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I have noticed a trend over the last few weeks/months. When I am on the floor in my office, the phone rings all the time again. It is interested buyers, passers by, and fellow Realtors showing our office’s listings. If I were forced to guess, I would have estimated that sales were up, now it is confirmed.

Another trend I have noticed in the market is the number of expired listings, those that did not sell, is down. I think this is because people have finally come to the realization that their property isn’t worth what it used to be, and they need to price it competitively to sell it. Additionally, “Bank Owned”, those properties being sold in foreclosure by the bank, are being marketed by the banks at rock bottom prices. They are generating multiple offers and actually receiving more than their asking price for the properties. Some are actually investing money in to repairs! That used to be unheard of for bank owneds.

According to the National Association of Realtors (NAR) “The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.7 percent to 90.3 from a reading of 84.6 in March, and is 3.2 percent above April 2008 when it was 87.5.

NAR President Charles McMillan says there are numerous buyer assistance programs around the country.

‘Some states are offering bridge loans that allow first-time buyers to use the tax credit for downpayment and closing costs, but there are many other local government and nonprofit programs available to buyers, depending on location,’ McMillan says.

Last week, HUD announced that qualifying buyers can use the tax credit for closing costs on FHA loans, to buy down the interest rate or make a larger down payment.”

Things are definately looking up in our industry and now is the time to buy at rock bottom prices. “NAR’s Housing Affordability Index is in record territory. The affordability index rose to 174.8 in April from an upwardly revised 171.9 in March, which makes it the second-highest monthly reading on record after peaking at 176.9 in January of this year.”

If you are a first time buyer, and investor, or a savvy homeowner looking to upgrade while the gettin’s good, call me right away at 386.837.5300. I am happy to help you with all your Real Estate requirements.

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First time home buyers and affordability of housing are driving the market we are in today. According to the National Association of Realtors, first time home buyers accounted fro 53% of the transactions in the month of march and record affordability conditions are helping markets recover.

Why are first time home buyers entering the market? Well, it’s a great time to buy for one thing, plus they can now afford a home. The best reason is the $8,000 tax credit offered from Uncle Sam! That’s $8,000 free money to purchase a home! It doesn’t get much better than that. Call me to discuss.

Source:http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009042301?OpenDocument

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The only thing certain is change. The world famous Sears Tower in Chicago will no longer retain its name. From now on it will be called the Willis Tower. (I will pause now for all the “whatca talkin’ about jokes). Done? OK, hard to believe how far the mighty Sears has fallen.

Back in Purcellville, VA, where I lived before I moved to sunny Florida, we used to list houses by their Sears Catalog Number. They were the original distributors of the pre-fab houses. Now, they don’t even have a building in Chicago. Apparently they have not really occupied that building for years anyway, but it is another indication of the changing of the guard.

Are you changing with the times or still doing things the same things you did years ago with diminishing results? What is the one thing you can do today differently that will increase your business?

Source: http://narblog1.realtors.org/mvtype/infocentral/2009/03/whatcha_talkin_bout.html

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The National Association of Realtors is reporting that first time home buyers are driving sales for February and beyond! For those that don’t know, a first time home buyer can receive an $8,000 credit on their 2009 tax return. Not a deduction, A CREDIT! An $8,000 cold hard cash refund, in addition to all the other advantages such as mortgage interest deductions, some closing costs are deductible, etc.

The great thing about this is that not only do first time home buyers receive this credit, so does anyone who has not owned a home for three or more years! This is valid on all homes that close prior to December, so don’t wait! Hurry now! Contact me to explain this in more detail or to start looking at some of the most affordable homes ever in our lifetime.

Source: http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009032301?OpenDocument

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• Final score: $8,000 for homebuyers (money.cnn.com)

Believe it or not, new home and apartment construction jumped 22.2 in February according to the Commerce Department. So where is all the doom and gloom we hear about daily from the press? Things aren’t great, if you have to sell now it is gloomy, but there are still buyers out there, I see them walk through our door every day. Ever considered investing? Now is the time!

New-home construction logs unexpected gain