Real Estate Trends

Merger Creates One of the Largest Real Estate Franchise in Northern America

SWANEPOEL — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:22:44 -0800

Barely a year ago the real estate industry was stunned when Canadian-based Brookfield Residential Property Services (Brookfield RPS), a division of Brookfield Asset Management Inc. (Brookfield), and owner of Royal LePage, the largest Canadian residential real estate company, acquired GMAC Real Estate. With the departure of CEO John Bearden and a pending name change imminent, many labeled the GMAC franchise as yesterday’s news.

What a difference a year has made. more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

www.UnnecessaryForeclosure.com Educates Homeowners on Foreclosure Avoidance Options

AmandaWinters — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:42:13 -0700

As millions of American families struggle to keep their homes not knowing where to go for help, the Northeast Atlanta Metro Association of REALTORS® (NAMAR) wants to help those homeowners learn how to avoid foreclosure and keep their home, and have launched www.UnnecessaryForeclosure.com to do so. more...

Real Estate Trends

How Much Do You Care About Your Online Profile?

SWANEPOEL — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 08:58:18 -0700

Are you listening in on the conversation currently being held about you? You should. They may be talking about your company, your brand and your service?

This isn't behind your back, no, it's in the open. Right there on the web, in the chat room, in the forum and on one of the many social media networks spanning the globe.

Time you got in touch with a rapidly growing information base. With each passing the information is growing exponentially and it’s vital that you get in on the dialogue.

Here are some of the online media you should be monitoring regularly: more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

Goomzee Heats Up The Summer By Signing Four More Multiple Listing Services

Smith_Goomzee — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:45:43 -0700

Missoula MT Sept 8, 2009 - Agreements with Intermountain MLS of Boise and Northwest Montana Association of REALTORs in Kalispell, plus two others, continue to grow Goomzee’s nationwide footprint. Goomzee®, a leading text message marketing and lead generation provider that connects buyers and sellers in real time, announces agreements with four more multiple listings services. more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

9-11 Memorial Events - Please Participate In Your Area

DannyFlucke — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:47:03 -0700

"On 9-11-09 join a free motorcycle ride dedicated to the memory of the 343 FDNY Firemen, 61 Police Officers and all those who tragically lost their lives on that historic day. The goal is to draw Patriotic Americans together on a Remembrance Ride to honor these brave Americans. "The Ride" and public Ceremony is open to all."

Here is a link to a long standing 9-11 memorial ride here in SoCal: http://www.remember911ride.com

Please post other events you may be attending in your area - And remember:

All Gave Some - Some Gave All - NEVER Forget !!

Thank you, Danny

Thank you, more...

3D Web Publishing

Social Media Tips for Real Estate Professionals

SWANEPOEL — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 13:06:04 -0700

Your profile, posts and comments on most Social Media networks will be available for many thousands, maybe even everyone to see – forever. It is therefore vitally important that you conduct yourself correctly.

Be yourself, be open, be transparent, share… and all those other good things. Just decide who you are, what image you wish to portray today, and tomorrow.

Don’t just sign up for a network account on LinkedIn or Facebook or Twitter with the intent of just engaging in idle chit-chat without taking the time to complete profile and think through your positioning. more...

California Real Estate Bloggers

Average Rental Rates in the US

RentMarketer — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 14:16:06 -0700

For rental real estate trends we have a free average rental rates tool that shows historic and current rental rates for over 4,000 cities in the US across 4 million rental properties and apartments. more...

Real Estate Trends

US SecretaryTreasurer and obvious financial genius Timothy Geithner overpriced his home listed in Feb HIGHER than 2006 values.

DannyFlucke — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:40:49 -0700

Of course it's end-of-the-month crunch time.

Extra pressure to make sure those escrows and fundings close smoothly.

But take a 4min break and watch this clip -

Then get back to work....

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/wed-july-29-2009/home-crisis-investiga...

Thanx, Danny

Thank you,
Respectfully,

Danny C. Flucke Jr. - Senior Partner
Nationwide Mortgage Experts
Direct: (714) 624-9479

Email: DCFJ@NationwideMortgageExperts.com
Websites: www.NationwideMortgageExperts.com / www.NaMoEx.com more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

Click To Support Reversal Of The Business-Destroying HVCC Legislation - And Forward NOW !!!

DannyFlucke — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 18:02:05 -0700

URGENT HVCC UPDATE:

Thank you to everyone who responded to our article last month concerning the business-destroying HVCC legislation - And for signing our petition to overturn it.

HVCC continues to devastate home values across the US. The mortgage industry is now faced with EXPANSION of the HVCC fiasco with higher Fannie and Freddie loan limits.

HVCC will carry through to former “jumbo” markets forcing more and more downward preasure on homeowners real estate values. more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

Using Superior Strategy & Tactics to Win

Dan Auito — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 21:30:39 -0700

If you'll take the time to review everything that is laid out in these video's and free report, then you will absolutely dominate your market area when it comes to selling property at the highest possible price in the shortest period of time: http://www.simsprofits.com/?1008344 there is no question about it.

Real Estate Trends

Taylor Bean Must Cease All Originations AND FUNDINGS Effective Immediatetly

DannyFlucke — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:15:31 -0700

Press Release issued 10min ago:

OCALA, FLORIDA – TAYLOR, BEAN & WHITAKER MORTGAGE CORP. (“TBW”) RECEIVED NOTIFICATION ON AUGUST 4, 2009 FROM THE U.S DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, FREDDIE MAC AND GINNIE MAE (THE “AGENCIES”) THAT IT WAS BEING TERMINATED AND/OR SUSPENDED AS AN APPROVED SELLER AND/OR SERVICER FOR EACH OF THOSE RESPECTIVE FEDERAL AGENCIES.

TBW HAS UNSUCCESSFULLY SOUGHT TO HAVE THE TERMINATION/SUSPENSION DECISIONS OF EACH OF THOSE AGENCIES REVERSED. AS A RESULT OF THESE ACTIONS, TBW MUST CEASE ALL ORIGINATION OPERATIONS EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY. more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

Fathers Memorial Flag Hand-To-Hand Delivered From SoCal To Florida

DannyFlucke — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 02:13:32 -0700

The Patriot Guard Riders (PGR) has been tasked with Hand-To-Hand delivery of a father’s memorial flag from SoCal - To his daughter (Jennifer) in Florida.

This ride will cover 6 states with stops to hand off the flag to the next group of riders for the next leg of the trip.

Day one / Riverside, CA to Ehrenberg, AZ / 177 miles
Day two / Ehrenberg, AZ to San Simon, AZ / 382 miles
Day three / San Simon, Az to El Paso, TX / 200 miles
Day four / El Paso, TX to San Antonio, TX / 553 miles
Day five / San Antonio, TX to Lake Charles, LA / 340 miles more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

Mortgage Servicers Are Under Pressure to Modify More Loans

DannyFlucke — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 11:51:33 -0700

This Wall Street Journal article illustrates how focused everyone is on the lender -- With little more than a glance given to distressed homeowners. It is interesting to note that while the various government bodies are cleaning up the "loan mod" industry - They still have not issued any sort of consumer guide to help homeowners needing assistance. Here are a few tips: more...

Alternative Business Models

The New (MDIA) Will DRASTICALLY Change Your Real Estate Business On July 30th

DannyFlucke — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 08:45:14 -0700

On July 30, 2009, some of the provisions of the Mortgage Disclosure Improvement Act of 2008 (MDIA) go into effect and lenders, mortgage brokers, title agents, real estate agents, and real estate brokerages need be alert as to these new federal governmental regulations. Here are the details for the MDIA: more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

Commercial real estate is the next shoe to drop

Your Property Path — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 12:01:24 -0700

Commercial property markets are beginning to show real weakness. Delinquency rates have doubled to almost 7% and the bottom isnt expected for another three years.

It no surprise that with the loss of jobs there is a great deal of downsizing and rent reduction for everyone from retail shopping malls and small business to hotels and offices. Unemployment is now 9.5%, pushing commercial vacancy rates to 17%. more...

Real Estate Trends

Return of the Reverse Mortgage?

Niman.Singh — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:05:50 -0700

The FHA now permits seniors 62 years and older to PURCHASE residential real estate using a reverse mortgage. Until recently, reverse mortgages insured by FHA were only available on homes already owned and occupied by eligible borrowers. Beginning this spring, the agency allows you to BUY a duplex, tri-plex, or quadruplex - using a reverse mortgage.

That means you can buy a multi-unit property with an FHA reverse mortgage, live in one unit while renting out the others, and avoid paying a dime towards your monthly principal or interest. more...

Real Estate Trends

How Being 'Hyperpersonal' Helped Me Meet New Bloggers

Smith_Goomzee — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:32:56 -0700

Everyone knows the importance of having ‘hyperlocal’ content on your blog, but how many people, I wonder, recognize the importance of being ‘hyperpersonal’? Last week I was tasked to uncover some hyperlocal blogs in our current clients’ markets. Most ‘experts’ will say the best way to get on another blogger’s radar would be to lurk around the site until you find a post you feel comfortable commenting on. But I must say that I am not a fan of waiting, plain and simple. more...

Reforming Real Estate

Former Countrywide Execs To Profit From REO Markets

DannyFlucke — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:00:39 -0700

Does anyone else find this ridiculous?

Former CW senior executives are now heading up a company with Fannie and Freddie REO contracts - Even though they have ZERO real estate selling experience.

(Is that why they are just now getting their real estate licensing in order...?)

They make Multi-Millions in salaries and bonuses at CW - Which certainly had a major hand in creating this real estate bubble - Only to turn around and profit again from the REO market.

Here is the link: http://blogcatalog.com/search.frame.php?term=countrywide+reo&id=c38dad1c... more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

93 Plus Potential Land Disclosure Issues

Lou Jewell ALC — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:47:15 -0700

93 Plus Potential Land Disclosure Issues

Anyone involved in a typical Land transaction, leasing, buying or selling may be exposed to 93 plus potential Land issues. For years now I have advocated for need of a “Land Disclosure” form throughout our country. So far only four states have such a document available for the real estate industry and they are Arizona, California, Georgia and Tennessee. more...

Real Estate Trends

93 Plus Potential Land Disclosure Issues

Lou Jewell ALC — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:47:15 -0700

93 Plus Potential Land Disclosure Issues

Real Estate Trends

93 Plus Potential Land Disclosure Issues

Lou Jewell ALC — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:46:23 -0700

93 Plus Potential Land Disclosure Issues

Real Estate Trends

93 Plus Potential Land Disclosure Issues

Lou Jewell ALC — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 08:43:27 -0700

93 Plus Potential Land Disclosure Issues

Real Estate Trends

The Changing Face of Real Estate Franchise Brands?

SWANEPOEL — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 07:34:46 -0700

There is always a debate going on in the real estate industry about which company is the largest. As some don’t disclose financials and others use different measuring criteria (offices, agents, sales volume, profitability, brand recognition, etc.) we have many potential “winners”. more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

Are Real Estate Agents Overpaid?

Hawaii Real Estate Guy — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 14:47:03 -0700

My broker, Matt Beall (PB), posted an article that asked the question, are real estate agents overpaid and overrated? To summarize his article, "yes" and "no".

Matt argues that: more...

Realtors who justify their high commissions by the value of their "network" and "closing skills" have no right to charge what they do.
Agents investing huge sums of money on Internet marketing, putting their client's properties in front of buyers, deserve a return on their investment.

Real Estate Trends

HVCC - ONLINE PETITION TO VOICE YOUR OPINION

DannyFlucke — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 12:48:33 -0700

In just weeks - Over 16,000 agents have spoken out and signed an online petition asking for the recall of the HVCC legislation.

HVCC legislation requires a third party to control the appriasal process. It was designed to eliminate "influence" from lenders and real estate agents who might pressure for a higher value.

Since this legislation was designed by politicians and not actual business people - It causes undue stress and frustration for home buyers and refinance candidates - While not solving any of the issues mentioned. more...

The Future of Real Estate Lending

World's Largest Real Estate Listing Domain Portfolio For Sale

SWANEPOEL — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:43:07 -0700

According to Google Adwords there were 1.2 Billion real estate related searches in 2008. No-one doubts the growing power of the Internet and the increasing number of consumers searching for properties online.

So now, more than 2,600 geo-targeted domains names, the self-proclaimed largest real estate listing domain portfolio in the world, is for sale. more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

Real Estate Agent Lays the SmackDown on the IRS!

Niman.Singh — Thu, 21 May 2009 12:10:59 -0700

Many of you have heard about how the IRS has been targeting Real Estate Agents, and challenging the status of a "real estate professional" for an Agent.

To give you a brief background without getting into the details - a "Real Estate Professional" is someone who "materially participates" in their real estate activity. As a result, they are able to deduct real estate losses from other income that is not related to real estate.

The IRS had been challenging the "real estate professional" status for agents - stating that Brokers qualify, but Agents do not. And they were winning... more...

Foreclosure Real Estate Investor

'Green' Goomzee

Smith_Goomzee — Thu, 21 May 2009 11:26:29 -0700

A recent sign order resulted in our supplier mistakenly printing over 30 extra sign riders.

Acknowledging the mistake, our supplier offered to dispose of them at no charge, a courteous gesture...

...but in today's economic and environmental climate...

...how could we just throw away 30ish perfectly good signs? Instead, we returned the signs, and asked our provider to simply re-label them when the time comes for the next order. more...

Hot off the Press!

How to Grow Business with Investors in Today's Market

Niman.Singh — Thu, 14 May 2009 13:00:38 -0700

Real estate investors are the most active buyer in the current markets. They account for more than 1 out of every 5 real estate transactions,and 75% of their purchases are single family homes, condos, and townhouses.

What are you doing NOW to grow your business with investor clients, and what actions can real estate professionals take to make investor clients want to do business with them? more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

Is Twitter the Next Big Thing for Real Estate Professionals?

SWANEPOEL — Wed, 13 May 2009 14:05:30 -0700

Following the crash of the initial dotcom bubble in 2001 many people claimed to have created or coined the phrase Wed 2.0 as we in subsequent years the industry grappled with what would come next. By 2004 the term Web 2.0 was appearing everywhere and euphoria reined with this next phase of the Internet that included all sorts of “second generation” web developments. Information sharing became hot as did collaboration, hosted services, blogging, wikis, video-sharing and of course social-media sites. more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

Challenges of Consumer-Facing Mobile Apps

Smith_Goomzee — Fri, 08 May 2009 14:12:48 -0700

It seems today that many vendors are enticed by the perceived ’sexiness’ of mobile applications.

“A mini-program I can access on-the-go, and it only costs $4.00? Sign me up!”

Or perhaps vendors are lured not by the app’s sexiness, instead drawn to the mobile platform after hearing consumer raves like the one above. Sadly, while the ‘quote’ may indeed reflect the way most Americans approach their cell phone, the facts don’t lie; and the facts are telling us that mobile apps have a market reach of 13%. more...

Northwest Inhabitants

Eco-Cities: What Role Should Realtors Play With Green?

SWANEPOEL — Wed, 06 May 2009 11:52:07 -0700

The recent Earth Day gave the green revolution another shot up the arm. When Earth Day started in 1970 a large number of people (20 million people one country) had already committed to celebrate it. Since then that number has exploded to 500 million (175 countries); about 7% of the world’s population. more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

Is being a Private Hard Money "Lender" easier than being a rehab "Borrower"? Which one produces more cash flow per month?

Dreamjob — Sat, 02 May 2009 16:51:07 -0700

How do you make $1,050 a month cash flow on a $30k rehab deal?
By "BEING THE BANK" of course!!

How do you make $2,275 a month cash flow on a $65K rehab home?
By "BEING THE BANK" of course!!

How do Private Hard Money Investors make 11% - 42% ROI Annually?

Private Financial Club, Inc. will share their secrets with YOU!

Hedge Funds and Money Managers won't tell you because obviously, they don't make money by sharing the secrets that Wall Street doesn't want YOU to know! more...

Alternative Business Models

SEO and the Internet future for Real Estate

OaklandRealEstate — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 10:05:23 -0700

In speaking with many of my fellow Realtors, I am amazed how many of them have a website yet never receive a lead or phone call from that website. It's the whole "if a tree falls in the forest" thing. If you have a website and nobody ever visits it, does it really exist? The answer is probably NO because they are visiting your competitors website instead. These figures have recently come out and it speaks volumes as to the future of Real Estate and the internet. more...

Real Estate Agent Mastermind Group

European Franchise Expands in California Despite Downturn

SWANEPOEL — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 13:57:19 -0700

Engel & Völkers has just assigned its 555th license with the signing of the license region for Beverly Hills, Bel Air and Westwood by Michael Giorgio. He plans to open his first Engel and Volkers residential real estate shop in July 2009. more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

Not Responding To Change Is Just Plain Stupid

SWANEPOEL — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 11:46:24 -0700

“It is impossible to predict the future.” That’s a statement I have made hundreds of times, both from the stage as well as in print.

Yet considering the most likely scenarios and then preparing for them lessens the shock when some variation of any prediction does materialize. Being caught off guard is just foolish. Why would you fight the future? The future is coming, no matter what. " more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

3 Tips For Brokers That 'Inspire to Hire' Pt. 2

Smith_Goomzee — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 13:46:24 -0700

Below is Part 2 of “Tips for Brokers”. Part 1 offered up some golden nuggets of brain food by covering Who to Recruit and How to Recruit Them. We pick up where we left off below by discussing the all-important interview process. The interview is a face-to-face interaction that can be handled several different ways to achieve successful results. Unfortunately, the process on the whole is oftentimes overlooked and/or poorly conducted. Read on to learn how to make the most out of your next series of interviews.

What to Do Once You’ve Recruited… more...

Hot off the Press!

Does the International Market Offer Opportunities to Local US Agents?

SWANEPOEL — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:06:30 -0700

For a long time most international markets have felt far away, and many Americans didn’t care nor were they very interested in foreign cities. Although the Web has brought us closer together as a people we still remain apart. Few products or services illustrate this better than the buying or selling of a home.

But today with air travel becoming increasingly more commonplace, immigration and living choices becoming more readily available and our own market in a recession, many smart real estate companies have turned toward international expansion as a new means of controlled growth. more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

NAR vs Banks. Round 8. NAR wins with Technical Knock Out!

SWANEPOEL — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 10:01:16 -0700

Before we begin with the final result, let’s quickly summarized where it started. more...

Real Estate Trends

March Marketing Madness

Niman.Singh — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 13:37:29 -0700

Starting March 1, investors can once again own and finance up to 10 individual properties and get Fannie Mae backed loans. Previously, an investor with 5 properties, great credit, and documented income could not finance an investment property without bringing in a partner or resorting to creative financing methods.

Undoubtedly, investors who had been halted by the limit are in a position to buy now.

In lieu of this, we started March Marketing Madness (a stimulus aimed at helping agents with these emerging investors). In alphabetical order, here are some tips we have: more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

If You Wish To Succeed In 2010, Here Are 10 Golden Rules

SWANEPOEL — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 13:46:24 -0800

Whether you own a small real estate office or a franchise with multiple offices, real estate brokers have much in common with other small business owners during these difficult economic conditions. This economy affects all businesses and it doesn’t really matter if you are the local hair salon or the major department store, current market conditions are tough. more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

Top 10 People to Blame for the Financial Crisis

SWANEPOEL — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:02:10 -0800

TIME Magazine published last week their list of people they think should carry blame for the financial crisis. It's a great article and if you have time you should read it in it's entirety (http://www.time.com) as it cover the top 25 people they think are to blame for the financial crisis.

As controversial as one expect any such list to be, it is saturated with ‘the usual suspects. Here they are their Top 10 in order. more...

Real Estate Trends

The Rise of the Real Estate "Investor"

Niman.Singh — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 12:32:22 -0800

In just a few days (3/1), Fannie will start allowing investors to hold up to 10 mortgages and get Fannie Mae backed loans. The limit had been previously reduced to 4.

It's a good move - investors account for at least 22% of the market, and 75% of their purchases are single family homes, condos, and townhouses - so they can clear up some of the inventory.

There will be an increase in activity from investors who had been halted by the 4 property limit, and it's certainly a good time to market to them. more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

RETS...Can't You Get That From Mosquitos?

Smith_Goomzee — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 15:49:44 -0800

There's been a loud hullabaloo in the industry lately concerning IDX feeds. Unfortunately, the staggering amount of people who are unreasonably excited about IDX is equaled and possibly even surpassed by the amount of folks who couldn't tell IDX from their own left hand. I myself was included in the ranks of the un-knowledgeable until I received enlightenment not twenty minutes ago. Now, verily do I pass unto you: more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

Hard Money "Private Financiers are making 42% ROI Annually - Why not You?

Dreamjob — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:13:29 -0800

Our current economic crisis is forcing innovative minds to engineer new ways in creating personal "stimulus packages" for 2009.

Private Financial Club, Inc. is one of those companies who with a stroke of genius have made their mark trailblazing new adventures in Real Estate Investing with their unique formula and strategies for each Financier who joins their club.

Club members have 5 levels to choose from; and Financiers can jump in at any level from the novice to the experienced. more...

Real Estate Trends

Is Your Broker Selling the Business? Go Check Your E&O Policy Quick.

SWANEPOEL — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 15:26:47 -0800

Imagine answering the doorbell some Saturday morning only to be met by a process server who is prepared to deliver a blow that has the potential to wipe out your life savings and create havoc and stress for months or even years to come. more...

Real Estate Trends

Friday the 13th - Gaining INVESTOR CLIENTS - 30 minute Webinar @2PM EST

Niman.Singh — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 12:48:12 -0800

Last week's webinar rocked! By popular demand, we're doing it again tomorrow, Friday 2/13 @ 2PM EST/ 11AM PST for those who missed it. The discussion will be broken down into the following:

* Why are RE Investors important to me?
* How can I be successful with RE Investors
* What does TReXGlobal do to help me?

You might spend hours blogging, on social networking sites, SEO, etc...
Spending 30 minutes to learn if you are marketing to investors correctly is well worth the investment. more...

The Real Estate Agent of the Future

Top 10 Real Estate Business Trends Impacting the Business of Real Estate

SWANEPOEL — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:16:31 -0800

It’s the first week of February and the time my annual Swanepoel TRENDS Report is released. The 160-page annual publication announces the official list of Top 10 trends, strategies, innovations and changes shaping and changing the business of real estate.

For the last several years we have been summarizing the events of every year and forecasting the most likely shifts in the industry that could impact our industry. We have discussed topics such as the sub prime and housing meltdown (detailed back in December 2005), the growth in global real estate sales and activities and even non-U.S. based companies expanding to the U.S., mortgage fraud, identity theft, the growth of online education, the growth of social media and blogs, and many more.

Here are some of the top 10 Trends included in this year’s Report: more...

Technology, Tools and Tidbits

Caveat Emptor

Smith_Goomzee — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:31:17 -0800

It is common knowledge that REO and foreclosure properties are selling like hotcakes, and that new home sales are lower than they’ve been since 1995. That’s all well and good, but how are we supposed to get a cut of the action? Those of you who are interested in buying decent properties at highly discounted rates: step into my office. more...

Real Estate Trends

How Will Home Values Be Impacted By Rising Oil Prices?

SWANEPOEL — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:34:10 -0800

When the Baby Boomers were younger (1960-90), families with children made up more than 50% of all households. By the time we got to 2000 this figure had declined to 33% and by 2025 it is estimated to be around 25%.

As a result the suburban boom in housing prices that we experienced will in all likelihood slow down considerably and shift to a more urban environment. No one is predicting that suburban life is dying nor will it be replaced, but as less families continue to prefer bigger houses and car-based lifestyles, a shift will occur. more...

Real Estate Trends