Lodi / Stockton CA Homes For Sale & Real Estate Information

Well, we should be finding out anytime now about whether or not Congress has officially agreed to extend the tax credit.  It was passed by the Senate unanimously, so that may be a good sign.

With the flood of foreclosures an short sales still in the system, I feel it would be a good thing for the tax credit to have one more go-around to see if we can keep the flow of homebuyers coming in.

Working mostly in the Lodi, CA and Stockton, CA real estate markets, I still see a lot of great opportunities for both the first-time homebuyers, the move-ups, and the real estate investors alike.

Here is a link to a good description of what’s on the table for the tax credit extension…CLICK HERE.

Make it a great day!

Has the real estate market hit bottom and now on the rise again?  Not likely.  I believe the rising home prices right now in some areas is a temporary occurrence due in part to homebuyers scrambling to get the nice homes in nice neighborhoods at significantly lower prices than they were back in 2006 and those home prices are being driven up by multiple offers.

Along with still lower interest rates, the first-time homebuyer tax credit, and good weather coming to an end, it makes sense for all homebuyers and investors to get off the fence and purchase real estate now.  It’ll make even more sense to buy real estate in the months to come when there will be even more foreclosures and great deals galore.  Great places to buy real estate right now are in Lodi, CA and in Stockton, CA.  There are even great deals on homes for sale in surrounding areas such as Galt, Elk Grove, Manteca, and Salida.

Here is a link to recent article about the current national real estate prices… Click Here

Make it a great day!

Randy

I actually would think that since we’re nearing the deadline of the First-time Homebuyers Tax Credit of $8,000 that we’d be seeing a sharp rise in mortgage applications.  Perhaps that’ll happen over the next few weeks as we get closer.

But instead, with the mortgage rates rising I’m thinking this might be causing people to think a little longer about whether they should buy a home now, or not buy one at all.

There’s also lots of news of the number of foreclosures rising and that’ll create not only more choices, but lower prices on homes.

Here is an article I read recently that talks a little more about the topic of rates and mortgage apps… http://bit.ly/6QLI6

What are your thoughts about the tax credit?  Do you think it should be extended?

Make it a great day!

It’s been said that “money is the root of all evil”.  Actually, I believe that it’s either the lack of money or perhaps the extreme desire for money that’s more evil.

Either way, what do you suppose procrastination is the root of?  Maybe failure?  Or loss of opportunity?

When it comes to real estate purchasing and/or refinancing right now, procrastination can possibly cost you thousands of dollars.  Here is a good article on the subject of what “Waiting Really Could Cost You”… http://bit.ly/Z7BFp

Median Home Prices

This chart shows the estimated market value of the median priced home from 1970 through now.

Notice that the current home median price is down to approx where it was back in 2003.

To me, this means that if you bought real estate, oh say in 2000 or sooner, and you haven’t refinanced since that purchase, then you’re understanding that real estate is a good investment.  Especially if you’ve owned it since the late 80’s.

The real estate market will always go up and down in value, but overall it’s a good investment, and can usually happen for you with very little capital out of your own pocket.

Take advantage of the $8,000 take credit that is possibly going away November 30, 2009.  That means you’ve got only 57 days left before you’ve thrown away $8,000.  Wow, now that would not be a good investment decision.

I was recently asked about how difficult it was to get and close an FHA loan when purchasing a home, and why.

Here was my answer…

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FHA transactions are very simple to close actually.  You just need a good lender that knows what they’re doing and that you provide ALL documentation up front that is requested from the lender.  You have to show proof that you have the income, savings, credit, etc. instead of the way it ways a few short years ago where all you had to do was just ask for a loan, and some lenders said ok, without even verifying funds at times.  Those days are gone, thankfully.

There are specific conditions that will need to be met, but have patience and be up front with everything and you’re good to go.

So, a good lender to “fully” pre-approve you and a good Realtor to guide you through the offer process and staying on top of all the disclosures, inspections, and timelines once your offer is accepted, will see you through to a closing of escrow that’s as stressless as possible.

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Right now is a great time to buy a home and get a gov’t backed FHA loan and be sure and take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it expires next month.

Make it a great day!

Randy

Do you pick up pennies you find on the street?  (Whether it’s Heads or Tails?)  Would you grab a $1 bill if you saw it in the trash?  How about if you found $8,000 in a trash can…would you snag that up, or just leave it there?

Well, a lot of people are going to be throwing away $8,000 each very soon now.  The first-time homebuyer tax credit is about to come to an end.  If you are thinking of buying a home right now, could you use $8,000 toward your closing costs to make the decision a little easier?

Here is a link to a good article that needs your attention… CLICK HERE

Read it now and pass the information along to your friends who have been waiting to buy.  Interest rates are still low for now, and lending guidelines are getting tougher.

Dont just make it a great day…make it a great year!

Randy

So, who doesn’t like to save money?  As for me, I’m always interested in finding new or even revisiting old ways to save money.

I like finding great deals on things I buy, places I eat out, or money saving ideas that I can pass along to family and friends.

Well, I’ve recently come across a good source for some great money saving tips regarding your home.  Whether it’s ways to save on energy costs, a new tax credit-eligible product, or even a How-To video to save money doing things yourself around the house.

Click Here for…WAYS TO SAVE MONEY

I look forward to sharing many more great ideas with you.

Make it a great day!

Randy