BARGAINS!

Where are the bargains found? This from MSN Real Estate:

"For undervalued, affordable housing with a good outlook for home-price and job-market growth, there's one region of the country that stands out: the South. Metro areas such as Austin, Texas; Baton Rouge, La.; Durham, N.C.; and Houston are all expected to see home prices increase more than 5% over the next two years -- a big figure in a country where home prices are expected to trend downward overall.

"If you exclude Florida, the one area of the country that has a good outlook with respect to affordable housing and job growth is really the South," says Stiff. "There are other places in the country that have one of those things, but not both." The Midwest, for instance, has affordable housing but increasing unemployment, while the West has job growth but very expensive housing."

Notice that two of the major metropolitan areas listed are in Texas! East Texas is a coming hot spot for living and investment. Your money will buy more here, and it will probably grow more here. Tyler Texas real estate, http://www.johncmartin.com/, will gladly serve you here when you're ready.

FORECLOSURES

As of today at noon, there are only twenty three foreclosures in all of Smith County (which includes Tyler, Texas) Most of those are divorce situations, and coming in second would be job losses. Although we have an abundance of properties for sale, pricing is holding fairly steady.

Right at the moment we don't have enough "specialty properties" to meet the demand. Some potential buyers are looking for properties with strict criteria in mind; and we can't fill those orders, because nearly every property coming on the market is similar to a whole bunch of others.

It is a bit strange out there folks.........! But Tyler Texas Real Estate seems to be holding up pretty good under the national circumstances. Go to http://www.johncmartin.com/.

REAL ESTATE TERMS

Buying a home is a major achievement in most everyone's life. Pride of ownership, tax breaks, equity and freedom to engage the society are just a few of the many benefits you'll enjoy with your home. Your home purchase may also be one of the largest investments you will ever make. During the emotional excitement of buying a home, you may encounter terms with which you are unfamiliar. For some it can be bit embarrassing to ask (what they consider) too many questions. Others may make a note of their questions but simply forget to revisit those points. To ensure that you have confidence during the whole process, email http://www.johncmartin.com/ at john@johncmartin.com. Ask your questions by email, and it isn't so embarrassing! Knowledge is power and the more you know the more successful will be your decisions, and the more soundly will you sleep at night having made them. Tyler Texas real estate is ready to serve you.

BIOSCIENCE

This recently from the Tyler Economic Development Council:

"Biotechnology is an emerging field worldwide and Tyler will be at the forefront of it. Boasting several of Texas’ leading universities and hospitals, the scene has already been set for this industry. Add distinguished faculty and doctors from the prestigious UT Tyler system and it’s easy to see that Tyler is ripe for a biotechnology boom, not only in Texas, but throughout the world.

Already at the forefront of innovative technologies, Tyler will soon begin a new chapter in its breakthrough scientific chronicle: biotechnology. Construction is set to begin shortly on a multimillion dollar Biomedical Research Park. Tenants would include those from academia, medicine, pharmaceuticals, bioengineering corporations, and more as the Park will serve as a hub for leading research in the fields of biological technologies and sciences, allergy and asthma respiratory health, fetal and neo-natal preventative and emergency care, and much more."

Technology is hopping in Tyler, Texas. And http://www.johncmartin.com/ is here to help you. Tyler Texas real estate is still very strong.

FED FUNDS RATE

Don't count on getting a lower interest rate. First, read the fine print in whatever contract you're signing. The only interest rate that will automatically drop is the federal funds rate, which is what banks charge each other on overnight loans. This rate decrease can, and may, have an effect on the interest rate one might secure for a new loan (sooner or later). But the intent of the fed is to make it easier on those purchasers who secured an adjustable rate mortgage in the last three years or so.

A perfect borrower can, right now, secure for himself and his family a 6.25% interest rate if he negotiates. Call or email John at Tyler Texas Real Estate. http://www.johncmartin.com/. We're here for you.

REAL ESTATE AGENTS

A real estate agent is qualified to provide valuable information and assistance, but he is not necessarily an expert in every aspect of real estate. Agents are not permitted to give legal advice. (You should carefully read all documents that you are asked to sign. If you do not understand the effect of any part of a document, or if you desire legal or tax advice, consult an attorney or tax advisor.) Likewise a real estate agent does not hold himself as an expert regarding the condition or boundaries of the property. If the condition of the property is an issue, then hire an inspector. If the boundaries of the property are in question, then hire a surveyor.

At Tyler Texas Real Estate, http://www.johncmartin.com/, we stay within the state requirements of our license. We can't be your contractor; we can't be your lawyer; we can't be your home inspector, and we can't come and fix your leaky faucet. But we do have all the information for you about who to call!

HERD MENTALITY

Well, it looks as if the media has a lot of people spooked with regard to real estate. We here at Tyler Texas Real Estate have about fifteen customers in cities and states that can't sell their properties; so they can't move to Tyler! But you see, the problem isn't real estate; the problem is a few overzealous lenders! And when the big lenders begin to subvert sound business policies, things get kind of sticky.

The buyers of those loans originated by the big lenders are, for the most part, hedge funds and foreign investors. So our markets should be able to quickly absorb the losses sustained by those buyers. But with all the media attention, folks get a little "antsy", and they sit back and wait to see what happens. Fact is, real estate is still very strong.....especially in places like East Texas and Tyler Texas. The ripple effect from other states has affected us, of course; and there are more properties on the market here than there normally are. Owners are just going to have to wait a little longer for the hype to die down, and for the "herd mentality" to get tired.

HIGHER PRICED MARKETS

Hedge funds and foreign investors are the ones getting hurt due to foreclosures. Most lenders are okay, except for those who have heavy presences in higher priced markets such as California, New York and Florida. As the quote below explains, there is movement toward allowing securitized loans to get beyond the $417,000 limit now in place for markets in which the average home is above that number.

(MLive.com, Sept. 10th): "A proposal pending in a U.S. Senate committee that would raise government home-loan limits in California and other high-priced markets could provide a life raft for thousands of East Bay borrowers caught between softening home prices and skyrocketing adjustable-rate mortgages, mortgage brokers say. The House-passed bill, HR 1427, would allow mortgage repurchasers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to securitize and sell loans of up to $625,000, or 150% of the conforming loan limit of $417,000, in areas where the median home price exceeds the conforming limit... DataQuick Information Systems: California's median home price was $478,000 in July."

Most markets, such as Tyler Texas real estate, are absolutely fine.

MAKE AN ENTRANCE!

You know the saying: You never have a second chance to make a first impression. "The outside of your home is the first thing guests see," point out many home stagers. And like it or not, it speaks volumes about what’s inside–and about its owner. A quart of glossy paint in a bold, cheerful color for the front door, new hardware (or a little elbow grease applied to clean and polish the existing knocker, lockset, porch light, house numbers, and mailbox), a fresh coir or seagrass mat, and a trio of seasonal potted plants on the landing will dramatically brighten and refresh your home’s entry and make visitors feel welcome. Bonus: This small investment pays personal dividends, too, giving you an emotional boost and a dose of house-pride with each homecoming. Real estate in Tyler Tx is loaded with flowers of innumerable varieties. Put some on your steps and landing!!!

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

TYLER TEXAS REAL ESTATE is very strong, and it has been for a number of years; and it's still much, much less expensive to buy here than in many other places. HOMES IN TYLER TEXAS are comparatively inexpensive. But it's very important that you have a dedicated and aggressive realtor who searches for your Tyler Texas real estate or East Texas real estate with YOUR criteria in mind. That's my specialty. If what you want is here, I'll find it for you, and I'll help you acquire it. And if that makes YOU happy, it will also make ME happy.