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  Sales are down nationwide -- including in the new home sector, which has experienced a 2.9 percent decline. Freddie Mac (NYSE:FRE) today released the results of its Primary Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) in which the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) averaged 5.10 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending December 31, 2008, down from last week when it averaged 5.14 percent. Last year at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 6.07 percent. The 30-year FRM has not been lower since Freddie Mac started the Primary Mortgage Market Survey in 1971. What will the new year bring for housing and real estate? Here's a different perspective to consider from one of the country's veteran financial analysts -- Richard Bove of Ladenburg Thalmann, the investment banking company. Land transfer taxes are a common way for governments to raise money when properties change hands, but a new analysis of Toronto's Land Transfer Tax says that simply raising property taxes would be a more effective way to boost government coffers. It's referenced in nearly every sales training course under the sun. It comes in various shapes, sizes and colors. It still holds true and probably always will. |
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