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Chester County Real Estate Sales Statistics - Janaury 2010

Monday, February 22, 2010
by Scott Darling

Home sales surged in the fourth quarter of 2009 with many areas seeing double digit gains according to the National Association of Realtors. Total existing-home sales (single-family and condo) jumped 13.9 percent above the third quarter and 27.2 percent above the fourth quarter of 2008. Distressed property sales accounted for 32 percent of the fourth quarter transactions, down from 37 percent from 2008.

Lawrence Yun , NAR chief economist, said the first-time home buyer tax credit, combined with record low interest rates, played a dominant role in fourth quarter sales. Yun went on to say, “With inventory levels trending down over the past 18 months, we expect broadly balanced housing market conditions in much of the country by late spring with more areas showing higher prices.”

Let's look at January Chester County real estate sales to see how the housing recovery is progressing locally.

Chester County Real Estate Sales Statistics - Janaury 2010

Downingtown Area School District saw a 16% increase in pending sales in January 2010, compared to January 2009.  Sold listings have increased by 31% and active listings have decreased by 8%.  There was a 17% decrease in average sales price to $337,836, while market times decreased by 2 days.

Downingtown

Active
Listings

Pending
Listings

Sold
Listings

Average
Sales Price

Average
DOM

Jan 2010

77

37

26

$337,836

80

Jan 2009

84

31

18

$405,488

82

In the West Chester Area School District, there was an increase in active listings  of 19% when compared to January 2009.  While pending sales increased by 16% in January 2010 when compared to January 2009.  Average sales price decreased by 13% to 359,445 and sold listings increased by 43% from January 2009.  Market times decreased by 21 days.

West Chester

Active
Listings

Pending
Listings

Sold
Listings

Average
Sales Price

Average
DOM

Jan 2010

135

74

49

$359,445

88

Jan 2009

109

54

28

$410,868

109

Pending sales have increased by 35% in the Coatesville Area School District in January 2010.  The average sales price decreased by 4% to $203,082 and active listings decreased by 15%.  The number of homes sold decreased by 11% when compared to January 2009, while homes were on the market on average 38 days less than in January 2009.

Coatesville

Active
Listings

Pending
Listings

Sold
Listings

Average
Sales Price

Average
DOM

Jan 2010

103

48

40

$203,082

78

Jan 2009

121

31

45

$211,366

116

A word of caution...markets within a school district can be very different from neighborhood to neighborhood. For the latest Chester County PA real estate market conditions in your neighborhood, please call me at 610-564-SCOT or visit ChesterCountyHomeSource.com.

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Successfully Navigating The Mortgage Maze

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
by Scott Darling

To a home loan shopper, there may seem to be an endless--and confusing--array of mortgage types. Of course you want to choose the option that is best suited to your current and future financial situation, but understanding the terminology, types, and monetary ramifications is not always easy. Mortgages generally fall into four categories (fixed rate, adjustable rate, step, and balloon) according to the interest rate and duration of the loan.

Basic terminology;

    Fixed rate--The interest rates do not change during the life of the loan, thus allowing you to know the amount of your payments.

    Adjustable rate (ARM)--the interest rate is tied to certain indexes plus a margin and can fluctuate up or down, thus affecting each payment,

    Step--the interest rate and monthly payment remain the same for a specified period of time. After that the interest will change to the prevailing rate and will remain there for the duration of the loan.

    Balloon--a loan payment that expands after a certain amount of time. Basically it functions similarly to a fixed rate mortgage in the earlier months/years with a delayed steep increase at the end,

The following information, courtesy of Mortgages.Interest.com, outlines the type of mortgage, the loan characteristics, and the situations most appropriate for each one. If, for instance, you plan to live in your Chester County real estate more than 10 years and desire stability in payment amounts, then a fixed rate mortgage is for you. If, however, your finances are currently strained, but you know that in 5 to 10 years your monetary situation will improve or that you will most likely move within 10 years, then an ARM or balloon mortgage may be better for you. Being familiar with these options allows you to discuss them intelligently with your real estate agent and/or lender and then select the type which best fits your circumstances.

 Fixed rate mortgage (30, 20, 15, 10 years)*

*Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for the entire term of the loan
*plan to live in property more than 10 years
*like total payment stability

0/1 year adjustable rate mortgage1

*Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 10 years
*Starting the 11th year, interest rate adjusted every year, so payment is subject to change every year for remainder of loan
*plan to live in property more than 10 years
*like initial payment stability, can accept later changes OR
*plan to move within 10 years
 *want loan to remain in force in case plans change

7/23 (2-Step) or '30 due in 7' mortgage

Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
*Conversion option: On the 8th year, interest rate adjusted to reflect prevailing interest rates, resulting payment will remain the same for remainder of loan
*plan to live in property more than 10 years
*can tolerate one payment adjustment OR
*plan to move within 7 years
*want to remain in force in case plans change

7/1 year adjustable rate mortgage

*Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
*Starting the 8th year, interest rate adjusted every year, so payment is subject to change every year for remainder of the loan
*plan to live in property more than 7 years
*like initial payment stability, can accept later changes OR
*plan to move within 7 years
*want loan to remain in force in case plans change

7 year balloon mortgage

*Interest rate & monthly payment remain the same for 7 years
*At the end of 7 years, loan is due in full. Borrower must refinance into new loan at prevailing interest rates
*plan to live in property more than 7 years
*are willing to refinance at prevailing market rates OR
*plan to move within 7 years
*like payment stability

In addition, there are variations of the ARM, step, and balloon mortgages which differ primarily in the duration of the loan and of the planned residency.

Another good source of information for first-time Chester County home buyers is the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), an agency which oversees FHA loans. This type of loan is particularly useful if you have little money for a down payment, less than great credit, or large monthly bills. An FHA loan requires as little as 3% down (and it can be a gift from a relative or friend). In terms of your credit rating, the FHA is primarily concerned that for the past two years you have paid bills in a timely manner and have been steadily employed. With FHA you have to wait only two years after declaring bankruptcy, and your debit-to-credit ratio can be higher than for a conventional loan. You can qualify for an FHA loan if your monthly payments are no more than 43% of your income, and, as with conventional loans, you can choose from many types.

Of course, there are some negatives to consider before taking on an FHA loan. Interest rates generally run about 1/8 of a percentage point higher than conventional rates, but the real disadvantage of an FHA loan is that the borrower must pay an up-front insurance premium of 1.75% of the mortgage if the down payment is less than 20%. This cost can, however, be added to your total loan amount.

So there you have it--an easy-to-understand guide to mortgage types. As always, you should feel free to contact me anytime with questions. I am glad to recommend a number of outstanding mortgage lenders if you are interested in talking with one.

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An Even Better Deal On Foreclosed Chester County Homes!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010
by Scott Darling

Fannie Mae has announced it will pay up to 3.5% of closing costs for Chestar County home buyers or an equivalent amount for new appliances on purchases of foreclosed properties in its inventory.

Prices on foreclosed properties are often thousands below market value. Add to this savings getting closing costs paid or getting new appliances and buying a foreclosure becomes an even better deal. Add the home buyer tax credit and buying a foreclosed home becomes a no brainer.

Interested in buying a foreclosed home? We are glad to provide you with a list of foreclosures and guide you though the home buying process. Contact us today!

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