Well, that was the headline published by the National Association of Realtors yesterday.  So what does this mean:

It is a national statistic
The numbers vary region by region

Here are some of the stats:

The sale rate for resale homes dropped 5.9% in January to a 12 year low
The inventory of homes dropped 2.7% in January

HOWEVER, in the […]

While many people are looking to Washington to “help” them with their current loan situation, many people do not understand the depth of the economic impact on the Real Estate Industry.  An industry that includes:

Real Estate agents, Transaction Coordinators, etc.
Escrow Companies
Title Companies
Service provider like Home Inspection, Termite Companies, Appraisers, Repair Companies, etc.
Home Builders
Trades like framers, […]

Dear readers,
For both agents and people seeking advice real estate on the web, let’s be conscious about the difference between our opinions and facts.
If we cite our opinion, say so.  “My opinion is the real estate will to do A”.
If we cite the opinion of another or the opinion of an expert, say so.  “Dr. […]

Dear readers,
When you are looking at buying Real Estate today, they whole question boils down to one thing…what is my motivation.
Below are some reasons to buy:

Prices are more affordable than ever.  How long do you plan on staying in the home?
More first time buyers are purchasing to take advantage of tax benefits
Many homes to choose […]

As prices and interest rates fall, the Affordability Index goes up.  The Affordability Index = The percent of households that can afford to buy an entry level home.
Right now 59% of California households can afford an entry level home.  This is up from 33% a year ago according to the California Association of Realtor statistics.  […]

So much about the stimulus package and tax credits.  Here is the final scoop on the tax credit available to home buyers:
With President Obama signing the stimulus package yesterday, there is a brand new version of the tax credit for home buyers.   Here are some highlights:

You no longer have to pay back […]

I recently read an interesting article about people’s business practices in a down economy.  While many profess to want business, many do not practice the things that make them good to do business with.  Here are some examples:

Do they return phone calls in a timely manner?
Do they answer your questions completely?
Do they respond to your […]

If you are buying a condo or a townhouse, it may be impossible to get a loan if more than 10% of the owners are late on their HOA dues.
Check this first, make an offer second.
Mark and Kari Shea
San Diego Real Estate Experts
REO, Short Sale & Investment Properties,
Development Sales & Traditional Real Estate

Everyone is talking about the Federal Stimulus Package that is currently in existence for the $7,500 tax credit and the $15,000 package that was just passed by the Senate and now goes to the House for approval.  They are different plans with different requirements.  The $15,000 Federal Stimulus Package is a tax credit that […]

So you too want to get into the hunt to buy a foreclosure property?  Seems easy enough as there are many on the market, right?!?!
Not so easy, the “good” foreclosure properties typically go into escrow within 7 days. The properties that sit are in serious need of something.  Why do they sell quickly?  Because prices […]