Wow! I have been BUSY! As you may already know, I have had my best year yet in real estate! Despite economic woes in nearly all business sectors, and many facing pay-cuts and unemployment, the real estate market is bouncing back!
What has caused the surge in home purchases? From my perspective several factors have caused this.
1. Interest rates remain low - we are under 7% folks, this is awesome!
2. FHA is a mere 3.5% down - and most loans are going FHA (Not much of a difference in interest rates)
3. Prices have been slashed everywhere - what a great time for a discount purchase!
4. More sellers are ready to move up since prices are lower on the high end of homes!
5. Reality has set in - people realize that prices won't get so high as they were in 2002-2006 - but, the the economy is reliant on the housing industry in so many different ways - so there MUST BE STABILIZATION!
6. The FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT of up to $8,000 - which is set to EXPIRE November 30, 2009.
If you have not heard, most homes do not stay on the market for extended periods of time anymore - and if they do - it's usually due to the same old truths: priced too high and not properly marketed.
Most homes - including my own listings - have multiple offers - and sellers realize this!
I am so excited to approach the last quarter of 2009 as one of the top 18 REALTORS(R) in ERA's Broker council! I am as dedicated as ever to provide my clients with the utmost in service and professionalism.
If you or anyone you know if looking for a REALTOR(R) please pass on my information today!!!
*Don't forget to look for my new ad in the latest edition of HOMES & LAND*
As always,
Stacy Dover - REALTOR (R) - Building Dreams starts with Community!
Honesty, Integrity...Service you can TRUST!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
First Time Buyers are EVERYWHERE!
The past month has kept me very busy! It is wonderful to see so many people able to finally afford a home in Southern California! Over 50% of the population can now afford the median priced home in California! This is astounding! As a result, I have been working with first-time buyers like never before!
I have properties listed that are in escrow with first time buyers, and I have many prospective buyers I have been taking out to various locations to view properties. I have been from Los Angeles to Fontana and I can say this for sure: Properties in the $300,000 range are getting multiple offers! Here are a few tips if you are starting your search:
1. Make sure you are working with a licensed REALTOR - someone that can advise you of the market, trends and how to make a good offer!
2. Once you have found a REALTOR - stay loyal! They will loyally work for you and need to know you are committed. If you are asked to sign a buyer's agreement, whether a one-page contract or a standard Buyer Broker Agreement - do not be afraid! If you are a serious buyer, these documents will only protect your rights as a buyer - and assure you are receiving the highest level of service!
3. Be realistic! IF you are looking at bank owned, or any other As-is homes, remember, you are getting a great deal, but expect to put money into the home -- even if it is as basic as a toilet or light fixtures. Great deals are out there, but the homes need basic amenities as well.
4. Get pre-qualified with a DIRECT LENDER. Many banks are requiring direct lenders! This is easy and free of charge - call me if you need a local lender.
5. Stay open to the area you want to live in. Make a list of priorities and if you cannot find your home in one place - be willing to look somewhere else.
6. Stay focused and committed! Buying a home is a huge step - make sure you are ready to stick with the purchase!
7. If you are getting an FHA loan be sure any condos or homes with associations are HUD approved for FHA loans. I learned that if this is not the case, a certification is not an easy process.
As always, I can help am here to answer your questions!
Stacy Dover - REALTOR
I have properties listed that are in escrow with first time buyers, and I have many prospective buyers I have been taking out to various locations to view properties. I have been from Los Angeles to Fontana and I can say this for sure: Properties in the $300,000 range are getting multiple offers! Here are a few tips if you are starting your search:
1. Make sure you are working with a licensed REALTOR - someone that can advise you of the market, trends and how to make a good offer!
2. Once you have found a REALTOR - stay loyal! They will loyally work for you and need to know you are committed. If you are asked to sign a buyer's agreement, whether a one-page contract or a standard Buyer Broker Agreement - do not be afraid! If you are a serious buyer, these documents will only protect your rights as a buyer - and assure you are receiving the highest level of service!
3. Be realistic! IF you are looking at bank owned, or any other As-is homes, remember, you are getting a great deal, but expect to put money into the home -- even if it is as basic as a toilet or light fixtures. Great deals are out there, but the homes need basic amenities as well.
4. Get pre-qualified with a DIRECT LENDER. Many banks are requiring direct lenders! This is easy and free of charge - call me if you need a local lender.
5. Stay open to the area you want to live in. Make a list of priorities and if you cannot find your home in one place - be willing to look somewhere else.
6. Stay focused and committed! Buying a home is a huge step - make sure you are ready to stick with the purchase!
7. If you are getting an FHA loan be sure any condos or homes with associations are HUD approved for FHA loans. I learned that if this is not the case, a certification is not an easy process.
As always, I can help am here to answer your questions!
Stacy Dover - REALTOR
Happy Earth Day!
As more of the world becomes aware of what is being dubbed "green living" or Eco-friendly, the California Association of REALTORS is publishing tips for green living. Given the heat these past couple of days, and the plants wilting around me, I thought this weeks' tip was very appropriate:
C.A.R. Green Tip of the Week: More drought tips
Californians may face water rationing this summer. In response, the California Landscape Contractors Association has provided tips for use by homeowners and businesses.
. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water.
. Heavily mulch all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster.
. Mow grass higher to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture. Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper.
For more green real-estate-related tips and discussion, visit C.A.R.’s green blog (http://blogs.car.org/) and C.A.R.’s Green Web site (http://green.car.org/).
C.A.R. Green Tip of the Week: More drought tips
Californians may face water rationing this summer. In response, the California Landscape Contractors Association has provided tips for use by homeowners and businesses.
. Do not use high nitrogen fertilizers during a drought. They encourage growth but the plants will need more water.
. Heavily mulch all flower and soil beds. Mulch helps keep water in the soil. Do not use rocks/gravel because they add heat to the soil and moisture evaporates faster.
. Mow grass higher to promote deeper root growth and hold more moisture. Aerate the lawn and fill the holes with compost so the water can infiltrate deeper.
For more green real-estate-related tips and discussion, visit C.A.R.’s green blog (http://blogs.car.org/) and C.A.R.’s Green Web site (http://green.car.org/).
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Good News for the Housing Market
I have a quick update on the current housing market!! Guess what? it is good news!!!
The word is spreading....
** Suze Orman (Financial Guru) is telling everyone to invest in REAL ESTATE!!!
** On this morning's TODAY show, a financial expert stated that he believes this spring's selling season will be "THE BEST SELLING SEASON IN 3 YEARS!!"
** The housing crisis is widepsread in America, but . . . out of the thousands of counties in this country just 35 counties in the entire US are actually in a depressed market!
* Over 90% of the people in this country are PAYING THEIR MORTGAGES ON TIME!!!!
** Through out the U.S., over 4.9 MILLION HOMES SOLD IN 2008!!
** The market in our area is UP SIGNIFICANTLY!!! As of January 2008, there were 338 open escrows. As of January 2009, there were 950 open escrows!
** The largest demographic currently purchasing homes is FIRST TIME HOME BUYERS aged 24-34. Just a few short years ago, only 8% of people in this group could afford the median priced home. Now, thanks to favorable market conditions, 59% of 24-34 year old first time home buyers can now afford a median priced home!
What does this mean for you? If you are a buyer - things are better than they have been for years! Coupled with the federal and state tax credits, you are actually getting PAID to buy a home! This has never happened before! And, if you are a seller, HOLD ON tight!!! The market is just getting started!! The current upswing will continue as incentives are great, interest rates ARE VERY LOW and inventory is plentiful!!
BUY - OR - SELL NOW AND LOOK SMART LATER!!!
AS ALWAYS -- I AM HERE TO HELP!
HONESTY, INTEGRITY . . . SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST!
STACY DOVER
Monday, March 2, 2009
New Home Buyer Tax Credit!!!
If you have not found the low interest rates, low homes prices and vast inventory reason enough to buy - that is - if you are STILL ON THE FENCE!!!! Well, you now have more reason to GET OFF THE FENCE, STOP PAYING SOMEONE ELSE"S MORTGAGE with your rent money and BUY!!!! Here's why: According to the California Association of REALTORS (R) A $10,000 state tax credit will benefit a projected 10,000 new-home buyers starting Sunday and, in turn, could help beleaguered home builders, the California Building Industry Association said yesterday.
The measure, costing $100 million over the next three years, was included in the budget compromise passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week. “What we've been missing in the market the last couple of years are people,” said Tim Coyle, senior vice president for government affairs of the builders group. “Already, with the news of this tax credit being authorized and signed into law last Friday, we're beginning to see interest in people who we need desperately to return back to housing markets where they haven't been for so long,” Coyle said.
In the Glendora area, we still have some homes available in the LYONS home development and of course, Azusa's Rosedale development. I can help you navigate your way throught the new home process. Even if you are looking to purchase a new home, you need a REALTOR (R) to represent your best interest. If you are interested in a new home purchase, let me take you through the models. I can register you, guide you and help negotiate in YOUR BEST INTEREST and this is of NO COST TO YOU!
As always, please call me with any of your questions. I am your real estate professional and I can help you with all of your real estate needs!
Stacy
Honesty, Integrity...Service you can TRUST!
The measure, costing $100 million over the next three years, was included in the budget compromise passed by the Legislature and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last week. “What we've been missing in the market the last couple of years are people,” said Tim Coyle, senior vice president for government affairs of the builders group. “Already, with the news of this tax credit being authorized and signed into law last Friday, we're beginning to see interest in people who we need desperately to return back to housing markets where they haven't been for so long,” Coyle said.
In the Glendora area, we still have some homes available in the LYONS home development and of course, Azusa's Rosedale development. I can help you navigate your way throught the new home process. Even if you are looking to purchase a new home, you need a REALTOR (R) to represent your best interest. If you are interested in a new home purchase, let me take you through the models. I can register you, guide you and help negotiate in YOUR BEST INTEREST and this is of NO COST TO YOU!
As always, please call me with any of your questions. I am your real estate professional and I can help you with all of your real estate needs!
Stacy
Honesty, Integrity...Service you can TRUST!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Service Is Golden: Real Estate Programs to Put Seniors' Minds at Ease
The mature years can be the best time of life – retirement has come, the kids are grown and you can enjoy the results of your hard work and smart choices with all your loved ones. And now is a good time to be a senior – the U.S. Census Bureau says that the mature population is expected to jump nearly 80 percent by the year 2025, and business is already taking note, with many programs to suit seniors' special needs.
That's only right, since, even with all the rewards of a life well-spent, the golden years can bring unique concerns not previously encountered. The prospects of moving for the first time in years or even decades, selling a beloved family home, maintaining rental properties, and navigating related tax issues are all special considerations that call for special service.
For reasons like these, the real estate industry has established a special organization to address the unique needs of this fast-growing and significant part of the American family: the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC). SAREC has in turn established a certification program by which Realtors® of all ages are schooled in the specific interests of senior homebuyers and sellers. The "Seniors Real Estate Specialist" (SRES) designation qualifies professionals to answer the many questions on the minds of mature customers contemplating their retirement moves.
SRES holders can help guide you through the complexities of selecting your next home for maximum quality of life, considering such factors as accessibility of homes (not too many stairs, high cabinets, etc.); availability of public transportation and senior services; comfort-level of climate and terrain; and much more. These Realtors® also have access to referral networks that can help put you in touch with qualified professionals and suitable housing nationwide.
Your local ERA Real Estate office participates in the SRES program. Among the many other advantages provided by our trained professionals is the ERA® Sellers Security® Plan*, which offers the relief of a guaranteed sale of your current home for those who need to move into their new one in a specified time (as can often be the case with commitments to purchase a new house or deadlines to join a retirement community). Unmatched among national real estate brands, the Plan promises that "We Will Sell Your House, Or ERA Will Buy It!®", and it's just part of the array of methods we have to meet your unique needs.
In the senior years or any other time, buying and selling homes is one of life's most important decisions, both financially and emotionally. It shouldn't have to be the most stressful and complex, and there are programs and professionals in place to make sure it's the opposite. With the right Realtor®, you can be the "senior" partner in your own lifetime satisfaction and sales success.
Contact me, Stacy Dover and I will help you every step of the way! ERA - Always there for you!
That's only right, since, even with all the rewards of a life well-spent, the golden years can bring unique concerns not previously encountered. The prospects of moving for the first time in years or even decades, selling a beloved family home, maintaining rental properties, and navigating related tax issues are all special considerations that call for special service.
For reasons like these, the real estate industry has established a special organization to address the unique needs of this fast-growing and significant part of the American family: the Senior Advantage Real Estate Council (SAREC). SAREC has in turn established a certification program by which Realtors® of all ages are schooled in the specific interests of senior homebuyers and sellers. The "Seniors Real Estate Specialist" (SRES) designation qualifies professionals to answer the many questions on the minds of mature customers contemplating their retirement moves.
SRES holders can help guide you through the complexities of selecting your next home for maximum quality of life, considering such factors as accessibility of homes (not too many stairs, high cabinets, etc.); availability of public transportation and senior services; comfort-level of climate and terrain; and much more. These Realtors® also have access to referral networks that can help put you in touch with qualified professionals and suitable housing nationwide.
Your local ERA Real Estate office participates in the SRES program. Among the many other advantages provided by our trained professionals is the ERA® Sellers Security® Plan*, which offers the relief of a guaranteed sale of your current home for those who need to move into their new one in a specified time (as can often be the case with commitments to purchase a new house or deadlines to join a retirement community). Unmatched among national real estate brands, the Plan promises that "We Will Sell Your House, Or ERA Will Buy It!®", and it's just part of the array of methods we have to meet your unique needs.
In the senior years or any other time, buying and selling homes is one of life's most important decisions, both financially and emotionally. It shouldn't have to be the most stressful and complex, and there are programs and professionals in place to make sure it's the opposite. With the right Realtor®, you can be the "senior" partner in your own lifetime satisfaction and sales success.
Contact me, Stacy Dover and I will help you every step of the way! ERA - Always there for you!
First Time Home-Buyers!!!! This is the best time to Buy!!!
No Time like the First Time
If you are contemplating the purchase of your first home, congratulations! As you probably know, buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you can make. It is also a process filled with emotion, and a touch of anxiety. To help keep you sleeping soundly, here are answers to three big questions that concern many potential first-time homeowners.
Question #1: How do I decide what to look for in a home?
It’s easier than you think. Sit yourself down and list what’s important to you in a home. The purchase of every home involves making tradeoffs, so be sure to prioritize your list.
One element is architectural style. Do you prefer a Colonial, a Cape Cod or a modern look? An important factor to consider is living space. How much room do you need right now, and to meet anticipated needs?
Make a list of features that must be a part of your home. Perhaps that Olympic-size pool and tennis court can be put off for another day, but you may absolutely need an eat-in kitchen NOW! It’s all a matter of your taste and personal style.
Question #2: Where should I begin the search?
That old real estate adage about “location, location, location” aside, choosing where to live is usually determined by your personal circumstances and desires. Do you have a particular community, or even a particular block, in mind?
What is it about the location of your new home that is most important to you? Do you prefer an urban, suburban or rural setting? Consider proximity to work, schools, shopping, entertainment and houses of worship. Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential candidates, the Internet can be an excellent tool for learning what a particular community has to offer.
Question #3: How can I find financing that makes sense for me?
Despite a rise in prices in recent years, homes have seldom been more affordable. Interest rates are lower than we’ve seen in decades. Innovative financing plans are available to fit a broad range of needs.
Still, the last thing you want to do is start out in your first home saddled with an uncomfortable level of debt. Seeking the advice of a professional who can give you the lowdown on financing options that match your qualifications is a big step in the right direction.
Once you’ve narrowed your search, talk to a real estate professional that serves the community you’d like to call home. ERA® associates are trained to guide you through your purchase every step of the way. Our Web site, ERA.com, reaches around the globe to bring up-to-date listings directly to you. ERA Mortgage offers loan programs expressly designed to meet the needs of qualified first-time homebuyers.
The path to finding your first home is sure to be full of twists and turns. Once you’re armed with the answers to the big questions, the search can be fulfilling, and even fun!
If you are contemplating the purchase of your first home, congratulations! As you probably know, buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments you can make. It is also a process filled with emotion, and a touch of anxiety. To help keep you sleeping soundly, here are answers to three big questions that concern many potential first-time homeowners.
Question #1: How do I decide what to look for in a home?
It’s easier than you think. Sit yourself down and list what’s important to you in a home. The purchase of every home involves making tradeoffs, so be sure to prioritize your list.
One element is architectural style. Do you prefer a Colonial, a Cape Cod or a modern look? An important factor to consider is living space. How much room do you need right now, and to meet anticipated needs?
Make a list of features that must be a part of your home. Perhaps that Olympic-size pool and tennis court can be put off for another day, but you may absolutely need an eat-in kitchen NOW! It’s all a matter of your taste and personal style.
Question #2: Where should I begin the search?
That old real estate adage about “location, location, location” aside, choosing where to live is usually determined by your personal circumstances and desires. Do you have a particular community, or even a particular block, in mind?
What is it about the location of your new home that is most important to you? Do you prefer an urban, suburban or rural setting? Consider proximity to work, schools, shopping, entertainment and houses of worship. Once you’ve narrowed your list of potential candidates, the Internet can be an excellent tool for learning what a particular community has to offer.
Question #3: How can I find financing that makes sense for me?
Despite a rise in prices in recent years, homes have seldom been more affordable. Interest rates are lower than we’ve seen in decades. Innovative financing plans are available to fit a broad range of needs.
Still, the last thing you want to do is start out in your first home saddled with an uncomfortable level of debt. Seeking the advice of a professional who can give you the lowdown on financing options that match your qualifications is a big step in the right direction.
Once you’ve narrowed your search, talk to a real estate professional that serves the community you’d like to call home. ERA® associates are trained to guide you through your purchase every step of the way. Our Web site, ERA.com, reaches around the globe to bring up-to-date listings directly to you. ERA Mortgage offers loan programs expressly designed to meet the needs of qualified first-time homebuyers.
The path to finding your first home is sure to be full of twists and turns. Once you’re armed with the answers to the big questions, the search can be fulfilling, and even fun!
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