Archive for February, 2012

If you were in a store with loaves of bread for 67 cents, would you buy? If you were driving by a gas station and you saw 97 cents per gallon, I know you’d stop, fill up and then call everyone you knew.  Even go back with jugs.  Those were 1989 prices. Seems impossible doesn’t it?

Put It In Perspective

Now, what if I told you that at current interest rates (below 3.85% - “we’ve never seen it before, never this low in history” - Jay Papasan) what you get for the money is unprecedented?  Comparing the payments on a $94k mortgage in ‘89 at those 10% rates with a mortgage today of $166k at a rate of 4.45%, your payments would be $825 and $837 respectively for a difference of $12.  $12!!!

The arguments we hear from buyers is they are waiting for lower rates or they fear prices will drop again.  I learned a long time ago that you can’t time the market.  Economists and professionals have been trying for decades and they’ll tell you the only way to know prices have bottomed out is when they’re going up.

First off, can rates go much lower before banks are paying you?  Their margins at the current rates are low which is why qualifying for a loan is so hard.  But take a moment to consider this fact.  A 1% rate increase is the equivalent of a 10% price drop.  Which is more likely to happen?  Rates increase by 1% or prices drop by 10%?  While we’ve seen that kind of price drop, the reaction of Wall Street should tell you how rare that was.

So you’re a buyer and you’re waiting for prices to drop another 3%.  You’re preapproved at today’s low of 3.85%.  You find a property but want to wait for the seller to drop their price.  Rates rise a 1/4 point and you’ve essentially got a wash because the mortgage payment is going to be the same.  If they raise a 1/2 point then you’re paying more than had you put in an offer and asked the seller to pay closing costs.  You’re only at an interest rate of about 4.35% but you’ve lost a lot of buying power.

Mortgage Rates

Say you’re a seller and you’re waiting to put your property on the market when prices rise.  You’re waiting for them to rise 10%.  Historically, we’ve seen prices rise about 4% per year.  Our area rose 1.4% last year.  That’s a long time for the appreciation you’re talking about. But I’m going to give you the benefit of the doubt and say you’re going to see 5% increases over two years which would give you slightly over the 10% you want but what an amazing market that would be compared to now.  Well how many buyers do you think are going to be able to afford that house in 2 years if interest rise 1/2 pt, 1 pt or God forbid 2 pts?  That would still be only 6% interest rates but is the equivalent of a 20% price drop for you.  The buyers are there.  Take advantage.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling, call Brandon Green Companies today and let’s do an assessment and get you moving.

This historic neighborhood enjoys a wonderful mix of residential and professional consumers. Big plans abound for redevelopment as the $4 billion Anacostia Waterfront Initiative kicks into high gear.  The core of what is now the Anacostia historic district was incorporated in 1854 as Uniontown and was one of the first suburbs in the District of Columbia. It was designed to be financially available to Washington’s working class, many of whom were employed across the river at the Navy Yard; its (then) location outside of and isolated from the city made its real estate inexpensive.

Anacostia’s historically designated commercial corridors have already experienced new development and investment, such as the DC Department of Housing & Community Development and the Salvation Army’s new community center which opened in 2009.  And now the largest project currently in motion is the redevelopment of the former Saint Elizabeth’s campus, the new home for Homeland Security — bringing approximately 14,000 employees to the area by 2014!

From a cultural standpoint, residents can come and enjoy the Honfleur Art Gallery, American Poetry Museum and the African Heritage Dancers & Drummers studio combined to create a distinctive arts hub.  But the historic Holy Grail of Anacostia is the Frederick Douglas House, which sits atop of a beautifully manicured hilltop.
Visitors may tour this majestic historical residence of our country’s most recognized abolitionists any day of the week. Tours are ticketed, and visitors are strongly encouraged to make a reservation to guarantee their place.

So when you hear of Anacostia, DC, think- culture, affordability, and historical richness.