Housing Market Offers Opportunities, Glimmers of Hope

by Cristina Callegari Kanellopoulos

Buying opportunities abound for value-savvy home shoppers in select markets across the nation, where prices have fallen to 2003 levels. While home prices are still declining on a year over year basis, they are falling at the slowest rate in five months, which indicates a degree of stabilization compared to recent months.

Attractive prices, coupled with strong affordability and mortgage rates below 5%, translate to more buying power for homebuyers. Buoyed by the $8,000 federal tax incentive, first-time buyers represented the majority of transactions closed last month. Their activity is expected to remain high and reduce the glut of homes on the market.

According to Charles McMillan, "Compared to a year ago, the typical family can pay much less in mortgage costs for the same home, or buy a better home without necessarily increasing their monthly payment. For buyers who’ve been on the sidelines and have good jobs, the market has never looked more favorable. Homeownership has always offered immediate benefits and long-term value, but the advantages in today's market are unique."

Another positive factor is the return of the jumbo loan. For nearly a year, it has been almost impossible for buyers to find financing for homes selling for more than $417,000. Bank of America recently began offering a 30-year fixed rate jumbo at less than 6 percent. Other banks are starting to follow suit.

Home sales and other consumer spending data combined with big earnings at some banks indicate that the U.S. economy is on the road to a gradual recovery this year. "The economy is still very weak, but there are some encouraging signs that support cautious optimism," said Dennis Lockhart, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta.