Sarasota Luxury Real Estate News

How Does Unemployment Affect Home Value?

Feb 22, 2010 | News

The good news for the housing sector is that existing home sales in the U.S. rose 10.1% in October, 2009, and we are beginning to see signs of stabilization. [See Policy, Price, and Product Are Used to Assess Market Recovery for details.]

There is widespread agreement that problems in the housing market caused the financial crisis and led to the recession. It’s important to note, however, that the housing market is inextricably linked to the employment sector and a sustained improvement for housing might not be realized until the broader economy, including the job market, has recovered.

Policy, Price, and Product Are Used to Assess Market Recovery

Feb 15, 2010 | News

Existing home sales in the U.S. rose 10.1% in October, 2009. This is good news for the housing sector that has been hurt by an exceedingly large inventory of unsold homes and unprecedented rates of foreclosure.

Government Policy

The ability of the housing market to stand on its own, unaided by federal stimulus, will be tested very soon. The end is nearing for two federal policies that are credited with providing a boost to the housing market this year. The $8,000 tax credit for new home buyers was extended, but is scheduled to end in the spring of 2010. Secondly, the Federal Reserve, which purchased mortgage securities in an effort to keep mortgage rates low, has indicated that aid will soon cease as well.

Investing Wisely in an Economic Downturn

Feb 8, 2010 | News

If you’re in a position to invest in today’s real estate market, you may be able to take advantage of some once-in-a-lifetime deals. All investment comes with risk, however, and this is no time to ignore warning signs of deals that can sour quickly. Keep these guidelines in mind when considering your potential investments:

Rise above the times. Investors who are able to navigate tough times such as these and still come out ahead are in the best position for long-term success due to a consistently strong track record.

30-Year Fixed Rate: the Number Everybody is Watching

Feb 1, 2010 | News

At a time when the housing market is struggling to recover, the slightest mortgage rate adjustment is scrutinized since even a minor rise stands to lessen the buying power of borrowers. In the most basic of terms, lower interest rates afford buyers more house for their money. Additionally, higher interest rates typically cause home prices to fall.

Sarasota Tops the List of Best US Home Markets!

Nov 9, 2009 | News

Barbara Corcoran recently revealed a Top Ten List of the Best Real Estate Markets in the country on NBC’s Today Show. Topping the list at #1 was Sarasota—one of two Florida cities to earn a mention; the other was St. Petersburg.

Making Your New Apartment ‘Home’

Nov 9, 2009 | News

You’ve probably already called the cable guy and arranged for your utilities to get hooked up before move-in day, but here are a few things that will help you settle into your new digs that you might not have thought of…