California remains ahead of the nation in market recovery with many first-time home buyers entering the market due to affordable home prices, low mortgage rates, and first-time home buyer tax credits from the state and federal governments.  However, credit still is tight and unemployment remains high, which could hinder a full market recovery until 2011.

• Home sales in California hit bottom more than two years, and the median home price of an existing, single-family home reached its trough in February, according to data collected by the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.).  In November, the state’s median home price rose in year-to-year comparisons for the first time since August 2007.

• C.A.R.’s closely watched "2010 California Housing Market Forecast,” projects that the median home price in California will rise 3.3 percent to $280,000 in 2010 compared with a projected median of $271,000 in 2009. 

• Some economists are forecasting another surge of foreclosures in 2010.  However, C.A.R.’s economists expect that foreclosures will remain flat this year compared with 2009.  In 2008, many lenders flooded the market with foreclosures, and as a result, the state’s median price declined by historic levels.  By comparison, in 2009, lenders listed properties for sale at a more measured pace, which helped moderate another home price decline.

• Government efforts to maintain a low interest rate environment have stabilized the market.  However, a mortgage analyst at a financial publishing company predicts that rates likely will rise to 5.5 percent by mid-2010 and close the year at 5.75 percent to 6 percent.

County Properties, 23 years of brokerage experience trust and a Member of the local Better Business Bureau! 

We offer free counseling in real estate regarding; home values and information on options of selling vs Foreclosure.   

If you have equity in your home, we will sell your home and get top dollar in this challenging market. If you do not have enough equity, and you must sell your property as a short sale we have the expertise to do so also and close escrow in 45-60 days or less. Learn more about mortgage relief options and how to take advantage of our FREE REALTOR (R) /ATTORNEY CONSULTATION.

Please feel free to contact me today for free counseling at (619) 301-0200 visit our website, click  CountyProperties.net

By the way…if you know of someone who would appreciate the level of service I provide, please call me with their name and business number and I’ll be happy to follow up and take great care of them.