The Most Important Questions in Real Estate Today

Common Sense Answers from Real Estate Expert Steve Harney

How do I price my house to sell in today's market?

Successful sellers are willing to price their home at or below market value, and reduce their listing price accordingly if it remains on the market. Research shows the longer a home is on the market, the lower the sales price when the home sells.*

How do I know that now is the right time to buy?

If you are employed, have decent credit and some money set aside for a down payment, then this is one of the best times in history to purchase a home.

Interest rates are at an all-time low; there's a great inventory of homes, priced to sell; and there are a wide variety of loan programs available. Additionally, first-time home buyers with adjusted gross incomes of $75,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers are eligible for an $8,000 federal tax credit for homes purchased in 2009. That's a great opportunity.

How do I sell my house at the price I need to move up?

If you have equity in your existing home, you can leverage that equity to move up. Most North and South Carolina home owners who purchased their homes before 2005 will still be able to recoup their investment and potentially see some return. Sellers need to understand that if they are willing to take less on their existing home, they will very likely be able to purchase a new home at the same discount or better.

Will interest rates continue to fall?

Low interest rates are designed to stimulate the economy by encouraging consumer confidence. The interest rates we've been seeing since last summer are at a 25-year low. So when interest rates begin to rise, it's a sign that the economy is improving. We're already seeing some small increases in interest rates. Buyers who are waiting for "the bottom" may find themselves disappointed when their ideal home is sold to a more eager buyer. The reality is that we will not know when we have hit "bottom" until it has passed.

What do I need to know about mortgages?

Contrary to popular belief, mortgage money is still available, but more documentation is required than ever before. You'll also need a down payment, but there are several loan programs which require only 3-to-5 percent down. There are several excellent programs targeted to first-time buyers, as well as federal loan programs, if you qualify. As always, it makes good sense to pre-qualify for a mortgage before you start shopping, so you know how much home you can afford. Your Allen Tate Mortgage Consultant would be happy to answer your mortgage questions and guide you through the pre-qualification process.

It's Time to Get off the Fence

Buying a home is one of life's most important decisions – and one of the most gratifying. Yet today's economy has kept home buyers "on the fence" – and paralyzed about moving forward in pursuit of their goals and dreams.

"Lack of decision making results in deferred dreams and lost opportunities," said Rhoda and Jeffrey Makoff, authors of Get Off the Fence! "But you want to feel that you have made the right choices at each opportunity, especially the major crossroads."

"When you have decided what your dream is, what your goals are and what your plan is, all you need to do is get off the fence and just do it," said business philosopher Jim Rohn. "Making the effort to get off the fence is the hardest move, as after that, everything will flow easily as you put your plans in motion."

Lower home prices, interest rates at 25-year low, and a strong inventory make this a perfect time to buy a home. If you're ready to make a move – or just thinking about it, Allen Tate Realtors will make sure you're standing on solid ground. Let me know how I can help you get off the fence and get on with living the best possible life.