Deals, Deals, Deals...

Are there real Estate Deals to be found?

You bet there are. And I am not the only one who thinks that way. There are deals, through out much of the San Fernando Valley. Knowing what is currently a deal and what is just the market price takes a little research and a little soul searching. One persons deal may be another person’s nightmare. A lot of people are saying prices are going to keep going down and some are saying we are close enough to the bottom. I am one of those who thinks we are very close to the bottom. If a house is in good condition, priced right and isn’t a short sale there are multiple offers on the property. I called on one such house yesterday that had been listed just the day before and found out there were 5 offers on the house. 5 offers in just 36 hours sounds like the good old days. Another house I looked at today had been listed for three days and had an offer on it. I can keep going on with these stories. Sellers might not like the prices but there are a bunch of buyers who think it is time to jump back in.

As always if the home feels right and you think you can stay there for 5-6 years go for it. Don’t be one of the ones who say a few years down the road I should have bought back ion 2009.

Want to search for a home in Burbank or southern California almost like agent do? Go to www.ericbenz.com.

A Brand New Feeling

Like many Americans and many people around the world I am excited by the hopeful feeling our new President brings with him. I am excited about the prospects of how many new first time buyers opportunities there are. Prices have come down to a point that paying rent may not actually be worth it anymore. Great tax incentives for first time buyers like the $7,500 tax credit, that is about to expire in June 30th, 2009, make this a great time to get you feet wet in the real estate market. For more information on the credit go to http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=186831,00.html. Other credits like the interest reductions and property tax write offs can actually making owning a home less expensive than you can imagine. This year while you are doing you taxes ask your accountant about the benefits to you. Reduced prices, new hope, tax credits and write offs; give this market a whole new feeling.

Of course there are many pitfalls new buyers can get trapped into. The market is full of what appears to be great deals, which end up being a not so great deal. Only a trained, experienced real estate agent or an experienced real estate investor can navigate you around these obstacles. Here is a great article about some blunders first time buyers can fall into. http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/real-estate/2009/01/07/5-top-blunders-of-internet-home-buying.html?PageNr=2.

For more information on how my partner and I can help, or if you would like to search the internet for a property go to our web site at www.ericbenz.com.

Inclement Weather for an Open House

Saturday I held my First open House of the year. Tough conditions had me thinking it would be a slow day. I mean how many people are going to be looking at open houses on a rainy cold Saturday afternoon. Well maybe in my mind it was cols and rainy, or at least in the minds of all the buyers out there. Actually it was 80 degrees, sunny and perfect for an open house, maybe too perfect. Maybe everyone would be out enjoying the beautiful day and not want to stop by an open house. Has my optimism waned so soon? No chance. I am prepared for a mob scene.

At first I thought the mob was taking the day off, so after setting up I got out my paper and began to read. Just then a young couple with their 8 month old comes walking up and then a neighbor and another person runs in and out. Maybe today is the day….. After a long conversation with the family and neighbor I had enough time to get my paper again and take a seat. Then another couple followed by another neighbor and then another person and another and another. 15 groups later it was time to go home, but our young family arrives again…. After a call from my daughter I had to excuse myself and ask if the family had seen enough. We all went our ways 40 minutes later than I expected.

Maybe the inclement weather is changing…..

I passed out an article to those who came by. You may find it interesting http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/HomebuyingGuide/top-5-home-buying-blunders-for-2009.aspx

As always if you would like more info on southern California Real Estate or would like to search for properties go to http://www.ericbenz.com/

A New Outlook

Forever I will be an optimist. I have two beautiful young girls I have to be.

January is moving fast and the excitement over a new administration has most people hopeful. Will this economy ever turn around? Will the real estate market ever come back? Can this president do anything to help without crippling our future? Yes, Yes and Yes. Of course we are all going to have to help. A positive attitude about our future is a good start in the right direction.

Real estate has always been one of the leading factors in the recovery of consumer confidence. Is now a good time to buy? Now may be the best time to buy in our lifetimes. Prices may come down more over the next year or so but so will the availability of quality homes. Interest rates can only go up form here and the opportunities may disappear over the next few quarters. If you find a home you think you can live in for 5 years or more, you like the home and neighborhood, and you can get a loan (a big if) now is a great time to buy.

Go to my web site and search for homes anywhere in Southern California and see just what I am talking about. http://www.ericbenz.com/