Thursday, September 24, 2015

Credit Score Requirements Lower as Interest Rates Creep Higher!

Hi Friends!

Now is definitely the time to take advantage of the still historically low interest rates before their continue their upward trend!  

Take a look at this graphic -- it's clear that interest rates are heading upward.  


If you or someone you know is thinking of making their first, or next, move - please let us know how we can help!  

~Amy
Source: KCMBlog.com

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Why You Should Stop Renting & Buy Today!



Hi Friends!

So many out there, especially in our younger generations, are wondering if now is a good time or not to make that first purchase rather than renting.  Interest rates, property taxes, etc -- they're all things people have to take into consideration.

But take a look at this article to help dispel a few of those concerns: Why You Should Stop Renting & Buy Today!

And if you, or someone you know, is ready to take that next step -- please don't hesitate to call!  Our full service team is ready to help you navigate this path!

~Amy

Thursday, September 10, 2015

5 Financial Reasons to Buy A Home


There are always many factors that go in to deciding whether or not to enter the real estate market.  

Here are a few that I have found to be sound reasons on why now might be the ideal time!



"We have reported many times that the American Dream of homeownership is alive and well. The personal reasons to own differ for each buyer, with many basic similarities.
Eric Belsky, the Managing Director of the Joint Center of Housing Studies at Harvard University expanded on the top 5 financial benefits of homeownership in his paper -The Dream Lives On: the Future of Homeownership in America.

Here are the five reasons, each followed by an excerpt from the study: 

1.) Housing is typically the one leveraged investment available.

“Few households are interested in borrowing money to buy stocks and bonds and few lenders are willing to lend them the money. As a result, homeownership allows households to amplify any appreciation on the value of their homes by a leverage factor. Even a hefty 20 percent down payment results in a leverage factor of five so that every percentage point rise in the value of the home is a 5 percent return on their equity. With many buyers putting 10 percent or less down, their leverage factor is 10 or more.”

2.) You're paying for housing whether you own or rent.

“Homeowners pay debt service to pay down their own principal while households that rent pay down the principal of a landlord.”

3.) Owning is usually a form of “forced savings”.

“Since many people have trouble saving and have to make a housing payment one way or the other, owning a home can overcome people’s tendency to defer savings to another day.”

4.) There are substantial tax benefits to owning.

“Homeowners are able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes from income...On top of all this, capital gains up to $250,000 are excluded from income for single filers and up to $500,000 for married couples if they sell their homes for a gain.”

5.) Owning is a hedge against inflation.

“Housing costs and rents have tended over most time periods to go up at or higher than the rate of inflation, making owning an attractive proposition.”

Bottom Line

We realize that homeownership makes sense for many Americans for an assortment of social and family reasons. It also makes sense financially. If you are considering a purchase this year, contact a local professional who can help evaluate your ability to do so."

If you, or someone you know, is considering making their first or next home purchase - I would love to walk alongside!
~Amy
Source: KCMBlog.com

Thursday, September 3, 2015

RE/MAX August 2015 Housing Report!



Hi Friends!

RE/MAX National recently released their monthly Housing Report & I wanted to pass it along.


Though sales in July were about 3.2% lower than those in June, an overall year to year comparison to 2014 shows that sales were up an average of about 11% nationally.  

We're continuing to see an increase in activity even here in our local Salem-Keizer market, even in the face of tight inventory!  

If you, or someone you know, is considering selling their home now is the right time to make their entrance! 

Let me know if you have any questions or how I can best help you accomplish your real estate goals!

~Amy