When it comes to relocation for a new job, transferees say the two most important factors in choosing a new home are being in or near a specific school district and having a work commute of 30 minutes or less. Relocating Employees Share Their Dream Lists
Four Million Homes Return to Positive Equity
If negative equity in your home has kept you from selling it, now is the time to reassess whether selling your home makes sense. In 2013, 4 million homes returned to positive equity, bringing the total to 42.7 million, CoreLogic reports. “The plight of the underwater borrower has improved dramatically since negative equity peaked in December 2009 when more than 12 million mortgaged home owners were underwater,” says one expert.
Chapelgate Violence, Traffic & Drugs Fuel Security Efforts
Below is a link to an interesting article in the West County Gazette. In September a 19-month-old child sustained minor injuries in Chapelgate when a still-unidentified suspect sent several shotgun blasts through the family’s living room window. In December, Sharron Charles Mason, 19, was shot to death in the duplex he shared with his grandparents. No arrests have been made in either case.
Chapelgate violence, traffic and drugs fuel Piney Orchard security efforts - : Crofton - West County
Latest Stats Show Number of First-Time Homebuyers Dwindling
According to new figures published by the National Association of Realtors, first-time homebuyers accounted for 26 percent of purchases in January, down from 30 percent a year earlier. It’s the lowest market share for first-time buyers that NAR has recorded since it began measuring it in 2008. Ironically, this national trend is the complete opposite of my own experience -- six of my last seven buyer-clients were first-time homebuyers.
Student Debt Holds Some Buyers Back, But Doesn't Need To
According to the article, "underwriters generally treat student debt in a more positive light than credit card or auto loan debt." Study: Student Debt Holds Buyers Back, But Doesn't Need To
It's Getting Easier to Qualify for an FHA Mortgage Loan
Wondering whether you qualify to purchase a new home? A government agency reports that the average credit score on FHA-backed loans fell to 680 in 2013, and the average debt-to-income ratio of borrowers rose to 40.3 percent — both indicators that credit requirements may be easing. In comparison, the agency reported in January 2013 that the average credit score was 701 and the debt-to-income ratio was 38 percent.
If you'd like more information on whether you qualify for an FHA or other type of mortgage to buy a home, contact me today ((443) 924-7418). I'll be happy to put you in touch with an excellent group of mortgage professionals.
Jerry Kline Named Keller Williams Odenton Agent of the Month for January!
Surprised! That's how I felt after recently being named Keller Williams Flagship Agent of the month for the Odenton/Ft. Meade office. Many thanks to my buyer and seller clients who closed deals in January, among them Matt & Alison Pavan and John Murray. Thanks, also, to all of the agents in the Keller Williams Odenton office. All of you are great friends and you're always there when I need help!
Tax Time Help for New Homeowners!
Don't-Miss Home Tax BreaksFrom the mortgage interest deduction to energy tax credits, here are the tax tips you need to get a jump on your returns. Read
Did You Sell Your Home After Making Improvements?Keeping track of the cost of capital improvements to your home can really pay off on your tax return when it comes time to sell. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2014 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Hassaan Mansoor Closes His New Home Purchase!
I'd like to take a moment to thank and congratulate Hassaan Mansoor on the purchase of his new home in Bowie. Hassaan is a first-time home buyer and was married just a few months ago to his lovely bride, Sana. The couple was a lot of fun to work with -- patient, decisive and responsive. Much happiness in your new home, Hassaan!
Congratulations Matt & Alison on the Purchase of Your New Home!
Congratulations Matt & Alison Pavan on the purchase of your new home! The first-time homebuyers settled last Friday on their perfect rancher in the Four Seasons section of Gambrills, MD. Thanks for being such great clients and for choosing me for your real estate needs!
