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Millennials are Buying Homes - First-Time Buyers are Back!

First-Time Buyers are Back!  Millennials are Buying Homes. Personal Debt, Student Loans and Downpayment - Managing These Three Items Cle...

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Many young people with student loans delay buying a home because they don't think they can't qualify for a mortgage ...

But most do qualify.

Read the entire article:
Study: Student Debt Holds Buyers Back, But Doesn't Need To

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Mark Harbaugh, J.D. has been a licensed REALTOR® in California since 1998.  He is a real estate Broker, holds a Bachelors Degree and a Law Degree.

Since 1998, Mark has been providing expert representation to buyers and sellers of homes, condos, multi-unit properties and multi-million dollar estates. 


His clients include friends - old and new - colleagues, professional football and basketball players, original founders of Fortune 500 companies and other high-profile personalities, who value their privacy and anonymity.  Mark has also consulted Nationally and Internationally with many interested in buying and selling real estate.

Mark can be reached at 619-246-2860.

Email: markonthemark@gmail.com

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:
Blog:
http://harbaughhomes.blogspot.com/

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7aiLC3WaujKr7akXOIkkaw

Community and Charitable Work:
http://prezi.com/nlhlhszj-seb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Saturday, February 22, 2014

5 Important Things Buyers Should Know When Applying for a Mortgage.

5 Important Things Buyers Should Know When Applying for a Mortgage.

1.   Be prepared to document your finances. 
   With new loan standards, borrowers are required to full documentation of income, expenses and other items such as a windfall deposit or gift.

2.   Lock in a rate soon. 
   Rates are expected to rise as they are currently at historic lows.

3.   Shop around. 
   Consider interest rate, closing costs and level of service when shopping for a mortgage loan.

4.   Pay careful attention to credit. 
   720 is considered a good FICO score.  680 will also be sufficient to qualify for most loan programs.  Typically, the higher your score, the lower your interest rate and closing costs will be.

5.   Watch your spending. 
   When you are considering purchasing a home or investment property, it is not time to go out shopping for a new car, new furniture for that dream home or to charge an expensive vacation on your credit cards.  


5 Mortgage Tips for Home Buyers

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Mark Harbaugh, J.D. has been a licensed REALTOR® in California since 1998.  He is a real estate Broker, holds a Bachelors Degree and a Law Degree.

Since 1998, Mark has been providing expert representation to buyers and sellers of homes, condos, multi-unit properties and multi-million dollar estates. 


His clients include friends - old and new - colleagues, professional football and basketball players, original founders of Fortune 500 companies and other high-profile personalities, who value their privacy and anonymity.  Mark has also consulted Nationally and Internationally with many interested in buying and selling real estate.

Mark can be reached at 619-246-2860.

Email: markonthemark@gmail.com

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:
Blog:
http://harbaughhomes.blogspot.com/

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7aiLC3WaujKr7akXOIkkaw

Community and Charitable Work:
http://prezi.com/nlhlhszj-seb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Why San Diego’s Water Wonks Aren’t Panicking

We are not without options for clean water.

Read the entire article:
Why San Diego’s Water Wonks Aren’t Panicking

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Mark Harbaugh, J.D. has been a licensed REALTOR® in California since 1998.  He is a real estate Broker, holds a Bachelors Degree and a Law Degree.

Since 1998, Mark has been providing expert representation to buyers and sellers of homes, condos, multi-unit properties and multi-million dollar estates. 


His clients include friends - old and new - colleagues, professional football and basketball players, original founders of Fortune 500 companies and other high-profile personalities, who value their privacy and anonymity.  Mark has also consulted Nationally and Internationally with many interested in buying and selling real estate.

Mark can be reached at 619-246-2860.

Email: markonthemark@gmail.com

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:
Blog:
http://harbaughhomes.blogspot.com/

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7aiLC3WaujKr7akXOIkkaw

Community and Charitable Work:
http://prezi.com/nlhlhszj-seb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Six Things You Must Know Before Deciding to Buy or Sell a Home in California This Spring.


Six Things You Must Know Before Deciding to Buy or Sell a Home in California This Spring.

San Diego Real Estate Market Update - January 2014

The Good News, The Bad News and Where are We Going From Here?


   The January 2014 real estate numbers are in for California and San Diego.

   Even the negative news is not really negative when we compare the recent median home price decline with California's and San Diego's historical statistics.  The market continues to be strong, as the real estate rebound and market recovery continues for San Diego and California.

In This Blog:

  1. The median home price for California decreased 6.2% from December 2013 to January 2014; down 0.1% in San Diego; a 9% decrease is typical for California for this same period.
  2. January 2013 to January 2014, the median home price in California rose 22.1% from $336,650 to $410,990; up 21.8% in San Diego (24.5% for San Diego condos).
  3. 23 consecutive monthly increases year-over-year; 19 of those months were double-digit increases.
  4. Home prices in San Diego and the U.S. are still discounted from their pre- Great Recession" levels. 
  5. All three major stock market indices are approximately 60-80% higher than their pre- "Great Recession" levels.
  6. California Home Prices were still 23% off their highs from June 2006, as of September 2013 .

The Negative News


   There is no doubt that real estate sales and median prices in California and San Diego did, in fact, decline from December 2013 to January 2014.  However, when we look at state-wide numbers and San Diego's historical numbers, we will see that the real estate market remains strong.  



   On average, for the last 6 years, the California median home price typically falls about 9% from December to January.  

   In San Diego County, from December to January, the median price for single family homes was down only 0.1%.  Statewide, the median price for California single family homes decreased only 6.2%.  California's December median price of $438,090 fell to $410,990 in January 2014.  

   When commenting on this decrease, the Vice President of California Ass. of Realtors and Chief Economist Leslie Appleton-Young stated the following:
“The decline in the January median price [for California] was the largest in a year but is typical between December and January, with that decline averaging nearly nine percent over the last six years.” 
   Comparing California's 6.2% decline this year with its typical 9% decrease, the California's real estate market continues to show strength.

   Specifically, comparing January 2013 to January 2014, the median price in California rose 22.1% from $336,650 to $410,990.  This makes 23 consecutive months of increases year-over-year; 19 of those months were double-digit increases year-over-year.  

   Single family homes rose 21.8% in San Diego from January 2013 to January 2014.  Condos rose 24.5% during that same period.


The Lack of Supply of Homes on the Market - Increased only Slightly.


   The supply of single-family homes rose in January to 4.3 months.  This is an increase from December 2013 where there was a 3 months supply.  A supply of 6 to 7 months is considered normal or typical.  This shows a lack of inventory, which is likely contributing to the lower number of sales, both for California and San Diego.

Comparing Home Prices - Then and Now - Still Discounted from their Peak.


   Home prices in San Diego and the U.S. have yet to return to their pre- Great Recession" levels.  From the graphic below, we can see that California is still 23% off its peak prices.  But, as we can see from the charts below, all three major stock market indices are approximately 60-80% higher than their pre- "Great Recession" levels.  

   This also is a good indication for continuing strength in the real estate market.
San Diego, CA - Home Price Index

California - Home Price Index
California 23% Appreciation from Sept 2012 to Sept 2013
Home Prices are Still Discounted from 2006
   While median home prices rose 23% from January 2013 to January 2014, they are still 23% down from June 2006.

Comparing The Stock Market - At All-Time Historic Highs.


   Comparing the stock market figures, you will see that all three major indices are currently trading at all-time historic highs, whereas home prices are still rising off their hugely discounted lows of 2009.  Looking at the stock market charts below, you can see the recent volatility, during the months of January and February.  The DOW, S&P 500 and the Nasdaq, at their peaks, seem to be deciding whether to correct downward, as investors take their profits or whether to steam upward.

   All three indices are approximately 60-80% higher than their pre- "Great Recession" levels.  Again, whereas the median home prices are still climbing to their pre- Great Recession" levels.

Stock Market - Major Indices
Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq One Year Chart - SHOWING VOLATILITY AT THEIR PEAKS.
Dow Jones, S&P 500 and Nasdaq Chart since 2001 - AT HISTORIC HIGHS.

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Mark Harbaugh, J.D. has been a licensed REALTOR® in California since 1998.  He is a real estate Broker, holds a Bachelors Degree and a Law Degree.

Since 1998, Mark has been providing expert representation to buyers and sellers of homes, condos, multi-unit properties and multi-million dollar estates. 


His clients include friends - old and new - colleagues, professional football and basketball players, original founders of Fortune 500 companies and other high-profile personalities, who value their privacy and anonymity.  Mark has also consulted Nationally and Internationally with many interested in buying and selling real estate.

Mark can be reached at 619-246-2860.

Email: markonthemark@gmail.com

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:
Blog:
http://harbaughhomes.blogspot.com/

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7aiLC3WaujKr7akXOIkkaw

Community and Charitable Work:
http://prezi.com/nlhlhszj-seb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

San Diego Ranks in the Top 10 for International Buyers in the United States

San Diego Ranks in the Top 10 for International Buyers in the United States

Top 10 U.S. Cities Searched by International Consumers for December 2013:

1. Los Angeles, CA
2. Miami, FL
3. New York, NY
4. Detroit, MI
5. Las Vegas, NV
6. Orlando, FL
7. Fort Lauderdale, FL
8. Houston, TX
9. Chicago, IL
10. San Diego, CA
                               -- National Association of REALTORS®

   Not surprisingly, one of Southern California's hottest markets is San Diego.  In fact, it is one of the hottest markets in the United States for Domestic Buyers.  But now, according to The National Association of Realtors, it ranks #10 in the US for International Buyers as well.
   Having lived in San Diego since 1987, I have to agree that San Diego is an extremely desirable place to visit and call home.
   With the Pacific Ocean to the West, the Mexican border to the South, the Mountains to the East and Camp Pendelton to the North, San Diego is considered a land-locked market.  This means that San Diego can never become like Los Angeles, in that it is spread out because there is no room to grow, which keeps San Diego a comfortable sized city, I like to call a Boutique City - where it's quality, not quantity.
   It is no secret San Diego has beautiful weather year around with outdoor activities to suit just about anyone's interests.
   The culture in San Diego continues to expand beyond America's Finest City's Zoo, Safari - Wild Animal Park, Sea World and LegoLand.  
   San Diego also boasts great Theater, Opera, The San Diego Symphony and a plethora of Professional Sports.

Read the entire article:
Where are Global Buyers Searching in the United States?

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Mark Harbaugh, J.D. has been a licensed REALTOR® in California since 1998.  He is a real estate Broker, holds a Bachelors Degree and a Law Degree.

Since 1998, Mark has been providing expert representation to buyers and sellers of homes, condos, multi-unit properties and multi-million dollar estates. 


His clients include friends - old and new - colleagues, professional football and basketball players, original founders of Fortune 500 companies and other high-profile personalities, who value their privacy and anonymity.  Mark has also consulted Nationally and Internationally with many interested in buying and selling real estate.

Mark can be reached at 619-246-2860.

Email: markonthemark@gmail.com

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:
Blog:
http://harbaughhomes.blogspot.com/

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7aiLC3WaujKr7akXOIkkaw

Community and Charitable Work:
http://prezi.com/nlhlhszj-seb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Friday, February 14, 2014

Mortgage Rates Inch Up After 5 Weeks of Falling Interest Rates.

Typical Winter Mortgage Interest Rate Decline Ends As Spring Draws Near - Perhaps Beginning their Upward Trend.


A.   Interest Rates Fall in the Fall and Winter.


DEMAND FOR REAL ESTATE AND LOANS TYPICALLY INCREASE IN THE SPRING - AN INCREASE IN HOME PRICES AND INTEREST RATES IS USUALLY EXPECTED.


   Interest rates, like the outdoor temperature, rise and fall.  Mortgage rates typically follow the basic economic principle of supply and demand.  The demand for home buying falls in the Fall and Winter seasons, as the kids start back to school and everyone prepares for the holidays.  Because home buying slows and the mortgage business slows during this time, interest rates tend to also decrease during the fall and winter months.

   Conversely, demand for mortgage loans increases as home buyers come back to the market in the Springtime, thereby causing an increase in the interest rates through the spring and summer.

One-Year Chart - Interest Rates - February 2014

B.   Home Prices Fall in the Fall and Winter.


REAL ESTATE PRICES FALL IN THE FALL AND WINTER; AND RISE IN THE SPRING AND SUMMER.

   Likewise, home prices tend to fall in the fall and winter time and increase in the spring and summer.  The chart below shows a clear pattern of falling prices in the fall and winter and increasing prices in the spring and summer selling season.

   Equally notable is the long-term, 5-year upward trend in home prices.  Is this a sign of what's to come of real estate prices?


C.   Home Prices Are Trending Up.


THE HOUSING REBOUND IS WELL ON ITS WAY.

   Following the Great Recession, real estate values undoubtedly appear to be on the rise, according to the chart below showing the Home Price Index.  Many experts agree this trend will continue as the economy continues to improve, unemployment returns to normal and significantly lower levels, and as banks ease their lending requirements.


   San Diego home prices are on the rebound as reported by the S&P/CASE-SHILLER SAN DIEGO HOME PRICE INDEX.  Prices are also on the rise Nationally.

D.   Don't Miss The Boat.


   Since entering the real estate business in 1998, I have learned that opportunities come and go.  Timing is key!  

   For home buyers, who want a good price and a good value when buying their home, it is a good idea to buy when prices and interest rates are down.

   For real estate investors, who want to buy low and sell high, the same rule applies.  And for investors, who want to buy and hold onto their property, again the best time to buy is when prices and interest rates are down, in order to maximize your return on investment.

   Real estate buyers, like any buyer of products and services, want a discount.  What better time to buy than when both home prices and interest rates are down?

   It is important to know that these principles apply during a normal real estate market and that real estate is very localized.  This means what is true for one market may not work for another area.

   With the real estate rebound in the news more and more everyday, many agree that we are returning to a more "normal" real estate market than we have previously seen in recent years.

Call, Text or Email today to start looking for your new home or investment property.

Related articles:

After 5 Weeks of Drops, Mortgage Rates Inch Up

Warm-Weather Home Searches Sizzle Amid Polar Vortex

Home Buyers Plan to Make a Move This Winter

Credit gets a little easier | 2014-01-07 | HousingWire

Wells Fargo edges back into subprime as U.S. mortgage market thaws

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Mark Harbaugh, J.D. has been a licensed REALTOR® in California since 1998.  He is a real estate Broker, holds a Bachelors Degree and a Law Degree.

Since 1998, Mark has been providing expert representation to buyers and sellers of homes, condos, multi-unit properties and multi-million dollar estates. 


His clients include friends - old and new - colleagues, professional football and basketball players, original founders of Fortune 500 companies and other high-profile personalities, who value their privacy and anonymity.  Mark has also consulted Nationally and Internationally with many interested in buying and selling real estate.

Mark can be reached at 619-246-2860.

Email: markonthemark@gmail.com

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:
Blog:
http://harbaughhomes.blogspot.com/

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7aiLC3WaujKr7akXOIkkaw

Community and Charitable Work:
http://prezi.com/nlhlhszj-seb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy

Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Survey: Most Americans Say Getting a Mortgage is Easier

Finally, getting a mortgage loan is getting easier.

Read the entire article:
Survey: Most Americans Say Getting a Mortgage is Easier

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Mark Harbaugh, J.D. has been a licensed REALTOR® in California since 1998.  He is a real estate Broker, holds a Bachelors Degree and a Law Degree.

Since 1998, Mark has been providing expert representation to buyers and sellers of homes, condos, multi-unit properties and multi-million dollar estates. 


His clients include friends - old and new - colleagues, professional football and basketball players, original founders of Fortune 500 companies and other high-profile personalities, who value their privacy and anonymity.  Mark has also consulted Nationally and Internationally with many interested in buying and selling real estate.

Mark can be reached at 619-246-2860.

Email: markonthemark@gmail.com

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA CONNECTIONS:
Blog:
http://harbaughhomes.blogspot.com/

YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7aiLC3WaujKr7akXOIkkaw

Community and Charitable Work:
http://prezi.com/nlhlhszj-seb/?utm_campaign=share&utm_medium=copy