Interest Rates hit near 40 Year Lows – Tacoma Real Estate
Interest Rates have been a major factor in fueling the Real Estate market. Read through this brief report offered by Keller Williams International.
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According to Freddie Mac, 30-year-fixed-rate mortgage average fell further to 4.87 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending Oct. 8 from 4.94 percent last week. “Such low rates are spurring mortgage demand,” said Frank Nothaft, Freddie Mac vice president and chief economist, in a statement.
“Interest rates for 30-year fixed-rate loans were the lowest since mid-May; 15-year FRMs were at a record low since data were first collected in 1991 and 5-year ARMs also hit an all-time record starting in 2005. Compared to a year ago, consumers could shave almost $134 off their monthly mortgage payments on a 30-year fixed-rate loan for $200,000 by refinancing.
In addition to spurring mortgage demand, applications were up to a 19-week high over the week ending in Oct. 2, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association – applications to purchase a home were at the strongest pace since the beginning of 2009.
The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.
INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE At the end of September, the supply of homes for sale was reported down 1.8% from the previous month in 27 major metropolitan areas. We all know the factors. Home prices are very affordable, mortgage rates and very favorable and first-time homebuyers are taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit set to expire at the end of November, now just seven weeks away.
Source: Inside Lending Newsletter from Peter and Dawn James
For Information about the local Real Estate Market in and around Tacoma, contact Trey Affolter.
The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.
Homeowners: Time to Get Your Home Ready for Winter
Early fall is the time to prepare your home for winter & the colder weather it brings. Following these 9 simple steps offered by Puget Sound Energy can help manage your home’s energy costs & save in heating expenses.
Check doors & windows for leaks & drafts. Make sure doors seal properly, and add weather-stripping to keep heat from escaping.
Examine heating ducts for leaks. Repair or replace damaged ducts.
Add insulation to your attic, and weather-strip and insulate your attic hatch or door to prevent air from escaping.
Close the fireplace damper when it’s not in use.
Have the furnace inspected and serviced to make sure it is in proper working order.
Clean or replace the furnace air filters at least every two months during the heating season. The furnace will run more effectively and use less energy.
Set the thermostat at the coolest level you can without making your rooms uncomfortable.
Lower the thermostat at bedtime or while away during the day.
Make sure all heating vents are opened and not blocked by furniture or other items.
The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.
Mortage Interest Rates affect Your Mortgage Payment
Interest rates are at 40 year lows. Here is a cute video that explains the impact of interest rates on your mortgage payment and some very good reasons to take advantage of today’s interest rates!
The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.
With the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit expiring November 30, and that it can take 30-45 days to close a home, here are 5 tips to expedite your home purchase in order to take advantage of the tax credit.
1. Get Pre Approved for Mortgage.
2. Make sure you are liquid
Have enough money available for your down payment and closing costs as your mortgage requires.
3. Avoid “Short Sale” Listings
A short sale occurs when a homeowner owes more on their home loan than what they are selling the home. Because the current lien holder has to approve the sale and the loss, these properties can take months to close.
4. Don’t go on a shopping spree before you close
Avoid making any big purchases on a credit card or with any financing programs. Big purchases may affect you home loan and your ability to qualify.
The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.
Moody’s Economy.com forecasts Tacoma to make a case as the best place in the United States to invest in Real Estate through year 2013. Based on the Case-Shiller index, Tacoma median home price is estimated to go up 20.7% in that period.
The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.
SmartMoney.com looks at a portion President Obama’s stimulus package which offers tax breaks to homeowners who make upgrades towards new roofing, windows, doors, air conditioners and insulation.
The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.
Want to Buy a Bigger Home –> Attention Move-Up Buyers
Move-Up Home Buyers Benefit – Tacoma Real EstateMove-Up Home Buyers Benefit – Tacoma Real EstateMove-Up Home Buyers Benefit – Tacoma Real EstateIn MSNBC’s article, “Math smiles on move-up buyers,” the decision to sell your current home and invest in a larger home is discussed.
Tacoma home buyers are benefiting from the market and taking advantage of the opportunity to buy a bigger home. If you are considering investing in a larger home, talk with The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty to discuss how to reach your Real Estate goals.
The Trey Affolter Team at Keller Williams Realty always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.
There are many effective cleaning agents probably already residing in your pantry! No need to spend money on costly products that not only can cause allergies or headaches when in use, but can be harmful to the environment as well. Check out this list of a few “natural” solutions that can keep your home clean and reduce the impact on your pocketbook and your environment.
General Cleaning Agent: 1 cup of distilled vinegar 1 cup of hot water * add baking soda for a mild abrasive clean
Window & Mirror Cleaner 2 T. white distilled vinegar (or lemon juice) 1 gallon water Mix, spray on windows and be sure to wipe clean with newspaper over paper towels
to avoid streaking
Furniture Polish: ½ cup olive oil ½ cup distilled vinegar 20 drops of lemon oil Shake well – Rub into wood with dry cloth
Weed Killer: 1 gallon white vinegar 1 cup salt 8 drops liquid soap Mix and spray on weeds!
The Trey Affolter Team, Keller Williams Realty, always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.
The Trey Affolter Team, Keller Williams Realty, always welcomes comments and is available to answer questions about Tacoma Real Estate and the surrounding cities within Pierce County Real Estate, South King County Real Estate, and North Thurston County Real Estate.