Tuscaloosa News Support

Cindy Denney (REMAX Achievers) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 12:22:39 -0700

"US auto sales down, but Tuscaloosa market prospers" front page article in Tuscaloosa News, 07/14/2008

If automobile sales can rate an article on the front page about how wonderful the auto market is in Tuscaloosa versus the rest of the country, why can't the housing market have something positive printed on the front page of the Tuscaloosa News about the Tuscaloosa market instead of what Realtors have to post in the real estate section?

When Realtors say the housing market is still viable here, there is something not quite as believable to the public as if it's on the front page in big black letters. Our stats are off very little from last year and it's mainly due to buyers being scared by negative press about the housing market and the economy. Valid points in many areas of the country but not in this area. Our economy remains strong as does many areas of Alabama. We would welcome an article that simply says, "Yes, it's bad in many areas, but here it's stable due to our great economy and we are in good shape," in big black letters and on the front page. Surely the Realtors and housing industry contribute enough to the economy of the News to deserve this.

Tuscaloosa depends heavily on the housing market and the trickle down from that.

I mainly sell new construction and I can tell you that roofers, dry wall hangers, electricians, plumbers, H/AC distributors, appliance suppliers, termite companies, home inspectors, appraisers, title companies, lenders, concrete companies, lumber companies, lighting companies, cabinet companies, excavating companies, decorators, paint companies, pressure washing businesses, cleaners, general laborers, and inspectors to name just a few, all depend heavily or mainly on the economy of the housing industry.

The real estate market needs some positive enforcement in this area.

If the Tuscaloosa News is our paper and this is your town, help us and help yourself.

An article about the mortgage giants being shored up is interesting and informative but all the average buyer sees is "Mortgage Giants" and that is scary to them.

They want to know that property in Tuscaloosa is still a good investment, rates are good and their world is okay.

Real Estate As An Investment

Cindy Denney (REMAX Achievers) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 10:07:27 -0700

Housing is a key element in our economy. It has proven to be a solid long-term investment for American families and it generally provides long term returns regardless of a fluctuating stock market.

According to the National Association of Realtors and the US Federal Reserve Board, homeownership is how many families begin to accumulate wealth.

Housing is not a quick return in most instances. When purchased for the long term, housing is one of the safest investments that a consumer can make. It has many benefits. In addition to a buildup of equity, it also has tax advantages and a home provides shelter. For my clients who are in a rental situation and their residence is not short term, my favorite analogy to give is that a person has to live somewhere. If you purchase a home and sell it in two years and don't realize any loss or profit, you lived somewhere for two years for free.

Dollar for dollar the rate of return on an individual's cash downpayment on a house is substancial. Typically, the only real cash that a homebuyer must have is a downpayment and maybe some closing costs but the appreciation that is realized is based on the total value of the property.

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Tuscaloosa News Support

Real Estate As An Investment