Homes For Sale: Why Are More Real Estate Buyers Doing Cash Deals?

I have noticed the trend in my own business-- more cash deals. The National Association of Realtors recently published data indicating 32% of homes bought in the US during January 2011 were cash buys compared with 26% a year earlier. I am writing up a cash deal now that started out as one that would be lender financed. Why is this happening more often?

We have discussed weak appraisals in the publication in previous postings. Prices remain weak and lenders are using foreclosures in compararable data. The banks want to be sure they will have adequate collateral and are using discounted foreclosures in their assessment of worth.

Sellers are more motivated by cash deals for this very reason. The seller is not held up by appraisals causing deals to fall through. Therefore, sellers are more motivated to take less money for the increased likelihood the deal will be completed.

Some condominium buyers cannot get financing as a result of falling short of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac requirements. These agencies will not guarantee mortgages in condo communities where 70% of units in a development are not owner-occupied. Fannie and Freddie guarantee most of the mortgages issued in the US.

Other potential borrowers do not want to be subjected to the onerous process of being approved by a lender. Banks tend to want to look into every aspect of a potential borrower's finances; there are many pages of paperwork to be filled out; and people who can afford to self-finance sometimes decide to opt out of this process.

Many distressed properties do not even qualify for financing because they are in such poor condition.

Real estate investors are beggining to be more active, in my opinion, and the cash only incentive allows them to buy more cheaply. In addition, the investors do not want to have to worry about interest and payments if they can avoid it.

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, or require more information, please feel free to contact me.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

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

Homes For Sale: Quarterly Update: Woodfield Country Club in Boca Raton, Florida

Woodfield Country Club is centrally located in Boca Raton, Florida. The Country Club is among the most exclusive in an area that boasts many of the top clubs in the state.

The community is located very close to several large shopping plazas and the Florida Turnpike. There are tennis courts, basketball courts, community pool, children's pool, hot tub, and exercise room, spa and all of the ameneties one would expect at a high-end country club community.

During the past twelve months we estimate the average sold information is as follows:

4 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
3,295 square feet
$764,000 sales price

To search for homes in Woodfield Country Club:

Cut and paste the following link into your Web browser:

http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, or require more information, please feel free to contact me.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

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

Homes For Sale: Mizner CC Listing and Free Home Search: Country Club: Delray Beach: Mizner Country Club

Free home search for Mizner Country Club and other real estate (preview listings, etc.)-- homes for sale: cut and paste this link into your browser:

http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217

Mizner Country Club is one of the premier country club communities in Delray Beach, Florida. There is a mandatory equity membership to the clubhouse in order to live in the community. Amenities include: golf, tennis, fitness center, dining, social events and many other features. The advantageous location is one of the many reasons homeowners have chosen the community. Mizner CC is close to major shopping areas, restaurants, major roads and has almost everything one would need within the confines of the community.


Mizner Country Club Listing: (copy and paste into your Web-browser to view):

http://www.realtor.com/realestateandhomes-detail/8793-Valhalla-Dr_Delray-Beach_FL_33446_M56429-55548?source=web


I specialize in country club communities in Delray Beach and throughout South Florida. Please feel free to contact me for more information on Mizner Country Club or any other community in the area.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

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

Homes For Sale: Quarterly Update: Mission Bay in Boca Raton, Florida

Mission Bay is a community of homes and condos located in Boca Raton. Many homes are cinder block construction with a concrete roof, feature hurricane shutters, swimming pool, screened-porch, skylight, vaulted ceilings, garages, French doors, pantry, foyer, walk-in closets, carpeting, ceramic tile and wood floors, cooking island, granite counter tops, refrigerator, disposal, washer, dryer, and dishwasher. Amenities at Mission Bay include game room and swimming pool. Maintenance includes cable television, common area, and security.

The community is located in west Boca Raton, very close to several large shopping plazas and the Florida Turnpike. There are tennis courts, basketball courts, community pool, children's pool, hot tub, and exercise room with classes such as Yoga. Some have described it as a "country club" type community without the costs.

During the past twelve months the average sold information is as follows:

3 bedrooms
2 bathrooms
2,173 square feet
$279,000 sales price

To search for homes in Mission Bay:

Cut and paste the following link into your Web browser:

http://michaelfriedman.rmlsfl.mlxchange.com/?Page=7395217

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, or require more information, please feel free to contact me.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

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

Homes For Sale: Reasons To Be Bullish On Real Estate

There are plenty of reasons to be cool to the real estate market; this is not limited to looming shadow inventory, extended high-levels of unemployment and geopolitical instability. However, there are some reasons to be optimistic about the US housing market.

The anecdotal evidence I have received seems to indicate local South Florida real estate offices have seen a pick up in traffic during the past several months. The tide may be finally turning and here are some reasons why:

Jobs: the unemployment rate has shown some improvement during the past several months, with national unemployment finally reaching a level under 9%. Polls have shown that Americans believe the employment situation is improving.

Consumer Confidence: the job situation is giving people a better sense of job security. We have seen improving retail information, and this should further increase confidence. More optimism means more planning for the future, which typcially involves home buying.

Young Adults: planning for the future has been something that has been put on hold for many recent post-college graduates. The economic situation has caused many young adults to live at home-- this has caused pent up demand for this age-group.

Foreclosures: despite many foreclosures, lenders have been judicious at doling out the excess inventory in order to not destroy the value of their inventory. Foreclosures will continue to trickle out into the market-- no flood predicted here; should stabilize housing prices.

Inflation: with the current geopolitical sitution, increased food and fuel prices, inflation is again on the minds of consumers. Historically, real estate has been a good hedge against inflation. The expectation of higher prices should spur action for those who have been sitting on the sidelines.

Higher Rents, Low Rates: It has been a buyer's and landlord's market in recent years. As such, the price of renting has been increasing, especially as it has been more difficult to obtain financing. However, those who can afford to buy a home can take advantage of the historically low interest rates and being in the driver's seat for buying.

Investors Are Engaged: the slow trickle of distressed properties onto the market has allowed the investment community to raise funds and seek out deals. The deals remain and so do the investors. I recently put in an offer for an investor and during the same week had an investor customer call for information-- getting ready to make several offers.

If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, please feel free to contact me.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

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

Homes For Sale: Case-Shiller Index: December 2010

South Florida home prices continued its five month sequential slide during December 2010, according to the Case-Shiller Home Price Index. Compared with December 2009, homes prices were down 3.7% in December 2010; this is the lowest level since the real estate market crash begain in 2006.

The national home price index fell 2.4% from December of last year; this is a proxy for the US housing market, in our view. On a quarterly basis, the Case-Shiller national home index was dwon 4.1% in 4Q:10 versus 4Q:09.

Also hitting new lows in December 2010 since their respective peaks in 2006/2007 were the following markets: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Detroit, Las Vegas, Miami, New York, Phoenix, Portland (OR), Seattle and Tampa.

Level Change (%) Change (%) 1-Year Change (%)

U.S. National Index 130.38 -3.9% -1.9% -4.1%

Boston 152.54 -0.1% -1.0% -0.8%

Miami 143.11 -0.5% -0.2% -3.7%

Minneapolis 117.09 -1.3% -2.2% -5.3%

New York 167.86 -0.9% -1.2% -2.3%

Tampa 130.23 -2.6% -0.9% -6.2%

Composite-10 156.26 -0.9% -0.8% -1.2%

Composite-20 142.42 -1.0% -1.0% -2.4%


As a local Relator, I am aware of the trends in the US market as well as in many of the communities in which I specialize. If you are thinking of selling or buying a home, please feel free to contact me.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

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

Homes For Sale: Robert Shiller Thinks US Home Prices Could Drop Significantly

Robert Shiller, of the Case-Shiller Index believes "there's a substantial risk of home prices falling another 15%, 20% or 25% more." Mr. Karl Case, the other person of the famed Case-Shiller Index is quoted as saying, "I see [the market] bouncing along the bottom with a slight negative trend."

What gives these men such pessimistic views? Mr. Shiller referenced the government's expected reduced presence of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. We read this as a dearth of funding as these agencies currently provide loan guarantees for about 2/3 of mortgages. The expectation is private mortgage lenders will fill the void at a higher borrowing cost-- this will most likely lead to reduced prices in order to obtain a level of affordability.

The possibility of ending the mortgage tax deduction for many homeowners is another reason for the pessimism. This has been a consistent incentive for home ownership and a factor that has driven demand, in our view.

Another issue is the fragility of the current economic situation in the United States and indeed worldwide. The uncertainty related to current events in the Middle East (e.g., Egypt) and the price stability of oil are of immediate concern in regards to sustained economic growth.

Brad Hunter, chief economist for Metrostudy, a housing market research firm, expects home prices to decline gradually throughout 2011, with markets picking up only when hiring increases substantially.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home, please feel free to contact me.

Michael Friedman
Realtor, Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE)
Lang Realty
561-247-3550

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