Judys Real Estate World                    

Carter Properties, CA DRE 0177516 – Opening Doors for You!    Certified HAFA Specialist

Carterproperties@gmail.com   916-877-5850     Certified Pre-Foreclosure Advisor

Keller Williams Realty

Did You Look at These Two Homes? 

Call Judy who is “Opening Doors For You”

For Sale – a 2,407 square foot single family home, built in 2001, has three bedrooms, with the possibility of a fourth, and three bathrooms.  It is located in Sacramento, CA.  For more information call Carter Properties at 916-877-5850 and ask for Judy. 

For Sale – a 1,573 square foot single family home, built in 2004, has three bedrooms and three bathrooms.  It is located in Folsom, CA.  For more information call Carter Properties at 916-877-5850 and ask for Judy. 

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Building permits, housing starts rise in December  

Building permits for single-family homes rose 1.8 percent in December to a rate of 444,000 units compared with November, according to a joint release by the U.S. Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development.  Single-family housing starts rose 4.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 657,000.

An estimated 611,900 housing units were authorized by building permits in 2011. This is 1.2 percent above the 2010 figure of 604,600.  Approximately 606,900 housing units were started in 2011. This is 3.4 percent above the 2010 figure of 586,900.

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California pending home sales lower in December

C.A.R. Pending Home Sales Index dropped as expected between November and December, tracking the annual seasonal slowdown.  However, the index was higher than a year ago for the eighth straight month, a trend that bodes well for the start of the spring home-buying season.  

C.A.R.’s Pending Home Sales Index (PHSI) fell from a revised 108.7 in November to 91.6 in December, based on signed contracts.  The index was up from the revised 82.5 recorded in December 2010, marking the eighth consecutive month that pending sales rose from the previous year.  The decline follows a normal seasonal drop that usually occurs in November and December.  Pending home sales are forward-looking indicators of future home sales activity, providing information on the future direction of the market.

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California Pending Home Sales Index: December of 2011 the index was 91.6, an increase from the revised 82.5 recorded in December 2010.   
 
California Traditional Housing Affordability Index: The third quarter of 2011 the index was 52 percent (Source: C.A.R.). 

Mortgage rates: Week ending 1/19/2012 the 30-year fixed rate was 3.88% and fees/points were 0.8%;  the 15-year fixed rate was 3.17% and fees/points were 0.8%;  the 1-year adjustable rate was 2.74% and fees/points were 0.6% (Source: Freddie Mac).

Judys Real Estate World                    

Carter Properties, CA DRE 0177516 – Opening Doors for You!    Certified HAFA Specialist

Carterproperties@gmail.com   916-877-5850     Certified Pre-Foreclosure Advisor

Keller Williams Realty

Lovely Homes For Sale

For Sale – a 1,573 square foot single family home, built in 2004, has three bedrooms and three bathrooms.  It is located in Folsom, CA.  For more information call Carter Properties at 916-877-5850 and ask for Judy. 

For Sale – a 2,407 square foot single family home, built in 2001, has three bedrooms, with the possibility of a fourth, and three bathrooms.  It is located in Sacramento, CA.  For more information call Carter Properties at 916-877-5850 and ask for Judy. 

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Declining Residential Market Values Spur Customer Service Concerns for Insurers

By Scott Amussen

Upside-down mortgages have become a hallmark of the current housing crisis. The downward trend in the value of residential real estate has resulted in countless instances of homeowners owing more on their mortgage than the house is currently worth. These conditions have affected not only the housing industry but the insurance industry as well.

The cost to rebuild a home now exceeds its market value in many parts of the United States. In some cases, the disparity has grown to overwhelming levels. Most homeowners expect insurance coverage amounts to decrease in line with deflating home values and are disappointed when they find out otherwise.

While discussing the results of the J.D. Power and Associates 2010 U.S. National Homeowners Insurance Study, senior director Jeremy Bowler said, “Approximately 50 percent of customers…have erroneously expected their premiums to decrease just as home values have declined since 2008. As a result, many customers believe their policies are not aligned with their property values and express dissatisfaction.”  Xactware recently conducted an analysis to understand and ultimately explain the differences between market value and replacement-cost estimates. Using data from the fourth quarter of 2010, Xactware selected several metropolitan areas to compare median home sale prices reported by the National Association of Realtors with replacement-cost estimates calculated using 360Value®, Xactware’s replacement-cost estimation solution.

The results revealed large disparities between market value and replacement value in many markets, particularly across the Sunbelt, where real estate prices have taken the biggest hit. The most extreme example is Fort Myers, Florida, where the median replacement-cost estimate was 59 percent higher than the median home sale price in the fourth quarter of 2010.

In southwest Florida, it’s easy to find homes priced to sell in the range of $40–$50 per square foot, including the home and surrounding land. But reconstruction costs quoted by local contractors can start at $70–$80 per square foot, without including land.

Judys Real Estate World                    

Carter Properties, CA DRE 0177516 – Opening Doors for You!    Certified HAFA Specialist

Carterproperties@gmail.com   916-877-5850     Certified Pre-Foreclosure Advisor

Keller Williams Realty

Did You See This Low Price Attractive Home?

Call Judy who is “Opening Doors For You”

For Sale – a 1,573 square foot single family home, built in 2004, has three bedrooms and three bathrooms.  It is located in Folsom, CA.  For more information call Carter Properties at 916-877-5850 and ask for Judy. 

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3,321 Sacramento Homes For Sale

There were 3,321 homes for sale in Sacramento, California this January at prices ranging from $30,000 to $2,900,000.  Which one is right for you? 

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U.S. Recovers One Third of Jobs Lost

The January 20^th U.S. national jobs data shows that the economy is nearly one-third of the way to recovering the 8.8 million jobs lost during the recession. 

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Existing Home Sales Show Uptrend

The January 20^th existing home sales rose for a third consecutive month, remaining above a year ago.

Judys Real Estate World                    

Carter Properties, CA DRE 0177516 – Opening Doors for You!    Certified HAFA Specialist

Carterproperties@gmail.com   916-877-5850     Certified Pre-Foreclosure Advisor

Keller Williams Realty

Here is a Beautiful Home at a Really Attractive Price?

Call Judy who is “Opening Doors For You”

for more property information click here

(control click the above link or cut and paste link to your browser)

For Sale – a 2407 square foot single family home, built in 2001, has three bedrooms, with the possibility of a fourth, and 3 bathrooms.  It is part of a private swimming pool association in the Natomas Park area.  For more information call Carter Properties at 916-877-5850 and ask for Judy. 

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227 Rocklin Homes For Sale

There were 227 homes for sale in Rocklin, California this January at prices ranging from $68,000 to $1,295,000.  Would you like to see one? 

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332 Citrus Heights Homes For Sale

There were 332 homes for sale in Citrus Heights, California this January at prices ranging from $41,000 to $619,000.  Which home interests you? 

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256 Folsom Homes For Sale

There were 256 homes for sale in Folsom, California this January at prices ranging from $99,000 to $550,000.  Would you like purchase a home in this area? 

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93 Orangevale Homes For Sale

There were 93 homes for sale in Orangevale, California this January at prices ranging from $84,000 to $1,000,000.  Which one would you like to see?

Judys Real Estate World                    

Carter Properties, CA DRE 0177516 – Opening Doors for You!    Certified HAFA Specialist

Carterproperties@gmail.com   916-877-5850     Certified Pre-Foreclosure Advisor

Keller Williams Realty

Buy This Beautiful Home at a Really Attractive Price?

Call Judy who is “Opening Doors For You”

for more property information click here

(control click the above link or cut and paste link to your browser)

For Sale – a 2407 square foot single family home, built in 2001, has three bedrooms, with the possibility of a fourth, and 3 bathrooms.  It is part of a private swimming pool association in the Natomas Park area.  For more information call Carter Properties at 916-877-5850 and ask for Judy. 

587 Roseville Homes For Sale

There were 587 homes for sale in Roseville, California this January at prices ranging from $20,000 to $2, 000,000.  Would you like to see one? 

306 Lincoln Homes For Sale

There were 306 homes for sale in Lincoln, California this January at prices ranging from $65,000 to $6, 200,000.  Which one would you like to see one? 

113 Granite Bay Homes For Sale

 There were 113 homes for sale in Granite Bay, California this January at prices ranging from $35,000 to $4, 000,000.  Is this your opportunity? 

30 Year Fixed-Rate Mortgages Reach a Record Low

Freddie Mac recently released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey showing average mortgage rates changing little amide mixed economic data.  It appears the 30 year fixed rate mortgage ahs edged down and is stabilizing. 

Driveways For Rent 

ParkatmyHouse.com is coming to America so you can make cash by renting out your driveway, garage or other parking space to drivers down on their parking luck. You can rent your space by the hour, day, week or month.  The only restrictions could be those imposed by a homeowners association, city ordinance or other jurisdiction.

Judys Real Estate World

 Carter Properties, CA DRE 0177516 – Opening Doors for You!    Certified HAFA Specialist

Carterproperties@gmail.com   916-877-5850     Certified Pre-Foreclosure Advisor

Keller Williams Realty

Ready to Sell Your Home or ready to Buy a Beautiful Home at a Really Attractive Price?

Call Judy who is “Opening Doors For You”

 for more property information click here

(control click the above link or cut and paste link to your browser)

 For Sale – a 2407 square foot single family home, built in 2001, has three bedrooms, with the possibility of a fourth, and 3 bathrooms.  It is part of a private swimming pool association in the Natomas Park area.  For more information call Carter Properties at 916-877-5850 and ask for Judy. 

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Roseville’s Local Real Estate News 

 As of January 2^nd there were 698 active listings in the Rocklin/Roseville area. Of these 431 were short sales and 59 were REO’s (bank owned) homes.  There were 257 pending sales with an average of 62 days on the market. There are 651 sold listings in the last 3 months indicating excellent turnover activity.  I can help find a home just right for you – call me at 916-877-5850. 

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The Rocklin/Roseville Area Is Awesome

The secret’s out.  The Roseville area is a spectacular place to live, work and play.  This area has an abundance of shopping, dining, arts, entertainment, business and recreation.  This community boasts an excellent public school system, personalized city and county services, beautiful neighborhoods and excellent job opportunities. The City of Roseville supports a labor force of more than 54,000 in business sectors including industrial, retail, fashion, high tech, restaurants and health care.  All of this makes it easy to live in the Roseville area, which offer not only quaint, older homes, but fabulous new developments, golf communities and senior housing.  There is plenty of park space with more than 1,200 acres of open space in Roseville alone.  Recreational opportunities include a world class aquatic facility, which includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool, golf courses, batting cages, bike trails and a brand new Sports Center.  Many parks are located near schools allowing students to share such amenities such as softball, baseball diamonds and gymnasium facilities.  In addition, the Roseville Science and Technology Access Center enhances the educational curriculum and provides access to computers and science technology for those members of our community who do not have ready access to such educational tools outside of the classroom.

Roseville has even more to offer from Skatetown to Golfland/Sunsplash.  For those who love live theatre, we have the Magic Circle Repertory Theatre.  For movie buffs, Roseville has more than 26 movie screens from which to choose.  Roseville offers a plethora of shopping and dining opportunities with over 175 restaurants to satisfy any taste, from sushi to steak. 

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Shopping for the best rates –

an article from The New York Times

Interest rates are the lowest in decades, enticing many borrowers to shop for a loan.  The rates quoted are averages drawn from a variety of financial institutions, and lenders use varied approaches to set them.  Consumers who want to try for the lowest rates available need to consider basic factors, such as credit score, points, property type, down payment, and length of the loan.

Credit score: The ideal borrower has a FICO score of 740 or higher, which puts the individual in the best place for pricing.

Points: The lowest rates usually are decreased by paying a fee called a point, or 1 percent of the loan amount.  Borrowers may buy points in order to get the best rates at many banks. 

Property type: Borrowers planning to buy a duplex or a four-unit build likely will have a higher interest rate.  Condominiums also may have a rate premium rate, especially if they are newer or the down payment is less than 25 percent.  Lenders also may charge more if the borrower is not planning to live in the home.

Down payment: Borrowers who put down at least 25 percent are more likely to obtain the best interest rates.  Lenders offer different breaks on rates if equity in the property is higher, so borrowers should ask what is available.

Length of loan: Borrowers who are likely to move in a few years may want to look into an adjustable-rate loan with a low interest rate fixed for a few years, and adjusted afterword.

Judys Real Estate World                    

Carter Properties, CA DRE 0177516 – Opening Doors for You!    Certified HAFA Specialist

Carterproperties@gmail.com   916-877-5850     Certified Pre-Foreclosure Advisor

Keller Williams Realty

Now is The Time to Buy Your Home at Lowest Prices and Record Low Mortgage Rates

For Sale:  A Beautiful Home at a Really Attractive Price!

for more property information click here

(control click the above link or cut and paste link to your browser)

This 2407 square foot single family home, built in 2001, has three bedrooms, with the possibility of a fourth, and 3 bathrooms.  It is part of a private swimming pool association in the Natomas Park area.  For more information call Carter Properties at 916-877-5850 and ask for Judy. 

Mortgage Rates Continue Trend of Record Breaking Lows

Freddie Mac recently released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey^Ò, showing mortgage rates easing to new all time record lows for all products covered in the survey, helping to keep home buyer affordability high.  The average for the 30 year fixed rate mortgage has been below 4 percent for six consecutive weeks.  The survey concluded that the 30 year fixed rate mortgage averaged 3.89 percent, with an average 0.7 point fee for the week ending January 12, 2012, down from the previous week average of 3.91 percent. 

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Foreclosures Decrease 34 Percent in 2011

Total U.S. foreclosure activity and the U.S. foreclosure rate in 2011 were both at their lowest annual level since 2007, according to RealtyTrace^Ò, an online market place for foreclosure properties.  The company recently released its year-end 2011 U.S. Foreclosure Market Report^TM, which shows a total of 2,698,967 foreclosure filings, including default notices, scheduled auctions and bank repossessions, reported on 1,887,777 U.S. properties in 2011, a decrease of 34 percent in total properties from 2010.  Foreclosure activity in 2011 was 33 percent below the 2009 total and 19 percent below the 2008 total.

Judys Real Estate World                    

Carter Properties, DRE# 0177516 – Opening Doors for You!             Certified HAFA Specialist

Carterproperties@gmail.com       916-877-5850             Certified Pre-Foreclosure Advisor

Buying and Selling by “Opening Doors For YOU”

Interested in listing your Beautiful Home for Sale? 

I am a RealtorÒ experienced in prepping and staging homes to sell.  I can help you price your home to receive offers even in a difficult market.  Let’s talk to discuss your home’s points of interest, stage it for the best showing, obtain recent comparable home sale prices and put it on the market.  This is what I do best.   

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Are You Interested in Purchasing a Home? 

Carter Properties is “Opening Doors For You”.  Let me show you the best homes in your price range that are available today.   I can even help you with loan resources.  Call me. 

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Good Rental History Can Help Borrowers

– Story from The New York Times

First time home buyers planning to purchase a house later this year may have a better chance of qualifying for a mortgage if they have had a history of paying their rent on time.  Last year, credit-reporting agency Experian added a section to millions of credit reports showing on-time rent payments and raised the credit scores of many people.  The company said that this year it would add in negative marks, including mentions of bounced checks or of tenants’ leaving before a lease was up. 

Incorporating rental payments into credit scores could affect millions of people who have not established credit histories through credit cards, student loan repayments, and other credit sources.  Almost half of the consumers considered “high-risk” experienced an increase of

100 points or more after their positive rental history was added, according to Experian’s rent bureau.  Those with average or higher scores did not experience major movement.

People who have lost their homes to foreclosure and are now leasing may be able to rebuild their credit histories by being responsible renters.

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More lenders added to California Mortgage-aid Program

The number of loan servicers taking part in a state mortgage-aid program continues to grow roughly one year after its launch.  The Keep Your Home California program now has

55 participating mortgage servicers, up from 21 in June.

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Colorful Rice Krispy Treats

Directions –

1.  In large saucepan melt 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat.  Add 4 cups of miniature marshmallows and stir until completely melted.  Remove from heat.  For more colorful treats consider adding a drop of red, blue, green or yellow food color to this mixture. 
2.  Add 6 cups of Rice Krispy cereal.  Stir until well coated.
3.  Using buttered spatula or wax paper evenly press mixture into 13 x 9 x 2-inch pan coated with cooking spray.  Cool and cut into 2-inch squares and enjoy this colorful and tasty treat.  

Microwave Directions -

In microwave-safe bowl heat butter and marshmallows on HIGH for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes.  Stir until smooth and add a drop of food color.  Follow steps 2 and 3 above.  Microwave cooking times may vary.

Judys Real Estate World                    

Carter Properties, DRE# 0177516 – Opening Doors for You!             Certified HAFA Specialist

Carterproperties@gmail.com       916-877-5850             Certified Pre-Foreclosure Advisor

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Stabilizing Home Prices is the Gating Indicator to a US Economic Recovery

Road to Recovery – List of Improving Housing Markets Nearly Doubles in January

The number of housing markets showing measurable improvement nearly doubled in January with the addition of 40 new metros to the National Association of Home Builders/First American Improving Markets Index (IMI).  The IMI now boasts 76 improving markets, up from 41 in December, with 31 states and the District of Columbia represented by at least one entry.  The index identifies metropolitan areas that have shown improvement from their respective troughs in housing permits, employment and housing prices. 

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Markets Seen as Stabilizing This Year

Home prices cease their decline and gain 0.2 percent across all markets as more and more individual markets stabilize.  Many home price indicators suggest prices could be flat throughout the remainder of this year. 

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Freddie Mac extends forbearance to unemployed borrowers  

Freddie Mac is giving mortgage servicers expanded authority to provide six months of forbearance to unemployed borrowers without Freddie Mac’s prior approval and up to an additional six months with prior approval.   This means unemployed borrowers may be eligible for up to 12 months of forbearance.  Freddie Mac’s forbearance options are being expanded at the direction of the Federal Housing Finance Agency and will take effect on Feb. 1.

Delinquent borrowers in an existing short term forbearance plan can be evaluated for an extended forbearance under the new policy.  Previously, Freddie Mac allowed servicers to grant up to three months of forbearance with no payment and without prior approval, or six months at a reduced payment with prior approval.  Longer forbearance required prior approval and was generally restricted to events such as natural disasters, permanent disability or long-term medical emergencies.

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Housing Scorecard Shows Mixed Outlook

HUD and the U.S. Department of the Treasury released the December edition of the Obama Administration’s Housing Scorecard this week.  Data in the Scorecard show some subtle improvements in the market over the past year, but underscore fragility as the overall outlook remains mixed.  For example, new and existing home sales rose compared with the prior month and remain higher than a year ago, and homes are more affordable than they have been since 1971.  Median-income families today have nearly double the funds needed to cover the cost of the average home.  However, home prices showed a slight dip from the prior month and remain below year ago levels.

The December Housing Scorecard features key data on the health of the housing market and the impact of the Administration’s foreclosure prevention programs, including more than 5.5 million modification arrangements were started between April 2009 and the end of November 2011, including more than 1.7 million HAMP trial modification starts and more than 1.1 million FHA loss mitigation and early delinquency interventions.  

Nearly 910,000 homeowners have received a HAMP permanent modification to date, saving an estimated $9.9 billion in monthly mortgage payments.  The Administration’s programs continue to encourage improved standards and processes in the industry, with HOPE Now lenders offering families and individuals more than 2.6 million proprietary mortgage modifications through November.

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California Pending Home Sales Index:  

November 2011: 109.8, an increase of 11 percent compared with the prior year. 
 

California Traditional Housing Affordability Index:  

Third quarter 2011 or 52 percent (Source: C.A.R.). 

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Mortgage Rates: 

Week ending 1/5/2012 a 30 year fixed is 3.91% and fees/points are

0.8%;  a 15-year fixed rate is 3.23 with fees/points of 0.8% .  A 1 year adjustable is 2.80% with fees/points at 0.6% (Source: Freddie Mac).

Judys Real Estate World                    

Carter Properties, DRE# 0177516 – Opening Doors for You!             Certified HAFA Specialist

Carterproperties@gmail.com       916-877-5850             Certified Pre-Foreclosure Advisor

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Home Finance Remains A Major Home Buying Factor

Fannie Mae CEO Williams Resigns

By Nick Timiraos, Wall Street Journal 

Fannie Mae Chief Executive Michael J. Williams resigned Tuesday, saying he will depart as soon as the mortgage-finance giant’s board names a successor.  His exit leaves the government scrambling to find new caretakers for Fannie and its sibling, Freddie Mac, at a time when policy makers at the Federal Reserve and the White House have singled out housing as a key obstacle to an economic recovery.

Just three months ago, Freddie’s chief executive, Charles E. Haldeman Jr., said he planned to leave his post this year.  Both companies have seen many changes within the senior ranks since the government takeover in 2008.  ’This is a good time to move on and get someone to run the company for the next two to three years,’ Michael Williams said.  Mr. Williams, who is 54 years old, joined Fannie Mae in 1991 and was promoted to the top job nearly three years ago.  He is the second chief executive to leave the company since the government replaced management following the takeover.  “This is a good time to move on and get someone to run the company for the next two to three years, because we still have a long way to go in housing,” Mr. Williams said.  His departure comes as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac face competing pressures.  The firms’ regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, is focused on limiting losses, while other policy makers want the companies to do more to help the housing market, even if that requires absorbing greater upfront costs.  

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Mortgage Rates Remaining Low While European Troubles Persist

By Ed Ferrara

It may be a New Year, but European troubles continue to persist which is helping mortgage rates to remain low.  Markets remain quiet as investors await fourth quarter earnings which will begin to be released.  With not much activity for the first week of 2012, Freerateupdate.com’s weekly survey of wholesale and direct lenders show that there have not been any changes to mortgage rates.  Current 30 year fixed mortgage rates are at 3.500%, 15 year fixed mortgage rates are at 2.875% and 5/1 adjustable mortgage rates are at 2.250%.  These are the lowest conforming mortgage rates available with 0.7 to 1% origination fee to well qualified borrowers who have a consistent history of good credit.  While the Mortgage Bankers Association reported that overall mortgage activity declined for the two week period around the holidays, refinances continue to be strong as low mortgage rates continue to be persistent.  Most of the housing reports that have been released show an improvement in this sector of the economy as record low mortgage rates dominated the past year.  Looking forward, rents are beginning to increase which may bring consumers back to the housing market at a faster pace.