating loans that the government typically does not guarantee, including loans greater than $729,000, l f d t j b l B k ti l i th hi halso referred to as jumbo loans. Banks creating more new loans in the higher

price points could ultimately translate into upper price home sales regaining momentum and the eventual return of a healthy housing market.

10Source: Washington Post, ustreasury.gov

Page 11: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

The Federal Reserve Pulls Out the Stops to Get the Housing Market Back on Track

The Fed illustrated that, even with the federal funds rate nearly at zero, it still has more tricks to pull out of its hat by taking unprecedented steps toward supporting mortgage lending and the housing market. Along with purchasing $300 pp g g g g g g p gbillion in Treasury securities, the Fed promised an additional $750 billion on top of the $500 billion it has already committed to purchasing mortgage-backed securities.

When the Fed first announced that they would purchase these securities a few months ago, interest rates fell by 1%. After the most recent announcement, rates f ll b l t f t f 5 03% M h 12 t 4 78% A il 2fell by nearly a quarter of a percent from 5.03% on March 12 to 4.78% on April 2. Some banks are extending loans at around 4.5%.

Estimated Payment on a $200,000 Mortgage

InterestRate

MonthlyPayment

8.5% $1,538 $ ,6.5% $1,264

4.5% $1,013

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Monthly Payment = Principal and Interest Portion Only

Page 12: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Banks Permanently Banned from Practicing Real Estate

In 2001, the Federal Reserve Board and the U.S. Treasury Department issued a proposed regulation to allow national bank holding companies andissued a proposed regulation to allow national bank holding companies and financial subsidiaries to engage in real estate brokerage and management. Since this presented a clear conflict of interest, annual bills were passed to prevent banks from doing so On March 11 President Obama signed into law the Omnibusfrom doing so. On March 11, President Obama signed into law the Omnibus Appropriations Act that permanently bars banks from entering the real estate brokerage business.

This act is notable because banks in the real estate business could createThis act is notable because banks in the real estate business could create an uncompetitive environment that is ultimately against consumer interests, since bank employees would not have the same fiduciary relationship with consumers that independent real estate professionals have. p p

12Source: Realtor Magazine

Page 13: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

New Website to Help Struggling Homeowners

The U.S. government recently unveiled a consumer website to inform struggling homeowners of the types of government resources available to them On this sitehomeowners of the types of government resources available to them. On this site, homeowners can find the answers to their questions about loan modification and refinancing programs such as:

• Where do I go to get help?• Where do I go to get help?• Do I qualify?• What lenders are participating?• When can I apply?• Why does my loan servicer have to ask if they can modify my loan?• How do I know if refinancing will improve my ability to stay in my home?g p y y y y

Find all this information and more at www.MakingHomeAffordable.gov

13Source: MakingHomeAffordable.gov

Page 14: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Research for Buyers and Sellers

14- Courtesy of Mike Walker

www.ShowMeTheKeys.com

Page 15: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Low Down Payment Loans from FHABuyers:

First-time home buyers can take advantage of FHA loans that require down payments as low as 3 5% These loans can be a great way for first timedown payments as low as 3.5%. These loans can be a great way for first-time buyers with good, steady jobs but not a lot of cash on hand to take advantage of the numerous advantages of this buyer’s market including record-breaking affordability and an $8 000 tax creditaffordability and an $8,000 tax credit.

FHA loans can be a good option for buyers purchasing their first home, especially for those who have a small down payment or that have less-than-perfect credit Lenders usually offer these loans at reasonably low interest rates becausecredit. Lenders usually offer these loans at reasonably low interest rates because the U.S. government insures them against default. Most FHA borrowers opt for 30-year fixed rate mortgages although adjustable rate can also be a possibility. FHA also offers 203(k) loans that can include the costs of repairs for “fixer-( ) puppers” with the mortgage.

For more information, check out www.hud.gov/fha/loans.cfm

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For more information, check out www.hud.gov/fha/loans.cfm

Source: HUD.gov

Page 16: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Claim Tax Credit on 2008 Tax ReturnBuyers:

B h lif f h fi i h b di h hBuyers who qualify for the first-time home buyer tax credit that have already filed their tax returns can still claim their tax credit this year. They will need to file a 1040x form to amend their 2008 tax return and form 5405 to claim the creditthe credit.

For more information on your other filing options, visit htt // i / / ti l /0 id 205416 00 ht lhttp://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205416,00.html

16Source: IRS

Page 17: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

5 Common First-Time Home Buyer MistakesBuyers:

1. They don’t ask enough questions of their lender and end up missing out on the best deal.on the best deal.

2. They don’t act quickly enough to make a decision and someone else buys the house.

3 They don’t find the right agent who’s willing to help them through the3. They don t find the right agent who s willing to help them through the home-buying process.

4. They don’t do enough to make their offer look appealing to a seller. 5 Th d ’t thi k b t l b f th b Th fi t ti5. They don’t think about resale before they buy. The average first-time

buyer only stays in a home for four years.

17Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online (http://www.realtor.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Page 18: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Buying Your First HomeBuyers:

Your First Home: The Proven Path to Home Ownership is a great resource for first-time home buyers. This educational resource is a must-read for anyone aspiring to buy a hometo buy a home. Drawn from the real-life experiences of hundreds of thousands of first-time home buyers, Your First Home provides proven, practical guidance on how to hire a great real estate agent determine what you can afford to buy secure the best financingreal estate agent, determine what you can afford to buy, secure the best financing, recognize the right home for you, craft a winning offer and negotiate with sellers, spot serious issues at inspection, and close on your new home and maintain it.

This easy-to-read book is available for purchase on Amazon.

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Page 19: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Does Moving Up Make Sense?Sellers:

1. Has your income or financial situation improved? If you’re making more money

These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.

1. Has your income or financial situation improved? If you re making more money, you may be able to afford higher mortgage payments and cover the costs of moving.

2. Are interest rates attractive? A low rate not only helps you buy a larger home, but also makes it easier to find a buyer.

3 A th h ’t d l dd ? S i3. Are there reasons why you can’t remodel or add on? Sometimes you can create a bigger home by adding a new room or building up. But if your property isn’t large enough, your municipality doesn’t allow it, or you’re simply not interested in remodeling, then moving to a bigger home may be your best option.

4. Have you outgrown your neighborhood? The neighborhood you pick for your first home might not be the same neighborhood you want to settle down in for good. For example, you may have realized that you’d like to be closer to your job or live in a better school district.

5. Have you built substantial equity in your current home? Look at your annual mortgage statement or call your lender to find out. Usually, you don’t build up much equity in the first few years of your mortgage, as monthly payments are mostly interest but if you’ve owned your home for five or more years you may have

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interest, but if you ve owned your home for five or more years, you may have significant, unrealized gains.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online (http://www.realtor.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Page 20: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

12 Tips for Hiring a Remodeling ContractorSellers:

1. Get at least three written estimates.2. Check references. If possible, view earlier jobs the contractor completed.3. Check with the local chamber of commerce or Better Business Bureau for complaints.p4. Be sure the contract states exactly what is to be done and how change orders will be handled.5. Make as small of a down payment as possible so you won’t lose a lot if the contractor fails to

complete the job.6 B th t th t t h th it li d i6. Be sure that the contractor has the necessary permits, licenses, and insurance.7. Check that the contract states when the work will be completed and what recourse you have

if it isn’t. Also, remember that in many instances you can cancel a contract within three business days of signing it.

8. Ask if the contractor’s workers will do the entire job or whether subcontractors will be involved too.

9. Get the contractor to indemnify you if work does not meet any local building codes or regulations.g

10. Be sure that the contract specifies the contractor will clean up after the job and be responsible for any damage.

11. Guarantee that the materials that will be used meet your specifications.k h il i h h k

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12. Don’t make the final payment until you’re satisfied with the work.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine Online (http://www.realtor.org/realtormag) with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2009. All rights reserved.

Page 21: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Five Cost-Effective Ways to Attract BuyersSellers:

1. Think Green. Better insulation, replacing old windows, and caulking can increase the energy efficiency of the home and can be attractive to buyersincrease the energy efficiency of the home and can be attractive to buyers.

2. Add Molding. Crown molding, wider baseboards, and framing doors and widows can be delightful in any home.

3. Paint Finishes. Faux finishes and accented walls can help your home stand p yout. Don’t get carried away; pick the color and texture wisely, keeping in mind that you are trying to make your home universally appealing.

4. Upgrade Floors. Dirty or old flooring can turn buyers away. Consider new il d fi i hi i i fl i f i llcarpet, tile, or wood. Refinishing existing flooring or professionally

shampooing carpets can bring them back to life. 5. Outdoor Upgrades. A deck, or even a summer kitchen at certain price points,

can add value to your home The worth of different outdoor amenities variescan add value to your home. The worth of different outdoor amenities varies from place to place, so be sure to get a professional opinion from your local agent before taking on a big project.

21Source: Realty Times

Page 22: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Tips to Prevent Common Seller MistakesSellers:

1. Price Your Home Right. If you either need to sell or would like to sell your home, pricing at current market value is key. Researching prices that comparable homes recently sold for is a crucial component to determining a price that will make the home y p g psell. If you don’t need to move, consider waiting for the market to improve.

2. Consider a Presale Inspection. This will accomplish two goals. First of all, it will let you know the potential problems that need to be fixed, and secondly, buyers can make offers that takes those items into consideration up front rather than renegotiatingoffers that takes those items into consideration up front rather than renegotiating concessions later.

3. Ensure Qualifications. Before entering into a contract, ask the buyer to disclose the name of the lender with the prequalification letter. Make sure underwriting approval h h tl ft ti th ff b iti thi i t th t thappens shortly after accepting the offer by writing this into the contract.

4. Consider All Offers. Refusing to entertain an offer from a qualified buyer can be a big mistake for sellers in this market. Wait until the offer has been negotiated to refuse it.

5. Accept Backup Offers. Consider a backup offer in case the primary one falls through. p p p p y gAlso take into consideration that a lower offer with a larger down payment can be a more solid deal than a higher price with less money down.

6. Choose the Right Agent. Solid negotiation and communication skills combined with local area expertise can help sellers to get the most out of their experience

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local area expertise can help sellers to get the most out of their experience.

Source: Inman News

Page 23: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

Your Local Market

Although it is important to stay informed about what is going on in the national economy and housing market, many different factors impact the real estate market in your area.

Talk to your Keller Williams agent for assistance interpreting the conditions in your local market.p g y

Keller Williams agents are equipped with all the knowledge and information to g q pp ghelp navigate you though the process of buying or selling a home in this challenging market.

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Page 24: This Month In Real Estate April 2009

About Keller Williams Realty

Founded in 1983, Keller Williams Realty, Inc., is an international real estate company with more than 74,175 associates and 693 offices located across the U it d St t d C d Th b f hi i i 1991 dUnited States and Canada. The company began franchising in 1991, and following years of phenomenal growth and success, became the third-largest U.S. residential real estate firm in 2009. Th h d d b t ti it i t t d h itThe company has succeeded by treating its associates as partners and shares its knowledge, policy control, and company profits on a system wide basis. Focusing on helping associates realize their fullest potential, Keller Williams Realt is kno n as an ind str leader in its famil c lt re nmatched ed cationRealty is known as an industry leader in its family culture, unmatched education, profit sharing business model, phenomenal coaching program, and technology offerings. Keller Williams Realty provides associates with all the tools needed to grow and thrive in today’s marketgrow and thrive in today s market.

- Courtesy of Mike Walker

-www.ShowMeTheKeys.com

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