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Real estate articles and information about Buffalo, NY
Investors Cashing In With Cash
Last December, 1/3 of home transactions were paid for in cash says a recently released HousingPlus Tracking Survey. Cash, however, caused sellers to accept offers on their homes in less time and, perhaps, for less than the home was worth; buyers paying with bills offer buyers more security and money up front, an attractive option … Read more
Appraisers Say, “Low Home Values Aren’t Our Fault”
One of the nation’s largest professional associations of real estate appraisers, the Appraisal Institute, spoke out recently about the way appraisers are received by buyers and sellers. The message: don’t blame the appraiser for a disappointing evaluation of your home’s value. Appraisers set prices, not for buyers or sellers, but for lenders, who make sure … Read more
College Students Seek Out Single Rooms
For this generation of college students, foregoing the traditional roommate experience is becoming the norm. These students, who mostly grew up with their own bedroom, want their own, private space. As such, college campuses across the nation are investing in dormitories with more single rooms. And for those who can’t have single rooms on campus, … Read more
Nationally, Real Estate Auctions Thrive
The number of properties offered for sale via real estate auction doubled in 2011, according to propertyauction.com. Sellers of both residential and commercial property are turning to auctions as they can help drive up prices. Locally, however, auctions are hardly popular: New York state was among the states with the lowest amount of auction activity. … Read more
New Chinese Investment Policy Could Help US Economy
Recently, the Chinese government relaxed restrictions on nationals investing in foreign real estate. Policy analysts predict this action will bring more Chinese investors to America, particularly to major US cities. New York State Senator Charles Schumer is also working on legislation that will give three-year visas to foreign nationals who invest more than $500,000 in … Read more
Loan Limits Could Protect Consumers
Congress recently passed legislation that will reinstate loan limits and caps on mortgages for the next two years, making mortgages more affordable for the country’s middle class. Loan limits place a restriction on the amount of money that can be borrowed from the bank, and this can help consumers from over borrowing. The National Association … Read more
Surprising First Impressions that Could Help Sell Your Home
Many buyers base their emotional attachment to homes on their first impressions. Seeing a home that doesn’t meet their initial expectations can often mean that the home is forgotten. These are some areas of your home that may have an impact on the buyer’s connection to it. Garage door: Seeing an old, tired looking garage … Read more
Amherst Ranked Among America’s Cities with Low Crime
In a study conducted by CQ Press, Amherst was ranked 10th in the nation of cities with the lowest crime rates. Four of the study’s top ten cities are in New York state, and Amherst scored well above the national average for its low crime. The study, which made the rankings based on violent crimes, … Read more
For Homebuyers, Things are Looking Up
Although we’ve been hearing for years that it’s a buyer’s market, low mortgage rates make purchasing a home much more attractive. With lower mortgage payments, buyers can get more for their money—larger homes or better neighborhoods and school districts. While banks had been very strict about whom they lent money out to, experts think this … Read more
Buffalo in 2012
While the average outlook for real estate markets in 2012 is a bit gloomy, Buffalonians shouldn’t be too discouraged by national trends. Since the housing crisis began in 2008, Buffalo has remained relatively untouched by the problems that are paining the rest of the country. Investment in the city, too, seems to be strong: this … Read more
