Real Estate Talk

School's Out... time t buy a new home...

2008-06-30T21:04:31Z

Yes every kid is jumping up and down for job. and every parent is wondering how am I going to keep them busy... I know for me that is what I go through every year.. but, I have been pretty lucky that my oldest can keep her self busy.. (teen) and my youngest still wants to do the summer day camp thing..which helps out a lot..

As for me Summer means CRUNCH time.. it kind of slows down, and not too many people are looking to buy a home,... you know with summer trips and vacations and party's, no to many people out and about.... but that is the time to look.. lets face it if you want to be in your new home by the start of the new school year.. now is the time to buy.. and buy fast.......inventory in Central New York is very strong.. In the area that I work the most.. you can have the pick of the crop.. (kind of like strawberry picking) you have this whole crop to pick... but.. don't wait too long to pick because homes are like those Strawberry corps.. before you know it all the good ones are gone... because buyers know that its the best time of the season to get out there and buy..

So have a great summer, enjoy your kids being home.. enjoy the party's and the beach... but most of all if your in the market for a new home, make sure you make time to get out there and look

Happy Buying

5 Tips To Sell Your Home in a Tough Market

2008-06-26T07:37:09Z

1. PICK THE RIGHT BROKER: Look for local agents who are listing, marketing and selling in your community. Ask several of them to make a listing presentation to discuss your home's value and explain how they would market your property, Lets face any one can put an ad in the paper.. but ask them what other methods and how aggressive are the methods they use, ask to see samples and reports of how effective there methods work.. lets fact it the web is a HUGE marketing tool. how is your agent going to use the internet to market your home? do they even know were the on/off button is?

2. UNDERSTAND THE REAL MARKETPLACE: To negotiate effectively, you need to know up-to-the minute sale prices and the deal-making behind them, Your agent should know or and even have you on some kind of "alert" system for when a home comes on the market in your area.. and when a home sells, and what did that home sell for. did the seller of that home give any special incentives, competition is tough.. and in this market you got to be one step ahead of the game.

3. SWEETEN THE DEAL: Sellers are reportedly offering some unusual sales incentives we all seen that. TVs, trips, golf carts, just to name a few.. lets face it if the buyer is knowing they are getting something of value then chances are the buyer is more likely to purchase your home. FYI. incentives to the selling may sound nice.. but if your home is priced well, the agent will show your home, maybe a small gift after the sale would be nice..

4. BE FLEXIBLE ON THE DEPOSIT: To bind the deal.. the buyer should put down a good size deposit.. in some cases it is required 1% of purchase price.. (this is separate form the down payment), of course you would like the biggest deposit you can get, but in a slow market you may have to settle for less.

5. MONITOR AND UPDATE YOUR LISTING: If it is April and your home has been on the market since February, displaying a snowman in the front yard.. it is time to change that photo.. even the inside photos lets face it when you took the photos your home was decorated for winter ... now that Spring and Summer are here, you may have some "light" decorations displayed, or windows maybe open.. something about a home in the Summer with lots of flowers says alot..

There are alot of things you can do in a slow market.. to make your home stand out.. but the number one thing is Price. if it is priced and condition. if it is priced well and shows well.. it will sell.

Happy Selling......

Central New York Growing Strong

2008-03-25T18:01:28Z

Well it is official, Central New York is not like the other areas, and it is high time we have been recognized.. and by the looks of the report I got off our boards web site.. things are looking great...

Syracuse named 1 of 4 "HEALTHY OR IMPROVING"Markets in U.S.

In a National Press Release by the National Association of REALTORS®

There is a lot to be said right now for living in an "affordable" housing market:

Syracuse 6th Lowest Foreclosure Rate of the 100 Top U.S. Cities

Source: RealtyTrac
Syracuse ranked 5th out of the top 100 largest metropolitans to own real
estate in the Country. Smart home owners buy their home in Syracuse.
Fortune Magazine's Investors Guide to 2007
Syracuse, NY also ranks at the top in a number of other categories
such as...

Top City to Raise a Child

Parenting Magazine

Top Colleges

Top City for Quality of U.S. News and World Report

Life and Logistics

Expansion Management magazine (March 2006)
Syracuse ranked 17th of America's 50 GREENEST cities.
Popular Science 2007 www.treehugger.com

For CNY Housing News updated weekly, visit http://www.cnyrealtor.com/

(this information from Central New Yorks Board of Realtors. posting)

Happy Easter

2008-03-21T08:13:54Z

Wishing everyone a Happy Easter... and just remember Spring is here and that means Sales..

Spring is in the air

2008-03-17T19:36:55Z

Sping is here.. and that means for sale signs are popping up all over the place,

so if you are thinking of buying or selling.. now is the time.. and yes the market in Syracuse is still strong and going well, we have been so lucky in this market..home sales are still climbing and prices are not falling. You can expect to pay any were from 100 to 120 for a 3bed room 1.5 bath home in the city and 115 to 160 in the suburbs.. I know I have been busy, along with fellow agents in my office.. so all the doom and gloom you are reading about and hearing about is not for us in Central New York.....Don't for get to check with your bank for the current rates,as you will see they are still low.. yes they go up but we are still lower then we have been in years..

So get ready get set and buy or sell... because now is a great time..

Stay tuned for more updates and also tips on how you can get ready for this market..

Happy House Hunting and Happy Spring.

Working Hard in this Shifting Market

2008-03-13T15:50:53Z

There is so much talk today how we as agents have to work harder then before.. I was one of the lucky agents who came into the market.. in 2003 when the iron was hot.. and the only skill I needed was to smile.. and the house would sell. Now today I have to work.. there is much more then putting that sign out in front of the home and getting an offer by 5pm.. no more listing a home at 10am and saying showings start at noon and offers presented at 5 and boom the house is sold.....

It is also great to know that real estate coaches and managers know this and are there to help us and train us.. for me.. I know I have to work hard, I know what I need to do.. I have always been one to think out side of the box.. but this is a little challenge.. right now.. there is more to it then putting that sign in front of the home,

one thing I have learned is pricing the home.. I really have to work hard at that.. because pricing is 95% of marketing the home.. if the home is priced well it will sell. .. then there is other other things that I need to work on and that is marketing the home, not just putting an add in the paper and be done.. no.. I got to let everyone know about this house.. get on the phone call the neighbors, call past customers and clients. and call other agents.... talk about it every chance I get.. some-days when I walk into my office and I say good morning to everyone I say oh don't for get about my listing over here or over there.. I got to remember I am sales professional what do sales professionals do.? sell right..so I got to get out there and sell my product and my product is my listing..

There are a 1000 things we can do today to work hard, the great thing is that a little hard work never hurt any one... even me..

Are Agents Leaving ... Real Estate

2008-01-31T18:07:02Z

I was watching the news last night and it talked about the large number of realtors that are getting out of the business. Well I wish that was true in my market.. LOL..my board has over 2200 agents and I know that is not alot compared to other boards.. but.. I say yee hoo less competition for me..
but serious.. I am struggling a bit..I mean alot of us are.. but I love this career I would never leave.. If I had to I would take on a part time job.. matter of fact I did at Christmas time, I was in a call center for a gas company.. but.. my motto this year is to work harder, loose weight and sell lots of homes...
so maybe those of us who thought we could get in this business for a quick buck and make a ton of money are those who think they did not have to "work" and well 5 years ago when I did come into this business I did not have to.. and today I am really working and working hard.. but ... a little hard work dose not hurt any one.. and I think those of us who do stay are the ones who will continue to make a good living..

Good luck all

Is it picking up???

2008-01-23T14:34:43Z

Well it is Mid to end of January and some might say this winter has been kind of un eventful..were the weather is concerned that maybe true for some but people who are north of me are not saying that.. Fulton and Oswego had a 3 feet snow fall over the weekend of Jan 20, 2008.. but for us people who live East of that are loving it.. with that we did not get the snow like they did... But...and yes there is a but.. we are getting record cold days and wind-chills,... ok what dose that mean for selling homes are things picking up?? well I have to say YES.. I have been out showing homes, my company sold over 20 homes this weekend.. and my two listings are getting lots of action.. so yea this weather dose help.. and it also helps that things in "Central New York" market are not as gloom and doom as others... interest rates are very well. (call your local mortgage company for up to-date info) and people are buying homes..

Yes inventory is still large but.. look at the bright side. no more bidding wars, todays buyer can really have a choice and feel comfortable in knowing if they go see 5 more homes in the same area that they first one will most likly will still be there when they decide to look again. This may sound had for sellers ... how ever if the home is priced well which most homes are it will sell.

So there you have it .. yes it is picking up.. and with that.. go see my pick of the week... which is a wonderful Ranch home in Fayetteville. close to everything.open floor plan wonderful fireplace finished lower level with lots of room. super large yard deck with a screened cover.. really nice home.. call me for details..

Have a great day..

Missing in action?? no not me...

2008-01-13T18:01:06Z

I know it is has been some time since my last blog and I do apologize,.. it is not like me I am not going to use the excuse that I was busy and it was the holidays, then I had to de decorate the house then I got my office in order and packed up all the old files went through some junk paper cleaned up my office and made it the best work environment I could possibility make it.. ok so that is the reason why I have not been on.. but

I am hear ready to rock and roll, I have been prospecting and send out letters and such my next plan of action is to call my COI and say Happy New Year...

I do have a brand new listing that I am proud of.. so I am working.. and yes off to a good start..

and I am ready to go Glad you stopped by, keep stopping in.... I will have what I seen and liked back up and running.. along with other things.

bye for now.......

Making a List and Checking it Twice

2007-12-07T08:14:08Z

The business plan list that is... yes it is that time of the year again when I sit down and go over everything I did for the year.. one of the best things I did was join this community which is great, made my own web site www.anitalewicki.comthat is were you can see all my great listings and catch up on the real estate world and search for a your dream home, I am also making my plans for the new year. my goals, and what I would like to do in my business first thing off the bat my goal is to help people find a home... that first time buyer who has had it with renting or who is ready to own a home call it there own paint it the way they want.. get there hands dirty with there own garden.. things you can't do when you rent.. my goal is to help 10 first time buyers. the other part is to help 10 2nd time buyers people who own a home, but who have grown out of it due to a growing family or who need to down size.. someone who knows ok this 4 bed room 2 bath home is too much for just me or us.. and they are looking for something that is a bit more manageable a clean slate a place were they can make it their own and pay more attention to the home and what the home needs.. the last part of my goal is to help 15 home owners sell there home.. maybe it is those same 10 who need to down size or up size or move away from the area, due to a number of reasons, I can even get them help were ever they are moving. I have a large resource of information and people who I network with that I can call and say "will you help my people find a home" now you say that sound easy enough you need to sell 35 homes, well that maybe true. but the list I am going to make is the blue print of how am I going to sell 35 homes, how do I go about it, what is the first thing need to do? what is the most important thing I need to do? and what do I need to keep doing? what steps are the nice steps to take and what do I need to do to say out of trouble and not be naughty? that is easy the only think I can think of right now is the word slacking.. so Slacking will not be on that list.. So with that I need to get busy, busy, busy.. and start making that list..

Have a great 2008 see you in the new year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It is the Holiday Season

2007-11-29T10:47:31Z

Don't forget to put your self on the list... of presents and what better present there is then a home of your that you can enjoy many many holiday seasons to come. I know moving durn the winter is rough, but did you know that homes that are on the market right now the sellers are more motivated then ever. lots of reasons to purchase a home by the end of the year. number one reason I can think of is taxes. (always talk to you account for info) that is his job. my job is to show you all the wonderful and well priced homes that are on the market right now.. and lets face it Christmas is the best time a home looks well "its best" it is all decorated and smells all fresh. you can see just how wonderful that tree looks or how the home feels warm and inviting makes you want to sit right down next to the fire. and you can when you own the home.. if you need to buy, don't put off looking at homes now.. avoid the malls and the rush.. home shopping can be very rewarding..

Happy Holidays.

What I am Thankful for

2007-11-18T20:43:14Z

At this time of year alot of us will reflect on our past and what we have to be thankful for sometimes I feel I am not one of these people who are expressing my feelings as much as I should kind of like holding it in which I know is not good at all, I got to tell you there is a lot I am grateful for this year.. and many years to come, not only my family and my health. but my clients and my customers for if it was not for these people I would not be who I am professionally or were I am professionally. I have gained so much from being a real estate agent I have helped so many people met so many people and closed alot of transaction being a agent. I would not change it for the world. It really is a joy knowing that I have helped people find there dream home or sell there home to move on to better things. This year I have alot to be thankful for. and I am thank each and everyone I know for doing business with me.

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

10 Good Reasons to list your house during the Holidays..

2007-11-13T12:46:05Z

I think we could think of 100 reasons why it is good to list your home durn the Holidays. the main thing is if you are interested in listing your house or you need to sell your house then this is the best time..

People who look for a home during the holidays are more serious buyers
Serious buyers have fewer homes to choose from durning the holidays, so you have less competition
Houses "show better" when decorated for the holidays
Buyers are more emotional during the holidays.
Buyers have more time to look for a home during the holidays (time off from work)
Many people want to buy before the end of the year for tax reasons
January is traditionally the month for transfers, Transferees can't wait until spring to buy.
You may restrict showings during your personal family events
You can sell now. buy specify a delayed closing or extend occupancy until early next year if you desire
By selling now you have an opportunity to buy during the spring, when many homes are on the market.

Bottom Line? By Listing now, you may have fewer actual showings, but more qualified and motivated buyers, THE REASON...you have less competition resulting in a quicker sale and better price for you.

Investing...

2007-10-29T14:03:00Z

Well most agents might agree with me but I have seen a decrease of investors buying homes in my market.. they know that most of the homes are not "flipping" as easy as they once have.. but.. lets talk about some other ways you can invest your money . One way would be to buy a home now.. and yes if it needs fixing up do some or the repairs and then rent the home out till the market turns again this way it is like having money in the bank.. like a CD.. and when you are ready to "cash" it in.. go ahead and sell, another way is parents who are looking to get some relief from all the major costs of collage is to consider buying a home that is close to your child's collage, you can do one of many things. A. have your child's name on the deed, this way they are building credit. B. charge your child and other room mates rent, this also is a way to keep cash flow coming in and you are not worrying about the high cost of dorm rooms, then when he/she graduates from collage there will be another parent who is looking to save money like you did but what every the case.. it is a good investment and a great return on your money.. So if you are thinking of investing there are a lot of ways..but what ever you do choose. check things out first and a good Realtor can give you all the information you need.

Happy House buying

What I have seen and Liked W/E 10/22

2007-10-25T06:52:01Z

As you all know there is so much inventory, this week my company had over 20 homes on the tour this week, I was at my new listing which was a 3bed room 1bath ranch, this home is really a nice house.. perfect in every way, nothing to do just move in.. it is cozy and it is charming and alot of my fellow agents were impressed with the home, I did get a chance to see a couple of more homes, in Fayetteville and they were ranch homes, very nice homes, one has a great lay out and priced at a 146k nice area (no village tax) that home is sweet, another ranch right near by.. I would say that is a weekend do it your self fixer up.. priced very well at 139k and great bones.. then a charming little village of Manlius home tucked away on a charming street in the village close to everything this is were everyone walks there dog at night and kids play in each yard.. this home is very charming with lots of old qualities to it and along with updates of today, wide wood plank floors, which are in great condition. and a nice size kitchen.. and this home is priced at 99,900 wow what a great deal for such charm and charterer. Wall there you have it for this week, there is a lot out there so don't be afraid to take a peek .

What I saw and what I liked W/E 10/14

2007-10-19T22:37:15Z

Well it was another great week for ranch homes and I saw a couple that I really like in Dewitt one is this nice 3 bed room 2.5 bath ranch solid as they come, hardwoods through out nice size rooms, built in the 50s. priced at 199 ok it will need some updating but this home is great located on a cul-de-sac and close to everything in Dewitt, then I saw this cute as a button ranch with I call a cottage, because the owner really has is decorated nice, very rustic decor, open floor plan dining L hardwoods through out, ok now they do not shine.. but there is a reason, the look is shabby cottage. low country.. they are in great shape, but not glossed.. if you know what I mean, kitchen is perfect for that cook who dose not want any help who can master everything on there own . and make anything even reservations, down stairs is finished and has a knotty pine screened in patio ok 3 season room that just so inviting and relaxing ... oh the 3rd was not a ranch sorry, it was a cape, charming and wonderful as they come in the Dewitt area, located on a dead end street yet close to everything in the village of Dewitt. and even located across the street from the listing agent.. this house is vey nice and priced very very well at 139 , what has to be done,? nothing more then 12k wont take care of, the side sitting porch could use some attention and any handy man could deal with that in a day, floors in great shap and again the shabby chic look in the kitchen with the arch door way and arched area for the frig to tuck away in.

Ok and lets not forget about my new listing, that is a 3bed room 1 bath ranch that is located near Lemoyne Collage , the owner has owned the home 3 years , I sold it to them, the previous owner owned the home for over 50 years. they were the orig. owners. they took care of the home very well, outdated? no.. not at all, new kitchen floor, tile back slash, new frig, new elect cook top. all stainless ok the built in wall oven which is stainless is from the 1950s but.. it works like the day is was put in.. hardwoods have been redone, they shine, new windows, new elect update, newer room ...wood-burning fireplace. the house is perfect and it too is located on a dead end street. and on a quite street.. this is a must see at 99,900..

Well there you have it for what I saw and like. let me know if you would like to see any of these great homes, can't wait to show you.

Fayetteville and Dewitt's Market Standing

2007-10-15T10:52:04Z

You know a lot of people say that the market has a large inventory which maybe the case.. Which when you look at it...it is a great thing if you are a buyer right now.. between Dewitt and Fayetteville there are 21 4bedroom 2.5bath colonials on the market, (resale) that is 5 in Dewitt and 16 in Fayetteville and Manlius, lowest price $139,900 high $488. So .. you can look at this as the glass half empty or half full Which to me.. it is full. yes. and a great opportunity to buy.. I did a open house yesterday in this 3bedroom 2bath cape. in Fayetteville. and it was move in ready and nothing to do.. so.. if you are in the market. it is a great time, get out there start looking, the choice is yours... and the pick and terms are your as well.

What I saw and what I like

2007-10-11T17:55:53Z

Hello and welcome to another week of what I saw and what I liked, Yesterday was brokers tour, only had time to go to a few homes saw a very nice ranch in Dewitt, great price 139, it could use a bit of elbow grease with the painting and the cleaning but this house would be a great show case once done, if you are looking for country, there is this great country home. built circa 1850 and has been redone inside and out.. nice and what a great country feel.. to it.. nice rustic beams in the family room huge stone fireplace which just calls for two over stuffed chairs from pottery barn to sit in. the kitchen has been updated new counter top and cabinets painted, nice center island and lots of space. when you walk up stairs there is this lofty type of area with built in shelves were any one would love to hide and read a good book.

After that it was to a newer home in Manlius. this house is to die for.. $899. yes $899 I forgot who the builder was (short term memory loss) but let me tell you the detail and the space, in this house it is a resale and the owners have this home shinning like the day they moved in it has 7 bedrooms .. two of them are in this finished basement that comes with its own full bath and full working kitchen and game area and a work out area long with the living area that walks out to a brick paved patio and built in pool. hmmm there is also a first floor master and the 4 other bedrooms are up stairs and they share a jack and Jill bath room. so if you got kids or people who like to come and say a while this is a house for you, oh do not let me for get my favorite part of the house which was the "smart space" which is located right off the kitchen that has a two story window and a little cove to sit and relax in..

So, that is it for this week, don't for get I got that ranch in Fayetteville that is my listing it is very very nice

To buy or not to buy

2007-10-08T19:55:35Z

Ok.. it is not that bad out there. as everyone thinks it is .. I mean home prices in Central New York are still the same. If you are looking for a 4 bed room 2.5 bath colonial lets say in Clay or liverpool you can expect to pay from 189 to 210.. same as it was 2, 3 and 4 years ago. same with all the other areas, nothing has changed, really yes lenders are a bit more cautious with lending and if you got your credit ran last year or even 6 mos ago for that fact I have one thing to say, get back to a lender and have it ran again, yes things have changed with that but not for the worse as they say.. So if you are thinking of buying or know of anyone who is, have them call me, ... One I will have them talk with a mortgage rep that will give them some great sound advice and really help them know what they can afford. and two.. I am ready to work hard for them, yes inventory is up there and homes are coming on the market everyday, and like they say strike why the iron is hot..

I am ready to work hard for you...

Taking off for the weekend

2007-10-04T17:08:43Z

To all my wonderful customers and clients, I am going away for the weekend, but I will be on my cell it is always on, so please feel free to call me or email me, I got tecky and brought a blackberry so now I can check my email... have a wonderful fall weekend, and I will talk to you on Monday, were am I going you ask? I am going to Ohio to watch my favorite NHL hockey team opener game.. I am hopeing this will get my blood to boil and get you a winning goal of an offer when I get back..

Have a great weekend.

P.S I forgot to mention what I liked this week on tour.. there is this 3 bed room 2bath ranch that was just listed in Maplewood, needs a little updating but this house is solid and is a great Fayetteville Home, the owner lived there 50 years, so yea it is out dated but the peeked at the hardwood's under the green shag carpet and they are wonderful pull those puppies up , take down the gold wall paper, swap out the crystal chandelier and you got a house that rocks in the this century... Keep checking back for more "what I saw and liked"

October Rocktober

2007-10-01T07:16:28Z

It is really hard to believe that Summer is going.. and Fall is making it's way in.. but that dose not mean that the buying or selling should slow down. October is really a good month to buy a home, first of all homes always seem more cozy and warm, because most homeowners are dressing the home up for fall, and making it warm and inviting. the smells of fall send the message that the house is a home Also around the Holidays people who are looking at homes are serious buyers and need to buy, buying a home in October will guarantee that you will celebrating the holidays in your new home, So.. just because the temps are cooling off there is no reason why home buyers are.. this is the best time.. to buy or sell a home.

Happy home selling

i am still here

2007-09-29T17:53:15Z

Idid not die I know that I have not been around but I am back and ready for business

HUD wants to wipe out home ownership

2007-09-25T06:52:29Z

I know this might be old news, to some and new news to others, I just wanted to express my thoughts on this. I feel this is just one more nail in the coffin of home mortgages and this will make homeowner ship more difficult. why would they do this? there is not reason for this, I think the it is wrong.. I hope you do as well, Please read the recent article that I received the other day, and Yes I did call to voice my concern I did not get to talk to our Senator Mrs. Hillary Clinton, but I did leave a message, and I also expressed that I am a Realtor in her state of New York and I help over 50 families each year achieve the America Dream .. of Homeownership, and if the government can not help with that then something needs to be looked at.. Please vote to keep the DPA and support the bill. You can also help too. please read the attached article and contact your local Representatives as well...

Advanced Notice to Homeownership Partners

This week we are anticipating that HUD will issue its final rule on down payment assistance (DPA) and attempt to eliminate all forms of "seller-funded" DPA. If HUD takes this action, it will be challenged in order to protect homeownership opportunities for low-and moderate-income (LMI) homebuyers and your ability to serve them.

What You Should Do

Look for email updates from Nehemiah or AmeriDream. We have consistently informed you with honest information. If HUD does indeed take the action stated above, we will promptly send you information regarding actions taken to continue providing DPA, actions taken to resolve the matter and what it means to LMI homebuyers and you.

Contact your Nehemiah or AmeriDream outreach representative for additional information.

Call your congressional representative and both Senators to support DPA as provided by Nehemiah and AmeriDream and to support the FHA Modernization bill. Click here for instant access.

Congressional Support for DPA & Lower Income Homebuyers

Federal lawmakers have recently passed legislation supporting privately-funded DPA programs and barring HUD from implementing its rule on DPA.

The House of Representatives, by an overwhelming margin, has passed the Expanding American Home Ownership Act of 2007, which includes an amendment by Congressman Gary Miller to allow qualified DPA providers to participate in the FHA program. Also, the House passed its version of 2008 funding for HUD which includes language protecting DPA and LMI homebuyers by eliminating any funding for HUD to implement its DPA rule.

As the Senate works on passage of its FHA reform legislation, concerns about HUD's actions have been raised. In a recent interview with National Mortgage News, Senator Allard stated, "HUD seems to feel they have the authority to move forward on their own. At the very least, I think they need to consult with the Congress and seek out our consent."

As you know, Nehemiah and AmeriDream have a long history of successfully protecting and advancing homeownership opportunities for LMI homebuyers. Once again, we are prepared to protect opportunities for the homebuyers we serve. Look for additional information from us as events unfold. Be assured that we will continue to be your trusted source of information on this important matter.

National Summary Home Sales

2007-09-21T07:26:29Z

Sales of existing homes fell in June with some potential buyers staying on the sidelines, but prices rose modestly as inventories eased, according to the National Association of REALTORS^®.

Total existing-home sales -- including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops -- declined 3.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate1 of 5.75 million units in June from a downwardly revised level of 5.98 million in May, and are 11.4 percent below the 6.49 million-unit pace in June 2006.

Lawrence Yun, NAR senior economist, said some consumers are uncertain. "Home buyers have been getting mixed signals about the housing market, which is causing some of them to hesitate," he said. "Mortgage interest rates have risen recently, and tightening lending standards are continuing to hamper sales, but fewer risky loans will put the market on a healthier path. Although general buying conditions remain favorable for long-term home buyers, it appears some buyers are looking for more signs of stability before they have enough confidence to make an offer."

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage was 6.66 percent in June, up from 6.26 percent in May; the rate was 6.68 percent in June 2006.

"Two bright spots in the June report are a decline in housing inventory and a modest gain in home prices," Yun said. "Although we've seen seasonal month-to-month price increases over the past four months, this is the first time in 11 months that the median home price is higher than the year-ago price."

The national median existing-home price2 for all housing types was $230,100 in June, up 0.3 percent from June 2006 when the median was $229,300. The median is a typical market price where half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less.

Total housing inventory fell 4.2 percent at the end of June to 4.20 million existing homes available for sale, which represents an 8.8-month supply at the current sales pace, the same as a downwardly revised 8.8-month supply in May.

NAR President Pat V. Combs, from Grand Rapids, Mich., and vice president of Coldwell Banker-AJS-Schmidt, said that local market conditions vary widely. "Consumers should avoid making decisions based on what they hear about the national market because all real estate is local," she said.

"There are pockets around the country where home sales are quite strong, so you really need to consult with a knowledgeable real estate professional about local market conditions -- experience is one way REALTORS^® add value to the real estate transaction, and a reputable agent is your best resource to navigate the current market, whether it's moving up or down," Combs said.

Single-family home sales fell 3.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.01 million in June from a downwardly revised 5.19 million in May, and are 12.1 percent below the 5.70 million-unit level in June 2006. The median existing single-family home price was $230,300 in June, up 0.1 percent from a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales dropped 6.3 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 740,000 units in June from 790,000 in May, and are 6.6 percent lower than the 792,000-unit pace a year ago. The median existing condo price3 was $228,900 in June, up 2.6 percent from June 2006.

Regionally, existing-home sales in the South eased by 1.7 percent to an annual sales rate of 2.26 million in June, and are 11.4 percent below a year ago. The median price in the South was $190,800, up 0.7 percent from June 2006.

Existing-home sales in the Midwest declined 2.8 percent in June to a level of 1.37 million, and are 8.1 percent below June 2006. The median price in the Midwest was $171,700, which is 1.5 percent below a year ago.

Existing-home sales in the West dropped 6.8 percent in June to an annual pace of 1.10 million, and are 19.1 percent below a year ago. The median price in the West was $340,000, down 0.4 percent from June 2006.

Existing-home sales in the Northeast fell 7.3 percent to a level of 1.01 million in June, and are 7.3 percent lower than June 2006. The median existing-home price in the Northeast was $294,400, up 1.8 percent from a year ago

Reporduced from Reality Times. 2007

What I saw and what I liked

2007-09-20T07:07:27Z

Welcome to the first of "What I saw and what I liked" every week we in my area we have a brokers tour it is on Wednesday's this is a day set aside for agents to go to preview a new listing that has just come on the market.. it is quite fun to do but it also is very informative, I feel I should know the inventory that is on the market. This way I am able to discuss with any potential buyer what I know about the house.. So here is Anit'a pick for the week of 9/17:

If you are looking for a ranch there are several new to the market this week, I saw 3 great ranch homes that are all on the east side of the city.. 1 being close to SU and 1 being close to Nottingham and the other in JD schools and all 3 were 3 bed room 1.5 to 2 bath and under (get this) under $130,000, now if you need to be real close to SU I know of this really nice ranch 3bd 1.5ba nothing to do in this house everything is new, new, new it is a great brick ranch located near parks and schools and close to SU. The one in JD great ranch as well 3bd 2ba.. nice home.. great price at 116,000 lots of lots of potential..... 3rd the charming 1950s Ranch with garage under home, nice season room off of dining room, with crank out windows and hardwood floor, this home is also close to SU and much more.. and priced very very well at 125K... oh and there is one othe in East Syracuse area that I failed to say.. nice 3bed 1ba ranch very well maintained esm schools, really nice landscaping.. nice patio to sit on in the back yard as well.

So there you have it Anita's picks of the week, if you would like to see these homes, Please contact me, I would be more then happy to show you the home Oh and don't for get my Ranch in Fayetteville I have listed.. it is a 4 bed 2ba ranch with in-law.. and is priced at 189,900.