The 5 Top Real Estate Stories of 2011

Jan 3, 2012 by Sandra Matson

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The KCM Blog is one of my favorite for real estate news, information, thoughts and simple infographics.  Today I am going to refer to their blog, 5 Top Real Estate Stories in 2011.  After stating that things we expected to happen didn’t and things we didn’t expect to happen did, they listed the following as headlines providing the greatest impact in 2011.

1.  Interest Rates remained at historic lows
2.  Sales were up over 2010
3.  Contract cancellation rate surges
4.  Foreclosures were delayed
5.  Prices move up then down

For more details on each of these take a look at KCM’s Blog.

 

 

 

2011 Housing Inventory Snapshot – Lincoln Park

Jan 2, 2012 by Sandra Matson

Housing Inventory Snapshot		Year Ended December 2011
	Average List Price	Median List Price	DOM – # Units
Lincoln Park   Active Listings
Single Family under $1M	$795,586	$849,500		287 | 21
Single Family over $1M	$2,724,033	$2,250,000		296 | 101
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$339,303	$324,900		204 | 360
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$1,229,119	$795,000		240 | 85

 

 

Housing Inventory Snapshot		Year Ended December 2011
	Average List Price	Average Sale Price	DOM – # Units
Lincoln Park  Sold
Single Family under $1M	$819,780	$753,831		125 | 43
Single Family over $1M	$2,024,867	$1,849,652		241 | 101
Condo/Townhome under $600K	$356,508	$337,569		159  | 552
Condo/Townhome over $600K	$805,436	$762,998		158 | 124

 

 

I hope you will find the following snapshot of local Real Estate inventory interesting. The table represents aggregated values based on MLS data for the specified date. DOM = Average Days on Market

*Calculation is based on past 3 months.

Reputable Sources Say Buy Now

Nov 12, 2011 by Sandra Matson

Source: KCMblog.com

Homes With Negative Equity

Sep 23, 2011 by Sandra Matson

Today’s KCM blog had a very simple message:

While the number of homes with negative equity is significant the percentage is not as bad as the media indicates.  It is important to have all the facts not just those the media provides.

Do You Know Your Credit Score?

Sep 12, 2011 by Sandra Matson

Do you know your credit score?  If not, you should.  It generally dictates what interest rate  you pay, whether or not you get credit and your insurance rates.  Unfortunately, applying for your free annual credit report will not provide your credit score.  Effective July 21, 2011 lenders will have to disclose your credit score and how it was derived if they turn you down for credit.  However, if you have not been turned down for credit—and hopefully that is the case–you will have to pay for your credit score.

Before you purchase your credit score you should get a free copy of your credit report from the three primary credit bureaus. You are entitled to a free copy annually and can acquire them at the government-authorized site annual credit report.com.

Once you receive your reports check them for accuracy.  You might be surprised what type of errors you find—and how many!  Be sure to check each of the three bureaus.  The information will be different.  Report any errors to the bureaus.  They are required to investigate any errors you bring to their attention and report their findings to you.

Once you have your credit report corrected you can purchase your credit score.  A future post will address how to improve your credit score if it is needed—and you might be surprised what affects your credit score.