6 Ways, Real Estate Is Local

Homeowners, considering selling their homes, should, recognize, consider, and understand, much of, real estate, is local! After, more than a decade, as a Real Estate Licensed Salesperson, in the State of New York, I have often, been asked, why a particular house, does not appreciate, at the same pace, as, either, the national average, or certain, nearby neighborhoods. I explain to them, much about real estate, applies, in nearly every area, but a considerable aspect, to realize, and understand, is real estate is, to a very large degree, local. With that in mind, this article will attempt to briefly consider, review, and discuss, 6 ways, every local market is somewhat unique, and this, often impacts, pricing, etc.

1. Schools: Potential home buyers, especially those with, school - age, children, pay close attention, to the local school system, and how, it compares with surrounding areas. Many will pay attention to how, it impacts, their real estate taxes, and whether, they believe, this quality, is worth the price - tag. While there are pros and cons, when one balances the costs, versus the value, in most cases, neighborhoods, with the best schools, garner higher prices.

2. Safety: People want to live in areas, where they feel, safe and secure! Remember, there are public, published records, of how many, and the types of crimes, committed, in a particular region, and, in today's, digital world, potential buyers realize, they can find out, these types of things!

3. Taxes: Some houses, in some neighborhoods, are taxed, far differently, to similar ones, elsewhere. Since, the vast majority of home buyers, use some sort of mortgage loan, for a significant portion of their payment, the amount of monthly installment, required, is a significant, relevant one. Real estate taxes, might become a significant factor, in this consideration.

4. Transportation: Most want to live, somewhere, where transportation is convenient, but, they don't sacrifice, their peace, and quiet, by living too close to a major artery. For some, this means, convenience to access to highways, and/ or other significant roads, while, for others, it means, public transportation issues. Buyers are generally, willing, to pay, for this consideration!

5. Local economy: How do people, perceive the local economy, to be? How does it compare in one area, as opposed to others? How many potential buyers, versus properties, available on market, makes a significant difference!

6. Local job market: Is the local job market, and employment, stronger, or weaker, in this, specific region?

Much about real estate, depends on local issues, and markets! Those who understand, and pay keen attention, will better understand, the specific considerations, involved.

The ABCDEF Of Effective Homeowner Representation

Since, for most people, the value of their house, represents, their single - biggest, financial asset, wouldn't it make sense, if a homeowner, who is considering selling his home, seek, and hire, the best real estate agent, who is ready, willing and able to offer effective homeowner representation? After, more than a decade, as a Real Estate Licensed Salesperson, in the State of New York (for more information, on all things - real estate, look at my website: http://PortWashingtonLongIslandHouses.com and LIKE the Facebook page for real estate: http://facebook.com/PortWashRE ), I have developed, what I've come to refer to, as the ABCDEF of effective real estate representation. 

1. Attitude; attention; articulate: Interview several real estate agents, and closely examine, and consider, their attitude, seeking only individuals, with positive, can - do, ones! Will the individual focus his attention on your needs, and priorities, and customize his service, to meet these? Consider whether someone, effectively articulates his ideas, and justifies his value, because if you aren't impressed, chances are, he won't attract others, efficiently, and effectively!

2. Benefits; best effort: Listen closely, and ask lots of questions! Does the individual speak about features, he offers, or how, his service and representation, will benefit you, and what those benefits, are? Will he accept, good - enough, or consistently demand his best effort?

3. Cooperative; clever; CMA; character: Agents should seek a cooperative, team approach, in a clever, outside - the - box, way! You need someone with the quality, of character, which benefits his clients! Listen to how he recognizes his Competitive Market Analysis, or CMA, and whether, his suggestions, are, both logical, and compelling!

4. Delve deeply; deliver: Avoid being represented by anyone, who offers, simplistic solutions, rather than delving deeply, and delivering, the finest service, and representation, on a regular, consistent basis!

5. Empathy; emphasis; excellence: When you interview potential agents, observe whether they are willing to listen, far more than they speak, so they become ready, and capable of understanding, your goals, needs, and priorities, and, will, therefore, exhibit the utmost degree of genuine empathy, you should be seeking, and deserve! How one empathizes, generally, directs their emphasis, and unless, it is on serving your needs, how will he, be able to provide the utmost excellence, you deserve?

6. Face facts; fruition; faithful: It is essential, for your representative, to be absolutely faithful, to his clients! To do so, he must possess genuine, absolute integrity, a willingness to face the facts, and the persistence, to bring, the best possible, solution, to fruition!

Pay attention to this ABCDEF of quality, effective, homeowner representation! Don't you owe that, to yourself? 

Can I Sell My House?

As a New York State licensed real estate salesperson, a Real Estate Cyberspace Specialist, and an Ecobroker, I am asked all the time, "Can I sell my house?" Generally, I answer that any house can be sold, if it is priced correctly, and one will generally receive his best offer in the first few weeks after a house is listed on the market.

In all economies, houses sell. Obviously, there is quite a bit of price fluctuation, and there are areas where the real estate market is stronger, and others where the housing market is weaker. The key, however, to marketing and eventually selling one's home, is properly pricing it from the very beginning. Too many homeowners list their homes with whichever real estate agent suggests listing the home at the highest price, yet that is probably the worst strategy in most cases. If a homeowner truly wants to sell his home, the price asked for the home should be based on a tightly and properly prepared, in-depth, professionally formulated Comparative Market Analysis, known commonly as a C.M.A.

A Comparative Market Analysis evaluates homes in very comparable areas, nearby, in the same condition, with similar attributes. It should look at homes on the market presently, houses that have sold recently (in a weaker market, only prices of houses sold in the last approximately six months should be considered), and houses that the listing expired, which means did not sell during the listing period. Homeowners should understand that today most buyers begin their search on the internet, and the majority of them do a search by area and price range. Therefore, pricing a house at $799,999 will often appear in many more searches than, for example, pricing it at $800,000.

When pricing one's home, and doing accurate comparables, the clever agent will recommend pricing at or below the median price in the group of homes on the market in similar condition, etc. The key to selling one's home is most often statistical, which means the more "looks" at the house, the better the chance of it selling. In general, if a house is getting few looks, the listing price is too high for current market conditions. If the house is getting looks but no quality offers, either there is some "sticking point" that is causing resistance, or the house "does not show well."

About three months ago, I had a quality, pre-approved client that I was helping as a buyers' agent. This couple had specific needs, and had more than twenty percent to put down, excellent credit rating, and was motivated. The house they were interested was a lovely house, but had certain limitations. The sellers listing price was $879,000 although nothing on the block ever sold for more than $828,000, and the one house that sold for that price, was a new "build," and was sold in a stronger housing market. Realistically, this house should have been sold for somewhere in the low $800,000 range. After several offers, my client offered his final offer of $820,000, and the buyer would not come anywhere close to that price. In my opinion, it is doubtful, in the present market, that there will be any other offers nearly as high. The bottom line is that house is still not only on the market, but is still listed at $879,000. Whether it is an unrealistic homeowner or a weak or poorly informed real estate agent, the seller certainly did himself no favor.

Houses are selling in this market. Yes, it is more difficult to qualify and get a mortgage, and banks are much more conservatively appraising houses values in terms of how much mortgage to offer. Yet, if one has a decent financial record, has twenty percent to put down, and is realistic, houses are selling, and are a good deal. With mortgage rates near historic lows, the combination of lower house prices and lower interest rates can dramatically reduce a new homeowners monthly housing costs.

However, until consumers feel more confident, realtors understand that they don't make money unless homes sell, and both buyers and sellers become truly motivated and realistic, the housing market will not be as robust as a few years ago. However, for those willing to accept "today's rules," they can do extremely well.

What's Up With The Real Estate Market?

People come up to me all the time and ask, “How’s the real estate market doing?” Although I would really enjoy giving a simple answer to this question, the real answer is far more complex. In certain parts of the country, the housing market has been stronger than in many other areas, although, prices are lower than they were at the peak of the market. However, many homeowners who list their homes have listed them at unrealistically high prices, and then been inflexible in terms of reducing their price. I have observed homeowners list their houses at prices higher than homes sold for at the peak of the market, and then becoming disappointed when their homes don't sell. Some homeowners explain their asking price by explaining how much money they have put into their homes, or how beautiful and exceptional their house is. Often, these same homeowners have owned their houses for many years, and they seem to conveniently forget how little they originally paid for their houses. Yet, the reality is that the price one receives for one's house is not related directly to how much one may have paid, or how much one may have put into the property. In the end, houses generally sell based on what buyers are willing to spend for the house, and that is generally related to the real estate market at that time.

These homeowners are generally hurting their own chances of selling their homes by listing their homes at unrealistically high prices. Houses that are “priced right to sell” from the start have a far better chance of selling than those priced too high. Today’s buyers study the internet, and many realize what comparable houses are realistically selling for. A basic reality of real estate is that in most cases, the best offer a homeowner will receive for his house is received in the first few weeks after it goes on the market. New listings are “hot” to potential buyers, while houses that remain unsold often elicit questions from buyers as to what was wrong with the property - - why it hasn’t sold?

Many owners interested in selling their homes interview several real estate agents and brokers, and ask for recommendations as to pricing, as well as many other questions. Many owners want to believe the agent that tells them their house is worth the highest amount, as if saying it will automatically bring forth a higher price. Instead, owners should demand a professionally prepared Comparative Market Analysis, including pricing and a marketing plan from their realtor. In most cases, a homeowner will do best going with an agent that acts professionally, markets professionally, and justifies both the pricing, and how the marketing plan will work.

In addition, even if a "stranger from another planet" decided to pay an unrealistically high price for a house, most buyers need to get a mortgage to finalize the funding for the purchase. Lending institutions, for a number of reasons including some unwise lending decisions during the height of the real estate "bubble," are doing far more complete and conservative comparative market analysis of their own, and if this comparison (known as "Comps") do not justify the price being offered, the lending institution will deny that amount of funding because it does not "comp out."

Since for most individuals, their home is their most valuable asset, doesn’t it make sense to objectively ask the same questions as an owner that potential buyers will ask? The main question should be, “How does this house compare with comparable homes in comparable areas in comparable condition? Owners should also ask, "If I were buying a home, would I pay that much for this house?"

Housing Buyers Market - - - at least for a while

HOUSING BUYERS MARKET - - at least for a while

How does one really know when to buy or sell real estate? There are many factors involved, and without a crystal ball, you can't be 100% certain! Every day, the media publicizes a lot of confusing information, and it is very difficult for the average person to know what it really means.

We all know that during all of 2009 and most of 2008, in most areas of the country, housing prices have fallen, in most areas by more than 20% since the height of the market. However, many people tend to forget that the real estate market has experienced these down cycles before, albeit usually not as severely. What is unique about this "cycle"is that the dramatic drop in prices has been accompanied by record low mortgage rates! While one would logically think that would create a buyers market, the combination of high joblessness and under-employment, combined with the lower stock prices, and extraordinarily tight credit market (making mortgage loans much more difficult to get), has caused buyers market pricing conditions but neutral market market conditions. The number of buyers has been inconsistent - especially the number of qualified buyers. Buyers realize that they do not have to act with the urgency that they did when the market was higher because there are very few bidding wars out there. It took sellers quite a while to realize, or at least accept the fact that they were not going to be able to sell their houses at the pricing when the market peaked, and thus many homes either did not sell, or sold only after numerous price adjustment (PC way of saying "price drops"), and the number of days a listed home remained on the market increased dramatically.

Qualified buyers - - those with good credit (credit scores of 700+), at least 20% to put down, and sufficient demonstrable income - - got some "great deals." Lending institutions received billions to "bail" them out, but very little of this money went to loosening credit. Most of that money simply made the banks more profitable. The typical American's credit score was "arbitrarily" lowered because of how it is calculated, and the impact that most credit card companies lower the vast majority of individuals credit limits. This caused the credit ratios to change, and thus credit scores to be lowered. This, in turn, tightened the mortgage market even further, because individuals with seemingly good credit, saw their credit scores lowered because of bank policy that had nothing to do with them specifically. The continuous of this "circle of circumstances" was that this policy created even fewer qualified buyers, thus causing additional havoc in the housing market.

The fear of the recession and the joblessness rate created many potential buyers to shy away from house hunting. The Federal first-time housing credit, combined with the extension and enhancement of the program to cover many that have held homes for more than five years, has helped bring out some additional buyers. Since this program is, however an expiring one, scheduled to expire in mid-2010 (must be in contract by Aprkil 30 and close by June 30), there is an added incentive to buy a home. The indication that the recession has or is close to coming to an end, has created somewhat of an increase in consumer confidence, as has the general feeling that the joblessness rate has or neared its top, and should come down during 2010, should increase home buyin g in the next few months. The government has also indicated that it will exert pressure on lending institutions to make consumer loans, including mortgages, more readily available, which should also be a plus.

Therefore, with record low mortgage rates, low home prices, and a slight easing of the mortgage loan availability, combined with the tax incentive, the next few months should provide a limited window for qualified home buyers to take advantage of a great circumstance. Obviously, as the economy increases, and mortgage rates rise, and markets stabilize, the cost of home ownership will increase. A serious home buyer should take advantage of these conditions, before we return to less favorable buying conditions. Remember that the real estate market is cyclical, and there may not be a better time to buy a house for many years than there is today!

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HOW ECONOMIC DATA & THE HYPE CONFUSES!

HOW ECONOMIC DATA & THE HYPE CONFUSE

I am sure that many of you have heard that gold was a great investment, and that investors like gold as a hedge against bad economic news. Since gold is now experiencing its best year since its last peak in January 1980, it is a good time to review the reality. On December 3rd, gold reached a record high, exceeding $1,225 an ounce. A gold investor who purchased gold during the last peak at $850 an ounce, has seen a return of approximately 44 percent. To put that into perspective, if one reinvested dividends, the Standard & Poor 500 stock index multiplied approximately 22 times. Even Treasury vehicles rose more than ten times, and interest-bearing bank accounts (not including Certificate of Deposits) almost doubled! When one factors in inflation, gold investors are still VERY far away from breaking even on their investment! Am analysis of gold investing leads one ro realize that gold is NOT a good long-term investor, and that the security of owning something tangible for "peace of mind" can be very costly.
Similarly, the originally cost of the TARP bail-out has been recalculated because many banks have repaid the loans much earlier than forecast. The cost of the TARP bailout has therefore been recalculated downward by approximately $200 billion (over 10years). The Government has actually made money on many of the TARP loans repaid. Does anyone think they know why these companies are repaying early? Could it have anything to do with not wanting to have the government have the "leverage" over them?
Several months, the politicians and the media were celebrating what they referred to as landmark legislation regulating the credit card companies. However, the law that was passed would not take place for nine months after enacted. So what have the banks done? They've configure themselves to make significant moves ahead of the deadline, so they are in the most advantageous position possible. Many of the banks have raised their interest rates; many others have arbitrarily and across the board lowered credit limits. And to make the system even more ludicrous, the way credit scores are calculated, the banks lowering of credit limits causes many people's credit scores (FICO, etc.) to go down!
So, what did the banks do with the monies they received to bail them out? Wasn't the public led to believe that it was necessary to bail out the banks, so that credit would be available for purchases, mortgages, etc? Well, what most of the banks did was use the funds to make their own bottom line look better, while tightening credit more and more!
President Obama called a huge jobs summit, which appeared to accomplish less than a typical jobs fair! The President then made a speech that addressing jobs was a priority (then where does it go on the priority list with his other stated priorities?), but that it needed to be a combined government- private sector approach, because the government has to be mindful of the growing US deficit and its inherent problems, and that the government isn 't in a position to spend all the needed funds. Yet, if this is a priority, it must be treated as such! Since Mr. Obama took office, the U.S. deficit has grown from a ridiculously high $400 Billion, which he inherited, to over $1.4 Trillion today. We have been told that the Afghanistan surge will cost $30 billion (but that number is only the additional funds we are told will be spend over the next 18 months). Will anyone be surprised to see that number grow exponentially! On the Sunday morning shows, Secretary of Defense Gates and Secretary of State Clinton kept saying that basically there would be a slight first pull-out of some troops, beginning in July 2011! Haven't we heard before that there was "light at the end of the tunnel," as LBJ used to say?
Beware the jobless/ unemployment figures! I am always wary when the government produces "better than expected" figures, right before the President's big speech tomorrow night on jobs. Factoring in those that are counted, those that are working part-time instead of full-time, those that have given up looking, and those who have, out of desperation taken significantly lower paying positions, the joblessness and employment/ unemployment issues should the U.S.' number 1 priority! The U.S. must seriously address this issue for our economy to fully recover.
Are things a little better? Yes, I don't think we are getting worse, and I do believe there will be improvement. It is rumored that the Federal Reserve is already discussing when (not if) they will begin to raise interest rates. So, the one thing that any consumer who is in a position to - - who can afford to - - should do, is seriously consider purchasing real estate now! Mortgage rates are historically low, home prices are low, and qualified individuals with reasonable credit who can put 20% down, can get a mortgage on a properly priced home! Those considering it, but waiting are most likely going to be very disappointed when sometime next year, mortgage rates go up, housing prices begin to rise, and the Housing Credit expires! This may be the best real estate buying opportunity in some time!
Nobody can foresee the future, and nobody can pinpoint the precise low point of a market. Those than panicked and sold off stocks at their low, and did not step in when the Dow was about 8400 because they were waiting for the low, missed an opportunity to take some advantage. The ideal stock-buying strategy over time has always been dollar-cost averaging. That strategy has worked in up markets, down markets, and do-nothing stock markets. It takes dicipline, but averages out purchase prices so that the market swings are not catastrophes!
Patients, being wary of the hype, and understanding that all markets are cyclical is the best long-term strategy. Nobody ever makes a profit unless they sell, so one should be much more interested in a long-term, successful approach.

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HOUSING MARKET UPDATE

According to data released today, housing sales have now risen in the US for three months in a row. Home prices in most areas have also stopped their decline, and in most areas are nudging upward. Many factors are probably responsible for this including: the 1st time buyers credit; low mortgage interest rates; polls showing slight improvement in consumer confidence regarding the economy; economic projections for the worst of the recession to be ending in either the 1st or 2nd quarter of 2010; a slight increase in availability of mortgage money; an improvement in stock market performance; etc.

However, not all areas of the country have seen the same trend. Real estate marketing and sales remains an entity peculiar to local areas. This means that one community may see its real estate market rebound before another, just as the drop in the market started in certain areas before others.

We are entering into a period where there may never be a better time to purchase a house. Of course, only those who are somewhat financially secure, with good credit, will be able to take advantage of this. And the high joblessness rate combined with little optimism on that front in the short-term, have created the major stumbling block to the housing market recovery.

The most important way to help the housing market is to lower the joblessness rate. Those truly interested in a timely economic recovery should urge our political leaders to make their #1 priority!

If you interested in further discussion about housing or any aspect of real estate, please visit my real estate blog at: www.portwashingtonlongislandhouses.activerain.com, or my Real Estate website: www.portwashingtonlongislandhouses.com.

Info on my other businesses and services can be found at: www.rgbconsults.weebly.com

Today's Real Estate Market

Everyone has an opinion about the real estate market, and what affects sales and prices. A historic view of the housing market indicates that real estate is cyclical, and while the decrease in prices has been large, it is by no means the first time we have had a market downturn. Adverse economic conditions impact the real estate market. Amongst the causes are: inflation; recession; mortgage interest rates; ease of acquiring a mortgage; stock market factors; tax incentives; employment/ job security; and consumer confidence in the overall economy.
Today, we are in a market where many of the above listed situations are working together and keeping the real estate market down. However, probably the most important factor in terms of there being a true turnaround is the public's confidence in job security. Polls/ surveys indicate that the public confidence in job security today is at or near an all-time low. The good sign, however, is that recent corporate earnings reports for the third quarter have been better than most expected. If the news remains promising, there should be a gradual beginning of the recreation of jobs, and the joblessness rate should decline.
Today's 9.8% unemployment rate combined with what's considered the true joblessness rate of approximately 18% has created a wait-and-see attitude among many potential buyers. The government's First Time Buyer's Credit, scheduled to expire at the end of November, helped the real estate market in the last three or four months, but there is presently an uncertainty as to whether or not the government will take any steps to extend this successful program.
Please read my extensive real estate blogs at: www.portwashingtonlongislandhouses.activerain.com, for an analysis and real estate market point-of-view. Also feel free to go to my real estate website at: www.portwashingtonlongislandhouses.com for lots of informative information and data.