Arizona Home Talk

Surviving and thriving in the real estate market these days means following a whole new set of rules.  Here are five imperatives for those who want to master the home-buying game. 

1. Gaming the market doesn’t work. There’s a chance that the home you buy today will be worth less next year. So instead of trying to time the market, drive a hard bargain for a home you really love.

2. Real winners get the lowest mortgage rate. Financing is getting more expensive. Celia Chen of Moody’s Economy.com predicts rates will hit 7 percent in mid 2009.

3. Jumbos are a big bargain. A new law temporarily allows Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to buy mortgages as big as $729,750, which is keeping the jumbo rates down. The deal disappears at year-end.

4. Good schools count. Neighborhoods with highly rated schools are holding their value better than most, according to a recent study by real estate site Trulia.com.

Source: Money Magazine, Amanda Gengler (05/27/08)