Real estate has distinct momentum heading into 2013, with demand finally starting to catch up with supply and significantly fewer distressed properties weighing down the system. As 2012 wound down, the national vacancy rate for owned homes had dropped to 1.9% from a downturn high of 2.9%. That’s still above the 1.5% norm but nevertheless encouraging. The ever-optimistic National Association of Realtors predicts a 5% rise in median existing-home prices through 2013, though most forecasters see a more modest 3% upswing in real-estate prices.
Either way, the real-estate market is thawing, unless you’re living in such hard-hit areas as California’s Inland Empire or dodgier parts of the Rust Belt. With the new year upon us, here are 10 real-estate tips to see you through a more promising 2013.
For full article see: http://realestate.msn.com/10-tips-for-buying-and-selling-homes-in-2013
