Market Update : santiago high

One in Four Borrowers is Underwater on their Home

Liane Thomas — Sun, 29 Nov 2009 10:04:00 GMT

One in four borrowers is underwater
Despite recent indicators that the housing market is improving,a new report shows that one in four mortgage borrowers are underwater, meaning they owe more on their mortgage than their home currently is worth. According to First American CoreLogic, nearly 10.7 million households had negative equity in their
homes in the third quarter, accounting for about 23 percent of all U.S. homeowners. Most homeowners, however, still have equity, and nearly 24 million owner-occupied homes do not have a mortgage, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

A study by credit-scoring company Experian shows that approximately 588,000 borrowers strategically defaulted on their mortgages last year, even though they could afford to pay--more than double the number in 2007. Homeowners with negative equity are more likely to strategically default if they live in a state where the bank cannot pursue their assets in court, according to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. California is
an example of a state with anti-deficiency laws protecting homeowners from personal liability under certain circumstances.

"Borrowers who are less than 20 percent underwater are likely to maintain their mortgage if their loan is modified and the payments reduced," said an official with Citigroup's mortgage unit. "Beyond 120 percent, the most effective modification is a complete loan restructuring, including a principal reduction."

So what does this mean to you? If you are underwater on your home, you are not alone. And you do have options....loan modification, short sale, deed in lieu of foreclosure, foreclosure, and bankruptcy are just a few. Not sure what to do first? Call for a free consultation. We will help you find the options available to you, no cost, no obligation, no pressure.

Brought to you by:

Liane Thomas, REALTOR®
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
1860 Compton Avenue
Corona, Ca 92881
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and Surrounding Communities
951.454.3805
www.AllCoronaHomes.com

CNN Says Housing Market may be Stabilizing!

Liane Thomas — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 21:20:00 GMT

CNN is searching for a bottom in the housing market

With consumer confidence rising in May to its highest level in eight months, housing starts increasing more than 17 percent in May compared with the previous month, and sales of existing homes climbing 2.9 percent in April nationwide, it appears that the housing market may be stabilizing.

So what does that mean to you?

Although sales of existing, single-family homes rose 35.2 percent in May in California, compared with a year ago, the median price declined 30.4 percent during that same year. Some industry analysts predict that as specialized adjustable-rate mortgages, known as option ARMS and Alt-A mortgages, reset over the next 18 to 24 months, prices could decline further before stabilizing.

"We are seeing strong buying activity, particularly in those boom and bust markets, where prices have declined significantly. Buyers are coming in and fighting over properties -- there is multiple bidding in California and Florida," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist with the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS(R).

Sales of existing homes are soaring as many investors and first-time buyers purchase distressed properties. Yun estimates that about 50 percent of current sales involve distressed properties, and he expects the trend to continue as foreclosures rise in the months ahead.

Although some economists predict home prices will continue to decline in the coming months, California'ss median home price rose for the third consecutive month in May, posting the largest monthly increase on record for the month of May.

Some buyers are trying to time the bottom of the market and purchase once it appears that prices are consistently and steadily rising. Many housing forecasters advise against this approach as buyers should not view their homes solely as investment opportunities. Historically, the average annual rate of return on a home lived in for five years or more is nearly 12 percent, based on data C.A.R. has collected over the last 40 years.

If you are thinking of selling your home, now is an excellent time with low inventory and the seasonal spike we get this time of year. Even if you are underwater on your home, like so many families, we'd like to help you find a solution. Call for a free consultation. Thanks!

Liane Thomas, REALTOR(R), CDPE
The Thomas Group, Keller Williams Realty
Serving Corona, Norco, Riverside, and Surrounding Communities
www.AllCoronaHomes.com
951 454-3805

BIG 5 Bedroom Home For Sale in South Corona, Corona!

Liane Thomas — Sun, 03 May 2009 14:55:00 GMT

• 2,884 sq. ft., 3 bath, 5 bdrm 2 story - $395,000

South Corona, Corona - Worth the wait! This is the big 5 bedroom, 3 bath house in a great neighborhood that you have been waiting for! House features a large kitchen that opens to the family room, creating a great room. Family room has a fireplace, and there is a separate dining room and formal living room. The backyard has a covered patio. Upgrades include crown molding throughout, neutral custom paint, hardwood floors downstairs, and upgraded ceiling fans. There is one bedroom and bath downstairs. There is even a 3 car garage! Conveniently located in one of South Corona's finest neighborhoods, just a 2 minute walk to Orange Elementary, and commuter close to the 15 and 91 freeways. Also close to shopping, dining, medical, and entertainment. You need to see this one fast, plan your visit today!

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