According to the California Association of Realtors, the First-time Buyers Housing Affordability Index for California stood at 67 percent in the second quarter of 2009 compared with 49 percent (revised) in the second quarter of 2008. For California condos, that number is 70 percent. For the County of Orange, it is 53 percent.
So what does this mean? The higher the percentage; the more affordable for a first time home buyer to purchase a house. What these numbers are telling us is that 67 percent of households in California can now afford to purchase a home. And for Orange County, 53 percent of households are able to purchase an entry-level home.
The second quarter of 2009 brought in the following stats:
- The median price of an entry-level home in California was $224,180;
- The estimated monthly payment, including tax and insurance, was $1330. This assumes a 10 percent down payment and an interest rate of 4.92 percent; if your terms are different, the payment will vary;
- The minimum household income needed to purchase an entry-level home in this price range was $39,930.
What is interesting to note is that the minimum qualifying income was lower than last year when it was reported that a person needed a household income of $60,460 to qualify for a loan on an entry-level home. Interest rates are still low, as they were last year; however, with the decrease in home prices in Orange County overall, first time homebuyers are still able to buy a home now at good terms and great prices. The median income for the State of California is $61,030.
You may be wondering how this relates to Aliso Viejo Homes, Laguna Niguel Homes and Dana Point Homes. These are the areas that we have seen a lot of activity in first time home sales with people buying a home, getting great deals. For the beginning of November, 2009 there are 23 homes actively listed for sale in these cities with a maximum price of $225,000. Most of these are condos; however, there are a couple of single family residences as well.
This is incredible!
Add to this the just announced extension of the tax credit and you should start to wonder why you are waiting to buy a house in Orange County! First time homebuyers and investors alike should be able to see some interesting opportunities.
