When Should Homebuyers Jump In?

Written by Blanche Evans

Investors who time any market hope to buy at the nadir and sell at the zenith, but homebuyers have a trickier time knowing when to sit on the sidelines and when to jump in. The reason? There are several.

Buying a home is one of the largest financial investments a homebuyer will make. Transaction costs are expensive enough that homeowners remain in their homes approximately six years before trading up or down. As the recent buyer’s market shows, homes aren’t liquid, and may not find buyers at the price and in the time frame that sellers prefer.

Avoiding 7 Costly Mistakes of Selling Your Home

Written by M. Anthony Carr

There are inappropriate steps sellers can take when it comes time to put their house on the market.

For instance, the seller in Virginia, who thought the half bath the builder had located at the front of the house would really be better situated toward the back of the main level (though all the other similar models had the powder room in the same place for the previous 20 years). He got hung up on this detail so much, that he just had to move it — and did — for thousands of dollars, just so he could get it on the market the “right way.” His hang-up may have settled some deep-seated emotional need for him, but it didn’t draw any more buyers, and it drained his bottom line. You might say, that was a costly mistake.

Protect Your Interests When Buying a Home

Written by Peter G. Miller
Even though real estate has changed substantially in recent years with the use of new technologies, the fact remains that buying a home still requires a series of traditional protections and defenses. Why? Because buying a home is inherently complex and professional assistance is both appropriate and reasonable.

In practical terms, this means that if you’re a buyer there are steps you should take to protect your interests.

Hang In There

Author Unknown, Source Unknown

Nicolo Paganini was a well-known and gifted nineteenth century violinist. He was also well known as a great showman with a quick sense of humor. His most memorable concert was in Italy with a full orchestra. He was performing before a packed house and his technique was incredible, his tone was fantastic, and his audience dearly loved him. Toward the end of his concert, Paganini was astounding his audience with an unbelievable composition when suddenly one string on his violin snapped and hung limply from his instrument. Paganini frowned briefly, shook his head, and continued to play, improvising beautifully.

Then to everyone’s surprise, a second string broke. And shortly thereafter, a third. Almost like a slapstick comedy, Paganini stood there with three strings dangling from his Stradivarius. But instead of leaving the stage, Paganini stood his ground and calmly completed the difficult number on the one remaining string.

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June Roundup: Rates Fall For Second Consecutive Week

Written by Realty Times Staff

In Freddie Mac’s results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 6.67 percent with an average 0.4 point for the week ending June 28, 2007, down from the previous week when it averaged 6.69 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.78 percent.

The 15-year FRM averaged 6.34 percent with an average 0.4 point, down from the previous week when it averaged 6.37 percent. A year ago, the 15-year FRM averaged 6.43 percent.