Falling Prices, Low Rates Prod California Homebuyers

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

· Sixty-eight percent of buyers said price decreases motivated them to buy a home, while 39 percent reported low interest rates helped them move to a better location. Twenty-three percent claimed the likelihood that rates will move up as the motivating factor.

· Housing affordability has improved dramatically in response to the decline in home prices along with historically low mortgage rates, creating a tremendous opportunity for home buyers in California. Home sales in California rebounded in 2008 and early 2009, reflecting the combination of favorable prices, low mortgage rates, and home buyer tax credits, fueled primarily by sales of distressed properties that accounted for more than half of the state’s transactions.

· Forty-nine percent of all buyers purchased a home through a traditional market sale, while 38 percent purchased a REO/bank-owned property, according to the survey. Reflecting the difficulty in closing short sales–properties selling for less than the loan amount–only 13 percent of buyers purchased a short-sale property.

· Home buyers who purchased a REO or bank-owned property experienced the highest level of difficulty in obtaining financing, compared with a more traditional transaction. They rated the level of difficulty as 8.9 (on a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 representing the greatest level of difficulty in obtaining financing) compared with a 7.7 for home buyers with a traditional market sale and 7.6 for short-sale home buyers.

Plumas County Welcome!

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, dust off your bike, and grab your kayak, it’s time to get outdoors. Streams open soon for anglers, and it’s also prime season for birding as hundreds of species return to nest. Have your cameras ready for some special train viewing opportunities!

Explore the woods on a hiking trail you’ll likely have to yourself. Golfers can take advantage of mild temperatures and low-season rates at challenging mountain courses.

Spring brings on craft fairs, bike rides, Art Walks, tastings, and host of other small-town fun. Family-run lodges, restaurants and unique shops will welcome you!

For more information, go to the official Plumas County Visitors Bureau website at www.plumascounty.org or call them at (800) 326-2247.