Real Estate Information Archive

Hey it's Christmas Week already.  I just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas and the best of luck in the coming New Year.  Keep smiling and let me know if I can every do anything for you.  Be well.

Holiday video wishing you a very Merry christmas and happy new year.  From Tom Stachler real estate broker for real estate one ann arbor michigan. selling homes, condos, vacant land and commercial and income properties in and around the ann arbor, saline, ypsilanti, dexter, chelsea and surrounding areas. 

FHA Making Homeownership More Accessible and Sustainable?

FHA is reducing annual FHA mortgage insurance premiums by 0.5 percentage points from 1.35 percent to 0.85 percent. This reduction in premiums will produce an average savings of $900 annually for all new FHA borrowers.

More than 800,000 FHA borrowers are projected to take advantage of these lower rates in the first year, saving millions of dollars in total.

Lowered premiums will create opportunities for 250,000 new homeowners to purchase a Home over the next three years. In recent years, many aspiring homeowners have been waiting on the sidelines before Buying a new home. By making mortgages more affordable and helping create further confidence among those wanting to buy a home, the FHA premium reduction will help hundreds of thousands of additional families own a home for the first time.

The new home buying activity and benefits of the cost savings to borrowers will help further strengthen the housing market. An increase in first-time homebuyers and more affordable mortgages will help spur more residential construction and help create new jobs in the housing sector.  FHA will also be starting a automated program for lender underwriters to check appraisers pricing with assigned comps or recent home sale prices to loans.  Appraisers feel this is ridiculous and may create another 7-10 days to the appraisal process.  Look for more on this as the program rolls out.  

Each Year the Market moves Closer to a Sellers Market as Inventory Challenges Arise

There were no dramatic changes for the housing market in November and the first part of December. The median sale price increases in the last 90 days have been modest at under 2%, however the real value increase has been closer to 4%. The difference being that with a slowing upper price market, median values will tend to be lower than the true appreciation rate. The Month's Supply of Inventory (MSI) has been declining, with a small jump in November, a sign that although inventories are rising, demand is still strong. Sold properties have been rising through the fall season, but slowing in November compared to last year. Some of that decline might be weather-related and the fact there was one less business day in November this year. The slower sold pace does reinforce our feeling that the market is settling down to a more normal pace, especially in the over $500,000 segments. With buyers spread out among more listings, many sellers will feel that the market is slower than it really is. 

These charts from the National Association of Realtors focus on some of the underlying economic trends that should translate into a multi-year real estate recovery.

Household Net Worth at All-Time High 

Most people do not realize how far household net worth has risen from the bottom of the recession, and that it has exceeded the prior 2007 peak. The stock market jump has certainly helped move the numbers up, but the majority of the yellow bars are made up of home equities. Higher household net worth translates into higher consumer confidence and increased consumer spending.

GDP Growth = Job Creations (8 million lost, 10 million gained)

Going hand-in-hand with increased household net worth is the increase in total jobs, again exceeding the peak year of 2007. The jobs added during this recovery are more service-based and do not have the same buying power as those in the past, but with so many dual income families, the combined incomes create buying power for housing. Michigan as a whole may lag compared to the national averages in these two areas, but Washtenaw should actually exceed the national averages.

Young Adult Homeownership Rate (under 35 years old)

The young adult homeownership rate is one of the biggest challenges for housing growth. With tough lending standards, slow job growth and high student loan debt, young adults have a hard time getting financed. As lending standards move back to more reasonable levels, some of that first time home buyer pent-up demand will be released, moving that ownership percentage closer to 40%.

Homeowner households have not grown since 2006, but are primed to grow.

This chart clearly illustrates the effect of the housing bubble. After 20 years of growth in the number of homeowners in the U.S., we have been at a standstill for the last six years. Most economists expect the homeownership numbers to resume their growth, but probably at a slower pace than in the past. Much of that future growth is in former homeowners, who were forced to Rent, and hope to buy again the first chance they get.

National Housing Forecast

Overall, we are carrying an improved listing inventory, good economic momentum and some evidence that there is still some pent-up demand out there along with the prospects of continued affordable interest rates. The skies look good going into 2015 for stable and steady growth in the Washtenaw real estate market.

Please keep me in mind for any of your real estate needs. I am happy to assist you.

tom stachler is a real estate broker working and living in the ann arbor and saline michigan markets.  check with him when looking for ann arbor homes for sale or saline michigan homes for sale as well.  

ann arbor and saline real estate market update for january 2015

Hello there,

You might want to listen to this audio by inspirational speaker Earl Nightingale called the Strangest Secret.  There have been many speakers with the same message over the years and centuries and I really do think it works, if you can train and focus your find on a daily basis.  I remember another very popular video and audio series about 10 years ago called "The Secret" that seemed to have a very powerful effect on many people.  Keep and open mind, it really does work if you focus on your goals and keep them in your mind and steadily work on a plan to reach them.  

Wishing you and your family all the best.  Keep us in mind if we can ever help with your real estate needs in the Ann Arbor, Saline or surrounding Michigan communities.  Always good to hear from you, perhaps comment on this video and whether you have tried something similar in the past?  

ann arbor michigan real estate saline mi university of michigan tom thomas stachler homes income property for sale Lease rental dexter chelsea ypsilanti

For the Newest Realty Listings - Click on the "All MLS Listings" Link above 

.  

Woman in Kayak is Surprised by Something Popping up out of the Water! 

Have a Great Day everyone.  Please keep in touch.  

tom,stachler, ann arbor, homes, for, sale, saline, michigan, house, property, mls, real estate, one, stahold, corp. realty

Keeping track of the market and checking its pulse?  See below

Thanks for watching.  Give us a call for more information or if you are looking to sell or buy property.  Have a great day!

tom stachler selling property and homes in ann arbor michigan and saline michigan providing you with this market report for april 2014 thomas real estate for sale

Interesting To Do Projects for Ann Arbor Real Estate

Retro Bowling Alley in your recreation room?  Or how about a Sweet Kids Playhouse.  Check out these two ideas for some project inspiration.  

Have fun with you next project and let us know if you need contractor recommendations or get homes for Sale in Ann Arbor by click here.

For decades, Home ownership in the United States has been partially subsidized by the tax savings associated with owning a home. Many homeowners qualify for certain tax deductions and tax credits that make home ownership more affordable.  In order to utilize certain deductions, a homeowner must itemize their tax deductions. But almost everyone is eligible to benefit from one or more of the tax benefits of home ownership. Here are a few to consider as of the date of this article:

1. Property Taxes Deduction: In many areas, property taxes can be one of the most significant costs of homeownership. Therefore, the ability to deduct residential property taxes from taxable income is an incredible savings. A property tax deduction is essentially a tax-deductible tax, so that the homeowner does not pay income tax on money that was used to pay property taxes. This particular deduction may only be used for the period of time the homeowner actually owns the home. Back taxes paid as part of the purchase arrangement may not be deducted. But anything going to the Seller on the settlement statement for property taxes the seller paid in advance can be deducted. Homeowners can only deduct the amount of property tax actually paid to their local municipality for the tax year. However, if the property taxes are held in escrow for paying taxes at a later time, the deduction cannot be taken until such time as the money is paid out of the escrow account to the taxing authority. Many local assessments for improvements or other city/county fees that one may find on their property tax bill are not deductible. Also, if any (typically partial) refund of the property tax occurs, the amount of the deduction is generally reduced by the amount of the refund.


2. Mortgage Interest Deduction: For many homeowners, the mortgage interest tax deduction is the most valuable tax deduction, and can be used to deduct interest paid on a mortgage of up to one million ($1,000,000.00). When a homeowner receives their first Form 1098 from their lender, they should know that its potential value is vast and to consult with a tax professional as to how best to take advantage of this benefit. This deduction is especially useful for most new homeowners, as the initial mortgage payments for new homeowners are primarily comprised of interest for the first several years, making for a larger deduction (until more of the payment is comprised of principal when there is less interest paid and less interest to deduct). Prepaid mortgage interest paid at closing may also add to the amount of this deduction.


3. Mortgage Insurance Premiums Deduction: Many home buyers whose initial down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price are required to pay private mortgage insurance or "PMI." This insurance can be a significant expense. Homeowners may generally deduct the premiums paid for such mortgage insurance for the current tax year on a primary residence and a non-rental second or vacation home. However, eligibility for this deduction is phased out based on income levels (check with your tax professional).


4. Points Deduction: If an owner paid discount points or "points" (or sometimes "loan discounts") to reduce the interest rate on borrowed funds as part of the purchase or refinance of a home, the cost of these points can be deductible in the year they were paid or over the life of the mortgage, depending on the type of loan and the unique qualities of the taxpayer.


5. Energy Credits: Some homeowners can receive a tax credit (either federal, state or local) for a portion of the cost of materials used for energy efficient upgrades to their residence (including doors, windows, furnaces and air conditioners, roofing materials, insulation, solar panels, water heaters, geo thermal heat pumps, fuel cells, wind turbines, and other energy efficient upgrades).


6. Home Office Deduction: Many home owners, who use a portion of their home for office purposes, may be able to claim a tax deduction for the pro-rata portion of costs related to the office space (e.g. repairs, mortgage, insurance, utilities, and depreciation). To utilize this deduction, the home office must be used exclusively and regularly as a place of business, a place to meet clients/patients for business purposes, a place of storage (e.g. for inventory or records used in the business), or a place where a majority of business work is done.


7. Gain on Sale Exclusion: Individuals can exclude up to $250,000 of gain from a primary residence from taxable income, and married couples can exclude up to $500,000 of gain. To qualify, the seller(s) must have lived in the home as a primary residence for two of the prior five years before the sale.


8. selling Costs Deduction: If the seller’s gain from the sale of a home does not qualify for the exclusion in #7 above, or the gain exceeds the maximum amount of the exclusion in #7, the costs associated with selling the home may also be available to reduce the tax burden of the seller. For example, the following costs may be deductible: title insurance, advertising and marketing expenses, broker fees, or repairs (if made within 90 days of the sale and with the intent to facilitate a sale).


9. Home Improvement Loan Interest Deduction: Interest on loans for home improvements may be deductible, provided the loan was used for a "capital improvement," such as building a deck, installing a new water heater system, or building a garage or otherwise expanding the size of the home. Many s1maller items, such as wallpaper, paint, carpet, etc. are not considered "capital improvements."


10. Construction Loan Interest Deduction: Interest on a loan used to construct a new principal residence or vacation home for personal use may be deductible for the first 24 months of the loan.


11. Loan Forgiveness Exclusion: As of the date of this article, the Mortgage Debt Forgiveness Relief Act of 2007 was extended to allow debt that is forgiven by lenders in short sale situations to be excluded from taxable income, rather than being taxed as debt forgiveness income.


12.  IRA Penalty Exemption: The ten (10) percent penalty for the early withdrawal of IRA funds can be avoided if the withdrawal of such funds is used toward the purchase of a home within 120 days of the withdrawal. This benefit is limited to a withdrawal of up to $10,000 in IRA funds for each spouse, and only if each spouse did not own a home within the two years prior to the new home purchase.

These tax benefits represent some of the biggest tax benefits of homeownership. Other tax benefits also exist. And the above analysis is an informational summary only and is not to be used, and is not intended to be used, as tax advice. When it comes to tax matters, a tax professional, Certified Public Accountant, or tax attorney should be consulted for the particular circumstances of each taxpayer, to ensure that no tax benefit opportunities are missed and to ensure compliance with law. 

HOMESTEAD TAX CREDITS - The state of Michigan has a homestead tax credit for owner occupied residences.  This amounts to approximately a 33% discount on your annual local and state property taxes.  There are deadlines for filing this paperwork however in order to get your tax savings.  There is also options to get more than one homestead credit though in most cases it is limited to just one per person/household.  CALL us to discuss your situation as they there are complex rules and regulations which vary by individual case.  

Interested in new listing updates?  Just click on the link above "Get Listing Updates" to receive new listings the day they come out automatically.  You can also contact us by using one of the options found after clicking on our home button above or call our office direct line at 734-996-0000 and ask for Tom Stachler.

Check out this market update on the Michigan Market, foreclosures, appreciation and new construction updates.   Let us know if you have any questions.  

Click the "All MLS Listings" up top to see inventory in your area.  Click the chat link below or send us an email if you have any questions.  Thanks for stopping by!

ann arbor area real estate and market updates for south east michigan including new construction and expectation on Home values and appreciation

MORTGAGE RATES CONTINUE THEIR THREE WEEK DROP to hit record low's.  Rates on loans tracked by Freddie Mac are now nearly a full percentage pointe below their 2011 highs seen in February.

Of course this means its a good time to purchase real estate or even re-finance as rates seem to be in the low's 4% range.  That's a new all-time low for 30 yr fixed rate loans according to Freddie Mac records dating to 1971, surpassing the previous record of 4.17 percent set during the week ending Nov. 11, 2010.  

Please Click Here to access the properties for sale inventory within the Board of REALTORS database MLS system.