Mortgage payments at lowest level in decades

For today's homebuyers, the weight of the monthly mortgage bill is the lightest it's been in decades.
Put 20% down on a median-priced ($154,400) existing home, and your payment will come to $616 a month, only 12.1% of the median U.S. family income.

In 98 of the top 100 metro areas, it's now cheaper to buy than rent.

"If you have good credit," says IHS Global Insight economist Patrick Newport, "this is the best time in 40 years to buy."
Want to trade up? You may think the buyer of your current home is getting a deal, but you might get an even better one on your next place.

Real estate's best-kept secret

Prices for bottom-tier properties have improved since 2011, reports Zillow, while top-tier prices keep falling.
Want to invest? To get the best rate (a quarter to a half point higher than for your primary residence), you'll have to put at least 25% down, according to federal guidelines.
http://money.cnn.com/2012/04/23/real_estate/mortgage-payment.moneymag/index.htm

What’s Your Earth Day Resolution?

This year, we’re resolving — and we hope you do too — to make some lasting changes in our homes so every day can be Earth Day.Read more: http://www.houselogic.com/home-diy/green-living/what-to-do-for-earth-day/#ixzz1sasYw555

It's April

It's April, the dreaded month of taxes. If you're like me, you put off thinking about it until the last minute. And then you scramble to get all your tax paraphernalia in order.

Do yourself-do your accountant!-a favor this month and start thinking about it today. Make a list of the things you need; documents, check stubs, etc.and start to do a little bit every day over the next week.

If you have any questions regarding tax laws as they apply to your real estate holdings or anything else real estate-related, please don't hesitate to call on me. I'll be more than happy to help you.