Tom's Blog

If you have been holding off on a real estate purchase, signs of a turnaround in the housing market may have you wondering if it is finally time to make your move.  While home prices remain low, they are no longer free-falling in most markets (definitely not in the local Philadelphia area).  Mortgage rates are at historical lows.  ...

According to CNNMoney.com, the turnaround in the U.S. housing market over the past 4 years has pushed home prices to near record levels of affordability.  The typical American family, who makes the nation's median income of $64,000 per year, could afford to buy 70.8% of all homes sold in the U.S. during the last 3 months of 2009, ...

In 2009, homeowners recouped an average of 63.8% of the investment in 33 different home improvement projects according to REALTOR Magazine.  The cost recoup was down from previous years, but in line with the national decline of home prices.  The majority of the remodeling projects with the best return on investment are a testament to ...

Over the past day or two, Buyers have been able to lock in a 5% interest rate on a 30 year fixed loan!  These historically low rates, combined with the high inventory (creating lots of choices for Buyers) make the end of 2009 an excellent time to buy.  I have seen investors scoop up great opportunities, most of which only last a short ...

With rates still hovering in the low 5% range and the 1st time home buyer tax credit about to expire, activity in the sub-$400K price range is strong.  It is still a GREAT TIME TO BUY, especially in Philadelphia and the surrounding counties.  However, despite the increase in showing traffic, pricing is as important as ever.  If a ...