My New Blog

The article in  Business Week  does grab your attention.... but is it  true?  "If you don't buy a home now, You're either Stupid or Broke".  Sometimes don't you  wish you could say this to a few Buyers.  I don't think they understand what a "holiday gift" this really is.  Most econmic forecaster are stating that interest rates will begin to climb after the first of the year and will be 1% to 2% higher in the next 12 months.No, I really don't believe my clients are stupid... but I  want to make sure they have have really looked at all the factors. 

Interest rates are at a 40 year low. 

The tax credit for first time home buyers and for existing home owners is substantial. ($8000 or $6500)

Inventories are falling.

5 straight months of increased sales.

Here is one example that illustrates increasing interest rates and how they could affect your payment.  Look at  a 30 year mortgage of $300,000 at today's rate 4.875%. The PI payment is $1587.  If rates climb 2% then that  PI payment CLIMBS to $1970.  WOW!  Almost $400 a month increase.

Maybe it would be nicer said..."If you don't buy a home now, You're either Broke or Uninformed".

Here is the link to the 3rd Quarter Report for Charlottesville Area Real Estate- market.

Yes...compared to 3rd quarter last year(2008) things have improved.  Yes ... overall compared to 2008 total number of sales are down....but... we hope by year end to catch up to 2008 numbers.

Well I am one step closer to my NAR Green designation.  I spent the past 2 days listening and reading and internet surfing on all issues "Green".  It was time well spent.  The awareness that this class brings forth is awesome.  I have so much information I am almost overwhelmed.

I hope to share with you in the coming blogs "Green Tips" and other information that I picked up that I hope you will also find of interest.

Did you know...

20,000 USA lung cancer deaths each year are due to radon. 

Yes, I do believe Education is good but...

I have been taking lots of classes these past several months.  Some are classes I have taken to become better at doing things I already knew how to do and some are classes I took  because it was a topic I did not know much about.   I have had  2 hour daily webinars for  5 out of the past 8 days and I am due to be in the NAR "Green" class for the next 2 days (8:30-5:00).  All of these classes are Real Estate related and I know will help me with my clients.  Also they have been taught in Albemarle County so I have not had to travel, but...This may be all the formal education I can stand for awhile. 

 Spring is here and it's time to get outside.

This report just put out by the Charlottesville Albemarle Association of Realtor explains how the market has improved during the first quarter of 2009.  Conditions  have improved and thus our sales have increased.  Consumer confidence is rising.... now we need to get the high levels of inventory under control.

After reading this report... if you have any questions contact me.