This Week's Edition of National Real Estate News 11/5/2012 (Video)

This week's national real estate news update - The National Pending Home Sales Index is holding steady, and  new home sales are on the rise. Click here for more- about conducting research before you buy, finding the perfect neighborhood,  the "Beige Book" update from the Federal Reserve,  and interest rates.

Click here for this months newsletter and our video news channel.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like: Find out more about Judy here

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Connecticut Financing Update and Today's Mortgage Rates 10/26/12

We are bracing for hurricane Sandy, but homes will be sold despite the weather conditions.  It's still a perfect time to purchase a home and/or refinance your existing mortgages as rates have been on the rise in the past 2 weeks.  MBS are up +7/32 (FNMA 30-yr 3.0 at 104.17), which is about 10/32 higher than yesterday at this time. Favorable repricing was seen from some investors yesterday. Early investors may have priced at lower levels. MBS began today's session with solid gains, and the GDP report had little impact.

Today's Mortgage Rates

Conventional 30 year fixed          3.625%                 APR 3.678%

Conventional 15 year fixed          3.00%                  APR 3.035%

Conventional 5/1 ARM                3.00%                  APR 3.049%

Conventional 7/1 ARM                3.25%                  APR 3.301%

The above rates are based on a loan amount of $417,000 for a single family home, a borrower’s middle credit score of 740 and a 20% down payment.

This is not an offer for extension of credit or a commitment to lend. All loans must satisfy company underwriting guidelines. Information and pricing are subject to change at any time and without notice. This is not an offer to enter into a rate lock agreement under any applicable law.

 

As a lending professional, Nima Rezvan meets a wide range of real estate lending needs, whether it be a first time purchase, second home purchase, or refinance. He welcomes the opportunity to serve your needs with quick and accurate real estate financing advice. With his expertise and knowledge, he will make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose and that it meets your unique financial situation.

With more than 10 years of mortgage lending experience, Nima specializes in  Conventional Mortgages,  Jumbo Loan Financing, Refinance, First Time Home Buyers and Federal Housing Administration/Veterans' Administration (FHA/VA)

782 Clinton Avenue

Bridgeport, CT 06604

Phone: 203.913.6016

Email: nima@primeres.com

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Safety Tips for Hurricane Sandy- Be Prepared

Hurricane  Sandy is almost here, and although we are not welcoming this severe storm, we all should prepare for her wrath. Assuming you can, or choose to stay in your home during the storm, here are some safety tips for you:

Please stay safe and listen to what the authorities tell you to do during this storm!

  * Plan routes to emergency shelters and register family members with special needs with local authorities.

* Be sure you have several days’ supply of any prescriptions that you or family members are taking.

 * Have on hand a five-day supply of water for each person (one gallon per person, per day), along with food that doesn’t require refrigeration, flashlights, a battery-operated radio and a first aid kit.

* Make plans for pets. Have extra food on hand, as well as any medications they need.

* Have extra batteries, a radio, candles and matches  on hand

* Bring inside items that can be picked up by the wind. 

* Turn off any propane tanks and unplug small appliances.

* Fill your vehicle’s gas tank.  

* If high winds are in the forecast for your area, close windows, doors and hurricane shutters. If hurricane shutters are not an option, close and board up windows and doors with plywood.

* As the storm nears, turn the refrigerator and freezer to the coldest settings and keep them closed as much as possible so food will last longer if the power goes out.

*remember to call 911 in case of emergency

Here are some useful links:

Precautions_to take before a_hurricane_hits

Additional Safety Tips

Safety Tips for Pool Owners

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Should You Take A Loan From Your 401(k) to Buy a Home?

Many people find that their 401(k) accounts have become one of their largest financial assets after years of regular contributions with an employer match. Some employers even allow plan participants to borrow against the funds, and that can be tempting. Wouldn’t almost everyone like extra cash? However, a 401(k) loan can set back your retirement and create a financial bind if you leave your employer. As a result, a 401(k) loan should be considered for emergencies only, if at all.

With a 401(k) loan, you can borrow up to 50 percent of the vested balance in your 401(k) account or $50,000, whichever is lesser. However, you will have to pay the money back with interest. The interest is credited to your 401(k) account, not to your employer, so you are paying the money to yourself. Because you pay yourself, the 401(k) loan may be a cheaper way to borrow money.

Just because a 401(k) loan could be a cheap way to borrow money doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea. A 401(k) loan has several drawbacks. First, the money has to be repaid, usually over a five-year period. If you leave the company or the 401(k) plan is terminated, the loan will typically become due within 60 days. That can happen if you quit or are laid off, or if the company merges with another company or goes out of business. These unforeseen events cause their own financial emergencies and set back your retirement.

If the loan is not repaid when due, then the balance will be treated as a withdrawal, and it will generally be subject to income tax on the distribution as well as a 10 percent penalty tax if you are younger than 59½.

If you face a serious financial emergency, then borrowing money from your 401(k) plan may make sense. It can be easy to obtain, and you pay the interest to yourself rather than to a bank. However, consider it only after you’ve exhausted your cash savings accounts. It is best to leave your 401(k) alone so that you can continue building toward your retirement goals for the future.

Neither State Farm nor its agents provide tax or legal advice. Please consult your own adviser regarding your particular circumstances.

Article submitted by Brennan Purdy of State Farm Insurance

My vision is to be an insurance professional whose actions are driven by keeping the customer's best interest as my primary goal. My staff will treat all my customers in a caring, friendly, and professional manner. My office will provide warm, efficient, and seamless services to our customers at all times. I expect my business to be comprised of knowledgeable, multiple-line customers who see my office as their first and best choice for all their insurance and financial service needs

For more information on these and other home safety tips, stop by my office or visit www.brennanpurdy.com. My office is conveniently located in downtown Bethel. 203-798-7300.                   211 Greenwood Avenue , Bethel, CT 06801

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY

Open House TODAY 10/21/12 at 49 Old Road, Westport CT - Only $600,000!

Stop by and visit me today, October 21, 2012 at 49 Old Road in Westport between 1-3 PM.

This 1,800 square foot cape has three bedrooms, 2.5 baths,   is on almost 1/4 acre and in very nice condition.

Stop by and see this very well priced property, and make it yours!

Call Judy at (203)257-5892

Directions: Post Road East (Route 1)  to Old Road (Near Maple Avenue North)

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Featured Home of the Week is at 125 Norton Road in Easton  for $1.4M. See the virtual tour HERE

Buying or Selling a Home in Fairfield County?  Contact us!

If you have a question about buying or selling Real Estate in  Fairfield County, and are in need of representation, I invite you to contact me. I know the market like the back of my hand, know marketing inside and out, am a skilled negotiator- and I'd love to be on your side :) - Judy

Search for properties on any of our sites, or get the very best visibility available for your home. Visit us online wherever you like:

www.CThomesAndRealEstate.com      www.TheCTrealtyBlog.com     www.TheCTRB.com    and   www.CTfeaturedHomes.com 

 Email us or  call Toll Free (855) GET-JUDY