Southside Housing Alliance

“… You Can Keep Your Good Credit During This Recession – If You Know The Score. People are having to make tough financial choices today, but many don’t have to wreck their credit scores if they know how the system works. With the same amount of money, you can make decisions that kill your credit score or ones that keep your score – or at least give you the ability to rebuild your score quickly later. Most people have wrong or little information about how the system works, and that’s a big reason scores go down when difficult decisions are made during a recession…”

“… The FHA Short Refinance option is targeted to help people who owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth – or ‘underwater’ – because their local markets saw large declines in home values. To be eligible for a new loan, the homeowner must …”

“… The Housing Opportunity Index indicated that 72.3 percent of all new and existing homes sold in the second quarter of 2010 were affordable to families earning the national median income of $64,400. Homeownership is within reach of more households than it has been for almost a generation. Interest rates continue to hover at historic low levels, the economy is beginning to rebound and with house prices starting to stabilize, conditions are beginning to draw home buyers back into the market, which is a positive step on the path to recovery …”

“… As expected, sales are slowing down now that the home buyer tax credit has expired, but record-low mortgage interest rates, along with stable and affordable home prices in most areas, provide opportunities for buyers who weren’t able to take advantage of the credit. Realtors are a great resource for consumer information on loan availability as well as neighborhood market conditions, which vary widely …”

“…CareerBuilder’s latest nationwide survey shows that one-third of small businesses will be hiring in the second half of 2010, kick-starting one of the major drivers for economic recovery and job growth…”

“…Thanks in part to interest rates continuing at all-time lows, home affordability in the U.S. remains near the most attractive levels in 10 years. The housing market is performing better than the predictions made over a year ago. Families continue to benefit from the lowest rates in history on 30-year fixed mortgages. Improved home affordability is continuing to provide opportunities for prospective, qualified home buyers…”

“…Total annual home sales are rising above 2009 and we’re looking for overall gains again this year as well as in 2011. Conditions have become more balanced in much of the country, which is good for both buyers and sellers. However, consumers find it even more challenging to navigate the transaction process, especially for distressed properties, which only underscores the value Realtors bring to buyers and sellers in this market…”

“… Money Magazine recently released their annual “Best Places To Live” Top 100 list of recommended cities. Indiana had two top 100 finishers – even better, they were both in the top 15. The Town of Fishers, IN came in as the eighth best place to live; whereas, the City of Carmel was 14th on the list…”

“… Even with home prices sliding in some areas and mortgage rates the lowest in decades, the vast majority of Americans do not regret buying their current home. In fact, 90 Percent of Americans Do Not Regret Buying Their Current Home …”

Average home prices in June in the nine-county Indianapolis area shot up 7 percent.
According to data compiled recently, 2,253 homes sold in central Indiana in June 2010. The average home price in June 2010 was $159,142, roughly 7 percent higher than the $149,373 recorded a year earlier.
“The gain in home prices is a hopeful sign [...]

“… There’s a reason homeownership is the foundation of the American Dream. While lately the economy has presented some challenges, it has also helped us focus on what matters most: the value of owning a home. It’s reminded us that home is where we make memories, build our future and feel comfortable and secure…”

“… Homeownership is about more than buying a home – you have to make sure you can keep the home over the long term. If you’re thinking about buying a home, these steps can help ensure you get the right house for you and the affordable financing that helps make homeownership a long-term success …”

“… June is National Homeownership Month – a time to celebrate the American dream of owning a home. Record low interest rates and recent tax credits for first-time homebuyers have enticed many families to turn their dream of homeownership into a reality. Home is more than a place to live; it’s a financial asset, a place to raise a family, and an investment in the community…”

“… Indianapolis Neighborhood Housing Partnership (INHP) is celebrating National Homeownership Month by hosting a series of homeownership fair Block Parties. All Block Parties include one-on-one credit assessments and INHP’s Money Management class—right on site—plus free family fun, including a kids’ area, live local entertainment, prizes and giveaways, snacks, and an exhibitor area where visitors can get to know area businesses and resources. The Southside Block Party is: June 26th at the University of Indianapolis Schwitzer Student Center on Hanna, 10am to 4pm …”

“… Today’s report is very encouraging because it indicates that homeownership continues its more than year-long trend of remaining within reach of more households than it has for almost two decades. With interest rates still hovering at low levels, companies starting to hire new employees and the economy beginning to rebound, this should encourage more home buyers to enter the market and help further stabilize housing and the economy …”