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October 11, 2006August 2, 2019

Real estate market report 2005

Many experts are not only talking about the real estate bubble, but how it’s about to burst. I was interested in finding out how many articles and proclamations exist about the bursting bubble, so I googled “housing bubble Washington, DC.” There were over 800,000 links to people and articles (some going back to 2002), talking about how the bubble is about to burst. Many talk about concerns of financial impact and others talk about a doomsday scenario when the bubble bursts. Here’s the real estate market report 2005.

Real estate market report 2005

If you look at the mid year statistics, it seems that the Washington D.C. real estate market is still in full swing. You can decide for yourself based on the statistics for single family homes in Montgomery County. So, here is the mid-year report card, based on the statistics compiled by the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR). Homes listed for sale for June 2005 totaled 2,004, up from the 1,971 homes listed in June 2004, an increase of 1.7 percent. The fact that more homes are coming on the market sounds encouraging, however, the total active listings in June 2005 (homes listed for sale but not under contract) are down 4.5percent from the same time last year. So, although the supply of homes being listed for sale rose, the actual amount of homes available on the market has reduced because there are home buyers ready to gobble these homes up as they come onto market.

It seems as if the home buyers’ appetites for homes are insatiable so far this year. The number of contracts and settlements are up for the period of January to June 2005 as compared to the same time period in 2004. The number of houses where status changed from active to contract during the first six months of 2005 increased 1.3percent compared the first six months of 2004. Additionally, the number of homes that were settled during the first six months of 2005 increased 2.5percent compared to the same six month period in 2004.

Interestingly, I would like to note the sales of homes that sold for $1,000,000 or more increased from last year. There were 389 of these million dollar plus homes that sold in the first six moths of 2005, compared to the 265 sold in the same time period in 2004, that is a 46percent increase! So far, for 2005, the average sale price in Montgomery is $544,719. Compared to $477,937 for the same time period in 2004, it is an increase of $66,782! (stats from gcaar.com).

Will there be a correction or a full blown crises?

Looking at the statistics above, you may ask yourself, “can prices continue to climb and record numbers of sales continue year after year?” The market can’t continue double digit appreciation forever. Will there be a correction or a full blown crises? Whatever happens, there will always be a real estate market.

October 11, 2006April 21, 2019

Finding a real estate bargain

Many first-time home buyers and investors whom I encounter typically ask about foreclosures and handyman-specials. Essentially they are looking to buy a real estate bargain. When is the best time to by a real estate bargain?

A foreclosure is a home that has been repossessed by the holder of the mortgage note, usually a bank. The process of foreclosure varies depending in which state the foreclosed home exists and what type of mortgage document exists on the home. To make a long story short, the home is either auctioned to the highest bidder, or the home is taken over by the bank to be sold on the market. The foreclosed homes that are put on the market are also called REO, which stands for real estate owned by bank.

Foreclosed homes can also be bought at auction. Auctions are usually conducted at the courthouse by a local auctioneer. These types of auctions are also known as a trustee’s sale or substitute trustee’s sale. If you are interested in attending an auction, you can find the advertisements for the auctions in the local papers’ classified section. To bid on the home, you must have the minimum deposit in the form of certified funds. The minimum deposit is usually posted in the advertisement. If you are buying a foreclosed home at auction, you are essentially buying it “as-is” without the ability to do a home inspection prior to close.

When the bank has taken title to a foreclosed home, a Realtor is usually hired to list the home on the Multiple List Service (MLS). In this scenario, you have an opportunity to view the home before you decide to submit your offer. The home is generally sold “as-is.” Hopefully, you will have a Realtor of your own to advise you of the value and general condition of the home.

Generally, the process of buying a foreclosed property can be bumpy due to foreclosure process. Sometimes the previous owner will damage the home (sometimes on purpose), or take valuable materials out of the home such as copper or other fixtures. Additionally, the home is locked up for months, often without utilities. Mold growth is typical due to water penetration, and/or other structural and environmental concerns.

A handyman special is a term that is often used when a home is sold by the owner. The home can have deferred maintenance or other damage. The home could be a rental property in need of “TLC.” Many times, a handyman special will require mostly a great deal of cosmetic work, such as painting, carpet, etc. Sometimes, there are some structural concerns, such as (but not limited to) replacing a roof, or fixing walls.

Overall, when considering a real estate bargain whether you will have to determine if the home is worth the price you want to pay. In addition to the acquisition cost, you will have to consider the total cost to repair the home, as well as the costs to make updates. It is also important to look at the recent neighborhood comparables to see if the price or adjusted price (price plus costs for repairs) is in line.

If the market is depressed or a buyers’ market, there may be some choices in a real estate bargain. However, if the market favors the seller, there are fewer bargains. In a sellers’ market, distressed properties can sell for close to market value.

October 11, 2006April 11, 2019

What happens to your home in a divorce?

What happens to a family home in a divorce?

When divorce is imminent, people tend to worry about the children’s future, how to treat the mother-in-law who was so nice (lucky fellow), how their friends will react. Of course, these should be at the top of one’s mind. There are many concerns to worry about.

Beyond family concerns, finances and real estate are important also. Figuring out who gets what and how much can get messy, antagonistic and litigious. That is why an attorney should be consulted on these matters.

But what about the marital home? There are various options and outcomes. Sometimes the agreement is amicable. However, there are many times where spouses disagree and rely on their legal counsel. Sometimes, the court steps in and appoints a trustee to determine the disposition of the home.

It’s common for one party to offer to buy out the other’s interest in the home. But in doing so, coming up with the money may be a challenge. “Cash-out” refinance and home equity lines are sometimes a solution if the spouse meets the lender’s underwriting guidelines. Of course, if the home has no equity, then relying on a cash-out refi may not work.

Selling a home is emotional and stressful. Selling a home during a divorce can compound the stress. It’s important to be as objective and fair as possible when making decisions about the marital home. If you are selling your home, hire a professional Realtor who is objective and adept in handling such sales. Consult with an attorney on matters of separation and divorce.

by Dan Krell © 2005
Copyright Dan Krell 2005.

October 11, 2006April 17, 2019

What happened to afordable housing?

Everyone in the Metro area knows that housing costs have risen at what seems to be an exponential rate in the last few years. If you are a first time home buyer, the shock of Metro area home prices must be like watching the Texas Chain Saw Massacre. But what about affordable housing?

What happened to affordable housing? According to the Greater Capital Association of Realtors (www.gcaar.com), the average sales price for a single family home in Montgomery County in January 2005 was $512,743. Comparatively, the price of a single family home in January 2004 was $435,898. Evidence that it is becoming increasingly harder for a first time home buyer to own a single family home.

Although the price of a home may not seem affordable, there are some ways to make it affordable. Montgomery County has always had some form of assistance to boost home ownership. Some of the programs that have been prevalent for some time now include the moderately priced dwelling unit program (MPDU), special loan programs and closing cost assistance.

The moderately priced dwelling unit program was established in 1974 by Montgomery County to provide affordable housing. The program allows a homebuyer to purchase a home at a special price. The homebuyer must qualify for financing and meet other criteria. There are MPDU’s scattered throughout the county in many communities and exist in many forms, such as townhomes, condos and semidetached homes.

There are restrictions on purchasing a MPDU, as one can imagine. The restrictions include a certificate of use, resale restrictions, and shared profits. The certificate of use requires the owner to live in the property, and not be able to rent to tenants. Additionally, when you are ready to sell your home, the price is restricted. Any profits that incur from the sale must be split with the Housing Initiative Fund (HIF) (which spends the money for additional affordable housing). The current price for a townhome is very affordable (check the website below). Information on qualifying and other regulations for the MPDU program, please visit the Montgomery County Department of Housing and Community Affairs website www.montgomerycountymd.gov/apps/dhca/index.asp.

If you choose not to go through the MPDU program, or if you do not qualify, there are other programs available to help with your purchase. Community programs, such as the Housing Opportunities Commission, offer special financing and closing cost help. If you visit their website, www.hocmc.org, you can see that there are currently two loan programs that offer below rate assistance for qualifying purchasers. One loan program offers a starting interest rate of 3.55%. These loan programs will qualify you to purchase a home that you might not otherwise qualify.

If financing is not a problem, you might need some closing cost help. The Housing Opportunities Commission has a couple of options for this too. One program offers a loan for up to five percent of the purchase price of the home. If you are short on cash, help such as this is a Godsend.

Although the average price of a home may not seem affordable to many first time home buyers, there are programs that are available to help with the purchase. Each program mentioned here does have qualifying criteria, as well as restrictions, and should be checked before embarking on your endeavor. Both agencies mentioned here are very knowledgeable and want to help you with any questions you may have.