THE CONTROVERSY ON PURCHASING A HOME IN TODAY'S MARKET
NAR Responds to Jim Cramer on the Today Show
September 28, 2007—Today, 2007 NAR First Vice President Charles McMillan faced off with Jim Cramer on NBC’s Today Show, countering Cramer’s earlier irresponsible statement on the show telling consumers NOT to buy a house right now. Cramer would treat homes like stock purchases, and McMillan was there to tell him and consumers across the country that housing is not a day-trading activity – it’s a good, solid long-term investment that has proven its value over time. McMillan spoke for Realtors® everywhere as he countered misconceptions about the real estate market and drove home positive messages about the value of homeownership.
What’s Happening Now
~ Housing is a good long-term investment – it’s not a day-trading activity. ~ Owning a home isn’t just about investment, although that’s certainly important. It’s also about building community, a place of your own, and having a part of the American Dream. ~ Homes are not stocks. Most people stay in their home for about 6 years – they buy for the long haul to create a home for their family, not to buy then turn around and sell six months later. ~ It’s impossible to time any market. Right now, interest rates are favorable and buyers have lots of options.
~ For buyers able to qualify for conventional financing, there are ample opportunities in the current market. Conventional loans are available and rates are reasonable, and FHA-insured mortgage applications have been rising as low- and moderate-income buyers seek alternatives to subprime loans. ~ Two-thirds of metropolitan areas across the country are showing modest price gains, and the national median home price in August showed a slight increase. Some examples of markets that have shown both increased sales volume and price (you should collect information from your own market and be prepared to talk about specifics in your own area): Beaufort, TX; El Paso, TX; Farmington, NM; Salem, OR; Salt Lake City, UT; Spokane, WA. ~ The average homeowner has seen an increase of 50 percent in value over the past five years. We project prices to rise about 2 percent next year, and in coming years, average home price appreciation should return to historical averages, around 6 percent. ~ Realtors® are passionate about helping people into homes and expanding homeownership opportunities. Realtors® live where they work and can see the benefits of homeownership firsthand.


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