Updating blog
March 2, 2012 · CommentsAs times change so will this blog. Currently being redone please check back often for more exciting things to come. It will not only be a real estate blog but a community blog you can share with family, friends and one I hope you will want to bookmark and visit often.
Check back soon!!!
National Housing Trends
March 2, 2012 · CommentsI compile information from National Assn. of Realtors, Move, Inc., various articles from the Wall Street Journal, CNN Money and Bank of America Mortgage Index study and submit the following for you to think about:
1. 70% of Americans still believe owning a home is part of the American Dream while 62% of those think buying now will be a good investment over the next 10 years.
2. Median home price rose from $170,000 to $190,000 over the previous year (prices may be stabilizing and even rising depending upon your neighborhood).
3. 37% of buyers are first-time buyers; 64% of all buyers are married couples.
4. 66% of sellers were first-time sellers (perhaps moving to a larger home) and 39% of sellers never reduced their price.
Hopefully some of these facts are something you will think about if you are thinking of buying or selling your home. Interest rates still remain historically low and inventory in many areas has been greatly reduced. So, while it is a buyer’s market from an interest rate perspective it may become a seller’s market for home prices if inventory remains the same. As always, the picture varies depending on where you live and what you are looking to buy or sell but housing remains a key dream in people’s goals.
For Better or Worse
November 1, 2011 · CommentsMany people currently believe their children won’t do as well as they have done. That is a drastic change from the previous opinion prior to the current recession. The best thing we can do for our children is to live within our means and not try to “keep up with the Joneses”. Now is the time to spend more time with family and friends developing relationships that a recession can’t take away. Instead of purchasing that new Mercedes or Coach purse put the money towards the children’s college. You could even encourage them to save too.
Having a home is still the American dream but in spite of the reduction in prices people still believe it is much harder to purchase a home today than it was 10 years ago.
So, every day be thankful for what you have, set your personal and family goals and move toward them regardless of what the newspapers or daily news on TV says. You can control your own destiny if you choose.
Pros and Cons of reduced property taxes
October 25, 2011 · CommentsDon’t be caught unaware of an increased tax bill you weren’t expecting. While it is great to have your property taxes lowered because the value has diminished you need to be aware of what that means. It does mean your taxes will be less than originally expected but it also means your taxes can increase more than the levels as dictated under Proposition 13. In a nutshell it means that as long as the values are below your original purchase price if the assessor determines the value has gone up the taxes can go up to any amount determined to be the current assessed value until such time it reaches the Prop 13 original purchase level.
So, you need to make sure you are aware of this and if you receive a tax bill that is high you will understand why. Of course, you can always make a call to your local county assessor for an explanation.
In a nutshell, if possible it is wise to save the original property tax amount so you won’t be caught short.
Realtors and Dentists
August 5, 2011 · CommentsI know you are probably wondering what Realtors and dentists have in common. I recently broke my tooth and had to see my dentist to get a crown. As I was sitting in the chair I reflected on the relationship I have with my dentist. I have been her patient for over 30 years. As I thought about my relationship with my real estate clients I was thinking about the similarities in her relationship to her patients. While she doesn’t send me items of value or call me from time to time she does let me know she has updated the way she does business to today’s standards. Because of that I feel not only do I benefit from her experience she is utilizing the latest technology in her business as well.
When you interview a Realtor make sure the Realtor not only has experience but uses today’s tools to assist you in obtaining your goal. Remember, your home is the largest investment you will ever make so you want to make sure you are working with someone that understands that investment and is there to make sure your goal is achieved.
