If you’re a consumer, this is not the time you reach for a crystal ball or cross your fingers. In 2011, you will have to be more clever and much smarter. It isn’t like it used to be a decade ago when potential homebuyers were at the helm of the financial ship. There will be some unusual real estate and mortgage trends popping up, so beware.

Trend #1 – If you’re a cash buyer the red carpet will be out from both lenders and realtors. Actually, at the tail end of 2010, there were more cash buyers than any others. No mortgage lender excuses or “sorry, Mr. Jones, you’ll have to come up with 20 percent down to avoid PMI,” conundrums.
Trend #2 – Jumbo mortgage applications and sales will blossom, and the interest rate scale will still remain very attractive. All this is good news for consumers with a FICO score on the north side of 725 and a good job.
Trend #3 – Oops. There does appear to be a dark cloud out there for both buyers and agents. No more three weeks or less for closing deals. 60 to 90 days will be the norm. Rate locks should reach out as far as possible.
Trend #4 – In 2011, stable rates and tons of available homes will let consumers make choices.
Trend #5 – Foreclosure trends will still continue. Informed real estate agents can help.
For more information on real estate trends in 2011, please call me.

If you are thinking of purchasing or selling a house, it is recommended that you enlist the help of a real estate agent. A real estate agent will help save you money as well as maximize your profit potential. Real estate agents are usually very knowledgeable about the worth of a house in a certain neighborhood. They can definitely save you a lot of time and money. For instance, if you try to sell your own house, you will have to find potential buyers by yourself. This can be a daunting experience if you do not understand the market or have the tools for negotiating your own sales.

Real estate agents can help you appraise the worth of your property as well as give you helpful tips on how to increase the value of your home. They have solid negotiation skills as well as connections in the industry to help bring buyers and sellers together. If you try to go about buying or selling a house by yourself, you will spend much more time achieving it than an agent. Furthermore, the reputation of a good real estate agent is important when selling property. Buyers and sellers want to do business with someone they can trust. If you’re trying to complete a transaction by yourself, you might not be able to do so because you do no have the accreditation that an agent has; it would be hard for a complete stranger to do business with you. If you would like more information, please feel free to contact me.