There are some very interesting things taking place in the nation’s major real estate markets. Many areas that suffered high foreclosure rates and huge depreciation rates in home prices are experiencing genuine turnaround, with demand for housing climbing quickly.
A recent report on home inventories generated by the National Association of Realtors indicated that the number of homes for sale is the lowest it has been since 1999. This is even true in states where the housing crisis was a serious matter, such as California, Arizona, and Florida. The well-known real estate listing website Zillow noted that in Sacramento, CA, the number of property listings was down in the y-o-y analysis in January 2013 by 60 percent. Zillow also confirmed that property listings are down 23 percent for the entire United States.
Those in the housing and finance industries cite a number of factors that have reduced the inventory of available homes throughout the country, which has severely driven up the demand. Due to the Great Recession, construction of new homes virtually came to a standstill. Foreclosed upon homes and short sales were snapped up by investors and the continuing low mortgage rates were a big incentive for qualified buyers to commit to home purchases. The Mortgage Bankers Association reported in early April that “distressed sales are down and conventional sales are up.” [Read more...]
With the major highs and dramatic lows that the U.S. real estate market has seen in recent years, it’s no wonder people are hesitant about buying or selling homes. After all, it wasn’t that long ago that home prices plummeted and foreclosures choked communities across the nation. Fortunately, things turned around. Prices once again began to rise, inventory slimmed down and other economic factors, like employment, began to improve. But do these signs of safety really signify the end of the crisis? Most experts would say yes. Even if we aren’t completely out of the woods, things are undoubtedly better now that they were five years ago. And as things continue to get better, the fear of real estate seems to be fading out. 
The prospect of buying one’s first home is thrilling and a bit daunting. Choosing to take the plunge into full-fledged home ownership is something that no one should ever take lightly. As the largest single investment that any couple or individual will ever make, it is a huge decision and responsibility, both financially and in terms of time and effort. Once you are determined that home ownership is for you, here are 5 tips to ensure that it is a sound choice.
Low home inventory got you down? Finding it tough to snag your dream home when three other people already put in offers? You’re not alone.
When you buy a home, there are likely several people with whom you’ll do business: Your real estate agent, the 
Unlike a traditional home, living in a cabin opens the door to all sorts of wonderful possibilities. Whether you settle into a secluded hilltop hideaway deep in the woods or prefer a rustic lakefront lodge, cabin life provides opportunities that likely don’t exist elsewhere. There are some breathtaking locations across the country where adventurous house hunters can track down the cabin of their dreams. Here’s a look at a few of those places:
So, after months of house hunting, you’ve finally found the perfect place. You’re in the process of taking care of all the nitty gritty details and have big plans for making it your own. One item to include on the checklist is to find out which appliances and other components of the property have warranties and whether or not they are transferable to you.
Adjustable Rate Mortgages or 
