LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Home Buying: Buyers
built 661 days ago
LOS ANGELES, June 29 /PRNewswire/ -- More than half of all consumers now use the Internet when buying a home, according to a survey released today by the California Association of REALTORS® (C.A.R.). The "2004 Internet Versus Traditional Buyer Study" ... revealed that, compared to traditional buyers, Internet buyers spent more than twice as much time gathering information prior to contacting a REALTOR®. However, they moved much more quickly once they began to work with a REALTOR®, spending significantly less time with their REALTOR® and previewing far fewer homes compared to traditional buyers.
Source:
The median home price in Houston is $150,500 and there is at least 20,000 homes for sale within any given moment buying a house is easy within Houston. While this is great news for buyers, sellers are having a slightly harder time getting rid of their home. Since competition is so rough within this market, there are more sellers than buyers... leaving some homes to go unsold for month’s on-end.
Source:
When homebuilding companies are forced into bankruptcy, they often leave behind not only half-finished construction but ... buyers who are uncertain about the future of their home or their finances. In some cases, the firm is convicted of theft or fraud; and clients may be able to sue. Usually, however, the buyer must accept the loss of the home and money invested into it. In Florida, where at least six residential builders have gone under in the past 10 years, the editors of the St. Petersburg Times say the state Legislature should work with lenders and prosecutors to enact improved consumer protection laws for homebuyers. This was attempted in the Home Buyer's Protection Act of 1995, but the measure was ineffective even before it was broken down further by homebuilder lobbyists. The next measure, suggest the editors, should force homebuilders to obtain performance bonds and increase their minimum asset requirements before starting a project. This approach, along with more enforcement by lending institutions of contractor bill-paying, would not only deter dishonest homebuilders from taking advantage of homebuyers but also ensure that consumers are financially protected.
Source:
Most people buy a home when the time is right for them. And, now may be a great time to shop given the available home inventory and buyer bargaining power. Whether you're looking for a newly built home or a re-sell -- deals abound. Just as important as getting the best deal on your new home is choosing the right home financing solution to close the transaction. Recently, Countrywide launched its America's Open House campaign to help ensure home seekers have access to information to make informed decisions. The campaign has been a resounding success with Countrywide representatives assisting home buyers at more than 25,000 open houses across the country.
Source:
The final details of buying a new or pre-owned home take place on closing day when the purchase price is paid and title is transferred from the seller to the buyer. In most states the mortgage lender's attorney or a title agent will handle the closing details and protect buyer and seller rights as a neutral 3rd party.
Source:
PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 27 /PRNewswire/ — New research by The Kelsey Group indicates a gap between the sources to which home buyers turn to get information about real estate and the media that advertisers use to promote property for sale. Sellers turn first to newspapers (24%), followed by signs (19%) to advertise real estate for sale, while buyers turn equally to newspapers (30%) and online (30%). And the younger generation, which is the most active real estate-buying age group (18- to 34-year-olds), turns to online sources first.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Buyers