Housing

Home-Based Recession Preparedness

printed here by permission from www.realtytimes.com

Consumer Reports is advising consumers to recession-proof their financial future by taking steps to shield four areas of financial life that are vulnerable to a shrinking economy.

Housing is one of those areas.

Even though economic growth is chugging along just ahead of the traditional definition of a recession — two consecutive quarters of decline in the Gross Domestic Product — some economists say the nation is skirting precariously close to the edge of economic rupture.

UCLA Anderson Forecast economists recently reported the economy is “certainly close” to a recession even as it conceded an economic about face is not imminent.

Consumer Reports says because a recession is declared in hindsight, consumers who wait for the announcement will put their finances in peril.

Along with the three areas of financial life that need attention now — investments, borrowing and employment — a fourth area, housing, is already taking a beating in a growing number of markets. Housing woes are symptomatic of recessionary conditions.

Here’s how Consumer Reports suggests homeowners prepare to get through hard times that could be ahead.

Sit tight. If you don’t have to sell your home don’t. As some markets already reveal, flat and falling housing markets can make a sale elusive for even the most attractive property. If you can wait, wait until the market gathers steam and becomes a better environment for home sales, says Consumer Reports.

Be flexible. If you are “motivated” to sell, because you have to move, say, because you want to take on a new job, avoid foreclosure, move up or move down, let your motivation show. You may or may not have to lower your price, but you’ll have to consider that possibility. Concessions could also include paying costs typically paid by the buyer, paying closing costs, paying the first six month to a year of homeowners association dues, and offering incentives, say a kitchen full of new appliances.

Make your listing appealing. Consumer Reports is big on curb appeal because it gets them in the door. Curb appeal is the first impression your home conveys to prospective buyers, it should create an emotional desire to own the home and enjoy the lifestyle and status it represents. Putting the best face on your home motivates buyers to cross the threshold and take that first step toward closing the deal.

Buyers, be aggressive. Strong buyers’ markets have emerged from the downturn and that can mean lower prices and more haggling room, conditions that edge homes into a realm of affordability you may not have seen in recent years. Just don’t buy more than you can afford. Buy what you need and buy what you’ll keep long enough to weather the soft market, Consumer Reports advises.

Lock down interest rates. Recessionary conditions typically come with lower interest rates and Fannie Mae last week said the average fixed interest rate on a 30-year conforming mortgage was 6.34 percent plus only half a point. That’s less than it was a year ago at 6.4 percent.Lower rates are designed to stimulate economic growth but they also give you an opportunity to put the reigns on adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) rate resets. Even if the current rate gives you a slightly higher payment, in uncertain economic times it’s key to go with fixed payment amounts that are much easier to budget. Ditto for your home equity line of credit. Switch to fixed rate.

Nip, tuck consumer debt. Don’t let low rates lure you into more indebtedness. To the contrary, it’s time to pay off and pay down debt before rates climb, especially if you worry about job security. Consolidate debt — provided you have the will not to become a serial refinancer — to make monthly payment more manageable. Use a refinanced first or an equity second as your consolidation tool to reap tax benefits, Consumer Reports says.

September 28th, 2007 Leave a comment Community, Economic Development, Front Porch, Housing, Life, Quality of Life, Small Town, Visitors belmontfrontporch

Rally held to raise support for monument in East Belmont

Former students, teachers and friends of East Belmont met recently in the Life Center of Part Street United Methodist Church for a fundraising rally.

We can’t think of too many cool things to do sometimes. Neighbors from all over Belmont have taken on several preservation activities of the “old” Belmont. This project to erect a monument to the East Belmont School comes on the heels of the successful opening of the Belmont Historical Society, and the Reid Community’s annual festival.

When the discussion of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan was going on, the term “neighborhood preservation” was thrown about. These projects contribute to neighborhood preservation efforts and we feel they should be supported.

Get out and be active in your neighborhood. There are plenty of stories to share with us all, young and old, newcomers and natives.

September 11th, 2007 Leave a comment bannernews, Beautification, Belmont, Belmont Banner, Community, Destinations, Downtowns, Economic Development, Front Porch, Gaston Gazette, Housing, Land use, Life, mybannernews, Networking, Newcomers, News, Planning & Zoning, Politics, Quality of Life, Small Town, Things to Do belmontfrontporch

Real Estate in Belmont

We are not going to turn the Belmont Front Porch into an advertising rag anytime soon, but when the Gazette, Observer, or Banner note new businesses in our fair town — they ought to get a mention here.

Nearby neighbor, Andrew Lineberger has started Realty Concepts from a home office in Belmont. One of his first listings in the area is over by the Greenwood Cemetery at the corner of South Main and Oak. (704) 606-6458

Speaking of realtors in town, Belmont downtown neighbor, Wendy Hostetler operates a small company called Garibaldi Realty which has had several listings appear around town, most notably in the Cottonwood neighborhood in East Belmont.

We remember back in the day when you would put your name on someone’s list for their home if they “ever want to sell”, and when Maynard & Causey was the only real game in town ? Real Estate has become very hot in the Belmont area. Several large real estate firms, Allen Tate, Century 21, Prudential Carolinas, and Remax, are all active with listings in the area. Many of our neighbors are active and productive as agents and brokers.

It is only our opinion but, when looking for homes here in this town or selling your home in this town, you should find someone who knows the area very well. As of today, there are 182 properties for sale in the immediate area. We would love to have you visit and quite possibly stay…