via Zillow Real Estate Research
In 2012, the national housing market finally turned a corner. We’ve now experienced 13 straight months of home value appreciation. Sales were up significantly over 2011 as buyers returned to the market, boosting demand.
So what will 2013 have in store? Here are five things … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
U.S. homes are expected to gain more than $1.3 trillion in cumulative value in 2012, the first annual gain in six years and the largest since 2005.
More than 75 percent of the 177 metro areas included in this analysis – 135 in all – … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
Zillow’s November Real Estate Market Reports, released today, show that national home values rose 0.6% from October to November to $156,200 (Figure 1). November 2012 marks the 13th consecutive month of home value appreciation. On a year-over-year basis, home values were up by … Read the rest
As reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer:
For the first time in four years, Chester County commissioners voted today to increase real estate taxes.
Taxes in 2013 will rise 5 percent, by $32.86 for a home with a median assessed value of $165,760, according to a county news release. Under the
… Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
On Wednesday December 26th, the Case-Shiller Composite Home Price Indices for October will be released. Zillow predicts that the 20-City Composite Home Price Index (non-seasonally adjusted [NSA]) will be up by 4.1 percent on a year-over-year basis, while the 10-City Composite Home Price Index (NSA) … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
Using ZIP-code level data, economists from the USDA\Economic Research Service and West Virginia University are studying the effects of unconventional natural gas development on property values. Specifically, they are researching how the values of different types of residential properties evolve during the anticipation, development, and … Read the rest
Have a pre-sale home inspection. Be proactive by arranging for a pre-sale home inspection. An inspector will be able to give you a good indication of the trouble areas that will stand out to potential buyers, and you’ll be able to make repairs before open houses begin.via Zillow Real Estate Research
As most housing markets continue to improve across the U.S., the relative position of buyers and sellers continues to vary considerably by geography. In some markets, buyers are finding themselves in strong bargaining positions relative to sellers, confidently paying less than the asking price on … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
With mortgage rates reaching another historic low, we were curious to see what the spread between the jumbo and the conforming rate was doing. As we explained in a previous post, the jumbo vs. conforming credit spread is the difference between the rates … Read the rest
By now you have seen numerous new reports concerning the “fiscal cliff”. Many of these reports speculate that a change to the long-standing policy that allows homeowners to deduct mortgage interest payment from their income taxes could be part of the “fiscal cliff” deal. Additionally, without action, “The Mortgage Forgiveness … Read the rest
I know this is a little off topic for my blog about Chester County Real Estate, but have you ever Goggled your name? What did you find out? I share my name, Timothy Alexander, with all these interesting gentlemen.
Timothy Alexander…
This Month in Real Estate (US) December 2012
http://www.kw.com According to KW research, most sellers put their house on the market because of one or more of the following factors … A desire to move so they could upgrade or “move up” to a bigger house or a house in … Read the rest
Not all real estate practitioners are REALTORS®. The term REALTOR® is a registered trademark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION of REALTORS® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. Here’s why it pays to work with a REALTOR®.
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Please ignore this post. An analytics company I am using requires I post this code within my blog to prove ownership. There are less obvious ways, but this is how they do it.… Read the rest
These questions will help you decide whether you’re ready for a home that’s larger or in a more desirable location. If you answer yes to most of the questions, it’s a sign that you may be ready to move.
If you’re considering making a move, you’ve probably already searched the Internet to see what’s available.
According to the 2011 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 88 percent of buyers use the Internet as one of the information sources in their home search process.
Here are just a … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
Looking at the breakeven horizon will give you a better idea if buying is the better choice vs. renting a home in a given area. If you plan on staying in a home longer than the breakeven horizon, buying is the more financially advantageous choice. … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
In August 2012, using our second quarter data, we introduced a new approach to make the rent versus buy decision and computed a metric called the Breakeven Horizon at the city and metro levels. The breakeven horizon is the number of years after which buying … Read the rest
Homeowners insurance includes a broad package of both property and liability coverage , many of which cover activities away from and not in any way connected with your home. Homeowner’s insurance pays for the repair or rebuilding of a house which is damaged by fire or numerous other causes, such … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
On Tuesday November 27th, the Case-Shiller Composite Home Price Indices for September will be released. Zillow predicts that the 20-City Composite Home Price Index (non-seasonally adjusted [NSA]) will be up by 3 percent on a year-over-year basis, while the 10-City Composite Home Price … Read the rest
The curb appeal of privacy fences should be quite obvious and it can also be a deciding factor when somebody is looking at buying your home should it be on the market. By having a nice looking fence, you will instantly give off the impression that an area has been … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
Zillow’s October Real Estate Market Reports, released today, show that national home values rose 1.1% from September to October to $155,400 (Figure 1). This is the largest monthly increase since August 2005 when home values rose 1.2% month-over-month. October 2012 marks the 12th… Read the rest
Headlines today are filled with stories about homeowners in financial distress—people who face a lender’s foreclosure on their home.
Millions of American home owners are wondering what to do.
Like most crises, this one has produced its share of rumors and misinformation. One of the biggest ones is “just let … Read the rest
Is it time to sell? Looking over October’s housing numbers for Chester County (courtesy of Suburban West Realtors® Association), we see a marked improvement over last year’s numbers. Pending home sales are up 28.7% from October 2011 to 2012, and up 31.6% year-to-date from last year. Settlements of home sales … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
In the third quarter of 2012, home values showed the biggest quarterly gain since 2006. National home values appreciated 1.3 percent from Q2 to Q3 2012, with much of that appreciation focused in hard-hit areas, like Arizona, Florida and California. As home values rise, negative … Read the rest
If you want to maintain your house in good condition, you have to ensure that your gutters are well maintained. Though in some cases it may be difficult to realize the importance of doing so, clean gutters are essential in improving the quality of life around most homes. There are … Read the rest
Getting ready to get into the real-estate market?
Most sellers today are nervous and unsure. They wonder: is taking a loss on our house inevitable?
The answer is no! A strategic sales plan, coupled with a smart buy in your new location will ensure that you recoup the maximum value … Read the rest
Home Seller Tips: Going Green
http://www.kw.com Did you know that the top three most-requested green features buyers are looking for now are double pane windows, insulation and efficient heating and cooling systems? If you’re looking to update your home before selling you might consider one or more of these features … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
We’ve noticed several recent analyses that report the discount associated with foreclosure sales. For example, see here, here and here. What’s common in these analyses is the computation of the foreclosure discount using the median (or average) sale price of foreclosures compared to … Read the rest
Oxford Borough looks to toughen sidewalk requirements
Oxford Borough Council will consider amending Chapter 21, Part 7 of the Oxford Code relating to sidewalk construction and repair. The amendment will require the seller of any property in the Borough to repair any existing sidewalk, curb or gutter when deemed by … Read the rest
Home Seller Tips: Curb Appeal
http://www.kw.com According to KW Research, sellers who enhanced curb appeal sold their house seven days faster than those who didn’t. Just trimming the trees and bushes could separate your house from the competition. Want to get your house sold faster and for more money? Talk … Read the rest
This Month in Real Estate (US) November 2012
http://www.kw.com According to a report from KW research, first time homebuyers are most motivated by the following factors: the current market, financial readiness, location and price.First-time homebuyers recognize the opportunity in today’s market. Record-low interest rates, lower prices and tax breaks all … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
Given the lack of discussion of housing-related issues in this presidential election, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to score each of the candidates’ positions on housing. Here is our take on Mitt Romney’s stances. The counterpart to this piece addresses our view of President Obama’s … Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
In the run up to the 2012 presidential election, tax reform has been a hot topic. Republican candidate Mitt Romney has made a number of statements proposing various caps on itemized deductions, mentioning a limit of $25,000 during the first presidential debate. While we’re counting … Read the rest
11. By selling now, you may have an opportunity to be a non-contingent buyer during the spring, when many more houses are on the market for less money! This will allow you to sell high and buy low!
10. You can sell now for more money and we will provide … Read the rest
Article From HouseLogic.com
By: Dona DeZube
Published: October 25, 2012
A new survey says showy upgrades are out and functionality is in with today’s remodeling home owners.
In the wake of the housing market crisis, we started remodeling with less pretension and more functionality, says Kermit Baker, the chief economist … Read the rest
Home Seller Tips: Appeal to First Time Home Buyers
http://www.kw.com Most homes are being bought by first time homebuyers. And two thirds of first time homebuyers chose a home that is between 1,000 and 2,000 square feet. Put another way, if your home is in that size range, chances are … Read the rest
Beautiful all year round, the countryside of Chester County Pennsylvania, in Autumn, is an artists’ palate full of colors. There is a feeling of warmth going into the colder months, as the holidays approach and we start drinking our favorite hot cocoa recipes. Here, I have selected just a few … Read the rest
Home Seller Tips: Condition
http://www.kw.com According to KW Research, homes in good to excellent condition sold eighteen days faster than other homes. They also sold for more money with fewer price reductions. Want to sell your house for more money in less time? Talk to your local real estate professional.… Read the rest
via Zillow Real Estate Research
The housing market has been slowly but surely getting back on its feet and on the road to recovery, with last week’s third quarter Zillow Real Estate Market Reports showing the strongest quarter of home value performance since 2006. Mother Nature doesn’t take into account … Read the rest
Waiting for the super storm, perfect storm, Frankenstorm to ramp up to full force in Chester County. PECO is currently reporting only limited power outage. Be safe, stay home, and enjoy this time with your families.
Music video by Scorpions performing Rock You Like A Hurricane. (C) 1984 The Island … Read the rest
If you have been thinking about selling your Chester County home or property, now may be the ideal time. The months going into the holidays many people decide to wait to sell their home, but that may not be the best strategy. Over the last few months there have been two very good indicators of … Read the rest Home Seller Tips: Better is Better
http://www.kw.com Do you want to pocket thousand of dollars more when you sell? Then check this out. Homes in better condition sold for an average of 5% more than the competition. Want to know more? Contact your local real estate professional.… Read the rest
On Tuesday Oct. 30, the Case-Shiller Composite Home Price Indices for August will be released. Zillow predicts that the 20-City Composite Home Price Index (non-seasonally adjusted [NSA]) will be up by 1.7 percent on a year-over-year basis, while the 10-City Composite Home Price Index (NSA) will be up 1.2 percent … Read the rest
Home Seller Tips: Going It Alone?
http://www.kw.com It might be tempting to save some money by trying to sell your house on your own, but consider this: almost one third of all sales come from agent-to-agent or past client referrals. Which means a real estate agent’s database will be your … Read the rest
