http://www.carolmurrayrealtor.com Tue, 20 Jul 2010 20:52:24 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Favorable home prices, record-low interest rates, and the belief that rates will rise in the near future were the primary motivators leading home buyers to purchase, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ (C.A.R.) “2009 Survey of California Home Buyers”. MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS · ... http://www.carolmurrayrealtor.com/falling-prices-low-rates-prod-california-homebuyers/ With consumer confidence rising in May to its highest level in eight months, housing starts increasing more than 17 percent in May compared with the previous month, and sales of existing homes climbing 2.9 percent in April nationwide, it appears that the housing ... http://www.carolmurrayrealtor.com/searching-for-a-bottom-in-the-housing-market/ Home sales increased 35.2 percent in May in California compared with the same period a year ago, while the median price of an existing home declined 30.4 percent, C.A.R. reported last week. “With affordability for first-time buyers at a record high, sales of existing, single-family homes continued to remain above ... http://www.carolmurrayrealtor.com/may-home-sales-increased-352-percent-price-declined-304-percent/ Calif. median home price - April 09: $256,700 (Source: C.A.R.) Calif. highest median home price by C.A.R. region April 09: Santa Barbara So. Coast $840,000 (Source: C.A.R.) Calif. lowest median home price by C.A.R. region April 09: High Desert $106,530 (Source: C.A.R.) Calif. First-time Buyer Affordability Index - First Quarter 2009: 69 percent ... http://www.carolmurrayrealtor.com/fast-facts-week-of-june-22-2009/ Spring thaw is on in the Northern Sierra! It’s time to enjoy Mother Nature’s next act, as vibrant wildflowers and cascading waterfalls illuminate the forest landscape. Find the best spots for spring color and flows and add your favorites to the Bloom Blog. Dig out your fishing and camping gear, ... http://www.carolmurrayrealtor.com/plumas-county-welcome/ Qualified, first-time home buyers using a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured mortgage now can apply the $8,000 federal tax credit toward their down payments, the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced today. Currently, borrowers applying for an FHA-insured mortgage are required to issue minimum down payments of 3.5 percent. Previously, ... http://www.carolmurrayrealtor.com/tax-credit-can-be-used-for-down-payment-assistance/