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Q. How can I keep up to date on current real estate market interest rates?
A. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan is agreed upon source for announcements regarding projected changes in Prime Rate. The Prime Rate reflects interest rates all lenders will be offering in United States. However, according to an article by Alan Murray in Wall Street Journal called “Rates Lay Bare Greenspan Challenge” there have been some questions as to accuracy of Greenspan’s most recent projections. Murray says although “bank’s prime rate” has been raised “along with some short-term lending rates….the interest rates that matter most to economy—home mortgage rates for individuals; bond rates for companies—have been mostly going down and not up.” It is best to follow Prime Rate trends and keep them in mind, but also review interest rates of several lenders.
Q. What are signs of a hot market?
A. In today’s real estate market you must think creatively. You want to sell while market is most active and most competitive. Watch for an increase in property sales as prices escalate. If other properties in neighborhood have sold recently it is a good time to sell, it helps with appraisal. In areas of Virginia values have doubled in just two years because of increasingly fast paced market. Look for this type of accelerated movement if you want to make a quick return on your investment.
Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property. Elaine is also an Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has helped numerous clients invest in and make money on property in Southeastern Virginia.