http://www.singlepointerealty.com The ultimate in Austin Homes and Real Estate Buying and Selling Sun, 03 May 2009 16:29:59 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en In March, BBC Research & Consulting released their full findings regarding the comprehensive housing market survey. Their first recommendation is that Austin reevaluate the zoning and development process and BBC noted a lack of density as problematic in the housing market. The full report is quite long, but very interesting ... http://www.singlepointerealty.com/austin-hires-consultants-to-analyze-city.htm Fed announces new fiscal support The Federal Open Market Committee voted to leave the Fed Funds Rate unchanged today, within the target range of 0.000-0.250 percent.  This doesn't mean the Fed stood pat, however. On plan to resurrect the economy using "all available tools", today, the Fed announced a new, $1.5 ... http://www.singlepointerealty.com/explaining-what-the-federal-reserve-did-in-plain-english.htm Extend the life of your AC Changing your air filters regularly keeps your household energy costs down and extends the life of your HVAC unit(s).  It's important, however, to use air filters that actually work.  Walk into any hardware store and you'll see a host of filters at various price points, starting at 99 ... http://www.singlepointerealty.com/one-place-you-shouldnt-go-cheap-at-home.htm Supply & Demand If you asked an economist why home prices have broadly fallen over the past 2 years, you'd get a short lesson in Supply and Demand. Too many homes for sale and not enough people to buy them pushed values lower until a balance point can be reached. Looking ... http://www.singlepointerealty.com/homes-listed-for-sale-plummet-across-us.htm Austinites, do you qualify? When the White House first introduced the Making Home Affordable program in February, it was positioned as a mortgage program with two goals: To help financially-needy homeowners get mortgage relief To help homeowners who've lose equity qualify for today's low rates Wednesday, in a much-anticipated announcement, ... http://www.singlepointerealty.com/do-you-qualify-for-mortgage-relief.htm First Time Homebuyers in Austin As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the IRS has officially released Form 5405 -- better known as the First-Time Homebuyer Credit Form. True to tax code standards, the 10-field form is accompanied by 3 pages of instructions. Form 5405 is a helpful, ... http://www.singlepointerealty.com/the-first-time-homebuyer-credit-form.htm Should Austin Be Nervous? Do you need to sell your house in 7 days and aim to make a 70% profit over what you bought it for with zero down last year? You should probably be nervous. Are you looking to buy a home or list your home for ... http://www.singlepointerealty.com/austin-real-estate-statistics.htm Relax, it's not all bad news Using anonymous data from its national credit database, TransUnion reports that 4.58 percent of American homeowners were at least 60 days past due on mortgage payments last quarter. Comparing the statistic to the data from a year ago, the credit reporting agency goes on to say that mortgage delinquencies ... http://www.singlepointerealty.com/can-you-guess-what-percentage-of-mortgages-are-still-paid-on-time.htm Tips, tips, tips! In a tight economy, do-it-yourself home improvements projects not only save money, but may also justify a higher listing price for a soon-to-be home seller. In the 4-minute video above, Sweat Equity host Amy Matthews talks with NBC's Matt Lauer about affordable home upgrades that even the least ... http://www.singlepointerealty.com/3-diy-projects-that-can-help-your-home-sell-for-more.htm Housing recovery One popular housing theory is that -- before a bona fide housing recovery can begin -- the cost of owning a home versus renting one must return to historical levels. If that belief is a truth, a national return to rising home prices may be in store for 2009.  Falling ... http://www.singlepointerealty.com/more-signs-of-recovery-the-cost-of-owning-versus-renting-falls-back-to-historical-norms.htm