San Antonio TX Homes For Sale

Lower Fed Rate Means Opportunities on the Rise for San Antonio real estate

Shawn Mendoza — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 20:36:00 GMT

For the first time in more than four years, the Federal Reserve cut its Fed Funds Rate, which directly impacts millions of American borrowers. And while this important decision has many implications, there’s still some debate among experts about what this means to the economy as a whole.

The Federal Reserve meets again in six weeks, and no one is certain how market volatility and inflation concerns will affect their future policy and decision-making. Bottom line: Take advantage of this opportunity while you still can.

If you’re looking to capture a lower interest rate for refinancing or buying a home in San Antonio, this could be your best opportunity to do so.
If you have an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, while this rate cut might help to improve your situation, now is the time to refinance your San Antonio real estate into a fixed-rate loan.
If you have a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or credit cards tied to the Prime Rate, the Fed’s cut in the Fed Funds Rate just put a little money in your pocket.

Borrowers waiting for a lower fixed-rate mortgage may be waiting for a long time. In January 2001, the Fed Funds Rate was at 6% and 30-year fixed rates averaged 7.03%. By December 2001, following 4.25% in cuts throughout the year, home loan rates were actually up to 7.07%.

Yes, we may experience some temporary improvements in rates in the coming weeks, but the markets will remain volatile as long as inflation and recession are a possible threat to the Federal Reserve's long-term economic policies.

For more information about San Antonio homes and San Antonio real estate, visit www.SAHomes411.com. "Your information source for San Antonio homes".

Federal Reserve Cuts Discount Window-What does that mean?

Shawn Mendoza — Sat, 18 Aug 2007 19:26:00 GMT

The Federal Reserve has taken significant action in the last few weeks due to the credit crunch. They've made an unexpected move by cutting the discount window rate – which is great news. If you're not sure of what the discount rate is, it's the interest rate charged to commercial banks and other depository institutions on the loans they receive from their regional Federal Reserve Bank's lending facility. The Fed's decision to cut this rate provides stability in the financial markets and this can be good for all of us. Even better, interest rates have come down from recent highs. While this is good news, the market is experiencing unprecedented volatility and changes could come at any time.

It's important to note that the discount rate is different than the Fed Funds Rate, which directly impacts interest rates that you pay for Home Equity Lines of Credit, credit cards, and automobile loans. Most importantly, the discount window rate cut does not directly impact mortgage rates.

Borrowers need to act swiftly and decisively in today's climate. If you are looking to Buy a San Antonio home for sale now is a great time. Especailly since the San Antonio real estate market has shifted from a sellers market to a buyers market.

For more information about San Antonio real estate visit www.SAHomes411.com. It's your Information source for San Antonio real estate.

Both spouses need to be involved in the home buying process

Shawn Mendoza — Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:07:00 GMT

Real estate agents often observe battles fought between spouses trying to agree on home selection. Often, amidst the bickering, they hear one partner assert that the other is mistaken in expressing his or her preferences. Before you set out to find your San Antonio home take some time to talk with each other about factors that mean the most to you and the factors that are less meaningful. If you are unclear about these factor try going "negative". List all the things you dislike about the place where you now live; then flip these to reveal what you want most. For instance, suppose you are "negative" about the noise and fumes associated with the traffic that rumbles through your neighborhood. Reverse that and see how important it is that you choose a home on a quiet, dead-end street or a cul-de-sac. You may need several long conversations or perhaps even a weekend getaway to reach agreement on the best housing choice for both of you. It's better to iron out all your differences prior to choosing a home than to make a choice your spouse despises and then spend years quarreling over it later.

People who aren't allowed to give their input on the house where they'll live can become very embittered because their wishes weren't taken into account. And that can hurt a marriage big time!

For more valuable information about the home buying process visit www.SAHomes411.com. Your information source for San Antonio Homes.

Happy house hunting,

Shawn

Disabled Vets get assistance for renting or buying San Antonio real estate

Shawn Mendoza — Sun, 10 Jun 2007 15:57:00 GMT

Disabled veterans of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq will be able to receive rental subsidies or assistance for a down payment on San Antonio, TX homes for sale through a new state program.

Home-buyer assistance will be available in the form of a one-time deferred forgivable loan of up to $35,000 for a down payment and closing costs. Rental assistance will be available for up to three years and will be based on income. The money also can be used for installing ramps and/or accessible bathrooms and kitchens. To qualify for the Housing Trust Fund, disabled veterans must earn no more than 80 percent of the area's median family income.

Applications are not yet being taken and an annoucement will probably come out in August discussing how to apply. More information will be provided at that time so don't forget to check back in.

Until then, Happy house hunting!

Shawn

Your source for finding San Antonio, TX homes for sale or buying and selling other San Antonio real estate.

First Time Home Purchase Part 7

Shawn Mendoza — Fri, 25 May 2007 22:20:00 GMT

Often first time home buyers hesitate to make an offer to purchase a house that they like. It's often because they are not confident about their decision or their decision making process. Most of us have heard the saying, "your home is probably the biggest single investment you will make in your life." It's perfectly normal to be nervous and have butterflies about making your first offer on a home. If you done your homework and follow the steps that were discussed earlier, then you should be making an informed decision and you will have your bases covered. If you've found the house that meets your "must haves," most of your "wants," is in your ideal neighborhood and in your budget, then it's the home for you. Don't wait and let another buyer Buy your Home!

Buying your first home can seem intimidating but it should be exciting. Make sure you follow these important steps and you will know that you made the right decision when you find your first home.

If you have any questions about buying a home in San Antonio, TX or any other San Antonio real estate questions, please feel free to contact me.

Happy House Hunting!

Shawn

First Time Home Purchase Part 6

Shawn Mendoza — Sun, 13 May 2007 13:04:00 GMT

You can always make changes to your home but you can not make changes to its location. Neighborhoods can be different even in the same part of the city. That's why it's important that you become familiar with neighborhoods within your area of interest before searching for your dream home. Ask your real estate agent for a list of neighborhoods in your area of interest. Then take a drive through the different neighborhoods and pay attention to area amenities, how well the yards and common areas are kept, traffic flow and noise level during rush hour, and if you notice a lot of "for lease" signs that could be an indication of a heavy rental area and lacking in "pride of ownership". The more information you can gather the better chance you will have of making sure your home search will be located in a neighborhood you will not regret living in.

Until next time Happy House Hunting!

First Time Home Purchase Part 5

Shawn Mendoza — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 02:59:00 GMT

Some first time home buyers shy away from contacting a real estate agent because they feel they will be put into a high presure situation to purchase a home or that they will have to pay for the agents service out of their own pocket. Others may feel they will get a better price if they do not go with a realtor. What ever the misconceptions are, having an agent help you with your home purchase is in your best interest. Their job is not to sell you a house but rather to help guide you through the buying process and help facilitate the transaction. Their experience will help eliminate stress by negotiating a contract on your behalf, tackling the paper work, keeping you out of legal trouble and finding your dream home.

An agent has access to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) which is a data base that lists approximately 99% of the homes for sale in your area. You let him or her know your "Must haves" and "Would like to haves" (See First Time Home Purchase Part 4) and they will provide you with the homes on the market that are available. They will also meet or take you to homes that peak your interest so that you can visit them more closely.

The best part about having an agent help you through the buying process is that their services are usually tied to the seller. Before thinking you can get a better deal from the seller by not using an agent, just ask yourself a few of these questions: how did the seller determine the selling price, is the selling price to high, low or just right for the neighborhood, who is going to draw up the contract, who is going to review the contract for you, how do I make sure I do not get taken or how do I make sure I do not buy someone else's headace?

Make your buying experience an exciting and happy experience by having an agent on your side.

Until next time, Happy House Hunting!

Shawn

First Time Home Purchase Part 4

Shawn Mendoza — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:29:00 GMT

Before you begin your home search first sit down and write a list of things you "must have" with your new home and things you would "like to have". It will help you narrow your home selection and save you time. Some examples of the "must haves" are location, size, number of rooms, gated community, single story vs two story, garage space, etc. Some of the "like to have" are a swimming pool, jacuzzi tub, certain countertops, surround sound, alarm system, etc. Of course some of these examples may be your "must have's" rather than "like to have" and just the opposite. Everyone has their own wants and needs which is why it is very important to make your list. You will have a better idea of what you're looking for and you will feel more confident in your home search.

Until next time, Happy House Hunting!

Shawn