Thursday, November 15, 2007

DESPITE PRICE DECLINES, HOUSING STILL SAFE LONG-TERM INVESTMENT

Despite declining home prices as recently reflected in an S&P/Case-Shiller home price statistics survey, on average, the nation's top markets have experienced price appreciation by as much as 50 percent over the past five years, according to comparable data from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).

"It's important to keep things in perspective," said NAHB President Brian Catalde. "The current housing price correction is most pronounced in the once super-heated markets in California, Nevada, Florida and Arizona. In most other markets, price declines have been pretty modest."According to the NAHB's comparable data tables, home prices in Los Angeles dipped 5.7 percent in the last year, but have appreciated by 88.9 percent since 2002. San Francisco home prices have declined 4.2 percent in the last year, but have seen appreciation of 46.7 percent since 2002. Home prices in San Diego have fallen by 8.3 percent in the last year, but have appreciated 54 percent since 2002, according to the report.

"The level of pent-up demand reaching the market next year is a bit uncertain, and it is possible for even higher home sales activity than we're forecasting if buyers regain their confidence about the long-term benefits of homeownership," said Lawrence Yun, National Assoc of Realtors chief economist.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

New Listing, Own Your Own Address


Now that rents are going up and becoming more scarce, this is a great time to buy low and get in to the real estate market or move up from your first home. Investors and first time buyers alike, this is a good deal. Dare to compare-- this 3 bedroom home was just listed and a prime value at $509,000. With a remodeled kitchen, taller cabinets, granite counters, tile floor, breakfast bar island and hardwood floors in the living room, enjoy this open floor plan with high ceilings and views over the deck and yard.

Walking trails and parks complete this quiet neighborhood tucked away near shopping, freeways, and schools. The perfect rental, but even better, a home you can be proud of.
Contact us for a showing now: jennifer@jenniferlistings.com

Buy Low Sell High

Now's the time for real estate deals. Watsonville, in particular, can be a tremendous source of property at incredible deals. Once we get past these short sales, we expect the sales prices to level out and possibly creep back up slightly. With interest rates holding at a low, we can't tell you enough, THIS IS THE TIME TO INVEST IN REAL ESTATE in this area. If you have the means and can hold the property for two years or more, you can have a good investment with a handsome return. But be prepared to move fast when you do make the decision to move forward because these deals are selling quickly once they are at the right price.

We are tracking the "deals of the week" so contact us with your price range and we'll load you up on the properties we've investigated personally to let you know what's a deal. jennifer@jenniferlistings.com