Infotube.net: Homes for Sale - For Sale By Owner (FSBO) - Real Estate Listings

For all Twilight fans who would love to get closer to the Cullen family, the time is now.  The Vancouver home where ”New Moon” was filmed can be yours for only $3.3 million!!   If you’ve dreamed about sleeping in Edward Cullens bedroom, this may be your only chance.   All bragging rights included!

The 5 bedroom, four bath home is ideally suited for well heeled vampires and humans alike.   According to the listing broker, the property is a modernist’s dream, with extensive use of glass and post and beam style throughout the soaring, open spaces. The fantastic views of the surrounding Pacific Northwest landscape only add to this home’s considerable charm.

To see 18 more great photographs of the Cullen House CLICK HERE!

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net.  Our FREE website features some out of this world deals!!  Place a Free Listing; Download Free Legal Forms; Print Brochures; View Video Tours and More.

Is it a sign of the economic times, or more like MC Hammer deja vu??

Academy Award winning actor, Nicolas Cage, lost 2 New Orleans homes to a foreclosure sale this week. 

More bad news for freespending Cage. He owes more than $6 million in back taxes to the IRS. And, his properties in California and Las Vegas have been foreclosed on and are scheduled for auction this month.

Mr. Cage owed the City of New Orleans $151,730 in back real estate taxes and defaulted on his $5.5 million mortgage debt.  His home at 1140 Royal Street in the French Quarter, valued at $3.5 Million, sold for $2.3 million.  The other property located at 2523 Pataniya Street, appraised at $3.3 million, sold for only $2.2 million.  Pataniya Street is located in the Garden District.  Famous neighbors include author Anne Rice and football great Archie Manning, father of Peyton and Eli.

Bad Times or Crazy Spending?  Nicolas Cage, a member of the famous Coppola family, is known for being a big spender and news maker.  His obsession for Elvis resulted in a one minute marriage to Lisa Marie Presley.  He once paid $276,000 for a dinosaur skull.  At one time Cage owned 2 islands in the Bahama’s, luxury yachts (plural), a room full of shrunken heads and drove a stable of expensive cars, including a Lamborghini.  

Stars may occassionally fall to Earth, Nic won’t stay long.  Nicolas Cage and the Coppola family are Hollywood Royalty.  His movies have generated over $8 Billion in Box Office Sales.    Although Mr. Cage is facing financial ruin because he continued to spend, while millions of dollars drained from his bank accounts, we predict he will crank out more movies and will be back to living the high life in no time.  Also, it is rumored that Johnny Depp may come to Nic’s rescue.  It seems Depp has a soft spot for Cage, who got him his first roll in Nightmare on Elm Street.  Aren’t friends great!!

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net Free Homes for Sale and Rent website.  We have helped sellers and buyers connect since 1988.  We can help you too!!

According to a survey by Move.com, 12.1 percent of homebuyers intend to purchase an investment property this year, compared to only 5.6 percent of buyers polled in April. 

The percentage of investors shopping for property also jumps higher when it comes to foreclosed property.   42 percent of foreclosure buyers are purchasing for an investment.   57.6 percent of foreclosure shoppers plan to live in the home they buy.

The survey also shows that 23.6 percent of investors and buyers believe that home prices are already as low as they will go.  Nearly 20 percent feel a sense of urgency when searching for a bargain. 

Another factor motivating home buyer’s off the sidelines is the real threat of rising interest rates.  Wall Street guru’s, who agree on very little, warn that lending rates will rise in the near future.   With real estate prices at their lowest levels, buyers risk much more in waiting to purchase, than they do by locking in record low rates on their loan.

Prediction:  We believe the leading indicator of an interest rate hike will be  falling unemployment claims.  When unemployment claim filings fall below 500,000 per month, a rate hike is likely!

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net Free homes for sale and rent website.  Happy Home Shopping!!!

I’m thinking Turkey.  The leaves have fallen, lawn mowers are stored and furnaces are in use.   It’s at this time of year that many of our customer’s ask…  “Should We Take Our Home Off the Market During the Holidays?”

The answer is definitely ”NO”.  There are a lot of reasons to keep your home listed right through the New Year.  And, there’s a special timely reason this holiday season!!

1. The First Time Buyers Tax Credit has been extended until April 30, 2010 AND it’s been expanded.  Step Up Home Buyers, who make a lot of money, can also receive $6500 in Tax Credits until April.   Big tax incentives mean that smart buyers will be house shopping vs mall shopping this holiday season.  
2. Interest Rates are at Record Lows.  30 year fixed rate mortgages are below 5 percent.  But, with the dollar weak and falling, low rates may not be around for long.   Serious home buyers are aware of the difference that even a small interest rate increase would make in their house payment.  The combo of Tax Credits and Low Interest Rates create strong urgency among buyer’s.  Smart seller’s spruce up their homes and play into the pressure.
3. Holiday Shoppers are Serious Buyers.  Trust me.  Everyone of us loves the holidays.  So, the people who are out looking for homes in November, December and January are SERIOUS Buyers.  Do you really want to pull your house off the market when the most serious people are shopping??  Think about it and gear up!!
4. Less Competition.  Many sellers don’t read our blog.  They foolishly pull their homes from the market during the holidays, and this year will be no exception.  Less competition and MLS exposure could make the difference between For Sale and Sold, this Christmas. 
5. Houses are Pretty during the Holidays.  Staging your home is easy during the holidays.  The mood is festive.  Holiday colors are warm and inviting.  Candles, centerpieces and decorations touch the heart and convey a peaceful lifestyle.  Light the candles, make a roaring fire, bake some goodies and turn on some relaxing holiday music.  Buyer’s love to see a home decorated and looking special.  Don’t let this once a year opportunity pass you by.
6. Curb Appeal.  If your landscape and lawn isn’t that great, breathe a sigh of relief that no one else’s is this time of year, either.   Add seasonal color, a wreath, perhaps some decorations.  Just keep it subtle and classy.  No mowing, no weeding and trimming, and best of all snow covers all…

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net FREE homes for sale and rent website.  Thanks to all Veterans and Active Military Personnel!!!  Call us today and receive a FREE Property Listing Upgrade as our gift to you.

Veterans Day, Wednesday, November 11th is a very special day for all Americans. 

It is our special time to say thank you to all the men and women who serve and protect this country.  It is our special time to say thank you for keeping America free.  It is our special time to take a moment of silence for all who paid the ultimate price for us to protect this nation.

As our special way of saying thank you to all Veterans and Active members of the military, InfoTube.net is offering FREE Featured Home Listing Upgrades on Veterans Day!!!   Just phone 1.800.858.6000 or send an email to nicole@infotube.net with your ad number.  It’s that easy!! 

We are happy to report that other Businesses are joining us in giving back to Veterans and Active Military Personnel on Veterans Day!!!   Check out the Free Offers of Food, Goods and Services for all Veterans on Wednesday.

• Applebee’s, McCormick & Schmicks and Golden Corral are serving up FREE meals.  Drop by and enjoy a juicy steak, shrimp, chicken or whatever makes you happy.
• Outback Steakhouse may be from “down under”, but they love US Vets!!   Stop by Outback for a FREE Blooomin’ Onion Appetizer and Beverage.
• Krispy Kreme donuts will sweeten up your life with FREE Hot Ready Now Donuts.  YUMMY!
• For Vet’s in the mid-west, Hy-Vee Supermarkets is providing a FREE, all you can eat, Breakfast Buffet.  Stop by start your day right!
• Home Depot and Lowes are offering a 10 percent discount at the register!!  Save big on your home improvements or holiday needs.
• The Federal Government offers FREE access to all Federal Parks and Recreation Sites.  Grab the family and enjoy a day together.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale and rent website!!  To all Veterans and Active Military, THANK YOU and please don’t forget to claim your FREE Home Upgrade on Wednesday.

Mortgage giant Fannie Mae announced that it is willing to play “Let’s Make a Deal” with homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments.

According to CNBC, Fannie Mae will give homeowners, who are in default on their loan, the option of renting the home and staying put for up to one year.  To be eligible, the homeowner must sign over the deed to the property.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale and rent website.  We offer free home marketing assistance and thousands of great deals on property.  Check us out!!!

Great news for home buyers, sellers and owners, alike.  The homebuyer tax credit has been expanded to include step up buyers, who have owned a home for 5 years.  It also extends the tax credit through the end of 2010.  

GREAT NEWS! 

It appears that Senate Democrats have recognized the tremendous value of the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit and odds are it will be renewed soon. At this time, it is believed that the credit will allow anyone purchasing a home, by April 30, 2010, to participate and receive the full credit available.

The credit will continue until the end of 2010, but the amount of tax credit will drop by 2 percent every 90 days.  The graduated benefit should help the housing market recover into and through the 2010 summer selling season.

Here is the text of the story as reported in Bloomberg News today:
Senate Democrats on Board with Credit Extension

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Chris Dodd (D-Conn.) says Senate Democrats have agreed to extend the first-time home buyer tax credit.  The latest version extends the program to home sales signed not closed by April 30. Purchasers would have another 60 days to close the sale.  The credit will also be expanded to include so-called step-up buyers who have lived in their current home for at least five years.

The credit would be cut slightly to a $7,290 cap.  Income eligibility for first-time home buyers would stay the same, but it would rise for step-up buyers to $125,000 for individuals and $250,000 for couples.
Source: Bloomberg News, Dawn Kopecki and Ryan Donmoyer (10/27/2009)

 The stock market is back to 10,000, the level it reached in 1999.  Sales of existing homes were up a whopping 8 percent, to the highest level seen in 2 years.  The news is abuzz about an extension of the First Time Buyer Tax Credit….But, is it time to “Party like it’s 1999″???

Here is a snapshot of Friday’s real estate news.  You decide.

1. A record number of people snapped up bargains in September.  The median price of a home sold in the US fell to 174,000, down 9 percent from $191,200 one year ago.  Note: The significant price drop could be blamed in part to the First Time Buyer Tax Credit which favors the lower priced homes.
2. Keep in mind that the homes counted as “sold” in September were actually purchased in June, July and August.  No doubt the push to buy this summer had something to do with the expiring $8000 Tax Credit.
3. 70 percent of all homes closed in September were foreclosures or distressed property.
4. 80 percent of the homes closed, were sold for less than $250,000.  The market above $250,000 has stalled and inventory is rapidly growing.  And, the more expensive the home, the slower the market.
5. The biggest sales gains (not price gains) were seen in the hard hit cities of Miami and Orlando.  Sales in Miami were up 71 percent from last year, Orlando 65 percent.  Note: Prices are still falling dramatically in the Sunshine state.  In Miami and Orlando prices declined more than 30 percent from last year;  Tampa prices fell to $133,000, down 17 percent.
6. Sales of existing homes were down nearly 20 percent in Atlanta and Birmingham.  Local Realtors blame job loss for lack of activity.
7. Prices were flat or up a bit in some cities:  Dallas, Houston, San Antonio; Tulsa; Jackson, MS and Washington DC.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.NET.  Search our site for thousands of great deals on property or Post your Property Listing for Free.   We never sell your info or spam anyone.  No popups or dead links since 1989.  Happy Friday to all!!

Not surprisingly, real estate industry lobbiest are attempting a full court press as they make a final push for extension of the first-time buyer tax credit.   

And, it’s little wonder.  The IRS estimates that 1.4 million homebuyers have claimed the credit through August, and the Realtors Association estimates the credit was crucial in pushing 355,000 of those buyer’s off the fence.   

If the real estate industry gets it’s way and the amendment passes, the $8000 tax credit would be extended to June 30th, 2010 and it would allow more taxpayers to qualify for the subsidy.  The amendment would increase the income limit to $150,000 for a single filer and $300,000 for a couple, up from the current limit of 95,000 and $170,000, respectfully.

The Pro’s: Why Vote “Yea”

1. Lenders are still in trouble, as more people default or fall behind on their mortgages.  Experts predict an additional 1.5 million foreclosures in 2010, increasing supply and further eroding prices and demand. 
2. Dems and Rep like it.  The proposal was introduced by a GA Republican, Johnny Isakson, and it is also supported by Democratic heavy-weights.  House speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid support the extension, President Obama hasn’t taken a position for either side.
3. Still too Many Houses.  Although the supply of existing homes on the market has fallen from 1-5 months down to 8.5 months, a healthy market has only 5-6 months supply of house.
4. Unemployment is Rising.  With national unemployment levels at 10 percent, and some states reporting a far higher number, extending the taxpayer subsidy of housing market would likely create and preserve jobs.  In addition, people out of work usually means more loan deliquency, foreclosures and further downward pressure on pricing.

The Con’s:  Why Vote “NAY”

1. The Cost to the Taxpayers.  The extension comes with a heavy price tag of $16.7 BILLION over 5 years.
2. As bad as Sub-Prime.  Opponents argue that the subsidy has artifically propped up the prices of inexpensive homes, targeted by first-time buyer’s, thereby creating another potential mini-bubble in affordable housing.
3. Both Opponents and real estate industry admit that most people who claimed the $8000 deduction, would have purchased a home anyway due to historical low rates and steep price declines.
4. Fraud.  The IRS has identified over 100,000 cases of fraud involving the tax credit.  On Thursday, the House Ways and Means Committee is scheduled to take a closer look.
5. Did we mention the cost to taxpayers is $16.7 BILLION?

Yea or Nay???  We thank you for visiting InfoTube.net FREE homes for sale and rent website.  The website provides free legal forms and contracts, marketing and sales tools, real estate advice, news and updates for buyer’s, sellers, agents and builders.  We invite you to subscribe to our feed or leave a comment in the space below.

Case Shiller just released its latest report on the state of the residential estate market.  The good news is that home prices are falling more slowly.  The bad news is that that we have a little ways to go.

What the Numbers Show:

• Through August, 2009, the price of an average home sold in the US fell approximately 13 percent, year over year, from 2008 levels.
• Home prices have now dropped to 2003 valuation levels, wiping out 6 years of home appreciation.
• Since the peak in 2006, average home prices are down 33 percent.

What Do the Numbers Say About the Future??

• Prediction:  The “average” home price will likely fall more than 13 percent by year end.  Reason:  Home prices are always at their highest in the spring and summer.  Families move during this time of year and they buy the largest, most expensive properties.  As a result, Summer home sales skew the “average” price upward in the fall, but only temporarily.
• Prediction:  Home Sales will suffer a downturn due to the expiration of the $8000 First Time Buyer’s Credit.   So far this year, 350,000 buyers have been persuaded to purchase because of this incentive.   To read more about the success of the 1st Time Home Buyers Tax Credit, CLICK HERE.

Our Crystal Ball:  The pace of the fall is slowing, but the expiration of the tax credit and the ”shadow inventory” of another 1.5 Million foreclosures will continue to put downward pressure on the market in 2010.  As a result, we predict that 2010 home prices will decline 6-7 percent.  The upside is that nearly all buying risk is out of the market.  Interest rates are at historical lows.  Any increase in rates would erase the possible gain a buyer would achieve from correctly timing the exact bottom…even if the timing were perfect. 

Bottom Line:  If you plan to buy a home within the next year, now is a great time.   Chose the best home, in the best location and the one that you can easily afford.  Live and enjoy the home for at least 5 years and you will likely be patting yourself on the back for a job well done.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale and lease FREE website.  We have been in the business of connection Sellers and Buyers for 20 Years.  Chances are that we can Help You, too!!

Record low interest rates, combined with deeply discounted home prices, have bottom fishers swimming frantically, in search of the perfect deal on the perfect home.  But, before you strike, beware.  Read our 5 Tips to Avoid Getting Hooked in a bad way.

1. 1.  Think Long Term:  This is a market for smart bottom fishers, not flippers.  In this market, our advice is that you should plan to buy a home to live in, then hold it for 3-5 years, at the minimum.  Our reasoning, first, prices have not fully stabilized at these levels.  Secondly, there is no indication that prices will rise any time soon.  Last of all, we are still facing a rise in foreclosures in 2010, which will keep downward pressure on the market. 
2. It’s All About the Local Market:  We have all heard the golden rule of successful real estate investing…Location, Location, Location.  In other words, if you have a choice between a bigger home in an ‘iffy’ area, or a smaller home in a better one, always pick the the Good Location.  Remember, when comparing locations, real estate markets are entirely a Local matter.  There are big differences within neighborhoods, zipcodes, school systems and suburban towns.  Focus on the hottest area’s and the ones that are conveniently located near major employment centers.  In rough sea’s, these area’s will always rebound the fastest and appreciate the most. 
3. Be Wary of Foreclosures:  While some foreclosures may be a great buy, many of these properties are “cheap” for good reasons.  Many of the homes weren’t great to begin with and most have been terribly neglected.   Carefully look for mold, water penetration, structural problems, missing appliances, soiled carpets and flooring underlayments, broken windows and glass, strange odors and any evidence of illegal drug trade.  Also, never get emotionally attached to a foreclosure home.  Banks are notoriously hard to deal with and they can take forever to respond to offers.  Some buyer’s report a wait of several months before the bank approved an offer, or not.
4. Get Pre-Qualified for a Loan:  Submit your letter of loan approval with any offer you make on a home.  Banks always require a letter of pre-qualification before considering a bid, as will any serious seller.  With proof of funds in hand, you will be taken much more seriously by all seller’s, and you will in the end, get a much better deal on the house.   Getting Pre-Approved for financing is no lose proposition.
5. Don’t Take Chances.  Buyer’s are in the drivers seat and a lot of great values are available, but please don’t overspend.  The job market and general ecomony are uncertain.  Make sure you can afford the property, even if you find yourself in a bad or unexpected situation.  Even the perfect property can turn into a nightmare, if you can’t reasonably afford it. 

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale and rent website.  Property Owners can place free listings on InfoTube.net.  Buyers can search the site in complete privacy (no registration) for great deals seen no where else without pesky popups and dead links.

An accusation of fraud is a serious matter, but some home buyer’s and their agents are accusing the listing agents of bank owned property exactly that.

In a traditional sale, which is a rare event these days, the buyer’s agent presents an offer to the listing agent. The listing agent, in turn, presents the offer to the seller, who can reject, accept or make a counter offer to the buyer.

In contrast, REO (Real Estate Owned by the bank) contract negotiations take place with a bank, lender, or a representative hired to represent the lender. In contrast to a “normal” seller to buyer transaction, neither buyer or agent has the opportunity or ability to meet with the seller. Therefore, the buyer and their agent have no way of knowing whether their offer was actually presented to the lending institution, at all.

So you ask, “Why would a listing agent hide offers from the bank?” The answer is sadly cliche…”follow the money”.

Buyer agents allege that often, listing agents for the banks are also working with their own own buyers. If their buyer’s offer is accepted, the agent is paid two commissions, one as the selling agent, another for listing the property. So, if the listing agent holds back a higher offer in order to leave their client in the number one position, the agent “double dips” and earns double the money.

What can you do? Unfortunately, not much. The bank is unaware that other offers have been presented. Other buyer’s and their agents have no way of knowing if their offers were really presented, either. Usually buyers and agents are just told that their offer was rejected. Only after the closing can they see that their offer was better than the one the bank accepted and that the listing agent was also the selling agent.

If you suspect that you have been a victim of fraud or underhanded dealings, you can try to contact the lender. But, be prepared that most lenders want no contact with the public and even their own fraud departments show little interest in helping “would-be” buyers or their agents. And, as for the “listing agent for the bank”, it is highly unlikely that the  of the fraud will suddenly get a change of heart and confess.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net. We are here to help you buy and sell property. Please place a Free Home Listing on our Site or Search our Database for Great Deals.

In light of a new wave of foreclosures and distressed property sales, home seller’s may need to lower their expectations about home asking prices.

Recent reports find that nearly one in every four current home sellers (not seller’s of bank owned property) have dropped asking prices an average of 10.6 percent from their original listing price.   In dollar terms, that is equal to another $27.4 BILLION, yes BILLION, slash in the equity of  US homes.  Ouch!

The good news for home seller’s is that higher interest rates and a rapidly approaching deadline for an $8000 tax credit is creating urgency among buyers.   A recent uptick in sales proves that homes priced aggressively are selling very fast.  But, homes priced above the competition continue to sit and languish on the market for months on end.  Simply put, there is great demand in the market now…at the right price.  Seller’s may need to sharpen their pencils, but buyers are actively purchasing homes.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale or rent website.   Please feel free to place a free property listing or search our database for great values on US real estate.

PRICE REDUCED.  JUST REDUCED.  PRICE DROP.  PRICE SLASHED.   These are the Signs of the Times, but why?  Who cares, really?

Although, Realtors love the phrase and evidentally believe it to be  a powerful message, PRICE REDUCED, means only one thing…the listing was overpriced.   It doesn’t mean it still isn’t.

So, why do Realtors hang banners advertising that a price has been dropped?  Do they believe that buyers care that an asking price was reduced from $250,000 to $200,000, if comparable homes in the neighborhood are priced at $175,000?   

Maybe, the hoopla is all about the agents themselves.  Maybe, it is a secret way of gloating to one another that they finally got their unrealistic seller to drop their price.  Woo Hoo, We Were Right. 

In any case, I find signs with swinging distress messages very unmotivating, somewhat negative and kind of sad.  They are the antithesis of salesmanship.  And, when I see these type of signs, my mind immediately conjures images of a stale listing, a probably dated interior, repair issues and a difficult seller.   

In my opinion, a good salesperson, who works on behalf of the seller, would post signs that gave buyers important, exciting news about the property.  “Seller Financing”, “Zero Down”, “Lowest Price in Area”, ”Free Appliances” or “Special Financing.  Positive messages, such as these, are informative and helpful to buyer and seller, alike.

Before Realtor’s spends any more of their hard earned money on negative messages, or homeowner’s allow another one to be posted, I hope they stop and ask themselves, “Why are we doing this and Who really cares???  

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net.  We have been helping buyers and sellers for 20 years and we are here to help you sell and market your home.  Please visit our site to post a Free Property Listing or Search for Great Deals from the Privacy of Your Home.

With all the housing and finance related news these days, it is hard to stay focused on where the real problems are and what specific issues affect the real estate market.   

Today, we outline the issues and target in on facts about the specific problems in housing and real estate in the U.S.  

1. Real estate markets are Local:   The University of Virginia studied foreclosures in all 50 states; 35 metro area’s and 236 counties.  They found that 85 percent of the lost value in homes occured in only 4 states - Arizona, California, Florida and Nevada.
2. Nevada, California, Arizona and Florida rank 1,2,3 and 4 in all foreclosure activity.    Combined together, these 4 states account for 55 percent of all foreclosures in the U.S.
3. The 4 sunbelt states, representing 55 percent of all foreclosed property, were also the playing grounds of investors, second home buyer’s and “flippers” who rode the out the bubble in search of riches.
4. 19 million homes are now vacant in the United States.  
5. Lenders forecast another 2.5 million home foreclosures before the end of the year.
6. The average value of a home today has fallen to less than $170,000, which is now well within the budget of the majority of workers in the country.  At the top of the bubble, the average home price in the US was $220,000, and hit $300,000 in California.
7. Uptrends:  Home sales have increased dramatically in California and Nevada in recent months.  Discounts of 50 percent or more are bringing the inventory of unsold homes to their lowest levels since the crash began.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale and rent website.  Users can take advantage of a variety of services, (flat fee MLS and Realtor.com) for buyers and sellers.   Free services at InfoTube.net include home searches  including video tours and multiple photo’s; free legal forms and contracts; real estate buying and selling tips;  community question and answer forum; no buyer registration; no pop ups or dead links; google mapping and more.