Real Estate Prices: Boom

Calculated Risk: California Real Estate Prices: Boom and Bust Notify Blogger about objectionable content. What does this mean? BlogThis! Calculated Risk Click Here to Return to Main Page Politics and Economics Tuesday, March 15, 2005 California Real Estate Prices: Boom and Bust Today I heard someone comment that California Real Estate never goes down. In fact, California RE has declined in the past in both real and nominal terms. Click on graph for larger image. This graph shows the price of California RE based on the OFHEO California housing index . For the real price, the nominal price is adjusted by CPI, less Shelter, from the BLS . (1976 = 100) The graph shows that in real terms we have seen two declines since 1980. The first decline, in the early '80s, lasted 3 years. The second decline, in the early to mid '90s, lasted 6 years. The second graph shows the same information by annual rate of return, both real and nominal. The decline in the '90s lasted 24 quarters from peak to trough. It took 9 years for prices to recover in nominal terms to their early '91 peak. Overall prices declined 12% in nominal terms and 26% in real terms. Even more important for the economy are the coincident declines in sales volume. Real Estate prices are “sticky downward” since sellers are slow to adjust their prices down, and buyers are reluctant to buy a declining price asset. In this regards, real estate is an imperfect market in that prices adjust slowly to changes in supply and demand (unlike commodities like corn or wheat). Although prices do decline, it’s the decline in volume that leads to declining employment in real estate related occupations like construction, RE sales, mortgages, and more, and impacts the general economy. posted by CalculatedRisk at 8:39 PM Comments | Trackback Calculated Risk: a senior executive, retired from a public company, with a background in investing, finance and economics. Guest blogger: Angry Bear Commentator: Economics Roundtable WWW Calculated Risk Previous Posts UCLA Anderson Forecast: False Sense of Wealth Mortgage Debt and the Trade Deficit China Reduces Dollars in Its Reserves, Lehman Says Mortgage Debt Increases 13% in 2004 The Other Trust Funds Fed's Poole: Social Security Needs Small Changes Housing: Excessive Leverage? Housing: Two Worrisome Signs China and the Price of Gas Greenspan's March to Infamy Housing Sites: Housing Bubble Blog The Housing Bubble Prof. Pigginton's Econo-Almanac housebubble.com Bubble Meter Boy in the Housing Bubble Email: Calculated Risk "Homeownership has become a vehicle for borrowing and leveraging as much as a source of financial security." Former Fed Chairman Paul Volcker, Feb 11, 2005 More excerpts of Volcker's Speech and video

New Home

National Association of Home Builders Advanced Search This site is designed for those interested in home building and the industry - it contains vast resources for both members and consumers alike. Learn more about home building - do a search, buy a publication, or simply browse the site. Members, log in now ! 12/29/2005 New Lead Paint Rule Not A Fix, NAHB Says 12/21/2005 Nation's Strong Housing Market Seen 'Simmering Down' In 2006 12/20/2005 Revised - New Call-In Number For News Teleconference: Main Street vs Wall Street 12/20/2005 Housing Market Strengthens in November MORE NEWS The Annual Meeting of Members of the National Association of Home Builders will take place on Thurs., Jan. 12, 2006 in the Valencia A-C Rooms, Level 4 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, for the purpose of electing Directors and State Representatives, and other matters as may come before the meeting.  Visit the Convention section to register , review meeting materials , and read the resolutions which have been submitted .  www.nahb.org provides extensive housing industry information for both the public and members. From our general home building and remodeling information in For Consumers to our detailed economic and housing data , there's something for everyone. Members, log in now to gain access to the resources that are available exclusively for you. MORE FEATURES Just Released! Purchase your copy of the newly updated and revised 2nd edition of Estimating Home Construction Costs . Custom builder Jerry Householder shows you how to bring your houses in under budget and make your construction process more efficient. Available at BuilderBooks.com. Order today ! Class of 2006 IRM Commencement Breakfast Orlando, FL | Jan. 11 International Builders' Show Orlando, FL | Jan. 11-14 Green Building Conference Albuquerque, NM | March 13-14 Multifamily Pillars of the Industry Conference & Awards Scottsdale, AZ | April 2-5, 2006 MORE © 2005 Home Contact Us Site Map Privacy Statement Terms of Use Link to Us Search

Texas Land Title Association

Advanced Solutions International | Texas Land Title Association Advanced Solutions International | Texas Land Title Association Contact Us Locations Events Business Opportunities Press Room Overview Press Releases Success Stories By Industry By Business Need New Clients Fact Sheet History Leadership Careers Investor Relations Notices Home > About ASI > Press Room > Success Stories > By Industry Ten Years Later, the Texas Land Title Association Continues to Benefit and Grow With Its iMIS System “ iMIS has continued to be a useful software tool for us over the last 10 years because ASI has focused on understanding the specific needs of associations,” stated Leslie Midgley, Executive Vice President at the Texas Land Title Association (TLTA), ASI’s first iMIS customer. TLTA feels that the needs of associations have changed and as technology has advanced, ASI has responded to those changes and advancements with enhancements and new products. “They (ASI) have made it their business to respond to user feedback by updating the software to better serve the needs of their users,” added Midgely. In fact, TLTA has received more than 12 upgrades of iMIS and have upgraded from iMIS LAN to the Microsoft SQL version in the last decade. The TLTA is a non-profit state trade association that represents over 600 Texas title insurance companies, abstract companies and title insurance agents that are engaged in the transference of title to real property. “With iMIS , they have been able to capture an overwhelming majority of the market share for Title companies in Texas through education, advocacy, and other valued services,” stated Mark Jones, President of enSYNC Corporation, the TLTA authorized iMIS Solution Provider. The Flexibility to Handle Growing and Changing Needs iMIS has been particularly useful to the TLTA in managing their meetings and educational programs. “ iMIS allows us to plan a meeting from start to finish without using a lot of different software programs,” stated Midgley. In the area of membership, iMIS has allowed them to keep better track of information about their members. “Over the years, we have determined that we need to store more and more data, and iMIS has allowed us the flexibility to expand and change.” Authorized iMIS Solution Provider, enSYNC Corporation, provides support to TLTA for their iMIS system. They have been an integral part of TLTA’s satisfaction and success with the product. “Both Mark Jones and Clark Jones are great to work with and are always there to help us solve a problem or overcome a challenge. Currently, they are working with us to increase our skills with report writing using Access and Crystal and to help us utilize more of the features that iMIS offers,” commented Midgley. “ iMIS is still meeting the business needs of the organization after 10 years, that really says something about the greatness of the product,” summed up Jones. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy © 2005 ASI, Inc. Site designed and developed by ASI Web Services Group , managed by iMIS Content Manager.

Selling Home

FCIC: Selling a Home Return to Federal Citizen Information Center Home Page Printer-friendly page -- Life Advice About... Selling A Home This Life Advice section about Home Improvement was produced by the MetLife Consumer Education Center reviewed by the Real Estate Educators Association and the U.S.D.A. Cooperative Research, Education and Extension Service. If you've decided to sell your home, chances are you're caught up in a host of emotions. You may be looking forward to moving up to a new dream house or facing the uncertainty of a major move across country. You may be reluctant to leave your memories behind or eager to start new adventures. Whatever turbulent feelings you're experiencing right now, there are plenty of practical matters that need your attention. Keep in mind the following considerations to help the whole process go more smoothly. Time Becomes Money It's a good idea to place your home on the market as far in advance as possible of purchasing a new one. If you find a new home first and then try to sell your present home, you may wind up with two mortgages. If this does happen, ask your real estate agent or banker about a bridge loan to help you make the double payments. Lenders use the same criteria for offering bridge loans as they use for mortgages. Should you qualify for a bridge loan, beware of the expense; during the term of the loan you must continue to pay both mortgages. Shop around for the best terms. Keep in mind that when people move, sell and buy, there usually is a domino effect. Closing and moving dates have to be coordinated, and the more firmly everyone commits to a window of dates and sticks to them, the better for all involved. Put all agreements about dates in writing, and protect yourself by negotiating financial penalties for failure to comply. Check Your Curb Appeal A home that's visually appealing and in good condition will attract potential buyers driving down the street. Use this checklist to view your property through an outsider's eyes. Are the lawn and shrubs well maintained? Are there cracks in the foundation or walkways? Does the driveway need resurfacing? Are the gutters, chimney and walls in good condition? Do the window casings, shutters, siding or doors need painting? Are garbage and debris stored out of sight? Are lawn mowers and hoses preperly stored? Is the garage door closed? On the Inside Strong curb appeal will lure potential buyers inside, where you have to live up to their expectations. Fortunately, there are plenty of easy improvements you can make to your home's interior without spending a lot of money. Cleaning is No. 1. Your windows, floors and bathroom tiles should sparkle. Make sure you have clean heating and air conditioning filters. Shampoo dirty carpets, clean tubs and showers, repair dripping faucets and oil squeaky doors. Keep your home neat, clean and picked-up at all times. It may not seem fair, but a peek in the oven may be the hallmark by which a buyer judges how well you have kept up your home. Remove unnecessary clutter from the garage, basement, attic, closets and straighten stored items. Also remove any items that might make a statement that would be offensive to others who may not share your same views, beliefs or sense of humor. If your home is crowded with too much furniture, consider putting some things into storage. If a room needs a fresh coat of paint, use a neutral off-white. Think, too, about how your home smells. You may be used to the smell of a pet or cigarettes, but such odors can be a strong turn-off to others. Be certain to remove valuables such as jewelry and other items from view. It might be wise to put these items in a safe deposit box before showing your home. Finally, set a mood for the buyer. Make your house homey with live flowers and fresh guest towels in the bathroom. Place scented potpourri around the house or, on the day you're expecting a potential buyer, pop a batch of frozen cinnamon rolls into the oven for a welcoming aroma. Remember, cosmetic changes do not have to be expensive. In fact, costly home improvements do not necessarily offer a good return on your investment when you sell. It's attention to the basics—anything that says “this home has been carefully maintained”—that will help you get the price you want. Go It Alone Some homeowners decide to sell their homes themselves in order to save the commission charged by a real estate agent. The commission rate may vary, depending on where you live or what agency you choose, but it is generally upwards of 5%. However, handling your own sale means you will be responsible for placing ads, answering phones and showing your home to strangers. What's more, buyers who know you are saving on an agent's commission may offer less for your home, wiping out the financial incentive to do it all yourself. You may decide an agent's commission is a bargain the first time that a would-be buyer shows up unannounced at dinnertime. Also, be aware that a real estate agent probably knows a lot more about the business of selling a home than you do. Here are some of the advantages professional agents offer: They will help you establish a fair asking price for your home. They will promote your home to other agents and list your property in multiple listing services. A multiple listing service is a book or computer database that all real estate agents who subscribe to the service can access. Your home will get exposure to all those agents, one of whom may have the perfect buyer. They will create, pay for and place advertising for you. They will schedule appointments to show your home to prospective buyers even when you are not there. They can weed out buyers who will not qualify for a mortgage. They can refer you to sources for insurance, inspections, legal counsel and financing. They will help you negotiate with the buyer. They can make suggestions to help make your home more attractive to a potential buyer. If you decide to sell through an agent, ask friends and neighbors for recommendations. Talk to several agents before picking the one you want to work with. Taking a walk through your home with an agent should give you a feel for how that person will handle prospective buyers. Ask prospective agents how they plan to market your home. Don't sign with an agent just because he or she suggests the highest asking price. Negotiate the broker's commission prior to listing your home, and sign for a limited period of time—usually three to six months. Setting a Fair Price Naturally, you want to get top dollar for your home. But, at the same time, you don't want to scare off potential buyers with a price tag that's too high. Setting an artificially high price may cause your property to languish on the market for months. Reducing your asking price later on may lead buyers to wonder if there is something wrong with your home. Here are some of the factors to consider in pricing your home. Your location Economic conditions Supply and demand in the local housing market Seasonal influences Local schools Average home prices in the neighborhood Your home's extras -- pool, fireplace, central air, etc. To determine the value of your home, you probably will want the advice of a real estate agent or appraiser. Ask an agent to prepare a market analysis for you, showing the recent selling prices of three neighborhood properties comparable to your own. The agent can help you adjust for the unique features of your own property. Qualifying a Buyer Either you or your agent will want to quickly weed out potential buyers who cannot really afford to purchase your home. A number of factors will help determine whether or not you are wasting your time negotiating a sale. The buyer's debt and credit history The buyer's current income and employment The buyer's cash position and availability of a down payment The length of time the buyer needs before closing on your home How interested the buyer appears to be in your home versus others Seek Legal Representation When selling your home—particularly if you are selling on your own—it's a good idea to be represented by an attorney. Look for an attorney with expertise in real estate transactions. When a potential buyer puts an offer in writing and you accept it, the signed acceptance becomes the sales contract. Your attorney will be present at the actual closing to protect your interests and can assist you with the following elements of a sales contract: The sale price What is included in the sale price -- draperies, carpeting, light fixtures, heating oil, etc. The amount of the down payment The date of closing and possession date Contingencies to the sale--inspections (e.g. structural, lead-based paint, radon), required improvements, legal review of the contract by the buyer's or seller's attorney, etc. The amount and length of the mortgage loan, interest rate and time limits to secure the loan Determining which closing costs are to be paid by the buyer and which by the seller Tax Implications Selling a home can have a major impact on your federal and state tax returns. Check with your tax consultant on the factors that may affect taxes resulting from the sale of your home. For example: Whether you purchased the home or acquired it by gift or inheritance Whether you used your home partly for business or rental Costs associated with selling your home Home improvements or additions, which may help to offset capital gains The sale of your home. In certain cases you can exclude up to $250,000 in gain ($500,000 for married couples filing a joint return) on the sale of property that was your principle residence for at least two years. Generally, you can use this exclusion every two years. Congratulations! You've successfully weathered the logistics of selling your current home, and you're ready to move on to a new and exciting chapter in your life.As you prepare for the coming changes, check out the Life Advice sections Moving and Buying a Home to aid you in this transition. For More Information 100 Questions Every Home Seller Should Ask Ilyce R. Glink, Times Books $14 Life Advice price $11.20 Call 1-800-793-2665 to order and mention reference number 032-02. Price and availability subject to change without notice. The American Bar Association Family Legal Guide Times Books$34.50 Life Advice price $28 Call 1-800-793-2665 to order and mention reference number 032-04. Price andavailability subject to change without notice. How to Sell Your Home in 5 Days William G. Effros, Workman Publishing $14.95 Life Advice price $8.97 The Consumer Bible, 1001 Ways to Shop Smart Mark Green, Workman Publishing $14.95 Life Advice price $8.97 Tips and Traps When Selling a Home Robert Irwin, McGraw-Hill $12.95 PAMPHLETS FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT The quarterly Consumer Information Center Catalog lists more than 200 helpful federal publications. For your free copy write Consumer Information Catalog, Pueblo, CO 81009, call 1-888/8-PUEBLO, or find the catalog on the Net at www.pueblo.gsa.gov . A Home for You and Your Family Publication Series, North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Housing & House Furnishings, Box 7605, Raleigh, NC, 27695-7605 (single copies free). Also contact the Extension Service office listed in the white pages of your phone book. Related Life Advice pamphlets See the following related Life Advice pamphlets: Buying a Home, Moving, Home Improvement, Homeowners Insurance, Renting an Apartment, Enjoying Retirement and When Your Children Leave the Nest. Helpful Links HomeWEB You'll find consumer information on selling a home from this comprehensive real estate and relocation source. Topics include info on real estate agents, marketing your home, financing & mortgages, sales contracts, pricing your home and more. Basically, this is a great place to start, if you're thinking about selling your home. Audrie's Advice Audrie provides a complete check-list for selling your home without an agent and thereby retaining all the profit for yourself. SellYourHomeYourself.com SellYourHomeYourself.Com is a unique site that helps the For Sale By Owner seller save money. On this FSBO web site you'll find all the resources you need to sell a home yourself. * Because the content of newsgroups and Websites changes constantly, it is impossible for us to review it all. We are not responsible for the content of any of the above links. Return to Federal Citizen Information Center Home Page Printer-friendly page --

new home A C-141

Air Force Reserve Command Public Access Web Page Home News Releases Resources for Reservists /Employers Subscribe AFRC Units Site map Search AFRC Charleston Reserve unit help set C-17 flying record CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) -- The largest formation of C-17 Globemaster IIIs from a single base took off this morning from here in a demonstration of the strategic airdrop capability of the Air Force. ( full story ) Air Force Reserve Command Headlines Hurricane hunters close out record season KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The "Hurricane Hunters" of Air Force Reserve Command's 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron flew their last mission of the record 2005 Atlantic Hurricane Season in December. Bradley endorses new hearing protection for Reservists WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, OHIO -- Technology developed at the Air Force Research Laboratory here to prevent noise-induced hearing loss will become the preferred solution for Air Force Reserve Command aviators. AF Reserve Command vice commander retires ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga., -- Maj. Gen. David E. Tanzi, Air Force Reserve Command vice commander, will retire in a ceremony Jan. 11 after 37 years of service. Leadership changes in AFRC, 10th Air Force ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. Senior leaders in Air Force Reserve Command and one of its numbered air forces change jobs in late December and early January. Space group to activate new unit SCHRIEVER AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. Air Force Reserve Commands 310th Space Group will travel deeper into the space program when it activates a new unit Jan. 7. Security forces compete for Air Force awards ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. Security forces units in Ohio and New Jersey are competing for the title of best Air Force Reserve Command SF unit. In addition, these units have representatives in the hunt for top individual awards in the Air Force. Reservists act as Santa for Veterans Home residents MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL JOINT AIR RESERVE STATION, Minn. (AFPN) -- Santa visited the residents of the Minnesota Veterans Home in Minneapolis Dec. 13, but this time he came in the form of the Air Force Reserve. Hanoi Taxi checks out its new home A C-141 Starlifter aircraft, better known as the Hanoi Taxi, flies over its soon-to-be new home at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force adjacent to Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, Dec. 13. This particular aircraft gained fame when it was used to return American prisoners of war back home at the end of the Viet Nam War. As the last operational C-141 in Air Force Reserve Command's 445 Airlift Wing, the historic aircraft is scheduled to retire and be dedicated at the museum May 5-6. The Reserve wing started replacing its C-141s with C-5 cargo aircraft in October and plan to have a total of 11 C-5s by April 2007. (Courtesy Photo by John Rossino) Download Full Image New rules to reinforce Guard, Reserve re-employment protections WASHINGTON (AFPN) -- The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is lauding the Labor Department announcement issuing rules clarifying re-employment rights for citizen-soldiers. They said the Dec. 16 announcement is a major step forward for guardsmen, reservists and their civilian employers. 301st home from Iraq 12/12/2005 - NAJ JRB FORT WORTH, Texas -- Capt. Chris Gough, 457th Fighter Squadron pilot, gathers hugs of love from his family members after their return from Iraq. More than 150 members of the Air Force Reserve Command's 301st Fighter Wing returned Dec. 11 following a two-month deployment Balad AB, Iraq in support of the Air Expeditionary Forces. Other AFRC F-16 units are scheduled to return from Balad in January. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Julie Briden-Garcia) ( hi-resolution image ) Red, White and Air Force Blue Christmas Lee Ann Womack helps ring in the holidays with a special tribute for Air Force members. Click here to go to Air Force Link and click on the Air Force Holiday Music tab to listen in to this holiday special. Reservists can manage career info online DENVER (AFPN) -- Air Force reservists can now go online to create an account on the Reserve Personnel Centers Virtual Personnel Center-Guard Reserve portal. Reserve Personnel Center automates 20-year and mortgage letters DENVER (AFPN) -- The Air Reserve Personnel Center set another transformation milestone with the self-service automation of the reissue of 20-year and mortgage letters. Delivering the 'J' Lt. Gen. John A. Bradley, commander of Air Force Reserve Command, sits in in the cockpit before takeoff in a new C-130J Hercules Monday from the Lockheed-Martin facility in Marietta, Ga. General Bradley helped ferry the Herc from Marietta to the 403rd Wing at Keesler Air Force Base, Miss. The flight took about one hour. ( hi-resolution ) Trick Pony brings season's greetings to troops Trick Pony, Country Music Award winners, join up with Blues Traveler's John Popper to hitch a ride and entertain U.S. troops in Germany, Turkey, a forward-operating base in Southwest Asia, and a final stop at Keflivik, Iceland. From left, Ira Dean, Heidi Newfield, John Popper and Keith Burns bring it all together to tell the troops thanks. (U.S. Air Force photo by Ken Hackman) ( More photos and story ) Air Force Reserve fighters destroy terrorist hideout SOUTHWEST ASIA Air Force Reserve Command F-16 pilots bombed a booby-trapped house near Al Mahmudiyah, Iraq, Nov. 23. Reservist giving warfighters gifts they can use INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFPN) -- Giving and receiving are the hallmarks of the holiday season. If you don't believe it, ask the aerial porters here who receive an average of 600,000 pounds of cargo every day and give the warfighters in Iraq "gifts" they can use. Ramstein Reservist helps injured troops get home RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (AFPN) -- "Home for the holidays" is a familiar goal for many military people, but not Tech. Sgt. Katheryn Bicker. This Reservist from the 944th Fighter Wing at Luke AFB, Ariz., is forgoing her own holidays to help others in what she feels is the true spirit of the season. Late bloomer goes to other lands to help people WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio A flight nurse in the 445th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron here is a classic example of a late bloomer. 9 one-stars, 15 colonels get promotion nod WASHINGTON Nine brigadier generals and 15 colonels in the Air Force Reserve were nominated by the president Nov. 22 for promotion to the next higher rank. US builds bonds during the 2005 Dubai air show DUBAI, United Arab Emirates Usually when one thinks of the United States displaying air power in the Middle East, the promotion of economic growth and good will does not come to mind, but that is exactly why the U.S. Air Force and Navy are on hand during the Dubai 2005 Air Show. Reservist medical-dental records easier to get DENVER (AFPN) -- The Air Reserve Personnel Center will move the medical and dental records of some reservists to the active-duty base where they serve as part of a test to streamline operations. Reserve F-16s strike insurgents in Iraq SOUTHWEST ASIA -- Air Force Reserve Command F-16s along with Air Force F-15s and Predators flew air strikes against insurgents near the Iraqi-Syria border Nov. 14 in support of Operation Steel Curtain. ( full story ) Reserve F-16s patrol over Iraq FORT WORTH, Texas -- Air Force Reserve Command F-16 Fighting Falcon fighters are providing combat air support for U.S. and coalition forces in Iraq. Hundreds of aircrews and support people from four fighter wings began flying close-air-support and combat air patrol missions in September on a rotational basis. The last contingent of reservists from the 10th Air Force units returns home in January. Holiday season message highlights importance of life WASHINGTON As the holiday season and another year approach, let us take time to consider what is really important family and friends. Home Please read this privacy and security notice AFRC Units Resources for Reservist Pubs and Forms News Releases Search AFRC Contact Public Affairs FOIA Site map AFRC Site Accessibility Page last updated on December 29, 2005 Hot Job opportunities V olunteer R eserve S ystem Job vacancies Active Guard and Reserve Air Reserve Technician Civil Service positions Join the Air Force Reserve News and Information News Release s Citizen Airman Magazine Handbook for Congress AFRC Facts and Figures AFRC Fact Sheets AFRC Leadership Bios AFRC Mission Briefing Air Force Link AF TV News AF Radio News Airman Magazine Army News Service Defense Link Early Bird Anthrax Brief Parent Pin Program Freedom of Information AFRC Units/Directorates AFRC Wings/Groups AF Reserve Band Command Chaplain Logistics (Contracting) Resources for Reservists FAQs about active duty Guard Reserve Portal USERRA Advisor Military Health System Family Readiness Reserve Advisory Board Pay Matters Air Force Crossroads Resources for Employers Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Info for Employers Info for Military Info for Volunteers Get the facts: Read the latest edition of Air Force Reserve Handbook for Congress