30-Year Fixed Rate at New Low

The interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage has reached the lowest level since September 2005. This according to Feddie Mac as economic conditions worsen resulting from the dreaded credit crunch. These new lows are prompting more homeowners to refinance and likely to stimulate buyers entering the real estate market this year.

Read more about mortgage rates at MarketWatch.

Chicago Area Median Home Prices Notch Up vs. State

According to the Illinois Association of Realtors, the Chicago area median home sale price in November was $247,000, up 0.8 percent from $245,000 in November 2006. Statewide, the median sale price was $193,000 for the month, down 3 percent from a year ago.

In Illinois overall the association report states that there were 9,021 total home sales of single-family homes and condos in November, down 20.4 percent from November 2006. Year-to-date, sales were down 16.3 percent to 131,497 homes sold January through November, compared to the same period a year ago. In the Chicago area, home sales totaled 5,772 in November 2007, down 23.9 percent from the same month last year. Year-to-date, sales were down 19.6 percent to 87,624.

For more useful infornmation visit http://www.heldtrealty.com/consulting.htm

National Associational of Realtors Releases Latest Buyers/Sellers Survey

The National Association of Realtors recent survey of home buyers and sellers indicates more consumers than ever are using professional agents to assist in their transactions. According to the trade association's Profile of Homes Buyers and Sellers, 79% of consumers use a real estate professional, up from 77% over the past three years, and 9 out of 10 are "very satisfied" with their agent's knowledge of the process. More than 9 of 10 sellers and 9 of 10 buyers said they would "definitely" or "probably" use the same agent again or recommend him or her to others. Also, 41% of sellers found their agent as a result of a referral -- 23% used the same agent they had in a previous purchase -- 43% of buyers relied on referrals to find an agent, and finally, 17% of repeat buyers used an agent from a previous transaction.

This certainly makes a case for professional representation when it comes to buying or selling your home. As a member of the Nat'l Association of Realtors, I stand ready to assist you. Please visit Heldt Realty at www.heldtrealty.com.

Other Affiliations:

• Member REALTOR® Lawyer Committee, REALTOR® Association of Northwest Chicagoland www.ranwc.com
• Member Affiliate Committee, REALTOR® Association of Northwest Chicagoland http://www.ranwc.com/affiliates.htm
• President Northwest Suburban ABATE www.abate-il-nws.com
• Board Representative Northwest Suburban ABATE www.abate-il-nws.com
• Member www.rescueriders.org

Illinois Bucks the Foreclosure Trend

The number of U.S. homes now in foreclosure has more than doubled in the third quarter according to an Associated Press article published on November 2nd. Illinois foreclosure filings however, have declined in the through the same period. Illinois claimed 20,008 foreclosure filings in the third quarter on 19,128 properties, bucking the trend with a 4.2 percent decrease from the previous quarter and a slight 3.4 percent increase over the same period last year.

The lead story regarding foreclosures nationally paints a bleak picture but not necessarily for Illinois. For more information regarding foreclosure data and general real estate questions, please visit my consulting page at Heldt Realty.

Illinois Median Home Price Holds Steady

For those of you intersted in learning more about the Illinois real estate market, you may find the following reports of interest. The Illinois Association of Realtors recently released their September 2007 Illinois Housing Sstatistics. the report states that the Illinois median price held steady in the second quarter of 2007 while total home sales were off 16.1 percent from a year ago.

Read the entire report >>

For stress-free real estate transactions visit http://www.heldtrealty.com/

Top 10 Reasons It's a Great Time to Buy Real Estate

Just wanted to pass along some food for thought as it relates to the realities of today’s market.

The Top Ten Reasons It's a Great Time to Buy Real Estate!

1. Selection, selection, selection. There are about 62,000 resale homes on the market in Chicago and the northern Illinois area. Regardless of the price range a buyer desires, there are plenty of houses from which to choose. Just a few years ago the resale inventory dropped below 15,000 units. A buyer was forced to make compromises if they were going to locate the home of their dreams. There is a great selection of attached homes, condos, and townhouses. You can find large lots, small lots, and a lot that will accommodate your boat or RV. There are plenty of options in this market.
2. No Bidding Wars. In the previous harried market we had one client that made an offer on eight homes. They lost the first seven to the 'feeding frenzy' that existed. Other buyers bid the properties up substantially from the original listing price. There were escalation clauses where buyers authorized their agents to outbid other offers by thousands of dollars. There is little or no competitive bidding in today’s buyer's market.
3. You can make an offer. A few years ago when you made an offer, the only question was how high above the list price could the buyer reach in hopes of being the best offer on the table. Today the sell price list vs. price ratio is about 96%. A seller will not be insulted if you 'make them an offer they can't refuse'.
4. Patience is tolerated. In the hot seller's market that existed everything was rushed. Find a house before other buyers did. Hurry up and make the offer. Today a buyer can take their time. Look at several homes and think about your decision for a few hours.
5. Due diligence is welcomed. In this market a buyer is encouraged to obtain a home inspection, termite inspection, and appraisal. In the past many buyers waived these contingencies in order gain an advantage with multiple offers.
6. There are plenty of spec houses. In the not too distant past buyer had to 'play games' if they wanted a new home. There were lotteries and waiting lists in order to obtain new construction. Some buyers slept in their cars in order to get to the head of the lines. Today it is estimated that builders have thousands of spec houses ready for immediate occupancy.
7. Repair requests are welcomed. After a buyer completes a home inspection, they are allowed to submit a repair request to the seller. In the past a seller might insist the home was sold 'as is'. Many times, there were back-up buyers waiting for a primary buyer to upset the seller whose home was increasing in value almost daily.
8. Few, if any investors. It is estimated that one third of all sales in 2005 were to investors. These non-owner occupied buyers caused the market to inflate and affordability to decline. Mortgage fraud became commonplace. It's a great time to buy without having to compete with hundreds of prospective landlords.
9. Location, location, location. Today's buyers can find homes closer to work. In the past buyers flocked to the outlying areas in order to find affordable homes. In this market, reasonably priced homes are within biking or walking distance to schools, rapid transit lines, and relatives.
10. Real Financing is available. The 'wink, wink' zero down, no doc, adjustable, sub-prime loans are gone. Fixed rates are back. FHA financing, first time homeowner bond programs, special loans for teachers, and police officers are back in business. It's a great time to buy real estate!

Please click on over to Healdt Realty if you find this information useful.

Mortgage Rates Drop Sharply

News out of Washington via the AP wire: Interest rates on 30-year mortgages dropped this week to the lowest point in four months. This could very well provide some relief for people hoping to refinance their existing mortgages and for those purchasing new or existing homes.

Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages averaged 6.31 percent this week, the lowest level since May 17, when 30-year mortgages averaged 6.21 percent. The rate had been 6.46 percent last week. Read more >>

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