News

Make rocky real estate market work for you

From CNNMoney.com, decide if you you have to sell your home now and if you do be prepared to stand out and price competitively:

There's no debate here: it really is a buyer's market. But there are some strategies you can use. Sometimes paying for moving costs or throwing in some appliances is the difference in getting your house sold.

2007-08-18

How to sell in a buyer's market

From Bankrate.com, 10 things to do before you sell:

Recognize every market is different. Your state, town or neighborhood could dovetail with national numbers or buck the trend entirely. "There really is no national market," says Sambrotto. "There's a patchwork of regional markets." Never rely solely on one person's advice or opinion. Talk to a handful of professionals, do your own research and listen to your gut instinct.

2007-08-18

Best And Worst U.S. Housing Markets

From Forbes.com, overall home prices are down 1.5%, but in some cities median home prices are up:

Leading the charge was Seattle, where prices increased 8.9%; in San Jose, Calif., they rose 8.8%; and in Raleigh and Charlotte, N.C., prices jumped 8.3% and 8.4% respectively.

In Pictures: Best U.S. Housing Markets
In Pictures: Worst U.S. Housing Markets

2007-08-18

Top Urban Enclaves

From Forbes.com, if you like the convenience of a city, but long for a quiet neighborhood then you might like an urban suburb:

To many who live there, Park Slope, Brooklyn, is an oasis within New York City, boasting one-family brownstones and plenty of parks, where the biggest danger is dodging strollers on the sidewalk.

In Pictures: Top Urban Enclaves

2007-08-09

No money down vanishing as mortgage option

From the Washingtonpost.com, many new home buyers won't be able to get a home unless they have a down payment:

Many years ago, a 20 percent down payment for a home was the norm. But as prices escalated, fewer people could afford that. After all, 20 percent of $500,000 — the cost of a middle-class suburban house in the Washington area — is $100,000.

2007-08-05