If I Would Have Bought Back Then in the Houston Area

Dad Said It…

“I Remember when I could have bought a home in Houston, Texas, right there on that exact corner!  If I would only have done it then I would be better off now!”  That is the message that I hear often from my dad when I was growing up.  Now it seems as if I will hear the same type of comment very soon from people all around the Greater Houston, Texas, area.  Maybe you are wondering why I would say that.

The simple reason is this: In talking with many clients about making an offer on a property, they do not want to get off of the fence and actually buy the home.   They do like the home and would like for it to be their new home address.  They could and do qualify for a loan!  So, what is keeping them from taking the step to move forward and actually sign the offer? Are there steps of the buying process that need clarifying?  Exactly what is causing the delay?

Despite the fact that many homes are being offered at a phenomenally, historically, all time low prices- plus the fact that there are incredibly low financing rates available, some clients still want to “hold out” for a better deal.  After all, it surely must be just around the corner. There are a lot of homes on the market to choose from at this time and I want the best for the lowest price possible.  Have I hear you?  I think so and I do not blame you for one minute.  I, too, want great deals.   

What is Wrong With That Thinking

Let’s use an old saying or two to help answer the question.  “A watch pot never boils!”   “You snooze you loose!” The same is true for real estate in today market.  It is a better financial deal for you to be in the home of your dreams with the current interest rate,even if they dip down a fraction more than the present level, than to have remained on the fence during this remarkable time and watch home prices and home loan rates drift higher.  Inevitably,home prices will rise and rates will go up and you as a client will have missed the opportunity of a lifetime.  Will you be the next one to learn from my dad’s ringing comment?  “I remember when…and I wish I would have…”? Keep that from happening to you and your family.  You can then say to your children, “I am glad that I bought my home in the Greater Houston, Texas, Area when I did!”  Go ahead and “Seal Your Real Estate Deal With A Smile.  Call Kay!  

A Look At The Overall Houston Single Family Home Market

90-day stats for Single Family properties in HOUSTON, TX as of February 3, 2012
Median List Price:	$146,706	Average List Price:	$295,385
Total Inventory:	10,190	Price per Square Foot:	$72
Average Home Size:	2,060	Median Lot Size:	7,294
Average # Beds:	3.40	Average # Baths:	2.46
Homes Absorbed:	571	Newly Listed:	474
Days on Market:	177	Average Age:	31

  

To receive weekly automatic updates for specific zip codes in the Greater Houston, TX Area- Clear LakeCity and League City, TX ,  contact The Kay Horacefield Team or simply fill out the form on the right hand side bar of this blog.

No doubt you’ve heard the news that the housing market has hit a rough road in the last few months.  Sale of single family existing homes have declined at a rate that have taken many by surprise.  This has caused a mind’s tailspin of wondering “what’s next”. 

The savvy buyers  are not missing a beat , they are seeing beyond the one dimensional view.  They are seeing the more favorable climate for buying a home in Clear Lake, League City, and Friendswood, Texas.  At today’s rock  bottom rates,  economist says that buyers stand to save $8,ooo many times over during the course of a  30-year  mortgage  even with another $8,000 tax credit now off of the table. 

Why Now is the Prime Time to Buy in Clear Lake, League City and Friendswood, Texas

• Home affordability is at an all-time high
• Mortgage rates are at rock bottom
• Home prices are trending to rise—Buy NOW
• Sellers are motivated
• Financing is readily available
• Owning vs. renting is increasingly favorable—average principle and interest payment has fallen below the average rental rates 
• Home ownership is still at the core of the American Dream!

For individual home buyers, there are only a few facts that really matter:

1. Can I afford this home?
2. Is it a good investment?
3. Does it meet my family’s needs?

To Sum It UP

Don’t let this prime time pass you buy, take action and BUY.  Years down the line you will be saying, “That was a very wise home purchase.  I am so glad that I took advantage of the buyer’s market !” I am glad that we did not get caught up in the “tail spin mind thinking” or we  would not have this great home in Clear Lake or League City or Friendswood, Texas.

First Time buyers, Move Up Buyers, and Investors Call Kay! right away to buy a home in Clear Lake, League City or Friendswood, Texas.  It is easy to do!  You will be glad you took action today. You, like me, can see the great opportunities to become the proud owner of a new home.  I’m sure you are saying the same thing.  I can see you head shaking, “YES.”

Myths can keep you from securing Home Ownership in Clear Lake and League City, Texas. Overcome the myths and be on your way to your new dream home!

Myths about Mortgages:

Mortgage Myth #1:  I had some debt when I was young and I ruined my credit.  I’ll never get a mortgage.

• You don’t know what your credit history shows until you look.  And if you do have blemished from the past, lenders will show you how to improve your credit and restore good credit practices on your part.

Mortgage Myth #2:  I heard that you need to put 25% down to buy a home.  But my friend says that you can get a mortgage with no down-payment at all!

• Both scenarios are uncommon.  Although there are a variety of financing programs available, most require you to put at least 3.5-10% down, but rarely would you need 25%.

   Myths about Agents

Agent Myth #1: If I have several agents looking for homes on my behalf, I’ll find a house more quickly.

• Like most relationships, this one thrives on communication, loyalty and trust.  By working exclusively with one agent you will improve both the process and the results.

Agent Myth#2:  If I want an agent to represent me as a buyer, I’ll have to pay them myself.

• Buyer representation means that the REALTOR you select works with your best interest in mind.  In most cases, however, they receive a portion of the commission paid by he seller.

Myths about Buying:

Buying Myth #1:  I should find a new home first before I sell the one I now own.

• If you find a buyer for your home first, you’ll have more negotiating power in both the sale of your current home and the purchase of a new one. 

Buying Myth #2:  I just made an offer on a house I love.  But so did several other people.  I’m worried that someone else will out bid me and get it.

• Different sellers are motivated by different things.  In addition to price, a seller will look at the other terms of the offer–contingencies, closing date, required repairs, etc.  Many times a “clean” offer from a pre-approved buyer will be more attractive, even if the price is slightly lower.

It is vital for first time home buyers in the Clear Lake and League City, Texas, area to know how much house payment you can afford. It is even more critical to determine the amount of house payment you can comfortably spend each month for three very specific reasons.

1. It is not in your best interest to look at homes that are above your price point. Falling in love with one of the dream homes is a very real possibility that can set you up for disappointment if you find out that you cannot afford that much of a mortgage.

2. KNOWING your price point capabilities will help you to keep from making a mistake of under buying and settling for a League City house just because you thought you could not afford higher price homes.

3. The third reason to nail down your price range is that there is more to life than making a your Clear Lake house payment.

• You may want to buy new furniture for your new house.
• You may want to entertain in your new home.
• You may want to take a vacation.
The letter “K” is the first letter in the important word “KNOWING”! Knowing you buying power is basic ground level planning for first time home buyers to have a firm foundation for their home buying experience in Clear Lake and League City, Texas.
Stay tuned and read the next post which will take the K.N.O.W. to the next level. In the mean time if you are ready to start your home buying process, please contact me right away and we will help you accomplish the first step of the word “K.N.O.W.” Then you will be automatically ready for the second action which will be “N” for Narrowing.
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