Stretching before each of us is a year that’s full of possibilities. Remember that every day in 2010 we’re creating next year’s happy memories. We appreciate the trust our clients show in the advice and services we offer them. During 2010 we’ll remain dedicated to answering your real estate finance questions, and helping you obtain the maximum enjoyment from your home.
2010 VA County Loan Limits for High-Cost Counties: The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Loan Guaranty program does not impose a maximum amount that an eligible veteran may borrow using a VA guaranteed loan. However, the
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Record-low mortgage rates are making it easier for Americans to buy a home, or refinance their existing loan. All-time lows on a variety of home loans recently were reported by mortgage investor Freddie Mac. “Interest rates for 30-year fixed mortgage loans tied an all-time record low while both 15-year fixed mortgages and 5-year ARMs broke their corresponding records,” says Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac’s chief economist.
Low rates make it easier to obtain affordable monthly payments on a great home. Housing affordability “is now at its most favorable point for buyers since 1970,” writes columnist Kenneth Harney. More than three out of four U.S. households can afford a starter home today, adds the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Expanded tax breaks for buyers also are encouraging more Americans to purchase a house now.
Purchases are picking up as a result. NAR says that pending home sales have gone up for nine straight months. Home sales are forecast by NAR to rise about 15 percent in 2010.
Real estate values are firming as demand strengthens. A government report states that “U.S. house prices rose modestly in the third quarter of 2009.” Another national study shows four straight months of rising home prices. In a few years we’ll most likely look back at today as being a terrific real estate buying opportunity. Let us show you how it’s possible to move into a home you’ll love right away!
Existing homeowners – as well as first-time buyers – now can save thousands of dollars when purchasing a principal residence by April 30, 2010. First-time home purchasers can save up to $8,000 in taxes, while owners who’ve lived in their house at least five years can save as much as $6,500.
Benefits are reduced for married couples whose modified adjusted gross income is more than $225,000, and singles earning over $125,000. You also can’t qualify for the credit if the home you purchase costs more than $800,000. In addition to reducing the cost of moving into a new home, these expanded tax breaks make it easier to secure your financial future. Here are some unique ways to use the tax breaks –
Households who plan on buying within a year or so may want to purchase now in order to take advantage of these savings. Persons near retirement age may want to move into a smaller home and sell their current house for a profit. You’ll then have more funds to retire on, since home equity makes up the bulk of most household’s net worth. Married couples also can have a tax-free gain of up to $500,000 when selling their principal residence, and singles qualify for $250,000 in profits without paying capital gains tax.
When combined with today’s low mortgage rates and attractive home prices, these expanded tax credits make today an excellent time to plan a move. If you’ve ever thought about purchasing a home over the past few years, you’ll find current buying conditions are better than they’ve been for quite awhile. We’ll show you how these tax credits make it easier for you to realize an affordable purchase. Contact us soon, since these breaks are scheduled to lapse on May 1.
Any homeowner with an adjustable-rate mortgage which will reset soon should consider refinancing at today’s low rates. You should stay with your current loan only if you’re certain you’ll move before the payment on your adjustable mortgage goes up. Many owners prefer 30-year mortgages – and their rates recently were 1.2 percent lower compared to a year ago! Refinancing now would let you save $186 each month on a $250,000 home loan. You’ll also enjoy peace of mind knowing that your payments won’t rise while you’re living there. We can select a mortgage which suits your situation after going over your plans.
A survey of recent buyers and sellers conducted by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) shows that first-time purchasers are becoming more important to the real estate market now. First-time buyers made 47 percent of all home purchases in 2009, says NAR. As recently as 2006 they made up just 36 percent of all U.S. buyers.
Several factors are behind this change. Low rates and great home prices are making housing more affordable. Government tax breaks for first-time buyers also are encouraging renters to make a move soon. Most of all, it shows that a new generation of owners understands the importance of having your own home. A typical first-time buyer is 30 years old, according to NAR, and almost half are married. Repeat buyers on average are 48 years old, and almost 70 percent are married, adds NAR. A typical buyer moves twelve miles from his previous residence. Recently-purchased homes tended to be 18 years old, and 1,800 square feet in size. Most were single-family houses built in the suburbs.
Buyers on average expect to stay in their houses for a decade. But purchasers aged 18 to 24 see themselves moving in seven years, while owners age 45 or older plan to stay put for 15 years. Real estate agents and the Internet were the main information sources used by home purchasers. Typically they spent twelve weeks looking at properties before signing a contract.
