On Tuesday the government announced an $800 stimulus plan for the credit markets.
Some $500 million will be spent buying mortgage-backed securities guaranteed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and Ginnie Mae in an effort to push down mortgage rates.
The best time to buy in any market is when it is down (a buyers market) and the circumstances for you are right. This is a prime time for a buyer with good credit and/or a good down payment to buy a house in the greater Lansing real estate market. Right now inventories remain high and prices have fallen over the past 2 years. And mortgage interest rates continue at all time lows, with rates dropping under 6% yesterday for typical 30-year fixed loan. The first time home buyers credit of $7500 will be ending on 7/1/09. There has never been a value to “waiting” in real estate, especially now. If you have been thing about buying a home, now’s the time to make your move.
Real estate is first and foremost an investment. And like investments will sometimes perform well and sometimes not. However for those looking long term, it has almost always performed well. The key is buying with the intention to hold long term. Property ownership equity accounts for more than half the wealth in the United States. It is never a bad time to buy real estate. Start your search for homes here.
Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 517-492-3400 Fax: 888-832-6203
email: Mike@MikeBowler.com
Website for Clients: MikeBowler.com
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Matt Bowler recently received the Realtor of the Year Award from the Greater Lansing Association of Realtors. After reading what he has said below about what the citizens of Lansing Michigan have to be thankful for, as we approach Thanksgiving, I can see why my son was such a successful
President during his term of office, for our association. His mother and I are blessed and give thanks daily for having had such a great experience, watching all our children grow. Congratulations on each of your achievements Matt.
Here’s what Matt wrote that should make anyone want to buy a house in the greater Lansing area: I Believe in Greater Lansing ~ Do you?
Our Community is bursting with Opportunities and Possibilities.
93 % of greater Lansing’s work force is WORKING!
Over 4700 properties have SOLD year to date with Local REALTORS®
There has NEVER been a better time to invest in Real Estate.
The largest selection of homes in years is a major benefit for the Buyers.
Low income and first-time Home Buyer programs are available.
The Dream of Home Ownership is the fabric of our culture.
Programs are in place to help homeowners keep their homes.
$6 Million Federal Boost Set Aside for Lansing Neighborhoods
Our performing arts and cultural centers are alive and well and growing.
We are Green with outdoor sports, excellent parks and nature centers.
Our Museums are wonderful family time opportunities.
CATA was awarded #ONE public transportation in North America
Lansing is the only region in the world with two new auto plants.
The most technologically advanced plants in the world are producing some of the hottest and best vehicles in the country.
GM owns an additional 700+ acres in Delta Township for the future.
GM has the potential and opportunities to be a world leader again.
The State of Michigan Government is in our front yard.
Michigan State University is a community treasure and world leader.
The Spartans beat U of M this year and are going to a choice bowl game.
Cooley Law School is the largest law school in the country.
Sparrow Health Systems is growing, building and healing at a record pace.
Ingham Regional recently constructed a state-of-the-art Heart Center.
Our Community has become a model leader in Health Care.
Technology and Biotechnology companies are expanding in greater Lansing.
Major Insurance companies (headquarters) are expanding.
We have the largest cluster of Insurance companies in the country.
Financial Leaders and Service growth is occurring all over the region.
Lansing was awarded “top ten” best tasting water in America.
Community support and fundraising remain very high. We Care!
We have proactive and enthusiastic Leaders in Regional Development.
The Capital Area is one of Michigan’s growth trend communities and is an important player in Michigan’s economic recovery.
Lansing is receiving national attention for being VERY affordable.
Greater Lansing is an excellent place to live, to raise a family, and to work.
www.capitalgainsmedia.com is an excellent local resource for good news.
I’m Thankful for Greater Lansing ~ Are You?
Matthew M. Bowler
Happy Thanksgiving to You and Your Families, Mike
Mike Bowler Sr. ePRO, CRB, GRI, SRES
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
1020 S. Creyts Road, Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 517-492-3400 Fax: 888-832-6203
email: Mike@MikeBowler.com
Website for Clients: MikeBowler.com
Search Listings
Website for Agents: MikeBowler.net
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According to the National Association of Realtors, low prices and low interest rates have been attracting home buyers since September to create a 5.5% increase on the seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.18 million units. This is the first good news we
have seen in awhile, however, it's an indicator that the bottom may be in sight. You can read the entire article here.
The Grand Ledge Public Schools are known for its distinguished student achievement and exemplary delivery of quality educational programs.Many of Delta Townships homes for sale are included in the Grand Ledge School District, in addition to the Waverly School District, which is also very popular.
Delta Township, Lansing Michigan is Prime for Increased Housing Sales in Real Estate because of the excess inventory, low interest rates and great home prices.The township is located on the west side of the greater Lansing Capital Region and is more than 35 square miles. You have easy access to the majors highways of 96, I69, and I496. I encourage you to visit the Delta Township official website for additional information and to stay abreast of the current events. there is something to do in delta Township for all ages.
If you are thinking of buying or selling a home the key to unlocking that door is at MikeBowler.com. Free information on all properties for sale, buyer information, seller tips and much more.
"Expect the Best" Mike
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
517-492-3400
mike@mikebowler.com
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The good news for buyers in the greater Lansing real estate market is that now is a great time to buy a
house if you have a job, if you have a good credit rating (700 or above) and you have the motivation to be a home owner vs. renting. The all American dream is more affordable, more feasible and more realistically priced today. here's why:
1. Interest rates are low - Average 30-year fixed mortgage rate 6.0% - 6.25% 9/25/08
2. Housing affordability index is 117.7 which mean a family earning the median family income has 117.7% of the income necessary to qualify for a conventional loan covering 80 percent of a median-priced existing single-family home.
3. Selection of homes is plentiful according to the latest GLAR statistics there are 4483 residential homes on the market in the greater Lansing area. 2296 homes sold year to date. There have been 119 pending sales in the past 10 days compared to only 70 for the same period last year. This shows signs of positive activity regardless of the banking crisis that is currently taking place.
4. Sellers have reduced prices to new lows - according to the latest CBHB quarterly report the average home price decreased 20.12%. This does not necessarily mean all homes have come down this far in price, however, there are substantial price cuts compared to the past 5 or 6 years overall.
5. Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008, passed by Congress earlier this year, provides up to $7,500 in new tax credits to first-time home buyers who purchase before July 1, 2009. This is not a hand out, it has to be paid back, however it's a 0% interest loan, which will help buyers get into their first home.
If you are interested in getting more facts on why is the time to buy, you can visit the NAR site. Mark Twain said "The secret to getting ahead is getting started" you can do that by visiting MikeBowler.com to search all homes available in the greater Lansing real estate market.
"Expect the Best" Mike
Mike Bowler Sr.
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
Lansing, MI 48917
517-492-3400 mike@mikebowler.com
Here's twenty nine questions and answers provided by the National
Association of Realtors for the first time home buyer in the greater Lansing real estate market, who wants to learn more about taking advantage of the new interest free loan being offered.
I had a chance recently to throw out the question to some of my LinkedIn connections on how they as, mortgage brokers and Realtors have been taking advantage of this new incentive for their clients and customers. Here's what they had to say:
"In a market where currently we have a situation of low interest rates and high amounts of inventory, the “credit” gives many potential buyers yet another reason to get into the market." Hank Baily, Athans, Georgia Area "The tax credit could help as professionals we have to be sure the buyer knows":
-Only for first time buyers (3 year window) from 4/9/8 to 7/1/9.
-There is no way, as of yet, to use the money as down payment.
-Is a credit (paid after the fact) and is a loan paid back $500 per year.
"The best way to show to a home buyer is the one time bigger refund ($7500 bigger refund or lower taxes due) and let them decide if that will help their budget". Bill Powell, Mortgage Broker
"People who are qualified need to take a serious look at taking advantage of it even if all they do is put the money into a passbook saving account where they can have access to it to make the repayment easy". Judith Abbott Coldwell Banker Agent, Dallas TX
"It seems to me it’s just a matter of educating your 1st-time home buyer to use the money responsibly by investing it in improvements to the home. The improvements should be of a nature to increase its value when they decide to sell it." Phil Nassaux, Austin Texas
Well there's some great advice above from dedicated professionals who are out there working with buyers and sellers on a daily basis to help fulfill the all American dream of home ownership. If you are interested in learning more about how you or someone you know can take advantage of this incentive, feel free to contact me today. Let me also take this time to thank these individuals for their contribution.
"Expect the Best" Mike
Mike Bowler Sr.
Coldwell Banker Hubbell Briarwood
Lansing MI 48917
517.492.3400 www.MikeBowler.com
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