Finance Market Update March 31, 2008 Brentwood TN Real Estate

Brentwood TN Real Estate

Mortgage bond prices fell last week pushing mortgage interest rates considerably higher. Most of the data was bond friendly showing signs the economy continued to struggle. Unfortunately Fed warnings of creating "conditions for sustainable inflation over the long term" rekindled inflation concerns. Inflation erodes the value of fixed income securities and generally leads to higher mortgage interest rates.

For the week, interest rates on government and conventional loans rose by over a full discount point.

The employment report Friday will be the most important event this week. The potential for market volatility is high surrounding the ISM Index and factory orders data.

Economic Factors

Economic Indicator Release Date Time Consensus Estimate Analysis
Construction Spending Tuesday, April 1, 2008 Down 0.9% Low importance. An indication of economic strength. A significant decrease may lead to lower rates.
ISM Index Tuesday, April 1, 2008 48.2 Important. A measure of manufacturer sentiment. A larger decline may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Factory Orders Wednesday, April 2, 2008 Up 0.7% Important. A measure of manufacturing sector strength. A larger decrease may lead to lower rates.
Employment Friday, April 4, 2008 Unemp. @ 5.0%, Payrolls -40k Very important. An increase in unemployment or a large decrease in payrolls may bring lower rates.

Liquidity

In years past a borrower would visit their local savings and loan to obtain a mortgage. The Loan Officer at the bank would approve the mortgage and fund it with cash reserves from the vault. This system worked well until the bank ran out of money to lend. Borrowers came to the S&L looking for a loan and were told to come back when a current mortgage paid off. What the bank needed was a way to sell the loans they made freeing up the capital to lend to new borrowers. This way they could lend the "same" money over and over, earning an income from servicing the loans and assisting the community by offering a near limitless pool of money.

To address this issue, FNMA and GNMA were established. The goal is to provide cheap mortgage money to prospective homeowners and a high quality bond for the investment community. The bond or Mortgage Backed Security (MBS) take mortgages with similar risk characteristics and pool them together. Investors in the MBS's know ahead of time the return they are going to receive, much like a Certificate of Deposit. To ensure the performance of the bond, each mortgage is underwritten to specific guidelines.

During the recent real estate boom underwriting guidelines were relaxed giving way to a whole new menu of mortgage products such as 100% financing. In addition, to streamline the influx of applications, income and asset verification took a back seat to a borrower with strong credit. With housing prices rising rapidly, the property could be sold to cover the note and foreclosure costs if this occurred. This cycle worked well until the price of houses moderated in 2006. Once the housing market began to cool and prices moderated, foreclosed homes were being sold for less than the notes. To add insult to injury, the loans underwritten to the looser guidelines did not perform as hoped. With the value of the collateral in question (falling home prices) and the future performance of the borrowers unknown, investors' appetite for this risk has waned. To attract investors in this environment, rates had to increase.

Unfortunately the liquidity issues associated with Alt A and subprime loans carried over to more secure AAA GNMA and FNMA loans. Sellers of AAA MBS's are finding it more difficult to find buyers. Many analysts believe the reaction has been too severe. Sanity will eventually return to the markets and AAA pricing will come in line with risk characteristics. Unfortunately it may take some time for this to occur. Be cautious during these times of extreme market volatility.
* Info. courtesy Tonya Esquibel, WR Starkey Mortgage, Franklin TN*

Vanessa Stalets
Brentwood TN Real Estate
RE/MAX Elite
615-957-6333/615-661-4400

Coming Soon! Fabulous Oak Hill Home!

From Brentwood TN Real Estate
Coming soon, this gorgeous all brick home in one of Nashville's most established and desired areas! Come see why The Governor, Martina McBride and others have made this gorgeous area their home!

This home sits on a great corner lot measuring a little over 1 Acre! At just under 3100 sq. ft, this 1.5 story home boasts 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, a formal living room and dining room as well as an eat in kitchen, huge bonus room and office! 2 car attached rear entry garage lends privacy. Hardwood floors through out, beautifully renovated kitchen featuring cherry cabinets and all appliances remain! Living room showcases gorgeous bead board ceiling, fireplace as well as built in book shelves, class and convenience combined make this a sure- fire hit! Fabulous screened in porch is perfect for those sultry Tennessee evenings with loved ones or entertaining! All of this can be yours for the awesome low price of $499,500! Your dream home awaits you.
Hurry, this one won't last long!
Vanessa Stalets
RE/MAX Elite615-957-6333/615-661-4400
Nashville TN Real Estate

5759 S New Hope Rd, Hermiatge TN - Brentwood TN Real Estate

Details - Price $234,500

Address: 5759 S New Hope Rd

Type: Residential

Style: Single Story

Bedrooms: 3 "Master has double trey"

Bathrooms: 2 "Master is suite"

Garage: Double, Attached

Basement: No "Crawl Space"

Size: 2,184 sq. ft. "Open and airy!"

Lot Size: 0.32 acres n/a "Level" Has Suite: Yes

Year Built: 2003 "Immaculate!" Taxes: $2,161.00 (2007) MLS®: 962710

Description
BEAUTIFUL brick hm on LRG lot. Min's from lake & DwnTwn! Quiet upscale neighborhood. GORGEOUS archways,Wall length Palladian window in formal dining brings tons of light!Open flr plan, hardwood, vaulted ceiling in LR and 15 ft celing in eat in kitchen area, HUGE bonus rm with floored attic access! Dual Zoned bedrooms, Double trey ceiling in master suite w/jacuzzi tub, seperate stand up shower, ceramic tile and double vanity as well as huge walk in closet! SS appliances remain,custom blinds too! Hm Warranty included. Immaculate home! All info. deemed correct, not guaranteed. Buyer/agent to verify all pertinent info.

Highlights
▪ Welcome home to this immaculate brick home feautring a large lot with a no build common area on one side. Level lot is perfect for anything and everything!
▪ Gorgeous archways in this home, incredible wall length Palladian window in formal dining area gives tons of natural light. Beautiful hardwoods. Open and spacious!
▪ Living room boasts great gas fireplace as well as vaulted ceiling and is open to dining and kitchen areas!
▪ Kitchen feautures top of the line GE profile appliances in stainless steel, custom cabinets and is open to living room and eat in area!
▪ Eat in kitchen area has gorgeous Bay windows, 15 ft ceiling and custom blinds are included!
▪ Huge bonus room over garage is perfect for family activities! Floored attic access too!
▪ Master bedroom includes a double trey ceiling and is a large space perfect for any type of furniture grouping. Master is seperately zoned from guest beds on other side of house for privacy!
▪ Master bath suite is to die for! Ceramic tiled flr and jacuzzi bath. Seperate shower, double vanity and huge walk in closet, must see!
▪ Back yard features a great deck perfect for grilling and family time! Level lot. This home is just waiting to be yours!
Features
Interior Features
▪ Alarm System
▪ Carpeted Floors
▪ Ceiling Fan
▪ Fireplace
▪ Hardwood Floors
▪ Hot Tub / Spa
▪ Laundry Room
▪ Vaulted Ceiling
Heating
▪ Forced Air
▪ Natural Gas
Exterior Finish
▪ Brick
▪ Vinyl
Sewer/Water Systems
▪ Public
Roof
▪ Composition
Lot Features
▪ Deck
▪ Garden Area
▪ Landscaped
▪ Lawn
▪ Trees / Shrubs
Appliances
▪ Dishwasher
▪ Garbage Disposal
▪ Microwave
▪ Oven Range
▪ Refrigerator
Extra Features
▪ Cable Available
▪ Garage Door Opener
▪ High Speed Internet Available
▪ Storage
Cooling
▪ Central Air

Vanessa Stalets

RE/MAX Elite

615-957-6333/615-661-4400

Brentwood TN Real Estate

Williamson County TN Declines in Home Sales/Prices Going Up! Brentwood TN Real Estate

Brentwood TN Real Estate
Compared to February of 2007, the single family residential closings decreased 37 percent and the median price increased by 4 percent. Compared to 2006, the median home prices have increased by 27 percent. Condominiums closings have decreased by 25 percent and the median price increased by 19 percent. The average days on market (DOM) for residential homes has increased by 14 days and condominiums have remained consistent. The median is a typical market price where half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less. February 2008
Closings
Median Price
Average Price
DOM
Residential
163
$ 387,000
$ 439,578
77
Condominium
27
$ 215,000
$ 232,452
60 February 2007
Closings
Median Price
Average Price
DOM
Residential
260
$ 371,118
$ 432,966
63
Condominium
36
$ 180,652
$ 220,079
61 February 2006
Closings
Median Price
Average Price
DOM
Residential
296
$ 304,900
$ 390,915
53
Condominium
29
$ 157,500
$ 174,386
22

*Courtesy WCAR*
Vanessa Stalets
Brentwood TN Real Estate
RE/MAX Elite615-957-6333/615-661-4400

A Few Suggestions For Purchasing a Central Air Conditioning Unit

Brentwood TN Real Estate
Summer is fast approaching in Brentwood TN and your air conditioner just does not work the way it used too. It barely cools, if it does anything at all. You have tried cleaning it. You have tried flushing it. You have tried everything including kick it and hit it with a mallet. The service man wants to charge you an arm and a leg, and probably a few other body parts to repair it. You are left with only one other choice. Spend all that money to repair a central air conditioning unit that is 20 years old, or spend about the same amount to buy a new, updated central air conditioning unit. If you are going to spend the money, why not get something under warranty that, theoretically, it should last 20 more years? Seems like an easy decision to me.
When purchasing a new central air conditioning unit there are several guidelines to keep in mind that will keep you on track and make sure you do not waste your hard earned money. These guidelines are just what they say they are: guidelines. They are not laws or rules you need to follow, but they are suggestions that are meant to guide you towards buying the right central air conditioner for you and your home.
WHAT TYPE OF AIR CONDITIONER DO YOU NEED?There are many brands of central air conditioning units available to purchase from any hardware or appliance store. Some sales associates will try to sell you a window air conditioning unit. Do not let that sales associate talk you into wasting your money. These window air conditioners are a waste of money. They usually only cool one room and they suck a lot of power so you will be spending a lot more money each month on the utility bill. Remember that if you have multiple rooms, you want a central air unit. Do not let the sales associate talk you into anything else.
INSTALLATION OF MY CENTRAL AIR CONDITIONING UNITOne more detail to consider is installation. Most people do not want to crawl under, over, around, and through the walls of their house to install a new air conditioner. That is why most places that sell these units also install them for you. Some places install these free of charge with the purchase of a new unit. Even if they don't do it free, you should get someone to professionally install your new unit. It will save you time, headaches, and sweat if you do. If they do not offer installation, you may want to look elsewhere to purchase your unit. It is much easier and cost efficient to get this all done in one step.
TEMPURATURE SETTINGSMost new units come with a new thermostat. You should make sure this thermostat can create the ideal temperature that suits you and your family. If you are comfortable in a room that is 60°, then make sure the unit will cool to that temperature. You also need to make sure you can increase and decrease the temperature in 1° or 2° increments just in case you are not comfortable.
FILTERSThere are many filters out there today. The ones that are permanent are the best value. You simply take them out, hose them down, and stick them back in. They save you a lot of money every year, not to mention you don't have to keep track of what size you need. Just remember to clean them once a month and that your unit supports these filters.
ENERGY SAVERYou should also look to see if your new unit has a sleep setting or an energy saving setting. This allows the unit to run when you are sleeping or not home and not run up your bill. It will keep the house a little warmer when you are not home, and then cool it before you come home. This saves hundreds of dollars a year.
Keeping these in mind, finding the perfect unit will be a snap and could turn out to be a fun shopping experience. Just ask the sales associate for more details if you need help. They can be most helpful if these guidelines still have you guessing.

Be cool and get the informed jump on summer heat!

Vanessa StaletsBrentwood TN Real Estate
RE/MAX Elite615-957-6333/615-661-4400

Finance Market Update, March 17, 2008 - Brentwood TN Real Estate

Finance Market Update, March 17, 2008 - Brentwood TN Real Estate

Mortgage bond prices rose last week pushing mortgage interest rates lower. Trading was volatile the entire week. The Fed stepped in absorbing some of the oversupply of mortgage bonds. Inflationary pressures were eased with the consumer price index lower than expected. The financial markets were rattled a bit as the Fed and JPMorgan Chase helped Bear Stearns with funding.

For the week, interest rates on government and conventional loans fell by about a full discount point.

The Fed meeting Tuesday will be the most important event this week. The potential for market volatility is very high surrounding the Fed meeting. Industrial production, capacity use, housing starts, producer price index, and leading economic indicators data will also be important.

Economic Factors
Economic Indicator Release Date Time Consensus Estimate Analysis
Industrial Production Monday, March 17, 2008 Down 0.1% Important. A measure of manufacturing sector strength. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
Capacity Utilization Monday, March 17, 2008 81.3% Important. A figure above 85% is viewed as inflationary. A decrease may lead to lower mortgage interest rates.
Housing Starts Tuesday, March 18, 2008 Down 1.7% Important. A measure of housing sector strength. Larger than expected decreases may lead to lower rates.
Producer Price Index Tuesday, March 18, 2008 Up 0.3%, Core up 0.2% Important. An indication of inflationary pressures at the producer level. Lower figures may lead to lower rates.
Fed Meeting Adjourns Tuesday, March 18, 2008 75 basis point cut Important. Fed expected to cut rates. Volatility may surround the adjournment of this meeting.
Leading Economic Indicators Thursday, March 20, 2008 Down 0.3% Important. An indication of future economic activity. Weakness may lead to lower rates.
Philadelphia Fed Survey Thursday, March 20, 2008 None Moderately important. A survey of business conditions in the Northeast. Weakness may lead to lower rates


Fed Meeting

The United States central bank, the Federal Reserve, coordinates the borrowing and lending activities of federally chartered banks. The principal reason the Federal Reserve was created was to reduce severe financial crises. One way of accomplishing this goal is to control the amount of money that flows through the economy. By manipulating the US money supply, the Fed influences inflation, unemployment, and the level of US economic activity. The Fed has a variety of tools that it uses to control the money supply, but its chief policy tool is the manipulation of short-term interest rates.

All eyes will be focused on the Fed meeting Tuesday. Most analysts predict a 75 basis point rate cut following the consumer price index data showing tame inflation. Others are less certain that inflation is in check and view the 0.5% decrease in the energy price component of the consumer price index with some skepticism. Oil prices remain high and the dollar weaker, which do little to help inflation expectations and "limit(s) flexibility" as Fed Chairman Bernanke indicated earlier this year.

Keep in mind that a Fed rate cut does not automatically mean mortgage interest rates will improve, as has been evident from recent history. The Federal Reserve has direct control over the level of short-term interest rates. The Fed’s influence over longer-term interest rates is less certain. A cautious approach to float/lock decisions is prudent heading into the Fed meeting this week. Market volatility is likely.
*Information courtesy of Tonya Esquibel, WR Starkey Mortgage, Franklin TN*
Vanessa Stalets
Brentwood TN Real Estate
RE/MAX Elite
615-957-6333/ 615-661-4400

Finance Market Report March 10, 2008 Brentwood TN Real Estate

Brentwood TN Real Estate
Mortgage bond prices fell last week pushing mortgage interest rates significantly higher. The spread between Treasuries and mortgage-bonds continued to widen as banks and portfolio investors sold mortgage bonds to raise cash for battered balance sheets. This selling pressure coupled with investors already leery of mortgage related debt sent prices through the floor pushing rates considerably higher.

For the week, interest rates on government and conventional loans rose by 3/8% to 1/2% in rate.

The consumer price index data Friday will be the most important event this week. Trade data, retail sales, and consumer sentiment also have the real potential to cause mortgage interest rate volatility. This is the last full week of data heading into the March 18th Fed meeting.

Economic Factors
Economic Indicator Release Date Time Consensus Estimate Analysis
Trade Data Tuesday, March 11, 2008 $59.5 billion deficit Important. Affects the value of the dollar. A falling deficit may strengthen the dollar and lead to lower rates.
Retail Sales Thursday, March 13, 2008 Up 0.1% Important. A measure of consumer demand. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Business Inventories Thursday, March 13, 2008 Up 0.3% Low importance. An indication of stored-up capacity. A significantly larger increase may lead to lower rates.
Consumer Price Index Friday, March 14, 2008 Up 0.3%, Core up 0.2% Important. A measure of inflation at the consumer level. Lower than expected increases may lead to lower rates.
U of Michigan Consumer Sentiment Friday, March 14, 2008 70.5 Important. An indication of consumers’ willingness to spend. Weakness may lead to lower mortgage rates.
Consumer Price Index
The Consumer Price Index is widely accepted as the most important measure of inflation. The CPI is a measure of prices at the consumer level for a fixed basket of goods and services. The National Statistics Office and the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics of the Department of Agriculture collect price data for the computation of the CPI. Since it is an index number, it compares the level of prices to a base period. By comparing the level of the index at two different points in time, analysts can determine how much prices have risen in that period. Unlike other measures of inflation, which only factor domestically produced goods; the CPI takes into account imported goods as well. This is important due to the ever-increasing reliance of the US economy upon imported goods. Analysts primarily focus on the core rate of the CPI which factors out the more volatile food and energy prices.

High oil prices continue to weigh heavily upon the financial markets. The health of the economy remains uncertain. Stocks continue to bounce up and down. Fed Chairman Bernanke recently indicated that inflation could complicate the Fed’s next move. He specifically noted the risk of higher energy and a weak dollar eventually passing into the core rate. The Fed has itself in a precarious position of wanting to stoke the economy amid the real possibility of increased inflation.

Market participants expect the consumer price index to be critical heading into the Fed’s meeting next week. Inflation friendly data may lead to improvements in mortgage interest rates. However, unexpected consumer price spikes may push interest rates higher in the short-term. The flight to quality purchasing of mortgage bonds has all but dried up and only the Treasury market has benefited from the continued global economic uncertainty.

A cautious approach to lock decision is prudent considering the uncertainty surrounding the release and the continued mortgage interest rate volatility.*Information courtesy Tonya Esquibel WR Starkey Mortgage, FranklinTN*
Vanessa StaletsBrentwood TN Real Estate
RE/MAX Elite
615-957-6333
615-661-4400

226 Orlando Ave, West End area, Nashville TN

3bed/2.5 bath modern beauty!PPROX. 1900 SQ.FT, Hardwoods through out first floor, granite, stainless steel. Open floor plan, tons of natural light. Double verandas including private one off master bed complete with outdoor tile and swing for those lovely summer breezes! 2 car detached garage w/alley access, rear patio with brass fountain, this is a must see in Nashvilles best kept secret, Patina circle!

Call Vanessa for more information or go to www.VanessaStalets.com

VanessaStalets

RE/MAX Elite

615-957-6333

615-661-4400

3010 Jubilee Ridge Rd,Franklin TN -Vanessa Stalets

5970 Sq. Ft 5.83 Acres, 2700 sq. ft of covered porches, 3 Masters, private balconies!
Incredible views, privacy and more! Granite and professional grade appliances, Cypress floors, surround sound,timer controlled landscape lighting, under ground irrigation, the list is endless! Custom built with no expense spared, this is a one of a kind home you will not want to miss!

Call Vanessa for more information or visit www.vanessastalets.com

Vanessa Stalets

RE/MAX Elite

615-957-6333

615-661-4400

Bringing Integrity And Results HOME To You!

Call now to find out how I can help you purchase your dream home, sell your current home, relocate or upgrade! Integrity is the foundation and Results are what you get! This is the time to buy, ask me how and why, also receive a FREE market guide when you call before March 31, 2008! You have nothing to lose except your dreams, believe in them and I will help them come true!

www.VanessaStalets.com

Vanessa Stalets

RE/MAX Elite

615-957-6333

615-661-4400