The Future of Real Estate

Is technology taking control of the Real Estate Market? The techno boom is just hitting the tip of the iceberg in the Real Estate Market. More and more tech tools are being used to aid buyers in their search to find information on homes. Tec savvy agents are taking advantage of the marketing tools available to them as well as much as everyone in business, to help give there listings the maximum exposure available to help sell properties. I am currently using Facebook, Twitter, TweetLister, Realtor.com and Youtube, as well as many other links from MLS and my own website. These marketing tools, as well as each of my listings getting there own webpage, is designed to maximize the exposure needed to market and sell properties in this competitive market. Ask you current agent what are they doing outside of MLS to help promote and market your properties.

“WANTED” BUYERS LOOKING FOR A GOOD DEAL?

NOW, yes, NOW is the time to BUY. First time home buyers and home owners moving up in the market, NOW is your time! First time home buyers can capitalize on the current market with out getting into bidding wars. If your open to doing a little remodeling, you are really in the drivers seat with current inventory on the market. If you are moving up in the Market, you can increase your buying power. If you are selling a $250,000 home with a down market of 5% and you buy a $400,000 home that is down 10% in market value you have just gained  $27,500 in buying power by moving up in a down market vs. purchasing in a normal or regular market. If you would like more information on the market price of your home and market conditions, please call me to meet and discuss this further .


This week's key fact to understand about today’s market:

The 30-year mortgage rate is at generational lows

Buy Now–Borrow Now

If you’re in the market for a home loan, close the deal sooner rather than later. Mortgage rates, in particular, may start to go up soon. The Fed has been buying mortgage-backed securities, which has been holding rates down, but that program is set to expire at the end of March, although the  program may be extended, it’s unclear at this point.

Does this mean you should rush into a decision? Of course not. But it does mean you can save a bundle by pulling the trigger on a home you’ve been considering since last year, particularly if you do it before April 30 and cash in on the tax credits available to first time home buyers as well as home sellers/buyer that have owned their home 5 years or longer.

When the economy is struggling, the Federal reserve cuts interest rates to boost activity. Rates are now at historic lows. This strategy works. The economy is beginning to expand, meaning unemployment should start easing and consumer spending should rise. Then interest rates will rise. The current expectation is that the Fed will start raising interest rates after March and into the third or fourth quarter.

This week's key fact to understand about today’s market:

Consumer confidence remains low, though clearly off bottom.

Is Now the Time to Buy?

As I am writing my newsletter, I am looking at a Mortgage calculator one of my valued lenders created for me on one of my listings. The listing is a condo on Laurel Lake in Thiensville. Priced at $134,900. The mortgage calculator payments are $1,167.00 per month including condo fees and property taxes. The interest rate is 4.375%YES I said 4.375%. Now, I just got done searching for a home/condo to rent for one of my clients friends. I found a condo on CraigsList in the same area, Laurel Lake, same size and style for $1,300 per month. Well……………… it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that purchasing, in most cases, is a better investment than renting. The $1,167.00 mortgage payment does not take into consideration the benefits you get as a buyer with interest and property tax deductions, an added plus for almost any buyer. Let me do an analysis for you showing you the benefits of BUYING vs. RENTING. Call or email me today:  northshorehomes@msn.com


This week's key fact to understand about today’s market:
The private sector is finally creating some jobs.

What’s Up With Bob?

Since the Internet became widely accessible people, clubs, and businesses have been harnessing its power to connect with a world that would otherwise be out of reach. Traveling the world is now something many Americans can do every day. Cultures can mix without people even meeting.

Taking these facts into account, I have been dabbling with the World Wide Web’s powers as well. I have begun using Twitter and Facebook as portals. These portals connect various ages, locations, and ideas. Twitter has given me a way to give day-by-day updates on my business, my properties and their availability, as well as great local events. This grabs the attention of business connections, clients, potential clients, and Milwaukee/Mequon residents that may not be aware of what goes on in their own neighborhoods.

Facebook works for me in a bit more personal way. I can choose my friends, therefore I can choose my audience. With Facebook, I am able to address people specifically instead of addressing the world. I can create and invite specific people to events, and keep track of my actions in a calendar format. Plus Facebook has great unique applications to help with any tasks people may want to take on. Facebook gives a way to share personal and business information, share photos, events, and conversations.

Technology is giving me a chance to connect with so many more people that I would be able to otherwise. Email is faster than snail mail, but Twitter and Facebook are instantaneous. I’m doing this to reach out to you: friends, family, clients, and business relations. Consider me your go-to resource for all things Milwaukee and Ozaukee county. There is so much to do here I think you’ll fall in love with these areas too.


This week's key fact to understand about today’s market:
The economy is growing, though slowly.

Buy Now–Borrow Now

If you’re in the market for a home loan, close the deal sooner rather than later. Mortgage rates, in particular, may start to go up soon. The Fed has been buying mortgage-backed securities, which has been holding rates down, but that program is set to expire at the end of March, although the  program may be extended, it’s unclear at this point.

Does this mean you should rush into a decision? Of course not. But it does mean you can save a bundle by pulling the trigger on a home you’ve been considering since last year, particularly if you do it before April 30 and cash in on the tax credits available to first time home buyers as well as home sellers/buyer that have owned their home 5 years or longer.

When the economy is struggling, the Federal reserve cuts interest rates to boost activity. Rates are now at historic lows. This strategy works. The economy is beginning to expand, meaning unemployment should start easing and consumer spending should rise. Then interest rates will rise. The current expectation is that the Fed will start raising interest rates after March and into the third or fourth quarter.

Is Now the Time to Buy?

As I am writing my newsletter I am looking at a Mortgage calculator one of my valued lenders made for my on one of my listings. It is a condo. Price at $134,900 the mortgage calculator payments are $1,167.00 per moth to include condo fees and property taxes. The interest rate is 4.375% YES I said 4.375%.
Now, I just got done searching for a home to rent for one of my clients friends. I did find a condo on Craigs List in the same area, same size and style for $1,300 per month. Well……………… it does not take a rocket scientist to see that buying in most cases is better. The payment does not take into consideration the benefits of interest deduction and property tax deduction, an added plus for buyers. Let me do an analysis for you and help you get pre qualified for a home or condo purchase. Let me show you the benefits. College students check to see if your parents could use a tax deduction with an increasing investment.

Milwaukee with the Real Estate Market?

What is going on in Milwaukee with the Real Estate Market?