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        <title>Real Estate Blog</title>
        <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-county-trends-at-a-glance/</link>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/top-ten-reasons-to-invest-in-santa-cruz-short-sales.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/top-ten-reasons-to-invest-in-santa-cruz-short-sales.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Top Ten Reasons to Invest in Santa Cruz Short Sales</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Now is a fabulous time to take advantage of today's real estate market and boost your investment portfolio with Santa Cruz short sales. Here are the top ten reasons why investing in short sales might be beneficial for you: 

1.&nbsp;Short sales benefit buyers, sellers and investors. You get to help a lender and homeowner out of a tough financial situation.2.&nbsp;You can make a nice profit because Santa Cruz short sales are priced at or below market.3.&nbsp;Banks are closing them faster than ever before and, from start to finish, its not as painful as it used to be.4.&nbsp;There is a huge inventory of short sales from which to choose.5.&nbsp;The competition is low because there arent enough investors to gobble them all up.6.&nbsp;It doesnt take a ton of time. Youll spend even less time when you work with a real estate agent who specializes in short sales.7.&nbsp;Short sales are generally in better condition than foreclosures.8.&nbsp;You can work with luxury home short sales. Luxury short sales require the same amount of time and work as short sales on less expensive homes, but the profit margins are much higher.9.&nbsp;In some cases, the banks will pay closing costs and Home Owner Association transfer fees.10.&nbsp;You can work real estate short sales in all markets: urban, suburban and rural areas.

If youd like more information on investing in Santa Cruz short sales, give me a call today at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For additional information please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Short sales 

Huge inventory of short sales 

Luxury home short sales 
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            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Nov 2011 23:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/4-tips-to-price-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale-like-a-pro.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/4-tips-to-price-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale-like-a-pro.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>4 Tips to Price Your Santa Cruz Home for Sale like a Pro</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Do you think you have a good handle on what a reasonable price would be for your Santa Cruz home for sale? In todays rollercoaster real estate market, the right price could be the difference between a quick sale and your house sitting for months without a single bite.

REALTORS are experts when it comes to housing market values. However, if youre planning on selling your house yourself, do you even know where to begin? Below are four tips the pros use to set a price that gets potential buyers in the door and still allows you to get the most money from the sale of your property.

Four tips to price your Santa Cruz home for sale like a pro:

1.&nbsp;Study your history  Take a look at what properties in your neighborhood sold for when you bought your house and then look at recent sales. Have prices increased, decreased or remained the same? This will give you a good idea of how the market value of your property might have progressed over time.

2.&nbsp;Research comparables  Check around to see what houses of similar square footage and style are actually selling for in your area. Then youll be able to get an objective idea of what your house is worth without letting attachments to self-done projects like bathroom upgrades or landscaping influence your judgment.

3.&nbsp;Tour other houses  REALTORS take the time to personally visit almost every property on the market.&nbsp; If youre going to price your home like a pro, you should tour a multitude of houses in your neighborhood.&nbsp; By going to open houses in your area, you can determine how your home stacks up to the competition. 

4.&nbsp;Consider your location  As the old adage goes, &ldquo;Real estate is all about location, location, location.&rdquo; Are you in the most desirable neighborhood? If so, you may be able to command a higher price for your house. Make sure your price reflects your neighborhood, lot and surroundings, to set a realistic price.

If you need help pricing your Santa Cruz home for sale, please call me at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Market value

Research Comparables

Square footage
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            <pubDate>Sun, 03 Apr 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/turn-your-santa-cruz-home-into-pot-of-gold-with-just-a-little-green.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/turn-your-santa-cruz-home-into-pot-of-gold-with-just-a-little-green.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Turn Your Santa Cruz Home into Pot of Gold with Just a Little Green</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As houses continue to sit on the market without the slightest sign of interested buyers, sellers are lowering prices and pouring more money into upgrades and remodels. While these updates might help increase sales, you could achieve the same results with your Santa Cruz home by spending less cash and adding more green.

With the growing demand for green features, buyers like the idea of purchasing a house that already contains a few eco-conscious elements. From environmentally sound materials to energy efficient windows and doors, just adding one green upgrade could be the ticket to spark interest and sell your Santa Cruz home.

6 eco-features buyers love:

1.&nbsp;Water-saving appliances  Install low-flow toilets and aerators on showers to reduce your water usage and see a surprising reduction in your bills.

2.&nbsp;High-efficiency filters and air purifiers  Remove even the smallest dust particles and kill bacteria that could be floating throughout your house.

3.&nbsp;Paving stones  Use paving stones for your driveway in place of concrete. It looks quaint and allows rainwater to seep into the ground, instead of flooding the storm water system.

4.&nbsp;A sealed garage  Properly seal your garage to ensure poisonous fumes and outdoor contaminates dont accidentally seep into your living areas.

5.&nbsp;Solar power  Decrease your energy bill by incorporating these sun soakers into your grid. Just make sure theyre positioned discretely, so they dont become an eyesore.

6.&nbsp;Efficient windows  Help regulate your homes temperature by limiting air leakage.

If you dont have the cash to turn your house completely green, just update one or two features and be sure to highlight them when marketing your home. By providing your potential buyer with energy savings, you may also save yourself time and money when your home sells faster and for more money.

Dont endure another day of waiting for someone to buy your Santa Cruz home. With the right updates and marketing, I can help you turn your house green and cash in on your pot of gold.&nbsp; Call me at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

For more information, please see my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Green features

Low-flow toilets

Efficient windows
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            <pubDate>Wed, 30 Mar 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-lingo-101.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-lingo-101.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate Lingo 101</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Do you know how closing costs actually work? Or, how youd use CMAs (comparative market analysis) to evaluate Santa Cruz real estate? And, can you decipher all of the abbreviations and acronyms, such as FDR, lo dues and MLS.

Purchasing a home is frustrating enough without having to go through the frustration of decoding all the complicated speak and legalese. If you brush up with a real estate dictionary before your home-buying search, youll gain valuable knowledge and save yourself a lot of time and headaches in the long run.

Basic lingo every Santa Cruz real estate buyer or seller should know &hellip;

&bull;&nbsp;ARM  This stands for Adjustable-Rate Mortgage, which is a type of mortgage where the interest rate periodically adjusts.

&bull;&nbsp;Closing costs  These are miscellaneous expenses buyers and sellers pay upon closing; they usually include brokerage commission, escrow taxes, recording fees, etc.

&bull;&nbsp;CMA  This stands for Comparable Market Analysis, which is a report of recently sold, comparable homes in the same market as the home youre selling.

&bull;&nbsp;ERV  Estimated Rental Value

&bull;&nbsp;FDR  Formal Dining Room

&bull;&nbsp;Fixture  Anything that is permanently attached to the home, such as door knobs, carpeting, light fixtures and landscaping

&bull;&nbsp;FP  Fireplace

&bull;&nbsp;HDW  Hard Wood Floors

&bull;&nbsp;Lo dues  Dues paid to the homeowners association

&bull;&nbsp;MLS  Multiple Listing Service, which is an organization that compiles multiple listings into one report and distributes it to all of their realty members.

&bull;&nbsp;PSF  Per Square Foot

&bull;&nbsp;Sale price  The actual price at which the property sells.

Dont let the hectic housing market overwhelm you.&nbsp; If you understand Santa Cruz real estate lingo, youll be more knowledgeable and able to easily achieve your real estate goals.

If you have questions about any of these terms or want help achieving your real estate goals, call me at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Real Estate Dictionary

Adjustable-Rate Mortgage

Estimated rental value
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            <pubDate>Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-agents-fact-vs-fiction.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-real-estate-agents-fact-vs-fiction.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Santa Cruz Real Estate Agents:  Fact vs. Fiction</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The fact is that not all Santa Cruz real estate agents are created equal.&nbsp;&nbsp; There are important differences you need to consider before choosing an agent to help you buy a home.

Here are some fictional beliefs people have about Santa Cruz real estate agents and the facts behind them.

1.&nbsp;Fiction:&nbsp; Any agent you contact about a property is now your buyers agent and is looking out for your best interests.&nbsp; 

Fact:&nbsp; When you call the agent whose name is on the For Sale sign in the front yard of the home, youre calling the sellers agent.&nbsp; That agent is looking out for the home sellers best interest, not yours.&nbsp;&nbsp; Hire a buyers agent and ask him or her to show you homes youre interested in seeing.

2.&nbsp;Fiction:&nbsp; When you hire a buyer's agent, you have to pay their commission.

Fact:&nbsp; In most cases, the seller pays the commission for both the seller's agent and the buyer's agent.&nbsp; In a typical listing agreement, the seller agrees to pay a set percentage of the sales price and this amount is divided between the two real estate agents involved in the sale.&nbsp; 

3.&nbsp;Fiction:&nbsp; Santa Cruz real estate agents wont show you a FSBO (for sale by owner).

Fact:&nbsp; If you find a FSBO youd like to see, ask your agent to show it to you.&nbsp; Your agent will contact the property owner and negotiate commission and paperwork, such as &ldquo;permission to show&rdquo; or &ldquo;one-time show&rdquo; agreements.&nbsp; If the seller is unwilling to pay commission, you may decide you dont want to see the home, or you can choose to pay the buyers agents commission.&nbsp; You then get the same service from your agent as if he or she was showing you a typical home for sale. 

To get the home of your dreams at the best price and terms, hire a buyers agent to represent your interests.&nbsp; Knowing you have an expert on your side makes any real estate experience more pleasant and profitable.

Looking for a professional buyers agent?&nbsp; Id be honored if youd give me an opportunity to interview for the job.&nbsp; Call me today at 831-662-6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com to schedule an interview.

For more information, please visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com.

Links:

Buyers agent

Sellers agent

FSBO
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            <pubDate>Sat, 26 Mar 2011 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/a-big-kitchen-may-get-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale-off-the-market.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/a-big-kitchen-may-get-your-santa-cruz-home-for-sale-off-the-market.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>A Big Kitchen May Get Your Santa Cruz Home for Sale off the Market</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
If your Santa Cruz home for sale has a big kitchen and you havent marketed this feature, you may be in luck, thanks to a recently noted trend.

With the staggering economy, the national unemployment rate is still sitting above 9%. Many young adults just out of college are having trouble find jobs. In fact, the age group hardest hit seems to be between 16 and 24. As well, there are a number of people without homes due to foreclosure. How are Americans weathering the economic fallout? Many are doing so by consolidating multiple generations into one home.

2 Things That May Change How You Market Your Santa Cruz Home for SaleA Pew Research Center study on living conditions and an Associated Press - iVillage poll on dinner habits may change how you market your home. 

The Pew study, based on information gained from the Census, shows that over 16% of U.S. households had multiple generations living together by 2008. Although the results of 2009 and 2010 arent in yet, you can assume with reasonable surety that this trend continues to rise.

The iVillage poll shows that over 60% of families  no matter how big or small  still eat together. Granted, dinner may be full of texting, phone calls and TV, but its also full of home cooked meals most of the time. What does this mean for you and your home?

A larger family in one household, eating home cooked meals together, equals the need for a bigger kitchen. According to several surveys through the years, dinnertime is one tradition thats held on  despite both parents working. Also, keep in mind that the cost of eating out may have many more people eating at home.

Lastly, buying bulk food, which also needs bigger kitchens, is fast becoming another trend. According to the Bulk is Green Council, bulk buying is one of the biggest money-saving trends for this year. 

The next potential buyer may just be looking for a big kitchen. If you have one, it may be the number one benefit of your home. Dont sell it short. Make sure the large kitchen and/or dining area is highlighted in the marketing material for your Santa Cruz home for sale. With the above-mentioned trends, big kitchens are  well, big!

If youre looking for a home with enough room to make and sit down to a home-cooked meal, I can help. Call me today at&nbsp;831.662.6522 or email me at&nbsp;Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com or visit my website at www.MySantaCruzRealEstate.com for more information.

Links:

Pew Research Center study

Bulk is Green Council 

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            <pubDate>Fri, 10 Sep 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-homes-home-equity-is-on-the-rise.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/santa-cruz-homes-home-equity-is-on-the-rise.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Santa Cruz Homes – Home Equity Is On the Rise!</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
The news is everywhere  and its good! Those who own or want to own Santa Cruz homes can take a deep breath.&nbsp; Home equity is on the rise, according to a recent study by Zillow.com, an online real estate valuation researcher.&nbsp; And, Federal Reserve economists agree. Although home equity isnt what it was three years ago, its on the rise.

The Feds most recent &ldquo;flow of funds&rdquo; survey indicates that the net equity of national homeowners grew by almost $1 trillion over the first three quarters of 2009, and rose further by $418 billion between June and September of last year. Compared to before the bubble popped, thats really not that impressive. However, after three straight years of steadily dropping equities, it could signify the long awaited end of the housing crash.

In the housing markets of several cities, negative home equity is dropping; Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami and Seattle are just a few examples. Good news for those with Santa Cruz homes, but even better news for some of the hardest hit cities, such as Phoenix, AZ, and Fort Myers, FL.

This is the best news yet for those trying to sell their homes, especially with most residential real estate markets' busiest season coming up. Rising home equity means the high possibility of more interested buyers. As well, a few things have been happening over the past couple of months that just might be the beginning of a run on housing sales:

&bull;&nbsp;Median home prices are rising slowly but surely; potential homebuyers are getting a little more serious. Rather than wait for a cheaper house, theyre starting to realize that it might not get any cheaper.

&bull;&nbsp;The housing supply is shrinking. At the peak, we had 11 months worth of back supply. By the end of 2009, we were down to 7.2. 

&bull;&nbsp;30 year fixed mortgages dropped to the lowest point of 4.95% (median), and are now slowly on the rise. Buyers waiting for lower mortgage rates  just like those waiting for lower housing prices  are getting serious about buying now.

Last and most importantly, consumer confidence is growing  something we badly need to get the economy on track.

Whats the moral of the story? If your house is one of the Santa Cruz homes up for sale and youve been sick with worry that it might not get taken off the block, take a deep breath. Things are getting better and, if you hang in there, may end up better than you hoped.

If youre trying to sell your home, I can help. Call me at 831.662.6522 or email me at Lauren@LaurenSpencer.com for more information.

Links: 

Most recent flow of funds survey

residential real estate markets

30 year fixed mortgages

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            <pubDate>Mon, 22 Mar 2010 23:01:00 -0700</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-pay-off-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-mortgage-early.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/how-to-pay-off-your-santa-cruz-real-estate-mortgage-early.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>How to Pay Off Your Santa Cruz Real Estate Mortgage Early</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Few things sound better than paying off a thirty-year Santa Cruz real estate mortgage early.&nbsp; Not only will you be free of mortgage payments, you could also save thousands of dollars in interest payments over the life of the loan.&nbsp; Here are four ideas to help you pay off your mortgage early:

1.&nbsp;Apply any windfall monies you receive to your mortgage balance.&nbsp; Be sure to indicate that this is an extra payment and should be applied exclusively to your principle.&nbsp; 

2.&nbsp;Make bi-weekly mortgage payments.&nbsp; Making exactly one-half payment every two weeks will add up to a total of twenty-six half payments per year.&nbsp; Or, thirteen whole payments each year instead of twelve.&nbsp; Thats the secret to paying off a Santa Cruz real estate mortgage early with bi-weekly payments.&nbsp; The interest rate itself isn't reduced, but the amount of money you pay in interest on the principal is.&nbsp; 

3.&nbsp;Overpay a fixed amount every month.&nbsp; By sending in an extra fixed amount as an additional principal payment every month, you'll reduce the length of time it takes you to pay off your mortgage. By sending in a fixed amount every month, you can easily automate this process.

4.&nbsp;Use a pre-payment calculator to figure out other ways to pay your mortgage off early.&nbsp; The free pre-payment calculators available on the internet can also help you determine how quickly you can become mortgage free.

Before implementing any of these methods to pay off your Santa Cruz real estate mortgage early, contact your mortgage lender to find out if you'll be incurring any additional fees.&nbsp; It's also a good idea to ask your mortgage lender if there are any specific instructions you need to follow to be sure your payments are processed correctly.

Thinking about buying a home that you can pay off quickly?&nbsp; Call me now at 831.662.6522 or email me at lauren@laurenspencer.com for more information.

&nbsp;

LINKS:&nbsp; 

Bi-weekly mortgage payments&nbsp;

Overpay a fixed amount&nbsp;

pre-payment calculator
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            <pubDate>Wed, 27 Jan 2010 08:17:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/benefits-of-exterior-lighting-for-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/benefits-of-exterior-lighting-for-santa-cruz-real-estate.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>Benefits of Exterior Lighting for Santa Cruz Real Estate</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
As many Santa Cruz real estate agents will tell you, curb appeal shouldnt end when the sun goes down. Exterior lighting can be both utilitarian and create a welcoming atmosphere even at night. The huge variety in lighting types will also lend uniqueness to your property and make it stand out to potential buyers.

Benefits of Popular Lighting Types

&bull;&nbsp;Reduces crime:&nbsp; Motion-activated flood lights on the front and back porch are essential in high-crime areas and always a good idea for any area. Its been proven that criminals dont like Santa Cruz real estate with bright exterior lighting.&nbsp; The bright lights will draw attention to visitors before theyve ever reached your door.&nbsp; Additionally, you should never discount the value of being able to see clearly when arriving home in the dark.

&bull;&nbsp;Decreases trip hazards:&nbsp; Solar lamps make beautiful walkway lighting. Theyre generally not bright enough to be obtrusive or attract many nocturnal insects, but they will show the exact location of a walkway and reveal any trip hazards on the way. Solar lamps also provide an additional selling point on which Santa Cruz real estate agents can capitalize.

&bull;&nbsp;Improves safety:&nbsp; Good garage lighting can help you find your way to and from your vehicle. More importantly, the garage is a potentially hazardous area. Good lighting ensures that anyone walking through or working in the area will have a clear view of their surroundings and the task they may be performing.

&bull;&nbsp;Relocates bugs:&nbsp; In rural areas, a high outside light (similar to a street light) not only lights large areas enough to recognize any hazards, they can also draw nocturnal insects away from lights emanating from the home. Moths and other insects often plague rural residents as they like to fly into houses from any open door or window.

Want me tips like this?&nbsp; Subscribe to this blog to receive free homeowner tips in your email inbox once or twice a week.

&nbsp;

Curb appeal 

Walkway lighting 

Nocturnal insects
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            <pubDate>Sun, 03 Jan 2010 11:01:00 -0800</pubDate>
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            <guid>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/california-housing-affordability-inches-downward.html</guid>
            <link>http://www.mysantacruzrealestate.com/blog/california-housing-affordability-inches-downward.html</link>
            <author>lauren@laurenspencer.com (Lauren Spencer)</author>
            <title>California Housing Affordability Inches Downward</title>
            <description> <![CDATA[ 
Housing affordability inched downward throughout the state during the second quarter of 2009 as a result of incremental price increases and increased demand sparked by the state new-homebuyer tax credit, the California Building Industry Association said today.

The quarterly National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index found that homes were less affordable in 16 of the states 28 metro areas included in the report.

On a statewide basis, the HOI found that a median-income family could have afforded 62.7% of the new and existing homes that were sold during the second quarter, down from 64.4% in the first quarter.

Robert Rivinius, CBIAs President and CEO, said the decrease in affordability could signal the bottom of the market and that prices are likely to go up as existing home inventories drop and builders sell more homes, leaving fewer homes on the market and leading to increased competition among buyers.

&ldquo;If youre a buyer and youre sitting on the fence, now is the time to buy,&rdquo; Rivinius said. &ldquo;While its not a huge decrease in affordability, it could signal that the bottom of the market is here and we could be facing an imbalance in supply and demand as housing production hasnt kept up with population growth, and were already seeing news reports of increased competition among buyers.&rdquo;

Rivinius added that more homes need to be produced to help keep housing more affordable in California.

&ldquo;Its estimated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development that California needs to be building around 230,000 units per year to keep up with population growth, but California homebuilders couldnt even put up a third of that number in 2008, and were expecting even less production in 2009,&rdquo; said Rivinius. &ldquo;We need lawmakers to ease regulations and make building more feasible in order to keep up with population growth and meet the demand to help sustain these affordability levels.&rdquo;

Rivinius said that policy makers must defer or lower development impact fees so that builders will be able to get projects off the ground more quickly and affordably in hopes of avoiding a housing shortage once the market corrects itself.

San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties once again took the lead as Californias least-affordable metro area, and second in the nation, with just 26.9% of the homes sold affordable to a median income family, down from 32.1% in the first quarter. San Luis Obispo County came in third (31.8%), followed by the Ocean City metro area in New Jersey (32.6%) and Honolulu, Hawaii (41.8%). The New York City metro area continued to hold the title of the nations least affordable market for the fifth quarter in a row (21.2%). 

&nbsp;
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            <pubDate>Tue, 22 Sep 2009 08:27:00 -0700</pubDate>
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