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We are not surprised that in a recent survey first-time home buyers are optimistic considering affordable housing prices and a decreasing 30-year fixed mortgage rate make for an ideal time to buy.

More than three-quarters (78%) of potential first-time home buyers say that now is a good time to buy a home, despite widespread concern about the economy. Out of the 1,000 prospective U.S. first-time home buyers surveyed in early March for the CENTURY 21 First-Time Home Buyer Survey, 68% think now is a better time to buy than six months ago.

You can read it for yourself here:

http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20090326005100&newsLang=en

This shows us that these first-time home buyers who were surveyed online (note their methodology on the bottom of the statistics) are noting significant factors that make this an ideal time to buy. In our experience this is typical. When the housing market “corrects” it is typically an advantage to first-time home buyers like how it is now.

So if you are looking to buy you may want to consider buying during this housing market correction.

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On March 19, 2009, the Obama Administration unveiled its new website on its Making Home Affordable Program:

http://makinghomeaffordable.gov

As reported in recent Washington Reports, the program has two main components: (1) refinancing of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans for borrowers who are current and have loan-to-value ratios of 80%-105%, and (2) loan modification for borrowers in default or at imminent risk of default who have high debt-to-income ratios and mortgages with balances up to $729,750.

The new website is designed to make information about eligibility, free counselors, and other program details readily available. It also includes links that let borrowers learn whether they have a Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan. These programs are key elements to help some people buy a home.

If you would like more information please check out their website or contact us for more information.

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I found it refreshing that in a latest report that construction of new homes jumped 22% in February. Despite the forecasts, housing actually rose to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 583,000 last month, up 22% from a revised 477,000 in January. This all according to the Commerce Department. It was the first time housing starts increased since June, when they rose 11%:

http://money.cnn.com/2009/03/17/real_estate/housing_starts/index.htm?postversion=2009031709

Of course this is good news for Tampa Bay home buyers as well as for those beyond because it shows that housing is still growing despite the dismal predictions.

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There are many festivals this spring in the Tampa Bay area.

Next weekend more than 7,000 spectators are expected to flock into downtown Palm Harbor for TNT Events’ second Springs Arts and Crafts Show.

This will be their second edition of the event. It has taken the place of a series of art another vendor presented in the community’s downtown historic district over the years.

Inverness-based TNT Events will present the arts and crafts show along Florida Avenue between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. next Saturday and Sunday, March 21 and 22. The street will be closed to vehicle traffic during the event.

http://suncoastpinellas.tbo.com/content/2009/mar/14/pi-art-show-expected-to-attract-thousands/news/

Of course the following week is the Chasco Festival in downtown New Port Richey, Florida:

http://www.chascofiesta.com/Calendar

There are so many things to do in Florida.

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The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage slipped to 5.03 percent this week from 5.15 percent last week. A year ago, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 6.13 percent:

http://www.freddiemac.com/pmms/release.html?week=11&year=2009&display=release

What does this mean? It is one of the best times to buy. If you have good credit and are looking this is one of the best times to buy in the Tampa Bay, Florida region.

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We recently posted the requirements of real estate agents in Florida and the differences between the term “real estate agent” and “realtor ®” in this blog post:

http://tampabayhomebuyerteam.com/tampabayfloridarealestateagent/real-estateagentsinlorida

The National Association of Realtors ® offers free, helpful information too:

http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/buyers-basics/home-buyers-basics.aspx

Note Step #2: Find a Realtor ®

Why?

Buying and selling real estate is a complex matter. At first it might seem that by checking local picture books or online sites you could quickly find the right home at the right price.

But a basic rule in real estate is that all properties are unique. No two properties — even two identical models on the same street — are precisely and exactly alike. Homes differ and so do contract terms, financing options, inspection requirements and closing costs. Also, no two transactions are alike.

In this maze of forms, financing, inspections, marketing, pricing and negotiating, it makes sense to work with professionals who know the community and much more. Those professionals are the local REALTORS® who serve your area.

How do you choose?

In every community you’re likely to find a number of realty brokerages. Because there is heated competition, local REALTORS® must fight hard to succeed in your community.

The best place to find a local REALTOR® is from REALTOR.com’s® extensive listing of community professionals and properties. Other sources include open houses, local advertising, Web sites, referrals from other REALTORS®, recommendations from neighbors and suggestions from lenders, attorneys, financial planners and CPAs. The experiences and recommendations of past clients can be invaluable.

In many cases buyers will interview several REALTORS® before selecting one professional with whom to work. These interviews represent a good opportunity to consider such issues as training, experience, representation and professional certifications.

What should you expect when you work with a REALTOR®?

Once you select a REALTOR® you will want to establish a proper business relationship. You likely know that some REALTORS® represent sellers while others represent buyers. Each REALTOR® will explain the options available, describe how he or she typically works with individuals and provide you with complete agency disclosures (the ins and outs of your relationship with the agent) as required in your state.

 

Once hired for the job, the REALTOR® will provide you with information detailing current market conditions, financing options and negotiating issues that might apply to a given situation. Remember: Because market conditions can change and the strategies that apply in one negotiation may be inappropriate in another, this information should not be set in stone. During your time in the marketplace REALTORS® will keep you updated and alert you to each step in the transaction process.

Where to start?

We suggest that you read more about the home buying process whether it be online or offline.

For example, read “How to Choose a Realtor ®:”

http://www.realtor.com/home-finance/buyers-basics/how-to-choose-a-realtor.aspx

Then go to the Realtor.com website and scroll to the bottom right.

There is a box with the words “Find a REALTOR ®.” You can contact a few of them in your local area and interview them.

Or feel free to contact us. We are here to help.

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The latest statistics are out. In February 2009 there were 1,954 single family homes and condos that were sold in the Tampa Bay area while 3,307 were pending sales:

February 2009 Statistics For Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties

* All reports are published Mar. 2009, based on data available at the end of Feb. 2008.

All reports presented are based on data supplied by the Tampa Florida Association of Realtors, Mid Florida Association of Realtors, Southeast Florida Association of Realtors, Regional MLS, County Association of Realtors, Sarasota Association of Realtors, Englewood Association of Realtors, Manatee Association of Realtors, Venice Association of Realtors or their MLSs. Neither the Associations nor their MLSs guarantee or are in anyway responsible for its accuracy. Data maintained by the Associations or their MLS COPYRIGHT© TRENDGRAPHIX, Inc.