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30-Year Mortgages Hit Lowest Rates Since 2005

Friday, January 25, 2008
by Sam Miller

As you have probably seen in the news this week, the Fed has recently cut interest rates again, bringing rates to the lowest they have been since 2005.

 

Here is my advice about why this is a great time to take advantage of these low rates if you are considering buying a home:

 

Freddie Mac currently lists the average interest on 30-year fixed loans at 5.69 percent—the lowest level since July 2005. Other rate declines include:

  • 15-year fixed mortgages dropped to 5.21 percent from 5.43 percent a week ago.
  • 5-year adjustable-rate average decreased to 5.4 percent from 5.63 percent.
  • 1-year ARMs fell to 5.26 percent from 5.37 percent..

Observers generally agree that borrowing costs will remain at or near 6 percent for 2008 unless a U.S. recession surfaces—in which case they expect rates to decline further.

 

To learn more about Knox County OH real estate, please call me at 740-397-7800 or visit SamMiller.net. 

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Should You Fix It – Or Forget It?

Thursday, January 17, 2008
by Sam Miller

If you made a new year’s resolution to finally get around to those fix-up projects around the house, you may quickly find yourself overwhelmed – and under-funded – if you try to tackle everything at once.

 

RealEstateJournal.com has put together a list of pitfalls to avoid when remodeling your home in 2008.  Read the full article here, or check out the highlights below:

 

  1. Ask for advice.  Talk with a local, experienced Realtor who can help you gauge your home’s current value.  Before you go pouring money into a remodeling project, it is valuable to know where your home currently stands and what you stand to gain by making improvements.  To request a complimentary market analysis of your Knox County OH home, please click here. 
  2. Dig deeper.  Considering getting a home inspection before you remodel or put your home on the market.  This will give you a very clear idea of where you need to focus your fix-up efforts.
  3. Look outside.  Pay attention to the condition of the exterior of your home – including the siding and windows.  Sure, you may want to put all of your money into those new hardwood floors, but structural repairs should always be the first priority.
  4. Spend time in the bathroom.  Even small upgrades to a bathroom – new hardware or fixtures – can give it a whole new feel.  If you are thinking of selling your home this year, remember that buyers want to see a bathroom that can be used right away and is not in need of major repair.
  5. Keep it small in the kitchen.  We’ve all heard that “the kitchen sells the home,” but remember that, if you are planning on selling your house, every buyer has their own taste in the kitchen, so it is best to keep things neutral and let the buyer customize it as they wish. 

If you are planning to buy or sell a home in 2008, please call me at 740-397-7800 or visit SamMiller.net to learn more about Knox County OH real estate.

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2008 Knox County OH Real Estate Predictions

Thursday, January 10, 2008
by Sam Miller

The National Association of Realtors has published its predictions for the 2008 housing market, and the data looks positive so far.  Most noteworthy is the trend toward improving existing home sales. 

 

Lawrence Yun, senior NAR economist, said “Now that mortgage conditions have improved, some postponed activity should turn up in existing-home sales over the next couple of months, and I expect sales at fairly stable to slightly higher levels.” 

 

Existing home sales are expected to rise to $5.7 million in 2008 – making it the fifth highest year on record.  Existing home prices, which declined 1.9% to a median of $217,600 in 2007, are expected to go back up about .3% in 2008.  As Yun noted late in 2007 “even with a modest decline in the national aggregate price this year, it’s important to keep in mind that nearly two-thirds of the metro areas in the US are showing price increases … the apparent disparity results from fewer sales in high-cost areas, so a change in the mix is dragging down the national median home price.”

 

To find out the latest trends in Knox County OH real estate, please call me at 740-397-7800 or visit SamMiller.net.  To begin searching for Knox County OH homes, please use my complimentary MLS search.

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Real Estate Resolutions for 2008

Thursday, January 3, 2008
by Sam Miller

Happy new year, Knox County!  I hope that everybody enjoyed a very happy holiday season, and that 2008 is off to a great start for you.  If you have been putting off making a resolution for this new year, why not make a few real estate resolutions now?  Here are some ideas to get you started:

 

  • Know your credit!  Make a resolution to stay on top of your credit in 2008.  Begin by getting a detailed credit report so that you know where you stand as the year begins.  Check again at the end of the year to see how much your credit has improved!
  • Keep a budget.  This can be a difficult one to stick to.  Many people start the year with an idealistic budget, but soon let it go out the window – oftentimes, along with any hopes of saving for real estate investment!  Begin with a goal of either setting aside a certain amount for a down payment on a real estate investment or putting away enough to make one extra mortgage payment in 2008.
  • Research real estate web sites.  Be a snoop in 2008!  Use web sites like mine to keep tabs on what homes in your neighborhood are selling for, where the foreclosures near you are, and what the general market is like in your area.  When you are ready to make a real estate investment, you will already have a good feel for the local market.
  • Out with the old!  Even if you are not planning to move in 2008, it never hurts to clean out your closets, garage, or attic and donate to charity.  You’ll make your home more appealing to prospective buyers if you are selling, and you’ll feel more organized if you are staying put.

Best wishes for a very happy and prosperous 2008!

 

For more information about Knox County OH real estate, please visit SamMiller.net or call me at 740-397-7800.  To begin searching for Knox County OH homes, please use my complimentary MLS search!

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