posted
Housing bubble's pop won't gum up markets Saturday July 16, 6:00 am ET Steve McLinden
Dear Steve, Is there truly a real estate bubble? If so, I am trying to guess what the potential downside is. What is the largest market correction that has occurred in the U.S. in the last 100 years on home valuations? -- Dave Dear Dave, You have to go back to the early 1920s in Florida to find the most-precipitous losses of housing value in the past century, when 50-percent drops were common.
More recently, busts took hold in Southern California in the early 1990s (30 percent over half a decade); San Antonio, Texas, in the mid-1980s (about 30 percent over four years); and the Hartford, Conn., area from 1989 to 1996 (35 percent-plus over eight years). Of course, those and other markets suffering mini-busts around the same times recovered nicely -- too nicely, some say.
As you might know, people have been predicting a "pop" for the U.S. housing bubble for the past five years. However, financial and real estate experts, including Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan, have expressed concern about the situation this year more than at any point in that overly green span, if you'll pardon the wordplay.
Not to say the housing boom doesn't have some life left in it yet.
But here are a few facts for you to toss around in the meantime:
The past century hasn't seen a run-up in the cost of housing remotely comparable to the past six years. The FDIC has identified more than 50 markets where home prices were up by an inflation-adjusted 30 percent or more per year in that period, through 2004. In California, median existing home prices have pushed past $500,000, or double the $262,000 median price of four years ago. Many markets in Florida and Massachusetts have also doubled in that period. Consumers are leveraging their unrealized home-value increases, or "gains on paper," with more borrowing. It doesn't take a Greenspan to predict what would happen should some markets go south quickly. Many experts feel recent price declines in Australia and England portend the same for the United States. But I wouldn't panic. Typically, bubbles don't actually pop, they tend to deflate slowly. Greenspan and other experts, I believe, are trying to "talk the market down" to avoid a speedier descent in the near future.
Other economic fundamentals remain sound, including a limited supply of developable land in many mature markets, low mortgage rates, steady population growth, and modestly positive employment news. True, the inflated coastal markets may be hit with declines or smaller increases in value. But there are still markets where home prices are more rational, and they should fare better.
Whatever happens, real estate should continue to be a sound long-term investment, which, like any other investment, is prone to peaks and valleys. Good luck in your buying and selling strategies.
-------------------- It is always darkest before it goes completely BLACK!!! Posts: 2322 | From: FL | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
Union Equity Acquires Mizner Mini-Mansion via COMTEX
September 1, 2005
PALM BEACH, Fla., Sep 01, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Union Equity, Inc. (Pink Sheets:UNQT) has acquired the Mizner Mini-Mansion previously detailed in press releases over the past several months.
The two-story residential property is located in the historic Northwood district of West Palm Beach, one of South Florida's most desirable real estate sectors. The property combines old world architecture with state-of the-art amenities and upgrades. It features a large outdoor swimming pool with deck, heated whirlpool, fully modernized guest house and all the features one would expect from a luxury Florida residence.
Mizner Mini-Mansions are Spanish-style stucco homes with barrel-tile roofs. They have become increasingly popular over the past several years in South Florida with celebrities and high-end investors.
The home was purchased for $630,000 in coordination with an equity partner. The Company is seeking a tenant for this property and plans to hold it for at least the next twelve months.
Shareholders and other interested parties who have not done so already are encouraged to sign up for Union Equity's electronic newsletters at http://www.UNQT.com and the latest real estate news at http://www.KingOffer.com.
-------------------- It is always darkest before it goes completely BLACK!!! Posts: 2322 | From: FL | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
Union Equity, Inc. Shareholder Newsletter 09/01/05
This shareholder newsletter was initially scheduled for distribution on 8/26/05 but was delayed due to Hurricane Katrina that swept through South Florida.Fortunately, our state suffered minimal damage.Our thoughts and prayers go out to those in neighboring states who are not as fortunate. http://www.unqt.com/shareholder/2005/09_01.htm
-------------------- It is always darkest before it goes completely BLACK!!! Posts: 2322 | From: FL | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
I think this stock has something like 900 trillion shares. I say that as a unqt stockholder. I have had to find humor somewhere.
Posts: 1035 | From: Ohio - USA | Registered: Apr 2005
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-------------------- siggy: 'the poorest way to help the poor is to be poor' / jmichael1974 (yahoo) Posts: 836 | From: Atlanta | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
Union Equity Sets Sites on Rising Foreclosure Opportunities
September 26, 2005 08:40:01 (ET)
PALM BEACH, Fla., Sep 26, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Union Equity, Inc. (Pink Sheets:UNQT) is pursuing foreclosure opportunities in key areas of South Florida.
The Company is going after properties that have entered the "Lis Penden" stage; meaning that the owner has missed at least three mortgage payments and the lender has filed the very first document to initiate foreclosure proceedings.
Whereas six months ago foreclosure listings were relatively sparse, the number of properties entering foreclosure is rising steadily.
The recent spike in foreclosures can be attributed to the interest-only, refinancing boom that occurred several years ago. Many of these loans featured enticing teaser rates and low monthly mortgage payments for the first three years. Now that the three year lock period has expired, applicable interest rates have adjusted upward. Many homeowners are finding themselves in the awkward position of having to meet a monthly mortgage payment that may be as much as 50% higher than they are accustomed to.
"We're seeing several new foreclosures a day in our target areas," said Union Equity CEO Michael Anthony. "We're systematically contacting select property owners of condominiums and single family residences and offering them a way out."
Most recently, Union Equity acquired a Mizner Mini-Mansion located in the historic Northwood District of West Palm Beach. The two-story, single family residence with guesthouse was purchased for $630,000.
The company is also currently working on the expansion of Home Sales Express, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, and its corresponding website http://www.KingOffer.com.
Home Sales Express, Inc. is a comprehensive resource for homeowners who want to participate as buyers or sellers in the For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) market. Through its website http://www.KingOffer.com, Home Sales Express is designed to attract owners of distressed properties that are not yet listed on the open market for purchase consideration by the Company. The site can also accommodate owners of conforming properties who want to sell directly without the assistance of a real estate agent.
Shareholders and other interested parties who have not done so already are encouraged to sign up for Union Equity's electronic newsletters at http://www.UNQT.com and the latest real estate news at http://www.KingOffer.com.
About Union Equity
Union Equity is a real estate development, services and holding company. The company operates independently and through subsidiaries and plans to grow aggressively over the next several years through acquisitions, mergers, internal growth and the development of a dynamic internet presence.
-------------------- It is always darkest before it goes completely BLACK!!! Posts: 2322 | From: FL | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
Union Equity Moving Forward After Hurricane Wilma
November 02, 2005 09:56:01 (ET)
PALM BEACH, Fla., Nov 02, 2005 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Union Equity, Inc. (Pink Sheets: UNQT) is operating once again as utilities are being restored to South Florida after hurricane Wilma.
"Florida is bouncing back but the damage far exceeded what anyone expected," said CEO Michael Anthony. "I believe the temporary inconveniences will equate to increased opportunities as more distressed properties hit the market in the coming months."
In addition to pursuing residential foreclosures, the Company is currently working on the expansion of Home Sales Express, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary, and its corresponding website www.KingOffer.com.
Home Sales Express, Inc. is a comprehensive resource for homeowners who want to participate as buyers or sellers in the For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) market. Through its website www.KingOffer.com, Home Sales Express is designed to attract owners of distressed properties that are not yet listed on the open market for purchase consideration by the Company. The site can also accommodate owners of conforming properties who want to sell directly without the assistance of a real estate agent.
Shareholders and other interested parties who have not done so already are encouraged to sign up for Union Equity's electronic newsletters at www.UNQT.com and the latest real estate news at www.KingOffer.com.
-------------------- It is always darkest before it goes completely BLACK!!! Posts: 2322 | From: FL | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
Union Equity Renames Subsidiary Preferred Properties Real Estate, Inc. to Home Loans 24/7, Inc.
Wednesday January 4, 2:26 PM EST
PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan 04, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Union Equity, Inc. (Pink Sheets:UNQT) has changed the name of its wholly-owned subsidiary Preferred Properties Real Estate, Inc. to Home Loans 24/7, Inc.
The name change was initiated to enhance marketability in the residential lending sector.
In addition, Union Equity is preparing to launch the completely revamped and now interactive version of KingOffer.com, the online extension of the Company's other wholly-owned subsidiary, Home Sales Express, Inc.
Home Sales Express, Inc. is a comprehensive resource for homeowners who want to participate as buyers or sellers in the For-Sale-By-Owner (FSBO) market. Through its website http://www.KingOffer.com, Home Sales Express is designed to attract owners of distressed properties that are not yet listed on the open market for purchase consideration by the Company. The site can also accommodate owners of conforming properties who want to sell directly without the assistance of a real estate agent.
Shareholders and other interested parties who have not done so already are encouraged to sign up for Union Equity's electronic newsletters at http://www.UNQT.com and the latest real estate news at http://www.KingOffer.com.
-------------------- It is always darkest before it goes completely BLACK!!! Posts: 2322 | From: FL | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
Thanks, Murnak, I'm still holding my shares and hoping for a big turn around on the stock. Looks as if they are not pushing real hard to get listings. Only two in the last 8 or so months....need marketing....
Posts: 216 | From: Florida | Registered: Feb 2005
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posted
Union Equity Subsidiary Home Sales Express Formally Launches New and Interactive KingOffer.com to Penetrate For Sale by Owner Market
January 09, 2006 08:18:01 (ET)
PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan 09, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Union Equity, Inc. (Pink Sheets: UNQT) officially launches the new and fully interactive KingOffer.com today. The website is the online cornerstone of Union Equity's wholly-owned subsidiary, Home Sales Express, Inc. and is designed to accommodate the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) market.
"We intend to make KingOffer.com to real estate what Monster.com is to employment," said CEO Michael Anthony. "The new KingOffer.com is the culmination of more than six months of work and planning and reinforces all of the Company's achievements and goals. The three fundamentals of real estate were formerly; location, location, location. Now those rules have changed to King Offer, King Offer, King Offer."
KingOffer.com includes many features that accommodate the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) market. The website offers sellers three very distinct listing options for their properties; attracts property owners seeking a direct purchase offer from the Company; and gives real estate buyers the opportunity to receive new property listings via e-mail the moment they register with KingOffer.com.
The site is completely user-friendly so even computer novices can easily upload images and descriptive text of the properties they wish to post for sale. Technical and sales support is also readily available.
"We believe both real estate buyers and sellers will come to depend on KingOffer.com," said CEO Michael Anthony. "In addition to the site's current functions we have already started building out in even more directions such as online lending and a comprehensive classifieds section. KingOffer.com makes selling a home easy, buying a home even easier and the website is so simple to navigate it has to be experienced to be believed."
-------------------- NO REWARD....UNLESS THE RISK IS TAKIN'--- JAY-Z Posts: 409 | From: THE CITY THE CONTROLS THE WORLD.............THATZ RIGHT NEW YORK | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
Union Equity Subsidiary Home Sales Express Waiving Listing Fees for a Limited Time to Promote For Sale by Owner Website KingOffer.com
January 11, 2006 08:22:01 (ET)
PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan 11, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Union Equity, Inc. (Pink Sheets:UNQT) subsidiary Home Sales Express is waiving the standard $95 monthly fee for the "Prince" home sales listing package on KingOffer.com. The website is designed to accommodate the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) market and offers property owners multiple listing options.
For a limited time the Company is permitting property owners to list their properties for sale, free of charge, as part of a national promotional campaign for KingOffer.com.
To take advantage of this offer, real estate sellers must log onto http://www.KingOffer.com and select the "List Your Home For Sale" button. Once directed to that page, sellers must select the orange button marked "Free Listing."
The website is user-friendly so even computer novices can easily upload images and descriptive text of the properties they wish to post for sale. Technical and sales support is also readily available.
KingOffer.com contains many features to comprehensively serve the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) market. The website offers sellers three very distinct listing options for their properties; attracts property owners seeking a direct purchase offer from the Company; and gives real estate buyers the opportunity to receive new property listings via e-mail the moment they register with KingOffer.com.
Readers are encouraged to log on to http://www.KingOffer.com immediately to take advantage of this promotional offer.
-------------------- It is always darkest before it goes completely BLACK!!! Posts: 2322 | From: FL | Registered: Aug 2004
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posted
Been there many times, Money^3. Don't sweat it. Realize that this is just a low-priced stock that could pay off big; don't put a lot into it. Just invest and forget about it for a while.
March is the beginning of the real estate season.
-------------------- May your trading build your character as well as your portfolio. Posts: 1763 | Registered: Jan 2005
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posted
Union Equity Subsidiary Home Sales Express Adds Online Lending to For Sale by Owner Website KingOffer.com
January 23, 2006 08:28:01 (ET)
PALM BEACH, Fla., Jan 23, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Union Equity, Inc. (Pink Sheets: UNQT) subsidiary Home Sales Express, Inc. has added an online lending feature to its For Sale by Owner (FSBO) website KingOffer.com. A variety of residential mortgages are currently available.
KingOffer.com comprehensively serves the For Sale by Owner (FSBO) market and offers property owners three distinct listing options for their properties; attracts real estate sellers seeking a direct purchase offer from the Company; and gives real estate buyers the ability to receive new property listings via e-mail the moment they register with KingOffer.com.
The website is user-friendly so even computer novices can easily upload images and descriptive text of the properties they wish to post for sale. Technical and sales support is also readily available.
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Maybe we can actually trade them later this year.
