Edge031212

American Dream of Homeownership Alive and Well• A recent poll of more than 1,400 Americans conducted by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC), concludes that the American dream of homeownership is alive and well.• When asked what they were most anxious to do if their financial situation were to improve, more than half, 51 percent, indicated they would buy a home.• Home repairs and improvements captured the second highest number of respondents, with 23 percent selecting that option.• "Homeownership has traditionally been a part of sound financial planning," said NFCC spokesperson Gail Cunningham. "With a combined total of 74 percent of respondents selecting a home-oriented option, the poll results strongly suggests that people continue to place value in owning a home, and are anxious to buy a house or improve their existing one."• The NFCC recommends that consumers waiting in the wings for the opportunity to purchase a home begin preparing now, even if the actual purchase is months away.• For more information, please visit http://bit.ly/ztObbA.

Mortgage Rate Hits New Record Low• The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage has hit a record low of 3.13%, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of conforming mortgage rates, released last Thursday.• The mortgage, a popular choice for refinances, averaged 3.17% the previous week and 4.15% a year ago.• Rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages also dropped slightly during the week ending March 8, averaging 3.88%, down from 3.9% the previous week and 4.88% a year ago.• Mortgage rates have been below 4 percent for more than three months, making home-buying and refinancing more attractive for consumers who can qualify.

Weekly HAR Market StatThe last six years or so have been tough on home prices, and even the mostoptimistic prognosticators say it will take another six years for median sales prices toapproach the halcyon days of assured annual value increases for home sellers.Generations of stable home price increases gave way to a boom-and-bust cycle thatwould have made the Pets.com sock puppet blush. As we enter what should be anactive spring market, our communities would do well to focus effort toward creatinghealthy, happy homes. With those in place, prices will rise again. In the Houston region, for the week ending March 4: • New Listings decreased 12.4% to 2,391 • Pending Sales increased 28.0% to 1,696 • Closed Sales increased 31.4% to 1,547

Become a Leader Today 2012 Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program (TRLP) Application Deadline is Friday, March 23 Become a leader today! Due to its overwhelming success, HAR will once again offer 30 members the opportunity to take part in an extensive eight-month 2012 Texas REALTORS® Leadership Program (TRLP) . Each session equips REALTOR® members with the tools necessary to grow both personally and professionally. Topics Include: Business Planning ∙ Time Management & Life Balance ∙ Spokesperson Training ∙ Leading Across Difference ∙ Understanding Your Leadership Style ∙ H-Town Day ∙Team Building (Overnight Retreat) ∙ Law, Legislature & Leadership (Austin bus trip) Applications for the 2012 TRLP are now available.Contact the HAR Professional Development department at (713) 629-1900 ext. 6 or via email at education@har.com to receive an application.

Edge031212

by Houston Association of REALTORS® on Mar 12, 2012

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