Despite grim national headlines, a new study shows that the Dallas housing market is on the upswing.
"While we continue to see broad improvement in home prices as measured by the annual rate, the latest data show a far more mixed picture when you look at other details," says David M. Blitzer, Chairman of the Index Committee at Standard & Poor's. "Only five of the markets saw price increases in November versus October. What is more interesting is that four of the markets – Charlotte, Las Vegas, Seattle and Tampa – posted new low index levels as measured by the past four years. In other words, any gains they might have seen in recent months have been erased and November is now considered their current trough value. On the flip side, there are still some markets that continue to improve month-over-month. Los Angeles, Phoenix, San Diego and San Francisco have seen prices increase for at least six consecutive months. Looking at the annual figures, four markets – Dallas, Denver, San Diego and San Francisco – have finally entered positive territory, something we really haven't seen in at least two years in most markets.
Dallas, Denver, San Diego and San Francisco are in positive territory with their annual figures at +1.4%, +0.5%, +0.4% and +1.0%, respectively.
Source: Standard and Poor's
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
2010 Texas Real Estate Forecast
What does one top economist from the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M forecast for 2010? 1) It will be a year of recovery, not expansion for the entire economy
2) Rates should remain low, since Feds will concentrate on economic stimulus
3) Housing should do well during the first quarter, due to the expanded Homebuyer Tax Credit
4) Texas home prices and sales are expected to reflect 2009 figures
Monday, January 18, 2010
Crooks Target Homes For Sale
Thieves within the DFW area are increasingly targeting homes that are for sale. Local authorities issued a warning that persons posting as prospective homebuyers are targeting homes with high-end appliances.
Police think that a man driving a late-model Mercedes and showing a $950,000 credit approval letter is making appointments to see homes for sale and returning (or sending accomplices) later to remove appliances and other valuables from the home. The crook possibly leaves a door or window unlocked during the showing for later access.
Please be extra careful if you are selling your home "by owner." Ask anyone who requests a showing for a to see their driver's license, and write down their vehicle description and license number. If the person is legitimately interested in purchasing your home, they will understand the reason for your precaution. If they are unwilling to provide identifying information, think twice about allowing them into your home.
When you list your home with a REALTOR, he or she will place a SupraKey box on your property. This box can only be unlocked by a licensed REALTOR using a special electronic device. A REALTOR will also accompany prospective buyers into each room of your home and relock any doors or windows opened during the showing. Finally, a REALTOR will have a record of the prospects contact information and should contact the buyer's lender to confirm credit approval before taking them into your home.
And, always remove or lock away all valuables, weapons, prescriptions, and personal documents.
Police think that a man driving a late-model Mercedes and showing a $950,000 credit approval letter is making appointments to see homes for sale and returning (or sending accomplices) later to remove appliances and other valuables from the home. The crook possibly leaves a door or window unlocked during the showing for later access.
Please be extra careful if you are selling your home "by owner." Ask anyone who requests a showing for a to see their driver's license, and write down their vehicle description and license number. If the person is legitimately interested in purchasing your home, they will understand the reason for your precaution. If they are unwilling to provide identifying information, think twice about allowing them into your home.
When you list your home with a REALTOR, he or she will place a SupraKey box on your property. This box can only be unlocked by a licensed REALTOR using a special electronic device. A REALTOR will also accompany prospective buyers into each room of your home and relock any doors or windows opened during the showing. Finally, a REALTOR will have a record of the prospects contact information and should contact the buyer's lender to confirm credit approval before taking them into your home.
And, always remove or lock away all valuables, weapons, prescriptions, and personal documents.
Monday, January 11, 2010
IRS Form For Energy Efficiency Tax Credit
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
The Millionaire Next Door?
The number of millionaires who live in homes valued at $1million or more: 403,211
The number of millionaires who live in homes valued at $300,000 or less: 1,138,070
Percentage of millionaires who live in homes valued at $1million or less: 90%
Estimated number of millionaires who live in mobile homes: 67,000
Percentage of homes valued at $1million or higher owned by millionaires: 27%
Sunday, January 3, 2010
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