Current Real Estate Market - Albany Area Real Estate

Insuring an Empty Home? Four Things You Need to Know

By David, on February 22nd, 2013%

Whether it’s a seldom-used vacation home or an unoccupied rental property, if you’re responsible for a vacant property, make sure you have the right kind of insurance in place.

When looking for homeowners insurance for an unoccupied residence, the process can be difficult. Many companies will not cover such a dwelling or charge high . . . → Read More: Insuring an Empty Home? Four Things You Need to Know

Job Opportunity With the David Phaff Team at RealtyUSA

By David, on February 11th, 2013%

WANTED:� OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

The David Phaff Team at RealtyUSA is among the highest production teams in the region but is better known for its consumer-centric orientation and incredible customer service that makes for an ideal selling & buying experience as well as a great place to work.

Our long time Office Administrator is . . . → Read More: Job Opportunity With the David Phaff Team at RealtyUSA

Credit Scores on the Rise, Loan Prospects Brighter

By David, on February 4th, 2013%

One of the silver linings of the economic downturn is that we’ve all gotten a lot savvier about the importance of maintaining good credit. In fact, according to recent research from Equifax, consumers across the country are increasingly moving out of the subprime credit-score category.

The total number of consumers with Equifax credit scores . . . → Read More: Credit Scores on the Rise, Loan Prospects Brighter

Confidence in Real Estate on the Rise for 2013

By David, on January 25th, 2013%

As the general economic outlook improves, confidence in the recovery of the real estate market will increase this year, according to the results of a new survey from Point2Homes and PropertyShark.

The research involved surveying almost 1,500 homebuyers and real estate professionals nationwide on a number of aspects concerning the real estate market in . . . → Read More: Confidence in Real Estate on the Rise for 2013

Mortgage Rates Retreat

By David, on January 18th, 2013%

Good news for prospective homebuyers: According to Bankrate.com’s weekly national survey, mortgage rates moved lower after reaching a 4-month high last week, with the benchmark 30-year fixed mortgage rate retreating to 3.60 percent this week. The average 30-year fixed mortgage has an average of 0.36 discount and origination points.

As the positive energy generated . . . → Read More: Mortgage Rates Retreat

Consumer Confidence in Economy and Housing on the Rise

By David, on December 21st, 2012%

Despite continued uncertainty surrounding the fiscal cliff, Americans are showing increased confidence in the housing market and the direction of the economy. According to results from Fannie Mae’s* November 2012 National Housing Survey, such improvement bodes especially well for continued strengthening in the housing sector, which in turn should lead to overall economic growth.

Why Some Sellers Should Consider A Pre-Inspection

By David, on November 30th, 2012%

Traditionally in the real estate buying process, a structural inspection (among others) is requested by a home buyer around the time they are applying for a mortgage. In fact, over 99% of all buyers in our market request an inspection as a way to uncover hidden faults and costly repairs that may need to . . . → Read More: Why Some Sellers Should Consider A Pre-Inspection

How Accurate Should A Real Estate Appraisal Be?

By David, on October 29th, 2012%

With the real estate debacle behind us, you’d think that today’s residential appraisals would be consistent and accurate.� How relevant and accurate would you expect an appraisal to be today?

Tell me what you think because I may have a surprise for you!

Interest Rates – The Silver Lining in a Still-Gloomy Market

By David, on June 14th, 2011%

We hear a lot about doom and gloom, but just this week, two major local lenders announced absolutely remarkable interest rates and on top of that, some are offering incentives in the form of reduced fees or a discount on the final rate.� Paul Hurley of HSBC is now quoting a 30 . . . → Read More: Interest Rates – The Silver Lining in a Still-Gloomy Market

Capital District Diamonds in the Rough

By David, on January 25th, 2011%

The Albany home buying area is steeped in rich American history. As a top-producing agent here for over thirty years, I’ve maintained my passion for real estate by remaining involved in residential construction and remodeling. That, and my professional training as a designer, carpenter, and construction manager, has deepened my appreciation for historic or . . . → Read More: Capital District Diamonds in the Rough