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Housing indicators continue to stabilize, reports the National Association of Realtors (NAR). America's homeownership rate rose slightly in the third quarter of 2011. About two-thirds of U.S. households live in their own residence now.
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DECEMBER 2011

Happy New Year!

Every day contains a little more promise when we wake up in our own home. It's a secure place where we can safely dream, and then step out to realize those aspirations. Let's think of everything that's working in our favor as we get started on a new year! Knowing we have our own special spot in the world makes life's challenges a bit smaller. We're prepared to help you gain the greatest possible enjoyment from owning your home. Get in touch with us if you have questions about purchasing a house or refinancing your current mortgage in the coming year.


A Positive Outlook for 2012

Housing indicators continue to stabilize, reports the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Experts say these are necessary steps which allow the market to gather strength before it advances. Here are some recent developments:

  • America's homeownership rate rose slightly in the third quarter of 2011. About two-thirds of U.S. households live in their own residence now. If homeownership remains at our current level, the nation's natural rise in population by itself will create a large increase in home purchasing. More than a million new households are formed annually in this country – and that will lead to 700,000 homebuyers each year, according to NAR.
  • House prices are leveling out across the country. Real estate values basically held steady during 2011's third quarter, when compared to the previous three months, states the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Indices. Average house prices reached their lows in 2009, according to S&P/Case-Shiller. While values also reflect the vitality of local economies, overall the real estate picture has been improving for more than two years. A number of commentators expect home prices to rise this year. For instance, NAR forecasts average prices going up 2.6 percent in 2012.
  • Pent-up demand will lead to more home buying activity. Housing purchases have been steady the past two years, NAR reports. For 2012 NAR predicts a healthy 4.3 percent increase in buying.
  • High affordability encourages purchasing. Close to a decade ago, an average home cost around four times a typical family's income. That was higher than the long-term average price-to-income ratio of 3-to-1. Now we've swung the other direction, and homes often are cheaper than the customary 3-to-1 relationship.
  • Low interest rates make this situation even more advantageous for buyers. Combining historic values with some of the lowest rates ever seen lets purchasers gain fabulous deals.

Many buyers report they can move into their own house and pay less each month than they would spend on rent. A fixed-rate mortgage allows them to keep those payments steady, while renters can expect yearly boosts to their housing costs. Neither rock-bottom rates nor terrific housing bargains will be available indefinitely. Talk with us soon to discover how you can benefit from today's promising real estate marketplace.


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More Jobs Help Housing

Improving unemployment figures as we approached the end of 2011 should translate into a boost for home sales. The Wall Street Journal called the November jobs report "good news for the economy and even better for housing."

Unemployment rates for young adults dropped sharply at that time, notes the Journal. Having a job will allow many 25- to 34-year-olds who have been living with roommates or family members to set up their own household. It's no secret that in recent years millions of young Americans have been delaying marriage and starting a family – or just getting out on their own – due to the weak job market. Better prospects for this group will help them make an important first-time home purchase.

Earning a steady income is a big part of anyone's homeownership quest. Knowing you can take care of your everyday expenses while paying off a mortgage is crucially important to feeling comfortable while taking such a big step. Buying a house is a smart long-term choice for most Americans, and today's conditions mean purchasing soon could be a timely decision. Mortgage payments on an average home – even including taxes and insurance – were lower than average rents in almost half the metro areas tracked in a study recently done for The Wall Street Journal.

Average rental costs went up an estimated four percent in 2011, the Journal adds. Price increases for renters are expected to be even higher this year. You can rely on us to show you how buying now will fit into your budget. We'll review how your income and expenses may change in the future to be certain that purchasing is a smart long-term decision for you.


Homeowners and Life Insurance for Veterans

When looking for home and auto insurance, VALoans.com customers have found that they can rely on Armed Forces Insurance. For over 120 years, (AFI) has been providing property insurance for military professionals throughout the U.S. and overseas. AFI is solely dedicated to the service of our members and their families and offer offer fair and competitive rates and quality customer service. AFI is headquartered at Leavenworth, Kansas. They are founded by and led by former military leaders and their products are tailored for you.

When looking for life insurance, VALoans.com customers have found that they can also rely on Military Benefit Association. MBA was founded in 1956 as a non-profit association to promote the welfare of their members, to safeguard their economic interests, and to improve their financial conditions through cooperative enterprises. Today, MBA sponsors affordable group term life insurance that fits the needs of military and federal employees and their families. We've assembled a host of valuable membership benefits you asked for to support your modern military life. MBA has one purpose: to serve military and federal civilian communities with real value, real information, in real time.


Inflation Worries Increase

Growing government deficits worldwide have sparked concerns about future inflation levels. America's Federal Reserve and other central banks have been increasing the supply of money, in order to keep economies expanding. Currently inflation is at low levels. But if it picked up even modestly, the effects would add up over time. Inflation typically reduces the value of cash, while increasing what real objects are worth. For instance, the price of energy tends to rise during inflationary times.

Real estate owners and investors can expect higher inflation to have a couple of important effects on them. First, mortgage rates most likely will spike upwards once inflation climbs. Borrowers should consider moving into a fixed-rate mortgage soon if they're concerned about inflation. Fixed loans offer payments that won't change in the future, no matter what happens with inflation and interest rates.


Feds Investigate Online Loan Scams

Towards the end of last year federal authorities launched criminal investigations into online mortgage offers. Deceptive advertising on search engines turned popular search engines "into tools of prey for crooks looking to bilk homeowners," reports The Associated Press. "The scams involved online ads which make bogus promises."

It's critical for consumers to work with professionals they trust as they buy or refinance property. Knowing you can depend on one person to answer your questions and assist you throughout the process is invaluable. Count on us to provide you with the advice and resources you need to succeed in today's real estate marketplace. We're ready to assist you from the time you're considering a move until everything is finalized!


Our Buying Habits Change

In recent years some consumers have purchased grand homes – but then faced a long daily commute. Additionally, some features which boosted the cost of these suburban houses now seem unnecessary to buyers. Grand entryways with high ceilings aren't in demand as much today, especially since many families rarely use their front door. Having a "drop zone" off the garage where coats, shoes, briefcases, and backpacks can be stashed in between trips is more practical.

Buyers now also may prefer having one large area encompassing the kitchen, dining space, and family room. Furniture can be used to separate those functions, rather than needing to wall them off. Knowing how you live helps you find a house that suits your daily needs. You'll then use all the space well, and won't be paying for rooms which aren't important to you.


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for 2/03/2012

30 Year Fixed
0.000 points
4.000%
4.082% APR

15 Year Fixed
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