Howard County Real Estate Talk
A blog about residential Real Estate in Howard County, Maryland.
Howard County Real Estate Talk

More encouraging news....consumer confidence improves!!!

Do I sound like a broken record or what?  The market appears to be bottoming out. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090428/ap_on_bi_ge/us_economy

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Comments on Spring 2009 market

Just want to give a quick note to our readers....my opinion on the current market is that we probably are at bottom.  Active inventory is starting to decrease and pending sales are increasing.  I think this is in large part due to low interest rates and low home prices.  Unfortunately, I don't think we'll see sizable appreciation at least for several years.  While this lack of appreciation isn't a selling point for buyers, the low interest rate potential for 30 years makes it an outstanding time to buy! 
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Some positive news on the housing market!

I came across this article and wanted to
let you know of some of the possible advantages to buying a home at
this time.  Prices are significantly low, interest rates are low and
sales have to started to pick up.  There is no way to know for sure, but
perhaps we could be at a bottom here or close to it. 

http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story

If you have any
questions, let me know.

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A great time to buy or refi your current home!

Recently we've seen a tremendous drop in rates.  Today, we are seeing 30 year fixed rates in the low 5.0-5.5% range.  If you have an existing loan, it is a great time to consider refinancing.  However, with the recent price drop in home values it would be smart to make sure you have enough equity in your home before paying any appraisal or loan fees.  If you need a free market analysis of your home, contact us anytime.

If you have been thinking about buying, these rates should been enough to encourage you to jump in.  Couple that with homes price back at 2004/2005 price levels, it certainly has become a much more attractive time to buy.

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Interesting comments from Warren Buffett on the stock market

I came across this from a colleague and found it interesting.  Just as in Real Estate, generally the smart investors do the opposite of the market.  They buy when the market is low and sell when it is high.  With the stock market showing you its typical volatility we need to revisit our Real Estate investments.  Although Real Estate has been tough the last few years, it is still tangible and a necessity.  A piece of stock is not necessary.  You have to live somewhere. 

In addition, Real Estate is very slow moving.  This historical week shows you how crazy ...<< MORE >>

MONEY Magazine ranks Columbia/Ellicott City as 8th BEST PLACE TO LIVE IN THE USA!

And the praise keeps coming.  Add all the great publicity and with BRAC jobs coming thru 2012, this maybe a great time to consider increasing your real estate portfolio in Central Maryland!

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/bplive/2008/snapshots/PL2419125.html
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Update on the financial markets.

It has been a tumultuous week for Wall
Street but it seems that calmer heads have prevailed for the last
couple of days - let's all hope that trend continues. There has been a
lot of negative speculation regarding the financial health of any
company associated with the mortgage industry including most banks and
industry giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The failure of IndyMac
seems to have been the catalyst for the latest round of fears. The fear
that Fannie and Freddie are going to fail is, in my opinion, greatly
exaggerated. Unfortunately, once the rumors start, they can start to
become a self-fulfilling prophecy when ...<< MORE >>

Forbes ranks Howard County as the 17th best place to raise a family in the USA!

Just another good reason to buy in Howard County.  Howard County has been recognized by both Money Magazine and now Forbes as one of the best places to live.  And when there is a good place to live, there is a good place to buy and invest in. 

http://www.forbes.com/2008/06/27/schools-places-family-forbeslife-cx_zg_0630realestate_slide_5.html?thisSpeed=15000
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Central Maryland Homes for Sale

Photo Address Details Price
Amazing Builder's Model Home backs to WOODS! 4829 Attenborough Way
Ellicott City, MD 21043



TourID: 0
Amazing Builder's Model Home backs to WOODS!
Bedroom: 4
Full Bath: 4
Half Bath: 1
5050 Sq. Ft.
$899,000
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Loans in Maryland will NOW require income documentation

The big news this week is thatas of June 1,
Maryland Senate Bill 363 went into effect, basically eliminating all
lenders from closing any Alt Doc loans (NINA, NO RATIO, STATED Loans)
where income has not been documented to show the borrowers can afford
the monthly payments. I believe Maryland is the 4th State (West
Virginia, Minnesota, Ohio) to pass this type of law. Other States
currently have the same bills out for legislative review and vote. What
this means is that any loan closing in Maryland must have income
documentation in the loan file - pay stubs, W-2s, 1099s, and/or income
tax returns, even in ...

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