Saturday, November 26, 2011
Thanksgiving - Hope everyone had a great Holiday - Buyers Pre-Assessment
Interest rates continue to stay around 4%, there is not better time to buy a home! Rates can only go up. You have to live somewhere why not in your own home - you can buy cheaper than rent. Call me for a buyers assessment, we can get started on your new home search today!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
HICKORY CREEK TOWNHOMES
There is only a $20/month HOA dues in this community - it has a pool and tennis courts, and is conveniently located to VW, Hamilton Place, and downtown. Check the link below for more details on this 3BR/3BA
http://mymls.org/ChattanoogaReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=7012641848
http://mymls.org/ChattanoogaReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=7012641848
Friday, July 22, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Better Days Ahead in Housing - Freddie Mac
Daily Real Estate News
June 28, 2011
Freddie Mac: Better Days Ahead in Housing
Freddie Mac's chief economist is optimistic that the housing market and economy will improve in the second half of 2011.
Freddie Mac Chief Economist Frank Nothaft said mortgage rates will likely remain historical lows of between 4.5 percent and 5 percent for the remainder of the year. Also, he expects more buyers to stop waiting on the sidelines as recent price drops in home prices have improved affordability.
Nothaft said consumers' uncertainty about the economy has caused them to delay home purchases and other "big-ticket items."
"Some potential buyers who have the means to buy are awaiting clearer signs that home values have firmed," Nothaft says.
But Nothaft says they should be getting their signs in the second half of th e year, with projected job gains, and a growing, improved economy.
"Even though near-term concerns over income and sales growth are restraining consumer spending, business hiring, and new building, a number of positive signs in the economy indicate that growth will continue and is likely to accelerate in the second half of this year," Nothaft said. "Look for a gradual improvement in housing activity in the coming year."
Source: "Freddie Mac Economist Sees Sunny Economy in Second Half," HousingWire (June 27, 2011)
June 28, 2011
Freddie Mac: Better Days Ahead in Housing
Freddie Mac's chief economist is optimistic that the housing market and economy will improve in the second half of 2011.
Freddie Mac Chief Economist Frank Nothaft said mortgage rates will likely remain historical lows of between 4.5 percent and 5 percent for the remainder of the year. Also, he expects more buyers to stop waiting on the sidelines as recent price drops in home prices have improved affordability.
Nothaft said consumers' uncertainty about the economy has caused them to delay home purchases and other "big-ticket items."
"Some potential buyers who have the means to buy are awaiting clearer signs that home values have firmed," Nothaft says.
But Nothaft says they should be getting their signs in the second half of th e year, with projected job gains, and a growing, improved economy.
"Even though near-term concerns over income and sales growth are restraining consumer spending, business hiring, and new building, a number of positive signs in the economy indicate that growth will continue and is likely to accelerate in the second half of this year," Nothaft said. "Look for a gradual improvement in housing activity in the coming year."
Source: "Freddie Mac Economist Sees Sunny Economy in Second Half," HousingWire (June 27, 2011)
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Mortgage Rates Hit 2011 LOW
Rates Hit Another 2011 Low
With employers adding far fewer private-sector jobs than anticipated, the latest Freddie Mac data shows that home loan rates fell for an eighth consecutive week to a new low for the year. The 30-year fixed mortgage averaged 4.49 percent, down from 4.55 percent the prior week. Interest on 15-year fixed loans, meanwhile, dipped to 3.68 percent from 3.74 percent. Five-year adjustable-rate mortgages sank to 3.28 percent from 3.41 percent, and one-year ARMs dropped to 2.95 percent from 3.13 percent.
[SOURCES: Freddie Mac; Information, Inc.]
With employers adding far fewer private-sector jobs than anticipated, the latest Freddie Mac data shows that home loan rates fell for an eighth consecutive week to a new low for the year. The 30-year fixed mortgage averaged 4.49 percent, down from 4.55 percent the prior week. Interest on 15-year fixed loans, meanwhile, dipped to 3.68 percent from 3.74 percent. Five-year adjustable-rate mortgages sank to 3.28 percent from 3.41 percent, and one-year ARMs dropped to 2.95 percent from 3.13 percent.
[SOURCES: Freddie Mac; Information, Inc.]
Home Prices Hit Lowest Level in 2 Years
Home Prices Hit Lowest Level in 2 Years
The S&P/Case-Shiller index shows that U.S. home prices slid 4.2 percent in the first three months of this year, falling to the lowest point since 2009. The movement, with values now below pre-crisis levels, represents a "double dip." Wells Fargo Securities senior economist Mark Vitner notes that there are 2.2 million homes in foreclosure and another 2 million mortgages that are more than 90 days late. For prices to stabilize, he says, about a third of those foreclosures must be cleared.
[SOURCES: Washington Post; Information, Inc.]
The S&P/Case-Shiller index shows that U.S. home prices slid 4.2 percent in the first three months of this year, falling to the lowest point since 2009. The movement, with values now below pre-crisis levels, represents a "double dip." Wells Fargo Securities senior economist Mark Vitner notes that there are 2.2 million homes in foreclosure and another 2 million mortgages that are more than 90 days late. For prices to stabilize, he says, about a third of those foreclosures must be cleared.
[SOURCES: Washington Post; Information, Inc.]
Saturday, June 4, 2011
Monday, May 30, 2011
Happy Memorial Day!
Hope all is having a great Memorial Day with Friends and Family. Thanks to those who have served their contry in any capacity to help make our country great!
Monday, May 23, 2011
FINDING THE RIGHT SALES PRICE ISN'T EASY
Daily Real Estate News
May 23, 2011
Finding the Right Sales Price Isn't Easy
In a volatile real estate market, knowing the right price for a home isn't always clear, experts say.
Having to drop a home's sale price from its initial list price is common. On average, sellers reduce their list prices after about 2.5 months by 8 percent when a property hasn't sold yet, according to a report by Trulia.com. After making one price reduction, 35 percent of those sellers will make a second price cut too.
Even homes without any obvious faults are undergoing price cuts, agents say.
Real estate pros are finding that to find the right price for a home is much more than comparing it to a set of comps. But determining a price to fit a few of a home's unique limitations isn't easy. For example, a 1946 five-bedroom home in a sought -after neighborhood in Scarsdale, N.Y., has had five sales price adjustments. It was first listed at $1.699 million and now is on the market for $1.278 million.
While buyer offers are coming in, real estate pro Claire Civetta with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Scarsdale, N.Y., says they are far below asking price. The home is on a busy road and doesn't have as large of buffer from street noise as other nearby homes.
So while comparable houses reveal this one to be well priced, Civetta says "the market has been telling us something else."
May 23, 2011
Finding the Right Sales Price Isn't Easy
In a volatile real estate market, knowing the right price for a home isn't always clear, experts say.
Having to drop a home's sale price from its initial list price is common. On average, sellers reduce their list prices after about 2.5 months by 8 percent when a property hasn't sold yet, according to a report by Trulia.com. After making one price reduction, 35 percent of those sellers will make a second price cut too.
Even homes without any obvious faults are undergoing price cuts, agents say.
Real estate pros are finding that to find the right price for a home is much more than comparing it to a set of comps. But determining a price to fit a few of a home's unique limitations isn't easy. For example, a 1946 five-bedroom home in a sought -after neighborhood in Scarsdale, N.Y., has had five sales price adjustments. It was first listed at $1.699 million and now is on the market for $1.278 million.
While buyer offers are coming in, real estate pro Claire Civetta with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Scarsdale, N.Y., says they are far below asking price. The home is on a busy road and doesn't have as large of buffer from street noise as other nearby homes.
So while comparable houses reveal this one to be well priced, Civetta says "the market has been telling us something else."
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Rural Development Loan
Some areas qualify for this loan - it is 100% loan with no money down and no mortgage insurance. Minimum credit score of 620. Check this website to see if the home are are thinking about is eligible
http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do
USDA turnaround time is now down to about 10 days, that means it usually takes about 4-6 weeks to close. Rate at this time is 4.625%
http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do
USDA turnaround time is now down to about 10 days, that means it usually takes about 4-6 weeks to close. Rate at this time is 4.625%
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Summer is Almost Here!
With graduations coming up, we know that summer is almost here. A time when lots of people will be moving before the next school year starts. We are fortunate in the Greater Chattanooga market that our sales are staying steady, and our unemployment is much lower than the nations. I am starting to see more building going on in the area. I talked to a builder this week that said he had 9 homes to build before Christmas!
Monday, May 2, 2011
Bank Rates Inch Lower
See link below for latest on Bank Rates
http://rismedia.com/2011-05-01/bankrate-mortgage-rates-inch-lower/
http://rismedia.com/2011-05-01/bankrate-mortgage-rates-inch-lower/
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
NAR SURVEY OF HOME BUYERS AND SELLERS
Great article below on Home Buyers and Sellers from 2010 survey!
http://www.realtor.org/research/research/home_buyers_sellers_maps
http://www.realtor.org/research/research/home_buyers_sellers_maps
Saturday, April 9, 2011
160 COLONY CIRCLE HIXSON, TN 37343
Here is 8.5 acres in Hixson on Colony Circle, this would make a great private retreat, or good investment property. http://mymls.org/ChattanoogaReports/ListitLib/show_report.aspx?ID=7011943950
Thursday, March 31, 2011
FIND YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT
Your Carbon footprint is the amount of CO2 produced by your family annually, answer a few questions and calculate your carbon footprint. Click the link below to get started!
http://greenresourcecouncil.org/find_your_carbon_footprint.cfm
http://greenresourcecouncil.org/find_your_carbon_footprint.cfm
Sunday, March 27, 2011
BUYING FORECLOSURES
I get calls all the time about clients wanting to buy foreclosures, here are a couple of things to keep in mind.
- The first step is to get pre-qualified if you are not a cash buyer. After you submit bid, you and your agent have 48 hours to get a cashier check with earnest money, and proof that you can get the money - a letter from the bank, or proof of funds if it is a cash offer. This also lets you know beforehand how much money you can spend.
- Another important thing to keep in mind is timiliness is key. Most of the HUD homes have a period of time that it can be sold to owner occupants only. After this period is over it is open to Investors and there is usually multiple offers going in from multiple sites. Being ready to jump is the key.
- Remember these homes are sold as is, neither the listing agent, selling agent or anyone knows the condition of the home. A certified home inspector is very important in determinig the condition of the home.
- Also zoning, septic/sewer systems, water supply has to be verified, it is up to the buyer to do this. It takes a little time sometimes.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
BUYERS READY TO SNATCH BARGAINS THIS SPRING
Bargain prices on housing combined with low interest rates below 5 percent may bring the real estate market its busiest spring season in years, economists say.
Distressed sales continue to put downward pressure on home prices, which may lure more buyers off the fence and ready to snag a deal during the typical prime-time buying season.
Some builders are ramping up discounts on new homes as well as boosting commissions to brokers to try to spark more transactions.
Sellers of existing-homes also are getting more competitive in pricing their homes.
"After three years of the housing downturn, people are becoming much more realistic in terms of valuing their homes," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®.
An improved job market with better in come potential may also motivate more people to buy, says David Berson of the PMI Group.
"Household formations are also very important," Berson says. "Kids may have moved back in with their parents, or two people may have moved in together, because of job concerns. Now they can move into their own place."
While interest rates are sitting comfortably below 5 percent for now (30-year fixed rates averaged 4.76 percent last week), economists warn the attractive low rates won't last long.
"Few think mortgage rates are going lower," says Mark Zandi, Moody's Analytics chief economist. "It's more likely they will be 6 percent than 4 percent next spring. This lights a fire under buyers."
Source: "Discounts Expected in Spring Housing Market," The Wall Street Journal (March 22, 2011)
Distressed sales continue to put downward pressure on home prices, which may lure more buyers off the fence and ready to snag a deal during the typical prime-time buying season.
Some builders are ramping up discounts on new homes as well as boosting commissions to brokers to try to spark more transactions.
Sellers of existing-homes also are getting more competitive in pricing their homes.
"After three years of the housing downturn, people are becoming much more realistic in terms of valuing their homes," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®.
An improved job market with better in come potential may also motivate more people to buy, says David Berson of the PMI Group.
"Household formations are also very important," Berson says. "Kids may have moved back in with their parents, or two people may have moved in together, because of job concerns. Now they can move into their own place."
While interest rates are sitting comfortably below 5 percent for now (30-year fixed rates averaged 4.76 percent last week), economists warn the attractive low rates won't last long.
"Few think mortgage rates are going lower," says Mark Zandi, Moody's Analytics chief economist. "It's more likely they will be 6 percent than 4 percent next spring. This lights a fire under buyers."
Source: "Discounts Expected in Spring Housing Market," The Wall Street Journal (March 22, 2011)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
2011 TRENDS IN KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGN
Emerging Kitchen and Bath Trends
A recent article in Residential Architect ("nkba notes 11 emerging kitchen and bath design trends," by Stephani Miller) reported on a study by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, identifying emerging kitchen and bath design trends "likely to develop further in 2011" ...seven kitchen trends, and four trends in bathroom design:
KITCHEN:
1. Shaker Style on the Rise
2. Darker Finishes First
3. Unrefrigerated Wine Storage
4. French Refrigeration
5. Induction Cooking
6. LED Uprising
7. Waste Disposal
BATHROOM
1. Quartz Surfacing
2. Green Color Palettes
3. Vessel Sinks
4. Satin Nickel Faucets
For more details about all eleven, CLICK HERE.
[SOURCES: Real Trends; NKBA]
A recent article in Residential Architect ("nkba notes 11 emerging kitchen and bath design trends," by Stephani Miller) reported on a study by the National Kitchen and Bath Association, identifying emerging kitchen and bath design trends "likely to develop further in 2011" ...seven kitchen trends, and four trends in bathroom design:
KITCHEN:
1. Shaker Style on the Rise
2. Darker Finishes First
3. Unrefrigerated Wine Storage
4. French Refrigeration
5. Induction Cooking
6. LED Uprising
7. Waste Disposal
BATHROOM
1. Quartz Surfacing
2. Green Color Palettes
3. Vessel Sinks
4. Satin Nickel Faucets
For more details about all eleven, CLICK HERE.
[SOURCES: Real Trends; NKBA]
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
CRYE-LEIKE WEBSITE WINS AWARD! WWW.CRYE-LEIKE.COM
I am proud to announce that Crye Leike has won the Best Website SEO Strategy award from Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Crye Leike stood out in this category which represents the strategy that a website employs to rank high with the various search engines in order to monetize the web presence and conduct e-commerce, beating various other highly regarded real estate companies from around the globe that had also been nominated in this category.
Crye Leike also received the 2010 Website Quality Certification. It is an honor to be the recipient of the WQC two years in a row. This is an affirmation of the expertise of our IT staff as well as their dedication to provide the best consumer experience for all the hundreds of thousands of visitors that come to the Crye Leike website on a regular basis for all their real estate needs.
This was awarded in Las Vegas earlier this week at the Leading RE Annual Conference and Awards Gala and I want to thank and congratulate the entire IT team as well as all of the Crye Leike organization for winning this prestigious award.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
COMMITTEE VOTES TO END 2 HOUSING AID PROGRAMS
Committee Votes to End 2 Housing Aid Programs
Republicans in the House Financial Services Committee voted Thursday to end two foreclosure programs that they argue haven't done enough to help struggling home owners.
One program at risk is aimed at helping borrowers who owe more than their homes are worth to refinance into 30-year fixed rate mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration, which is known as the FHA's short refinance program. The other program is aimed at helping unemployed home owners by allowing them to make payments on their homes for up to two years.
A vote to terminate the two programs is expected to go before the full House for a vote next week. The effort will likely fail once it reaches the Democrat-controlled Senate, Reuters News reports.
Meanwhile, Republicans have delayed a vote to end two other housing aid programs: The Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), another foreclosure prevention program, as well as a program designed to help local and state governments stabilize neighborhoods hard hit by the foreclosure crisis.
Source: "Republicans Take Steps to Kill Obama Mortgage Aid," Reuters (March 3, 2011)
Republicans in the House Financial Services Committee voted Thursday to end two foreclosure programs that they argue haven't done enough to help struggling home owners.
One program at risk is aimed at helping borrowers who owe more than their homes are worth to refinance into 30-year fixed rate mortgages backed by the Federal Housing Administration, which is known as the FHA's short refinance program. The other program is aimed at helping unemployed home owners by allowing them to make payments on their homes for up to two years.
A vote to terminate the two programs is expected to go before the full House for a vote next week. The effort will likely fail once it reaches the Democrat-controlled Senate, Reuters News reports.
Meanwhile, Republicans have delayed a vote to end two other housing aid programs: The Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP), another foreclosure prevention program, as well as a program designed to help local and state governments stabilize neighborhoods hard hit by the foreclosure crisis.
Source: "Republicans Take Steps to Kill Obama Mortgage Aid," Reuters (March 3, 2011)
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
EVERYBODY IS TALKING ABOUT GREEN BUILDING WHAT ALL THE HYPE?
I read a great article in the National Geographic " Green Design Spree Aims to Trim US Government's Big Energy Bill from Dec. 2010 and really enjoyed it. As a GREEN Designee of NAR, I decided it was high time I started spreading the green news!
Guess how much the US government's annual power and fuel costs are? For years it has been clear there is a huge opportunity here, actually the US Congress has been setting federal efficiency goals since 1978. Energy use per square foot in US government buildings has fallen nearly 30% since 1985. The challenges remain substantial, stay tuned for ways to save energy in you home.
Do you know what your family's carbon footprint is? Find out
Guess how much the US government's annual power and fuel costs are? For years it has been clear there is a huge opportunity here, actually the US Congress has been setting federal efficiency goals since 1978. Energy use per square foot in US government buildings has fallen nearly 30% since 1985. The challenges remain substantial, stay tuned for ways to save energy in you home.
Do you know what your family's carbon footprint is? Find out
Friday, February 18, 2011
HOW TO LOCK YOUR CAR AND WHY! How people break into your LOCKED car.
I locked my car. As I walked away I heard my car door unlock. I went back and locked my car again
three times. Each time, as soon as I started to walk away, I would hear it unlock again!
Naturally alarmed, I looked around and there were two guys sitting in a car in the fire lane next to
the store. They were obviously watching me intently, and there was no doubt they were somehow involved
in this very weird situation. I quickly chucked the errand I was on, jumped in my car and sped
away. I went straight to the police station, told them what had happened, and found out I was part of a new,
and very successful, scheme being used to gain entry into cars.
Two weeks later, my friend's son had a similar happening. While traveling, my friend's son stopped at a roadside rest to use the bathroom. When he came out to his car less than 4-5 minutes later, someone had gotten into his car and stolen his cell phone, laptop computer, GPS navigator, briefcase--you name it. He called the police and since there were no signs of his car being broken into, the police told him he had been a victim of the latest robbery tactic--there is a device that robbers are using now to clone your security code when you lock your doors on your car using your key-chain locking device.
They sit a distance away and watch for their next victim. They know you are going inside of the
store, restaurant, or bathroom and that they now have a few minutes to steal and run. The police officer
said to manually lock your car door by hitting the lock button inside the car--that way if there is
someone sitting in a parking lot watching for their next victim, it will not be you!
When you hit the lock button on your car upon exiting, it does not send the security code, but
if you walk away and use the door lock on your key chain, it sends the code through the airwaves where it can be instantly stolen. This is very real.
Be wisely aware of what you just read and please pass this email on. Look how many times we all
lock our doors with our remote just to be sure we remembered to lock them-- and bingo, someone has our code and whatever was in our car!
From: RCAR
three times. Each time, as soon as I started to walk away, I would hear it unlock again!
Naturally alarmed, I looked around and there were two guys sitting in a car in the fire lane next to
the store. They were obviously watching me intently, and there was no doubt they were somehow involved
in this very weird situation. I quickly chucked the errand I was on, jumped in my car and sped
away. I went straight to the police station, told them what had happened, and found out I was part of a new,
and very successful, scheme being used to gain entry into cars.
Two weeks later, my friend's son had a similar happening. While traveling, my friend's son stopped at a roadside rest to use the bathroom. When he came out to his car less than 4-5 minutes later, someone had gotten into his car and stolen his cell phone, laptop computer, GPS navigator, briefcase--you name it. He called the police and since there were no signs of his car being broken into, the police told him he had been a victim of the latest robbery tactic--there is a device that robbers are using now to clone your security code when you lock your doors on your car using your key-chain locking device.
They sit a distance away and watch for their next victim. They know you are going inside of the
store, restaurant, or bathroom and that they now have a few minutes to steal and run. The police officer
said to manually lock your car door by hitting the lock button inside the car--that way if there is
someone sitting in a parking lot watching for their next victim, it will not be you!
When you hit the lock button on your car upon exiting, it does not send the security code, but
if you walk away and use the door lock on your key chain, it sends the code through the airwaves where it can be instantly stolen. This is very real.
Be wisely aware of what you just read and please pass this email on. Look how many times we all
lock our doors with our remote just to be sure we remembered to lock them-- and bingo, someone has our code and whatever was in our car!
From: RCAR
Saturday, February 12, 2011
REAL ESTATE IS ABOUT JOBS! - Ron Phipps, 2011 NAR President
Later this week, the Treasury Department will issue a report recommending changes to the structure of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This is the latest development in a years-long debate over what the government’s role in housing should be.
As REALTORS®, we know better than anyone else just how vital housing is to families and to our nation.
Fact: For every additional 1,000 home sales, about 500 jobs are added to the economy. Those are real jobs that give our families, friends and neighbors a chance to work.
Fact: Every home purchase pumps $60,000 into the economy.
Fact: Housing accounts for more than 15 percent of the national gross domestic product.
Fact: Home owners pay 80 to 90 percent of ALL federal income taxes.
We need to change the dialog. Critics say housing is a drain on federal resources. We know better. Housing is the engine that drives our national economy. Eight of the last ten recessions have ended as a result of robust housing markets. The other two ended as a result of war spending. The choice is easy. America needs a healthy housing market to thrive.
In the days ahead, NAR will be reaching out to Congress and the White House to emphasize the clear connection between housing, jobs and the economy. Rather than limit support for housing, and the availability of credit, NAR is calling on Congress and the White House to advance policies that will move the housing market back to a healthy 5.5 million sales, where it SHOULD be.
We will be asking lawmakers to:
■Preserve the mortgage interest deduction at current levels.
■Move the credit pendulum to equilibrium, defined by a median credit score of 720.
■Maintain government backing in the mortgage market as part of GSE Reform.
These three steps would help bring the housing market back to a normal level, possibly generating an additional 1 million home sales and 500,000 jobs.
As the voice for real estate, we hope that Congress and White House gets the message: real estate is all about jobs.
I invite all of you to engage with us. Go to Realtor.org/homeownership for the latest information and to see how you can join the movement. — Ron Phipps, 2011 NAR President
As REALTORS®, we know better than anyone else just how vital housing is to families and to our nation.
Fact: For every additional 1,000 home sales, about 500 jobs are added to the economy. Those are real jobs that give our families, friends and neighbors a chance to work.
Fact: Every home purchase pumps $60,000 into the economy.
Fact: Housing accounts for more than 15 percent of the national gross domestic product.
Fact: Home owners pay 80 to 90 percent of ALL federal income taxes.
We need to change the dialog. Critics say housing is a drain on federal resources. We know better. Housing is the engine that drives our national economy. Eight of the last ten recessions have ended as a result of robust housing markets. The other two ended as a result of war spending. The choice is easy. America needs a healthy housing market to thrive.
In the days ahead, NAR will be reaching out to Congress and the White House to emphasize the clear connection between housing, jobs and the economy. Rather than limit support for housing, and the availability of credit, NAR is calling on Congress and the White House to advance policies that will move the housing market back to a healthy 5.5 million sales, where it SHOULD be.
We will be asking lawmakers to:
■Preserve the mortgage interest deduction at current levels.
■Move the credit pendulum to equilibrium, defined by a median credit score of 720.
■Maintain government backing in the mortgage market as part of GSE Reform.
These three steps would help bring the housing market back to a normal level, possibly generating an additional 1 million home sales and 500,000 jobs.
As the voice for real estate, we hope that Congress and White House gets the message: real estate is all about jobs.
I invite all of you to engage with us. Go to Realtor.org/homeownership for the latest information and to see how you can join the movement. — Ron Phipps, 2011 NAR President
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
2010 ENERGY TAX CREDIT FROM HOUSE LOGIC
(New!)Get Your 2010 Energy Tax Credits: Filing Tips for Form 5695
Sidestep snares in the complex IRS Form 5695 to get all the 2010 energy tax credits you’ve got coming. Read
Visit houselogic.com for more articles like this.
Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Monday, February 7, 2011
SODDY DAISY - NEW DEVELOPMENT - TIMBER RIDGE ON SHORT LEAF LANE
Town Homes and Single Family Homes in the low 100,000's
A client of mine closed on a Town Home last week on Short Leaf Drive. This is a really nice community located off of Dallas Hollow Road in Soddy Daisy. It is on a dead end street, is zoned for very desirable schools in Soddy Daisy. This is all new quality construction by a local builder. There are a few Town Homes and Single family home move in ready as well as more are being built. Some are 1 level and some are 2 level, and garages are available.
A client of mine closed on a Town Home last week on Short Leaf Drive. This is a really nice community located off of Dallas Hollow Road in Soddy Daisy. It is on a dead end street, is zoned for very desirable schools in Soddy Daisy. This is all new quality construction by a local builder. There are a few Town Homes and Single family home move in ready as well as more are being built. Some are 1 level and some are 2 level, and garages are available.
Friday, February 4, 2011
SIX STEPS TO PERFECT TOMATOES
- SUN - 10 hours of direct sunlight per day - they will grow in less but get diseases, be rangy, and have light yields.
- GREAT SOIL - rich, well drained and rich in organic nutrients.
- LOTS OF FOOD - a few good handfuls of calcium can prevent those black squishy spots.
- TRANSPLANTING - Do in early morning or late afternoon on a cloudy day, water thoroughly before transplanting.
- WATERING - Continuous and uniform, too much rots roots. Too little causes cracking. Containers - every other day (every day in the hottest weather). In the ground 2-3 times per week.
- BUGS - Keep insecticidal soap spray on hand and use at the first sign of insects.
Monday, January 24, 2011
7 REASONS TO OWN YOUR HOME
- TAX BREAKS-You can deduct the interest you pay
- APPRECIATION-Normally goes up in value
- EQUITY-Money paid for rent is money you will never see again
- SAVINGS-Building equity in your home is like a savings plan
- PREDICTABILITY-Fixed rate financing - payment does not change
- FREEDOM-The home is yours, fix it any way you like
- STABILITY-Remaining in one neighborhood gives you a chance to be part of the community, meet friends you will have the rest of your life.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
KEEP MY TENNESSEE HOME
Keep My TN Home: Helping Tennesseans Stay in Their Homes
TN’s Hardest Hit Fund is a program designed to help unemployed or substantially underemployed homeowners who, through no fault of their own, are financially unable to make their mortgage payments and are in danger of losing their home. Homeowners in some TN counties are potentially eligible for forgivable loans of up to $20,000 to cover up to 18 months of mortgage expenses. More information can be found on the website at http://www.keepmytnhome.org/.
TN’s Hardest Hit Fund is a program designed to help unemployed or substantially underemployed homeowners who, through no fault of their own, are financially unable to make their mortgage payments and are in danger of losing their home. Homeowners in some TN counties are potentially eligible for forgivable loans of up to $20,000 to cover up to 18 months of mortgage expenses. More information can be found on the website at http://www.keepmytnhome.org/.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
8 TIPS FOR FINDING YOUR NEW HOME
8 Tips for Finding Your New Home
A solid game plan can help you narrow your homebuying search to find the best home for you. Read
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Copyright 2011 NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Introducing WaysHome - Avoiding Foreclosure
Today, January 6, Fannie Mae launched WaysHomeTM, a new interactive video to educate homeowners about their options to avoid foreclosure, motivate them to make the right decisions, and encourage them to seek help. WaysHome is part of Fannie Mae's Know Your OptionsTM consumer initiative to help today's struggling homeowners and is available on KnowYourOptions.com.
Overview
A unique and innovative learning tool, WaysHome allows homeowners to put themselves into real-life situations and make decisions -- then see the consequences of these decisions play out in front of them. Through WaysHome, homeowners can:
Participate in an interactive video simulation. Select a character and go through the simulation "playing" that character. Follow characters as they encounter financial hardships and challenges that affect their ability to pay their mortgage. Choose different paths based on real-life situations. Experience the positive outcomes or negative consequences of their choices (i.e., if they avoid taking action, foreclosure may be their only option). Learn about options that may be available to help. Discover the right paths to avoid foreclosure, know their options, and find their way home.
Benefits to You
Our research shows that many homeowners still don't know about -- or understand -- their options to avoid foreclosure. In fact, many homeowners who are seriously delinquent or in foreclosure have little to no contact with their mortgage company. WaysHome is designed to bridge that gap and encourage homeowners to take action before it's too late.
http://homepath.com/
Phyllis Shelton, ABR, GRI, e-PRO, GREEN
phyllisshelton@bellsouth.net
VISTI MY WEBPAGES
http://shelton.crye-leike.com/
http://soddydaisyhomesforsale.com/
Today, January 6, Fannie Mae launched WaysHomeTM, a new interactive video to educate homeowners about their options to avoid foreclosure, motivate them to make the right decisions, and encourage them to seek help. WaysHome is part of Fannie Mae's Know Your OptionsTM consumer initiative to help today's struggling homeowners and is available on KnowYourOptions.com.
Overview
A unique and innovative learning tool, WaysHome allows homeowners to put themselves into real-life situations and make decisions -- then see the consequences of these decisions play out in front of them. Through WaysHome, homeowners can:
Participate in an interactive video simulation. Select a character and go through the simulation "playing" that character. Follow characters as they encounter financial hardships and challenges that affect their ability to pay their mortgage. Choose different paths based on real-life situations. Experience the positive outcomes or negative consequences of their choices (i.e., if they avoid taking action, foreclosure may be their only option). Learn about options that may be available to help. Discover the right paths to avoid foreclosure, know their options, and find their way home.
Benefits to You
Our research shows that many homeowners still don't know about -- or understand -- their options to avoid foreclosure. In fact, many homeowners who are seriously delinquent or in foreclosure have little to no contact with their mortgage company. WaysHome is designed to bridge that gap and encourage homeowners to take action before it's too late.
http://homepath.com/
Phyllis Shelton, ABR, GRI, e-PRO, GREEN
phyllisshelton@bellsouth.net
VISTI MY WEBPAGES
http://shelton.crye-leike.com/
http://soddydaisyhomesforsale.com/
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