By The California Real Estate Market has been hit, and hit hard. That’s no secret.
Statewide, the percentage of mortgage holders in California who have either missed several payments and are in the early states of foreclosure climbed to 9.5%. Combine this staggering figure with job losses and the recession, in general, and the state is likely to see a huge increase in the number of foreclosures.
But is there an “up” side?
Certainly, no one wants to capitalize on anyone else’s misfortune, but there is another perspective. If you’re in the market to buy a house, the news is almost entirely good.
Let’s take a look.
First off, inventory levels may be at all-time highs, and in all price ranges.
Second, sales prices are nothing short of terrific. Case in point: in August 2008, the median price paid for a home in California was $301,000. By August 2009, that number had fallen 17.3% to $249,000. For buyers, this has “good” written all over it.
Mortgage rates are at their lowest levels since the 1960s. Lower rates greatly increase a buyer’s purchasing power. Buyers will be able to get more home for their dollar — more “bang for the buck”; for families looking to upsize, this is the perfect opportunity.
There are fantastic incentives for buyers right now. Last week, we told you about the CAR Mortgage Protection Program, and we hope every home buyer knows about the First Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit (which is set to expire on December 1st). Your Intero agent can answer any questions you might have about either of these groundbreaking programs.
Last, but by no means least, home ownership has real, sustainable value. Not just financially, but from a personal standpoint, as well. Owning a home gives you a greater sense of well-being and gives you a real sense of investment in your community.
So, yes. While it might be difficult to look at the current data on foreclosure and see a bright side, there really is one. Talk to your Intero agent today about what this can mean for you.
