John's Tyler Texas Real Estate Blog

2012

2012-01-02T16:13:00.000-08:00

Happy new year everyone! Lord willing, it looks like it's going to be a GREAT year!

www.johncmartin.com
john@johncmartin.com

Merry Christmas

2011-12-20T13:55:00.000-08:00

Here at the end of the year, I just wanted to say "Merry Christmas" to you all. And a happy new year. We can all anticipate a better year in 2012.

John C. Martin
www.johncmartin.com
john@johncmartin.com
903.530.3380

TYLER TEXAS REAL ESTATE

2011-11-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

Because of the nation's economic condition, real estate has lost value in almost every area of the country. However, values in Tyler, Texas have remained constant. Normally there would be a small percentage increase in any given year, but that's been negated for the last three years. Nevertheless, there's been no downturn. So folks aren't upside down in their mortgages.

That's not to say that there aren't foreclosures here. There are a few. But it's not because folks are upside down......it's because some just flat-out couldn't afford to own what they bought.

Everybody ought to own something here. If you have expendable cash, use it to secure real property in Tyler Texas or the surrounding East Texas area. You'll be glad you did!

NO END TIMES EVENT

2011-10-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

Since Harold Camping's newest date for the end of the world hasn't come to pass, let's proceed with some sanity. Let's figure out what to do about real estate!

The more logical (and sane) thought process to take is that our financial well-being is being threatened, and there are very few options available that are protective of wealth and safety. If the value of money is degraded, and gold can't be spent on anything, then what to do?

The value of money spent today on real estate could very well be considerably less just a few months from now. In other words, $500,000 spent on a house and some land purchased right now may not be available to be purchased with any dollars later, since the dollar is likely to be sharply degraded. This, plus the fact that real estate (a home and some land) provides safety, comfort, and a means of sustaining life and family. Under these present conditions, who could argue with that?

There's nothing else to invest in that can provide all of the above. Preparation for tough times can only be supplied by real estate.

TIME TO BUY!

2011-08-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

If ever there was a time to buy real property, it's right now. Consider the following:

1) Interest rates are at historically low levels.
2) Interest rates can't remain where they are. Inflation is coming.
3) Others are scared to part with money. So prices are low.
4) God isn't making any more property.
5) Property is life sustaining! What other investment can do that?
6) What other investment can you make that you can live in?
7) What other investment can you make that can provide food and water in emergencies?

It's time to "pony up" and make the right choices for yourself and your family.

THE GOOD REALTOR

2011-07-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

The subject is discussed ad infinitum: What constitutes a "good" realtor? Everyone who's bought a home through the realty services of a licensed realtor has an opinion. And the opinions range from "very bad" to "very good". When those buyers who rated their realtors "very good" were queried, they seems to focus on just a few issues regarding their "good" realtors. I have a page on my web site: www.johncmartin.com, which deals with this question; but the following is a quick synopsis:

1) Honesty/integrity was first and foremost. Buyers of real estate must feel comfortable that their realtor has their best interests at heart rather than his own.
2) Attention was also very high on the short-list. Buyers want a realtor that listens to them, and pays attention to them and their needs and wants, rather than talking about themselves.
3) Control of the process was also very high in the minds of buyers rating their realtors. A realtor who knows his market and can bring a purchase to the table on time - with optimum correspondence between all parties - is determined to be a "good realtor".

Call me; or email me. If you've had the above service from a realtor before, WELCOME BACK!

WHAT TODAY'S HOME BUYER IS LOOKING FOR!

2011-06-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

It's always good to see the stats from places like Realtor.com, because they compile information from all over the country regarding trends in the market. And it's quite obvious that "trends" are really important to buyers, sellers and realtors right now!

The first thing that emerged in the long-range study is that buyers are aware of the severity of the market issues, and they want a great deal. And they want incentives to go along with it. That may include things like gift cards or help with closing expenses.

Secondly, because everybody is impacted by high prices in taxes, food and fuel, they want a place that's "move-in ready". They don't have the money to do a "fixit". Even if they end up buying a foreclosure, they don't want to spend money fixing it up.

Next, buyers are looking for "open space". And they want outdoor living components such as outdoor kitchens and porches and patios.

Lastly, today's buyers are looking for some energy efficiencies such as energy saving appliances, insulation and windows.

That's all for today. Call me and let's find yours!

ACTIVITY RENEWED

2011-05-23T13:44:00.000-07:00

I don't really think things are loosening up any; it's just that there is so much pent-up demand, some have to break loose. There's lots of activity right now, and it's in every segment of the market: homes, acreage, ranches, etc. Folks have been waiting for so long for things to get better; now some of them are at the critical point, and they have to do something. And, for the immediate future (days or weeks - not months) interest rates are still very low. So get your credit ratings up now, and don't wait!

POSTINGS

2011-04-20T12:05:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I last posted........just waiting to see what was going to happen.

I don't think the republican house is going to hold up raising the debt ceiling; and I don't think they're going to stop the administration from imposing more and more rules and regulations on every aspect of the American scene. I do think that Fannie and Freddy are going to be cut loose to make it or break it. And they'll break it.

So, the country is launched into a spiraling monetary crisis that affects every homeowner and every business owner. Interest rates have to dramatically increase; taxes at every level of government have to increase; gasoline, power, water and food prices have to be raised. And the only safe haven is going to be one's home.

My informed opinion is that ownership of private property is a must! Get rid of debt; buy a home. Do it now while it's as easy as it will ever be.

ALTERNATIVE WAYS TO BUY

2011-03-22T14:31:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of reasons why folks can't get a loan to buy property. But there are several ways to buy property that don't require jumping through all the mortgage lender hoops! There's one that is especially intrigueing. And that's the self-directed IRA.

Somewhat different from the traditional IRA, the self-directed IRA allows the holder to dictate the investment options. So if a buyer wishes to buy a home and the options for getting a loan through traditional sources are very limited, he can pursue a holder of a self-directed IRA. If he knows somebody who has one, a deal can be worked out for the IRA to lend the money to buy a home or a ranch or a commercial property.

Call me if this is an interesting prospect......especially you who are self-employed and show little income on your tax forms!! www.johncmartin.com 903.530.3380

SOME TOUGH TIMES

2011-03-02T12:25:00.000-08:00

Well, it could be that there will be many who soon will wish they had bought a home or some acreage here in East Texas. This just doesn't look good to me. There may be some time left, though, to pull the trigger on a purchase here in a safe part of the country. If you have some cash that isn't working for you very well, what better place is there than right here to make an investment in something you can actually USE! You can't use gold; you can't use silver; you can't use stock certs; you can't use munis.......but you can live on your property, and you can make a living on your property, and you can grow stuff on your property. Tune it in, and see if I'm not right!

EVER PRESENT CONDITIONS

2011-02-08T13:41:00.000-08:00

Mr. Obama's stance toward business, and the nation's housing woes (begun by government interference in the market), and recent weather issues have all stunted the real estate market through this point in the new year. For us to get out of this mess, it looks as if the president will have to be removed at the polls and regulations rolled up and discarded. Government has to get out of the way in order for this to be set back upright again. This decline has been planned and imposed.

However it presents fantastic buying opportunities for those with disposable cash! Call me, or email me from the web site. www.johncmartin.com

TEXAS

2011-01-24T08:36:00.000-08:00

Texas is one of the few states in this great union of ours that has a balanced budget requirement in its constitution. And due to reduced sales tax revenues last year, we now have a budget shortfall to deal with. We can't borrow money, either; because that's not balancing the budget.

Also, due to unfunded mandates by the Obama administration, if Texas doesn't do something by this May, it may be forced to pony-up a lot more money to satisfy those federal mandates.

Our legislators are "in session" for five months every two years (that would be great for our national house and senate, wouldn't it?), and they must cut spending by sixteen billion dollars over the next two years. But on the "mandates" side, there's only one thing it can do! It must defy the federal government, using its tenth amendment, constitutional duty. What is that?

The constitution of the United States says that it is the state's duty to "nullify" any federal mandates that don't fall within the scope of the constitutional powers of the federal government. Texas is going to have to do this.

I don't know what this has to do with Tyler and East Texas real estate; but I thought it interesting. Anybody even remotely considering spending some money here, send me an email: john@johncmartin.com.

ECONOMY

2011-01-14T14:10:00.000-08:00

Well, Tyler is listed at number 7 of 178 towns and cities in the country with regard to a list of economic factors. In the opinions of those who do these things, we're right there close to the top!

Now if we could only get some buyers in here that knew what to do with their money, we'd be fine.

SO WHAT if it's tough to get a loan? If you've got good credit and a substantial down payment, we can get you a loan; and the interest rate is historically low. Sure, the best thing to do is to pay cash.......and do it now before your money isn't worth anything. But, if you have to, get a loan and buy real estate; you'll be glad you did!!!

NEW YEAR

2011-01-01T03:01:00.000-08:00

Happy new year, everybody!

John C. Martin
Tyler Texas Real Estate
www.johncmartin.com

BANKS AND CITIES

2010-12-22T08:55:00.000-08:00

MOVE OUT! Get aggressive with any expendable money. Buy real property.

2011 should bring even more bank failures than 2010.
Cities (maybe as many as ten) will default on their bonds.
Federal government will go another two trillion dollars in debt.
Inflation is inevitable.

There's only one purchase that makes any sense. Gold isn't it.....it's not useable or spendable. The only place for extra money is in real estate, because one can use it and sustain life on it . It's the one "safe haven" for cash.

Email me from my web site: www.johncmartin.com. Do it now.

1031 EXCHANGES

2010-12-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

It's an option to be taken into account during tough times, especially when a desperate government wants to take more of your money.

1031 exchanges allow you to defer gains on personal property that is used as an investment for profit. It can be a "tax-free" exchange (temporarily) if the values of the exchange are the same.

Different kinds of business property can be exchanged, which makes the program interesting. Even a yacht that has been used for business purposes can be exchanged for real estate. But it's usually accomplished with various kinds of real estate. For example, an apartment complex can be exchanged for an office building. Or a group of duplexes might be exchanged for a warehouse complex.

Email john@johncmartin.com for more information......especially should you wish to exchange a working ranch for one here in East Texas.

PRETTY PICTURE

2010-11-18T07:42:00.000-08:00

Well, it's NOT a pretty picture; in fact, it's downright ugly.

New home construction is down 79% in three years. And even though interest rates are at historic lows, very few are taking advantage of that. Families are bunching up in single homes. Food, clothing and fuel prices are rising rapidly. And folks are downright nervous! Those who do decide to buy are buying far below what they can afford.

Employees are scared for their jobs; business owners don't know what their expenses and taxes are going to be; doctors don't know whether their incomes are going to be cut and how much their taxes are going to be; wealthier people don't want to spend their reserves (even though their money soon won't be worth near as much). Yep. It's an ugly picture. And it's not indicative of the steps that are needed to be taken in hard times.

Secure yourselves for what's in store! Buy what you can - while you can!

FED STIMULUS

2010-11-09T08:41:00.000-08:00

If the Fed's new stimulus (bail-out) of the financial system doesn't spur potential real estate buyers to pull the trigger, then nothing will! Buy a home now, before the dollar is deflated! Inflation of properties and goods and services is on the way. Get a thirty year loan (at unbelievable interest rates), and pay the mortgage off later with deflated dollars!

Email me right away at john@johncmartin.com, and let's get yours!

BUY NOW (REDUX)

2010-11-02T07:56:00.000-07:00

You may have heard successful hedge fund manager John Paulsen's recent comments regarding inflation. He was speaking to a standing-room only crowd at New York's University Club; and he said that double digit inflation is ON ITS WAY! "If you don't own a home, buy one", he said. "If you own one, buy another one". "If you own two homes, buy a third!" "And lend your relatives the money to buy a home", he said.

Locking in a thirty year, fixed-rate mortgage, and paying it back with much cheaper dollars, is a very wise investment.

VOTE

2010-11-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow's the election. Everybody get out there and vote. Maybe we can restore some confidence in this real estate market! If folks were thinking right, they'd be putting disposable cash into real property! There may not be this kind of an opportunity very long.

MID-TERM ELECTIONS NOV. 2ND 2010

2010-10-17T04:07:00.000-07:00

I've said a number of time here in this blog that buying real estate is one of, perhaps "the" best, ways to preserve wealth and security in times of fear and national unrest. That hasn't changed; in fact it is intensified. There's nothing else that can secure a family in troubling times like housing and land.

Perhaps the November elections will ease the tensions some and produce a more optimistic outlook.

PENT-UP NEED

2010-09-30T08:16:00.000-07:00

A psychologist developed a sure-fire test for mental proficiency. He would ask a patient/client what he/she would rather use to empty a bathtub: a spoon, a teacup or a bucket. Almost everybody would answer "the bucket, of course!" And that answer revealed the patient's proclivity toward alzheimers or some other mental inadequacy.

The right answer is "none of the above......you pull the plug".

Lot's of folks are "stopped up" right now, and they're trying to "spoon" their way. With disposable cash, there's really only a couple of things to do with it.......the best of which is purchasing real estate. What else is there that you can use for living, for your safety, and for your livelihood. Right now it's by far the best place for money that may not be worth anything later. You don't have to pull the plug; just pull the trigger on a real estate purchase, and secure your future.

FORECLOSURES AND SHORT SALES

2010-09-14T07:55:00.000-07:00

If you've never considered what happens in a short sale or a foreclosure sale (other than the fact that "deals" are rarely acquired), let me just go over a few facts for you:

1) The FDIC guarantees 80% of the mortgaged amount that the big banks that ultimately hold your mortgages have purchased.

2) When you buy a property with a foreclosure bid, or on a short sale, you will pay an amount that will make the bank money - always! They are not losing money in order to get out of the property.

3) The banks that have finally bought these mortgages have bought them at a sizeable discount, and the FDIC (backed by the Federal Reserve) will guarantee them 80%, so whatever you pay them to buy a foreclosed property is, at least partially, profit to them.

4) For example: with a mortgage of $450,000 on a property in forclosure, the bank that holds the mortgage in foreclosure (or accepts a short sale offer), will make upwards of $100,000 even if it sells way short of the mortgaged amount!

So, even if you think you're getting a good deal, or even if you think you "got to" that big bank, you're just fooling yourself; and you're probably not getting a deal at all. Plus the fact that you never know what you're getting when you buy one of these properties.

And just think about the rest of us who will have to foot the bill when the Fed PAYS THE BANK A BIG PROFIT in order to sell that property to you.

PRESCIENCE

2010-08-24T07:53:00.000-07:00

The last prophet of God was the apostle John. Their aren't any more since.

So I'm not pretending. Some say they have a direct word; but don't listen. They're false prophets.

However, there are many things in God's written history that proclaim His character. And from those we gain information about what He does with all that is His. It's called prescience.

For example: He doesn't allow anyone to have dominion over all the world. There is only one King. Second example: He won't put up with insubordination for very long. His authority is indisputable. Third example: He judges wicked men and nations; and He proves His Church in order to manifest His Own glory.

I could go on.

But there are conclusions from all of this. One is that this country is under judgment. Second, He will preserve His Church through "proving" it in the midst of judgment. Third, we're very liable, right now, for some very hard times. And I'm not going to be surprised if we see a dollar crash in the very near future. Maybe the excitement and anticipation generated for the mid-term elections will put it off for a time. I certainly hope so.

In the meantime, those following this blog should think long and hard about putting cash into real estate now, while the money has some value left. It's been said that real estate isn't an investment. That's debatable in some circumstances. Not now.

REAL ESTATE ACTIVITY

2010-08-06T14:40:00.000-07:00

Lots of activity in lower priced homes right now......along with short sales and foreclosures. Folks with some money are hunkered down until they see which way this thing is going.

What they don't see coming is hyperinflation; but they should see it, because that's what has to happen. And the expendable cash that they have available isn't going to be worth much. The time to buy is now, while paper money is still worth something. Then, when things get much worse, they'll have something of value.....Real Estate!

TEXAS

2010-07-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

It was announced today that the state of Texas once again is leading the nation economically. More jobs are being created here than anywhere else; fewer unemployed than most; more homes being built; more business start-ups......etc.

The fuel that runs the economy is Texas. Texans have always been a little bit "freer" than folks in other places; and that's probably why the nation's economy runs because of Texas.

However, a centralized government such as that proposed by Mr Obama may just stifle even texas! If we aren't free any more, we can't produce.

Anyway, there's lots of land here; and East Texas is a great place to get squared away. We may even end up becoming our own country. Come see how it works here. And if you've had this kind of service before, welcome back!

THE RIGHT TIME

2010-07-06T08:28:00.000-07:00

It's been a busy, busy time; so I've been somewhat negligent in writing. But this is the "right time" to buy if that's what you're interested in doing!

Interest rates are at, or below, historic levels; homeowners are ready to sell; and there are actually lenders out there that are more than ready to do business. You have to have a down payment; and you must have good credit. But there are great deals, right now, in loans and properties.

In John's opinion this won't last long. It can't. There will be inflation; interest rates have to go way up; homes will become a much more valuable asset than previously perceived. And all of this is going to happen soon.......very soon.

Right now is "The Right Time"!

SUMMERTIME! And the living is easy........

2010-06-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

Well, except for military personnel returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, the first-time-home-buyer tax credit is over. At least for the present. I don't think it will be renewed. And that means that the rush to buy lower-priced homes is also over.

Interest rates are still at historic lows, but it can't stay that way long, because government debt is now 96 percent of GDP. If it weren't for the monetary crisis in the EU, the US debt ratio would look terrible! Sooner or later things have got to be going downhill fast.

Lots of folks would love to move to Tyler and East Texas, but they can't sell their nice homes where they are. So it's a bit slow around here at the moment. And it's "summertime"; and it's hot; and it's sticky. But there's hardly a place in the country more suitable to live in tough times. Email me at john@johncmartin.com; or call me on my cell: 903.530.3380, and let's talk about your new location!

INTEREST RATES (AGAIN)

2010-05-24T12:54:00.000-07:00

The word is out (as of this morning). Interest rates will have to rise.....maybe as much as a whole percentage point (100 basis points). The amount of interest charged by reserve banks for an overnight loan has doubled in the last few days, so lenders have to raise their rates in order to make a profit.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have actually lowered their interest rates in order to finance more purchases to those who don't qualify to buy. Another government bailout is inevitable.

The goverment now owns, or has control over, 92% of all existing mortgages in the United States. And some six to seven percent of all home mortgages are in one stage or another of default.

It is a myth that buying a foreclosure is less expensive (and safer) than buying a home that's not in default. And it is a fact that the hassle is far greater.

Trust your Century 21 realtor. Email me from my web site: www.johncmartin.com.

GOLD AND REAL ESTATE

2010-05-13T06:46:00.000-07:00

When you have this much uncertainty in the world, there aren't many alternatives. There's a lot of skepticism out there right now, and folks expect the sovereign-debt contagion to continue and escalate. The nations of the world are out of money, including US, and we are all incurring more debt and more obligations.

Gold is a hedge against inflation; and if you bought a year ago (or more) then you're fine. You've increased your estate - for now. But what can you do with it other than hide it?

On the other hand, real estate (the other "best investment") is usable and liveable, and it sustains life while providing security. Gold is satisfying to hold in your hand and look at; but it isn't usable; you can't live on it; and it can't sustain life and provide security.

My advice in perilous times is to use available cash to buy life-sustaining, usable, liveable real estate. Nothing else is like it.

ELEGANCE

2010-04-24T16:21:00.000-07:00

Tyler Texas is the place to buy elegant homes for a fraction of the cost in many other places. In times like these it's of prime importance for your money to go a far as it can go. If retirement is your goal, or if safety is of concern, or even if a slower pace is your immediate need, Tyler (and East Texas) should be at the top of your list of places to consider. Call and let's get started finding your dream home here in the rose capital of the world.

BEAUTIFUL HOMES AND RANCHES

2010-04-16T07:49:00.000-07:00

Several times every day I check my listing service to see what's new to the market. Each one who has solicited my services to find real estate for them gets the personal service that I provide. I don't leave that to automation as many others do. I do it all by hand for each customer. It's time-consuming, but it's rewarding. Not only does the process keep me up to date on what's available, but my customers get properties chosen specifically for them. If you've had this kind of service before, welcome back! If it's here, I'll find it. Luxury homes and executive homes in Tyler and East Texas is my specialty. www.johncmartin.com

INTEREST RATES

2010-04-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

Interest rates rose by thirty basis points last week. I anticipate a continued rise in coming weeks. In the immediate weeks I would think that a hundred basis points is in order. Longer term, more than that. Look for Greece to default, and/or the Euro to slip from its present level of 1.33 to the dollar down to 1.27 to the dollar. These will be bad signs. Deflation of the dollar and inflation of goods and services. A value added tax (VAT) is on the way for the American public, for the debt is too high.

Available cash is safer in real estate. So let's find where yours is most effective for you. Email me from this blog or from my web site: john@johncmartin.com.

SAFE HAVENS FOR SALE

2010-03-27T02:33:00.000-07:00

The jackhammer has forced its way into the foundation. Now the house is unsafe (maybe it will even fall apart).

Federalism (the proper and historic understanding of the word) is under attack. The states, which gave birth to the central government, are now subjects of rebellion from that which it formed (the child has turned on its parents). And the nation is disintegrating. It's in shock.

Folks need to protect themselves; the more who do, the less the impact.

Use your available money to buy some self-sufficiency. Be able to sustain yourselves in what looks like bad times 'a-comin'. There's plenty of room in Texas; and East Texas has it all: trees, water, beauty..... If you aren't here yet, there still may be time.

Call me; or email me at john@johncmartin.com

A SMILE AND A POUT

2010-03-23T00:46:00.000-07:00

The Tyler, Texas azalea trail is blooming! That's worth a smile.......or three.

Mr Obama's health-care bill passed the house of representatives. That isn't nearly as nice. Before this man's socialist agenda gets fired up for real, put your available money into real property around Tyler Texas and East Texas.

HEALTH CARE REFORM

2010-03-09T08:12:00.000-08:00

Should someone ask me today whether I thought Mr. Obama's health care reform was going to pass the house of representatives, I would have to say "yes". The depths of power manipulation seem to be unlimited with this administration; and the nation is spiraling downward in the midst of it all. It's not good.

If my wife and I were at all in the market to buy property, I would move quickly to secure a home; and it would be a place that I could easily defend. At the same time, it would also be amenable to things like additional water and power sources and storage facilities.

My customers should move quickly to get financing if needed; and make choices soon. I'm not a conspiratorial person; but just like buying life insurance, one should prepare for other contingencies as well. Consult an expert in preparation; consult an expert in real estate. Both of those are present in one realtor: www.johncmartin.com.

SPRING

2010-02-24T08:41:00.000-08:00

It's a wonderful time of the year! Anticipating springtime is sometimes even better than looking forward to the Christmas season; for Tyler Texas is always ablaze with creation glory, beginning mid-March and lasting until about April 10th.

Tyler is the rose capital of the world; and the same soil that grows millions of beautiful roses also grows fabulous azaleas of every conceivable kind. One shouldn't miss the Azalea Trail during the above period of time. It's stunning. The cars and vans and buses and tours have to park, because everything clogs up pretty much. And the lookers are blessed when that happens! Why? Well, they have to get out and walk around and smell and touch the azaleas, that's why! Folks like for you to come up in their yards and admire their flowers; they'll even invite you in to see their historic homes! People buy these homes and restore them; and then they plant more azaleas. Not just azaleas, but MORE azaleas!

But the scents of all the various flowers, and the visual display of colors...... it's wonderful. The senses are attacked from every direction. Don't miss it. If you have to miss it, don't miss it on purpose.

MONEY AVAILABILITY

2010-02-03T13:32:00.000-08:00

Money isn't in short supply (our government is printing tons of it). However the availability of money to BORROW isn't......especially if you want to buy a very nice home. A loan for one of these homes is hard to get, because the secondary market won't buy them. And the interest rates are so low, lenders can't make any money. So they hold on to their money. Catch 22.

However, there is plentiful money available to buy inexpensive homes, especially if you don't mind living in a more rural area. USDA loans are available for home purchases outside the city. And the homes that quality don't have acreage. And the qualification for one of these loans is limited to household incomes under $75,000. Lower credit scores are acceptable.

The veterans administration also is lending to vets at excellent rates and reduced qualification models. The VA seems to have a significant supply of money available; so if one is a veteran, it has become very easy to get a really good loan to purchase a home. This money is not available to purchase farms and ranches. But 100% of the purchase price of a home can be financed. It's a good deal; and it's a lot faster than it used to be.

Call your favorite realtor: John C. Martin, www.johncmartin.com, at 903.530.3380.

NO TRUST!

2010-01-14T08:02:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you, but I'm not trusting anything coming out of Washington right now. Socialism won't work; and that's the direction this administration seems to be going.

If manufactured chaos is what they're looking for (and it looks as if it is), then they're doing all the right things. That's what is needed to bring down the free enterprise system. If more and more people require their sustenance from government, then sooner or later the numbers don't add up; and the whole thing comes tumbling down.

If, indeed, that's what's happening, then personal real estate is the safest place for one's money. Should a socialist system be on the horizon for the United States, then the place to be is on your own land where you can sustain yourself in bad times.

East Texas has all the factors necessary for independent living. So email john@johncmartin.com and let's start hunting for your dream property.

INTEREST RATES +++

2010-01-06T12:57:00.000-08:00

We've had it SO easy.....with interest rates at 5% or below. But it may not be that way long. The word from people I listen to is that rates for qualified buyers may be pushed up to 8%.

The inter-workings of the Fed are being kept secret from the public; but one thing is for certain: interest rates can't remain where they are. The dollar is continuing to drop.....nothing extremely precipitous yet, but it may come to that. The Fed will have to shore up the dollar by raising confidence internationally. And that requires higher interest rates.

Add to that the fact that the Obama administration is pouring mountains of money into the market. Problem is, nobody wants to lend it out in this unstable market.

All this to say that if you wish to buy some real property at an historically low interest rate, you had better do it now. Because later you may wish you had.

BACK AT IT

2009-12-30T00:49:00.000-08:00

I'm back from my vacation.

We spent some time with family at a rented beach home on Topsail Island, North Carolina. It was cold most of the time; but I got three extended exercise periods on the beach. Sunday morning, and then Christmas day, we spent time together in the text of Scripture having to do with Jesus' birth. Then lots of eating and drinking and rejoicing with thankfulness for our abundance.

Now I'm back at work.....fat and rested. Lots of people hitting on my web site at www.johncmartin.com If the administration doesn't ruin everything it touches, maybe we'll have a great year in real estate. Tyler Texas real estate is the place to be when times get tough.

TIME OFF

2009-12-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

I haven't had any time off all year, so I'm going to take a ten-day vacation beginning next Friday, December 18th. But I'll be back! Don't get discouraged or summon the police.

January 2nd we'll get started all over again, Lord willing. We may have to call the Texas Rangers or the Texas National Guard due to some wierd stuff coming out of Washington; but don't despair! Owning some property in East Texas is the best way to weather whatever storms may approach. Safer than most are all they that own some property that they can live in, use, and protect; and on which one can grow his own food. And where better than Tyler and East Texas?

Come on down! And I'll see you after the 1st.

THANKSGIVING

2009-11-25T00:32:00.000-08:00

It's been a tough year for conservative politics; it's also been difficult for Christians. And the new administration has made trouble for the real estate market. Should the health care bills now on the table in the house and the senate conclude with a government takeover of twenty percent of the nation's GDP, politics and the Church and real estate will all be negatively affected.

However, we can all be thankful during this thanksgiving season that there is a King of Kings presently reigning over all the nations of the earth; and He will not allow a competitor to His Kingship.

Here in late November 2009 we still have an abundance of everything. We've been immeasurably blessed. And for that we must be thankful. At www.johncmartin.com we will continue to work hard for our customers and pray for the future of our country.

NEW TAX CREDIT INFO

2009-11-14T04:54:00.000-08:00

I've posted all the new information concerning the tax credit extension AND the new tax credit for present homeowners on my web site. It's just too extensive to put here on the blog. Please go to www.johncmartin.com and click on 'TAX CREDIT' on the left side of the page. And if you have any questions about it, email me or call me. TYLER TEXAS REAL ESTATE is ready when you are, and if you've had this kind of service before, welcome back!

TAX CREDIT EXTENSION?

2009-11-05T14:26:00.001-08:00

It looks as if congress is going to extend the $8,000 first-time-homebuyers tax credit until April of 2010. So, you don't have to rush through the holidays with a contract and a closing and a move. You can wait a bit.

Secondly, the word is that there will be a homebuyers tax credit of $6,500 for those buyers who own, or have owned in the last three years. So everybody can get in on the "free" money. :)

TIME RUNNING OUT

2009-10-27T08:42:00.000-07:00

The first-time homebuyer tax credit program is running out (unless they extend it) on November 30th. Should a new loan be required in order to buy, it's very late! However, if cash is available you still have ample time. But choosing a home needs to get underway right now.

The (up to) $8,000 is a good incentive to buy. It lowers the net cost of your new home.

For a short, readable description of the tax credit program, go to my web site: www.johncmartin.com and click on the button on the left side. It says TAX CREDIT.

OUT OF CONTROL

2009-10-11T15:21:00.000-07:00

I've attempted to warn all of my customers of what might be coming. Never one to be involved in conspiracy thinking, I've kept close to all the information available about this administration's goals and aspirations; and I'm convinced that it has nothing good in store for us.

There is coming a new round of foreclosures.....those realty loans put in place during '07 and '08 that have "option ARMs" (that's "adjustable rate mortgages"). They're all coming due soon. Add to that two trillion dollars in commercial loans coming due very soon, and you have the makings of a disaster. This is all about to spiral out of control.

There are only two safe places to put money in a scenario like the one coming. One is gold (already very high); and the other is real estate that you can use personally. The latter is my specialty. This is very serious; and my recommendation is to own at least one or two pieces of property (or more) at which you can reside and be relatively safe, and by which you can sustain yourself and those who belong to you. Don't wait; do it now. Email me at john@johncmartin.com.

TAX CREDIT UPDATE

2009-10-04T17:08:00.000-07:00

TAKE NOTE! Those first-time homebuyers that wish to take advantage of the tax credit must do so now. It takes about 45 days to get a loan through right now; so a buyer needs to have a contract in place by mid October in order to get it closed by November 30th (the termination of the program. Email me right away at john@johncmartin.com.

REASONS FOR HOME OWNERSHIP

2009-09-19T02:55:00.000-07:00

There are a number of personal and emotional reasons to buy a home. But there are also some strong financial reasons to make the investment.

Here are just a few of those reasons:

$8000 First Time Home Buyer Credit: This is free money that over 1.4 Million buyers have been able to use this year. Act NOW because you only have until November 30th, 2009 to close and fund on your new home to take advantage of this opportunity.

Increase Net Worth: Few things have a greater impact on net worth than owning a home. In a comparison of renters versus homeowners, the Federal Reserve Board of Consumer Finance found that the average net worth of renters was just $4,000 compared to homeowners at $184,400.

A Big Tax Deduction: One of the largest tax deductions available is the amount of interest paid on a mortgage. In fact, a $150,000 home at a 5.50% interest rate can add up to approximately $8,000 in first year's interest. T his amounts to a significant savings – effectively reducing the amount of a homeowner's monthly mortgage payment.

Long-Term Appreciation: Over the last couple of years, home prices have corrected and become more affordable. While that's good news for potential buyers, it has overshadowed the long-term appreciation of a home's value. The reality is, despite market ups and downs between 1950 and 2002, US home prices appreciated at an annual growth rate of 4.8%. Even if you calculate a modest appreciation of 3%, a home purchased today for $150,000 will grow in value to $364,000 over 30 years.

THE BOTTOM?

2009-09-10T08:53:00.000-07:00

This from MSN today:

Late last month, Standard & Poor's reported that its S&P/Case-Shiller U.S. National Home Price index of real-estate values increased this past quarter over the first quarter of 2009, the first quarter-on-quarter increase in three years. Its index of 20 major cities also rose for the three months ended June 30 over the three months ended May 31, with only hard-hit Detroit and Las Vegas experiencing declines. The week before that, the National Association of Realtors reported that sales volume of existing homes was up 7.2% in July from June.

In short, the data suggest that real-estate prices hit a bottom some time during the second quarter and have now begun to rise. There's no way to be certain that this marks the end of the long, painful correction that followed the real-estate bubble, but clearly prices are no longer in free fall.

That means if you've been sitting on the fence, it's time to act. Call me, or email me at john@johncmartin.com

TIME FOR A CHANGE?

2009-09-08T02:35:00.000-07:00

The "change" we've been looking for, in my opinion, is going to be a lot different and a lot more than what we imagined. I'm thinking that it might really get bad.

Your stocks may not be worth much; your bonds may go away; government debt may be worth nothing. And your bank account just might be frozen. Should all of this take place, then the only thing safe will be the property that you own and live on.

Right now is the time to buy it; and East Texas is a great place for safety and stability. Call me, or email me, and let's look for yours. john@johncmartin.com

WEIRD!

2009-08-21T13:34:00.001-07:00

Things in Washington are really getting weird, aren't they? Gross overspending; forcing government on private industry; taking over huge portions of the economy; eugenics; forced abortions; redistribution of wealth; intimidating publicly traded companies; using community organizing groups and trade unions to bully the citizenry..... It almost looks like a planned destruction of free-market capitalism! Wait! I said "almost"? It DOES look like it! In fact, that's what it is. It's an orchestrated crisis strategy designed to bring down the existing system.

We're liable to go through some rough times here in the next three and a half years. My advice is to get to East Texas as fast as you can. We'll be here to help when you get here. www.johncmartin.com

FROM TEXAS A&M

2009-08-14T07:35:00.000-07:00

“It appears we are at the bottom of the housing market in most Texas cities,” said Real Estate Center Director Mark Dotzour after reviewing the state’s latest home sale numbers.

Dotzour mentioned two years ago that new home construction needed to fall dramatically to avoid the level of overbuilding that could damage Texas housing markets. He even picked summer 2009 as the bottom of the housing cycle because bankers would constrain credit to homebuilders and developers.

Apparently he was right on all counts. The Texas inventory of unsold new and existing homes is in good shape. “I feel now is the time to buy a house in most Texas cities,” he said. “Housing affordability has never been higher, and I never thought I would see 5 percent mortgages in my lifetime. If you plan to live in the house for at least two or three years, now is the time to buy."

This is good news for all of my customers. Get in touch with me now, at john@johncmartin.com.

First Time Buyer

2009-08-11T02:48:00.000-07:00

You don't really know what you're getting into, you're awash in unfamiliar terminology and everyone you meet seems to have strong (and utterly contradictory) ideas about which way the housing market is headed.

You may not be able to avoid every home-purchase mistake, but you can keep your regrets to a minimum by finding the best, most-experienced realtor and trusting him to get you through with the least amount of grief.

It all looks like a spider's web with you being the fly! But a good realtor can get you through it all. Ask him many questions. Do what he says, and do it on time. And your home will be yours to enjoy without regrets. Experience is priceless!

OBAMACARE

2009-07-31T01:16:00.000-07:00

It looks like all the drama surrounding the health care proposal now making the rounds through the legislative process has everybody a bit on edge. And I'll admit that I'm in that group.

However, I am an advocate for real property ownership. For one can't engage the society and the culture without real property. Real property ownership frees one to address the ills of his community as he sees fit. While those who own no property are limited in those abilities.

Should you wish to have individual freedom to engage, then your money must be invested in real property. And we're here to help.

REAL PROPERTY OWNERSHIP - AN ESSAY

2009-07-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

The founding fathers knew some things that only a percentage of our people now know and believe. One of those things, among many, was that ownership empowers individuals and families! In fact, one's ability to hold office, and to vote, was enabled by his proof of real property ownership. A deed to real estate was the ticket to a stake in the country's future!

Well, the country has liberalized to a great degree since then, but the underlying principle is still there. The one who owns real estate has a certain degree of command regarding the course of his life; and he possesses a dignity and freedom not otherwise celebrated.Man has governments under which he must live. But the primary government is self-government under God. And those who do not own property suffer a certain "disengagement" from the society and culture, where property owners enjoy an autonomy and freedom to engage as they choose.

So, there's a form of disenfranchisement in the absence of ownership; and, for those who do own, a real sense of liberation. This same factor had been discussed with reference to the former president's ambitious social security reforms. They were never enacted, but he was attempting to "empower" men and women and families with ownership of stocks and bonds through private investment accounts. And the idea is that ownership "liberates"; and non-ownership "oppresses". A magistrate that promotes private ownership is also promoting freedom. And the opposite is also true: a magistrate that stifles private ownership is promoting tyranny and slavery.

This realtor, as well as others here at Century 21 Advantage, promotes private ownership of real property along with our founding fathers. I do so with vigor and confidence that my effort for my customers empowers them. I champion their enterprises and encourage them as I contribute to their pursuit of freedom and happiness and prosperity.

This essay, should you read it, is meant to promote an awareness of the importance of, and the advantages and benefits of, private ownership of real property. We at Tyler Texas real estate stand enthusiastically ready to help.

PREDATORY LENDERS

2009-07-19T06:08:00.000-07:00

Most predatory loan products of the subprime era — the option-only ARMs, liars' loans, interest-only loans and the like — are gone, at least for now. Banks no longer are offering them. But one predatory practice lives on: Lenders don't have to tell you if you deserve a better interest rate than they're offering.

That's why you need to shop! Talk to three lenders, and get them to give you a TIL (Truth in lending) best estimate of your expenses. Then ask for it again before you close!

Shop locally, because a good realtor has some control over local lending practices. He can't steer you to a particular lender (or at least he shouldn't), but he has some clout with those he knows.

As of July 30th of this year, there are some controls coming into place by which lenders are constrained by law to make their Truth in Lending estimates more transparent. But it's up to you to make sure you're getting the best deal available to you. If not, you can always walk away.

Good local lenders are anxious to make good loans. That's how they make money and stay in business. Go see them! Your experienced Tyler Texas real estate agent can help you with transparency issues and save you money.

STRATEGY

2009-07-17T05:03:00.000-07:00

All of my readers should sit down at their computers and enter "Cloward-Pivens" into the search block of their favorite search engine. Relax and read what Jim Simpson writes about the radical left's strategy to do great harm to the country, end the capitalist system, and bring in an all new system of government.

Once you do that you'll want to hurry your efforts to buy property in Tyler and East Texas. We're ready for you here at www.johncmartin.com.

BUY NOW

2009-07-10T04:40:00.000-07:00

Here are seven good reasons to buy your home now.

1. Free Money. The $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers is valid through December 1, 2009. This is a special tax credit from the government that you don't have to pay back, as long as you stay in the home for at least 36 months.
2. Affordability. Based on recent property declines and current interest rates, home affordability has not been higher since it was first tracked over 40 years ago. Your grandparents couldn't have received a better interest rate than you can today.
3. Tax Breaks. The IRS allows you to deduct the interest you pay on your mortgage, your property taxes and, in many cases for those who qualify, some of the costs to buy your home and mortgage insurance. Owning a home is a great way to lower your tax bill.
4. Build Wealth. Unlike paying rent, with each mortgage payment you make, you build equity and you decrease your income tax liability. Owning a home is still the best long-term investment.
5. Appreciation. As home prices have fallen precipitously in today's tough economy, the basis for realizing appreciation in future years is very strong. Historically, even with other periods of declining value, home prices have exceeded consumer inflation. From 1972 through 2005, home prices increased on average 6.5%, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
6. Stability. Knowing you can establish roots and raise a family in one location, free of the desires or needs of your landlord to sell the property you are living in. This is something no other investment provides. You can't live in a stock, and you can't raise your kids in a bond.
7. Independence. Enjoy the freedom to do what you want to your home. After all, it's yours to do what you wish. And, with any improvements you make, you have the ability to benefit from your investment. Try that with an apartment!

PRESIDENT'S PROGRAMS

2009-06-27T02:04:00.000-07:00

Tyler Texas, and the surrounding piney woods of East Texas, is the place to be considering what's coming. And fiscally conservative politicians can't stop the onslaught.

The house of representatives passed (by a narrow margin) the "cap-and-trade" environmental bill yesterday. And that's going to further decimate the economy should the senate follow suit.
And the health care bill will surely pass, eliminating the last vestiges of restraint.

It's time to move to a safer place. Buy your country estate now. Email me at john@johncmartin.com. And let's find your place of peace and safety.

ECONOMISTS

2009-06-16T08:31:00.000-07:00

Some of the world's best economists are saying that our government is keeping quiet about inflation. With the amount of money being spent (that we don't have), the value of the dollar will depreciate, sending prices up rapidly. The flood of printed money poured into the market is bound to cause inflation of prices and deflation of the dollar.

Why would the government keep this quiet? It's because rising inflation makes it easier to pay debt. Deflated dollars pay government debt faster and easier. Hyperinflation pays them off a LOT faster!

Make your available dollars count now. If you're in the market for real property, spend your money now before it's too late. Soon it won't be worth as much as it is right now. And Tyler Texas real estate is the place to come to find the home of your dreams.

OBAMADRAMA

2009-06-05T05:04:00.000-07:00

It's time to make your move. So much money is being spent; so much money is being printed. The end result is inflation of prices and deflation of the dollar. That's the way it works.

Your dollar will not buy as much after today. If you wish to buy a home in Tyler Texas, or a ranch property in East Texas, it will cost less today than it will tomorrow.

Interest rates are going up. It's inevitable under these conditions. The worth of the dollar is going down. That, too, is inevitable under present conditions.

Safety, security and worth are (at least partially) defined in ownership of real property. And at www.johncmartin.com we are committed to the promotion of real property ownership. Call me and let's find yours.

GREATEST TAX SHELTER OF ALL!

2009-05-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

Homeownership is the greatest of all tax shelters. Just consider:

1) You can deduct all of the interest paid annually.
2) You can deduct all of the property taxes paid annually.
3) You can get an equity loan on your home, pay off all your credit cards, and STILL deduct all the interest paid annually.
4) You can sell your home and, if you made a profit, it too comes to you tax free (up to a certain amount).

There has been talk over the years about limiting some of the goodies; but for right now this is the greatest tax shelter of all! Email me john@johncmartin.com, and let's talk!

HOME SALES

2009-05-17T06:20:00.000-07:00

Home sales in and around Tyler, Texas were off by a significant percentage during April, as compared to April 2008. That, of course, leaves an increase in the number of homes on the market.

When there's an increase in the number of homes on the market, then prices begin to drop a bit. In a market in which home prices have remained relatively steady throughout this downturn, a reduction in price means an opportunity for buyers to get a better deal on the home that they want.

And also, in a market in which beautiful homes were already available at a fraction of the cost of many other areas, an additional reduction is especially attractive. So, click on the web site link above, and let's find yours. And email me at john@johncmartin.com with your criteria.

BIGGEST BLUNDER

2009-05-12T01:27:00.000-07:00

There are still sellers out there who think that their house is the exception. They think that the other houses that are on the market are really overpriced; yet when you get to their house, they think that it should have a higher price because it is better. Overpricing a home because of an emotional attachment only makes selling it that much more difficult.

Listen to your realtor. An unrealistic view of the value of your home is the biggest blunder you can make.

John C. Martin, Realtor

NEW STATS

2009-05-05T13:42:00.000-07:00

Thirty-year mortgage rates fell to 4.78 percent Friday, hitting their lowest level since Freddie Mac started tracking rates in 1970.
Adjustable-rate mortgages also eased, but one-year, adjustable-rate mortgages are averaging rates nearly the same as 30-year fixed rates, at 4.77 percent.
Freddie Mac officials reported borrowers who refinanced their mortgages in the first quarter reduced their combined mortgage payments by about $2.5 billion over the coming year.

The Pending Home Sales Index from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) showed a 3.2 percent gain to 84.6 from February, when it was 82. The index stands 1.6 percent higher than a year ago.

These statistics suggest that lots of people think it's time to buy a home. Homes in Tyler Tx are available for you right now; and they are WAY less expensive than in most other areas.

EMPLOYMENT FIGURES

2009-04-30T07:07:00.000-07:00

Smith County (Tyler Texas) ranked eighth nationwide when it came to employment over a (recent) yearlong period, according to a recently released U.S. Department of Labor report. The number of Smith County jobs grew 2.4 percent.

Texas employment increased 1.4 percent. Nationwide, employment slipped 0.8 percent for the 12-month period, with 207 of the 334 large counties showing declines.

This is an excellent example of the economic viability of Tyler and East Texas. Get your real estate right now. And start at www.johncmartin.com.

CHANGE

2009-04-23T04:20:00.000-07:00

The new administration is "changing" everything....much to the worse.

I'm also making a change. For all of my customers, in almost every state and in several foreign countries, I'm moving to a sister company here in Tyler, Texas. This change will be for the better.

Rather than my five-year association with Century 21 First Group, I am now associated with Century 21 Advantage, 3722 Southpark Drive, Tyler, Texas, 75703. Everything else will remain the same, including my web site and my cell phone. And my service to all of you will remain the same. Even the location of my office won't inconvenience anyone, since it's only a half mile from the former.

Thanks to all of you for your loyalty.
http://johncmartin.com

INCREASED ACTIVITY

2009-04-10T02:31:00.000-07:00

TYLER TEXAS REAL ESTATE activity has increased exponentially over the last several weeks. Folks are much more interested in looking at and buying real property. And not only is there a bit more optimism in the market, but the tax credit has helped first time home buyers to jump in. Even the higher priced homes are being shown more. http://www.johncmartin.com

CHEERY TYLER NEWS

2009-04-01T04:44:00.000-07:00

Despite job losses in recent months, the Tyler area managed to increase employment in February, mirroring statewide figures that went in the opposite direction from what happened that month nationwide, according to Texas Workforce Commission figures. The Tyler area's employment grew to 93.4 percent in February, a 0.2 percentage-point increase from the previous month's employment of 93.2 percent. (Texas A&M Real Estate Center)

Yep! There continues to be good news for Tyler. So sell yours and buy ours! www.johncmartin.com

FEBRUARY HOME SALES

2009-03-23T08:29:00.000-07:00

The National Association of Realtors said Monday that sales of existing homes grew 5.1 percent to an annual rate of 4.72 million last month, from 4.49 million units in January. It was the largest sales jump since July 2003. Sales had been expected to fall to an annual pace of 4.45 million units, according to Thomson Reuters.

This is, of course, good news for sellers and buyers. http://johncmartin.com is waiting for you to make your next move! Come to Tyler Texas real estate.

DEFLATION

2009-03-19T02:20:00.000-07:00

Well, the fed is about to print 1.2 trillion dollars to buy U.S. securities. This will ultimately cause inflation of prices and radical deflation of the dollar. It's unavoidable. Expendable dollars should be spent right now on items of value. Tyler Texas real estate, East Texas real estate, www.johncmartin.com is the place to come in order to buy properties of value while the dollar has its present value. It would not be wise to wait.

TIGHT MARKET SELLING

2009-03-14T02:04:00.000-07:00

There are several important steps for home sellers to take in a tight market. Here are a few:

1) Buyers in this market don't necessarily have extra money to do upgrades and repairs. They want instant access to a move-in-ready home. So, fix the stuff that needs fixing, and you'll have a better shot at selling.

2) At Century 21 here in Tyler Texas, we're always looking for the seller who has enough insight to offer a bonus to a selling realtor. Our expenses are going up too! And our incomes are being forced down. The fees imposed on us are incredible.

3) Sellers should stage their homes. Store the clutter someplace else, and make your homes bright and airy. Open the drapes and blinds; and put big light bulbs in the fixtures. And clean, clean, clean!

Just these three things wil bring you a buyer faster than anything else you can do.

MORE STIMULUS

2009-03-09T01:59:00.000-07:00

From the Wall Street Journal we read this:

"The U.S. Senate approves an amendment to the economic stimulus package that would provide a tax credit of up to $15,000 for homebuyers who purchase a primary residence in the coming year. But economists are skeptical tax credits will prove stimulative."

The problem is, if you have no job you can't buy a home. If you have no down payment, you can't buy a home. If you have no credit, you can't buy a home! Except for those who still have a job, and for those who have a down payment, and for those who have good credit, what good is a $15,000 tax credit? (Which is as it should be.) If our representatives in the house and senate would just leave the system alone, it would fix itself. Just LOWER THE TAX BURDEN! That's all you have to do. By fiddling with it, you're just exacerbating the problem.

Tyler Texas real estate is an idyllic place to own property in these dangerous times. Come see us!

2.4 TRILLION

2009-03-05T01:59:00.000-08:00

The latest numbers (First American) show that the nation's home value fell $2.4 trillion in the last twelve months. But half of that decline was in one state - California. And four other states joined California in accounting for most of the second fifty percent.

About eight million homeowners are (what they call) "under water" with respect to their home values. that means that falling home values, mostly in five states, are now "under" the mortgaged amounts of the homes.

Tyler Texas real estate has experienced no such problem. Our property values have remained steady so far during this downturn. And real estate activity has been moderate to brisk to date. Some have finally decided that putting excess cash into land and home purchases in and around Tyler Texas is a very good way to preserve their estates. We agree. And we invite you to www.johncmartin.com to see for yourself.

BANKS IN RUIN

2009-03-02T01:37:00.000-08:00

So why is the financial sector in ruins? The answer is twofold. First, just as banks loosened the requirements for a quality borrower, lenders also dismissed the idea that the real estate attached to the loan needed to be worth more than the loan amount. Under the traditional lending model, banks required borrowers to pay at least 20 percent of the home's purchase price. And if the borrower couldn't afford that large of a down payment, the bank required mortgage insurance - an industry that has grown to insuring $949 billion worth of mortgages, according to the Mortgage Insurance Company Association. Those insurance policies typically guaranteed up to 20 percent of the home's value. Therefore, if the homeowner defaults, the bank should recoup most of the loan's value, assuming the value of the property did not fall more than 20 percent. Second, even where lenders required mortgage insurance if down payments were too low, loose qualification requirements opened the door to fraud. Now those insurance companies are finding the fraud and denying payouts to the lender when those loans default.

The "loose qualifications" referred to were "mandated" by congress so that their constituents could get loans - even when they weren't qualified! This whole mess is a government mandated problem!

STIMULUS FOR HOME BUYERS

2009-02-24T11:57:00.000-08:00

Here are some notable points for first-time home buyers in the stimulus package;

•
Credit maximum was increased from $7,500 to $8,000. The credit is calculated as 10% of the purchase price. Example: If the purchase price is $70,000, the credit is $7,000.
•
Removed the repayment requirement, provided the homebuyer does not resell the home for three years.
•
Eligibility remains for first-time homebuyers only. In this case, a first-time homebuyer is defined as an individual who has not owned a primary home at any time during the three years prior to purchase, but who may have done so prior to that time. Although certain income limits do apply, the amount of the credit is the same for all taxpayers, married or single.
•
To be eligible for the full tax credit, the homebuyer can have an annual adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). A homebuyer with an annual adjusted gross income above that level and up to $95,000 ($170,000 on a joint return) is eligible for a reduced tax credit.
•
The tax credit can be claimed on one’s individual or joint tax return for the purchase of any single-family home between Jan. 1, 2009 and Dec. 1, 2009. It can be claimed on a 2008 tax return (to be filed by April 15, 2009), an amended 2008 tax return, or a 2009 tax return. Individuals should consult a professional tax advisor for exact tax calculations and timing.

This can be a boon to the first time buyer, and can result in a check from the government. Tyler Texas real estate has homes available right now.

ONGOING MESS

2009-02-24T08:35:00.000-08:00

Ben Bernanke said this morning that our economy is in a severe contraction. That's an understatement. On the other hand, we've had one national manufacturer here in Tyler recently announce a layoff of 150 people, but otherwise everything seems quite normal. Most of the rest of the nation is having a lot more problems.

Because of fear, there are bunches of re-financings at the local banks; and folks aren't shopping for new homes like they were. But our market seems to be steady and healthy. Restaurants, movies and retail outlets are full. Properties on which folks can be self-sufficient (several acres) are in demand more than the house on a city lot. I guess the motivation there is to be independant of the more socialist movements of the government.

But this is a place where you can come and be somewhat independant. Water is plentiful, and the weather is great. Nobody to impose stuff on you that you don't like. So, get what you can get for yours; and move to East Texas where the living is easy.

MORTGAGE RATES AND PAYMENTS

2009-02-20T01:19:00.000-08:00

Mortgage rates remain significantly lower than six months ago. Back in August, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate was 6.66 percent, meaning a $200,000 loan would have carried a monthly payment of $1,285.25. With the average rate now at 5.34 percent, the monthly payment for the same size loan would be $1,115.58, a savings of $170 per month. There is an average half percent origination fee nationally.

The trend on rates is downward, but if foreign banks stop buying our debt the trend may turn the other way.

These historically low rates, affordability of housing, and more choices make this a great time to buy.

PAST TIME

2009-02-16T01:36:00.000-08:00

The market's reaction to the so-called "stimulus" package (and Mr Geithner's approach to the market problems) was violent during this past week. Investors didn't like anything they saw except the retail sales figures from January (retail sales went UP 1%). The cold, hard fact is that there is fear running rampant through the veins of most investors. They see nothing working for the foreseeable future. And the stock market reflected that fear. It is set to lose more.

But investment in real estate should not be feared. Where real estate is concerned, hoarding large amounts of cash SHOULD be feared, because the value of the dollar is sure to plummet. And when deflation of the dollar occurs, hoarders lose! Nothing is better than solid, useable real estate in times of economic stress. Buy yours now, and get the most for your dollar. God isn't making any more real estate. And we're here to help you get the most for your hard-earned cash. Come to Tyler Texas real estate, www.johncmartin.com and let's talk.

BUYER RELUCTANCE

2009-02-13T02:34:00.000-08:00

A buyers' market should be just that -- a buyers' market. It's not a fence-sitting, waiting, loitering, delaying, dawdling, postponing, vacillating, hesitating, wavering, faltering, pausing, foot-shuffling market. It's a buyer's market. By its very name it means buyers should be doing one thing - buying. So where are the buyers, and why aren't they buying?

The great irony of a buyers' market is that, even though the opportunity to buy is high, buyer urgency tends to hit an all-time low. The media becomes the excited purveyor of negative news and uninformed advice, and buyers buy it all. Actually, it feels like the ONLY thing they're buying.

The reluctance is ironic since not so long ago buyers were incredibly excited about buying; and it was a sellers' market! Prices were escalating and it was perhaps one of the most difficult times to buy value, and yet people were buying like there was no tomorrow. Buyers were afraid of losing out by not buying, even though the advantage was all to the seller.

Now a shift has occurred. Fear is still in the driver's seat, but the tables are turned -- the fear of paying too much, and the fear generated by the media, seems to stop most in their tracks and immobilizes them. When they should have been afraid of paying too much they weren't; and now that they shouldn't be afraid of paying too much, they are. Weird, isn't it?

It's the 'deer in the headlights' syndrome.

ACTIVITY

2009-02-10T02:18:00.000-08:00

As I watched the Obama news conference last evening, I had already written our two senators a short note: "We don't want this "stimulus" bill fixed; we want it DEAD. The president's underlying agenda, despite the smooth speach, is socialism. And our country is moving in the wrong direction.

At the same time, folks were pounding my web site for information on Tyler Texas real estate and East Texas real estate. They're looking for any safe haven; and the piney woods of East Texas is as good as any - bettter than most. With lakes and streams and mild weather, and a good economy, the Tyler area is very desireable to those with a little money. And I say "a little money", because it doesn't take much to buy something here.

So sell yours for what you can get out of it, and buy something here where property values are still increasing. And get out of the mainstream so you can enjoy your life for a change. Email me at john@johncmartin.com.

STIMULUS PACKAGE

2009-02-06T02:02:00.000-08:00

Regardless of what the National Association of Realtors is urging; and regardless of what the Texas Association of Realtors wants; and regardless of what the Texas Real Estate Commission prefers; and regardless of what the Greater Tyler Association of Realtors would like, I have written our two senators, John Cornyn and Kay Bailey Hutchison, and told them that we don't want the "stimulus" package fixed.....we want it DEAD! My customers can count on this realtor to work for their best interests. http://www.johncmartin.com

FEBRUARY

2009-02-02T01:26:00.000-08:00

Although Tyler's economy continues to show strength, it is not so for most of the rest of the country.

Poor economic news and thousands of upcoming layoffs only backed up the dire near-term outlook. Although existing home sales rose 6.5% in December to an annual rate of 4.74 million units, it was noted that 45% were distressed properties. And new homes sales took a dive. They were down 14.7% in December to a record low annualized rate of 331,000 units. Meanwhile, median prices fell 9.3% as inventories climbed to a 12.9-month supply.

More numbers for December and for the fourth quarter will emerge this week, and economists predict a mixed bag. But the "fed" has said that it will continue to pump money into lending.

In my opinion there's not much time left before the dollar begins to decline more rapidly. So your real estate purchases in Tyler Texas real estate need to be right away. Call, or email me at http://johncmartin.com.

HOME SALES RISE AGAIN

2009-01-27T02:42:00.000-08:00

This from Fox Business News:

Existing-home sales, the most closely watched segment of the struggling housing market, rose unexpectedly in December an industry trade group said Monday.

According to the Association, the number of contracts signed for a single family home rose by 6.5% in December to a 4.74 million annual rate.
“It appears some buyers are taking advantage of much lower home prices,” said Lawrence Yun, the chief economist for the National Association of Realtors
The increase from a month ago was much better than what economists predicted. According to Thomson Reuters, Wall Street was looking for home sales to decline to a 4.4 million annual rate.

Tyler Texas Real Estate, John C. Martin, is ready to help you get yours!

www.johncmartin.com

2009-01-26T04:37:00.001-08:00

www.johncmartin.com tries, as best we can, to keep you all up to date on the latest economic news. But the media continues to interpret "fear" as economic recession. The facts are that folks aren't buying much because they're afraid; companies are laying off employees because they're afraid; government is pushing the fear button because it wishes to grow and control. And, then, media is picking up all the fear vibes, and they're making things a lot worse than they are.

We're still bright and cheerful here in Tyler Texas. Things are moving along nicely, with all the numbers "higher", rather than "lower". What's that mean to you? It means you ought to own something here. Once again, what's safer for your cash..... a one percent CD in a bank that might fail? Or a home in Tyler Texas. What's safer for your cash...... stocks and bonds? Or acreage around Tyler Texas. What's safer for your cash...... a management account with a brokerage company? Or solid, useable real estate in Tyler Texas and East Texas.

UNDERWATER

2009-01-21T01:12:00.000-08:00

What does being "underwater" in your house really mean? The number of underwater homeowners -- those who owe more on their mortgages than their homes are now worth -- has been growing sharply since 2006 as real estate prices have tumbled. By some estimates, between one in six and one in eight homeowners are in that position, most of them folks who bought homes in the past few years or who put down small, or no, down payments.

This, by no means, indicates that all underwater homeowners will default on their mortgages. The issues that culminate in forclosures are primarily social: Loss of a job, divorce, illness, etc. Most homeowners understand the deleterious effect of being foreclosed; and they also understand the value of a home and a mortgage.....even if their homes are "underwater".

Tyler Texas is in an enviable postion with regard to home values. During the entire economically disastrous year of 2008, there were only 368 foreclosures. The vast majority of those (about thirty per month) were tax foreclosures due to deaths with no heirs. So, less than one half of one percent of all homes in Tyler were sold for taxes or foreclosed by lenders. Remarkable! Values have remained steady. And unless somebody really manipulated the system and got a mortgage much greater than the value of the property purchased, we just don't have any upside-down homeowners.

EMPLOYMENT, ETC.

2009-01-17T04:29:00.000-08:00

The new numbers on Tyler Tx employment are out. Tyler is one of only a few cities in which employment increased in 2008. Sales tax revenues to city and county are increasing. Values of homes and land have increased. All this confirms that Tyler Texas has a stable economy. This is a place where our customers can feel relatively safe in investing their money in tyler texas real estate. Call us at 903.530.3380

TEXAS PROPERTY TAXES

2009-01-14T01:52:00.000-08:00

The Texas legislature is considering allowing local city and county governments to levy an additional half cent sales tax. The money would go toward lowering property taxes for all homeowners. And, of course, that money would soon be absorbed into the general operating expenses before long. It's just inane to tax in order to lower taxes!! What happens is that local tax assessors just go out the next year and raise the values in order to get more money through assessments! It's so simple for them that it's almost funny! The result is, that we get a higher sales tax AND higher assessments!

Cities and counties and school districts need to decrease spending. It's what homeowners do. Governing entities have to do the same. It's the only way to reduce taxes.

STIMULUS

2009-01-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

President-elect Barack Obama has a $750 billion stimulus package readied for the new congress as soon as he is inaugurated. It is for infrastructure, education, environment and health care. He says it will create 3 - 4 million new jobs. Included in that is the regulatory agencies' need to hire 600,000 new people for government jobs in order to see to it that the above targets for stimulus are carried out.

What this does is to further cause the inflation of goods and services and the deflation of the dollar. The end result of the deflation of the dollar is that a consumer can't buy as much with his money. The way to avoid that is to buy things of value while the dollar has its present value. And what's more valuable than property?

While you have cash on hand, put it into solid, useable real estate in Tyler Texas and in East Texas.

MORE NUMBERS

2009-01-05T05:50:00.001-08:00

The numbers are out for the last week of 2008. Home purchases, reflected in the numbers of mortgages approved, moved up 1.4%. That's good! But home prices continued to decline, totalling 18% for 2008. That's nationally. And it's a huge number. And it's an average. Some areas of the country have experienced much greater decline. And the numbers are projected to get worse before they get better.

However, home prices in Tyler Texas have remained steady. Although we have a greater number of properties on the market, we also have a steady stream of buyers. And money isn't tight in East Texas, either! The big lenders are very tight with money; but money is readily available locally.

As I've said previously, it's time to put your money into solid real estate. It's safer. And real estate is usable. And it's not declining in value. Your cash should now be used to buy things of value.....like real estate in Tyler Texas.

NEW YEAR

2009-01-01T04:07:00.000-08:00

It's 2009. Happy new year!

One tax change that my customers ought to be aware of in this new year has to do with second homes - or vacation homes. Until now the owners of a primary residence could sell it, receive the benefits of tax-free profit up to $250,000 ($500,000 if filing jointly), move into the second (or vacation) home, live there for two years, sell it and receive the same tax-free benefit of the primary home. No longer.

Starting today, the profit from the sale of the second (0r vacation) home will be treated as capital gain for the length of time it was a second home. My customers should consult with their accountants as to their tax liabilities.

Here's to a great 2009 for all. Real estate in Tyler Texas is still the best buy in the nation!

CHRISTMAS TRIP

2008-12-30T07:44:00.000-08:00

We're back from our Christmas trip to North Carolina, and ready to do business. When we returned, we found that there had been newspaper articles to the effect that Tyler, Texas is bucking the national trend for real estate! Few foreclosures, steady prices, no severe reduction in home sales, etc. This seems like the place to put your cash during hard times. www.johncmartin.com is up to date on all the newest available homes.

CHRISTMAS EVE EVE

2008-12-23T01:55:00.000-08:00

Having read the New York Times this morning, and having taken note of the TARP bailout of the auto industry, and having read of the incoming Obama administration's choices for labor and environment, I'm even more convinced now that folks ought to spend their cash on real property and hunker down for the long run. We're in for some tougher times than that which we've already suffered. Take your money out of anything with risk, and put it in something solid. Don't buy anything except that which has solid value.

I'm gone for the next week. Everybody have a very merry Christmas as we celebrate the birth of the One Who has overcome the world. Email me at john@johncmartin.com, and I'll pick up right where we left off when I get back.

MORTGAGE RATES

2008-12-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

Reported on Yahoo News today:

"Rates on 30-year-fixed mortgages dropped this week to their lowest levels in at least 37 years, as the Federal Reserve pledged to pour money into the mortgage market in an effort to spur the moribund U.S. housing market.

"Freddie Mac, the mortgage company, reported Thursday that average rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages dropped to 5.19 percent, down from the year's previous low of 5.47 percent, set last week."

Save tons of money over the life of your loan! Call me or email me: john@johncmartin.com.

VARIOUS THINGS

2008-12-13T06:54:00.000-08:00

Senators DeMint and Shelby and Corker did us a good job in blocking the auto bailout. Good for them! Now our president will probably send 'em some money anyway. Bummer.

Real estate in Tyler Texas and in East Texas has picked up nicely since Thanksgiving. Here at www.johncmartin.com we're as busy as we want to be.

Nationally, sales of existing home decreased significantly during November. That will hurt the foreclosure rate in January and beyond.

Interest rates are jumping all around, much like the stock market. But we have historically low rates. Those with good credit and a down payment can save a pile of money on their monthly payments.

Real estate remains the #1 best purchase during times of stress. It's solid; you can use it; you can live on it; and it will be there when all of this is over. Any other investment you can think of has fewer advantages.

During down times, your money should be spent on items of value. Your money, right now, should not be viewed as expendable. Get value for it - for right now and for the near future. Storage food and other critical items useful for your daily existence are valuable. Spending some money to reduce other expenses is valuable.

NEW NUMBERS TODAY

2008-12-08T06:21:00.000-08:00

In this week's money market recap, this is what we read:

"The Treasury Department shook the markets temporarily on Thursday, announcing a plan to stimulate home sales by lowering mortgage rates to 4.5%. But upon further review, a wait-and-see attitude prevailed."

"A substantial drop in mortgage rates during the week ended Nov. 28 due to the news that the government would buy GSE debt and mortgage-backed securities was a boon for mortgage applications. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, purchases climbed 38%, while refis exploded, jumping 203.3%."

We're already seeing historically low mortgage interest rates, but we're still having some trouble getting the mortgage lenders to let go of the money. Local lenders are more secure at this point.

http://www.johncmartin.com/ and Tyler Texas Real Estate.

IT'S TIME!

2008-12-05T04:23:00.000-08:00

Just looking at the forecasts for the next year or two, and watching the numbers as they are coming in each day, my opinion is that those with a little cash must go ahead and make their moves now! If you have to take a hit on your presently held properties, then do it. In most places where you are, it's going to get a lot worse; and it's not going to be nearly as bad where we are. Ranches and small tracts with beautiful homes are still plentiful here in East Texas real estate. And they're still very inexpensive in comparison. And our market is stable!

It looks as if the fed is going to make fannie mae and freddie mac push interest rates for FHA loans down to 4.5% to stimulate more home purchases. I expect that to happen in a day or two....maybe a week. Should you need a loan; and should you have good credit and an income, then now's your chance to secure a low interest loan up to $272,000. Get an awfully nice home at that amount in Tyler Texas real estate or East Texas real estate. That's a high-end home here! But it's a dump in many places. Email me and let's get started: www.johncmartin.com.

MORTGAGE WATCH

2008-12-01T01:06:00.000-08:00

Mortgage Watch, the oneline mortgage news periodical, reports a steep drop in notices of default. And that lender "workouts" for homeowners in trouble are helping owners stay in their homes. Also helping is mortgage interest rates that are motivating new buyers to enter the market. Falling to as low as 5.5%, interest rates are almost too good to pass up for many!

From the standpoint of existing owners, this is all good news; and it is good as well for new buyers. Let's hope for nationwide stability and relief of suffering here at the end of the year, and for the new year!

http://www.johncmartin.com/