-- 2/1/08 -- Microsoft just made an offer to purchase Yahoo! Yahoo has recently struggled to keep up while laying off jobs. Microsoft apparently offering about $31 a share to purchase Yahoo! The current amount for Yahoo! is $19 a share.
Microsoft will need such a move to keep up with the powerhouse Google. The search engine market will narrow to two big players. A conference call is scheduled this morning between Microsoft and Yahoo!
An interesting watch!
New family tax incentives just announced.
Singles who earn less than $75,000 and couples who earn a combined less than $150,000 can qualify for a $300 rebate. Families with children can earn an additional $300 per child up to $1,200. This is targeting the middle class. (Yet to be finalized)
The middle class is determined to fit in the income bracket of $30,000-$100,000. That's a wide range and the Presidential candidates have different ideas of the definition. The average middle class family is $8,000 in debt.
There are many middle class families that are stretched above their means and and many below. Many that have stretched, now are facing issues with their mortgages, debt, etc. Bottom line: It's not wise to keep up with the Jones' if you're waving goodbye in a moving truck. Make sure you're buying something you can afford and don't just listen to your bank when they give you the top amount.
Also causing buzz, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, known as FHA, government-sponsored companies that are the two biggest U.S. financers and guarantors of home loans — to buy loans much larger than the current $417,000 limit. The lending cap could reach as high as $700,000 in locations with the highest priced homes. This could mean a huge savings for those larger purchases and for home buyers looking for a better option for their home loan. There are areas of Ohio that could benefit from this as higher priced areas are seeing a slow down. There are high end homes in all areas surrounding Cleveland. They are still lower in price than most homes in the country. You could typically get more home for your dollar here and now you get way more.
And last but not least, here's something to think about while the current housing market is in such high discussion and lack of momentum has increased. Should you really lose faith or head out and buy today?
According to last week’s Merrill Lynch Economic Report, prices of Real Estate have increased 60% since 2000, and Real Estate is one of the few investments that can be purchased using leverage. (You put 10-20% down, yet your return is based on the full market value of your home.) Even if prices do depreciate, Real Estate Investors that have owned since 2000 are still way ahead.
Microsoft will need such a move to keep up with the powerhouse Google. The search engine market will narrow to two big players. A conference call is scheduled this morning between Microsoft and Yahoo!
An interesting watch!
New family tax incentives just announced. Singles who earn less than $75,000 and couples who earn a combined less than $150,000 can qualify for a $300 rebate. Families with children can earn an additional $300 per child up to $1,200. This is targeting the middle class. (Yet to be finalized)
The middle class is determined to fit in the income bracket of $30,000-$100,000. That's a wide range and the Presidential candidates have different ideas of the definition. The average middle class family is $8,000 in debt.
There are many middle class families that are stretched above their means and and many below. Many that have stretched, now are facing issues with their mortgages, debt, etc. Bottom line: It's not wise to keep up with the Jones' if you're waving goodbye in a moving truck. Make sure you're buying something you can afford and don't just listen to your bank when they give you the top amount.
Also causing buzz, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, known as FHA, government-sponsored companies that are the two biggest U.S. financers and guarantors of home loans — to buy loans much larger than the current $417,000 limit. The lending cap could reach as high as $700,000 in locations with the highest priced homes. This could mean a huge savings for those larger purchases and for home buyers looking for a better option for their home loan. There are areas of Ohio that could benefit from this as higher priced areas are seeing a slow down. There are high end homes in all areas surrounding Cleveland. They are still lower in price than most homes in the country. You could typically get more home for your dollar here and now you get way more.
And last but not least, here's something to think about while the current housing market is in such high discussion and lack of momentum has increased. Should you really lose faith or head out and buy today?
According to last week’s Merrill Lynch Economic Report, prices of Real Estate have increased 60% since 2000, and Real Estate is one of the few investments that can be purchased using leverage. (You put 10-20% down, yet your return is based on the full market value of your home.) Even if prices do depreciate, Real Estate Investors that have owned since 2000 are still way ahead.
Compare this to the Stock Market. Since 1999, the S&P market index has had an annual total return of about 1% per year! Most people think in the short-term by noting that American Stocks doubled from October 2002 to the end of 2007. But, a look at the market since 1999 shows that stocks were trounced by Treasuries, Foreign Markets, and even cash.
Real Estate is a Tangible that can be enjoyed, unlike stocks and bonds where there is no “use” benefit. (Nobody makes memories investing in stocks.)
While home prices and mortgage interest rates are low, supply is high and selection is wide, why wouldn't you invest and buy a home now with the potential of no money down? FHA programs are affordable and rental prices are expected to increase. Lock in a monthly payment NOW and have a home and investment for life.
Property values are only determined by market value. If your home isn't on the market, it could be worth $100 or $1m. If renting, rents and security could fluctuate and offer no return. For a free consultation, Contact Us today for an evaluation of your current situation or to find out about your possible mortgage options and qualifications.
Property values are only determined by market value. If your home isn't on the market, it could be worth $100 or $1m. If renting, rents and security could fluctuate and offer no return. For a free consultation, Contact Us today for an evaluation of your current situation or to find out about your possible mortgage options and qualifications.
posted by Cleveland Real Estate at
1/24/2008
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