What Happened in 2023 in the California Real Estate Scene

Graphic showing 2023 market data in California

 The 2023 housing market had ups and downs, but buyer competition remained, and prices continued upward for the most part, in spite of inflation, shrinking insurance availability, and increased mortgage interest rates.

Home sales slowed, but the housing market hasn't crashed. Mortgage rates went to 7 percent, prompting many homeowners to not sell, and those who did were sometimes offering incentives to the buyers.  Housing shortages are reflected in the December to December 23% decrease in new listings, and the overall 20% decrease in closed sales.  But median and average sale prices both increased.

For 2024, the chief economist of the California Association of Realtors, Jordan Levine, predicts continued price improvement, and sales volume improvement compared to 2023. Mortgage rates are already easing, which lowers the monthly mortgage payment amount, and perhaps will fall to the 6-6.5% range. To combat the inventory shortage, expect widening support  for accessory dwelling nits and the conversion of empty office buildings into residential space. Insurance carriers may continue to withdraw, and cause an increase in prices while forcing the buyers to look at outside carriers.  The California Fair Plan is a growing option, but comes at a higher cost for only basic coverage.  Buyers should do their  best to find as many insurance carrier options as possible.  A new down payment assistance resource directory may offer help for some buyers, contact me for a program that may work for you.

You're probably aware of ChatGPT generated information, and the discussions about using Artificial  Intelligence (it's not new, a Magnum P.I. segment in the 1980s had Magnum and his consultant friend talking about and referring to artificial intelligence and what they were discovering then what computers could do!) are now frequent in the real estate profession. Some property descriptions, marketing materials and social media posts are online from AI.

The median-priced home in California is now $830,620,  in Long Beach the December 2023 average sales price was $1,060,056 and for a condo it was $557,532--but that varies: the 90803 zip code average price for condos was $741,333.

With the softening of interest rates (remember, an 800+ credit score gets you the best rate, so take care of your credit), buying a home may be more possible for buyers and sellers alike.  Please contact me with any questions, sometimes all it takes is a conversation to help get you started.

 

Julia Huntsman, REALTOR, Broker | http://www.abodes.realestate | 562-896-2609 | California Lic. #01188996

Down Payments and PMI: Get the Facts

If you're in the market to buy a home, your down payment is likely top of mind. And no doubt you've heard the rule of thumb that you shouldn't buy a home unless you can put 20% down. Before accepting this myth, it's important to do your homework, weigh the pros and cons regarding your down payment options and get the facts, such as:

• A growing number of borrowers are putting down between 5 and 10%.
• Today, you can put down as little as 3% through mortgage options like the Freddie Mac Home Possible AdvantageSM mortgage.

It's a fact that the more you put down, the lower your monthly mortgage payment will be and the less you'll owe the bank. It's also a fact that homebuyers who put at least 20% down don't have to pay Primary Mortgage Insurance (PMI), an added insurance policy that protects the lender if you are unable to pay your mortgage. However, if putting 20% down is not an option or will deplete all of your savings and leave you with no financial cushion, it's probably not in your best interest.

While you'll have to pay PMI for a conventional loan with a down payment of less than 20%, you'll still be able to take advantage of today's low mortgage rates – especially the 30-year fixed rate mortgage that can offer you security and peace of mind throughout the life of your loan.

Plus, once you've built equity of 20% in your home, you can cancel your PMI and remove that expense from your monthly payment.

THE MATH: $200,000 HOME – 5% Down vs. 20% Down

	5% DOWN PAYMENT	20% DOWN PAYMENT
Down Payment	$10,000	$40,000
Loan Amount	$190,000	$160,000
Mortgage Type	30-year fixed-rate	30-year fixed-rate
Interest Rate	4.5%	4.5%
Monthly Mortgage Payment (Principal and Interest)	$962.70	$810.70
PMI	$80.75*	$0
	$1,043.45**	$810.70**

*Assuming an insurance rate of 0.51%; this cost can be cancelled from your payment once you reach 20% equity in your home for conventional loans.
**Does not include property tax and homeowners insurance payments

Carefully evaluate your finances to determine how much you can afford and talk with your lender or housing professional about down payment options that make best sense for you.

There are California Programs to Help Buyers Buy

e Down Payment Resource automated down payment assistance program finder does the research for you and quickly matches you with specific homebuyer assistance programs for which you may be eligible.
With Down Payment Resource, you’ll learn:

• The total number of homebuyer programs available to you
• The name of each program
• The amount of down payment assistance available
• How to use this information when shopping for a home
• Your next steps to learn more and apply for the program

- See more at: http://downpaymentresource.com/homebuyers/#sthash.HId2n8o2.dpuf

The Down Payment Resource automated down payment assistance program finder does the research for you and quickly matches you with specific homebuyer assistance programs for which you may be eligible.
With Down Payment Resource, you’ll learn:

• The total number of homebuyer programs available to you
• The name of each program
• The amount of down payment assistance available
• How to use this information when shopping for a home
• Your next steps to learn more and apply for the program

- See more at: http://downpaymentresource.com/homebuyers/#sthash.HId2n8o2.dpuf

e Down Payment Resource automated down payment assistance program finder does the research for you and quickly matches you with specific homebuyer assistance programs for which you may be eligible.
With Down Payment Resource, you’ll learn:

• The total number of homebuyer programs available to you
• The name of each program
• The amount of down payment assistance available
• How to use this information when shopping for a home
• Your next steps to learn more and apply for the program

- See more at: http://downpaymentresource.com/homebuyers/#sthash.HId2n8o2.dpuf

The Down Payment Resource automated down payment assistance program finder does the research for you and quickly matches you with specific homebuyer assistance programs for which you may be eligible.
With Down Payment Resource, you’ll learn:

• The total number of homebuyer programs available to you
• The name of each program
• The amount of down payment assistance available
• How to use this information when shopping for a home
• Your next steps to learn more and apply for the program

Click Here to find out if you are eligible for first time home buyer down payment assistance.
- See more at: http://downpaymentresource.com/homebuyers/#sthash.HId2n8o2.dpuf

Wave of Singles to Make Big Impact on Housing.

Half of all American adults now live in one-person households, a rapidly growing number, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The singles demographic is likely to reshape multifamily communities and single-family home designs going forward, according to Builder Online.

In 1976, only 37 percent of adults were single. As of August 2014, that percentage has bloomed to 50.2 percent, or about 124.6 million singles. It marks the first time that single Americans make up the majority of the adult population since the government began tracking such data.

This growing segment also will impact floor plans, which will go from static to flexible affordability will be a key factor due to the reduced income of a single homeowner compared with that of dual-earner couples.
as living arrangements change more frequently. Analysts also project that this group will job hop more often and bring new types of living arrangements into the housing market – such as friends buying homes together. Additionally,

At the recent California Association of Realtors 2014 Expo and Conference last week, the obstacles for first time buyers--an important force in the real estate market--were characterized as having:         

  Lots of competition for existing housing stock.
• Affordability constraints.
• Lack of a down‐payment.
• Lack of information about the home‐buying
   process.
• Fear of financing: “I can’t qualify”.
• Job prospects/security still dim for many.
• Many who have jobs are under‐employed.

To help all types of buyers with potential programs, there is a resource to help sift through the wide array of programs that could be available in a given area.
 
Down Payment Assistance for Buyers.
Did you know, according to California Association of Realtors' Down Payment Resource™ Homeownership Program Index that there are…
-Over 300 programs in California
-59% provide direct down payment & closing cost assistance
-10% provide mortgage credit up to $2,000 for the life of the loan
-26% are available to repeat buyers.

The Down Payment Resource automated down payment assistance program finder  is a FREE program and does the research for you.  It quickly matches you with specific homebuyer assistance programs for which you may be eligible.  With Down Payment Resource, you’ll learn:

• The total number of homebuyer programs available to you
• The name of each program
• The amount of down payment assistance available
• How to use this information when shopping for a home.

In Long Beach, What Can You Buy Under $300,000?

There have been several articles talking about this price range in the last few years since the market downturn.  With both limited inventory, and an increase in the real estate market, there is a declining number of single family homes available under $300,000 in Long Beach, California.  There are 47 listings as of July 1 in this category, in various areas of Long Beach.  One of the best values in this range is really Windward Village, a secure planned unit development (PUD) park which offers open space and recreational facilities. 



Windward Village Home--Click on photo for info 

As of July 1, 2013 (check for any updated information) the home in the photo is listed in the MLS for $239,000, and at the listed 1600 sq. ft. for 2 bedrooms and 2 baths, is an unbelievable value. 

Windward Village homes may qualify for FHA, VA or conventional financing, and because it's a PUD, the new owner owns the land too.  Individual lot sizes vary from 2500 sq. ft to 3800 sq.ft., equal to or more than lot sizes in Belmont Shore.  While older models feature the carport style, newer models offer closed door garage parking.


Community Center

The complex has a 24-hour guard entry where all entrants are checked in by staff; there is a community center for activities and gatherings, an outdoor pool, grassy green areas, outdoor play areas for children, basketball  and tennis courts, car wash center, guest parking, and a putting green. For the unit shown above, the HOA dues are only $188/month.  Contrast that figure to the average condominium HOA fee of $250/month elsewhere in Long Beach, without all the recreational facilities.
Because these are manufactured home purchases, there are some differences from a regular single family home process which are normal to this type of purchase, such as the foundation system. But because it is a PUD and the owner owns their own land, there is absolutely no space rent, a monthly cost of $900 or more per month in similar complexes.

The common areas are very well kept with well-maintained and patrolled asphalt roads, and has the feel of a small single family residential community. It's a great opportunity while prices are still low, and nowhere else in Long Beach can you buy your own private home and have such advantages.

Please contact me about this complex!

California $10,000 Buyer Tax Credit Is Coming Very Soon!

Some of you may not yet know about the $10,000 California tax credit which will go into effect on May 1, 2010, until the end of the year, or until the funds run out. $200,000 million total is allocated--half to new construction purchases and half to an existing home purchased by a first time homebuyer. Purchasers must reside in the home for two years, and there are no income limitations to be met, and no repayment as long as the purchaser stays in the home for two years. The status of funds available (there's no guarantee how long this money will last) will be published at http://www.ftb.ca.gov/.  Note: May 6 update article.

The credit is either $10,000 or 5 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less. So if a $500,000 home is purchased, the buyer would receive the $10,000 credit, which would be payable in equal amounts over 3 years.

The homeowner submits a certificate to the FTB after entering into a purchase contract.

Buyers who are not taking advantage of the IRS tax credit, ending April 30th, have this second opportunity given by the State of California.

In case you need more of a picture of how things are working in the buyer's favor, please see the interest rate histories at http://www.housingmatrix.com/index.php/interest-rate-histories.html where the viewer may look at the 30-year history, 10 years, etc.

Current interest rates (which are moving up right now) are still close to the range of where rates were in the late 1960's and early 1970's, unlike the high peak during the early 1980's when rates were in the 18-20% range. However, a snapshot of last week shows rates moving above 5% when they have been below 5% much of the last year for 30-year fixed mortgages. So for a $400,000 loan amount, the monthly principal and interest payment at 5% would increase by $61.00 a month if the rate goes up to 5.25%, or $732.00 annually.

For a customized list of homes, please contact me, very easy to send via e-mail. For February's trends in Long Beach, see my earlier post on trends in condos and houses, and the inventory.

For a similar report on your immediate neighborhood or zip code, contact me via phone or e-mail. I can easily send you one by e-mail.
For a current property search, go to http://www.juliahuntsman.com/ for condos, houses, income property and other MLS listings. And, join my fan page (see column to the right) to keep up with information and important tips!

Another First for Buying: California Mortgage Protection Program

It's so hard to not be helped right now, especially if you're a first time buyer. On top of the $8000 tax credit available right now, California Association of Realtors is also offering a mortgage protection program. More security can be yours if you fit the bill:

Did you know? Through the California Association of Realtors' Housing Affordability Fund qualifying buyers can receive up to $1,500 a month for up to six months in the event of job loss, a qualified co-buyer can also receive a $750 benefit for up to six months to help pay the mortgage. This program began in April of 2009 and continues through the end of 2010. Another great program for first time buyers that adds additional security to their home buying experience! So if you, or someone you know is, are a first time buyer, this program will last until the funds are depleted, or 12/31/2010. This program actually began in April, 2009, and will last until the end of this year, or until funds have been depleted prior to that time. Qualifying buyers can receive up to $1,500 a month for up to six months in the event of job loss, a qualified co-buyer can also receive a $750 benefit for up to six months.

TO QUALIFY FOR THE MORTGAGE PROTECTION PROGRAM APPLICANTS MUST:

• Be a first-time home buyer or co-buyer – someone who has not owned property in the last three years
• Open escrow April 2, 2009, or later, and close on or before December 31, 2010 .
• Use a California REALTOR® in the transaction (fee for referral does not qualify) ·
• Purchase the property in California
• Be a W-2 employee (cannot be self-employed)

Applications are available--don't miss this opportunity for another benefit of buying at this time.

http://www.juliahuntsman.com/ for a property search, information on buying residential property.

Time Is Moving Along for First Time and Repeat Buyers

The Southern California Home Buyer's Fair will be taking place March 13 and 14 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. It's a great start for the keys to homeownership, if you're free to go that weekend. However, the $8000 tax credit for 1st time buyers will be ending in April 2010, and will be extended only to complete your escrow if you have signed a contract at that point in time. Per the IRS site, the credit

• Applies only to homes used as a taxpayer's principal residence.


• Reduces a taxpayer's tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar.


• Is fully refundable, meaning the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed.

And, although this new proposal by Gov. Schwarzenegger is still "up in the air", to continue encouraging homeownership among Californians, the Governor will propose to extend and expand the $10,000 homebuyer tax credit to include the purchase of existing homes in addition to new residences for first-time homebuyers. The buyer must not be a dependant and must be purchasing a home that does not belong to a relative. Under the Governor’s proposal, the Franchise Tax Board will extend the credit to buyers who purchase homes until $200 million dollars in tax credits have been granted.

PLEASE, if you're thinking of buying this year, do not assume that the $8000 tax credit will once again be extended as it was at the end of 2009. Many Congressional members were not in favor of this extension for various reasons. Californians may benefit from the additional proposal, however, that is unknown as of yet.

If you want to buy, start taking action now. If you need loan options, I will be happy to refer you. Remember, for purposes of these programs, a 1st time buyer is one who has not owned property in the last 3 years.

Please contact me if you are ready to proceed--remember, rates are still low.

For more information on buyer programs, go to http://www.juliahuntsman.com/.

A First Time Buyer Story in Surf City USA

The City of Huntington Beach did not seem like a likely place to find an affordable first time buyer program. During the high point of the market, it was tough to find a single family home there under $600,000. The home of the Seacliff and other high end developments located within a stone's throw from the coastline were not within reach of the average buyer needing down payment assistance. But that's all changed. Huntington Beach is now offering a program giving up to 20% of the purchase price, not exceeding $100,000, as down payment assistance in the form of a silent second mortgage loan at zero percent interest.

As of August 2009, the maximum purchase price is $515,000, a minimum 3% contribution from the borrower, and annual income limits apply: Between $72,300 maximum for one person up to $136,350 for a family of 8 persons in one household. This and similar programs are for buyers who intend to occupy the property as their principal residence.

So how many houses or condos currently on the market might work for this program? There are currently 124 houses and condos in this price range in Huntington Beach. One of them might be for you and your family, if you fit the qualifications of this program. A 20% down payment at zero interest is an opportunity not to be overlooked. If you have the 3%, or $15,450, for your contribution, plus meet the lender's other loan requirements, please call me for more details on this program and finding a lender who can carry out this program.

Extension of $8000 Tax Credit--Now Also $6500 for Repeat Buyers

Update November 6th: This bill is now signed into law. The extension for this credit is until April 30, 2010, with a 60-day extension if a contract is entered into before that. First time buyers, this is your big chance! Repeat buyers who currently own now have a great incentive also!

The United States Senate passed a resolution on October 29th to extend the $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit originally set to expire on November 30. Once the Senate officially votes on the bill it will move to the House of Representatives, which strongly supports the extension. The Obama administration has also signaled its strong support for an extension of the tax credit.
Aside from the first-time homebuyer credit, the new plan would offer a $6,500 credit for repeat or move-up homebuyers who have lived in their primary residence for five years or more. The tax credits would be available to buyers who sign purchase agreements on a new or existing principal residence, not over a selling price of $800,000, between December 1, 2009 and April 30, 2010, and who will close escrow before June 30, 2010.

The income limits for all buyers would be increased from the present levels to higher incomes of $125,000 per year for individuals and $225,000 for married couples.
The first-time homebuyer credit is also available to those who have not owned a home in the previous three years. The credit does not have to be repaid unless the home is sold or ceases to be the primary residence within three years.
According to the Treasury Department, more than 1.2 million borrowers have claimed $8.5 billion of the $13.6 billion set aside for the first-time homebuyer tax credit.
A California Association of Realtors survey of first-time home buyers shows that 40 percent would not have purchased a home without the tax credit.

The Cost of Waiting to Buy Revisited

Six months ago (they've passed quickly), I covered this topic via an article by Pat Zaby complete with payment scenario.

Last week's upset in the Treasury bond market , a more complex subject, ultimately sent mortgage interest rates up, with higher payment impact, that the earlier post referred to:

Let's make an assumption that the prices may still decline 5% more before they start appreciating again. If while a buyer was waiting for the price on a $250,000 to go down 5% to $237,500, and the interest rate goes up one percent from 5.25% to 6.25%, which is entirely possible, the buyer's monthly payments will increase almost $79 per month.

Or putting it another way, some buyers who qualified before last week may now have lost as much as 10% of their original buying power. In fact, some mortgage professionals feel that because of the current economic forces driving the purchase of bonds vs. mortgage-backed securities, the edge on low interest rates--below 5%--is gone, and maybe gone for good. If you're just starting in the market, figure it's the luck of the draw. But if you've been looking for a very long period of time, or renewing your search after being away from it for a long time, your loan information probably needs to be updated.

One brighter spot is that the procedure is being put in place for the imminent start of a statewide down payment assistance program offering a "silent second" for first time homebuyers (up to 3% of purchase price, income restrictions apply, FICO score over 680) and which may be used in conjunction with the FHA 3.5% down payment. If you're in that category, you might still be ahead if you fit this program.

See my earlier post on waiting to buy.

$8,000 Tax Credit is Once Again a Help With Costs for 1st Time Buyers

There has been much confusion in the past several weeks about using the credit for a down payment, as HUD announced a tax credit but then rescinded the offer.

Now, the latest information from HUD (May 29th) is now that the $8000 tax credit for FHA borrowers "may not be used to meet the 3.5% minimum downpayment, but may be used as additional downpayment, buying down of interest rate, or other closing costs." The HUD credit may not be used in place of your 3.5% down payment, but you may use it to cover closing costs, or as a loan through specified programs set up by lenders.

This is a great opportunity for first time buyers to buy real estate in the Long Beach area with additional some financial assistance!

Give me a call to learn how to utilize this program to your best advantage!

First Time Buyers: $8,000 Credit May be Used as an FHA Loan Down Payment

First-time homebuyers: Get the fast road to your $8,000 tax credit. Shaun Donovan, secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced on May 12 that Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will allow its FHA lenders to allow homeowners to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.

Secretary Donovan said.

'We all want to enable FHA consumers to access the home buyer tax credit funds when they close on their home loans so that the cash can be used as a downpayment.' According to Donovan, the FHA’s approved lenders will be permitted to “monetize” the tax credit through short-term bridge loans. This will allow eligible home buyers to access the funds immediately at the closing table.

Rather than waiting for refunds after the closing, funds will be available at the closing. A second mortgage will be filed and repayment terms will vary. It is important to keep the home as a primary residence for at least 3 years.

Q&A summary of other requirements for this credit:

Who Qualifies?
First-time home buyers who purchase homes between January 1, 2009 and December 1, 2009.
To qualify as a "first-time home buyer" the purchaser or his/her spouse may not have owned a residence during the three years prior to the purchase.

Which Properties Are Eligible?
The 2009 First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit may be applied to primary residences, including: single-family homes, condos, townhomes, and co-ops.

How Much Will the Credit Be?
The maximum allowable credit for home buyers is $8,000. Each home buyer's tax credit is determined by two factors:
a) The price of the home-the credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price of the home, up to $8,000.
b) The buyer's income-single buyers with incomes up to $75,000 and married couples with incomes up to $150,000-may receive the maximum tax credit.

If the Buyer(s)' Income Exceeds These Limits, Can He/She Still Get a Credit?
Yes, some buyers may still be eligible for the credit.The credit decreases for buyers who earn between $75,000 and $95,000 for single buyers and between $150,000 and $170,000 for home buyers filing jointly. The amount of the tax credit decreases as his/her income approaches the maximum limit. Home buyers earning more than the maximum qualifying income-over $95,000 for singles and over $170,000 for couples are not eligible for the credit.

Will the Tax Credit Need to Be Repaid?
No. The buyer does not need to repay the tax credit, if he/she occupies the home for three years or more. However, if the property is sold during the three-year period, the credit will be recouped on the sale.

Free Southern California Home Buyer's Fair this weekend April 18th

Bulletin just in:

Thousands of potential home buyers are expected to converge this weekend for the Southern California Home Buyer’s Fair at the Los Angeles Convention Center in downtown Los Angeles. Sponsored by California Association of Realtors and the “Los Angeles Times,” the second annual Southern California Home Buyer’s Fair is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, April 18, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, April 19. The event is free to the public. In addition, the first 200 attendees each day will receive a free movie ticket (one ticket per person).

The Fair features more than 50 educational “how-to” seminars designed to help home buyers navigate today’s real estate market with confidence and peace of mind. Seminar topics range from monitoring and fixing credit, finding and applying for a mortgage, to purchasing a foreclosure, short sale or REO. Several of the sessions also will be offered in Spanish. The Southern California Home Buyer’s Fair (www.homebuyersfair.com) also will feature nearly 75 exhibit booths, where attendees can obtain information from industry experts about homeownership and the home-buying process.

For a home search through our SoCalMLS expanded home search of all types of properties, please visit my other site at www.juliahuntsman.com

First Time Buyer Programs in 2009

The timing is right, and financial opportunity is here, ... in the form of buyer programs, they are also called mortgage assistance programs.

A basic requirement is that the buyer be a "first-time buyer". If you haven't owned any property in a long time, that may also qualify you.

These programs are invariably sponsored by a local city, or Los Angeles or Orange Counties.

Another feature is there may be a "silent second", which means there is no monthly payment due until a certain date, or the property is sold, depending on the program. These are down payment assistance programs provided through qualified entities.

There may be income restrictions and household size maximums, geographic area buying restrictions in some programs, or current residence requirement restrictions, and U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status is required.

Principal residence (no income investments) of a single family home, condominium or townhome.

NOTE: No 100% financing--buyers must have "skin in the game", although on one program the buyer contribution is only 1%, most are up to 3% and 5% down payment levels, depending on FHA or conventional loan requirements, and must be from the borrower's own funds.

The exciting news is that if the buyer falls into a program's guidelines, there could be a difference of several hundred dollars a month difference in the monthly loan payment vs. a loan without an assistance program.

So who has these programs?

• The City of Fountain Valley offers up to $150,000 in the form of a "silent" second, with an annual gross income starting at a maximum of $70,600 for a single buyer, up to $133,200 for a household of eight.


• Orange County has a Mortgage Assistance Program offering up to $40,000 for a "silent" second; income starts at maximum of $52,100 for a single buyer. Good in 15 cities including Seal Beach, Stanton, Cypress, La Palma, Los Alamitos, plus unincorporated areas.


• The WISH Downpayment Assistance Grant provides up to $15,000 for each household (funds available on first come, first serve basis). Must purchase in Orange County.


• Orange County Housing Trust has up to 25% of the purchase price (no more than $115,000), for downpayment assistance. Purchase must be in Orange County.


• City of Bellflower Downpayment Assistance Program offers up to $40,000 in a "silent" second, with a single buyer income no higher than $42,450, going up to a maximum of $80,050 for a household of eight.


• City of Long Beach offers a program currently "on hold" but still taking applications.

For more assistance in finding a home in 2009, and getting financial program help, please contact me.

Brief Explanation of New Buyer Tax Credit

Buyers have until November 30, 2009 to take advantage of this credit. As you may know, not everyone who buys a home in 2009 qualifies for the new $8,000 Federal Tax Credit for a home purchase. Here is the qualification criteria:

• Buyers must be a first time homebuyer (no home ownership in the last 3 years)
• Home must be purchased between January 1, 2009 and November 30, 2009
• The home must be kept for minimum three years
• The home must be owner-occupied
• The credit is $8,000 or 10% of the home's value, whichever is less
• A single person cannot make more than $75,000 for the full amount ($95,000 max. for partial credit)
• A couple cannot make more than $150,000 for the full amount ($170,000 max. for partial credit)
• AND, if someone meets the above criteria AND buys a newly built home, they will receive the $8,000 Federal Tax Credit and the $10,000 California state tax credit as well.

How's that for an incentive to buy a home! Go to my website http://www.juliahuntsman.com/ to find properties under $300,000; for example, right now in Long Beach along there are about 480 condos listed in the MLS, many in the lower price ranges.

Long Beach First-Time Home Buying Assistance

Good news for first time buyers in the Long Beach area: The buyer affordability index is higher than it's been in several years--in Los Angeles County it's up to 40% or higher. Condo prices in particular have softened a great deal, and house prices are lowering also.

One of the best bets for first time buyers right now are FHA loans because of 3% or 3.5% down payment, flexible credit score guidelines, and somewhat more forgiving debt ratios. For a few people with FICO scores over 740 who plan on buying a single family residence, there might be minimal opportunities for a 5% down loan. Otherwise, buyers will need to have 10% down payment or more. Additional programs (requiring specific lenders) is the California Housing Finance Agency, a program that may work in combination with loans.

Down Payment Assistance Program

The City of Long Beach, however, does have a second mortgage assistance program for first-time buyers who purchase a primary residence in the City and in certain areas, with as little as 1% of the purchase price out of their own funds, and who meet certain eligibilty requirements, as of October 1st.

The borrower must currently live or work in Long Beach or show evidence of a job offer in the city, and household income for two adults cannot exceed $57,400, for example, or $71,800 for 4 adults. The maximum sales price for the City's program is for condos under $332,500 and single family residence with a sales price under $500,650. For example, today, in the Southern California MLS, there are over 475 active listings for 2+ bedroom condos or houses priced at $350,000 and under in Long Beach. Not all of these fall within the areas specific to the City program, but, for example, if you enjoy the downtown area and adjacent sections, this program could be for you. First, you must be pre-approved with a qualified lender for this program. If you contact me, I can help you find a lender working with this City program.

As part of your homebuyer education, it's important to find a good loan officer; yes, internet research helps with some basic information, but one of the pitfalls for many buyers is in making decisions or coming to conclusions about financing based on random internet searches that only tell part of the story. Lending guidelines have changed radically during 2008; keeping your information updated and developing contact with an experienced financial person is crucial to your home purchase.