Market Reaching its Peak

August 23rd, 2008

I do not profess to “Know” what the real estate market will do in the next year or two, but I would like to share some information with you that might help you in making decisions regarding buying or selling property in today’s market. The following information relates to the types of mortgages that are currently being taken out by those who are currently purchasing or refinancing homes. Statistical surveys of the mortgage market shows that the percentage of adjustable rate mortgages comprised over 60% of the loans obtained in the last fiscal quarter. Even though the traditional 30 year mortgage is still very low in terms of historical comparison, buyers and homeowners that are currently buying or refinancing are electing to go with the adjustable rate almost two thirds of the time. Does that mean that they expect interest rates to go down even more, or is it because they can no longer afford the fixed interest rate, and believe that obtaining the adjustable rate is better than not buying or refinancing at all?

The real estate values in the previous five years have been largely impacted by interest rate reductions. As mortgage rates have declined, home prices have dramatically increased, with home prices doubling in the last five years. By far, the majority of the loans originated in the last five years were 30 year fixed rate loans. Within the last 12 months, that has dramatically changed.

For further analysis or information regarding market trends, please contact me at 909-869-0259 or visit my website at http://www.nefcortez.com.

Solar Panels Can Cut Your Energy Bill

August 23rd, 2008

When electricity prices were low, it was often difficult to justify the upfront expense of cash required to install solar panels, solar water heaters and similar equipment. The reason was simple to understand - it would simply take too long to recoup the cost of the equipment in the form of lower energy bills.

The recent rise in energy prices changes this dynamic quite a bit, however. As energy prices continue to go up, the amount of time required to recoup the upfront cost goes down. In addition, a number of state and local tax incentives make it even easier for homeowners to go solar and save money right away.

Solar power has already proven itself and its ability to lower energy costs substantially, and more and more homeowners are taking a serious look at converting their residences to solar power. The costs of installing solar panels is still high, with a typical two kilowatt installation of solar panels from OVR Solar costing at least £10,000 / ($20, 000) in most cases, but special tax incentives and long term energy savings can help homeowners recoup those upfront costs faster than ever before.

Encouragement for our governments is now forthcoming. This tax savings can help eligible homeowners recoup some of the costs of installing solar panels and solar water heating systems up front, in addition to the energy savings they will enjoy down the road.

Many states also provide special tax incentives for homeowners who install eligible solar panel and solar water heating systems. The specifics of these tax rebates and tax incentives vary from state to state, but many states provide at least some level of tax relief for homeowners who install and use energy efficient systems.

Breakeven point for your outlay may seem far away at todays prices - but what about at tomorrows?. However, as the prices for heating oil, gas and other forms of traditional energy continue to soar, so will demand for alternatives