What's Happening with The Real Estate market?

The engine is revving, we see activity on the rise. We feel 2012 is going to be a good real estate year. Interest rates are still low, making a mortgage affordable to more buyers.

Almost everyone prefers a home to renting an apartment. Yea it's work. But it's not that much work and every bit of work you do to your home is an investment in current enjoyment and future profit.

Why do people prefer to own over rent? It's Yours - when you own your Home instead of renting it, you get to mold your living space into whatever you need or want it to be. You don't need to ask permission from a landlord. And usually Landlords will say no, or you'll lose some of your security deposit because of your changes.

Sense of Security - Studies have shown that kids raised in ahome that is owned by their parents rather than renting have a lower rate ofpregnancy and drug use. This has been attributed to the fact that mosthomeowners stay in one place for a longer period of time rather than moving around from place to place like renters tend to do.

Also, if you have a fixed rate mortgage, you know what your monthly payment is going to be two, three, five and even ten years down the road. Rent, on the other hand, will rise, depending on how long your lease is.

Even in these difficult times, Americans still realize the value of homeownership both from a financial and social standpoint.draft

Getting Top Dollar for your Home

Q. I know similar homes sell for different prices based on condition. What can we do to our home to get top dollar when we decide to sell?

A. Based on your financial situation, do some type of updating every year. From painting or adding new flooring, to
kitchen or bath remodeling. Many of these updates can be done yourself. Flooring is so easy to install now & all the big home improvement stores will provide expert consultation. You can even Google: How do I install a wood laminate floor?

Getting top dollar is the result of supply & demand. If the supply of sharp, updated homes is low, which it usually is, your updated home will get top dollar: Low supply, high demand. If your home wow factor is average or below, you will have lots of competition: Supply is high, demand is low. This will drive your home price lower, because you have lots of competition. We are currently in a buyers market. Buyers will choose the best deal based on condition & price.

The bottom line is keep your home updated. You will not only enjoy the beauty while living in your home, you will get top dollar when you decide to sell. When we do market evaluations for our customers, we make suggestions that will help them get the best possible price for their home. We would be happy to assist you.

Good Article about when is it time to downsize your vehicle?

With gasoline prices stretching toward $4 a gallon and beyond, many Americans are thinking about trading in big cars for something a little more fuel-efficient. In a recent poll conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, more than twice as many consumers said they’d choose a small car as their next vehicle, as would choose a small, midsize or large SUV; a minivan; or a pickup. But there’s a lot to consider before you decide to trade in your old gas guzzler.

Here is the link to the article:
http://autos.yahoo.com/news/how-to-know-when-it%E2%80%99s-time-to-downsize-your-car-20110518.html?page=1

Another Great Video about a Funny Dog!

The Ultimate Dog Tease !
Copy & Paste into your browser if the link isn't active:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGeKSiCQkPw&feature=topvideos_entertainment

The Useless real estate agent

Copy & Paste into your browser:

http://youtu.be/6T5iBqPM4tE

Another reason to have your friends call us :) !!

Regularly Asked Question

Q. I have cared for my home over the past 30 years, but I have not done any updating. How will this affect my sale and sale price?

A. A well cared for home is very important when it comes to appealing to a buyer. Usually, caring for your home involves keeping the maintenance up & adding a new roof, windows, furnace & Central air when needed.

But when it is a buyer's market, like it is now, you need to have more just to sell your home. That more is updating... updated baths, updated kitchen w/ newer countertops & Cabinets, plumbing & lighting fixtures. Newer carpet / flooring, modern paint colors and removal of wallpaper & paneling. Buyer's have so much to choose from, that they will pick the homes that are updated, well cared for & well priced.

Note: Every year, do a little updating to your home, based on what you can afford. Don't be overwhelmed when you go to sell your home. That "little bit of updating" now, will be well worth it when you go to sell!

Few things to do to Save at the Pump

1. Tap Small Stations, Early Week Fill Ups. Contrary to common knowledge, your local, independent gas station is likely a cheaper option than the big suppliers. "Branded outlets like BP, Shell and Exxon Mobil tend to be priced higher," DeHann says. The large gas companies are required to purchase a particular type of gas to meet contract requirements, "and many times that's more expensive. The difference in price can be anywhere from the same price to 5 cents to 10 cents cheaper a gallon," he says. 2. Consider filling up on gas at the beginning of the week, such as on a Monday or Tuesday. That's because the Department of Energy releases a weekly report on Wednesday, and when the news is sour, "gas prices tend to rise," which impacts prices on Thursday and Friday, DeHann says. So filing up your tank early in the week can save you a few pennies a gallon. 3. If you're a smart-phone owner, tap free apps from GasBuddy.com and Cheap Gas that guide you to where to buy the least-expensive gas in your area. 4. In addition, defensive -- versus offensive -- driving can save you some gas money. Aggressive driving -- speeding, rapid acceleration and braking -- wastes gas, can lower your mileage by about 33% on the highway and by about 5% in town, and can cost you from 18 cents to $1.16 per gallon of gas, according to the Department of Energy. 5. Driving over 60 MPH really wastes the gas