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Rise in February Home Sales

Here's an update from the National Association of Realtors on February stats re: home sales.  It's a good indicator of where we are in the real estate market:

February Home Sales

HomeBuyer Tax Credit In Place

I want to make sure this information is available for everyone. Home Buyer Tax Credit Article  You  may also want to contact your tax professional to make sure how to best use this incentive.  

Real Estate in Kansas City - December Stats Are In

Heartland Multiple Listing Service has published it's end of the year and December statistics.  The great news for our market is that home inventory is down and sales are up.  The kick side is that it appears off the cuff that overall average sale prices have gone down compared to 2008 due to the foreclosure rate.  What you, the consumer, need to be aware of is that the market is still very localized and home values will vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood. 

Here is a link to the full report:  Download HMLS December 08 Stats

January is seeing an increase of buyer activity as people are taking advantage of this buyer's market.  The good side of that for people who are selling their home is that there are more buyers out there than in the past two years.

If you are concerned with how your home fits into these numbers, or how you can take advantage of the opportunities this market offers, you can contact Anita@IntegrityRealtykc.com to schedule a free, no obligation consultation.

Holiday Gifts for Your House!

This is a fun, effective article, to help you make some wise decisions about saving some money, and helping your house, this holiday season.  Holiday Energy Savings

First Time Homebuyer Loans Still Available

You may have heard that the Federal Government has passed law to dismiss first time homebuyer loans such as the Nehimiah and other such downpayment assistance programs.  This is a big blow to many first time homebuyers as these programs allowed them to get into a home without having a high down payment. 

Our thoughts on this is that, well, we are in America and have a free trade economy - someone is going to come up with a NEW product, even a better one, to fill this need.  And that's exactly what is happening.  We've heard from two lenders who are offering programs - here is one of them from Bank of America:  Download KCDreamProgram0001.pdf  - they call it their KC DReam Program.  They also offer the ACORN program, but it is now a 3% down, which is still a good plan.

In addition, FIrstTrust Mortgage is offering a 103% loan product. 

We anticipate other lenders will be re-configuring their first time homebuyer products.  We will keep you posted on what we learn.

Housing Relief Bill

Although here in Kansas City we are not experiencing the woes of a bad real estate market like other areas of the country, we are going to benefit from this bill.  RISMEDIA - Housing Rescue Approved

If you want more information, send me a note.

First Time Homebuyer's Enjoy Real Estate Opportunities

Another indicator that this market has opportunities for consumers.  First Time Homebuyer market

KC Northland Helpful Website and Organization

Northland Neighborhoods has been around for a number of years and they just keep getting better and better.  On their website, you can get all kinds of good information on what's happening localling, as well as sign up for an e-newsletter.  Here is the link to their site:  CLICK HERE

Here Is a Good "Green" Article

I found this good piece from Lowe's. We've got a good " Green" company we can recommend.

Let me know if you find it of use.   Tips Green Your Home

Good Report For You

Check out this good report on what people are really thinking about the real estate industry:

RISMEDIA, June 24, 2008-Consumers are apparently optimistic about the future of the national real estate economy, according to a new survey conducted by Housing Predictor. Nearly 1 out of 2 polled say they believe the national real estate economy will improve within the next two years.

The online survey serves to show that despite the turmoil in the nation’s real estate markets, triggered by the credit crisis most believe conditions will improve in a short time span. Only 28% of all respondents said they believe it will take five years or longer for credit market conditions to improve the housing market.

Outlook Positive - Click for full story