Mortgage rates have once again hit record lows in an effort to spur real estate sales nationwide. Poor reports on job creation and high unemployment figures are spurring the lowering of rates, meant to improve the housing sector of our economy.

The current average rate for a 30 year fixed rate mortgage is 4.44%, a year ago it was 5.29%. A 15 year fixed rate mortgage is averaging 3.92%, down from 4.68% a year ago. A five year adjustable rate mortgage is averaging 3.56%, down from 4.56% a year ago.

Low mortgage rates appear to be doing the job of increasing home sales. While real estate sales are in no way booming, they are improving. The National Association of Realtors (NAR) tracks 155 metro areas across the country and has seen improvements in real estate sales in more than 60% of these areas.

The historically low rates are creating an ideal borrowing climate for those who have a steady source of income, the money for a down payment and good credit. It is a prime buyers market when it comes to real estate. The low home values and low mortgage rates combine to make it more affordable to buy a new home than it has been in years.

Mortgage Rates Drop Once Again is a post from: Phoenix and Beyond Real Estate and Area Information

While the economic recovery shows ups and downs, the overall picture of the housing market shows more positive data than negative. Looking at real estate data from the second quarter it is evident that home prices are stabilizing in more areas than not and home sales volume is up. The second quarter was stimulated largely by the home buyer tax credit that was expiring and the historically low mortgage rates that continued to drop.

Home sales rose just over 9% in the second quarter of 2010, over a 15% increase in volume from the second quarter of 2009. The affordability factor is playing a large role in the purchasing of real estate, with homes considerably more affordable than they were at the peak of the market.

Home values have stabilized in roughly 2/3 of the country, where they remain flat or are rising slightly. The hardest hit areas displayed a bit of a drop in home values but the rate of decrease has slowed down. Home values appear more stable as fewer distressed properties hit the market, but it will take time for home prices to truly increase. The analysis of housing data displays that it is still a buyers market when it comes to real estate.

Click here to read a recent article from Realtor.org about real estate progress in the second quarter of 2010.

Overall A Positive Outlook on Real Estate is a post from: Phoenix and Beyond Real Estate and Area Information

The new season of theatre is on.

We spent the day with our lovely granddaughters Katelyne and Brianne

With lunch at Mac Alpines Soda Fountain, a 1920’s soda fountain and lunch, a real treat for a 11 and 13 year old, who have never seen a jukebox that play records not an Ipod. It was a delightful day for Lewis and myself.

Here is our day in pictures

MacAlpines in the 1930’s

Bubble gum soda!!

One of our favorite places in Phoenix the vintage soda fountain MacAlpine’s. This drugstore fountain was built in 1928, and when the pharmacy closed in 1992, it began a new career as a restaurant and fountain.  Located adajacent to the Cornado Historic District http://www.gcna.info . Lovely place to have a cold drink (real cherry coke my favorite) or make your own creation   

Grease the musical

August 13 through 29, 2010
Valley Youth Theatre

First produced on Broadway in 1972, this show is filled with lighting – greased lighting! Grease is the word . . . and a throwback to the golden age of rock ‘n’ roll, when fast cars and grease in your hair were the most important things in the life of a teenager. Enjoy show-stopping songs like “Summer Nights”, “Beauty School Dropout”, and “We Go Together” in the intimate setting of the Valley Youth Theatre

Established in 1989, Valley Youth Theatre (VYT) is dedicated to helping young people learn and grow as performers and creators; and to instill in all young people an appreciation for the performing arts that can be carried with them into adulthood. Valley Youth Theatre has created a most unique opportunity with our own children’s orchestra, technicians and actors   http://www.vyt.com/

  A Great day was had by all!!

A day at the theatre is a post from: Phoenix and Beyond Real Estate and Area Information

The city of Phoenix Historic Preservation Office is now accepting applications for its Exterior Rehabilitation Assistance Program.  The grant application deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 6.

Owners of historic homes located in city designated historic districts or individually listed on the city’s historic property register are eligible to apply.  The program funds critical structural stabilization, repair and rehabilitation of historic exterior features such as roofs, exterior walls, porches and windows.  The program reimburses owners 50 percent of the project cost for pre-approved work requests, up to $10,000 per project.

For more information or to download an application, visit www.phoenix.gov/historic and click the “Financial Incentive Programs” link or call 602-261-8699.  Application packages are available at the city’s Historic Preservation Office, 200 W. Washington St., 17^th floor

City Of Phoenix Historic exterior rehab assistance applications being accepted is a post from: Phoenix and Beyond Real Estate and Area Information

There are many improvements that a person can make to a home, many offering more of a return than others. There are some home improvements that can actually hurt a home’s investment potential. Some improvements limit the number of future potential home buyers due to the uniqueness of the improvement, for example not everyone wants a home spa, sauna, full workout room, etc. In essence it is important to make sure that home improvements and additions be well-planned and then well-executed.

Historically, the best improvements are kitchens, bathrooms, and decks. These renovations and/or additions offer the best return for the dollars spent, being that they are completed reasonably and not over-the-top. The simpler the project, the better.

Most people want to get their money back when they sell a home, but many will not. One key element to remember is to keep your home in line with the neighborhood. If every home on your block is similar and you add a huge garage, fancy finishes and ornate touches that do not exist in your neighborhood you probably won’t get your money back. Of course, if you don’t care about the return that you will get on your home then you can feel free to throw caution to the wind.

Click here to read a recent article from Main Street about potential remodel pitfalls.

Some Home Improvements Offer More Return Than Others is a post from: Phoenix and Beyond Real Estate and Area Information

Financing for real estate may be tougher these days, but it is not impossible. When it comes to buying a new home it is more important than ever to be prepared when qualifying for a new loan. Times have changed. The days of securing no-doc loans or loans with no money down are in the past. To get a loan today it is commonplace to put a minimum of 20% down. If you have the down payment money for a loan on a new home, that is the first step.

Qualifying for a mortgage involves stating a steady source of income, a good credit history, and a reasonable amount of debt. Similarly what will work against you is poor credit, unemployment, no down payment funds and lying on a loan application. In addition if you are self-employed you should expect to jump through some pretty big hoops.

If you want to buy a home do not despair. If buying a home is in your budget you will be able to work it out. If its not in your budget at the moment it is probably best that you wait until it is.

Financing May Be Tougher But It’s Not Impossible is a post from: Phoenix and Beyond Real Estate and Area Information

If you are buying a home there are some important things to think about. While there are people out there who do not believe that a person’s primary residence should be looked at as an investment, the reality is that a home is probably one of the most expensive purchases in a person’s lifetime and, as such, is a very important investment. That being said, buying real estate is a big deal and should be approached with thought and caution.

There are two main factors when buying a home, one being financial, the other being physical. Financially it is of the utmost importance to buy within your means. Know your budget, what you can afford now, and do not go beyond it. Before even looking for a home go through the pre-qualification process of acquiring a mortgage. Lastly, remember that you are your own best advocate, do your research and know what expenses will be coming at you upon closing so that you are not caught off guard and forking over extra, unexpected money that you cannot afford.

When it comes to the physical attributes of your house hunting, it is a good idea to look at everything available in your price range in the area that you want to move to. Realize that there is a good chance that you will be attracted to real estate that is above your price range but remember to be realistic, you need to stay within your budget.

When it comes to real estate it is a great time to be a buyer. Contact a local Realtor with a solid reputation and see what you can find.

Click here to read a recent article from Investopedia titled “10 Worst First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes 2010”.

Buying A Home? Some Important Things to Think About is a post from: Phoenix and Beyond Real Estate and Area Information

When it comes to real estate it is easy to wonder what’s going on. One report is gloomy while another is bright. The reality is that real estate is improving, how much so being localized to any given area.

Before the recession hit real estate markets nationwide were gaining at unrealistic paces, hence the housing boom and subsequent bust. It is important to remember that the modest improvements being seen are more realistic and if huge jumps were being made we might return to the same boat.

Overall home prices have started a modest recovery, with slight increases across the board, but the areas hardest hit by foreclosures are where values have yet to show much of a rebound. The historically low mortgage rates are increasing mortgage applications as well, adding to the real estate sales volume.

While overall, unemployment levels will continue to affect the economy as a whole, it is impossible not to look at real estate data and see an improvement. Small steps are definitely being made in the right direction.

Click here to read a recent article from Realty Times regarding the current state of real estate.

Real Estate: What’s Going On? is a post from: Phoenix and Beyond Real Estate and Area Information

Borrowing money for luxury real estate just got cheaper. Typically money borrowed for luxury real estate is considered a jumbo loan, a loan of more than $729,750. Jumbo loans traditionally hold higher interest rates and are not backed by government sponsored agencies. The current interest rate for a jumbo loan is 5.48%, rivaling those of traditional 30 year fixed rate mortgages.

The low rates for jumbo loans make purchasing luxury real estate much more affordable than in recent years. Currently luxury home values are lower than they have been, combine that with the low interest rates and thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, of dollars can be saved over the lifetime of a loan, adding to the affordability level.

The housing recovery has focused on the lower end of real estate, through tax credits and low mortgage rates. The new low rates for jumbo mortgages should give the higher end a well-needed boost. The luxury real estate market is certain to get a lift from the newly reduced interest rates, luring both buyers and lenders.

Click here to read a recent article from the Wall Street Journal on low jumbo rates.

Borrowing for Luxury Real Estate Just Got Cheaper is a post from: Phoenix and Beyond Real Estate and Area Information

The home buyer tax credit may be gone but assistance is still out there. Potential first time home buyers have options to explore when considering jumping into real estate. One of the first hurdles when buying a home for the first time is often coming up with a down payment. Even a good saver may have a hard time saving the thousands that can be necessary for a down payment. Luckily there are options for help.

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has many assistance and reference programs. HUD’s website has links to Habitat for Humanity, rural housing, and a number of home buyer programs in your area. The HUD website can be a great resource, offering a wealth of information on what is involved in purchasing a home.

The Federal Housing Agency (FHA) is another agency offering information and assistance. The FHA helps buyers buy homes with both low interest rates and a small down payment. Where a standard down payment can be anywhere from 10 to 20%, an FHA loan can require as little as 3.5% down. Standard loan fees can be wrapped into the loan through FHA as well.

If home ownership seems like a pipe dream, it doesn’t have to. If you have a steady source of income then you have mastered one of your biggest hurdles. Contact a real estate professional today to learn more about purchasing real estate in your area.

Click here to visit the HUD website.
Click here to learn more about FHA.

Tax Credit May Be Gone But Assistance is Still Out There is a post from: Phoenix and Beyond Real Estate and Area Information