The Realtor Leaders in CT have some very clear messages; we have been blessed with wonderfully heartwarming success stories this year with our First-Time Homebuyers and the $8000.00 Tax Credit that has been such a significant incentive. The contribution back into the community by these new homeowners is far reaching and impacts the economy in many ways; from manufacturing of household goods to the plumber, electrician, painter, roofer or carpenter who will be called in over the next months and years. There's just a short window of time for people to find a local Realtor to help them navigate the process, get qualified and find their home before the contract deadline of April 30, 2010. Keep in mind that the Tax Credit has been expanded to include move-up buyers as well with a Tax Credit up to $6500.00 for those folks who meet the qualifications.
The prices and interest rates along with the right professional can turn the dream of moving up or buying for the first time into a reality for those lucky enough to get moving. We are upbeat, grateful for the business we have and ready to keep the momentum going so that more smiling faces get to the closing table! Move-up Sellers have every reason to feel good that they will be able to transfer their real estate wealth into their next home where they will be poised to enjoy equity building in a home that suits their needs better than ever.
It was a great conference filled with lots of optimism, sharp minds, and upbeat attitudes. From the National Speakers to the State Leaders and the Agents working at the Grassroots level; we showed up, we played full out and we came away better, for having been there working together, cooperating - as we do - for the good of the whole.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
REALTORS Who Think They Can Do It
Mystic Seaport's Seamen's Inne Restaurant was the scene last night of a wonderful celebration of the Eastern CT Association of Realtors in honor of the annual installation of Officers and Directors of ECAR. It has been a year of very tough times for Realtors all over the country and very much so here in Mystic. The resilience and optimism of this group of hardworking, sharply focused, upbeat professionals is a real testament to "if you think you can do it, you can do it". We have worked tirelessly with congress to protect private property rights and to create sensible programs that have a positive impact on the economy and help people properly manage the American Dream of Homeownership. Last night was a celebration of all of those across the country who really get it. Did you know that it is the volunteerism of Directors, Officers and Members - like those who showed up last night - that makes all of this work possible? And the efforts pay off, the programs are working. If you are thinking about moving up; Now Is a Great Time to Buy and remember you may be able to benefit from the new version of the Tax Credit.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Impact of Expanded Tax Credit
Having been a participant in pushing for and dialoguing with members of congress about the need for the Tax Credit for First Time Homebuyers to be both Extended and Expanded, I am very excited that - on this - Congress has done a great job. The new program encourages sellers and buyers who are in the "move-up" category to get going on finding a new place to live with the tax credit of $6500.00 for the move-up folks and higher income limits and price limits for that group as well. The $8000.00 tax credit is still available for the 1st time folks (including those who have not owned in the last 3 years).The beginning of the expiration process is in April and we are told that there will be NO going back to the well on this; a buyer needs to be under contract by April 30, 2010 and close the deal be June 30, 2010 to get the benefit. Other criteria apply so contact this real estate professional or someone in the know to explore the possibilities. One of my questions was whether or not the funding is coming out of the stimulus money and the answer to that is; NO it is being paid for by a little known fund called the "Delayed World-Wide Tax Fund" which we are learning more about so stay tuned....
Monday, November 16, 2009
Real Estate Predicted to Increase 15%
After considering the value of continuing with this blog, I have decided to give it more energy so that anyone following it can get more out of it. Therefore it will need to rise to the top of my priority list where everything gets done so that I post to it regularly. Thanks for your patience as I navigate these less familiar waters of the Ocean of Blog:)
Did you ever notice that no matter how many things you put on your To Do List, the stuff @ the top tends to happen and the stuff at the bottom does not unless one day you circle it, move it to the top or put a star next to it as the single most important thing To Do that day?
So here goes; News Flash - the Chief Economist for NAR is predicting that home sales will increase 15% in 2010. Now I have seen this chief, Lawrence Yun, speak @ a number of National Association of REALTORS meetings since he took this job and he is very measured and diligent, realistic and balanced in his predictions so when he says things I hear them. For more on his comments @ the NAR conference in San Diego last week click here http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009111301?OpenDocument&WT.cg_n=RMO&WT.cg_s=RSSDaily Since this is my first try with embedding a link please forgive me if it does not work correctly.
Keep in mind that 15% increase in sales is across the country in units sold NOT sales price and may be less or more in your community. Real Estate is always local and if you have questions I can find you the best REALTOR to help you if your property is not in my area. For more on pricing stay tuned...
Did you ever notice that no matter how many things you put on your To Do List, the stuff @ the top tends to happen and the stuff at the bottom does not unless one day you circle it, move it to the top or put a star next to it as the single most important thing To Do that day?
So here goes; News Flash - the Chief Economist for NAR is predicting that home sales will increase 15% in 2010. Now I have seen this chief, Lawrence Yun, speak @ a number of National Association of REALTORS meetings since he took this job and he is very measured and diligent, realistic and balanced in his predictions so when he says things I hear them. For more on his comments @ the NAR conference in San Diego last week click here http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009111301?OpenDocument&WT.cg_n=RMO&WT.cg_s=RSSDaily Since this is my first try with embedding a link please forgive me if it does not work correctly.
Keep in mind that 15% increase in sales is across the country in units sold NOT sales price and may be less or more in your community. Real Estate is always local and if you have questions I can find you the best REALTOR to help you if your property is not in my area. For more on pricing stay tuned...
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
State Conference Confirms Now Is the Time to Buy
After two full days of meetings, sharing, inspirational speakers and celebrating at the CT Association of REALTORS (CAR) Leadership Conference the consensus is in; Now is the Time to Buy and professionalism has never been better. You might wonder what a large group of real estate professionals would have to celebrate in a time that the media is determined to describe as "the worst real estate market since 1991"...
We celebrated that the opportunities to invest are the best they have been in many years, we celebrated the professionalism that always seems to raise the bar another notch when times are as full of possibilities as these times indeed prove to be and we celebrated another year of CAR Leadership that blesses us with the guidance of what we need to do to help our clients right now.
It's awe inspiring to experience this group of hardy individuals who are hard at work as they smile through their days because they feel privileged to help each other and you; no matter what the climate of change is or the individual real estate needs of our selling and buying clients may be - we love to help!
We celebrated that the opportunities to invest are the best they have been in many years, we celebrated the professionalism that always seems to raise the bar another notch when times are as full of possibilities as these times indeed prove to be and we celebrated another year of CAR Leadership that blesses us with the guidance of what we need to do to help our clients right now.
It's awe inspiring to experience this group of hardy individuals who are hard at work as they smile through their days because they feel privileged to help each other and you; no matter what the climate of change is or the individual real estate needs of our selling and buying clients may be - we love to help!
Monday, November 17, 2008
It's Getting Better All the Time!
While the surface seems relatively unchanged, there is an underlying sense that things are getting better as the days go by here in the Mystic area. The interest rates are improving in small increments and buyers are beginning to come down off the proverbial "fence". Recently, I even had a multi-offer situation on a listing.
You remember those; it's where there is more than one buyer interested enough in a house that they will actually write offers. Those offers come in during such a short period of time that it is only fair (and highly ethical with the permission of the seller) to give everyone a chance to know that they have competition trying to buy this house and it is now time to put in their "highest and best".
It could happen to you, too! If you are serious about buying a house, especially in the first-time home segment of the market; come off the fence, make a buying decision while there is still a fair amount of inventory. Do it before someone else makes an offer on the home that you want and you may still get it at the best price possible. If you wait you may have to pay more or not get it at all because "It's Getting Better All the Time!"
mysticjf
You remember those; it's where there is more than one buyer interested enough in a house that they will actually write offers. Those offers come in during such a short period of time that it is only fair (and highly ethical with the permission of the seller) to give everyone a chance to know that they have competition trying to buy this house and it is now time to put in their "highest and best".
It could happen to you, too! If you are serious about buying a house, especially in the first-time home segment of the market; come off the fence, make a buying decision while there is still a fair amount of inventory. Do it before someone else makes an offer on the home that you want and you may still get it at the best price possible. If you wait you may have to pay more or not get it at all because "It's Getting Better All the Time!"
mysticjf
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Post Election Reason to BUY NOW!
Let's hope that the mortgage interest rate decrease that appeared yesterday is the beginning of a short trend that buyers see as the next best reason to buy now. When the Mortgage Backed Securties gain strength, like they did yesterday morning, mortgage rates come down. It showed up in the new FHA program as well as in many other programs as published by the mortgage lenders.
Between the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit incentive of $7500 and the truly competitive asking prices of the lower end of most markets; please understand that encouraging those first time buyers is the most productive thing you can do for this economy. Thanks for your help!
Between the First Time Homebuyers Tax Credit incentive of $7500 and the truly competitive asking prices of the lower end of most markets; please understand that encouraging those first time buyers is the most productive thing you can do for this economy. Thanks for your help!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
How Will This Awesome Election Effect Values?
If we are talking about home values; it has to be a BOOST that we have successfully shifted the mindset of so many US Americans evidenced by the definitive results of yesterday's election. A boost to our spirits, a boost to our attitudes, a boost to the hopes we dare to give rise to, yet again, for our own bright futures. Our new "First Family Elect" respresents the wave of a new age of young United States Americans demonstrating their work ethics, their ability to persevere in the face of adversity and do so in a passionate and inspired way! They helped on the campaign trails, they came out to the polls and they cheered and participated in the greatest process and privilege we have in this amazing land.
When was the last time you felt this much hope in the wonderful young adults of this great country. These are the people who can make the biggest change in the state of our economy. These are the First-Time Home Buyers we need to help. They must get organized, find a sound advisor in a professional Realtor; someone that they like and trust and find their first home to buy. Now they need to know; "Yes, they can" buy their own homes.
These are the people who have fantastic financing programs and pricing opportunities available to them unlike anytime in the last 18 years or more. When they buy; we all benefit; they absorb inventory rather than owning another home that needs to be sold. We benefit by getting the housing industry moving again, by stimulating the ailing banking system and by boosting the people who sell those homes to be in position to move themselves up. Now we must all help and encourage first time homebuyers to be empowered into possession of the holy grail of America; the Attainable Privilege of Homeownership.
When was the last time you felt this much hope in the wonderful young adults of this great country. These are the people who can make the biggest change in the state of our economy. These are the First-Time Home Buyers we need to help. They must get organized, find a sound advisor in a professional Realtor; someone that they like and trust and find their first home to buy. Now they need to know; "Yes, they can" buy their own homes.
These are the people who have fantastic financing programs and pricing opportunities available to them unlike anytime in the last 18 years or more. When they buy; we all benefit; they absorb inventory rather than owning another home that needs to be sold. We benefit by getting the housing industry moving again, by stimulating the ailing banking system and by boosting the people who sell those homes to be in position to move themselves up. Now we must all help and encourage first time homebuyers to be empowered into possession of the holy grail of America; the Attainable Privilege of Homeownership.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
