When people are talking about the real estate market, they are typically referring to the overall national real estate numbers such as home prices, home sales, foreclosure activity, etc. Although these reports may often delve deeper into the real estate numbers for specific cities or metro areas, there is typically little information about more specific real estate niches – specifically farms and luxury real estate.

Prices for Farmland Rises Significantly

When the real estate market “bubbles,” it essentially means that home prices continue to rise and are eventually inflated to a point where it “pops.” The result can be very insignificant or can be disastrous (which is what happened with the real estate market crash).

Apparently, there is a pending bubble when it comes to farms and farmland.

According to TIME, the price of farmland throughout the country has doubled in the last ten years with predictions that it will rise another 10% in 2013 alone. With farmland appearing to be a great investment opportunity, many investors are flocking to buy farms and are therefore inflating the price of farmland even more. If this continues throughout the future, there will eventually be a pop.

However, the good news is that this bubble is not even close to as serious as the real estate market crash that the nation just experienced. However, those in the agriculture business may experience some effects if the situation is not rectified.

Prices for Luxury Real Estate are Audacious

Although the real estate market is making slow, but steady progress toward recovery, apparently those in luxury real estate are being bold in their property listings when it comes to pricing. In fact, some of the new home prices are breaking records—that is they are even exceeding prices of the pre real estate market crash levels.

People throughout the country – New York and Miami in particular – are experiencing ridiculously high prices for high-end properties.

However, apparently these property owners are having problems unleashing these properties since those with the highest incomes in these cities are taking advantage of the current real estate market and are having properties designed specifically to meet their needs.

Either way, it is interesting to see luxury real estate home prices increasing so much despite the real estate market’s current state of recovery.

All throughout the country, foreclosure activity is declining as the real estate market is picking up and making progress toward recovery. However, when it comes to recovery, it is very much dependent upon the local real estate market.

What, exactly, does the Las Vegas real estate market look like today, and what are predictions for the future?

Home Prices Rise in Las Vegas

Like many others real estate markets, home prices are rising in Las Vegas due to the decline in supply. Specifically, home prices are 31% higher in April of this year in comparison to April 2012. In addition to an annual increase, home prices in Las Vegas also increased 3.7% from March to April of this year.

For April 2013, the median price was $167,000 – although this number is higher than the $160,000 figure from March, it is still a long way off from $315,000 in 2006.

The rising home prices and declining housing supply is definitely indicative of market recovery in the Las Vegas area.

Increase in Consumer and Investor Confidence

In addition to the rising home prices, consumer and investor confidence in the Las Vegas real estate market is evident – something that was unheard of over the last few years as Las Vegas was plagued with a high number of foreclosure properties and very low home prices.

Today, however, the tides have turned and people are no longer looking for “the bottom” and are instead realizing that progress is underway and the still-low home prices in Las Vegas are merely temporary.

Things are definitely looking up for Las Vegas and investors are purchasing land as planned communities are being developed.

Las Vegas’s Transformation into a Seller’s Market

Like many other cities throughout the United States, over the last few years home sellers have had a difficult time selling their homes, leading many homeowners to become landlords as they had no option but to rent their homes out to tenants. Today, however, many of those same homeowners are taking advantage of the declining inventory and rising home prices, and are putting their homes on the market and successfully selling them.

As home prices and demand rise and inventory declines, Las Vegas is looking more and more like a seller’s market, which was unheard of over the last few years.

At the end of the day, things are looking up for Las Vegas as home prices rise, supply declines, and investors and consumer confidence in Las Vegas real estate increases. If Las Vegas follows the same trends as other cities, home prices will more than likely continue to rise as the Vegas real estate market makes slow but steady progress toward recovery.

As April real estate market reports roll in, signs of real estate market progress toward recovery are still evident as foreclosure activity continues to decline nationally. Not only are less homes being foreclosed upon (and therefore repossessed), but there are fewer homes entering into the foreclosure process as well – which is a true indication of progress.

Over the last few years, the number of homes actually being repossessed by banks remained unstable – with some months showing high numbers with other months remaining low in repossession activity. However, the ups and downs during these years were not due to recovery efforts, but were instead due to the speed of foreclosure and the delayed processes partly due to the foreclosure settlement agreements. With those agreements and delayed foreclosure processes behind us, we can finally attribute these numbers (and others, including rising home prices and declining housing inventories) to actual progress.

In fact, April numbers are incredibly positive, with the number of repossessions declining 32% from April 2012 to April 2013 and falling 20% from March to April of this year. Furthermore, the number of homes entering the foreclosure process declined 4% from March to April and 28% from April 2012.

Nevada Experiences Increase in Foreclosure Starts

Although nationally the real estate market is doing much better, there are still some states that are lagging behind others in terms of recovery. In fact, Nevada came in at number one in the list of states with the most foreclosure activity.

Specifically, Nevada has experienced a 40% annual increase in the number of homes entering the foreclosure process, which has put the state at the top of the foreclosure activity list. Not only does Nevada have the highest foreclosure activity in the nation, but also the foreclosure process is still very much delayed in the state – a shocking 400 days. Therefore, these homes that are being foreclosed upon may not even hit the market for another year. Clearly Nevada still has a long way to go to reach recovery.

Florida Has the Second Highest Foreclosure Rate

Along with Nevada, the Florida real estate market also has a long way to go before it reaches “normal.” Although many parts of Florida are experiencing a declining foreclosure inventory, the state has the second highest rate of foreclosures in the country with one in every 363 homes within the state being at some stage of the foreclosure process.

In conclusion, the nation’s real estate market as a whole is definitely making significant strides toward recovery; however, it is essential to look at the state and local real estate markets when trying to determine how far an area has to go before it reaches “normal.”

Fortunately, the real estate market outlook for the entire nation – including states like Nevada and Florida – includes continued progress toward recovery throughout the foreseeable future. Therefore, if you are an investor or potential homebuyer with an interest in purchasing foreclosures, short sales, or other distressed properties while they are still on the market, then start searching today!

Foreclosures have been something we have all become familiar with over the last few years. From homeowners becoming delinquent on their mortgage payments and facing foreclosure to lenders engaging in unethical actions that resulted in foreclosure settlement agreements, everyone knows the definition of a foreclosure property.

Along with the term “foreclosure,” we have even become accustomed to other terms, such as zombie foreclosures and short sales over the last few years. All in all, the last few years have helped everyone to better understand the foreclosure process, what foreclosure properties are, and the difference in foreclosures and short sales, in addition to a wide variety of other real estate related topics.

Today, however, most people are focusing on real estate market recovery and are tracking local and national real estate market numbers to determine how quickly we are progressing toward where we were before the housing market crash.

Two of the best indicators of recovery are foreclosure activity and foreclosure inventories.

Ebbing Foreclosure Activity

One indication of real estate market progress toward recovery is a decrease in foreclosure activity. Fortunately, foreclosure activity seems to be declining at a rather significant rate. Specifically, the number of homes receiving a notice of default or with a scheduled bank auction or repossession declined 23% from the first quarter of 2012 to the first quarter of 2013. This declining foreclosure activity is great news for a real estate market that has struggled over the last few years.

Declining Foreclosure Inventory

Another indication of real estate market recovery is a declining foreclosure inventory. As foreclosure activity declines, typically the foreclosure inventory ebbs as well – this is exactly what is happening. Plus, with fewer foreclosures on the market and an increase in the demand for housing, home prices are starting to rise throughout the country.

This information taken together is great news for those who have been closely watching the real estate market for signs of an improving housing market. Couple this information with the rise in consumer and investor confidence and the real estate market is definitely taking steps in a positive direction. Throughout 2013 home prices will more than likely continue to rise as foreclosure activity and foreclosure inventories continue to decline.

In short, the number of homes entering into the foreclosure process is declining and foreclosure inventories are ebbing. If you are an investor or potential homebuyer looking for discounted properties such as foreclosures, then start searching today while these properties are still around.

Anyone with an interest in real estate has been paying close attention to real estate market news and reports to determine the current state of the housing market. Fortunately, the reports have been mostly positive, each indicating that the real estate market is making progress toward recovery with rising home prices, declining foreclosure inventories, and various other positive signs.

Below are some highlights of what is currently taking place in the housing market.

Declining Foreclosure Inventories and Delinquency Rates

After years of high foreclosure activity and a large foreclosure inventory throughout most of the country, home prices are starting to rise and available foreclosure on the market are starting to decline throughout the nation.

At the same time, other foreclosure activities are down (such as notices of default) and those that are facing foreclosure have many options including loan modifications and short sales.

With that being said, there are still over five million properties that have been foreclosed upon or are at some state of the foreclosure process throughout the United States. Therefore, if you are an investor or potential homebuyer there are still great investment opportunities on the market, although they may be harder to find now than they have been over the last few years.

Florida, New Jersey, Mississippi, Nevada, and New York are the five states with the highest delinquency rates in the country; therefore, if you are looking for amazing foreclosure deals these states may be a great place to start.

Zombie Homes Dominate the Real Estate Market

Another huge news item right now involving foreclosures are what is referred to as zombie homes or zombie foreclosures. These are properties that have been abandoned by the homeowner because their properties are in some state of the foreclosure process; however, these properties have not yet been acquired by the lender and therefore are completely abandoned.

Nationally, there are over 300,000 known zombie foreclosures on the market with over 90,000 of them being in Florida alone. Although that may not sound like a huge deal, these zombie homes are a huge liability. The biggest impact of zombie foreclosures is on the local communities that have a high number of these abandoned homes in their area.

Looking to Buy a Home?

If you are looking for amazing deals in the current real estate market then start your search online. Scout out foreclosure listing services to find discounted properties throughout the country. Also learn more about buying a home in the current real estate market before you jump into the waters.

The following video has essential information for homeowners and includes key topics such as loan modifications, foreclosures, short sales, credit scores, and other issues revolving around buying a home in the current real estate market.

In conclusion, the current real estate market is improving but there are still great deals on discounted properties throughout the country—the key is knowing where to look and making sure you make a great investment decision.

Throughout the country the current state of the real estate market is greatly dependent upon the location; therefore, when buying or selling in the current real estate market location is key.

For example, some states are making significant strides toward recovery with declining inventory and rising home prices. Despite the high foreclosure activity in the state, Florida falls into the category of states with a booming real estate market.

Florida Home Prices

One of the biggest indications of real estate market progress toward recovery involves looking at home prices. As home prices start to steadily increase, the real estate market is making progress. This is exactly what is happening in Florida’s real estate market. Median home prices were $166,000 in the first quarter 2011 and $213,000 in the fourth quarter of 2012. Although this number has not reached its peak, which was in the first quarter of 2006, these numbers indicate huge progress for the Florida real estate market.

Declining Supply

Along with rising home prices, there is actually a decline in the supply, especially in comparison to the demand for housing. There are many possible reasons for this situation, including the fact that there is pent up demand with people not buying homes over the last few years but now having more confidence in the real estate market and looking to take advantage of low mortgage rates and still low home prices (when compared to 2006).

Second, sellers are still not putting their homes on the market as they are anxiously waiting for the market to return to “normal” so they can get the most bang for their buck. Plus, Florida is an attractive state with a wide variety of attractions that is drawing in everyone from those within the United States to international buyers.

For example, Cape Coral, Florida has experienced an increase in those looking to retire in the area as well as an increase in international buyers looking for investment properties.

The following video has more information on the Florida real estate market.

In short, the Florida real estate market is doing remarkably well, especially considering the fact that it is a judicial foreclosure state with high foreclosure activity. Despite the foreclosure rates, Florida is making strides toward recovery with rising home prices, increasing demand, and a declining inventory of homes on the market.

If you are interested in investing in Florida real estate start your search today – home prices are going to continue to rise so now is the perfect time for purchasing a discount Florida home.

The current real estate market is no longer a buyer’s market or a seller’s market; instead, the market is full of opportunities for everyone.

Throughout the country there are states that have made significant progress toward recovery and now have falling foreclosure rates, rising home prices, and increasing demand. These areas are often better for sellers. On the other hand, some states are still experiencing high foreclosure inventories with a surplus of distressed properties on the market; these markets tend to be best for buyers.

At the end of the day, it is all about knowing where to look to meet your real estate market needs for the upcoming year. From finding foreclosure deals to knowing when the best time to sell is, the local real estate market is essential.

Below are some helpful tips for those looking to buy or sell in the current real estate market.

Buying in Today's Market

Regardless of whether you are a first time home buyer looking to buy your first home or a seasoned investor looking for great foreclosure deals, if you are looking to buy in today’s market then your first step should be to search foreclosure listing services. These foreclosure listings are the quickest way to find distressed properties throughout the country.

From foreclosures and short sales to other types of distressed properties, the market is ripe with investment opportunities. In short, the key to finding great deals in the current real estate market is to rely on listing services with up-to-date information on discounted properties throughout the country.

Selling in Today’s Market

On the other hand, if you are looking to sell in today’s market then it is important that you first examine your local real estate market and determine if now is the right time to sell your home or investment property.

Some areas throughout the country are making significant progress toward recovery and therefore home prices are rising. If the local real estate market is flourishing, then now may very well be the time to list your property on the market and start prepare to sell your home in the spring – which is by far the best time to have your home on the market.

On the other side of the coin, there are areas throughout the nation with home prices that have not yet started to increase as much as other areas. If your home is located in one of your areas, then it may be best for you to wait a little longer before putting your home or investment property on the market.

In conclusion, the current real estate market is great for both buyers and sellers, depending upon the local real estate market. At the end of the day, it is important that you research the local market before you buy or sell properties.

If you are an investor or potential homebuyer, then you are more than likely in love with the current real estate market. Although most markets are making significant strides toward recovery, there are still some incredible real estate deals on the market – especially when it comes to short sales and foreclosures.

Discounted properties are the perfect investment opportunity for those looking to purchase a home on a budget or investors seeking to buy low to maximize their profits. Throughout 2013 you will still be able to find both foreclosures and short sales; however, they may become increasingly harder to find in some areas as the year progresses.

Rising Home Prices

Although there are still great foreclosure deals and short sales on the market, home prices throughout the country are rising and are expected to continue to increase throughout the foreseeable future. In fact, according to the S&P/Case-Shiller Home Prices Indices, home prices rose in 19 of the 20 cities surveyed from November 2011 to November 2012.

Below is a video with more information on the S&P/Case-Shiller report:

Short Sales vs. Foreclosures

Over the last few years, one of the most debated topics is whether foreclosures or short sales are better investment opportunities. In the end, it is basically depends on which properties you can find in the area in which you are considering investing, as well as the quality of the home in comparison to the cost.

With lenders being pushed to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure, there have been more short sales entering the market in recent months – a trend that will more than likely continue throughout this year as well.

Both short sales and foreclosures can be great investment opportunities, often being able to be purchased below market value. However, these properties tend to require some minor to moderate renovation; therefore, the costs of these renovations should be taken into consideration when determining if you are getting a good deal on the property. There are more similarities between short sales and foreclosures, with the most noticeable difference being that short sales tend to take longer to purchase.

At the end of the day, both short sales and foreclosures can be great investment opportunities for both investors and potential homebuyers. The most important thing is finding a home that you are interested in purchasing and then being patient, understanding that buying foreclosures and short sales can take longer than buying a home at market value.

As long as you have patience and you make sure you find a property that is a good deal – even taking into consideration the cost of needed repairs – then it does not really matter if you are purchasing a short sale or foreclosure property. The goal is finding the right property for your investment needs – not picking between foreclosure and short sales.

If you are an investor of potential homebuyer interested in buying or selling real estate in 2013, then you more than likely want to know as much as possible about what the real estate market will look like this year.

Over the last few years, there have been some incredible real estate deals on the market. Specifically, many investors and homebuyers have taken advantage of the low home prices of distressed properties (foreclosures, short sales, pre-foreclosures, etc.). These discounted properties often require some renovations, but can lend themselves to great profits for those looking interested in flipping houses. At the same time, they are great for families looking to buy a new home on a budget.

Will these same bargain homes still be available in 2013, or are foreclosures the thing of the past?

A Look at Foreclosures in 2013

If you have been worrying about not having foreclosures on the market in the near future for investment purposes, then rest assured that is not the case. It is true that foreclosure activity declined in the most recent reports; however, the number of loans that were delinquent rose a little. Florida and Nevada are among the states with the highest number of loans that are either delinquent or in foreclosure, along with Mississippi, New York, and New Jersey.

Therefore, investors or potential homebuyers hoping to have the opportunity to buy foreclosures throughout 2013 might be pleased (in a sense) to know that foreclosures are not going away—yet. Instead, 2013 will continue to have an abnormally-high foreclosure inventory, and new foreclosures will continue to enter the market on a relatively-consistent basis.

Below is a video that compares and contrasts short sales and foreclosures:

Tips for Investing in 2013

If you are looking to buy real estate in 2013, it is important that you do not simply snatch up the first property you find that is listed below market value. Instead, take your time. Look for foreclosure deals that meet your investment goals and only purchases homes in a real estate market that has a promising future.

As with any type of investing, investment decisions should be carefully thought out and considered before signing on the dotted line. Therefore, make sure you understand as much as possible about the homes you are interested in buying and take into consideration foreclosure repair costs when calculating the total price of the home.

In conclusion, those looking to buy foreclosures in 2013 will definitely have their share of opportunities. There will still be discounted properties on the market that are great for investors and potential homebuyers alike, making 2013 another great year for real estate market investing.

There are many people throughout the country – especially investors – who have been taking advantage of the incredibly-low interest rates and still-low home prices and are buying homes in the current real estate market. Not only are the number of distressed properties (including foreclosures) throughout the country decreasing as local real estate markets make progress toward recovery, but home prices are rising and interest rates are expected to climb in the near future as well. Therefore, if you are interested in purchasing a foreclosure in the near future or refinance your existing mortgage, then the time is now.

Buy or Refinance While Interest Rates are Low

As lenders, investors, and consumers gain more confidence in the real estate market, it is finally becoming easier to obtain a home loan in comparison to right after the real estate market crash, which was marked by incredibly-rigid lending standards. As rates remain low, now is a great time to purchase a new home or investment property or refinance your existing mortgage.

• Buying or Investing: These loosened lending standards and low interest rates provide a great opportunity for individuals looking to buy a new home, especially if you are looking to purchase foreclosures or other discounted properties. The still relatively low home prices and incredible mortgage rates can save you a significant amount of money on your monthly mortgage payments. Therefore, if you have been waiting for the market to pick back up and confidence in the real estate market to rise before you buy, then the time has come. If you wait much longer mortgage rates and home prices will continue to steadily rise and your perfect chance to buy or invest will be in the past.
• Refinancing: Along the same lines, low interest rates are also great for those looking to refinance their home and save a little money on the overall cost of their property. Some people may choose to refinance and choose a short loan term in an effort to save more money on their overall home cost, while others may desire a lower monthly mortgage payment. Either way, interest rates are incredibly attractive and are perfect for refinancing your home loan. However, take advantage of these mortgage rates while they last since they will more than likely rise in the foreseeable future.

In conclusion, if you are looking to buy a new home or refinance your existing home loan while interest rate are low, then the time is now. A higher interest rate can cost you thousands of dollars in the long run, money that you are essentially throwing away. Take advantage of the current real estate market and interest rates and buy or refinance today – save money now and in the future.