Majority believe buying a home is best long-term investment

Despite the decline in home prices, 81 percent of U.S. adults agree that buying a home is the best long-term investment a person can make, according a nationwide Pew Research Center survey.

Home prices have declined 31 percent compared with their pre-recession peak in July 2006, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Price Index.  After a pause last year, prices fell again in the first quarter of 2011.

Among homeowners surveyed, 47 percent say their home is worth less now than before the recession began, 31 percent say its value has stayed the same, and 17 percent say it has risen.

Of those who say their home has lost value, 86 percent say they expect it to take at least three years for values to recover to pre-recession levels; 42 percent say it will take at least six years; and 10 percent say it will take more than 10 years.

Still, 82 percent of homeowners who say their home is worth less now than before the recession began either “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” that homeownership is the best long-term investment a person can make. Among homeowners whose home increased in value during the recession, this confidence is even more pronounced. Half strongly and 41 percent somewhat agree with this view.

How To Determine The Price Of Your Home

             Why is it that some homes sit on the market for a year while others sell like hot cakes?  Frustrated sellers will blame a bad market, while a good real estate professional will tell you that many times, a slow sale is often attributed to the listing price. 

              If a home is overpriced, buyers will stay away.  But, if the price is competitive with similar homes in the area and “shows” better than the competition, it will have a better chance of being sold quickly.

              The secret is perfecting a technique that’s as American as apple pie: comparative shopping.

              Although comparing houses with different styles, square-footages and locations is challenging, real estate professionals still feel it’s one of the best methods to use when determining a home’s market value.

              A responsible real estate agent will effectively evaluate a home’s worth through a process known as Comparative Marketing Analysis (CMA).  Taking a look at assets, such as a swimming pool, bigger than normal living spaces, a fantastic view, adjacent city parks and other attractions, the agent will begin to compare your home with similar properties, called “comparables,” that have sold in the area within the last six months.  Typically, the agent is able to recommend a realistic price range that will ensure you top dollar and a reasonably

              However, factors such as the amount of time needed to sell your home can alter the agent’s price recommendation dramatically.

              Typically, people should check with real estate offices in the community to determine the typical duration that listings are on the market.  Sales associates will explain that the marketing “norms” vary with prices and properties.  Based on this criteria, the agent feels confident that he or she will be able to sell it for a price that both you and the buyer will be happy with.  However, if you’re under time constraints because of unexpected job changes or moving agreements you’ve made on another property, this will narrow your chances of selling the home for top dollar in the market.

              Assuming you have sufficient time to market the home, here are a few small steps you and your agent can take to finding the right price for your property.

              The best comparisons can be made with similar homes that have been sold within the last 45 days as opposed to the standard six months.  Any longer and other factors, such as the economy, could cloud your view of how much your home is really worth.

              Another good benchmark is to review the selling prices of homes that have just been sold and are pending closes.  Most MLS services provide information on deals pending that most real estate agents should be able to shore with you.

              A good rule of thumb before setting a price is to make 20 comparisons of comparable properties within a one-mile radius of your house.  Once completed you can feel comfortable that the price you’ve picked is a good gauge of the home’s worth and won’t discourage qualified buyers.

              Being open and honest about what you see as the home’s greatest strengths and biggest weaknesses will also help an agent get a better feel for how to best evaluate (or assess) and market your home.  Think of your home as if you were the buyer.  If your home is listed at the right price, you’re well on your way to a speedy and fruitful sale.

Easing Your Way Into Home Ownership

HOW YOUR REAL ESTATE AGENT CAN HELP YOU QUALIFY FOR A LOW DOWN PAYMENT MORTGAGE

          For many renters, the first step in buying a home is becoming educated about the process.  If you’re like many people considering a home purchase, you’ve spent nights and weekends poring over your local real estate section.  You’ve talked to friends and relatives about their experiences.  Maybe you’ve even purchased a book or two to help you become more familiar with real estate terminology and the various types of mortgages commonly used today.

          Coming up with a down payment and finding a loan that meets your needs are the greatest hurdles faced by first-time homebuyers.  So, you may even have leafed through stacks of brochures and flyers from lenders offering down payments that are far less than the 20 percent you’d always thought you’d need to save before you could buy.  With so many excellent first-time buyer programs to choose from these days, you practically need to be an expert to sort through them all.

          That’s why if you’re a first-time homebuyer seeking a low down payment loan, you’ll save time by selecting a professional real estate agent who is experienced in working with people just like you in the area where you plan to buy.  An agent who frequently assists first-time buyers will know from experience which lenders in your area offer a low down payment program that will most closely match your needs.

          A professional real estate agent can help you determine whether you are likely to qualify for these special programs, since participation in some may be limited to buyers under a certain income level or for the purchase of homes below a certain purchase price.  Your agent also will be able to tell you whether there are other requirements you must fulfill in order to be considered.  With some programs, for example, you must attend an educational seminar before you can be considered for one of these low down payment loans.

`It’s important that your agent become familiar with your current financial situation.  Before you meet with your agent to discuss your financial situation and housing needs, you’ll want to collect some basic information to make the process easier.  Be prepared to show recent paycheck stubs or pay vouchers to certify sources of income; a complete list of current credit card, auto and other consumer credit payments you make each month; and recent bank and savings statements.  These documents will help you and your agent determine how much home you can afford.  It’s also important that you disclose any prior credit problems or late payments.  Your agent may be able to suggest ways to remedy any negative remarks on your credit report that could disqualify you from a low down payment loan program.

          In addition, because most lenders w2ill require that you have several months of house payments in the bank as a reserve, your agent may be able to suggest ways you can increase your savings in the weeks and months leading up to your home purchase.  Don’t forget that some programs allow you to apply a cash gift from a family member to cover the required down payment and losing costs.

          Your agent also may know a motivated seller who would be happy to assist you in accomplishing your home purchase by caring a second mortgage.  A second mortgage is helpful because it reduces the amount of the first mortgage you need to obtain.  In some cases, a second monthly payment and generally is required to protect the lender when a down payment is less than the standard 20 percent of the loan amount.  Even if your seller isn’t willing to take a second mortgage to complete the sale, he or she may be willing to pay your closing costs, which will reduce the amount of cash you need to have on hand up-front.

          With interest rates edging up, innovative mortgage financing programs that require a low down payment are even more important than ever to first-time buyers.  A professional real estate agent can help you sift through the countless programs that are available and help find the one that’s mortgage can eliminate the need for private mortgage insurance, which is added to your right for you.