Foreclosure filings are fewer these days, according to foreclosure-tracking firm RealtyTrac. As a mortgage lender in Sacramento, and living in a state that has been hit hard by massive equity losses, this news is promising.
In December 2011, the number of foreclosure filings nationwide fell 9 percent from the month prior. Not since November 2007 has foreclosure activity been this sparse across the country.
The drop does not appear to be seasonal, either. Continue reading
Will your home gain value over the next 12 months? Nobody can know for sure, of course, but should recent housing trends continue, there’s concrete cause for optimism.
The housing economy has suffered since 2007, knocking home values down nearly 20% nationwide. Here in Sacramento, the hit has been much larger (30% to 50%). And while some areas have fared better as compared to others, in general, home values are down. Continue reading
Low home prices and mortgage rates have combined to push home affordability to record levels nationwide. Home buyers are taking advantage.
The Pending Home Sales Index rose 7 percent in November to rise to its highest level since April 2010, the last month of last year’s home buyer tax credit program. Continue reading
Home resales moved to a 10-month high in November, the latest in a series of strong showings from the housing sector. Home buyers and sellers throughout Sacramento should take note of November’s numbers because — behind the headlines — there’s a series of statistics that foretell higher home prices ahead. Continue reading