Friday, January 2, 2009

A New Year

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!!

I am excited about 2009. My last month of 2008 was really busy with several buyers finding homes and new buyers beginning their search! I also have sellers who are being successful with consistent house showings and very interested buyers discussing purchasing terms!
There are a few factors that I think are creating this surge of activity. First, historic interest rates are moving buyers to lock in at great rate. Second, there are about 1,400 active Realtors in Utah County who have paid their Board dues. (Just six months ago we had 2,200) Third, 697 active buyers in the market as of today, that is a great number of buyers for this time of year! Fourth, listings (homes for sale) are down from 5,306 during the start of the summer to 4,321 as of today, almost 1000 homes less.

Some good things....

1. The interest rate….it is hovering about 5 % and even dropped during one morning right before Christmas, to 4.5%.
Also if you are thinking of refinancing now is a great time. The rule of thumb with a refinance is that you are going to be in the home longer than the 3 years, and to refinance when you can get the rate to drop more that 1 % below your current rate.

2. Ask me for a market update on your specific market, city, or Utah County in general. Right now the number of Active buyers (under contract and sold for the last 45 days), is revealing in light of the number of listings.

3. HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 2009 is going to be fine! The housing market is improving! I would love to talk to you about your New Year Resolutions and how those apply to your current housing situation!