Monday, November 16, 2009
One in Twenty Looking to Buy
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2009-11-11-home-buying-poll_N.htm
Friday, November 6, 2009
Tax Credit Extended for First-Time and Current Homeowners
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Home Owners Save $200,000 in Commission Fees
I have a great announcement! Sellers who have sold their homes on northiowaforsalebyowner.com have surpassed the
$200,000 mark in savings!
This week, our 27th home sold!
In all, sellers have saved $215,000, or an average of $7962 each. Had these owners sold with a realtor, that money would have gone to commission fees. Instead, by choosing 'for sale by owner', or 'fsbo', they've been able to pocket that money themselves! We all can appreciate saving money during these tough economic times.
NorthIowaForSaleByOwner.com hit the Internet in September of 2006. It's a local website, based out of Mason City, Iowa. If you're considering selling a home by yourself, please take a look at testimonials from our previous clients at http://www.northiowafsbo.com/sold_homes.html
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Mason City Appraiser Comments on Local Housing Prices
If you're trying to buy or sell a home these days, you no doubt heard that home prices fell 19% during the first quarter of 2009.
(See USAToday article) http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2009-05-26-home-prices_N.htm
But these are figures from the nation's largest cities. What about home prices right here in Mason City, Iowa?
Mike Albrecht of North Iowa Appraisal has been appraising homes more than 11 years.
"I've seen an oversupply of homes before, but have not seen sales activity this slow for this time of year," said Albrecht.
Currently in Mason City, sales transactions of single family homes are down and the average sale price of homes are down about 20% compared to one year ago.
"So, based on the data, yes, housing prices have declined," said Albrecht. "However it's not that simple. It has been my experience based on the work I do everyday that when a home in good condition sells in the current market in a good neighborhood, it still sells close to the price it would have 12 months earlier."
So who is seeing the decline in home prices?
"Lower end homes that need work are competing with foreclosures/bank-owned properties and can sell at a substantial discount," said Albrecht.
So look around. Does your home fall into this category? Albrecht says there are things you can do without spending a lot of money. But it will take some elbow grease. His advice- clean and paint.
"If a home has an obvious deficiency, such as a 1940's kitchen, depreciated shingles, broken windows, it may make sense to update that item," said Albrecht. "However if they are looking at doing something to help the resale value of the home, soap and water and a coat of paint is the best bet."
According to Albrecht, determining the condition of Mason City's housing market is not quite as easy as a market such as Des Moines. Lately, there haven't been a large number of sales in Mason City and neighborhoods have a lot of variation.
"A larger community like Des Moines may have a slower than typical market, however would still have enough sale transactions to determine exact appreciation/depreciation percentages. Additionally, larger communities will include larger neighborhoods with very similar homes. It is easier to recognize trends when identical homes are selling for more or less than they did during another period of time."
To contact Albrecht, go to his website at http://www.northiowaappraisal.com/
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Iowa Banks-First Quarter 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Curb Appeal Tips
From my own experience of looking at homes, here are some of the first things I notice when approaching a house.
1. How does the exterior appear? Does it need a new coat of paint? Is the siding cracked or clean? Oftentimes, mildew and cobwebs need to be removed.
2. Is the front door in need of a fresh coat of paint? New shiny hardware can do wonders! Are there any cracked windows that need replacing?
3. Is the lawn freshly manicured? Leaves, branches, sticks and weeds should be removed from the lawn, corners of the house, underneath patio furniture and window wells.
4. Are the windows and screens clean?
5. Are the rain gutters clean and installed properly?
6. Flowers will add wonders to a home's curb appeal.
7. Finally, look at the landscaping. Is your home hiding behind it? It may be time to pull out those overgrown shrubs and trees.
Here are some related articles. I like this first one on trulia.com. It has great before and after pictures that show how even a dud of a home can become a dream- with a little vision!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
April Home Sales-Cerro Gordo County
House For Sale-Split Level
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Home Sales in Cerro Gordo County
So how much have things slowed down in North Iowa? I've been doing a little research with the county recorder's office. This is where the deeds (i.e. home sales) get recorded when they exchange hands during a property agreement.
Here's what Colleen Pearce, the Cerro Gordo County Recorder told me. "It's been very slow compared to even last year and that was not as busy as the year before. We used to have days where 100 documents would come through here in a day (that's all documents, not just home sales). Now we have about 40 documents a day."
From 2003 to 2007, the number of properties sold averaged 1,834. But those sales fell by 20.338% in 2008 to 1,461.
And here is how 2009 is starting off. In January, records show there were only 74 home sales in Cerro Gordo County. That's a 35% decrease from January 2008 which had 114 sales. Here are the numbers up close.
YEAR/DEEDS (Home Sales) RECORDED
2003/ 1877
2004/ 2023
2005/ 1960
2006/ 1729
2007/ 1783
2008/ 1461
The good news is banks in Mason City, Iowa are not facing the banking crisis on Wall Street. For example, the folks at Farmer's State Bank have told me they want to give out more mortgages. North Iowa is a great place to live. And we're poised to move ahead at great strides once confidence is restored. The air is clean, it's a great place to raise a family, we have lots of recreational opportunities with Clear Lake, bike trails, East Park, Lime Creek Nature Center, the list goes on and on. Plus, we have great choices in education, with sound public, parochial schools and a growing North Iowa Area Community College.
Frustration won't last forever. Keep your chin up. Spring is just a few weeks away. Better times will come.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Stimulus Plan-What's in it for the Housing Market?
Click here to read more information at usatoday.com. http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-02-12-stimulus-package-effects_N.htm
And here's a heads-up for those homeowners feeling the threat of foreclosure. On Wednesday, Obama is expected to release details on a 50 billion dollar plan to help slow foreclosures and reduce mortgage payments.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Staging Your Home to Sell
After visiting many homes during the past two years, here are just a few of my own tips.
1. Clear the kitchen counters. Just to name a few, get rid of the toaster, the mixer, any other appliances, the papers, the hot plates, cookbooks, get rid of dishtowels in the sink and on the stove. Take all the pictures and notes off the refrigerator. Once that's done, clean to your heart's content. That includes the inside of the refrigerator, the dirty dishwasher door, the faucet. Make it shine!
2. Clear out kitchen cupboards and pantries. Get rid of those dishes, glasses, old muffin pans, the rice cooker that you never use. I am reminded of the woman whose kitchen cupboards were stocked with three full sets of tableware and the couple with twenty coffee mugs for the two of them. Is all that stuff really necessary? If you can't part with it, find a place in storage. Show us the space in your cupboards.
3. Take it to Goodwill. Now turn to your closets. Most people could easily part with half the clothes hanging in their closets. If you haven't worn it in the past year, believe me, you won't miss it. If it doesn't fit, say goodbye. It's not only good for the appearance of your home, but for your psyche as well. Do you have baby clothes in storage just in case you have another one? If you don't plan on using them in the next year or two, I suggest letting another child in need get his/her use out of them. The same goes with too many toys.
4. Keep the furniture simple. Every wall doesn't need something on or against it. Play up the focus of each room. Is it a conversation, reading or game area? If a chair or rug looks worn, consider investing in an inexpensive new one. Same thing goes for old light fixtures.
5. Depersonalize. Make your home appealing to as many buyers as possible. That involves toning down wall colors, taking down personal photos, and decor that stands out. (I've seen a lot of football-themed bedrooms and one safari-jungle living room that, let's just say, don't appeal to a broad audience) Unfortunately, a lot of buyers are not very imaginative, so homeowners need to make it easy for them.
Ready for more? Here are some more great tips on HGTV.com http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/13-home-staging-secrets/pictures/page-6.html
Monday, February 9, 2009
Real Estate Advice Worth Watching
Is this a good time to buy? Thinking of buying a foreclosed home? It's great advice and easy to comprehend. Click here to watch http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/29052256#29052256
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Huge Tax Break for Homebuyers in Stimulus Bill
While it still needs approval by the House and President, I wanted to let you know it's something to keep your eye on!
Read more at at usatoday.com or click here http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2009-02-04-taxbreak-homebuyers_N.htm
Monday, January 26, 2009
Helpful Real Estate Tips and Myths
Just click here http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/28818023/
December Home Sales Up
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/2009-01-26-home-sales_N.htm
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Ranch For Sale Near Elementary
SOLD!!!
This is a well-cared for two-bedroom ranch with lots of room for growth located half a block from a great elementary. Great price, too! $83,750
Check it out at http://www.northiowafsbo.com/property_for_sale/114_2nd_street_south/index.html
Refinancing Applications More Popular Than New Loan Applications
http://www.usatoday.com/money/economy/housing/2009-01-14-mortgage-applications_N.htm
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Buyers Need New Mindset for 2009
[Stephanie@northiowafsbo.com] Are you hopeful for the upcoming year or already looking forward to 2010?
[Pat Thompson@ Farmers State Bank] Little of both. I think that our market correction will continue during 2009 but hopefully find some conclusion during the calendar year. Changing the mindset of borrowers and educating them on the new rules will be a big part of 2009.
[Stephanie@northiowafsbo.com] Changing the mindset?
[Pat Thompson@ Farmers State Bank] 100% conventional financing has been eliminated. Stated income programs are also gone. Any refinance within the first 6 months of ownership is considered to be a cash-out refinance vs. a straight refinance which brings on new LTV (Loan-to-Value) limitations and pricing increases. Bankruptcy and Foreclosures in a buyer's past have now created a longer period of time necessary between the date of the action and how long before they are able to get a mortgage loan.
The largest majority (of new requirements) come from a buyer's FICO (credit) score. For every 20 points your score drops, it triggers an upward pricing adjustment. 720 to 740 range, depending on the lender, is the all-clear point meaning that if you are there or above you are not penalized. According to some national statistics, 50%-60% of Americans have a credit score that falls into the penalty range. Depending on the type of loan applied for and qualifications of the borrower, their rate could be 5.125% or it could be 6.75%
[Stephanie@northiowafsbo.com] What should a home buyer do to get their affairs in order?
[Pat Thompson@ Farmers State Bank] The largest thing anyone can do in today’s market is maintain and improve credit scores. There are minimums now that didn’t use to be there and they are taking some borrowers totally out of the market either through denial or pricing adjustments.
[Stephanie@northiowafsbo.com] What kind of activity are you seeing on the banking side? Are people applying for mortgages? If so, are they getting them? What percentage of mortgages are being denied (if any) and why?
[Pat Thompson@ Farmers State Bank] There is some activity in the purchase market and quite a bit in the refinance market. With regards to denials, I haven’t had a lot although when screening refinance requests, many people are not going through with any action once they hear quotes and understand today’s new pricing requirements from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. Upward rate adjustments based on LTV and credit scoring are making a lot of refinances not sound so appealing.
(Here is some background on LTV's from wikipedia.com) LTV is the Loan to Value ratio. For example, if a borrower wants $130,000 to purchase a house worth $150,000, the LTV ratio is $130,000/$150,000 or 87%. Low LTV ratios (below 80%) carry with them lower rates for lower-risk borrowers.
[Stephanie@northiowafsbo.com] Let's say I want a 30-year fixed mortgage on a $200,000 house? What type of down payment is needed? If my credit is good, what type of interest rate can I get?
[Pat Thompson@ Farmers State Bank] Today’s market for conventional loans requires a minimum of 5% down on a purchase. Interest rates have varied from 4.75% to about 5.25% for a 30 year fixed rate.
In short, with interest rates so low, it is a great time to buy a home- if your affairs are in order. Here's another related article that can help you in your decision-making. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28471137/
Thanks to Pat Thompson at Farmers State Bank which has offices in Grafton, Joice, Plymouth, Ventura, St. Ansgar, Northwood and Mason City. Check out their website @ http://www.fsbbanks.com/