Monday, November 24, 2008

Positive News Everywhere You Look

I don't know if you have noticed but the media seems to be flush since the election with positive news !! Yeah !!

First, we have had the two mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac agree to hold off on foreclosures that are now pending in light that they are going to have a new work out program for people to save their homes. I believe that this will greatly effect us in real estate as a lot of homes will now come off of the market and people will be able to remain in their homes versus dumping them as short sales. So, two big benefits, less inventory which in turn will lead to less bank repos being sold at reduced prices.

Second, we have had the biggest run up in the stock market since 1987, first two day advance since September and we are talking big numbers not 1 or 2% increases in stock prices but the likes of 20% plus. This is even holding over to the auto industry as GM ended their deal with Tiger Woods that was costing them $20 million per year and they are cutting other expenses and working on getting their business in order.

Third, is this bailout of Citigroup which had a lot of people worried, and they are saying that the taxpayers might even make some money on the deal.

Fourth, In Charleston we have had over 20,000 transaction sides (10,000 properties) close in the MLS in the past 12 months, so what our market has done better like in 2005 but that was a pace that could not keep up forever, we are now back to earth with a normal amount of houses selling, we have just got to get the supply side under control which hopefully the move by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will help accomplish.

Fifth, rates are extremely low, there are some good deals to be had by those that are smart enough to buy now. So, pick up the phone and give me a call to take advantage of this market and don't forget to tell your friends and relatives, too.

Thanks, David Wertan & The Wertan Team of Re/Max Advanced Realty 843-270-6455

Monday, November 17, 2008

Short Sales & Other Alternatives to Foreclosure

Foreclosure has often been thought of in the past as a dirty word ..... to think that someone would not make the payments on their home was unthinkable. Well today in today's economy a lot of people do not have a choice, they got in over their head as they thought the real estate train would never stop and they figured they had better jump on quick. And they did in record numbers, without back up plans, without established savings accounts or emergency accounts.

I too got caught up in all of the frenzy and wound up buying some properties that I now just cannot afford.

Well there is a solution that is much better than foreclosure and yes it will effect your credit but it won't kill it. The short sale as you may have heard a lot about recently in the media and amongst friends and family is a way out, basically a short sale is where the bank takes less than what is owed on the house to save the money it would costs for them to foreclose. It saves the bank thousands of dollars, which is good for the economy, it moves the property through the system quicker which again is good for the economy, and it does not kill the sellers credit which will eventually be good for the economy as they will be able to buy again sooner than later.

All around WIN --- WIN ----- WIN.

Sounds easy doesn't it. Well it is far from easy, it is like pulling teeth to work with these banks that are already in terrible financial messes themselves and it is difficult to get home owners to realize they have an alternative and then get them to work with you in a timely manner to supply the mortgage company with all of the information that they need.

It can be done and we are doing it every day. So, if you or someone you know is having difficulty making their payments and foreclosure just sounds like something they do not want to experience than a short sale is the answer.

First you must look for a Realtor that is still actively selling homes, not those that are sitting whining like little babies about how the market has changed, but those that are taking the bull by the horns and going out and selling homes to buyers that are in this market looking to buy NOW. While prices are down and rates are low !!

Second you need to make sure your Realtor can expose your house to the buyers that are in the market, most of which are finding their homes on the internet. www.remax.com is the #1 Real Estate company site in the world and nobody else even comes close. I also spend a small fortune hosting my own websites of which www.DavidWertan.com is the main one and we also post your home to 19 other different sites like craigslist, yahoo, zillow, etc, and to 14 other real estate agents web sites.

All of this together with our attitude and ability makes it where we can get your home sold. So, Call me, David Wertan & The Wertan Team of Re/Max Advanced Realty in Charleston, SC, at 843-270-6455

Monday, October 27, 2008

Pending Home Sales Hit 14 Month High

Per Inman News on October 8, 2008

Pending sales of U.S. resale homes rose 8.8 percent in August compared to the same month last year, the National Association of Realtors reported today, rising to the highest level since June 2007.
The index offers an indication of future sales, as it measures the volume of signed contracts for sales transactions that have not yet closed -- sales are typically finalized within one or two months of signing, though some deals fall through before the transactions are closed.
"It's unclear how much contract activity may be impacted by the credit disruptions on Wall Street, but we're hopeful most of the increase will translate into closed existing-home sales," said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, in a statement

Friday, October 24, 2008

Existing Home Sales Increase

This came out today about the increase in existing home sales, we have noticed here that our inventory is shrinking and thus I personally feel that we are at or have begun to pass the bottom. There will still be lots of deals with foreclosures, etc, still coming on the market for the next year or so thus prices will not escalate but at least buyers are back in the market and gas prices are way down. Here is the quote:

The only economic news released today was September's Existing Home Sales data from the National Association of Realtors. They reported an increase of over 5% in home resales last month when the report was expected to show an increase of approximately 1%. This means that sales activity was stronger than expected last month.

So call me or a member of The Wertan Team today if you are considering selling or buying a home in Charleston, SC, anytime soon, Thanks, David Wertan of Re/Max

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Pending Home Sales Up Strongly

Here is a great article about the housing market picking up mainly in the West which was the area that first declined which has seen activity up 37.8 percent over last year, where in the South it is still sluggish the trend is that typically we follow a little behind and should feel this same pent up demand in months to come. I think this is a good sign that we have hit the bottom and are now on our way up, of course full recovery will take time as prices will remain what they are for a while and then start to increase next year at very low rates, forcasters are saying 2 to 3% increases per year, so at that rate it would take 3 to 4 years to gain back the 10% we lost in 2008 alone.

Pending Home Sales Up StronglyThursday, October 09, 2008 - National Realty News

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Pending home sales activity surged as buyers took advantage of low home prices and affordable interest rates, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in August, jumped 7.4 percent to 93.4 from an upwardly revised reading of 87.0 in July, and is 8.8 percent higher than August 2007 when it stood at 85.8. The index is at the highest level since June 2007 when it stood at 101.4.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said home buyers were responding to improved affordability. “What we’re seeing is the momentum of people taking advantage of low home prices, with pending home sales up strongly in California, Nevada, Arizona, Florida, Rhode Island and the Washington, D.C., region,” he said. "It’s unclear how much contract activity may be impacted by the credit disruptions on Wall Street, but we’re hopeful most of the increase will translate into closed existing-home sales.”

The PHSI in the West surged 18.4 percent to 109.5 in August and remains 37.8 percent above a year ago. In the Northeast the index jumped 8.4 percent to 79.8 and is 2.0 percent higher than August 2007. The index in the Midwest rose 3.6 percent to 84.5 in August and is 6.6 percent above a year ago. In the South, the index increased 2.3 percent to 96.0 but is 2.1 percent below August 2007.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Charleston At Top of List for Job Growth

The Milken Institute/Greenstreet Real Estate Partners Best Performing Cities Index ranks U.S. metropolitan areas by how well they are creating and sustaining jobs and economic growth. The components include job, wage and salary and technology growth. The full report can be downloaded here.

The Best Performing Cities ranking depicts those U.S. metropolitan areas that are recording the top economic performance.

Charleston, SC, was ranked # 10 for 2008 !! This is up from last year when we were ranked # 12, this just shows the diversity and strength of our economy here. Pass the word, more good news that I am sure that the local media will overlook. I think this is important to pass along to people that are thinking of moving here and maybe a little anxious about moving to a smaller southern town like Charleston, SC.

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Mortgage Money Available

I just recieved this from Meredith at Mellinium Financial and wanted to pass it along:

Good Afternoon,

After having a conversation in the gym, I realized that I should send an email to give everyone an update on the current mortgage market. Let me tell you about the conversation, the gentleman asked me, “So how is the Mortgage Business? From what is going on in our economy looks like there is no money to lend.” I thought it was a joke at first, but then realized he was DEAD serious! Following you will see my response based on my daily experiences in the mortgage industry.

First off, there are 100% Financing Options still available for Purchase Transactions. We are signed up with several banks that are lending up to 100% and consistently asking for our business. Please contact me if you need additional information.

Secondly, banks are lending money on Cash-Out Refinances. This means banks are allowing borrowers to extract equity from their property to pay off debt, complete home improvement projects and buy new real estate.

Next, the 30 year fixed rate today is 5.75%!!! Since 1971, there has only been 31 months where the 30 year fixed rate was under 6.0% that means, in the last 444 months, rates were below 6.0% only seven percent of the time. Looking 27 years ahead, if there is only a seven percent chance to receive an interest rate in the 5’s, and the time is now, would you buy real estate or refinance your existing mortgage?

Of course the Underwriting Guidelines have tightened within the past year. Mortgage Approvals greatly take in consideration borrower’s credit score, credit history, credit activity within the past 12 months, occupancy and income reported to the IRS.

As always, if you have any questions or need additional information regarding mortgages or just want an update on the mortgage market, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Talk to you soon,

Meredith

Monday, September 29, 2008

Good News on the Horizon

The June 2008 REAL Trends housing market shows that, for the first time in nearly three years, housing unit sales are at the beginning stages of finding a floor and perhaps even heading up. In this months report, the key states of California and Nevada showed increases in units closed, versus the same month a year ago.

This is important news that in todays negative media will surely be glossed over, these are the states that started feeling it first and they fell hard and fast and now they are coming back. As you know here in Charleston we thought we might be able to escape the downturn because of the strength of our economy, the diversity of it, the trend of people moving to our area, etc, yet now we know there was no escaping it.

Our values have fallen, a lot of people have lost their homes and many more are on the brink of it, we will rebound and we will rebound strong. The buyers that get in the market now will be able to look back and say "Yes, I was smart enough to buy when everyone else was selling and got a deal".

Right now there is still money available and don't forget about the tax credit for first time homebuyers of $7500, with all of the shake up in the banking industry I would buy now before it becomes any harder to get financing. Call me or a member of the Wertan Team to take advantage of this market today, thanks, David Wertan of Re/Max Advanced Realty

Monday, September 22, 2008

Refinance Rates at All Time Lowes

I have signed up with Alera Mortgage and now thru a partnership with our Re/Max office can offer you assistance on all your real estate financing needs.

You may have read the recent article in Market Watch, a division of the Wall Street Journal that discussed the effect the government takeover of mortgage giants Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac has had on lowering interest rates. The article mentioned that in the wake of the take-over interest rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages have dropped substantially and are now below 6%.

This will have a major impact for many home buyers and for home owners seeking to refinance their existing mortgage loans. I would encourage everyone interested in purchasing a home or those interested in refinancing to see if they can benefit from the current decline in rates.

Many things have happened in the mortgage business over the last 12 months but the one thing that has remained constant is that rates have remained low and are now at the lowest levels in years. Even with mortgage qualification guidelines tightening most of my customers have had no trouble qualifying for a home loan. Alera’s broad product line of 200 mortgage solutions meets a wide spectrum of real estate financing needs, from first time home buying to refinancing to sophisticated real estate investment strategies.

As always, I thank you for your business and referrals! If there is anything I can do to assist you with a mortgage loan or if you just need to information on current rates and loan programs available, please call me thanks, David Wertan of Re/Max Advanced & Alera Mortgage Representative

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Positive News Items Regarding Real Estate

I know that everyone has heard all of the negative media coverage about real estate and foreclosures, etc, over the past year or two, now I want to throw down a challenge, to try and find recent positive news (please give credit when you know the source) regarding real estate in the media.

Here are a few that I found:

Positive permits and housing starts data was followed by a rare up-tick for new home sales in April. While April was the first time in over a year that single-family building permits posted a monthly gain, it was also the first time since October 2007 that new home sales posted an increase.....Broker Agent News, LLC. PO BOX 3107 Cheyenne, WY 82003

On homefeedback.com or showings.com one of them sent out a report the other day where showings for April 2008 were up 25% over showings in April 2007 !!

do you know of any good positive news that I can pass on? post as a comment or e-mail it to me, thanks, David Wertan of Re/Max Advanced Realty in Charleston, SC

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

What are Buyers Thinking?

Isn't it funny. I just had a buyer back out of a deal, an investor, that was not happy that he could only get a 6.75% fixed rate mortgage on a 7 year fixed for a non-warrantable condo. WOW are people spoiled nowadays!! They are going to walk away from $1000 earnest money deposit because they wanted a longer term fixed rate mortgage, what are they joking? they planned on only owning the unit for 2 or 3 years and since they can't get a 30 year loan they are going to lose a $1000? does this make sense to anyone?

I remember when I would love to be able to get (and still have some loans at) 9% on an investment property, and to find someone doing long term fixed rates was impossible to find. It was hard to make things cash flow but you knew if you were buying it right it would work out in the long run. Many of those properties that I bought were in the $30 to $50k range that are now worth (even in today's market) in the $150 to $250k range, amazing, and what if I would have backed out because I didn't like the rate?

Investing in Real Estate and making millions is not easy, if it was everyone would do it. It is hard work and takes guts.

Right now is the best time that I have seen in Charleston to buy real estate in the past 10 years for long term investment, you can still get good financing (see 6.75% rate above) and you can get really good rent as a lot of buyers are either having to rent now because of the credit crunch or they are choosing to because of the media. Either way you can get more rent now than ever and vacancies are far and few between. And, the last big reason to buy now is that you can buy for a sharp discount.

The property that I referred to in the opening lines is a townhouse on James Island, it is not a foreclosure but just a good deal, the seller paid $156k for it about 2 years ago and is now selling for $96,000, that's right $96,000. The last unit to sell in this comlex sold for $125,000, so it is a deal. I personally own 4 (used to own 9) of these and they stay rented, I paid $90k as a package deal years ago and sold several off for $125k over the years.

This area, Dove Run, is minutes to the Beach and to Downtown Charleston and is surely going to rebound when the market prices come back and will be worth $150k again, then you can flip it and make $40k or so after all expenses, where else can you do this and get income from the tenant the whole time you own it?

I guess I am confused by buyers that are in the market now, we had another one the other day on James Island, a 50 year old house that had been renovated, when the buyer had the inspection they found a few things wrong (duh, this is a 50 year old house), they sent a copy to the seller and the seller said no problem we will pay to fix and and all repairs and have them done by closing or whatever the buyer chose, well this @$&%$%^^ buyer said that they wanted out of the deal and since they did not have a valid reason the parties agreed that she would forfeit half her earnest money or $1500, she also paid for the inspection and an appraisal, about another $600 total, so she lost $2100 and for what? because the seller said they would fix or pay to fix any and all items found on the inspection? can anyone make sense of this?

Well sorry to go on and on but I was just wondering if anyone could shed some light on what people are thinking and where their reasoning comes from? Rates are at all time lows, inventory at all time highs, rents at all time highs, Charleston's economy is expanding and actually booming(have you seen on the commercial construction going on?). Until next time, see you on the water, David Wertan & The Wertan Team of Re/Max Advanced Realty of Charleston, SC

Monday, May 12, 2008

Guaranteed Sale Program


I don't know if you have heard my commercials on the Bob & Tom Show on the radio here in Charleston or on the country channel on the Gary Griffen Show, but if you have you probably have been wondering how we can offer a Guaranteed Sale Program.

The reason that I am able to do this is that we are confident that we can sell any home that is priced right and is marketed properly given a reasonable amount of time.

So far this program is working great for us and our clients, we have had numerous people call and list their homes and we have been able to get them all sold.

The real estate market in Charleston, SC, is alive and well, we have had some slower areas and some sub-markets of Charleston are still experiencing a glut of homes, but overall the market has returned back to a normal market and by normal I mean if a home is properly priced, in the condition it needs to be to support the price and properly marketed, it will sell.

If you or anyone you know is being told otherwise by their Realtor, than maybe they need a change, call me directly on my cell or a member of the Wertan Team at 843-330-2500.

thanks, David Wertan of Re/Max Advanced Realty 843-270-6455

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

2008 Sales Off to a Good Start

As you may or may not know rates are really low, you can get 30 year fixed rate at 5.75% !! Many buyers are taking advantage of this and the lower prices and have started coming out and buying homes in 2008.

The first quarter started a little slow but has since picked up. We have had several properties sell within the first week or two of listing, a couple of multiple offer situations and even one property that sold for full price the first day it came on the market.

We are still getting a lot of inquiries about foreclosures and short sales, etc, and have been working on several. They require a lot of work and a lot of patience but can be worth it in the end. Foreclosures are still not as prevelant here in Charleston, SC, as they are in other parts of the country but we are seeing more of them come on the market. When I did a search for foreclosures (bank owned) properties the other day there were 64 of them in our mls out of some 10,000 homes for sale.

Some agents don't know how to put Bank Repo's in our system so this number may be a little low.

Remember we offer our Guaranteed Sale Program where if we don't sell your home in 120 days we will buy it for CASH !!

Also, when it comes to marketing we are second to noone in the Charleston market, we spend a ton of money and advertise our listings on over 19 different websites, including the # 1 real estate company site in the world, which is www.remax.com.

Stay in touch and let me know if you know of anyone that wants to buy or sell a home in 2008, thanks, David Wertan of Re/Max in Charleston, SC www.DavidWertan.com