The real estate market has been one of lots of national confusion over the last year. As I'm working to provide information to those who are interested, I've lauched www.tylerwagner.com as another road to local real estate updates and information. TylerWagner.com offers great resources including sections for buyers and sellers, featured listings, mortgage calculators, and my newest initiative "The Culture of Havertown" where residents can submit their own perspectives on what Haverford Township is to them. If you'd like to offer your own stories, I'd love to post them. Send your stories to tyler@wagnerrealestate.com.
In the upcoming weeks I'll be updating both my blog and website to meet the needs of interested public. Please feel free to provide me with your feedback and I'll keep you posted.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Monday, October 29, 2007
Upper Darby Township Market Statistics
Here's Upper Darby Township's Market Statistics. This represents all of the data collected on our local Multiple Listing Service.
If you click on the picture it will enlarge the data. Also, DOM stands for Days on Market.
Interesting Stuff...let me know what you think??
Check out www.TalktoTyler.com and I'll keep you posted.
If you click on the picture it will enlarge the data. Also, DOM stands for Days on Market.
Interesting Stuff...let me know what you think??
Check out www.TalktoTyler.com and I'll keep you posted.
Haverford Township Market Statistics
Let's take a look at this Year's market in Haverford Township. This represents all of the data collected on our local Multiple Listing Service. Take a look, the numbers might surprise you.
If you click on the picture it will enlarge the data. Also, DOM stands for Days on Market.
Let me know what you think??
For more info go to www.TalktoTyler.com.
I'll keep you posted.
If you click on the picture it will enlarge the data. Also, DOM stands for Days on Market.
Let me know what you think??
For more info go to www.TalktoTyler.com.
I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Incredible New Listing
Welcome to 920 Wootton Road, Bryn Mawr, Pa
Located on a premier 1.59 acre site, this elegant design by McIntyre, Capron & Associates P.C., blends into the beautiful countryside of Bryn Mawr. Featuring a timeless stone and stucco exterior, graceful roof line, and the unique touches of a country colonial, Millbrook combines utility and beauty with an awareness of its surroundings. Please note that the square footage does not include the additional 2500 sq/ft walk out basement.
* 5 Bedrooms, 4 Full Baths, 2 Half Baths
* 1st Floor - 2,686 sq/ft
* 2nd Floor - 2,806 sq/ft
* Full Unfinished Walkout Basement - 2500 sq/ft
* 3+ Car Garage
* 1.59 Acre Site
* Stone & Stucco Exterior w/ Full Stone Front
* Custom Kitchen Cabinetry & Lighting w/ Commercial Grade Appliances
* Butler's Pantry
* Breakfast Nook w/ Vaulted Ceiling
* Family Room w/ Vaulted Ceiling & Fireplace
* Dining Room w/ Tray Ceiling
* Living Room w/ Coffered Ceiling & Fireplace
* Study w/ Fireplace
* Master Bedroom w/ Tray Ceiling & Sitting Room
* 2nd Floor Laundry
For floorplans, elevation drawings and more details checkout http://www.920woottonroad.com/ & http://www.talktotyler.com/.
Please contact Tyler Wagner to schedule an appointment with the builder.
Calling New Investors!
I recently sent an email detailing several areas of real estate investment and thought it might be helpful to share this with everyone. As this was a response to several different inquiries, it jumps around but covers a lot of basic information should start to learn about if your thinking of investing in real estate.
U & O
Township U & O (Use & Occupancy) is required by most townships and is typically paid (in Southeastern Pennsylvania) by the seller. In properties where the owners are either short on funds, going through foreclosure proceedings, or when dealing with bank owned properties, seller’s often require that the buyer pay for the township’s inspection and make any necessary repairs to the property. Each township has different requirements that must be met in order for the seller to convey the property to a buyer. It’s the townships’ way of trying to keep properties to certain level of quality.
In Upper Darby Township and Haverford Township, they require that all curbing and sidewalks are in good condition, that address numbers are visible on the property, and that there are smoke detectors on all floors and bedrooms of residential properties. On commercial properties, which include commercially zoned properties and properties with 4 or more units, township inspectors often go through the properties and can basically point out anything they feel is a safety hazard. This could include out dated electrical systems, GFCI outlets near water sources, repairs to roofs, tripping hazards, etc. The cost of their inspection is about $100.00 and then any further repair all depends on contractors and the extent of repairs. The nice thing about dealing with row home properties is that typically a row is only 16’ or 18’ so even if you had to replace some curbing and sidewalks, its not that big of an area.
Other Inspections:
Whenever you have a rental property, most townships require that you get a renter’s license. This cost depends on the number of units but its annual and I just paid about 75.00 for my license in Upper Darby Township. Additionally, the townships want to come through and inspect the property, whether there is a tenant occupying the property or prior to their occupancy. For rental inspections, they are looking for any safety hazards. You are required to correct any items pointed out within 90 days.
Small Commercial vs. Residential
There are positive sides to each type of investment but here’s a run down for both:
Positive:
Commercial
- Often you have tenants looking for long term leases, b/c small businesses often hope to continue there business through the several years.
- You can require commercial tenants to pay all utilities, utility maintenance, insurance, even taxes if they are willing. It’s not always the case, but if a business wants a location, they are willing to spend more.
- You can set up long term leases that include set rent schedules that increase. This allows you to calculate your return on investment more accurately.
Residential
- Everyone needs a house and residential is open to any qualified renter.
- Residential doesn’t require specific changes to a property.
- If the property has the necessities and things work, usually you find someone to live there
- You don’t have to deal with zoning issues or change of use
Negative:
Commercial
- Zoning may not allow certain tenants to use the space. Any change of use has to be approved by the township. If a store front is being used as an accountant’s office and then wants to be changed to retail, you have to see if this use is allowable.
- When a commercial tenant leaves, you may have to undue changes they’ve made to the property…you can sometimes reduce this by putting certain wording into a lease.
- B/c of special use, a commercial property may take longer to rent then residential.
Residential
- Renters may not take care of the property and cause damage
- Quality of renters can often be lower
- Finding the tenant when payments are over due can be more difficult
Properties with Existing Leases
Whenever you buy a property with a current tenant, the lease remains with the property. This means that the terms and conditions which the tenant agreed to will remain in effect. You will actually have to sign off on the leases prior to settlement. There’s good and bad here too. If the lease does not allow for a “kick out” clause, and the rent is below market, you might be stuck with a tenant ‘til the end of the term of the lease. On the other hand, if the rents are strong and the property looks to be well taken care of, you could be in an excellent situation.
Multi units
Multi units lower your risk of having 100% vacancy, as typically all units won’t be vacant during the same period of time. There are definitely multi units available with & without renters in the area…it’s more of trying to find ones that aren’t overpriced.
When owning a multi unit property, you want to make sure that the utilities have been separated. If not, often times the landlord takes on the burden of paying heat, electric and hot water. Additionally, if utilities have been separated, landlord still pays for cold water to the property, b/c that’s not typically separated as it comes into the house.
Market Overview:
Residential (excluding sales over 1 million)
Upper Darby 2004 2005 2006 2007
Average Sales Price 127,344 142,223 158,157 165,818
Days on Market 32 30 38 50
Havertown 2004 2005 2006 2007
Average Sales Price 276,644 304,679 307,452 308,832
Days on Market 30 36 47 52
Commercial & Multi Unit Properties (excluding sales over 1 million)
Upper Darby 2004 2005 2006 2007
Average Sales Price 127,344 142,223 158,157 165,818
Days on Market 32 30 38 50
Havertown 2004 2005 2006 2007
Average Sales Price 276,644 304,679 307,452 308,832
Days on Market 30 36 47 52
You can see that the Days on Market (DOM) have increased which is a strong indicator that the market has slowed down over the last couple years. This also causes for me inventory to build up on the market.
Rental Data
While this data takes a little more mining, it is very neighborhood specific. I would recommend when we find a property that we research what landlords are asking by going onto Craigslist.org. While I have some data on the Multiple Listing Service, most landlords rent privately or through property management companies which advertise in newspapers and online sites like craig’s list. In the northern sections of Upper Darby Township, 3 bedroom, 1 bath rows typically rent anywhere from $1100 to $1300, one bedroom units around $600 and 2 bedroom units between $700 & $800.
I always like to take a conservative perspective when it comes to potential rental income. Another big factor that has be taken into consideration is the condition of the property and what has to be fixed and how soon. A property in good overall condition is worth a lot, even if the rent is a bit on the low side.
Last thought, b/c rental data is less abundant; the market place remains less of an exact. If your property happens to be the nicest available at the time, people will be willing to pay a little more.
Financing to Consider
The goal is to put as little money down as possible with the highest returns. When you’re looking at properties you want to make sure and look at the full picture. This includes:
Cost of Purchase – An easy way to get an idea of this is by figuring about 5% of the sales price. This will cover items such as mortgage fees, title insurance, tax reimbursements, tax escrows, insurance escrows, and 1 % transfer tax
Down Money – Most banks require at least 10% down on an investment property and often times more when it comes to commercial investing. 20% down is probably most common.
Renting Fees – Usually a license is about $75.00 a year + the inspection costs which might be another $50.00. If you wanted our office to rent the property for you, advertise in local newspapers, show the property and pre qualify renters, we charge one month’s rent. If you’d like us to manage the property for you, which includes collecting rents, providing you with a monthly statement and acting as a go between when renters have maintenance requests, we charge 6% of the monthly fee.
There are no dump questions. Please ask and I will share my knowledge. Also, check out all my listings and other cool features on www.talktotyler.com
I'll keep you posted.
U & O
Township U & O (Use & Occupancy) is required by most townships and is typically paid (in Southeastern Pennsylvania) by the seller. In properties where the owners are either short on funds, going through foreclosure proceedings, or when dealing with bank owned properties, seller’s often require that the buyer pay for the township’s inspection and make any necessary repairs to the property. Each township has different requirements that must be met in order for the seller to convey the property to a buyer. It’s the townships’ way of trying to keep properties to certain level of quality.
In Upper Darby Township and Haverford Township, they require that all curbing and sidewalks are in good condition, that address numbers are visible on the property, and that there are smoke detectors on all floors and bedrooms of residential properties. On commercial properties, which include commercially zoned properties and properties with 4 or more units, township inspectors often go through the properties and can basically point out anything they feel is a safety hazard. This could include out dated electrical systems, GFCI outlets near water sources, repairs to roofs, tripping hazards, etc. The cost of their inspection is about $100.00 and then any further repair all depends on contractors and the extent of repairs. The nice thing about dealing with row home properties is that typically a row is only 16’ or 18’ so even if you had to replace some curbing and sidewalks, its not that big of an area.
Other Inspections:
Whenever you have a rental property, most townships require that you get a renter’s license. This cost depends on the number of units but its annual and I just paid about 75.00 for my license in Upper Darby Township. Additionally, the townships want to come through and inspect the property, whether there is a tenant occupying the property or prior to their occupancy. For rental inspections, they are looking for any safety hazards. You are required to correct any items pointed out within 90 days.
Small Commercial vs. Residential
There are positive sides to each type of investment but here’s a run down for both:
Positive:
Commercial
- Often you have tenants looking for long term leases, b/c small businesses often hope to continue there business through the several years.
- You can require commercial tenants to pay all utilities, utility maintenance, insurance, even taxes if they are willing. It’s not always the case, but if a business wants a location, they are willing to spend more.
- You can set up long term leases that include set rent schedules that increase. This allows you to calculate your return on investment more accurately.
Residential
- Everyone needs a house and residential is open to any qualified renter.
- Residential doesn’t require specific changes to a property.
- If the property has the necessities and things work, usually you find someone to live there
- You don’t have to deal with zoning issues or change of use
Negative:
Commercial
- Zoning may not allow certain tenants to use the space. Any change of use has to be approved by the township. If a store front is being used as an accountant’s office and then wants to be changed to retail, you have to see if this use is allowable.
- When a commercial tenant leaves, you may have to undue changes they’ve made to the property…you can sometimes reduce this by putting certain wording into a lease.
- B/c of special use, a commercial property may take longer to rent then residential.
Residential
- Renters may not take care of the property and cause damage
- Quality of renters can often be lower
- Finding the tenant when payments are over due can be more difficult
Properties with Existing Leases
Whenever you buy a property with a current tenant, the lease remains with the property. This means that the terms and conditions which the tenant agreed to will remain in effect. You will actually have to sign off on the leases prior to settlement. There’s good and bad here too. If the lease does not allow for a “kick out” clause, and the rent is below market, you might be stuck with a tenant ‘til the end of the term of the lease. On the other hand, if the rents are strong and the property looks to be well taken care of, you could be in an excellent situation.
Multi units
Multi units lower your risk of having 100% vacancy, as typically all units won’t be vacant during the same period of time. There are definitely multi units available with & without renters in the area…it’s more of trying to find ones that aren’t overpriced.
When owning a multi unit property, you want to make sure that the utilities have been separated. If not, often times the landlord takes on the burden of paying heat, electric and hot water. Additionally, if utilities have been separated, landlord still pays for cold water to the property, b/c that’s not typically separated as it comes into the house.
Market Overview:
Residential (excluding sales over 1 million)
Upper Darby 2004 2005 2006 2007
Average Sales Price 127,344 142,223 158,157 165,818
Days on Market 32 30 38 50
Havertown 2004 2005 2006 2007
Average Sales Price 276,644 304,679 307,452 308,832
Days on Market 30 36 47 52
Commercial & Multi Unit Properties (excluding sales over 1 million)
Upper Darby 2004 2005 2006 2007
Average Sales Price 127,344 142,223 158,157 165,818
Days on Market 32 30 38 50
Havertown 2004 2005 2006 2007
Average Sales Price 276,644 304,679 307,452 308,832
Days on Market 30 36 47 52
You can see that the Days on Market (DOM) have increased which is a strong indicator that the market has slowed down over the last couple years. This also causes for me inventory to build up on the market.
Rental Data
While this data takes a little more mining, it is very neighborhood specific. I would recommend when we find a property that we research what landlords are asking by going onto Craigslist.org. While I have some data on the Multiple Listing Service, most landlords rent privately or through property management companies which advertise in newspapers and online sites like craig’s list. In the northern sections of Upper Darby Township, 3 bedroom, 1 bath rows typically rent anywhere from $1100 to $1300, one bedroom units around $600 and 2 bedroom units between $700 & $800.
I always like to take a conservative perspective when it comes to potential rental income. Another big factor that has be taken into consideration is the condition of the property and what has to be fixed and how soon. A property in good overall condition is worth a lot, even if the rent is a bit on the low side.
Last thought, b/c rental data is less abundant; the market place remains less of an exact. If your property happens to be the nicest available at the time, people will be willing to pay a little more.
Financing to Consider
The goal is to put as little money down as possible with the highest returns. When you’re looking at properties you want to make sure and look at the full picture. This includes:
Cost of Purchase – An easy way to get an idea of this is by figuring about 5% of the sales price. This will cover items such as mortgage fees, title insurance, tax reimbursements, tax escrows, insurance escrows, and 1 % transfer tax
Down Money – Most banks require at least 10% down on an investment property and often times more when it comes to commercial investing. 20% down is probably most common.
Renting Fees – Usually a license is about $75.00 a year + the inspection costs which might be another $50.00. If you wanted our office to rent the property for you, advertise in local newspapers, show the property and pre qualify renters, we charge one month’s rent. If you’d like us to manage the property for you, which includes collecting rents, providing you with a monthly statement and acting as a go between when renters have maintenance requests, we charge 6% of the monthly fee.
There are no dump questions. Please ask and I will share my knowledge. Also, check out all my listings and other cool features on www.talktotyler.com
I'll keep you posted.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
How is the Fed helping?
So the Fed decided to drop interest rates a .5%!? Should we start to get excited?? Probably not too excited, but it's moving interest rates in the right direction for consumers. The Fed's action represents their concern for the real estate and mortgage markets around the country.
So how does the system work?
The Federal Reserve's interest rate represents that cost of lending money for banks. For example, if the Federal Reserve's interest rate is 5%, it costs banks 5% for any money borrowed. Because banks are in the business of making money, they add their margin on top of the Fed's rate and then offer that combined rate to the consumer. In this example, if the Bank's margin was 2.5%, they would be offering mortgages at 7.5% to the consumer.
So when the Federal Reserve says they are lowering interest rates, it is saving banks money. While it seems like this savings should be reflected to the consumer, this may take a while, depending on each banks situation. If the bank has remained conservative and didn't have too many high risk loans in their portfolio, they might be able to give consumers a break sooner then later. The key here is that the banks should be able to recover some of the their losses and therefore help out their consumers in the long run.
Will we see any immediate changes?
If you have a floating rate on a Home Equity Line of Credit, and the rate is based off an index that is directly effected by the Fed's rate, your rate should have adjusted. Otherwise, mortgage rates seem to be pretty steady at this point. If the Fed continues to drop rates, we'll see a more direct effect on mortgage rates.
Thanks for checking in and make sure to check out http://www.talktotyler.com/ for my newest listings. I'll keep you posted.
So how does the system work?
The Federal Reserve's interest rate represents that cost of lending money for banks. For example, if the Federal Reserve's interest rate is 5%, it costs banks 5% for any money borrowed. Because banks are in the business of making money, they add their margin on top of the Fed's rate and then offer that combined rate to the consumer. In this example, if the Bank's margin was 2.5%, they would be offering mortgages at 7.5% to the consumer.
So when the Federal Reserve says they are lowering interest rates, it is saving banks money. While it seems like this savings should be reflected to the consumer, this may take a while, depending on each banks situation. If the bank has remained conservative and didn't have too many high risk loans in their portfolio, they might be able to give consumers a break sooner then later. The key here is that the banks should be able to recover some of the their losses and therefore help out their consumers in the long run.
Will we see any immediate changes?
If you have a floating rate on a Home Equity Line of Credit, and the rate is based off an index that is directly effected by the Fed's rate, your rate should have adjusted. Otherwise, mortgage rates seem to be pretty steady at this point. If the Fed continues to drop rates, we'll see a more direct effect on mortgage rates.
Thanks for checking in and make sure to check out http://www.talktotyler.com/ for my newest listings. I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Let's Not Get Too Excited
For the last couple of weeks, if you've been tuned into the news, you've probably heard at least three stories about the declining housing market and problematic mortgage market. If you've really been tuned in, you've heard about 100 stories. As I've been listening and discussing the situation with many, I'd like to try and put things into perspective. Bad news sells and I believe the abilities of the media to sensationalize these issues could actually be causing more damage then the actual issues themselves.
What has caused these problems?
Over the last couple of years, the real estate market appreciated at an incredible rate; far beyond inflation, the consumer price index, salaries and basically any salable product. While home values began to rise, financial lending institutions recognized this opportunity and promoted less restrictive financing products that fueled housing's appreciation rates. Buyers who were once required to put down at least 20% on a home could now purchase with 100% financing, and in some cases 107% financing, therefore needing significantly less funds to close a deal. Further, you could get these loans paying interest-only and with great introductory rates that would last anywhere from 1 to 7 years. For example, when I purchased my home in 2003, while I choose a more traditional loan, paying principal and interest, my introductory rate on my adjustable mortgage was 4 1/8 % for 3 years...an incredible rate.
With these changes in mind, a buyer who could once afford a home for $100,000 now has the ability to qualify for a home over $200,000 if they had good credit and a decent job. The buyers purchasing power increased over 100%!!! With this type of funding available, buyers were willing to pay more and sellers could ask for more.
Why the Doom and Gloom Stories??
While this housing boom worked great over the last 5 years, home values can only appreciate to a value that people can afford. Once you reach that point, the housing market has nowhere to go but down. If you live in New York, San Francisco or anywhere where the appreciation went completely through the roof, pardon the pun, you're experiencing depreciation and the easiest way to tell is by looking at the inventory of homes. When prices are too high, homes will not sell and therefore remain on the market.
To make matters worse, interest rates have increased over the last couple of years and home owners carrying mortgages that adjust are experiencing large increases in their monthly payments. What used to be a payment of $1000.00 per month could be $1400.00 with just two years of adjustment. That's a 40% increase!! Because of this situation, its no wonder why we've seen foreclosure rates soar. Homeowners can't afford their mortgage payments!
The Chain Reaction
Once the homeowner defaults on the loan, financial institutions begin their foreclosure process, hoping to recoup the amount borrowed by the homeowner. While this isn't a big problem in a growing market, as the property should maintain its value, the financial institutions have huge problems when the property's value declines. Additionally, if the lender has been closing lots of higher risk loans at 100% loan-to-value, any decline in price will have an impact on that lenders bottom line. This in turn has caused many sub-prime lenders and major lenders go completely out of business.
Just last month American Home Mortgage, employer of over 5,000 people and 8th largest mortgage lender in the United States, is gone with no warning. Ameriquest is done. Even Countrywide Home Loans, the largest mortgage lender in the country, announced that is was borrowing over 11 billion dollars to fund its loans!!
The Result
With all of these issues occurring, it has resulted in mortgage companies rewriting there policies and restricting different types of loans. In particular, you'll have a very hard time finding any 100% financing in the market place and you'll pay a premium interest rate for a Jumbo Loan (loans over $417,000). The bottom line is that financing has become less available.
The Bright Side
The areas in the country that are suffering the most from these recent developments are those areas where prices exploded. We don't happen to be in one of these areas. The Philadelphia region, while it did experience quite a bit of real estate appreciation, was more conservative then New York and most of the West Coast. While our region won't be untouched, the market adjustment should not be as extreme.
Finally, if you were financially prepared to buy your home, whether it was last year or 5 years ago, and don't plan on moving for a couple of years, these circumstances may have little, if any, impact on your equity position. Real Estate markets rise and fall all of the time.
What if I want to Sell?
For those of you who might want to sell or need to sell, don't get too worked up. It might take a little longer and you won't get quite as much as you might like, but the home your purchasing should also reflect the lowering of prices in the current market.
Of course, this is a lot to digest. If your interested in more details please check out my website at http://www.talktotyler.com/ or email me at tyler@wagnerrealestate.com
I'll keep you posted.
What has caused these problems?
Over the last couple of years, the real estate market appreciated at an incredible rate; far beyond inflation, the consumer price index, salaries and basically any salable product. While home values began to rise, financial lending institutions recognized this opportunity and promoted less restrictive financing products that fueled housing's appreciation rates. Buyers who were once required to put down at least 20% on a home could now purchase with 100% financing, and in some cases 107% financing, therefore needing significantly less funds to close a deal. Further, you could get these loans paying interest-only and with great introductory rates that would last anywhere from 1 to 7 years. For example, when I purchased my home in 2003, while I choose a more traditional loan, paying principal and interest, my introductory rate on my adjustable mortgage was 4 1/8 % for 3 years...an incredible rate.
With these changes in mind, a buyer who could once afford a home for $100,000 now has the ability to qualify for a home over $200,000 if they had good credit and a decent job. The buyers purchasing power increased over 100%!!! With this type of funding available, buyers were willing to pay more and sellers could ask for more.
Why the Doom and Gloom Stories??
While this housing boom worked great over the last 5 years, home values can only appreciate to a value that people can afford. Once you reach that point, the housing market has nowhere to go but down. If you live in New York, San Francisco or anywhere where the appreciation went completely through the roof, pardon the pun, you're experiencing depreciation and the easiest way to tell is by looking at the inventory of homes. When prices are too high, homes will not sell and therefore remain on the market.
To make matters worse, interest rates have increased over the last couple of years and home owners carrying mortgages that adjust are experiencing large increases in their monthly payments. What used to be a payment of $1000.00 per month could be $1400.00 with just two years of adjustment. That's a 40% increase!! Because of this situation, its no wonder why we've seen foreclosure rates soar. Homeowners can't afford their mortgage payments!
The Chain Reaction
Once the homeowner defaults on the loan, financial institutions begin their foreclosure process, hoping to recoup the amount borrowed by the homeowner. While this isn't a big problem in a growing market, as the property should maintain its value, the financial institutions have huge problems when the property's value declines. Additionally, if the lender has been closing lots of higher risk loans at 100% loan-to-value, any decline in price will have an impact on that lenders bottom line. This in turn has caused many sub-prime lenders and major lenders go completely out of business.
Just last month American Home Mortgage, employer of over 5,000 people and 8th largest mortgage lender in the United States, is gone with no warning. Ameriquest is done. Even Countrywide Home Loans, the largest mortgage lender in the country, announced that is was borrowing over 11 billion dollars to fund its loans!!
The Result
With all of these issues occurring, it has resulted in mortgage companies rewriting there policies and restricting different types of loans. In particular, you'll have a very hard time finding any 100% financing in the market place and you'll pay a premium interest rate for a Jumbo Loan (loans over $417,000). The bottom line is that financing has become less available.
The Bright Side
The areas in the country that are suffering the most from these recent developments are those areas where prices exploded. We don't happen to be in one of these areas. The Philadelphia region, while it did experience quite a bit of real estate appreciation, was more conservative then New York and most of the West Coast. While our region won't be untouched, the market adjustment should not be as extreme.
Finally, if you were financially prepared to buy your home, whether it was last year or 5 years ago, and don't plan on moving for a couple of years, these circumstances may have little, if any, impact on your equity position. Real Estate markets rise and fall all of the time.
What if I want to Sell?
For those of you who might want to sell or need to sell, don't get too worked up. It might take a little longer and you won't get quite as much as you might like, but the home your purchasing should also reflect the lowering of prices in the current market.
Of course, this is a lot to digest. If your interested in more details please check out my website at http://www.talktotyler.com/ or email me at tyler@wagnerrealestate.com
I'll keep you posted.
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