Current Placer County Market Trends

The above graph is a large-scale overview of market trends report for all of Placer County over the past five years. As you can see...

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Breaking News: Mortgage Rates Plunge

By E. Scott Reckard with the LA Times


The Fed’s decision to continue its economic stimulus program unabated has sent fixed mortgage rates plunging to their lowest level in two months, according to Freddie Mac’s weekly survey, with the 30-year loan averaging 4.32%, down from 4.5% a week earlier.

Lenders were offering 15-year fixed mortgages to solid borrowers at 3.37% early this week, down from 3.54% last week. Initial rates for variable mortgages fell as well, Freddie Mac said Thursday.


The Fed announced last week that the economy was still not strong enough to allow the central bank to cut back on its $85 billion a month in purchases of Treasury securities and bonds backed by mortgages. The effect is to push down interest rates, stimulating the economy by making it cheaper to borrow.


The low rates should “somewhat” offset recent increases in home prices, improving housing affordability, Freddie Mac chief economist Frank Nothaft said.


Freddie Mac, which buys and guarantees home loans, asks lenders each Monday through Wednesday about the terms they are offering to borrowers with good credit, 20% down payments or home equity, and sufficient income to handle payments on home loans.


The borrowers in the latest survey would have paid an average of 0.7% of the loan balance in upfront lender fees and discount points to obtain the fixed mortgages.


To read the original article, click here.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Property Spotlight...

The Montuori Group is pleased to spotlight one of our fine properties: 881 Courtyards Loop in Lincoln.


Located in the lovely, desirable Lincoln community, this home boasts the very best of affordable luxury living. With beautiful curb appeal the large front porch welcomes guests to this inviting home and bids them in with the promise that there's much more to see inside the home.  Featuring custom designer touches throughout, this home shows like a model.  From the chef's kitchen with all stainless steel appliances, open pantry, gorgeous cabinets and granite counters to the luxurious downstairs master with patio access, this home has it all.  The custom lighting choices in this home highlight the tasteful paint scheme and quality, heavy doors.  The large loft with build in cabinets opens up on this large space allowing the homeowner to take in the custom flooring throughout and quality drapes accenting this home.  The property sits on the largest lot in the neighborhood with obvious pride of ownership.  




With three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, two thousand square feet, and a community clubhouse with a pool what's not to love about this prestigious home?  


For information regarding this property or to schedule a showing, please don't hesitate to contact Realtor Bob Montuori (BRE# 01753698) at (916) 698-1171 or by email.


Thursday, September 19, 2013

Home Trend Watch: Upsized Homes on Downsized Lots

By Melissa Dittmann Tracey, REALTOR (R) Magazine

More Americans are showing preferences for a bigger home once again, even if it means squeezing the home on a small lot, according to the first quarter Institute of Architects' Home Design Trends Survey.  The most recent survey focused on home layout and the use of interior and exterior spaces.

During the recession, more Americans showed a preference for smaller homes, setting off speculation that the downsizing trend could be a lasting one as more Americans searched for less upkeep and lower utility bills.  But since 2010, the number of Americans showing a preference for larger homes has gradually been on the rise, architects report.  Home volumes are increasing, with ceiling heights and two-story entryways making a comeback, according to the AIA survey.

Despite strained lot sizes, more Americans are wanting to invest in larger homes and in more outdoor amenities in trying to blend their indoor and outdoor spaces.

Kermit Baker, AIA chief economist, speculates that lot sizes haven't increased along with the desire for larger homes because Americans are still looking for ways to keep homes affordable.  The trend may also be a reflection of location preferences too (with home owners opting for smaller developments in more desirable locations).

"Because lot sizes don't show any signs of increasing, it's clear that home owners want to maximize their current square footage to its highest potential... Smaller lots have not kept households from investing heavily in [outdoor] space," Baker writes.  "Creating outdoor living space - outdoor rooms, covered outdoor space, as well as more traditional decks, patios, and porches - continue to be the property enhancement growing the most in popularity."

More households are looking to add space inside their homes too, with an increase this year in more home owners finishing attics and basements for added living space, the survey notes.  More Americans are continuing to show a stronger demand for flexible layouts, with open space plans.  Designs are gravitating toward more open space layouts, with partial wall divisions that allow more flexible use of space, Baker notes, as well as a trend for greater sense of informality in the home.

See the original article at realtor.org here.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Presenting.... The Montuori Group

I am pleased to present the formation of The Montuori Group.  With the addition of a new administrative assistant, marketing and transaction coordinator, Victoria, the team continues to grow.  June and I have greatly enjoyed our summer and are anticipating a very busy next couple of months.  As always if there is ever anything I can do to help meet your real estate needs and goals, please don't hesitate to contact me.

I am best reached by cell phone at (916) 698-1171 or email at BobM@KW.com.

With care,

Bob Montuori.

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