10 Things to Know About Real Estate in 2010

Reader Comments
Back to article

Ben you must be a RE broker or seller who is upset with falling home prices (with good reason to be---that stinks). The ironic thing is that when we sold our home for a wash, the Broker used those very same values from Zillow & Trulia to give us a "reality check". Anyhow, we are not going to grieve about it anymore, we are simply going to jump the fence as best we can.

Henry of FL 11:50PM August 31, 2010

I am extremely alarmed as a home developer in Craig Ranch in McKinney,TX now is bringing in a builder that will build $200,000 to $350,000 in an area where homes currently sold in the million dollar range. What alarms me is this a million dollar community. Did the bank foreclose on these properties and make the developer sell just. To lower the value of. This TPC golf course community.

Carol Clifton DeMott of TX 1:12AM June 19, 2010

Zillow and Trulia provide property values that are way off true market values. This is dangerous information to buyers, and could cost buyers a lot of money. It could also cost Zillow and Trulia a ton of money in lawsuits, even if they have a written disclaimer.

Ben of CA 1:23PM May 09, 2010

Easy Fix, you've got to be kidding. Right? You want the gov't. to pay for people's credit card and other debts? You sound like a typical Democrat with your hand out wanting the gov't to support you. You're not alone, however. That is one huge problem with the U.S. today. But you are blatant about having your hand out, which is a real turnoff. You are probably also on welfare, collecting food stamps, and leaching off members of our society who work for a living and have their lives and finances in order, and have to support people like you. People like you, who think the gov't owes them/you a living, are sick and are a menace to society.

Ben of CA 1:17PM May 09, 2010

As a Realtor I deal with the situation every day. I can tell you most of what this article reports is accurate. I do 4-6 real estate transactions a month, more in two months than most people do in their lifetimes. Interest rates will begin rising if and when the Fed discontinues it's program of buying mortgage securities in April. If you don't believe me call any 3 mortgage lenders in your own community and ask for their opinion.
I've seen more activity from buyers in the past 8 weeks than I saw in the last 4 months of 2009. At the end of 2010 people are going to be scratching their heads and saying "I don't understand, it' supposed to be a buyer's market".
The markets are definitely coming into balance. It isn't a pure seller's market yet, and won't be for at least 2 years but already I see more and more multiple offer situations.
If you want to buy a home, or better yet begin a long-term investment program using the IRS's 1031 exchange program, now is the time to do so. The people who don't act now will be the ones complaining later that home prices have begun to rise again.

Steve Sellers of SC 10:08AM February 21, 2010

My sister's neighbor just lost her house. All she wanted to do was move her monthly payment to 2 weeks later. She lost her job, got another one, but the pay schedule was different. The bank WOULD NOT LET HER and foreclosed on her house. There are pink signs all over the windows -- NO TRESPASSING; OWNED BY THE BANK! I thought the stimulus bank was to help the little people out? Huh...? Did I blink too fast? WHERE'S THE MONEY WASHINGTON DC? WHERE'S THE HELP?

jnv72679 of VA 6:12AM February 21, 2010

I agree with soledad. Instead of giving all this money to the banks who are not lending the money, they should give the money to LEGAL US citizens. Make it a requirement that the money it to pay of all debts, house, credit cards, auto loans, ect. This would stimulate the ecomony better than any of the governments plans as it would be the people who drive the economy who would have the power and money to fix it.
Hoping the government is listing !!

Matt Elliott of CO 4:59PM February 19, 2010

Come on Mr. President! Why not loan us the billions of dollars to pay our homes to avoid so much interest to lenders and instead use the interest money for other commodities that will boost our economy. In other words we spread the sunshine to everybody and not just a few CEOs who are already billionaires. Why do we allow them to siphon more money from struggling citizens of the country?

soledad of HI 5:15PM February 12, 2010

Excuse me if this sounds ludacris (not the rapper mind you) but modifying all mortgages lets say 10-15% for non-struggling homeowners and 25-35% for struggling homeowners will keep people in their homes and really help stimulate the economy. Money saved will go back to buying power to middle class Americans and upper class will purchase more services creating more service oriented/trade jobs. Come on Obama administration...how about our chance at a "bail out"?

HelpUSAHomeowners of CT 12:32AM February 10, 2010

I understand that so many people are experiencing difficult times. I, myself, bought my ex-husband out of our house three and a half years ago, at the markets peak. I put the bulk of the down payment on the house when we bought it 8 years ago. He walked away with all of the equity and the house has been on a steady depreciation since the day I bought it from him.
During the divorce I helped a friend starting up with her own business, by giving her my new loan account. She put me in a balloon loan. A year later, when the loan was ballooning, she put me in a loan that is near to impossible to modify. I choose to walk away from the loan officer who had served me well, to help a friend who obviously had money motivations and very little knowledge about the ramifications of her advice.
I have family in the hospital and my housing situation is in jeopardy. So many people that I have spoken too are also having similar problems. It is a nationwide epidemic that started with us. The only thing that can make the aching Universe better is if we start creating our own positive energy!
I made some poor decisions during my divorce. I can see that. Knowing that I have more to learn, I signed up for on-line real estate classes a year ago. What I am learning will help me make better decisions in the future. This is for certain, since I am willing to take responsibility.
There are always good opportunities in any market. The key is to be open so that you can see them when they come along. Learn from mistakes. Don't let them make you bitter.
We had a friend pass away on Sunday night. It makes you realize how short life is. If we all work on creating an attitude of learning, we will know how to prosper!
Take Care...Be Happy!

Sophia Monteroso of CA 3:20PM February 09, 2010