The end of January’s Fed announcement was very favorable for mortgage rates. This week’s mixed economic data, Treasury auctions, and news from Europe had little influence. As a result, mortgage rates ended the week lower.

The forecasts from Fed officials for the fed funds rate contained some major surprises for investors. Fed officials now expect that economic conditions will allow the fed funds rate to remain at exceptionally low levels until at least “late 2014″.Prior statements extended the expected time frame only to mid-2013. In addition, comments from Fed Chief Bernanke suggested that Fed officials would like to see stronger economic growth, and they are open to the possibility of additional Fed easing. Many investors think it is likely that the Fed will announce additional MBS purchases at a later meeting. The expectation for a low fed funds rate and the possibility of additional Fed purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS) increased demand for MBS, which resulted in higher MBS prices and lower mortgage rates.

The most recent release of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) showed an increase at a 2.8% annual rate during the fourth quarter of 2011, which was a little below the consensus forecast, but up from 1.8% during the third quarter. Early estimates for the first quarter of this year are for a slower growth rate. The long-run average growth rate for the economy is generally considered to be around 3.0%, and the economy usually grows at a faster than average rate following a recession. Given that the economy is growing below its potential and that inflation remains tame, the Fed’s expectation that monetary policy will remain very stimulative for a long time is understandable.

CALL PAM PARTON 760-580-1615     OR                     JOANNA WOOLLEY 760-580-1630

We would love  to help you with your home sale or purchase in North County San Diego, give us  a call at any time so we can help you get the process started!

Content Courtesy of John Yeager, Summit Mortagage

If you’ve been thinking about buying a new home, winter is the time to start getting serious. Here are a few reasons to brave the cooler weather and go on a house hunt:

The winter season has fewer units on the market, and sellers tend to need to move from their property. You can use that to your advantage to get a favorable deal.

Winter has fewer buyers in the market. Looking for a home in the winter can be inconvenient, and people are less likely to move. Families also tend to be on a September to June cycle because they are unwilling to move their children to a new town in the middle of the school year. Fewer buyers means less competition.

Lenders usually have fewer loans to process and less paperwork to deal with. With lenders less hassled, you might be able to  expect a smoother process to get approved for a mortgage.

Finally, as all savvy shoppers know after the holiday season comes the season of bargain opportunities. This includes houses as well!!

So go out and brave the weather, rain or sun and find that home you’ve been looking for. NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY.

For a complete list of all the latest short sales, foreclosures and standard sales call: PAM or JOANNA .

PAM PARTON: 760-580-1615                       JOANNA WOOLLEY: 760-580-1630

Why Real Estate is still AMERICA’S BEST INVESTMENT

The latest headlines tell us the economy fluctuates from recovery to ruin on a weekly basis. In reality, real estate is cyclical, and the market is on its way to recovery in most areas. Although you may feel nervous about home ownership, property is still your best long – term investment.

In more than two thirds of the country, housing affordability has dipped to pre-housing bubble levels, creating opportunities for those looking for a bargain. Home prices are expected to rise in 2013 due to fewer distressed sales and the impending housing shortage.

Mortgage rates have decreased over the last fifty years to record lows. Due to the economic downturn,borrowers with stellar credit and a solid employment history are best able to secure financing right now. However, as conditions improve, the market will expand for borrowers who may not fit the mold of traditonal lending standards, such as the self employed.

A major advantage of homeownership is building equity. The average seller who purchased a home in 2002 gained 24% in equity, while those who purchased their homes 11 to 15 years ago had a median gain of 40%.

So in spite of all the negative news the press is brain washing us with IT IS STILL A GREAT TIME TO BUY A HOME!

For more information on great HOME  DEALS available in North County San Diego give us a call as  we would love to share this information with you.

PAM PARTON:  760-580-1630                             JOANNA WOOLLEY: 760-580-1615

Content courtesy of

Brian Buffini, Wall Street Jouranl and National Association of Realtors.

Current Market Trends for Fallbrook and Bonsall CA

Fallbrook / Bonsall Market Trends

Fallbrook and Bonsall are areas we havent watched much lately, but there has been some significant activity in these two areas that is worth a quick look.

This area consists of mostly rural type properties on larger lots.  There arent really very many so-called Average homes in Fallbrook and Bonsall.  They are usually pretty unique with character all their own.

But as we take a look at our chart here, the average list price shows it to be $905,776. 

That figure might shy away many prospective buyers, but  a closer look and a more true picture of the values in this area is shown in the Sold and Pending rows of the chart.

It is true that there are many spectacular properties that are priced well over a million dollars and well worth every penny of it, but you can also find some very good values in the Fallbrook / Bonsall area too.

The average Sold price is $422,690 with and average square footage of 2331.   Now that is still quite affordable and reasonable for most buyers today.

If you are tired of battling against other buyers for smaller properties in other San Diego County cities, why not take a quick jont up to Fallbrook and Bonsall and see what they have to offer.  You may be quite surprised at what you find and Im sure you will be pleased by the unique properties and scenery you will see.

If you would like more information on Fallbrook or Bonsall properties, give us a call or browse the MLS through our VIP home seach on our home page.

We are always here to help, and we answer our phones.

Pam and Joanna
760-580-1615 or 760-580-1630

Have you got the winter blues?- if so now is the time to pamper yourself and take a day out for a visit to the spa. Something everyone should do for themselves even if its just once in a while. 

Fallbrook is the perfect location for your day retreat. For a small town there is an amazing array of Spas.

Enjoy the beautiful drive through the Avocado Capital and  while your’re there take a walk down main street and check out the fantastic variety of stores.

You won’t be disappointed with these three Spa’s….

Fallbrook Wellness Spa – step into another world!

Specialises in: Massage, Facials, Spa Treatments, Hydrotherapy, Sauna, Yoga and Tai Chai

123 E. Alvarado Street, Fallbrook, CA 92028

760-723-8264   info@wellness spa.com

For another great place to unwind try:

Low Willows Day Spa……Just unbelievable service

Massage,Body Care,Skin Care, Nail Care, Salon Services, Body Slimming Treatment and Specialised Spa Packages.

530 Stewart Canyon Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028

888-731-9400  info@loswillows.com

Last but not least….

The Massage Studio…… Therapeutic and Relaxing Massage

116 W.Beech Street Suite A, Fallbrook, CA 92028

760-723-8984     massagestudio1989@hotmail.com

Current Real Estate Market Trends Fallbrook, CA
 November 2008

Click to Enlarge

Call Pam and Joanna for a detailed market analysis in your area, or to find the best values in the area of your choice