I hear it all the time. All real estate agents do is drive around, open some homes, sit in front of their computer, wait for people to call, do some open houses, get paid way too much and the list goes on and on. Sounds like a job a robot could do. Here's some thoughts I have about that. [viddler id=5331cd15&w=545&h=349] A few years back when people were buying homes like they bought a new pair of jeans, the value of a real estate agent was more of an order taker and not much advice was given. That … [Read more...]
Absorption Rates For The Big Bear Real Estate Market – January 2009
February 19, 2009 by Leave a Comment
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home in Big Bear, you may want to take a look at the absorption rate of homes that are currently for sale. Knowing the absorption rate is a great way to become more informed on the current real estate market conditions in a particular area. In simplistic terms, it is a mathematical equation that tells you the amount of time it will take for a specified set amount of properties to be absorbed under current real estate market conditions. Generally speaking, the higher … [Read more...]
The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan Is Just That, A Plan.
February 19, 2009 by Leave a Comment
In Mesa, Arizona, Wednesday, the President presented the Homeowner Affordability and Stability plan, a multi-pronged effort to support the housing market. The story made the front page of nearly every newspaper in the country. The president's plan is sweeping: Incent mortgage servicers to work with at-risk homeowners before delinquency starts Let homeowners with good credit but little equity refinance to today's low rates Fund Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to support mortgage markets It's a broad plan with many … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate Monday Market Update For 2/16/2009
February 16, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Below is your weekly update for the Big Bear real estate market as of 2/16/2009 (Happy President's Day!). Property Type Listings for Sale Change from Last Week Pending Sales Change from Last Week Sales Year to Date Change from Last Week RESIDENTIAL 909 +5 121 -8 70 +13 VACANT LAND 345 +1 10 -1 2 +1 CONDOS 46 -1 7 +1 1 0 GOVERNMENT LEASE 12 0 0 0 0 0 COMMERCIAL & RES INVESTMENT 52 0 4 0 0 0 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 11 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 1375 +5 142 -8 73 +14 A few notes about the market - Home sales … [Read more...]
Big Bear Real Estate Monday Market Update For 2/9/2009
February 9, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Below is your weekly update for the Big Bear real estate market as of 2/9/2009 (a very snowy day I might add). Property Type Listings for Sale Change from Last Week Pending Sales Change from Last Week Sales Year to Date Change from Last Week RESIDENTIAL 904 -2 129 +3 57 +17 VACANT LAND 344 +10 11 -2 1 +1 CONDOS 47 -1 6 0 1 0 GOVERNMENT LEASE 12 +1 0 0 0 0 COMMERCIAL & RES INVESTMENT 52 +2 4 +1 0 0 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY 11 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 1370 +10 150 +2 59 +18 A few notes about the market … [Read more...]
Job Growth Numbers Not A Great Sign For Big Bear Real Estate Market
February 6, 2009 by Leave a Comment
If job growth & housing numbers are related, today's news is not a great sign for the real estate market in Big Bear. Employment figures released this morning show that the economy has now shed 3.6 million jobs since December 2007, included close to half that in the last 3 months alone. The Unemployment Rate is now 7.6%. But jobs aren't fading in every housing market equally. As reported by Ajilon Professional Staffing, there are still areas around the country in which unemployment rates are low and job … [Read more...]
Lower Mortgage Rates Impact Home Affordability
February 5, 2009 by 1 Comment
Comparing July's conforming mortgage rates to today's average rates, there's a 1.5 percent difference in favor of homeowners. Rate drops like that make big differences in a household budget. Look at these before-and-after payments, based on rates from the chart: $150,000 mortgage ($144 savings/month) July 2008: $958 monthly February 2009: $814 monthly $250,000 mortgage ($240 savings/month) July 2008: $1,597 monthly February 2009: $1,357 monthly $350,000 mortgage ($335 savings/month) July 2008: $2,235 … [Read more...]
Big Bear Home Sales – January 2009
February 5, 2009 by Leave a Comment
Home sales in Big Bear for January 2009 (47) were up 37% as compared to January 2008 (30), and 13% compared to December 2008 (41). January is normally one of the 4 slowest months of the year for sales so this is pretty good news all things considered. 25, or 59%, of the 47 home sales in Big Bear, were either bank owned or short sales. This is up from 44% of the total sales last month. I suspect this number will continue to rise this year. Not great news but we have to get them sold in order to get through this … [Read more...]
