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“While we should be encouraged by the positive trends on inventories and foreclosure starts, the mixed overall outlook means that we must remain diligent to improve conditions in the nation’s housing market,” said HUD Assistant Secretary Raphael Bostic.
The 3-acre park will be located in Bridgeland’s Water Haven community, a collection of eight neighborhoods where home prices begin in the $180,000s. The park will offer several active play spaces, including a sprayground with a tall custom water tower spray structure and low-profile bubbling sculptures for a variety of age ranges. Anchoring the sprayground is a pavilion that will offer picnic tables and proximity to barbecue grills. Children ages two to five will have a dedicated playground while older children can climb and slide in an adjacent play space. Near both playgrounds is a swing set area that caters to all ages.
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According to the Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey, average fixed mortgage rates have held steady in recent weeks. For five weeks in a row, average rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages haven't increased over the 4 percent mark. At the same time last year, the average rate on 30-year FRMs averaged 4.46. While the 15-year FRMs held steady at an average of 3.3 percent from the week before, rates are down an average of 0.51 percent from the same time last year. Adjustable-rate mortgages, meanwhile, have also fallen to record lows.
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There are many benefits to owning a home, not the least of which are the financial advantages of home ownership. Homeowners can gain a number of tax benefits, and, combined with the Fed's indication to keep interest rates attractively low throughout the new year, home buying in 2012 is promising to be a financially astute plan. Consult with your accountant about which of the following perks you might enjoy.
Mortgage Interest Deductions (MID)
This deduction allows home owning taxpayers to reduce their taxable income by the amount paid in interest on their residential home loan.
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Although foreclosed properties can be good deals, the process of buying is rife with pitfalls. Here is what you must know:
1. Have you done your research?
A foreclosed property may have all sorts of clouds on its title, from multiple bank loans to tax and contractor's liens. Once you buy, you're responsible for all such balances. Be especially wary of the situation where one bank forecloses, but another still demands to be paid.
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HOUSTON, TX — After several months in which home sales figures were skewed by the effects of the 2010 homebuyer tax credit, the Houston real estate market concluded 2011 solidly in the black. December marked the seventh straight month of increased home sales and the month contained a host of indicators suggesting a healthy start to the new year. Prices of single-family homes across Greater Houston for full-year 2011 were up slightly from 2010. The median price reached an all-time high for a December in Houston and months inventory hit its lowest level in two years.
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HOUSTON – Forbes.com has an article about housing markets in the U.S. which are likely to make a recovery this year and Houston is high on the list. Strong job market, population growth, and incomes that are growing rapidly make up the key factors in seeing a rebound in the housing market.
“Oil doesn’t just heat homes, it also heats up a housing market. Cities where oil and natural gas are key components of the local economy have not only fared well in the downturn, they’ve thrived,” Forbes reports."
The report summarizes the workshop proceedings and compiles the most recent foreclosure mediation research and resources.
By Bill
LasarChampions Real Estate Group
Improving your home's resale value not only puts more money in your pocket when it's time to sell, but it also enhances your quality of life in the moment. Here are the top three ways to improve your home and add value.
1. Add
Square Footage
Square footage is one of
the first things an
appraiser looks at when
determining the value
of your home. If your
home is noticeably
smaller
than others in
the neighborhood, you
should definitely
consider adding
square
footage. Just be sure
that you conduct any
remodeling according
to local building codes
and permits.
