Archives for May 2013

Home Values and Rents

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The April Zillow Real Estate Market Reports cover 365 metropolitan and micropolitan areas. In April, 2012 (55%) of the 365 markets showed monthly home value appreciation, and 266 (73%) of the 365 markets saw annual home value appreciation.

Among the top 30 metros, 27 of them experienced monthly home value appreciation, and 29 of them experienced annual increases with only Chicago (0.2% down) showing declining home values over the past year. Leading the pack in positive monthly appreciation were Sacramento, Las Vegas, San Jose and San Francisco, which experienced 3.4%, 3%, 2.8% and 2.8% monthly home value appreciation, respectively.

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20 Best Markets for Buying Single Family Rentals

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Best-of-the-BestWhile buying single family rental properties has become the darling investment strategy of Wall Street, it may not always make sense for individual real estate investors — particularly in some markets already picked over by the large institutional investors. But there are still markets where the numbers work for the conservative, individual investor looking to purchase foreclosures and other homes as single family investment properties.

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California Housing Market Trends And Forecast

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California Housing Market News

California is a huge state and there are various market currents flowing throughout its regions, but at the moment, there are some quite similar trends happening in both Northern and Southern California. Both sections of the state are largely being driven by an increase in demand coupled with a dearth of single family homes, resulting in strong increase in prices throughout the state.

From 2008 to 2011, housing construction was at the lowest level that it had been in years. In 2005, 209,000 permits were issued for new housing units, compared to a low of fewer than 50,000 in 2008. California’s housing market is characterized by its cycles, and this one is operating along the same lines as previous ones, even if it is more pronounced than others. Part of the reason that California’s market is so volatile is because it is typically in the vanguard of trends and change in the United States, which is reflected in the housing market.

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Wealthy Holding on to Cash

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OB-MR637_reynol_D_20110222162515[1]Today's wealthy investors seem to have split personalities. Part of them is brimming with confidence and optimism. Survey after survey shows that they are back to pre-crisis boom years when it comes to their outlook for their own finances, their investments and their retirements. Then there is the darker side.

When it comes to their outlook on the broader economy or in stock markets, they take a dimmer view. This contrast was on view in a recent survey from US Trust.

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FAQ on Investing in Tax Liens and Deeds

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Which States is the best to invest in?
The best State to invest depends upon your goals. If you are interested in a return on your investment than a Lien State is the way you want to go. Iowa is a great Lien State to invest in because it currently pays 24% interest with a 2-year redemption period. If you are more interested in trying to acquire property, a Deed State is the best choice. Texas is possibly the best Deed State to invest in with a 6-month or a 2-year redemption period. To redeem property in Texas the owner must pay a 25% penalty, which you as the investor receive.

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