Posts made in August 2015

Farm Credit… not just for farmers!

Yes, Farm Credit makes agricultural loans and loans to farmers.  But, they do so much more, and some of their programs may be of assistance in helping non-farmers to achieve their real estate and financial goals.

Here’s a few things they do:

*  Lot loans with as little as 15% cash down.

*  Jumbo home loans over $1M.

*  Manufactured home loans with 25% cash down.

*  30 year mortgages on Log Homes with 15% cash down.

*  Construction & Construction-Perm loans.

*  Will finance owner builds.

*  Large acreage purchases with credit given to out buildings.

If you think something like that may be of value to you- call me.  I know a guy!

Indiana Real Estate a Bargain

If you think that the local real estate market might be getting a tad expensive, well, you may just wanna’ look around a bit.  Quarter 1 data from the National Association of Realtors (“NAR”) pegged the median average sales price for Indianapolis homes at $139,200— well below the national average of $205,200.

And Indianapolis isn’t the only bargain around.  Check out our neighbors to the north- both Fort Wayne and South Bend posted numbers 25% lower than our’s.  The same can’t be said however for California, where San Jose topped the list at $900,000!  Can you imagine?  I mean, how the heck does one pay 900 large for the average house and still buy groceries?

On the other hand, there’s Youngstown, Ohio down in the cellar with an averge ticket of just $64,300.  Of course, since the auto manufacturers have largely closed up shop, there’s more houses than jobs (and that’s a problem).

Surprisingly (to me at least) there are quite a few places in Florida that are surprisingly affordable.  Think Pensacola, Melbourne, Punta Gorda, Tampa, St. Pete, Gainesville and Port St. Lucie— all of which sport average ticket prices between 145 and 172.  Compared to California’s rarified air, Florida housing is, like Indianapolis’, a real bargain.

“It’s Empowering!”

“It’s empowering!”  Just 24 hours into being a first time homeowner, and that’s how my son responded to a friend’s question, “How does it feel to not be renting?”  He’s not alone in that feeling.  Most people who buy feel that way- and that’s true whether it’s their first home or some other number.  It’s true, owning your own home is Empowering!!!