HAPPY EASTER
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For all of those who are renting and may be considering buying a home..this article, from California Association of Realtors, has very good information in it. If you are looking for real estate in the Lake Oroville – Oroville area, there are some awesome deals right now making it more affordable to own your own home than to rent.
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This year California housing market conditions make a strong and compelling case for homeownership. With prices still well below the historic highs of just a few years ago and attractive mortgage rates, qualified buyers have a unique opportunity to own their own home. As seen below, a rigorous analysis of renting versus buying hears this conclusion out. As shown in the following chart, the monthly housing costs (principle, interest, taxes, and insurance or PITI) associated with buying a median-priced home of $301,430 is $1,590 (Fourth Quarter 2010 median priced home in California). This assumes the buyer is making a 20 percent downpayment and financing with a 30-year fixed rate mortgage at 4.62 percent. In comparison, the median rent on a three-bedroom two-bath apartment with renter’s insurance in California is $1,810. That means buying a home would save the homeowner $220 per month when compared to renting and the homeowner would save over $2,600 a year.
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In addition, existing tax laws allow homeowners to itemize and deduct the mortgage interest and property taxes from their taxable income. For example, compare the tax implications for two households both earning $63,430 a year, the minimum income required to purchase the statewide median-priced home of $301,430.* The household that purchases the home with a 20 percent downpayment and finances the mortgage at the current rate of 4.62 percent will receive a tax deduction of over $14,000 in the first year of ownership. The renter household will most likely utilize the IRS Standard deduction of $11,400, $2,600 less than their homeowner counterparts. The homebuyer reduces their total tax liability by $400 compared to the renter in the first year of ownership. Accounting for the out-of-pocket savings as well as the tax savings, the homebuyer saves over $3,000 in their first year of ownership.
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The mortgage rate is a significant factor in determining just how much a homebuyer can afford. Today’s low mortgage rate environment tips the scale—for some—in favor of buying versus renting. For a home priced at $400,000, with a 20 percent downpayment and a 4 percent mortgage rate, the monthly PITI will be $1,990 for the homebuyer. The monthly PITI jumps to $2,180 at 5 percent and to $2,380 at 6 percent. For each one percentage point increase in the mortgage rate, the payment goes up by almost $200 under these assumptions. Even for a lower priced home at $200,000, the difference in the monthly payment is significant as each percentage point rise in the mortgage rate tacks on $100 to the monthly PITI.
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Of course, there are many other socioeconomic benefits that homeownership brings to communities. And there are other costs associated with homeownership above and beyond the downpayment and monthly PITI. So as long as one has considered all of the costs and benefits of owning a home and is in the financial position to do so, there are some pretty compelling reasons to strive for the “American Dream.”
Other resources you may find useful for your clients:
NY Times Interactive Rent versus Buy calculator:
http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/business/buy-rent-calculator.html
Bankrate.com’s questionnaire for potential homebuyers on whether or not to buy a home:
http://www.bankrate.com/calculators/mortgages/rent-or-buy-home.aspx
The National Association of REALTORS® resources for clients on renting versus buying:
http://www.realtor.org/library/library/fg301
*Assumptions:
1. Underlying assumptions for the Mortgage Interest Deduction and Property Tax (1 percent of the purchase price) deduction are based on the Traditional HAI Q4-2010 assumptions of: The prevailing median price in the 4th quarter 2010 (Median Price $301,430), effective FRM interest rate of 4.62%, a 20% downpayment, and a $241,144 loan amount.
2. Incomes are based on the underlying assumptions for the Traditional HAI. The same income is used for both Renters and Buyers and is assumed to be the Minimum Qualifying Income needed to purchase a median priced home in the 4th quarter 2010.
3. Tax rate based on 2010 IRS Schedule Y-1 Married Filing Jointly in 15% tax bracket (latest available from the IRS) assuming no changes over the 5 year horizon
4. Interest deduction based on the Traditional HAI Q4-2010 underlying effective FRM interest rate
of 4.62%, a 20% downpayment, and a $241,144 loan amount.
5. Property taxes are assumed to be constant over this 5 year analysis, thereby assuming the underlying market value remains unchanged. If the home value were to increase, under Proposition 13, the property tax assessment would increase at a rate of 2 percent per year. Along these same lines, income is also assumed to be constant over this 5 year analysis in order to keep the analysis simple and determine the basic 5 -year tax benefit of buying a home in 2010.
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First Friday Spirit of Christmas and Tree Lighting Ceremony: Entertainment will begin at 5 p.m. in front of Houser’s Music. Santa will arrive in a red Model A Truck. Carriage rides return this year. Cost is either one non-perishable item for a local charity or $2.00 per rider. Caroling at the Christmas tree that will be lit at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, 12/4/10 – 10 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.:
Annual Christmas Craft Faire at the Municipal Auditorium. This event is sponsored by our own local radio station KRBS and FRRPD. Local artists and craftsmen and women display their wares for sale. A great way to relax and browse while getting to know your townspeople. I never seem to be able to leave without making one or more purchases!! We have such talented folks in our town!!
Sunday – 12/5/2010:
Although not in Oroville itself, this event needs to be spoken of: It is the historical societies last hike of 2010 will be the RIDGE WALKER DELIGHT excursion that will take hikers up a high ridge where they can gaze at all the major peaks in the Buttes. This is one of California’s longest views..if a clear day..one can see Mt. Diablo, Mt. Shasta, Mt. Konocti, and the Chrystal Range that rings Lake Tahoe. The guide, Daniel Barth, will point out the mountains unique biology, geology and history including the Maidu and Wintun Indian lore’s. Contact Daniel @ 846-3024.
Saturday, 12-11-2010:
The famous 15th ANNUAL PARADE OF LIGHTS in historical downtown Oroville. This a must see! Parade participants work very hard on their entrees. It is great to get downtown to watch this procession and visit the mom and pop stores that stay open just for this occasion. Hot chocolate, cider, etc on a cold night surrounded by your family and friends for this show makes for long lasting memories. The experience speaks for itself!! As having worked on a few of the Oroville Association of Realtor floats as well as being in the crowd..it is a lot of fun!! I applaud and appreciate all of the hard work the participants put into the parade and definitely appreciate the wonderful turnout of the townspeople to view this event.