That is a headline you might have seen over the past weekend. And though it is true, we must understand the story behind the headline. Case Shiller reports on the year-over-year difference in home values. Their latest report revealed that the rate of appreciation has slowed – not that prices are falling!! Here is exactly what they said:
“The 20-City Composite gained 4.9% year-over-year, compared to 5.6% in August.”
Prices are still up this month over last year’s values (4.9%) just not as much as they were last month (5.6%).
Home Prices are NOT Falling.
As a matter of fact, the latest Home Price Expectation Survey by Pulsenomics (a survey of a nationwide panel of over one hundred economists, real estate experts and investment & market strategists) showed that home prices will continue to appreciate for the next several years.

Bottom Line
Both first time buyers and families thinking of moving-up; ...

If you are thinking about purchasing a home right now, you are surely getting a lot of advice. Though your friends and family have your best interests at heart, they may not be fully aware of your needs and what is currently happening in real estate. Let’s look at whether or not now is actually a good time for you to buy a home.
There are three questions you should ask before purchasing in today’s market: 
1. Why am I buying a home in the first place?
This truly is the most important question to answer. Forget the finances for a minute. Why did you even begin to consider purchasing a home? For most, the reason has nothing to do with finances. A study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University reveals that the four major reasons people buy a home have nothing to do with money:

A good place to raise children and for them to get a good education
A place where you and your family feel safe
More space for you and your family
Control of ; ...

If you would like to know if a property qualifies for the 100% loan through Regions Bank for LMI Tracts, low-moderate income, click this link and plug in the address:
 http://www.ffiec.gov/Geocode/default.aspx
 
If you would like to know if a property qualifies for the  UDSA , rural development, 100% loan, click this link and plug in the address:
http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do
  ...

Selling Your Home? Don’t DIY
DIY (Do It Yourself) is one of the big buzzwords in 2014, and for some projects, it’s the way to go. If you’re into cars, say, doing your own oil changes and tune ups is not only fun, it saves some money. The same is true if home fixes or gardening is your thing.  But selling your home on your own? Probably not.
A home is most owners’ single biggest investment. When it comes time to sell, owners have been out of the housing market for years, pitting them against buyers as well as real estate professionals who have seen dozens of homes just in the last few weeks. These market-savvy people pretty much know what your home is worth within the first few minutes. Price it wrong, and you may not see those people again.
It’s easy for lay people to underprice a home, because the first statistic they look at is comparable sales (comps). Comps are a little bit good and a lot bad, for a couple of reasons. First, a comp represents a) ...

Some of The Shoals Area Most Beautiful Neighborhoods
 
Considered the principal city of the Metropolitan Statistical Area known as “The Shoals,” Florence is also the largest economic hub of northwestern Alabama. Located in Lauderdale county it serves as its only city and county seat. Home to several museums, historical sites and monuments, Florence contains some of the most beautiful neighborhoods around!
 
Creekwood – The houses are huge, built with bright red brick stone and adorned with ionic-styled columns. The space between each house is perfect for those looking for considerable privacy. The vivid green landscape and trimmed trees are a scenery on their own. In addition, this beautiful neighborhood is only about 15 minutes away from Florence high school.
 
Heathrow – This townhouse complex includes a public pool area, tennis court and spacious parking for homeowners and guests. The homes come with chimneys on either side for cozy heati; ...