Mortgage markets showed little conviction last week, carving out just a narrow trading channel. There was very little data on which for markets to move, leaving mortgage rates momentum-bound. Luckily for rate shoppers, mortgage rate momentum was favorable. Rates were slightly lower Monday through Thursday before breaking downward Friday afternoon. Home shoppers this past weekend caught a nice break. Last week marked the second straight week in which mortgage rates fell. This week, in holiday-shortened trading and with little economic data set for release, expect mortgage rates to again move on momentum. The biggest report of the week is Wednesday's Producer Price Index. Producer Price Index is important to...... Read the COMPLETE BLOG POST HERE: What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This We... 01/18/2010

  Mortgage rates are dropping this morning on weaker-than-expected Retail Sales data from December. Lower rates means more bang for your home-buying buck. Excluding motor vehicles and parts, December's "ex-auto" sales receipts were down roughly $500 million from November. Analysts had expected receipts to grow. The relevance of Retail Sales to home affordability isn't obvious, but it's definitely logical. Retail Sales is directly related to consumer spending and consumer spending accounts for the majority of the U.S. economy. When consumer spending slows, the economy often does, too. It leads investors to seek out "safe" investments. It's the reason why stock markets often drop on weak economic data -- stocks are among the riskiest investment classes available. Conversely, the best plac... 01/14/2010

Data was sparse through 2010's first trading week last week, setting the stage for a week of momentum trading. In up-and-down trading, mortgage pricing improved overall but the best rates of the week didn't last long. Rates improved Monday and Tuesday as an oversold market corrected itself to better price points.  Then, in anticipation of the December jobs report, rates worsened Wednesday and Thursday.  Friday, after the jobs report was released, pricing proceeded to carve out a huge range before settling unchanged. On average, lenders issued new rate sheets every few hours last week. It was a difficult week to shop for mortgages. Unfortunately, this week doesn't figure to be much better. For the second straight week, the economic calendar is bare.  Traders -- like last week -- will be ... 01/10/2010

The following are the market sales statistics for Altamonte Springs, Seminole County, Florida for December 2009.  Altamonte Springs is made up of the zip codes of 32701 & 32714.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas. A couple of definitions are in order.  The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices.  So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active. The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold propertie... 01/08/2010

Will you help me with proper pricing and marketing of my property? Is there any other marketing I should be doing to sell or rent my house? 90% of what is going to sell your house is a For Sale sign and directional signs, a listing in the MLS, and a listing on the heavily trafficked internet sites. The other 10% may bring you a lead in if you are lucky enough. We encourage you to market the property any way that you can think of, and we will be happy to give you a free price analysis and a free marketing consultation at the time you list your property with us. Broker, Rob Arnold, has written a detailed article about How to Sell in a Buyer's Market. We suggest that all prospective sellers read this article before listing their property for sale. An interesting thing that many consumers a... 12/22/2009

The following are the market sales statistics for Altamonte Springs, Seminole County, Florida for November 2009.  Altamonte Springs is made up of the zip codes of 32701 & 32714.  For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas. A couple of definitions are in order.  The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices.  So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active. The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold propertie... 12/16/2009

Mortgage markets worsened for a second consecutive week last week amid debt default concerns and stronger-than-expected economic data. Dollars left the bond market and mortgage rates suffered. After re-reaching an all-time low December 1, mortgage rates have since rolled back to mid-November levels. Rates are still low right now. Just not as low. And meanwhile, last week's big story -- the one that should concern mortgage applicants between now and early-2010 -- is the story of Retail Sales. Last week, a government report showed that American consumers are spending more this holiday season than was expected.  The Retail Sales data implies that consumers are feeling more confident in themselves, and in the economy overall. This is one of the last.......... Read the COMPLETE BLOG POST HER... 12/14/2009

November was another active month for the Orlando area. Below is just a sampling of all the great deals that Realtors with our firm were able to get sold in Central Florida.        1095 Santa Clara                     511 1st Ave                             1104 Craig Ct 1. 1095 Santa Clara Drive, Deltona, FL 32738. 3/2/2 block home.  This bank owned REO was in great condition.  Buyers bid it up over asking price.  Sold for $100,000. 2. 31 Areca Drive, Orlando, FL 32807. 4 bed/2 bath block home.  Our firm sold this property to an investor a few months ago.  The investor fixed the place up into perfect condition and then re-listed with us.  After less than a month on the market an FHA buyer bought it for $122,900. 3. 511 1st Avenue, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714. 3 bed/1 bath block home.  ... 12/06/2009

This morning's jobs report is causing mortgage rates to rise, capping a week during which rates have already jumped 3/8 percent off all-time lows. The government's November Non-Farm Payrolls report reinforced the notion that the recession is nearly over, if not over already. Just 11,000 jobs were lost last month -- much fewer than analysts had expected -- as the Unemployment Rate fell to 10.0%. If it seems strange to be talking economic recovery while Americans are still losing jobs -- 7.2 million since 2008 --  remember that data always needs context. See, analysts view employment figures as a lagging indicator for the economy.  This is because business owners tend to make hiring decisions based on how business has been -- not on how it will be at some point in the future. The jobs rep... 12/04/2009

A few months ago, one of my investment companies was served a summons.  Apparently the person I had sold the house to back in 2004 was in foreclosure and there was some sort of defect in the notarization of the deed when I sold it to him.  So they named my company in the foreclosure lawsuit in order to extinguish any possible title problem.  About every few weeks now, the plaintiff's attorney sends me some correspondence in the mail regarding the status of the foreclosure. Looks like an auction is coming up soon on this one.  I remember the house well.  In fact the profit from rehabbing and selling that particular house went into remodeling the kitchen in my current home.  This morning I was digging through the MLS doing a regular search for specific investment properties.  One of the h... 11/27/2009

There have been several articles over the last year about the next big wave of foreclosures coming down the pipeline.  60 Minutes did a whole documentary on this last year. Today USA Today published another article discussing the backlog of foreclosures on the horizon caused by failed short sales, failed modifications, government moratoriums, etc.  Another 7 million homes in the USA are destined to go into foreclosure over the upcoming months. This article makes an interesting read: Another Wave of Foreclosure Looms. Central Florida / Orlando gets hundreds of new foreclosure case filings every single week.  So anybody that is telling you that "the recession is over" is simply kidding themselves.  I hate to say it, but it sure looks like a tidal wave is on its way to shore in the near fu... 11/19/2009

Mortgage markets improved last week as foreign buyers of mortgage debt helped to push mortgage rates to a 4-week low. It marked the 3rd consecutive week that rates improved, breathing extra life into this year's ongoing Refi Boom. Fixed-rate, conforming mortgage rates fell about 0.125 percent on the week. ARMs did about the same. There wasn't much data to move mortgage rates last week; investors worked mostly on momentum and trends. However, the Friday University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment survey release garnered some attention. After worsening in August and September, consumer sentiment fell for the third straight month in October.  Analysts worry about what it could mean to the economy.  Holiday Shopping season is here and consumer spending fuels the economy.  If households hold t... 11/15/2009

The following are the market sales statistics for Altamonte Springs, Seminole County, Florida for October 2009. Altamonte Springs is made up of the zip codes of 32701 & 32714. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.   A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active.   The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties... 11/13/2009

Consider this a last call for FHA Streamline Refinances.  Starting next Tuesday, the popular rate-lowering program gets strict on borrowers. There's 5 days left. Under the current streamline refi guidelines, FHA homeowners have minimal program eligibility requirements. FICO scores must be 620 or higher The refinance must provide a "tangible benefit" No mortgage lates allowed in the last 12 months Beyond that, everything else goes, practically.  There's no income, asset, or job verification with the current FHA Streamline program. Neither is there an appraisal requirement.  It doesn't matter if you're 50% underwater. Until next week, that is. Beginning November 17, FHA Streamline Refinance applicants must show evidence of income and....... Read the COMPLETE BLOG POST HERE: FHA Streamline... 11/09/2009

The Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate within its target range of 0.000-0.250 percent. In its press release, the FOMC noted that the U.S. economy "has continued to pick up" since the September FOMC meeting and that housing market activity has increased. It's the third consecutive post-FOMC statement in which the Fed speaks optimistically about the U.S. economy -- a signal that the recession is likely over. The economy isn't without threats, however, and the Fed identified several in its announcement, including: Ongoing job losses for American workers Reduced fixed investment by businesses Ongoing challenges for the financial markets The overall tone remained positive, however,........ Read the COMPLETE BLOG POST HERE: A Simple Explanation Of The Federal Rese... 11/04/2009

It happens to everyone at one point or another during our lifetimes and it usually happens more than once. We find ourselves preparing for a major event: wedding day, graduation, new baby, selling our homes; so here's the big question - what do these events have in common with each other? Yes, they are life altering, yes they are stressors, and most times they are happy occasions. But what else do they have in common? They tend to generate very large to-do lists...call the caterer, call the florist, pick out the color schemes, rent the hall, etc. etc. etc... What does all of this have to do with preparing for an open house? Well, for starters out comes the famous to-do list followed by the big scramble to find time for completing our list. It has happened to me and I am sure it has happ... 11/04/2009

Some days, newspaper headlines are a terrible place to get your real estate news. Today is one of those days. After the September New Home Sales report showed sales volume down from August, the mainstream media jumped on the story: New Home Sales fall a surprising 3.6% Surprise Drop In New Home Sales Stocks slide as New Home Sales fall But the headlines miss the point, somewhat.  Yes, home sales volume is important to housing, but it's not as important as home supply. A deeper look at the New Home Sales data reveals an interesting comparison point: New home sales volume fell 3.6% The number of new homes available for sale fell 3.8% In other words, sales outpaced....... Read the COMPLETE BLOG HERE: What The Media About September's New Home Sales Report   ---------------------------------... 10/28/2009

The following are the market sales statistics for Altamonte Springs, Seminole County, Florida for September 2009. Altamonte Springs is made up of the zip codes of 32701 & 32714. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas.   A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active.   The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properti... 10/14/2009

The Orlando Regional Realtor Association released their monthly housing statistics for Orange County and Seminole County for the month of September 2009 (area covers Orlando, Altamonte Springs, Lake Mary, Winter Garden, Winter Park, Longwood, etc.).  Here is a link to the full housing report. ORRA Originated Sales Sept. 2009 5.09% 15,967 4,030 3,858 8,790 857 846 1,014 2,151 97 Inventory levels dropped slightly from 16,361 in August to 15,967 in September.  This continues the decline that started around summertime 2008.  The number of properties currently sale pending is at the highest level ever seen with 8,790 properties under contract. In September 2008, this figure was just 3,256 and in September 2007 it was just 2,012.  Big change.  However, as of this morning 4,371 of these pendin... 10/14/2009

The following are the market sales statistics for Altamonte Springs, Seminole County, Florida for August 2009. Altamonte Springs is made up of the zip codes of 32701 & 32714. For purposes of this analysis we are only splitting the data according to single-family homes vs, condominiums, townhomes and villas. A couple of definitions are in order. The median sales price means that 50% of the homes sold for more and 50% of the homes sold for less during a certain period of time - in other words, it's the midpoint of sale prices. So basically what this means, is that the median sales price is showing market activity in that it's specifically indicating which price range is more active.   The average sales price, as opposed to the median sales price, is the total volume of sold properties di... 09/21/2009