Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Good News for Baton Rouge Real Estate
As we have continually tried to let everyone know, the economy in the Greater Baton Rouge area is doing just fine. We were listed as the #8 city to best weather the recession. Then today, the news had an article showing that we are on a list of markets with the best expected performance in home prices over the next 12 months, among area with populations greater than 600,000. This is something I have been saying for months. Although the number of sales is off about 20% overall, the prices for our homes remain steady. It's true if you purchased a home at the height of the Katrina days and want to sell it now, you will probably lose money. But for most of our clients, this is a great time to buy or sell real estate. The Baton Rouge Real Estate market is doing just fine!!
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Get Ready for the Spring Market and Spruce Up the House
Curb appeal is the first thing the buyers see when they are driving in the neighborhood. Whether they will choose yours depends on whether the outside is appealing. In the Greater Baton Rouge Real Estate Market the buyers have a lot a homes to choose from. Let's make sure yours is one that they put on their list to visit! First, now that spring is here and the weather is really so beautiful, I think it's safe to go ahead and put in some pretty, colorful flowers! You need to have enough that attract attention but aren't too overwhelming where the buyer thinks taking care of them will be too much trouble! If you don't have a green thumb, just ask your local garden center what flowers are easy to grow and that don't require a lot of maintenance!!
After viewing your home one of the last places the buyer checks out is your backyard, so don't skimp on landscaping in this area. Many times the front of the house will be loaded with beautiful landscaping, then there is nothing in the backyard!!! At the very least, get some inexpensive plastic pots (large ones - the ones that look like clay) and fill them with beautiful flowers - and if they die, just replace them with some more!!!!
So, spend a little time outdoors - enjoy the beautiful weather AND get your home ready for the spring market. Before you know it, the buyers will be making appointments to see YOUR home!!
After viewing your home one of the last places the buyer checks out is your backyard, so don't skimp on landscaping in this area. Many times the front of the house will be loaded with beautiful landscaping, then there is nothing in the backyard!!! At the very least, get some inexpensive plastic pots (large ones - the ones that look like clay) and fill them with beautiful flowers - and if they die, just replace them with some more!!!!
So, spend a little time outdoors - enjoy the beautiful weather AND get your home ready for the spring market. Before you know it, the buyers will be making appointments to see YOUR home!!
Monday, February 23, 2009
How the Economic Stimulus Package will Move the Real Estate Maraket
We all know something must happen throughout the country to get the economy going again. I never realized how important the real estate industry, as a whole, affected the whole world. If people can't buy houses, then the paint, flooring, appliance, and home decorating businesses are hurt as well as the people who clean those buildings, do their taxes, and so on. So, even though the Stimulus package didn't have everything the National Association of Realtors was hoping for, it's a start.
For the greater Baton Rouge Real Estate Market, it will just help get us back on track once the first time home buyers are able to buy, then our move up buyers will get to take the next step, and on and on!!! With rates at a historical low again, what a great time to buy any house!!!
Below is the basic information on the Stimulus Package:
Tax Credit for Homebuyers
First-time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November 2009 may be eligible for the lower of an $8,000 or 10% of the value of the home tax credit. Remember a tax credit is very different than a tax deduction – a tax credit is equivalent to money in your hand, as opposed to a tax deduction which only reduces your taxable income.
The tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000. Buyers will have to repay the credit if they sell their homes within three years.
Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction
It’s important to remember that the $8,000 tax credit is just that… a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it’s a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for the $8,000 tax credit, they would owe nothing.
Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a homebuyer is liable for $4,000 in income tax, he can offset that $4,000 with half of the tax credit… and still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!
Phaseout Examples
According to the plan, the tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000.
To break down what this phaseout means to homebuyers who are over those amounts, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) offers the following examples:
Example 1: Assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time homebuyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $8,000 by 0.5. The result is $4,000.
Example 2: Assume that an individual homebuyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $8,000 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,800.
Remember, these are general examples. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.
Homes that Qualify
The tax credit is applicable to any home that will be used as a principle residence. Based on that guideline, qualifying homes include single-family detached homes, as well as attached homes such as townhouses and condominiums. In addition, manufactured or homes and houseboats used for principle residence also qualify.
Higher Loan Amounts
More good news – there is an extension on the additional tier of conforming loan amounts which had been first established in 2008. This tier of home loans are those greater than $417,000, and with a maximum that depends on the area, but is not greater than $729,750. These loans will again be eligible for rates that are slightly higher than conforming loan rates, but less expensive than the standard “jumbo” loan rates.
Additional Housing-Related Provisions
Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs — This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.
Landmark Energy Savings — This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.
The Economic Stimulus Plan is huge, and impacts a number of industries. I’ve highlighted some of the major provisions that may impact you now and in the future.
As always, if you have any questions or would like to discuss how this may specifically impact you, I’d be happy to sit down with you. Just call or email me to set up an appointment.
For the greater Baton Rouge Real Estate Market, it will just help get us back on track once the first time home buyers are able to buy, then our move up buyers will get to take the next step, and on and on!!! With rates at a historical low again, what a great time to buy any house!!!
Below is the basic information on the Stimulus Package:
Tax Credit for Homebuyers
First-time homebuyers who purchase homes from the start of the year until the end of November 2009 may be eligible for the lower of an $8,000 or 10% of the value of the home tax credit. Remember a tax credit is very different than a tax deduction – a tax credit is equivalent to money in your hand, as opposed to a tax deduction which only reduces your taxable income.
The tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000. Buyers will have to repay the credit if they sell their homes within three years.
Tax Credit Versus Tax Deduction
It’s important to remember that the $8,000 tax credit is just that… a tax credit. The benefit of a tax credit is that it’s a dollar-for-dollar tax reduction, rather than a reduction in a tax liability that would only save you $1,000 to $1,500 when all was said and done. So, if a homebuyer were to owe $8,000 in income taxes and would qualify for the $8,000 tax credit, they would owe nothing.
Better still, the tax credit is refundable, which means the homebuyer can receive a check for the credit if he or she has little income tax liability. For example, if a homebuyer is liable for $4,000 in income tax, he can offset that $4,000 with half of the tax credit… and still receive a check for the remaining $4,000!
Phaseout Examples
According to the plan, the tax credit starts phasing out for couples with incomes above $150,000 and single filers with incomes above $75,000.
To break down what this phaseout means to homebuyers who are over those amounts, the National Association of Homebuilders (NAHB) offers the following examples:
Example 1: Assume that a married couple has a modified adjusted gross income of $160,000. The applicable phaseout to qualify for the tax credit is $150,000, and the couple is $10,000 over this amount. Dividing $10,000 by $20,000 yields 0.5. When you subtract 0.5 from 1.0, the result is 0.5. To determine the amount of the partial first-time homebuyer tax credit that is available to this couple, multiply $8,000 by 0.5. The result is $4,000.
Example 2: Assume that an individual homebuyer has a modified adjusted gross income of $88,000. The buyer’s income exceeds $75,000 by $13,000. Dividing $13,000 by $20,000 yields 0.65. When you subtract 0.65 from 1.0, the result is 0.35. Multiplying $8,000 by 0.35 shows that the buyer is eligible for a partial tax credit of $2,800.
Remember, these are general examples. You should always consult your tax advisor for information relating to your specific circumstances.
Homes that Qualify
The tax credit is applicable to any home that will be used as a principle residence. Based on that guideline, qualifying homes include single-family detached homes, as well as attached homes such as townhouses and condominiums. In addition, manufactured or homes and houseboats used for principle residence also qualify.
Higher Loan Amounts
More good news – there is an extension on the additional tier of conforming loan amounts which had been first established in 2008. This tier of home loans are those greater than $417,000, and with a maximum that depends on the area, but is not greater than $729,750. These loans will again be eligible for rates that are slightly higher than conforming loan rates, but less expensive than the standard “jumbo” loan rates.
Additional Housing-Related Provisions
Tax Incentives to Spur Energy Savings and Green Jobs — This provision is designed to help promote energy-efficient investments in homes by extending and expanding tax credits through 2010 for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation.
Landmark Energy Savings — This provision provides $5 Billion for energy efficient improvements for more than one million modest-income homes through weatherization. According to some estimates, this can help modest-income families save an average of $350 a year on heating and air conditioning bills.
The Economic Stimulus Plan is huge, and impacts a number of industries. I’ve highlighted some of the major provisions that may impact you now and in the future.
As always, if you have any questions or would like to discuss how this may specifically impact you, I’d be happy to sit down with you. Just call or email me to set up an appointment.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
An Exciting Time to Buy a Home
With the roller coaster ride Wall Street is experiencing, again, many people are reconsidering the stability of real estate as an investment. You know, even in the markets that are suffering, it is a great time to buy because of the ability to buy a GREAT house for a low price. I would be all over that if I were in that market!!! I mean, people can actually buy the dream home that could not have began to afford several years ago. Even if they lose money if they have a house to sell, they will more than make up for it on the home they are buying.
If you aren't in a depressed market, the fact that interest rates dropped below 6% (we were getting 5.5% one day last week!) allows anyone to take advantage of their market! Here in the Greater Baton Rouge Area not only do we have low interest rates and good loan products if you have a decent credit score (560-580) we can find a loan product that meets your needs. We also have the First Time Home Buyer Bond Money that is now available, Rural Development Loans with 100% financing (and you don't have to be in a rural area to take advantage of this program), plus FHA loans with only 3% down!!!
This is a very exciting time to be in the real estate market!!
If you aren't in a depressed market, the fact that interest rates dropped below 6% (we were getting 5.5% one day last week!) allows anyone to take advantage of their market! Here in the Greater Baton Rouge Area not only do we have low interest rates and good loan products if you have a decent credit score (560-580) we can find a loan product that meets your needs. We also have the First Time Home Buyer Bond Money that is now available, Rural Development Loans with 100% financing (and you don't have to be in a rural area to take advantage of this program), plus FHA loans with only 3% down!!!
This is a very exciting time to be in the real estate market!!
Labels: Baton rouge real estate, financing, mortgage loans, real estate
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Redefining Retirment and Housing Options
As many boomers, such as my husband, are approaching retirement, so many choices need to be made! How many of us really prepare for retirement? How many husbands and wives have had the discussion about what they expect in retirement? I think you would find that husbands and wives, (or life partners) have totally different expectations of what they want retirment to look like! I know that my husband and I haven't talked a lot about it. I think guys just don't talk a lot to start with because it is their nature to do something where it's a woman's nature to talk about it, a lot, make plans, etc!
A few things we have discovered over the past two years, in preparing for this day: 1. You really need to have your financial plan in order. We have worked very hard to put as much in our retirement funds as possible, have sought professional advice on the decision to take early retirement and what we will do to make up for the loss of income. 2. We have a plan, although pretty sketchy, on what his new role will be (yes, he is very brave as he is joining my team!) 3. We have bought two retirement properties that are also income producing - so we have fun places to go that aren't too far away and yet because we are both still working, they are in areas that rent well.
As a REALTOR, I know that listening to my client as they approach home buying and retirement at the same time is crucial. Helping guide them on buying the home of their dreams, or downsizing here in our area so that they have adequate funds to buy a retirement property in a different area.
AND speaking of buying in a different area - if you are thinking of buying retirement property in a different area here are some more suggestions: 1. Rent a property there during the worst time of the year - how about Florida in July and August, or Canada in January and February!!! 2. If you are considering purchasing real estate in a foreign country, you need to truly understand the laws on home ownership and your money. In some countries the only way to purchase is to give your money to an attorney who then purchases the property for you....and you had better know this person VERY well and have total TRUST!! 3. Is the community an open one who will welcome newcomers - or is it a place where people have lived all their lives and you will be an outsider 4. Will your friends and family want to visit you in this new location or will you have to travel to see them. 5. Will this new property appreciate in value so that when it's time for a move to a retirement facility you will have the money you need.
Retirement can be exciting! As much as I first rejected the idea of my husband taking early retirement, now I can see the benefits! Life is too short! If we like to go hiking and traveling, then we need to do that now while we are physically able to do so! If you like spending time with the grandchildren as an active adult and bond with them while they are small, then now is the time!
Make your plans and live your dreams today!
A few things we have discovered over the past two years, in preparing for this day: 1. You really need to have your financial plan in order. We have worked very hard to put as much in our retirement funds as possible, have sought professional advice on the decision to take early retirement and what we will do to make up for the loss of income. 2. We have a plan, although pretty sketchy, on what his new role will be (yes, he is very brave as he is joining my team!) 3. We have bought two retirement properties that are also income producing - so we have fun places to go that aren't too far away and yet because we are both still working, they are in areas that rent well.
As a REALTOR, I know that listening to my client as they approach home buying and retirement at the same time is crucial. Helping guide them on buying the home of their dreams, or downsizing here in our area so that they have adequate funds to buy a retirement property in a different area.
AND speaking of buying in a different area - if you are thinking of buying retirement property in a different area here are some more suggestions: 1. Rent a property there during the worst time of the year - how about Florida in July and August, or Canada in January and February!!! 2. If you are considering purchasing real estate in a foreign country, you need to truly understand the laws on home ownership and your money. In some countries the only way to purchase is to give your money to an attorney who then purchases the property for you....and you had better know this person VERY well and have total TRUST!! 3. Is the community an open one who will welcome newcomers - or is it a place where people have lived all their lives and you will be an outsider 4. Will your friends and family want to visit you in this new location or will you have to travel to see them. 5. Will this new property appreciate in value so that when it's time for a move to a retirement facility you will have the money you need.
Retirement can be exciting! As much as I first rejected the idea of my husband taking early retirement, now I can see the benefits! Life is too short! If we like to go hiking and traveling, then we need to do that now while we are physically able to do so! If you like spending time with the grandchildren as an active adult and bond with them while they are small, then now is the time!
Make your plans and live your dreams today!
Labels: homes, real estate, retirement, retirement communities, vacation properties
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Great Real Estate Market? Time to Buy a Vacation Home!!
While the rest of the country is confused about where the real estate market is headed, here in Louisiana we are still forging ahead. It's interesting that historically when the rest of the country was experiencing unprecedented appreciation, our market would be just the opposite. It's nice to be the opposite of rest of the country now as our average sales price continues to increase. Of course, with that we are also experiencing a shortage of inventory in different segments of our market. Gone are the days when you can find a $100,000 home in many areas of Baton Rouge.
With interest rates continuing to remain around 6%, it is still such an excellent time to purchase. With that in mind, maybe it's time to think about buying that vacation home! We were fortunate enough to purchase a condo on the Diversion Canal two years ago and although it's only 40 minutes from our home, it feels like we have really gone on vacation - and yet it is close enough that we can run down anytime.
A vacation home doesn't have to be an expensive condo in Gulf Shores (although that is a GREAT idea!) but someplace you can get away and relax. St Francisville, any waterfront area from the Tickfaw to False River to the Diversion Canal - we have plenty of choices. Think about how you would enjoy a lazy weekend and seek out those places. You know you can always count on us to help you shop!
With interest rates continuing to remain around 6%, it is still such an excellent time to purchase. With that in mind, maybe it's time to think about buying that vacation home! We were fortunate enough to purchase a condo on the Diversion Canal two years ago and although it's only 40 minutes from our home, it feels like we have really gone on vacation - and yet it is close enough that we can run down anytime.
A vacation home doesn't have to be an expensive condo in Gulf Shores (although that is a GREAT idea!) but someplace you can get away and relax. St Francisville, any waterfront area from the Tickfaw to False River to the Diversion Canal - we have plenty of choices. Think about how you would enjoy a lazy weekend and seek out those places. You know you can always count on us to help you shop!
Labels: interest rates, real estate, vacation, vacation home
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
Updated Market Statistics
It is so interesting to keep up with the market changes in the Greater Baton Rouge Area. We are still feeling the effects of Hurricane Katrina but in a good way! Our market has shown some fluctuation over the past 4 months but it is easy to spot the trend that is happening. I want to share some numbers with you.
Number of Closed Properties Average Sold Price Average Days on Market %SP/LP
Dec: 808 $162,312 71 98.08%
Jan: 734 $175,366 78 97.69%
Feb: 726 $169,438 77 97.84%
Mar: 922 $178,078 79 97.70%
You can see that our spring market has kicked in. I can personally tell you that homes priced under $200,000 that are NOT overpriced, and in good condition, sell very quickly. Homes that are not in top shape, and over priced (think Katrina pricing!) are still sitting there.
The jump in homes sold I feel is due to our regular buyers, not the people displaced from the hurricane, getting back into our market. Interest rates are creeping up but are still just a little over 6% on a 30 fixed, conventional loan.
Number of Closed Properties Average Sold Price Average Days on Market %SP/LP
Dec: 808 $162,312 71 98.08%
Jan: 734 $175,366 78 97.69%
Feb: 726 $169,438 77 97.84%
Mar: 922 $178,078 79 97.70%
You can see that our spring market has kicked in. I can personally tell you that homes priced under $200,000 that are NOT overpriced, and in good condition, sell very quickly. Homes that are not in top shape, and over priced (think Katrina pricing!) are still sitting there.
The jump in homes sold I feel is due to our regular buyers, not the people displaced from the hurricane, getting back into our market. Interest rates are creeping up but are still just a little over 6% on a 30 fixed, conventional loan.
