In 2013, the housing market recovered significantly. Home sale prices rose by 12 percent in January 2014 compared to January 2013. At the same time, interest rates remained low at an annual average of just 3.98 percent. Linda Craft, CEO & President of Linda Craft & Team, REALTORS®, indicates these conditions created unique opportunities for those looking to buy or sell a home:

“Today is a great time to buy or sell a home in the Raleigh area. Low mortgage interest rates are attracting more and more buyers into the Triangle-area market, yet the number of homes for sale remains low compared to demand,” said Linda Craft, CEO of Linda Craft & Team, REALTORS® & Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE). “Low rates keep homes affordable, while supply-and-demand helps those selling a home get top dollar for it. These market conditions won’t last forever, so if you are considering buying or selling a home, you should explore your options sooner rather than later.”

However in the first months of 2014, average mortgage rates increased slightly. Inventory is also likely to increase. More homeowners are expected to put their homes on the market, and homebuilders will begin construction on more than one million homes in 2014.

The CDPE designation provides real estate agents with the tools and knowledge needed to efficiently, ethically and effectively pursue foreclosure alternatives, specifically short sales. In addition to their initial training, CDPE-designated agents are connected to a network of professionals via the Charfen Institute, allowing them to remain regularly updated on the complex and quickly changing real estate market. The free report entitled “The Miracle Housing Market” is accessible from her website, http://www.raleighrealestateforeclosures.com at: http://www.raleighrealestateforeclosures.com/The-Miracle-Housing-Market.aspx .