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Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed the
30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaging 6.18 percent with an
average 0.4 point for the week ending January 4, 2007, unchanged from last week when it averaged 6.18 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.21 percent.

Just over 6% are still very nice interest rates and should be attractive to buyers, regardless of the unbelievable low interest rates of years past. Anything under 7% in my opinion will generate steady sales and entice new buyers in to the market.

When considering mortgages, make sure you compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges. Points, fee's, closing costs, etc. vary widely from lender to lender.

To get a quote from National lenders with local offices,…

In a recent newsletter, the Tennessee Association of Realtors (TAR) reported that the Tennessee Real Estate Commission (TREC) is proposing a few rule changes. TAR is collecting comments regarding changes to Rule 1260-2-.01 and Rule 1260-2-.33.

In recent years, the TAR has successfully blocked TREC rule changes via legislative support in behalf of the Association of REALTORS.

Now here is what gets my goat. The Winter 2006 issue of the TREC's official newsletter, the Tennessee Real Estate News Journal, was just published and had no mention of any of these propsed changes.

• TREC rule changes should be announced by TREC and not have to be policed by TAR.
• The person or persons submitting the changes should be made available so any possible…

Your REALTOR® will know when, where and how to advertise your property. There is a misconception that advertising sells real estate. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® studies show that 82% of real estate sales are the result of agent contacts through previous clients, referrals, friends, family and personal contacts. When a property is marketed with the help of your REALTOR®, you do not have to allow strangers into your home. Your REALTOR® will generally pre-screen and accompany qualified prospects through your property. (To read the full article by NAAR, go here)
 

Now, does this mean there is no marketing necessary for a REALTOR when listing real estate? Of course not. Marketing and advertising are not exact synonyms. Marketing includes benefits…

Happy Holidays from all of us at RE/MAX at Mallard Creek. Enjoy your time with family and friends, and above all, be safe so they can enjoy your company next year as well.

Memphis real estate is all but shut down for the next week for obvious reasons, and thankfully so. We all need a little time to just relax with the ones we love.

Merry Christmas !

Happy Holidays !

Happy Hanukkah  !

and Merry and Happy all the others I missed.

There are many, many opportunities out there to find a good bargain on a home whether you are an investor or a first time home buyer. The VA (Veterans Affairs) is one choice you may want to look in to. With the location of the Millington Air Base in close proximity to the Memphis area, there are plenty of Veterans in the area. Unfortunately, a small percentage run in to financial problems from time to time and a foreclosure is necessary.

This is where you have an opportunity to possibly pick up a decent deal. e prepared to get conventional financing, as a lot of these properties are in need of repairs and wont qualify for FHA or standard VA financing.

RE: VA Vendee Loan Program

 The VA Vendee program is great opportunity to potential buyers who are…

      Freddie Mac's Primary Mortgage Market Survey showed the
30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaging 6.11 percent with an
average 0.5 point for the week ending December 7, 2006, down again
from the previous week when it averaged 6.14 percent. Last year at
this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.32 percent. This is the lowest
the 30-year FRM has been since the week ending January 19, 2006, when it averaged 6.10 percent.

       The 15-year FRM on Friday averaged 5.84 percent with an
average 0.5 point, also down from the prior week when it averaged
5.87 percent. A year ago, the 15-year FRM averaged 5.87 percent. This
is the lowest the 15-year FRM has been since the week ending February 9, 2006 when it averaged 5.83 percent.

       "Continued…

RE/MAX at Mallard Creek, Southwind 

The Inaugural BPO (Broker Price Opinion) Certification and Training was offered September 10, 2006 at the Dallas FiveStar Default Servicing Conference and EXPO. Out of the 800+ attendees, only a hand full were present from the Memphis area. The curriculum was developed by Integrated Asset Services, Inc and Foos and Associates Appraisers.

This is the beginning of the new standard in BPO/REO training and certification. With improvements and increasing standards sure to come, this certification will become standard operating procedure for any Realtor in pursuing a true development and career in the BPO/REO industry.

Ed Pierce is the current Default Services Manager for RE/MAX at Mallard Creek and affiliate offices. The…

Zillow,com announced that they were going to allow people and or REALTORS to upload pictures and indicate of a particular house is for sale.

"Company founders Richard Barton and Lloyd Frink say they can't predict how many people will use the feature, but they are clear about one thing: adding real estate listings doesn't mean that Zillow is moving into the brokerage business. "

Well isn't that a relief. A 57 million dollar company that specializes in dooping the public in to believing that they offer some sort of product worth utilizing; isn't going to get in to the brokerage business.

"With its well-known founders and $57 million in venture capital, Zillow has managed to capture a place in the spotlight. Zillow has also drawn its share of critics, who…