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Monday Morning Coffee

Monday, August 12, 2013
by Galand Haas

While homeownership numbers may be down, Americans continue to believe that owning a home is still a good decision even as mortgage rates bounce up and down. According to the National Association of Realtors 2013 National Housing Pulse Survey, eight in 10 people believe that purchasing a home is a good choice and 68% believe that now is a good time to make a purchase. Since the last survey in 2011, renters who are contemplating a home purchase rose from 25% to 36% while those who stated they prefer to rent fell from 31% to 25%. More than half of the renters surveyed stated that one of their highest priorities is owning a home, up to 51% from 42%.  

We remain towards the lower end of a home value cycle.  This means that most likely home values will increase significantly over the next 5 years.  Even though mortgage rates have ticked up slightly, they remain well below the 10 year average.  This combination leads one to believe that investing in home ownership now is a wise decision.

Have An Awesome Week!


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88604 Ermi Bee Rd
Price: $549,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Sq Ft: 3376
Wonderful Wooded Retreat! Surrounded by nature, this secluded 5 acre property offers lots of space and options! Granite, tile, skylights, vaulted ceiling, 4 decks, 3 sliders, beautifully landscaped grounds with water feature and pond, walking trails...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Don't Be Fooled By Pre-Qualification Letters

Monday, August 5, 2013
by Galand Haas
VideoVideo

Good Monday Morning!

With a more active Real Estate Market here in the Eugene and Springfield area, we are seeing offers much more frequently on homes for sale than we did over the past several years during a slower market time.  This does not mean that all offers are created equal. Even today, there are many buyers out there that just cannot qualify for home fiinancing and are making offers based on poor information from their lender.  Many of these buyers even have letters of pre-qualification from their lender.  Don't be fooled by pre-qualification letters. These are just letters that state that based on the initial information given to the mortgage broker the buyer is qualified to purchase.  Many times after these buyers get into contract and all of their information is actually sent to the underwriters for approval, things change and it is not always for the good.  If you are selling a home and you have an offer on your home, make sure that your buyer has an actual loan approval letter.  This means that the buyers financial information has already gone to the underwriters and was approved.  This is not 100% fool proof, but it is a much safer bet than a simple lender pre qualification letter.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

Video Link: http://eugeneoregonhomesforsale.com/video/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-US-August-2013
Image Unavailable
86453 Greenbriar Dr
Price: $945,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Partial Baths: 1 Sq Ft: 5582
A Luxurious Oasis! Panoramic view of Fern Ridge, Coast Range, Sunset and Sunrise. Gated, privacy and a one of a kind home make this property exquisite! Spacious great room with 32ft vaulted ceiling & fireplace, 10’ ceilings and 8’ doors,...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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What the numbers mean for the housing industry.

Monday, July 29, 2013
by Galand Haas

Good Monday Morning!

The most recent report from the National Association of Realtors shows that the national median existing home price for the month of June increased 13.5% from June of 2012. This also was the 16th straight month of year-over-year price increases. At the end of June, total housing inventory also rose 1.9% and represents a 5.2 month supply which is still 7.6% lower than a year ago. Home mortgage rates are once again stable after Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke testified at the House Financial Services hearing last week. With unemployment still high, he stated that monetary policy will remain "highly accommodative". This means no changes in the near future.  This is great news for housing industry that remains on the edge.  A tick up with interest rates could send housing into another slump.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

Image Unavailable
2750 Grand Cayman Dr
Price: $450,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 ½ Baths: 1 Sq Ft: 3068
Gorgeous Home with Lots of Options! High ceilings, recessed lighting, lots of storage throughout, bonus room, office, library, formal dining room, plus well-sized laundry/mud room. Great room with living room, fireplace, built-ins, kitchen with larg...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Monday Morning Coffee

Monday, July 22, 2013
by Galand Haas

Good Monday Morning!

Concerned over the current spike in mortgage interest rates, Federal Chairman Bernanke spoke last week in an effort to calm markets. He stated that while the unemployment rate is a key indication of future Fed monetary policy, it may underestimate and not reflect the actual state of the labor market which may be weaker. He also stated that 'higher accommodative monetary policy for the foreseeable future is what is needed in the U.S. economy'. Volatility eased and mortgage rates settled down after Bernanke's comments.  it is evident that when Bernanke speaks it has an impact on rates, not matter what he says.  At this time there has not been any action by the Fed.  The fact is that action by the Fed to reduce bond purchases is on the horizon and this will have a long term effect of mortgage interest rates.

My suggestion is that if you are considerign a home purchase, don't wait.  We know that rates are going to tick up.  When and by how much is the mystery.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

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920 Summit Blvd
Price: $310,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 3 Sq Ft: 2850
Hilltop Haven with Impressive Views! Perfect for entertaining with valley & mountain views, 4 decks, 3 sliders, hot tub, wet bar with sink and eating bar, and great room with fireplace! Large viewing window in living room, kitchen with large eating ...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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The Numbers are in: June 2013

Monday, July 15, 2013
by Galand Haas

Good Monday Morning!

The number are in for Real Estate activity in the Eugene and Springfield area for the month of June 2013.  Closed sales increased this month to 375 over the 357 in May. In fact, it was the best June for closed sales since 2007, which boasted 454 closed sales.

New listings numbered 602 in June—a decrease of 6.4% from May’s 643, but a 21.9% increase over the 494 listings posted in June 2012. Similarly, pending sales (353) decreased by 18.9% from May, but are still up 0.6% compared to last June’s accepted offers.

Average total market time increased slightly this month to 102 days, and inventory increased just slightly to 4.3 months.

Year to Date Summary

The 3,120 new listings represent a 14.7% increase over the 2,720 entered

in the first half of 2012. There have been 2,060 pending and 1,776 closed sales through June 2013, up 18.6% and 21.9%, respectively, from 1,737 pendings and 1,457 closed sales by June 2012.

Average and Median Sale Prices

The average price through June is $223,700, up 14.8% from this time in 2012, when the average was $194,800. In the same comparison, the median price increased 16.2% from $170,000 last year to $197,500 this year. 

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

Image Unavailable
2750 Grand Cayman Dr
Price: $460,000 Beds: 3 Baths: 2 ½ Baths: 1 Sq Ft: 3068
Gorgeous Home with Lots of Options! High ceilings, recessed lighting, lots of storage throughout, bonus room, office, library, formal dining room, plus well-sized laundry/mud room. Great room with living room, fireplace, built-ins, kitchen with larg...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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When purchasing a home, make sure to have it inspected by a Professional Home Inspector.

Monday, July 8, 2013
by Galand Haas
VideoVideo

Good Monday Morning!

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a home is to have the home you are purchasing inspected by a prefessional home inspector.  I always suggest both a pest and dry rot inpsection and a whole home inspection.  The pest and dry rot inspector will look for any areas of dry rot, water damage and pest infestation or damage. The whole home inspector will inspect all systems in the home including electrical, plumbing, roofing, heating and cooling, etc.  If the property you are purchasing is rural, then you will also want to have a well inspection and a septic inspection.  By having these inspections completed prior to purchase you will be able to identify any existing or potential problems and make sure that you are not purchasing a home that has serious issues.  I would also highly advise you to be with the inspector as they go through the home.  This way any problems can be clearly looked at by you. A few dollars invested up from can save you from potential major problems down the road.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

Video Link: http://eugeneoregonhomesforsale.com/video/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-US-July-2013
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1280 Rose St
Price: $278,400 Beds: 5 Baths: 3 Sq Ft: 2374
Beautifully Remodeled and Updated! Kitchen fully remodeled with 20ft of granite counter space, master bath completely remodeled, high-end laminate flooring in every room. Mini-master suite with family room accessibility. Living room with vaulted cei...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Things to keep in mind if you are planning on selling your home in today's market.

Monday, July 1, 2013
by Galand Haas

Good Monday Morning!

Even in the improved Real Estate market that we are experiencing in the Eugene and Springfield area, the condition of a home has a direct effect on the price it sells for and how quickly it sells.  Homes that are price competitively and the owners have invested time and money into maintaining the homes are hot commodities for the most part right now.  If you are thinking about selling your home it is a good plan to go through the interior and de-clutter.  This means removing anything from each room in your home that is not essential. Removing furniture that is excessive or makes the room feel small is essential. A potential buyer will be much more attracted to your home if it is not filled to the max with furniture and personal belongings.  Touch up the paint or paint rooms that are drab or have not been painted in a while.  Touch up trim and baseboard paint and replace old fixtures with updated ones.  Clean your hardwood floors, carpets and windows.  A few weekends devoted to this will pay off in the long run.  Also, remember the outisde of your home.  Power wash walks, driveways and patios and paint or touch up the paint of your homes exterior.  Trim bushes and shrubs, spread bark dust or ground cover on all plant beds and make sure that your lawn is mowed and green.  The way your home looks from the outside will have a direct effect on how many people want to look inside.

Last but not least, make sure that your home is priced right.  Even in this market I see over priced homes sit while the ones priced competitively sell quickly. Make sure that you have a current market analysis on your home and talk with a top agent about how to price correctly. If you take these steps your home will sell quickly and at top dollar value.

Have An Awesome Week! 

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

Image Unavailable
88604 Ermi Bee Rd
Price: $575,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 3 Sq Ft: 3376
Wonderful Wooded Retreat! Surrounded by nature, this secluded 5 acre property offers lots of space and options! Granite, tile, skylights, vaulted ceiling, 4 decks, 3 sliders, beautifully landscaped grounds with water feature and pond, walking trails...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Significant rate hikes are on the near horizon.

Monday, June 24, 2013
by Galand Haas

Good Monday Morning!

We knew the day would come when the Fed's apetite for bonds would dwindle and interest rates would begin the rise.  With last weeks announcement by Fed Chief Ben Bernanke that the Fed would stop buying bonds later this year, mortgage rates jumped the gun and increased.  My guess is this was just a gut reaction and that mortgage rates should not take any huge increases yet.  The message is clear though that significant rate hikes are on the near horizon. This means that if you are considering a refinance of your existing home or considering purchasing a home the time is now if you want to take advatage of the low interest rates.  

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

 
Image Unavailable
84446 N Enterprise Rd
Price: $359,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 2 Sq Ft: 2143
Wonderful Country Living! Over 2 acres of beautiful pasture, large fenced yard, barn, corral & tool shed. Stall in back of barn could be great shop. Attached 2-car garage with shelving, plus carport. Large living room with 2 fireplaces, dining room,...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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How long will mortgage rates remain at their current low levels?

Monday, June 17, 2013
by Galand Haas

Good Monday Morning!

The question that I am getting from almost everyone is, "How long will mortgage rates remain at their current low levels?"  My answer is always the same.  "Nobody knows for sure!"  Here is some insight though into what may be ahead.  Right now the government is purchasing around $80 billion dollars per month in bonds.  This rate of purchase is what is needed for the continuation of the current low interest rates. My thought is that rates are going to be somewhat volatile until the Fed meets on June 19.  With unemployment rising slightly there may not be any reduction of the bond purchase rate by the Feds when they meet.  If the Feds decide to reduce the bond purchase rate, then rates will jump as a result.  Long term, my thoughts are that most of the fluctuation is going to be minor for the next quarter or two as long as the economy remains flat.  A surge in employment could be the trigger for reducing bond purchase and the creation of higher mortgage interest rates.  My suggestion as always is that you know what you have today and it may not be here tomorrow.  If you want to take advatage of the low interest rates then don't delay.  If you are thinking about a home purchase or a refinance the best advice I can give you is do it now!!

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

2290 Agate St
Price: $450,000 Beds: 5 Baths: 3 Sq Ft: 3108
Charming home in great location! Home has been converted into 3 units: main level, upstairs apartment and basement apartment each with separate entrance. Altogether there are 5 beds and 3 baths. Spacious living room with large windows and archways, ...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Good Homes, That Are Priced Right, Can Go Fast

Monday, June 10, 2013
by Galand Haas
VideoVideo

Good Monday Morning!

With the Real Estate market heating up in the Eugene and Springfield area, finding the right home can now be more of a challenge for home buyers.  The good homes that are priced right can go fast and if you don't have the ability to really watch the market and know when new homes hit, you could have a tough time finding the prefect home.  In a market like the one we are experiencing now in the Eugene and Springfield area it is best to connect with a Real Estate agent who can watch the market for you.  This can give you a huge advantage.  Many times we find the perfect home for our buyers and let them know about it before it even hits the market. Also, home search web sites such as www.forhomeinfo.com where you can set up search parameters and be notified as new homes hit the market can give you a clear advantage with your home search.  

If you are a ready buyer, then having both a buyers agent and a home search web site working for you can make a huge differnce.

Have An Awesome Week!

THIS WEEKS HOT HOME LISTING!

Video Link: http://eugeneoregonhomesforsale.com/video/This-Month-in-Real-Estate-US-June-2013
Image Unavailable
1715 Best Ln
Price: $335,000 Beds: 4 Baths: 2 Partial Baths: 1 Sq Ft: 2276
Charming Home on Big Lot! Detached studio with laundry and living room. Large fenced backyard, garden, patio area, long driveway with 2-car garage. Home offers quaint archways, large living room with fireplace, formal dining, large laundry/mud room ...



AND HERE'S YOUR MONDAY MORNING COFFEE!!

Sincerely,
Galand

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Displaying blog entries 411-420 of 693

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Haas Real Estate Team
Keller Williams Realty Eugene and Springfield
2645 Suzanne Way Suite 2A
Eugene OR 97408
Direct: (541) 349-2620
Fax: 541-687-6411
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