Should You Buy a Home?

The Zillow Home Value Index fell 26% (national average) since its peak in June 2006. That’s a greater decline than seen in the Depression-era years of 1928 to 1933.

According to Zillow.com, "November marked the 53rd consecutive month of home value declines, with the Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI) falling 0.8% from October to November, and falling 5.1% year-over-year.” Remember these are national figures, not Rochester-specific.

However, all signs point to an increase in consumer confidence and the economy getting better. Maybe. But, if you’ve been watching, waiting, and wondering, when to buy ... . Now’s the time to take note. While no one can predict what will happen with the housing market, some experts are reporting that an uptrend will occur later this year. They’re basing their beliefs on the job market (some predictions indicate it will improve half-way through this year), and "Homebuilder exchange traded funds are above their 200-day moving averages,” according to ETFTrends.com

Signs indicate you could possible buy low now, and sell high later.

A simple way to look at real estate is to understand your specific needs, wants, and long-term goals. Do you need a place to live? Are you planning to stay in your home for at least a couple of years? (Most buyers live in their home on average seven years). Does owning your home matter? Have you saved money for a downpayment?

Answering these questions will help point you in the right direction. Timing the market is like trying to win the lottery. There is no absolute way to know when it’s the bottom of the real estate market. That’s why you must know your specific needs, wants, and long-term goals.

If your needs include a home to live in for a lengthy period of time, then homeownership will likely rank higher on your priority list. If building credit, potential of appreciation–yes, there is still appreciation–especially when you buy a sensibly priced home in a good location. However, the appreciation may be slower and not shoot up into the double digits that we saw in some areas.

Consider this, with high inventory, sellers are motivated. You can scoop up a home at a perfect price and you can minimize your potential for low appreciation. If you choose a home that is in the lower-tier of prices (and still within your target price), your home will be less vulnerable in down markets and better situated in up markets because the higher-priced homes help elevate your home’s value.

Homeownership has many benefits including tax deductions, the opportunity to make your own creative changes to your home, and the potential for income if you later rent it out.

Study Says Marriage is Good for You

Remember that old joke, "Take my wife... please."?

Well a new study suggests marriage is actually good for your health.

British researchers found that on average, married people live longer than their single peers. They say marriage appears to improve the mental health of women and the physical health of men.

But not all relationships are good for you. The study found single people have better mental health than those in troubled relationships and that divorce can have a devastating impact as well. Well, that's probably one of those things that you didn't need a study to figure out, either.

So, get in a good relationship and live longer... but you could still be hit by a bus tomorrow. Cheers!

Why Buyers are Buying...

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that “affordability” is the top reason for home buying in 2010.

It is evident that affordability would be a top reason, especially in these unstable market conditions. Buyers, as always, are looking for a bargain but, more than ever, they’ve been enticed by low home prices and low interest rates, according to a survey by Weicher Realtors, Inc.

The survey gathered information from 1,261 of the company’s customers who bought homes between July 1 through December 31, 2010.

Another influencer was the desire for more living space. According to the Wall Street Journal the survey reported that 28% of the respondents said, “they bought a house because they wanted more living space or a larger property”. However, 11% of those surveyed said that “potential financial growth” motivated them to purchase a home. This response is similar to the answers received in the survey’s first year (2005) when respondents answered the question, “What motivated you to purchase your home at this time?”

Remember, selling your home is about creating value for buyers. That means how you live in your home may not be the way you show your home. You may have to put away a lot of the clutter such as trinkets, family photos, pet toys, electrical cords, kids’ toys, and anything else that is personal to you. By doing this you’ll create a greater chance of buyers viewing your home as theirs. And that's value.

Tips for Appraisals

Appraisals allow homeowners and buyers to establish what is fair market value of a property. In addition, an appraisal allows a lender to know how much they can safely lend.

This process, however, can be trying and even frustrating. Sometimes an appraisal can even put the kaibash on a deal. To reduce your stress during this time, consider these simple tips:

•Understand the role of appraisals. It is neither in your interest nor the interest of your lender for you to purchase a property that is over-priced for its value.

•Make sure the lender hires a qualified appraiser. The lowest priced appraiser does not necessarily equate with the most qualified. This is a time to get the numbers right.

•Accompany the appraiser during the inspection of the property if possible. The more active participant you are in the process, the more you will understand it, and be able to catch any errors.

•Request a copy of the appraisal report from the lender. Federal law requires that you receive a copy of the appraisal within 30 days.

•Examine the appraisal report and ask questions. Be sure to examine the report for errors.

•Appeal the appraisal if appropriate. Market conditions do change, especially in these economic times. If you feel that new information may change the appraisal, be sure to contact them!

•Ask the lender to order a second appraisal by a qualified and designated appraiser.

•File legitimate complaints with appropriate state board or professional appraisal organizations.

For more information on appraisals, you may wish to visit The Appraisal Institute's website at www.appraisalinstitute.org.

Pending Home Sales Figures Inch Up

While credit remains tight as we move forward into 2011, top economists expect that if the job market revives this year, and interest rates rise only moderately, the housing market could experience a boost.

Pending homes sales are already on the rise. The National Association of Realtors' Pending Home Sales Index reports that pending homes sales rose in November by 3.5 percent.

Across the nation, we see regionally diverse markets. The Northeast saw pending home sales rise by 1.8 percent, but this figure is still 6.2 percent below November 2009. The West also saw a stunning 18.2 percent jump. This jump leaves it within 0.4 percent of year ago levels.

Both the Midwest and South saw declines, though, in pending sales. The Midwest declined 4.2 percent and is still 7.7 percent below year ago levels. The South fell only 1.8 percent.

For now, the 30-year fixed rate mortgage remains in the low five percent range, which is near a historical low. The extension of Bush-era tax credits, as well as renewed hopes of job growth could very easily translate into more sales on the housing market horizon.

Winter Lawn Care

Right now with no snow on the ground, Winter may have your lawn looking less than stellar. To keep your neighbors happy -- and potential buyers interested -- take a look at these lawn care tips.

By taking a few precautions during the Winter, you can ensure a healthy lawn come Springtime.

The first, and perhaps easiest, step is to pick up any leaves that cover your lawn. If left sitting over grass, they will create dead spots.

The same goes for clutter and debris, such as toys. You may think that grass is completely dormant during Winter months, however, grass still needs oxygen and sunlight to maintain life. If you have it covered, you have it smothered.

The next step, do not drive on the grass. Winter is a time for holiday parties and family get-togethers. Many people may be tempted to park on lawns. Resist the urge!

You can take lawn care two steps further, as well.

If your lawn has pH issues, now is the time to treat it with lime and other additives. Contact your local lawn specialist for more information.

Late Winter is also the time to aerate your lawn. Aerating is making small holes in the surface of your lawn, you allow for deeper root growth. You also allow nutrients to gain direct access to the grass roots. This should give you a fuller, thicker lawn.

Follow these simple steps and wake up to a beautiful Spring lawn!