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Tuesday, February 26, 2008
AUSTIN HOMES SALES DOWN, PRICES UP. WHAT'S UP WITH THAT?
Austin area market statistics show that home sales are down for the 7th straight month but the average price of homes has risen. This does not mean that sellers are getting more for their homes. There is such a large number of homes in inventory that you must price your home competitively to sell it. What has happened it that more homes are being sold on the higher end because it's tougher for first-time home buyers or home buyers on the lower end to get financing.
Monday, February 25, 2008
WHEN YOU NEED AN ESTATE SALE
There are many occasions that might cause a person to need an estate sale-- death
in the family, downsizing to a smaller space, lowering moving expenses and having
too much stuff.
Usually, when there is a death, the executor finds a way to dispose of the items that
heirs do not want or may decide to have an estate sale so that the heirs each get
an equal amount of money. This solves the problem of two people wanting the same
piece of furniture. Selling the items and dividing up the money is the fairest way to
handle differences in value and setting disputes over who wants what.
Downsizing to a smaller place or moving out of town is another reason to have a sale.
Sometimes pieces of furniture are the wrong scale for the new place and typically sofas
and dining room sets are too large for a smaller place. Sometimes people decide to
sell items instead of paying to move them or decide to redecorate with a different style.
If you need to have an estate sale, call Estate Mates, LLC (Linda Moore at 577-1015
or Linda Wehmann at 422-7421) and we will be glad to help.
in the family, downsizing to a smaller space, lowering moving expenses and having
too much stuff.
Usually, when there is a death, the executor finds a way to dispose of the items that
heirs do not want or may decide to have an estate sale so that the heirs each get
an equal amount of money. This solves the problem of two people wanting the same
piece of furniture. Selling the items and dividing up the money is the fairest way to
handle differences in value and setting disputes over who wants what.
Downsizing to a smaller place or moving out of town is another reason to have a sale.
Sometimes pieces of furniture are the wrong scale for the new place and typically sofas
and dining room sets are too large for a smaller place. Sometimes people decide to
sell items instead of paying to move them or decide to redecorate with a different style.
If you need to have an estate sale, call Estate Mates, LLC (Linda Moore at 577-1015
or Linda Wehmann at 422-7421) and we will be glad to help.
Friday, February 22, 2008
HOW TO AVOID BEING A FORECLOSURE STATISTIC
Home foreclosures in the US have reached near epidemic proportions with 1.26 million foreclosures happening annually. If the trends seen during the first six months of 2007 continue, cities like Detroit, Las Vegas and Riverside/San Bernadino, Stockton and Sacramento in California will see one foreclosure action per 15 households.
Why is this happening? In order for us to combat an enemy such as this, we must know as much about “him” as possible. Some of the most common reasons for this are:
1. The slow down in the growth of home prices or the deflation of the bubble that had been growing over the last 12 years is in reverse. Most of us understand being “upside down” in the value of our automobile. The same thing has happened with homes. Texas has not yet been hit badly with this problem but it could and is predicted to happen soon.
2. Homeowners were unable to get a fixed rate on their mortgage so they took adjustable rate mortgages. Lenders loosened up the funds so people could get into a home with no money down. The rates are now increasing on these loans and are causing the cash crunch. Central Texas has experienced an increasing rate of foreclosures in new homes as well as resale homes over the past few years due to this practice.
3. Other home owners have tapped into their equity to payoff credit card debt which is a good idea if the loan terms are favorable and if the debtor has learned their lesson. Many mortgage brokers have seen people refinancing every few years getting further and further away from ever owning their home like our grandparents did.
What can we do to prevent us from becoming one of these 1.26 million foreclosures?
Pay off credit card debt.
Buy with cash only.
Be careful refinancing your home. The costs can be high and you can just get deeper into debt unless you have learned your lesson.
Look for ways to become debt free.
The good news is there is a product in the US helping homeowners as well as investors and businesses get equity in their homes and properties quickly by canceling interest paid to the mortgage lender. This product, although new to the US, has been used overseas for more than 10 years allowing those in Europe, Australia and New Zealand pay their homes off faster and with less interest paid to the lender.
To learn more about accelerating your home equity, saving thousands of dollars in mortgage interest and protecting your family from foreclosure, call Margie Harshaw at 346-3484 or 569-8902 today. Receive a free, no obligation cost analysis to see how quickly you could pay off your mortgage with little to no life style change.
http://www.halfmymortgage.net/MMAnews.htm TV documentary
http://www.xmission.com/~u1st/flash/index2.html 2 minute advertisement and explanation
http://team.webexone.com/login.asp?loc=&link= training link, sign in as guest
http://designingfutures.webexone.com/login.asp?loc=&link= lists of webinars put on by Lyn Spencer
http://www.u1stfinancial.com/Portals/0/media/mma100.html mma explanation
http://www.margieharshaw.com another website of mine with videos
This posting was provided by Margie Harshaw, United 1st Finaancial
Why is this happening? In order for us to combat an enemy such as this, we must know as much about “him” as possible. Some of the most common reasons for this are:
1. The slow down in the growth of home prices or the deflation of the bubble that had been growing over the last 12 years is in reverse. Most of us understand being “upside down” in the value of our automobile. The same thing has happened with homes. Texas has not yet been hit badly with this problem but it could and is predicted to happen soon.
2. Homeowners were unable to get a fixed rate on their mortgage so they took adjustable rate mortgages. Lenders loosened up the funds so people could get into a home with no money down. The rates are now increasing on these loans and are causing the cash crunch. Central Texas has experienced an increasing rate of foreclosures in new homes as well as resale homes over the past few years due to this practice.
3. Other home owners have tapped into their equity to payoff credit card debt which is a good idea if the loan terms are favorable and if the debtor has learned their lesson. Many mortgage brokers have seen people refinancing every few years getting further and further away from ever owning their home like our grandparents did.
What can we do to prevent us from becoming one of these 1.26 million foreclosures?
Pay off credit card debt.
Buy with cash only.
Be careful refinancing your home. The costs can be high and you can just get deeper into debt unless you have learned your lesson.
Look for ways to become debt free.
The good news is there is a product in the US helping homeowners as well as investors and businesses get equity in their homes and properties quickly by canceling interest paid to the mortgage lender. This product, although new to the US, has been used overseas for more than 10 years allowing those in Europe, Australia and New Zealand pay their homes off faster and with less interest paid to the lender.
To learn more about accelerating your home equity, saving thousands of dollars in mortgage interest and protecting your family from foreclosure, call Margie Harshaw at 346-3484 or 569-8902 today. Receive a free, no obligation cost analysis to see how quickly you could pay off your mortgage with little to no life style change.
http://www.halfmymortgage.net/MMAnews.htm TV documentary
http://www.xmission.com/~u1st/flash/index2.html 2 minute advertisement and explanation
http://team.webexone.com/login.asp?loc=&link= training link, sign in as guest
http://designingfutures.webexone.com/login.asp?loc=&link= lists of webinars put on by Lyn Spencer
http://www.u1stfinancial.com/Portals/0/media/mma100.html mma explanation
http://www.margieharshaw.com another website of mine with videos
This posting was provided by Margie Harshaw, United 1st Finaancial
Monday, February 18, 2008
10 COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE WHEN TRYING TO SELL A HOME
1. Not understanding the market. The Realtor doesn’t determine the value of a home, the market does. A Realtor helps interpret the data based on trends in the neighborhood which are not accurately reflected in what one's heard but in what the statistics of recent solds show.
2. Not cleaning thoroughly enough. A homeowner may overlook the details but when a buyer is touring a home she is very conscience of dusty baseboards and moldy grout in the shower. Please keep the toilet lids down.
3. Not decluttering. Personal collections, family photos and sometimes extra furniture are a distraction to the potential buyer. Don’t clear to the extent that it looks like a hotel room but remove everything in excess. Consult a home stager.
4. Not removing pets. Not everyone likes dogs or cats. Some buyers have allergies or fears. It’s hard to show a property with a barking dog or multiple dogs in the backyard. Once, when showing a home, we left because a parrot was searching so loudly we couldn't talk.
5. Not removing odors. Nothing will turn a buyer off faster than odors in the house. Room deodorizers are pleasant but do not mask orders. Ask someone who doesn’t live in the home to tell the truth about possible odors. Common unpleasant odors: cigarettes. pets, mildew, diapers, garbage, pesticides in the garage.
6. Not keeping the yard pristine. The first impression will make a difference as to whether the buyer even enters the home.
7. Not removing yourselves. Please leave when a buyer comes. It’s very intimidating and the buyer won’t look, won’t talk and won’t stay long. They always say they are uncomfortable and want to leave asap.
8. Listening to the advise of coworkers whose advise may be based on a different experience, a different market and a different decade rather than a professional Realtor.
9. Not approaching the sale as a business transaction. The objective is to sell the house. Don’t take it personally.
10. For-sale-by-owner. According to NAR, 9 out of 10 for sale by owners eventually list with a realtor. A realtor has the resources to properly price a home, advise you on home readiness, market the home and negotiate through to closing.
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
2. Not cleaning thoroughly enough. A homeowner may overlook the details but when a buyer is touring a home she is very conscience of dusty baseboards and moldy grout in the shower. Please keep the toilet lids down.
3. Not decluttering. Personal collections, family photos and sometimes extra furniture are a distraction to the potential buyer. Don’t clear to the extent that it looks like a hotel room but remove everything in excess. Consult a home stager.
4. Not removing pets. Not everyone likes dogs or cats. Some buyers have allergies or fears. It’s hard to show a property with a barking dog or multiple dogs in the backyard. Once, when showing a home, we left because a parrot was searching so loudly we couldn't talk.
5. Not removing odors. Nothing will turn a buyer off faster than odors in the house. Room deodorizers are pleasant but do not mask orders. Ask someone who doesn’t live in the home to tell the truth about possible odors. Common unpleasant odors: cigarettes. pets, mildew, diapers, garbage, pesticides in the garage.
6. Not keeping the yard pristine. The first impression will make a difference as to whether the buyer even enters the home.
7. Not removing yourselves. Please leave when a buyer comes. It’s very intimidating and the buyer won’t look, won’t talk and won’t stay long. They always say they are uncomfortable and want to leave asap.
8. Listening to the advise of coworkers whose advise may be based on a different experience, a different market and a different decade rather than a professional Realtor.
9. Not approaching the sale as a business transaction. The objective is to sell the house. Don’t take it personally.
10. For-sale-by-owner. According to NAR, 9 out of 10 for sale by owners eventually list with a realtor. A realtor has the resources to properly price a home, advise you on home readiness, market the home and negotiate through to closing.
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
Sunday, February 17, 2008
National Association of REALTORS SURVEY RESULTS
According to a survey by the National Association of Realtors, in Austin:
the median age of home buyers in Austin is 41
the median age of home sellers is 46
the median income of home buyers is $79,300
the median income of home sellers is $91,000
79% of home buyers used real estate agents
91% of home sellers used real estate agents
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
the median age of home buyers in Austin is 41
the median age of home sellers is 46
the median income of home buyers is $79,300
the median income of home sellers is $91,000
79% of home buyers used real estate agents
91% of home sellers used real estate agents
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
Thursday, February 14, 2008
HOW DOES A REALTOR SPEND THEIR DAY?
Often conversations I have with people reveal misconceptions about how a REALTOR spends the day. One may think they show property all day or sit in an office socializing. No one ever considers how much time a Realtor may spend following up on activities related to your purchase or sale or researching for your purchase or sale. So as a Realtor, here's how my time is divided: 1/3 is spent face-to-face with buyers or sellers, 1/3 is spent on research or follow-up and 1/3 is spent on promoting my business because once a client completes a transaction there must be another client to take their place. Your time may be flexible but it's a 40 hour a week job.
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
Monday, February 11, 2008
AUSTIN AREA MARKET STATISTICS FOR DECEMBER
Market Summary from December 2007 as Compared to December 2006
ALL SINGLE FAMILY SALES 1,655 - DOWN 16%
All Active Single Family Listings 8,279 - UP 12%
Single family Median Price $191,250 - up 8%
source: Austin Board of Realtors
ALL SINGLE FAMILY SALES 1,655 - DOWN 16%
All Active Single Family Listings 8,279 - UP 12%
Single family Median Price $191,250 - up 8%
source: Austin Board of Realtors
Thursday, February 7, 2008
MOLD
Mold may be a concern for homebuyers and sellers. You can learn more about MOLD through this link and from the Texas Department of Insurance Mold Resource Page.
Here are a few other items you should keep in mind:
• Real estate agents and brokers are not experts on mold. If you need more information on this subject, explore the online resources above or contact an expert.
• Insurability may be an issue. Buyers should discuss the insurability of a property with their insurance agent early in the transaction.
• Be aware that there are presently no licensing or inspection standards for mold in properties. If you decide to seek a professional opinion, you may want to discuss mold inspections with more than one expert.
• Most experts will discuss the limitations of the inspections. For example, an air-sampling test that does not reveal extraordinary levels of toxic mold does not necessarily mean that mold is not present behind walls or under floors where the air samplers were not placed.
• The Texas Association of REALTORS disclosure notice provides a place for disclose of known mold issues.
• Most experts suggest property owners undertake preventive action, such as periodic cleaning of A/C systems, regular reviews of attic spaces, and periodic plumbing leak tests. The online sources listed above have helpful suggestions.
Here are a few other items you should keep in mind:
• Real estate agents and brokers are not experts on mold. If you need more information on this subject, explore the online resources above or contact an expert.
• Insurability may be an issue. Buyers should discuss the insurability of a property with their insurance agent early in the transaction.
• Be aware that there are presently no licensing or inspection standards for mold in properties. If you decide to seek a professional opinion, you may want to discuss mold inspections with more than one expert.
• Most experts will discuss the limitations of the inspections. For example, an air-sampling test that does not reveal extraordinary levels of toxic mold does not necessarily mean that mold is not present behind walls or under floors where the air samplers were not placed.
• The Texas Association of REALTORS disclosure notice provides a place for disclose of known mold issues.
• Most experts suggest property owners undertake preventive action, such as periodic cleaning of A/C systems, regular reviews of attic spaces, and periodic plumbing leak tests. The online sources listed above have helpful suggestions.
Friday, February 1, 2008
FORBES RANKS AUSTIN #1
Austin was ranked as the fastest growing economy among 100 large metro areas by Forbes Magazine. It says Austin's gross domestic product will grow 32 percent from 2007 to 2012 with a 15 percent population growth.
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
Search for homes through Austin MLS
Find your home's value
Buying or selling? Hire an experienced professional. Call Robin Scott, Broker at 512.589.7988.
Like us on facebook!
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