According to Moody's Analytics, home affordability returned to pre-bubble levels in a growing number of U.S. markets over the past year as price declines laid the groundwork for a housing recovery.
By a measure of median home prices to annual household incomes, housing affordability at the end of September 2010 returned or surpassed the average reached in the 1989-2003 period in 47 of 74 markets analyzed. This is significant as most economists believe the rise in housing prices begain in 2003.
According to Moody's, the ratio of home prices to annual household income reached a peak of 2.3 in late 2005. By September 2010 the ratio hit 1.6, matching the lowest level in the 35 years. Moody's pegs the average ratio at 1.9 between 1989 and 2003.
We are not "out of the woods" yet. Many housing analysts expect an additional decline of 5% to 10% in the US housing market before prices reach bottom later this year or early next year. Demand continues to be a problem as potential buyers are worried about the economy as well as lending standards that are tightening.
The real estate market remains dynamic as a whole and individual subsections, such as pockets of South Florida, always seem to be in flux. I am following the market as a whole as well as participating in the South Florida real estate market. Please feel free to contact me in regards to purchasing, selling, renting, leasing or investing in real estate.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
Showing posts with label Valuation. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Valuation. Show all posts
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Case-Shiller Index For September 2010: US Real Estate Market Not Showing Robust Growth
The September 2010 Case-Schiller Index showed the slowest year-over-year growth for any month in the year. Property values rose only 0.6% for September 2010 over September 2009.
The two biggest factors seem to be over-supply of homes and the economy (i.e., almost 10% unemployment). The CEO of homebuilder D.R. Horton recently said he expects sales to remain weak in 2011. He said the company would adjust price points to demand (editors note: seems to be indicating price reductions).
Here's some information from Case-Shiller Index of interest:
============================================================
1-mo 3-mo 1-yr 2-yrs 3-yrs
earlier earlier earlier earlier earlier
============================================================
US Composite-20 -0.71% -0.34% 0.59% -8.75% -24.63%
New York -0.34% 1.01% -0.13% -8.91% -15.41%
Miami -1.24% -0.87% -2.71% -18.51% -41.65%
Boston -1.31% -0.98% 0.42% -2.92% -8.46%
Chicago -1.53% -0.11% -5.58% -15.61% -24.12%
The indications seem to be for continued pricing pressure in the near-term. As we stated earlier, we still believe there is potential for another 5% to 10% slide in home prices during the next 12 months in the South Florida real estate market.
If you are buying or selling a home, please feel free to contact me.
I have provided a link to a property search engine below where you can find and view listings. Contact me for more details on those listings and/or information in the area.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
The two biggest factors seem to be over-supply of homes and the economy (i.e., almost 10% unemployment). The CEO of homebuilder D.R. Horton recently said he expects sales to remain weak in 2011. He said the company would adjust price points to demand (editors note: seems to be indicating price reductions).
Here's some information from Case-Shiller Index of interest:
============================================================
1-mo 3-mo 1-yr 2-yrs 3-yrs
earlier earlier earlier earlier earlier
============================================================
US Composite-20 -0.71% -0.34% 0.59% -8.75% -24.63%
New York -0.34% 1.01% -0.13% -8.91% -15.41%
Miami -1.24% -0.87% -2.71% -18.51% -41.65%
Boston -1.31% -0.98% 0.42% -2.92% -8.46%
Chicago -1.53% -0.11% -5.58% -15.61% -24.12%
The indications seem to be for continued pricing pressure in the near-term. As we stated earlier, we still believe there is potential for another 5% to 10% slide in home prices during the next 12 months in the South Florida real estate market.
If you are buying or selling a home, please feel free to contact me.
I have provided a link to a property search engine below where you can find and view listings. Contact me for more details on those listings and/or information in the area.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Predictions On Foreclosure and Short Sale Real Estate In Boca Raton, Florida
Executives at major US banks and real estate experts recently testified before the US Senate Banking Committee in Washington, DC about problems with the foreclosure process. Much of the recent problems stem from the litigation regarding the irregularities of the foreclosure process; prior pieces have discussed the issue in detail.
The Congressional Oversight Panel recently released a report predicting the potential problems in the foreclosure process could be significant. Greater disrputions than we've already experienced in the US housing market has been predicted as a possibility.
The current problem of lenders having to prove they own the mortgage loans is predicted to lead to a drop in foreclosure sales. The theory is the banks would favor short sales during this period of difficulty in actually foreclosing on homes.
Experts believe the delay in foreclosures will mean less price competition in the short-term and long-term a record high amount of bank foreclosures by mid-2011. The theory is that after the ligitation mess is worked out, the delayed foreclosures, and those that were in limbo because of the litigation, will all be worked out at the same time. Should that happen, one might expect to see US home prices fall yet again, as a new wave of lower-priced inventory enters the market.
As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) and a Realtor, I can help both buyers and sellers navigate the ever changing distressed property landscape.
If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in the South Florida real estate market, please feel free to contact me.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
The Congressional Oversight Panel recently released a report predicting the potential problems in the foreclosure process could be significant. Greater disrputions than we've already experienced in the US housing market has been predicted as a possibility.
The current problem of lenders having to prove they own the mortgage loans is predicted to lead to a drop in foreclosure sales. The theory is the banks would favor short sales during this period of difficulty in actually foreclosing on homes.
Experts believe the delay in foreclosures will mean less price competition in the short-term and long-term a record high amount of bank foreclosures by mid-2011. The theory is that after the ligitation mess is worked out, the delayed foreclosures, and those that were in limbo because of the litigation, will all be worked out at the same time. Should that happen, one might expect to see US home prices fall yet again, as a new wave of lower-priced inventory enters the market.
As a Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) and a Realtor, I can help both buyers and sellers navigate the ever changing distressed property landscape.
If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in the South Florida real estate market, please feel free to contact me.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
South Florida 3Q 2010 Real Estate Picture, According To Zillow
As we expected, the prices of homes in the South Florida market continued to decline during 3Q 2010; this according to real estate firm Zillow.
The large number of distressed properties and the weak job market continue to cause hardship for homeowners in the market.
Zillow reports the peak for home values in the South Florida market was June 2006. Zillow estimates home values in the market have fallen 53.5% since June 2006 to 3Q 2010. Among the 25 markets followed by Zillow, the South Florida market dropped the most during this time.
Of the single family homes in the South Florida market, Zillow estimates 42% are "underwater", meaning they owe more on the mortgage than the home is worth.
Prices continue to fall in the market in order to keep up with the distressed properties in the area. Zillow reports 21% of homeowners in the South Florida market reduced the listing price on their home during 3Q 2010.
We think the trend will continue in the foreseeable future, meaning home values will not appreciate during the next year. However, we see the market bottoming out during the next 12 months.
In order to track our predictions, we include the following information: According to Zillow, the South Florida median selling price fell as follows:
--Single family home prices were down 7.8% from last year in 3Q 2010, to $221,200;
--Condominium prices were down 14.2% from last year in 3Q 2010, to $109,800.
Another intresting tid bit to track our theory: Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realty estimates short sales and foreclosures (i.e., distressed property) accounted for more than 60% of home sales during 3Q 2010.
If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in the South Florida real estate market, please feel free to contact me.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
The large number of distressed properties and the weak job market continue to cause hardship for homeowners in the market.
Zillow reports the peak for home values in the South Florida market was June 2006. Zillow estimates home values in the market have fallen 53.5% since June 2006 to 3Q 2010. Among the 25 markets followed by Zillow, the South Florida market dropped the most during this time.
Of the single family homes in the South Florida market, Zillow estimates 42% are "underwater", meaning they owe more on the mortgage than the home is worth.
Prices continue to fall in the market in order to keep up with the distressed properties in the area. Zillow reports 21% of homeowners in the South Florida market reduced the listing price on their home during 3Q 2010.
We think the trend will continue in the foreseeable future, meaning home values will not appreciate during the next year. However, we see the market bottoming out during the next 12 months.
In order to track our predictions, we include the following information: According to Zillow, the South Florida median selling price fell as follows:
--Single family home prices were down 7.8% from last year in 3Q 2010, to $221,200;
--Condominium prices were down 14.2% from last year in 3Q 2010, to $109,800.
Another intresting tid bit to track our theory: Esslinger-Wooten-Maxwell Realty estimates short sales and foreclosures (i.e., distressed property) accounted for more than 60% of home sales during 3Q 2010.
If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in the South Florida real estate market, please feel free to contact me.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
Sunday, October 31, 2010
August 2010: US Property Values Continue To Fall; Florida In Top Five States
According to CoreLogic, a company that analyzes the real estate market, 78 of 100 metropolitan areas experienced year-over-year price declines in August 2010; this compares with 58 in July 2010.
Some states actually showed a price increase.
The five states with the highest price increase in August 2010 was as follows:
Maine up 5.8%
New York up 3.7%
Connecticut up 2.5%
Virginia up 2.4%
South Dakota up 2.1%
The majority of the states encountered a price decrease.
The five states with the biggest price decline in August 2010 was as follows:
Idaho down 14.0%
Alabama down 10.4%
Utah down 7.3%
Oregon down 6.3%
Florida down 6.2%
The decline in home prices in the United States from the peak in April 2006 until August 2010 was 28.2%. If distressed properties were not included in the calculation then home prices were down 19.6%, according to CoreLogic.
Please feel free to post an opinion or question and we will try to address them in future posts.
If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in the South Florida real estate market, please feel free to contact me.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
Some states actually showed a price increase.
The five states with the highest price increase in August 2010 was as follows:
Maine up 5.8%
New York up 3.7%
Connecticut up 2.5%
Virginia up 2.4%
South Dakota up 2.1%
The majority of the states encountered a price decrease.
The five states with the biggest price decline in August 2010 was as follows:
Idaho down 14.0%
Alabama down 10.4%
Utah down 7.3%
Oregon down 6.3%
Florida down 6.2%
The decline in home prices in the United States from the peak in April 2006 until August 2010 was 28.2%. If distressed properties were not included in the calculation then home prices were down 19.6%, according to CoreLogic.
Please feel free to post an opinion or question and we will try to address them in future posts.
If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in the South Florida real estate market, please feel free to contact me.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Is The US Housing Market Recovering Or Not?
The fundamental issues of this article is: 1) is the US housing market recovering and 2) why or why not?
As can be surmised from some of our recent postings, the US housing market seems to be stabilizing, at best. In certain regions of the country we are seeing more improvement than in others. However, in my opinion, the US housing market is not in a sustained recovery as of yet. Overall sales of homes are lower now than they have been at any point in the past ten years.
The question then becomes: with all of the avenues taken by government agencies in order to stimulate the housing market, why is there no recovery, yet?
The primary reason is obvious, the economy is still on unsettled grounds. In my view, the small business owners, self-employed and real estate investors have been severely damaged during this prolonged recession. Small businesses have been an engine of job growth and investors have helped to expedite getting housing supply and demand in balance in previous downturns.
One of the main things the government agencies have tried to do in order to help heal the housing market is lower borrowing costs. Reduced rates lowered the cost of owning a home and helped spur borrowing to grow businesses; this in turn helped spur job growth and economic development.
The Federal Reserve has pushed interest rates to extremely low levels and mortgage rates are near historic lows. Why is this not working? and why should those interested in buying, selling or investing in real estate care?
Let's take the second question first: we should care because tracking the trends is important to understanding the market.
Why has lowering the interest rates not worked so far? Here's my opinion:
1) rates are near historic lows for the "prime" customers. Essentially those that do not need a loan and are low credit risks are getting the advantageous loans. I have had several clients start out as cash buyers and then turn into taking a mortgage-- why? lenders are offering very advantagous rates-- to those with good credit.
2) Private mortgage backed security market imploded. Only those guaranteed by the quasi-government Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are able to sell its mortgages into the market. With "Fannie" and "Freddie" essential bankrupt if not for government intervention, the agencies are guaranteeing only the better creditworthy loans.
3) Underwriting requirements have become much stricter. Full documentation and much less discretion by lenders in borderline cases.
4) Prospective homeowners need loan-to-value ratios that are more in the 70% range. Lower credit scores means more downpayment and increases to the mortgage rates. People need more cash down and the low rates for the most creditworthy do not apply to folks with FICO scores of mid-700s and below.
5) Appraisals are much more cautious in the comparables and the psychology seems to be an expectation of further deterioration. Therefore, the appraisals are conservative; this leaves the lender feeling as though it has less collateral-- means higher rate and more of a downpayment required.
6) Consumer psychology is such that those that might have taken a risk and bought a home in the past are holding back. Not sure of their future earnings and delaying large purchases. Why buy a large ticket item when you are not sure you will be able to afford it or if you think the value may decline in the next six months-- why not just wait.
7) Many homeowners are stuck-- they are underwater on their homes, meaning they owe more on the mortgage than the home could be sold for in the current market. Many of these people want to downsize and move on. However, the reality is they are stuck until values increase-- assuming they can hold the home during that period of time. If not, it becomes another distressed home on the market (i.e., short sale or foreclosure).
8) Lenders are not offering loans to investors-- they need to come up with all cash needed. The days of securitizing and selling investment paper is a thing of the past, for now. That means, even savvy investors-- those that could take advantage of the excess supply are less likely to soak up some of the excess supply. This continues to leave the supply and demand curve out of equilibrium-- for now.
We will continue to monitor these issues going forward. We think these are some of the key issues for those who are involved in the real estate market. Please feel free to post an opinion or question and we will try to address them in future posts.
If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in the South Florida real estate market, please feel free to contact me.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
As can be surmised from some of our recent postings, the US housing market seems to be stabilizing, at best. In certain regions of the country we are seeing more improvement than in others. However, in my opinion, the US housing market is not in a sustained recovery as of yet. Overall sales of homes are lower now than they have been at any point in the past ten years.
The question then becomes: with all of the avenues taken by government agencies in order to stimulate the housing market, why is there no recovery, yet?
The primary reason is obvious, the economy is still on unsettled grounds. In my view, the small business owners, self-employed and real estate investors have been severely damaged during this prolonged recession. Small businesses have been an engine of job growth and investors have helped to expedite getting housing supply and demand in balance in previous downturns.
One of the main things the government agencies have tried to do in order to help heal the housing market is lower borrowing costs. Reduced rates lowered the cost of owning a home and helped spur borrowing to grow businesses; this in turn helped spur job growth and economic development.
The Federal Reserve has pushed interest rates to extremely low levels and mortgage rates are near historic lows. Why is this not working? and why should those interested in buying, selling or investing in real estate care?
Let's take the second question first: we should care because tracking the trends is important to understanding the market.
Why has lowering the interest rates not worked so far? Here's my opinion:
1) rates are near historic lows for the "prime" customers. Essentially those that do not need a loan and are low credit risks are getting the advantageous loans. I have had several clients start out as cash buyers and then turn into taking a mortgage-- why? lenders are offering very advantagous rates-- to those with good credit.
2) Private mortgage backed security market imploded. Only those guaranteed by the quasi-government Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are able to sell its mortgages into the market. With "Fannie" and "Freddie" essential bankrupt if not for government intervention, the agencies are guaranteeing only the better creditworthy loans.
3) Underwriting requirements have become much stricter. Full documentation and much less discretion by lenders in borderline cases.
4) Prospective homeowners need loan-to-value ratios that are more in the 70% range. Lower credit scores means more downpayment and increases to the mortgage rates. People need more cash down and the low rates for the most creditworthy do not apply to folks with FICO scores of mid-700s and below.
5) Appraisals are much more cautious in the comparables and the psychology seems to be an expectation of further deterioration. Therefore, the appraisals are conservative; this leaves the lender feeling as though it has less collateral-- means higher rate and more of a downpayment required.
6) Consumer psychology is such that those that might have taken a risk and bought a home in the past are holding back. Not sure of their future earnings and delaying large purchases. Why buy a large ticket item when you are not sure you will be able to afford it or if you think the value may decline in the next six months-- why not just wait.
7) Many homeowners are stuck-- they are underwater on their homes, meaning they owe more on the mortgage than the home could be sold for in the current market. Many of these people want to downsize and move on. However, the reality is they are stuck until values increase-- assuming they can hold the home during that period of time. If not, it becomes another distressed home on the market (i.e., short sale or foreclosure).
8) Lenders are not offering loans to investors-- they need to come up with all cash needed. The days of securitizing and selling investment paper is a thing of the past, for now. That means, even savvy investors-- those that could take advantage of the excess supply are less likely to soak up some of the excess supply. This continues to leave the supply and demand curve out of equilibrium-- for now.
We will continue to monitor these issues going forward. We think these are some of the key issues for those who are involved in the real estate market. Please feel free to post an opinion or question and we will try to address them in future posts.
If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in the South Florida real estate market, please feel free to contact me.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Florida's Palm Beach County's Home Prices Continue To Fall In August 2010
Florida's Palm Beach County has seen median prices fall in August 2010 and some analysts think the trend could continue through the end of 2010.
Florida's Palm Beach County posted 793 sales of existing homes in August 2010, down slightly on a sequential basis and up 5% from August 2009.
The median single-family home price was $227,800 or 7% below August 2009.
The median price of a single-family home dropped 46% since the peak of $421,500 in November 2005.
What has been the main causes?
The high unemployment rate in Florida at double-digit rates, and an excess supply of homes with many foreclosures in the market.
Where do we go from here?
Zillow.com's chief economist said he'd be surprised if the South Florida region's home prices did not hit "bottom" in 2011.
I think it is important to watch the factors we have previously discussed in an article to get a sense of any particular real estate market (i.e., South Florida or Broward County).
Individual markets and submarkets are important to follow when you are looking to buy or sell a home. A person who understands these markets is very important when taking on a big decision, such as buying or selling a home.
If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in the South Florida real estate market, please feel free to contact me.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
Florida's Palm Beach County posted 793 sales of existing homes in August 2010, down slightly on a sequential basis and up 5% from August 2009.
The median single-family home price was $227,800 or 7% below August 2009.
The median price of a single-family home dropped 46% since the peak of $421,500 in November 2005.
What has been the main causes?
The high unemployment rate in Florida at double-digit rates, and an excess supply of homes with many foreclosures in the market.
Where do we go from here?
Zillow.com's chief economist said he'd be surprised if the South Florida region's home prices did not hit "bottom" in 2011.
I think it is important to watch the factors we have previously discussed in an article to get a sense of any particular real estate market (i.e., South Florida or Broward County).
Individual markets and submarkets are important to follow when you are looking to buy or sell a home. A person who understands these markets is very important when taking on a big decision, such as buying or selling a home.
If you are looking to buy, sell, rent or invest in the South Florida real estate market, please feel free to contact me.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217 <--property search link to cut and paste into your Web browser
Boca Raton FL real estate for sale and surrounding areas including real estate properties for sale in: Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Bryant, Canal Point, Dania, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hallandale, Hialeah, Hobe Sound, Hollywood, Indiantown, Jupiter, Key Biscayne, Lake Harbor, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee, Miami, Miami Beach, North Miami Beach, North Palm Beach, Opa Locka, Pahokee, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Pembroke Pines, Pompano Beach, South Bay, West Palm Beach, Lang Realty
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Housing Market- A Look At Income And Valuations
There has been so much written and talked about concerning when the housing market will reach the bottom. One way of valuing real estate is to compare it with income.
Ned Davis research and CNBC published a chart recently that looked at valuation ratios of home prices to median income from 11/30/1976 to 3/31/2010. The chart showed a high of about 5.2 times in 2005 and a low of about 3.5 times on during the 1983 recession.
The mean valuation multiple was 4.1 times during the period described above. As of March 2010, the ratio stood at 4.3 times. The recent stabilization can be attributed to the recent federal government intervention.
Does this mean we are near the bottom as we approach the mean valuation multiple?
Well, a few factors should be discussed. One is the federal government has let some of its incentive programs expire, such as the first time homebuyer credit.
Another factor is psychology of the consumer. With unemployement holding steady in the mid-9% range and continued increases in distressed properties could damage consumer sentiment. The most recent US Consumer Sentiment Index hit 66.6 in September from 68.9 in August; this was the lowest level in a year.
With the housing bubble continuing to deflate, unemployment being at sustained high historic levels and tougher lending requirements, it's not unlikely that we will see the valuation multiple dip below the average in the near-term.
Nonetheless, if you are a first time homebuyer and plan to live in the home for a sustained period of time, now might be a good time to purchase a home. If interested, please see our post on the advantages of homeownership versus renting. Mortgage rates are near historical lows and it is still a buyer's market.
Please feel free to contact me about South Florida real estate. I represent buyers, sellers, renters and landlords. I also work with distressed homeowners and investors.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
Ned Davis research and CNBC published a chart recently that looked at valuation ratios of home prices to median income from 11/30/1976 to 3/31/2010. The chart showed a high of about 5.2 times in 2005 and a low of about 3.5 times on during the 1983 recession.
The mean valuation multiple was 4.1 times during the period described above. As of March 2010, the ratio stood at 4.3 times. The recent stabilization can be attributed to the recent federal government intervention.
Does this mean we are near the bottom as we approach the mean valuation multiple?
Well, a few factors should be discussed. One is the federal government has let some of its incentive programs expire, such as the first time homebuyer credit.
Another factor is psychology of the consumer. With unemployement holding steady in the mid-9% range and continued increases in distressed properties could damage consumer sentiment. The most recent US Consumer Sentiment Index hit 66.6 in September from 68.9 in August; this was the lowest level in a year.
With the housing bubble continuing to deflate, unemployment being at sustained high historic levels and tougher lending requirements, it's not unlikely that we will see the valuation multiple dip below the average in the near-term.
Nonetheless, if you are a first time homebuyer and plan to live in the home for a sustained period of time, now might be a good time to purchase a home. If interested, please see our post on the advantages of homeownership versus renting. Mortgage rates are near historical lows and it is still a buyer's market.
Please feel free to contact me about South Florida real estate. I represent buyers, sellers, renters and landlords. I also work with distressed homeowners and investors.
Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-989-2100
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