Pending home sales up a second straight month

The National Association of Realtors says that pending sales indicators are showing upward movement for the second straight month. This is a forward-looking indicator – showing what is about to happen in the market, rather than recording what happened over the last 30 days, as do most statistics.

The Chief Economist for the NAR sees this as a positive sign. “Attractive affordability conditions from very low mortgage interest rates appear to be bringing buyers back to the market,” he said. “However, the pace of a home sales recovery still depends more on job creation and an accompanying rise in consumer confidence.”

For more information on the Pending Sales Report, go to Realtor.org.

Boston homeowner tips: Cool your home AND receive a tax credit

The warmer temperatures aren’t the ONLY reason to install a new central air conditioning system. According to the Energy Star website, there are some central A/C systems that qualify for government tax rebates. This is part of the ongoing program intended to assist homeowners with making their homes more efficient - all the while, stimulating spending.

For more information on central air conditioner rebate, go to the Energy Star site.

For more information on Boston real estate sales, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Boston real estate update: National real estate market rises

Boston’s real estate market, along with the rest of the country has seen a lot of positive growth over the first quarter of this year. According to the National Association of Realtors, sales increased from a year ago in 44 states and the District of Columbia; 31 states and D.C. saw double-digit gains while two were unchanged and four were down. National Association of Realtors President, Vicki Cox Golder, said there’s been a change in market psychology. “Buyer confidence is back, and home buyers have long-term views. The typical buyer plans to stay in their home for 10 years, so we’ve put the flipping mentality behind us and most people see housing for what it is – shelter that provides social benefits and is also a good long-term investment,” Golder said.

To read the full story, go to NAR.com.

For more information on Boston real estate sales, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Boston real estate borrowers have an advantage

Boston ranks in the 10 cities that Forbes ranks as the best for real estate borrowers:
1. Kansas City, Mo.
2. Houston
3. Dallas
4. Virginia Beach, Va.
5. San Antonio, Texas
6. Boston
7. Pittsburgh
8. Denver
9. Seattle
10. Portland, Ore.

To read more about Boston’s real estate ranking in this list, go to Forbes.com.

For more information on Boston real estate sales, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Boston and Northeast real estate market surges ahead

The Boston and Northeast real estate markets are improving ahead of the country’s other sectors. The NYTimes had an article that quoted the Boston-based Warren Group and the National Association of Realtors – both organizations touted serious gains and/or improved stability in the Northeast real estate markets.

To see more details, go to the NYTimes.com.

For more information on Boston and New England real estate sales, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Boston home sales on the rise for the 4th straight month

With the tax credit, low interest rates and improved consumer confidence helping to move buyers into the market, Massachusetts has seen an increase in the number of homes sold for the fourth month in a row. October saw its highest number of sales since 2005 – showing a 17.2% increase over the same month last year.

Click here to see more details on boston.com.

For more information on Boston homes for sale , go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

From Boston real estate to the National Picture

(SAN DIEGO, CA) -- Within two weeks of Congress passing an extension and expansion of the home buyer tax credit program through mid-2010, the feeling of renewed optimism and energy was in the air at the annual National Association of Realtors convention in San Diego this past weekend.

At a scheduled press conference, NAR introduced Vicki Cox-Golder as their new incoming President for 2010.

Ms. Golder stated in her press conference that her goals in 2010 primarily included, "Providing more liquidity to the real estate marketplace, get kinks out of the appraisal process, reduce restrictions on lending and further encourage our Realtors to really know their local markets."

NAR's senior economist Lawrence Yun also held a separate press conference and released some telling numbers and market predictions for 2010 that included; sales activity continuing to rise by as much as 15% in 2010, the reduction in inventory to just a 6-7 month national supply, and housing prices stabilizing and even showing a modest 3% to 5% appreciation by the end of 2010.

But Yun did admit that there are some issues that remain in 2010 that include increased foreclosures through mid-2010 and continued rising unemployment.

He further commented, "The fear factor that many consumers had in 2009 when it came to buying a home will be replaced by rational decision making and market data in 2010".

Other real estate market predictions made by Lawrence Yun for 2010 included;


* Estimated that over 2.2M families will take advantage of the home buyer tax credit program.

* 5.7M annualized sales rate of existing home sales, up from 5M in 2009.

* 550,000 new home sales, up from 400,000 in 2009.

* Over 3M homes in foreclosure in 2010 and an additional 3M homes in foreclosure in 2011.

* More international buyers enter the market in 2010 due to favorable exchange rates against the US dollar.


When asked, "what keeps you up at night for 2010", Yun replied "Inflation". "When inflation goes up, so does interest rates!"

Find the complete article on http://www.realestatechannel.com

Regional market surge helps Boston homes for sale

A recent RIS Media article documented the third quarter market improvements around the country – including the Northeast, where existing-home sales were up 16.7%. That is 6.9% over a year ago. One possible reason for the improvement is the First Time Homebuyer Tax Credit. The National Association of Realtors Chief Economist, Lawrence Yun, thinks a significant portion of the success is due to the tax credit. More than fiscally motivating, the credit has had an impact on the consumer confidence.

The Boston condo market was sited as one of the higher valued markets.

To read the full story, go to rismedia.com.

For more information on Boston homes for sale, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Tax Credit is Extended: Boston Real Estate Market to Get a Boost

Congress passed the Extended Tax Credit for real estate purchases today. Now included are purchases for existing homeowners. Read the whole story on Boston.com. Condos and homes for sale in Boston are sure to see a boost from this much anticipated move.

For more information on homes for sale in Boston, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Tax Credit Update: Extension Possible Today

Today may be the day that homebuyers find out about a potential extension for the tax credit that would otherwise expire on November 30. Read the whole story on Bloomberg.com. This could help to continue to bolster demand for homes for sale in Boston. The Boston real estate market has continued to see market activity, while other areas of the country have been less consistent.

For more information on homes for sale in Boston, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Tax Credit May Be Expanded AND Extended

Key senators compromised this week to extend the homebuyer tax credit that will broaden the benefit to include existing homeowners who are buying a new home as well as first-time homebuyers. Read the whole story on UPI.com. The existing homeowners will qualify for a credit of up to $6,500 and must have owned their current homes at least five years. The new plan is expected to reach the President’s desk next week.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Law Center Cautious About Reversed Mortgages

A recent story on Bloomberg.com discussed the National Consumer Law Center’s take on reversed mortgages. The product offered within the last few years offers an opportunity for older homeowner’s to tap into the equity on their homes. But, the NCLC cautions those who are considering it – they even say it may become the “next subprime”, with similar predatory tactics being used by some firms.

For more information, go to bloomberg.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Massachusetts well-positioned for recovery

Analysts, citing key indicators for economic performance, are predicting that our state will recover from this recent economic downturn quicker than the rest of the country. Labor and housing market statistics show that Massachusetts is outpacing the US statistics by a significant margin – with home sales (adjusted for seasonal variations) soaring nearly 50 percent in the state since hitting bottom in January, compared with less than 20 percent nationally.

This is not, however, to say that the markets will fully recover in the next several months. Economists are cautiously predicting a slow recovery for the nation – with 12 to 24 months of incremental growth.

For more information, go to boston.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Boston home prices showing positive growth

Zillow.com’s charting of home sale prices is showing positive growth. The data taken over the last several years, shows downward pressure on pricing, with a positive turn during this year.

For more information, go to zillow.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Economy shows improvement

A NYTimes.com article sites the Fed’s Beige Book as showing signs of economic recovery. Alan D. Levenson, chief economist at T. Rowe Price, noted “The economy is making the transition from recession to recovery.” He expected the economy to grow at a rate of about 3 percent in the summer, then more modestly in the last months of the year.

For more information, go to nytimes.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: Monetizing the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit in Massachusetts

An article in Banker and Tradesman discussed the exciting news that a program in Massachusetts will allow qualified buyers to use the First-Time Homebuyer Tax Credit as a downpayment:

Patrick, MassHousing Monetize First-Time Homebuyer Credit
By Ian B. Murphy - Banker & Tradesman Staff Writer
July 14, 2009
Gov. Deval Patrick has announced a loan program through MassHousing allowing first-time homebuyers to monetize and use an $8,000 federal tax credit as a funding source toward the closing costs of their new home. The principal and interest payments for the loan will be deferred until June 1, 2010, to allow first-time homebuyers to pay back MassHousing with their federal tax credit. If loans aren't paid by the June deadline, they will be amortized for 10 years at the rate of their original mortgage. Gary Rogers, president of the Massachusetts Association of Realtors (MAR), said not paying back the loan with money saved from the tax credit is still a decent option. "If that's what the homebuyer opts to do, that's still an excellent program; usually second mortgages have much higher rates," Rogers told Banker & Tradesman.

The loans will be available only to homebuyers with MassHousing mortgages, through MassHousing-approved lenders. To be eligible, loan participants must use the home purchased through the program as their primary residence for at least three years, and must purchase a one, two, three or four-family home from a seller unrelated to the buyer by Nov. 30. "These loans will both help prospective homebuyers achieve the comfort and stability of homeownership for their families, and also stimulate the commonwealth's economy through increased home sales, while reviving neighborhoods impacted by foreclosure," Patrick said in a statement.

This is the first program of its type in Massachusetts, according to Rogers, but there have been other variations of the same theme in other states. MAR worked with Patrick, Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, and MassHousing to bring the program to fruition. "It's a partnership; we're right there with them, and we'll be making sure that our Realtors inform the people who this is aimed for, and that they know about the program," Rogers said. "The Tax Credit Loan will be of great benefit to homebuyers, Realtors and MassHousing-approved lenders, and we applaud the Patrick-Murray administration for its leadership in promoting affordable homeownership opportunities in Massachusetts," said MassHousing Executive Director Thomas R. Gleason.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: How much can one degree save?

Even though our spring was mild, the hazy days of summer will soon be upon us. Before you crank up that air conditioning, consider adjusting your normal temperature. A programmable thermostat allows you to cool your home only when you are there – potentially saving you 5-15% on your cooling bills. One degree can save you one percent of your bill.

For more information, go to energysavers.gov.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: Boston named in list of “Best Cities to Buy a Home”

An article on forbes.com took a look at cities around the U.S. real estate landscape. By looking at a number of factors - including number of transactions, price per square foot and distribution of activity in the neighborhoods - Forbes developed a ranking system. Boston ranked #3 overall and had the largest increase in price per square foot at 6%.

To read the complete article, go to forbes.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: Mass Foreclosures Drop 58.6% in May

An article on boston.com explored data from this May that showed a tremendous drop in foreclosures for the state of Massachusetts. The study by the Warren Group show the drop in comparison to the same month last year. There was also a 24.3% drop from last month (April 2009). Timothy M. Warren Jr., Warren Group’s chief executive, called the new data “encouraging.’’

To read the complete article, go to boston.com.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.

Spotlight on Boston real estate: Bidding wars on Boston area properties

An article on wbur.org showed how properties that are priced aggressively are causing bidding wars. As the reporter put it, homeowners are setting the offering price low and allowing the market to bid it up. This seems to be working within Boston and its more desirable surrounding areas like Cambridge and Arlington.

To read the complete article, go to wbur.org.

For more information on the Boston real estate market, go to Gibson Sotheby's International Realty, Boston's real estate experts.