Posts Tagged ‘illinois real estate’
Wednesday, December 28th, 2011
A national survey commissioned by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate has found that baby boomers are part of a growing trend in which they are helping their children or grandchildren become home buyers. According to the survey, one in five baby boomers have already gifted, loaned or co-signed a loan to support their children or grandchildren in purchasing a home, and more than two-thirds of baby boomers want to provide this type of support in the future.
“With historically low interest rates and competitive listing prices, now is a great time to invest in real estate for those in a position to do so. However, in today’s economy saving money for a down payment can be a struggle for young adults. Baby boomers are a unique generation that has driven the economy for the past 30 years. Our data shows that they are using what they’ve earned and what they’ve learned to invest in the future and help their children and grandchildren realize the American Dream of Homeownership”, notes Sherry Chris, CEO of Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate, LLC.
Aside from the good investment rationale, baby boomer respondents cited that the willingness to provide financial support to their children and/or grandchildren was out of love. By providing financial support to assist in the home buying process, respondents stated that they could ensure their children and/or grandchildren would benefit from their estate and fulfill a large part of achieving the American dream.
Key findings from the baby boomer survey include:
- One in five baby boomers have already gifted, loaned or co-signed a loan to their children or grandchildren for a down payment on a home.
- Looking ahead, one in 10 baby boomers say they will “defiantly” provide their children or grandchildren with financial support for a down payment on a home, and at last half hope to do so.
- In total, more than two-thirds (68%) of all baby boomers said they want to provide future financial support for their children or grandchildren to purchase a home.
- Those who have already provided past support are also most confident that they will do so again.
- Highest interest in providing support is reported among younger (age 45-54), more affluent (household income of $75,000+) baby boomers who have at least one adult child (age 18-34).
- Baby boomers are driven to provide financial support primarily by their belief in the overall investment value for them and/or their children or grandchildren, and the role homeownership plays in fulfilling the American dream.
- Older (age 55+) and more affluent ($100,000+ household income) baby boomers are more likely than their younger or less affluent counterparts to have previously provided financial support.
- Across prior support and future interest, baby boomers show more interest in “gifting” or loaning money; they are least interested in co-signing loans.
Again, the importance of homeownership goes much further than the economy; it is still all about establishing and maintaining that American dream.
To read further on this topic please visit the Better Homes and Gardens® real estate blog and for the most current information on the housing market, keep checking RuhlHomes.com.
Some information and stats provided by Better Homes and Gardens®.
Tags: agents, baby boom helping in real estate, baby boomers, baby boomers real estate', buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, first time buyers, home, home buyer programs, housing market, illinois real estate, iowa real estate, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, Real Estate, Real Estate News, Real Estate Sales Volume, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes, sales volume
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Friday, December 16th, 2011
One thing many real estate agents have learned is the importance of having a team of professionals to facilitate a smooth transaction. Having a lending expert on the team, can make available the following services to you…all for FREE:
- They stand ready to screen all potential buyers. Today’s lending landscape is a rapidly changing environment. Programs and requirements are changing regularly. A good loan officer should have a reputation for being on top of current guidelines and finding the best solutions for prospective clients. You need to know that when you accept an offer, the buyer can actually close.
- Financing is an important component to getting a home sold. Whether it’s marketing flyers, carrying costs, unique mortgage strategies (such as buy-downs and Sales Concessions) or even loan programs to differentiate your home (ex. loans that can incorporate monies for the purchase and renovation of a home), the best loan officers take pride in their ability to help increase the number of people for whom your home could be a fit. More prospects equals higher sales prices.
- In so far as a professional loan officer is seen as an educator, they would want to offer you the chance to tune into some of their online seminars (called webinars) and videos. As an example, some lenders have webinars with topics ranging from “How Lenders Look At A Mortgage Application” to “Renovation Lending” to “Getting Your Optimal Credit Score”, as well as videos that can fully explain your Good Faith Estimate. They are constantly striving to be a resource for everyone they come in contact with.
- Lastly, your loan officer knows that most home sellers become home buyers. Not only will they run your credit and analyze your income and assets, but they will also pre-approve you for your next mortgage, typically free of charge.
Did you know that Ruhl&Ruhl is partnered with 1862 Mortgage to make the buying and selling process of your home as seemless as possible. There are many other advantages of choosing a Ruhl&Ruhl agent. Check them out on RuhlHomes.com.
Provided by: KCM Blog
Tags: 1862, 1862 Mortgage, agents, applying for a mortgage, broker-lender, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, first time buyers, home, home buyer programs, home lender, housing market, illinois real estate, iowa real estate, mortgage application, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, Real Estate, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes, selling, selling your home
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Wednesday, December 14th, 2011
Anyone in the real estate industry for any length of time realizes that the education required and the resources necessary to be a true industry professional have dramatically increased over the last two decades. In today’s volatile market, it is necessary to have a true real estate professional if you want to sell your home for the best possible price in the shortest amount of time – and make sure the deal gets to the closing table!
The National Association of Realtors (NAR) explained in a recent Existing Sales Report that 18% of all contracts were cancelled in the previous month. This compares to 16% the prior month and 9% in August of 2010.
The good news is homeowners have realized that attempting to sell their home on their own is an arduous process best left to an industry expert. According to NAR’s 2011 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, the percentage of sellers selling on their own, known as For Sale By Owners (FSBOs), has dropped almost in half over the last 20 years:
Bottom Line
If you are selling a home in today’s confusing real estate market, it is best to take on the services of a local real estate expert. He/she will guide you through each step of the transaction thereby increasing the likelihood that there will be fewer inconveniences for you and your family.
Keep checking RuhlHomes.com for the most up to date information on the real estate market.
Provided by: KCM Blog
Tags: agents, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, first time buyers, home, home buyer programs, home search, housing market, illinois real estate, iowa real estate, New Construction Home Sales, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, Real Estate, Real Estate Sales Volume, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes, selling, selling your home
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Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
Home prices in our markets continue to be resilient when compared to the rest of the country, ranking in the top 16% in the nation.
Nationally home prices have fallen 18.56% in the last five years, but all of our markets’ home prices are up: 8.06% in Dubuque; 5.23% in the Quad Cities; 2.39% in Cedar Rapids; and 2.27% in Iowa City. This compares to other cities: Chicago, IL down 21.93%; Fresno, CA down 47.22% and the Daytona Beach, FL area down 48.67%
According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, of the 306 MSA’s (Metropolitan Statistical Areas) ranked by home price appreciation, all of our markets in eastern Iowa ranked in the top 16% in the nation – Dubuque at 2nd, the Quad Cities at 12th; Iowa City at 40th; and Cedar Rapids at 50th.
Analysts report that 3rd quarter home values were relatively stable and those markets that have shown sharp declines appear to be on the upswing. Our local markets continue to provide a much more stable environment for purchasing homes and investing in real estate.
A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS annually sells nearly 3,800 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin and is the largest privately-owned real estate company in Iowa. Caroline Ruhl is the President and owner of Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, and is the fourth generation of the Ruhl family to lead the residential brokerage and home services company. Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, the company has 280 sales associates and 50 employees based in sales offices located in Bettendorf, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Coralville, Davenport, DeWitt, Dubuque, Maquoketa, and Muscatine, in Iowa, and in Moline, Illinois. In addition to residential sales, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS offers services in relocation, new home sales, farm and land sales, senior services, real estate investment, mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage and insurance services through the Nelson Brothers Agency. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, visit their website at www.RuhlHomes.com.
Tags: agents, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, home, home prices, home search, housing market, illinois real estate, Illinois Real Estate Market, iowa real estate, Iowa Real Estate Market, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, Quad Cities Real Estate Market, Real Estate, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes, sales volume
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Tuesday, November 22nd, 2011
Like most questions, the answer is “it depends”. Today, I thought I’d give you some things to consider.
Let’s begin the discussion with loans that don’t require Mortgage Insurance. The suggestion is to borrow as much as you can afford. As an example, borrowing $310,000, as opposed to $300,000, will increase your mortgage payment by about $51 at 4.5%. Recognize that by doing so, you will have $10,000 in the bank. It is my experience that it is easier to find $50 more every month than it is to save $10,000. Even if you had the discipline to set aside the $50 monthly, it would take you 200 months to re-accumulate the $10,000 in principal (longer with lost interest).
Understand too, that the interest paid on the extra money borrowed is tax-deductible. In a 25% tax bracket the $51 additional has a real cost of about $38!
Having the $10,000 liquid has other potential advantages as well:
- If rates go up in the future, you could potentially make more interest than you are spending.
- If you can avoid using credit cards for furniture, home improvements, etc., you can save a bundle on those non-tax deductible interest rate costs.
- In a world where home values have declined, the more you borrow, the less you have at risk. You transfer the risk of the future value of the home to the lender.
Now, many borrowers today will need some sort of Mortgage Insurance, whether it’s a Conventional Loan with less than 20% down or an FHA Mortgage. These borrowers should sit with their loan officer and run the numbers because the cost of the Mortgage Insurance can vary based on loan-to-value and other factors. Examine the costs and the relative benefits.
To speak to a loan officer with 1862 Mortgage call toll free at 866-441-1776. They can help you with all your questions and are able to give you estimate numbers based on your situation. They are also able to help with the pre approval process.
For more information on the housing market please visit RuhlHomes.com.
Provided by: KCM Blog
Tags: Building, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, first time buyers, home, home buyer programs, illinois real estate, iowa real estate, Quad Cities Real Estate, Real Estate, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes
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Thursday, November 10th, 2011
Last week, Fannie Mae released their National Housing Survey for the third quarter of 2011. They survey the American public on a multitude of questions concerning today’s housing market. Each quarter, we like to pull out some of the findings we deem most interesting. Here they are for the most recent report:
Most Important Reasons to Buy a Home
The study shows that the four major reasons a person buys a home have nothing to do with money. The top four reasons, in order, are:
- It means having a good place to raise children and provide them with a good education
- You have a physical structure where you and your family feel safe
- It allows you to have more space for your family
- It gives you control of what you do with your living space (renovations and updates)
When we talk about homeownership today, it seems that the financial aspects always jump to the front of the discussion. There is no doubt that families must justify a home purchase from a financial point of view today. However, the reasons they actually buy are the same reasons our parents and grandparents purchased their home – to create a better lifestyle for their families.
The Home as an Investment
Though most people purchase a home for non-financial reasons, everyone realizes there is a money component to homeownership. Here is what they said on this issue:
- 64% of the general population (and 69% of homeowners) believe that homeownership is a ‘safe’ investment.
- 55% believe that homeownership has more potential as an investment than any other traditional asset class.
- 68% think that now is a good time to buy a home
Rent vs. Buy
We are always interested in the difference people see in renting vs. owning.
- 63% of renters have aspirations to someday own their own home
- 70% of renters think that owning is superior to renting
- 96% of homeowners see homeownership as a positive experience (4% see it as a negative experience) while 83% of renters see renting as a positive experience (15% see it as a negative experience)
- 97% of homeowners live in a single family residence while 53% of renters live in a multi-unit building
Bottom Line
Even in these difficult times, Americans still realize the value of homeownership both from a financial and social standpoint.
Keep checking RuhlHomes.com for more important information on the housing market.
Provided by: KCM Blog
Tags: agents, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, first time buyers, home, home buyer programs, home search, illinois real estate, iowa real estate, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, Quad Cities Real Estate Market, Real Estate, Real Estate News, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes, sales volume, selling your home
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Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
Words can not the answer to the question above. Only a very strong photo that was provided to us by MSN money. . .
Tags: agents, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, first time buyers, home, home buyer programs, housing market, illinois real estate, Illinois Real Estate Market, iowa real estate, Iowa Real Estate Market, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, Real Estate, Real Estate News, Real Estate Sales Volume, realtors, regional markets, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Market Share, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes
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Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
There is a popular saying that exists and while the latter half of the saying varies depending on time, date and season, it always begins with “It’s hard to imagine …”
For instance, you could be driving along, staring at the snow-covered landscape and someone will chirp up and say, “It’s hard to imagine that in six months time these trees will be covered in leaves.” Being inspired by a client tutorial many first time home buyers will say “It’s hard to imagine that just a little over a month ago I was starting the process of buying my first home”.
Ruhl&Ruhl has taken the topic of buying a home for the first time and broken it down into top 10 tips that we think will be the most beneficial for all who take on this adventure.
- Talk with a Realtor®. They know the ins and outs of real estate and can give you all of the facts to help make the best decision for yourself.
- Keep an open mind. As a first-time homebuyer, it’s important to understand that you won’t be living in the same home forever. It’s your first home so you will have to compromise.
- Check your credit score. Imagine navigating a new area without a map. Well, that would be like searching for homes without knowing what home you can afford. Your credit score gives you an indication of your price point so be sure to get this in order before you start.
- Do the white glove test. Buying a home is one of the biggest purchase decisions you will ever make so inspect the property thoroughly, white gloves and all.
- Location affects price. The closer you get to a popular area, the more you’ll spend. In a less trendy location, you’ll find a larger house for the same money. This falls under compromising.
- Check out the area. You should visit the area at several times during the day: in the morning afternoon and evening. This may help you determine what the area is like as far as traffic during the work commute and for safety at night.
- Get pre-qualified. This way, going into the home search process you will be prepared for exactly what you can afford.
- Better safe than sorry. If you aren’t the Bob Vila type, look into getting a home warranty. A home warranty can help cover major repairs like a leaky roof, a heating or air conditioning system, appliance breakdowns and electrical problems, just to name a few. As a new homeowner, you don’t need surprise expenses.
- Insurance isn’t one-size-fits-all. If you want coverage that is personalized to suit your needs and budget, go with an independent insurance agent, who works with many carriers and can offer more options.
- Offer is more than price. An offer is much more than a price you put forth to a seller. It involves warranties and fees and due diligence and everything in between.
When the adventure is done and you are finally settled into your new home, something that you purchased and worked so hard to achieve, Ruhl&Ruhl hopes that for every client they sit back and think, “It’s hard to imagine not being a homeowner”.
For all real estate, mortgage or insurance needs please visit RuhlHomes.com.
Tags: agents, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, home, home buyer programs, illinois real estate, iowa real estate, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes
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Friday, October 21st, 2011
Homes in our areas are now eligible for a greater amount of assistance towards making a down payment. Homebuyers, who use the Iowa Finance Authority’s FirstHome and FirstHome Plus program to purchase a home through the end of the year, may qualify for up to $3,500 in down payment assistance. This is an increase of $1,000 above the normal amount of $2,500.
“One of the biggest barriers facing Iowa homebuyers is coming up with the cash for the down payment,” said Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds in a press release. “The Iowa Finance Authority has recognized that need and has implemented this $1,000 bonus for a limited time to help home buyers realize their dream of homeownership.”
The FirstHome Plus Program provides targeted assistance in certain neighborhoods in the communities we serve, such as Davenport, Dubuque and Iowa City. The homebuyer may be a first-time or repeat homebuyer and must meet federal income limits by county. In addition the home purchase price must fall below $289,000.
In all other parts of the state, eligible home buyers must meet the federal income limits for the county, the purchase price of the home may be no more than $247,000 and the buyer must be a first-time home buyer or a Veteran within 25 years of active duty and have not used a mortgage revenue bond program to purchase a home in the past to be eligible.
For more information and to see if you qualify, visit www.IowaFinanceAuthority.gov.
Today, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, the residential company, annually sells nearly 3,800 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin and is the largest privately-owned real estate company in Iowa. Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, the company has 275 sales associates and 50 employees based in sales offices located in Bettendorf, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Coralville, Davenport, DeWitt, Dubuque, Maquoketa, and Muscatine, in Iowa, and in Moline, Illinois. In addition to residential sales, Ruhl&Ruhl offers services in relocation, new home sales, farm and land sales, senior services, real estate investment, mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage and insurance services through the Nelson Ruhl Agency. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl, visit their website at www.RuhlHomes.com.
Tags: agents, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, first time buyers, home, home buyer programs, home search, illinois real estate, iowa real estate, quad cities, Quad Cities Real Estate, Quad Cities Real Estate Market, Real Estate, realtors, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes
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Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
Please join us for the upcoming Fall Preview Parade of Homes event. The parade will be held September 17th, 18th, 21st, 24th & 25th from 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday –Friday. As always, the parade of homes is free to the public.
Many of the top builders in the Quad Cities participate in this event as it showcases new building trends in new construction homes. There are twenty four homes to tour with half of them being held open by Ruhl&Ruhl agents. Please see the homes Ruhl&Ruhl agents are showing below:
- #23 Country Club Ct., LeClaire, built by Tim Dolan Development and being held open by Kim Solveson.
- 3317 Westminster, Bettendorf, built by Kerkhoff Homes and being held open by the ValleyWynds Team – Stephanie Graham, Nancy McElhiney and Kurt Johnson.
- 3390 Crow Lake Drive, Bettendorf, built by Kerkhoff Homes and being held open by the ValleyWynds Team – Stephanie Graham, Nancy McElhiney and Kurt Johnson.
- 3378 Crow Lake Drive, Bettendorf, built by Heartland Builders (Carey Nowack) and being held open by the ValleyWynds Team –Stephanie Graham, Nancy McElhiney and Kurt Johnson.
- 3454 Crowne Point Circle, Bettendorf, built by Heartland Builders (Carey Nowack) and being held open by Marna Nowack.
- 2130 E. 60th Street, Davenport, built by Applestone Homes and being held open by JJ Condon.
- 6664 Eagle Ridge Rd., Bettendorf, built by Terry Knutsen, Builder and being held open by the Highland Green Team – Marna Nowack, Matt Schwind, Sharon Tahere and Kim Solveson.
- 6136 Cardinal Road, Bettendorf, built by Bob Walter Homes and being held open by the ValleyWynds Team – Stephanie Graham, Nancy McElhiney and Kurt Johnson.
- 1731 Stone Gate, Davenport, built by Dan Dolan Homes and being held open by Don Gibeault.
- 6533 Blackberry Lane, Bettendorf, built by Windmiller Design & Development and being held open by Melissa Wegener and Pete Stopulos.
- 6612 Dorothys Drive, Bettendorf, built by Beaver Builders and being held open by Connie Coster and Peg Hopkins.
- 790 Muirfield Circle, Eldridge, built by Meadow Builders and being held open by Regen Johnson.
This is a great event and Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS looks forward to participating it in every year. This year there is over $1,000 in prizes that the public is able to enter to win at each home on the tour. For a full list and map of the homes being held open please check out www.qchba.com.
A family-owned company since 1862, Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS annually sells nearly 3,800 homes in eastern Iowa, western Illinois and southwestern Wisconsin and is the largest privately-owned real estate company in Iowa. Caroline Ruhl is the President and owner of Ruhl&Ruhl REALTORS, and is the fourth generation of the Ruhl family to lead the residential brokerage and home services company. Headquartered in Davenport, Iowa, the company has 280 sales associates and 50 employees based in sales offices located in Bettendorf, Burlington, Cedar Rapids, Clinton, Coralville, Davenport, DeWitt, Dubuque, Maquoketa, and Muscatine, in Iowa, and in Moline, Illinois. In addition to residential sales, Ruhl&Ruhl offers services in relocation, new home sales, farm and land sales, senior services, real estate investment, mortgage services through 1862 Mortgage and insurance services through the Nelson Ruhl Agency. For more information on Ruhl&Ruhl, visit their website at www.RuhlHomes.com.
Tags: 2010 new construction, 2011 new construction, 2011 parade of homes, Building, buying, Buying a Home, caroline ruhl, fall parade of homes, home search, housing market, illinois real estate, iowa real estate, new construction, new construction fall preview, New Construction Home Sales, new construction parade of homes, quad cities, quad cities home builders association, Quad Cities Real Estate, ruhl, Ruhl and Ruhl, ruhl&ruhl, Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors, RuhlHomes
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A national survey commissioned by Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate has found that baby boomers are part of a growing trend in which they are helping their children or grandchildren become home buyers. According to the survey, one in five baby boomers have already gifted, loaned or co-signed a loan to support their children or grandchildren in purchasing a home, and more than two-thirds of baby boomers want to provide this type of support in the future.
