Before listing a home it is imperative the owners clean the house and clear the clutter!

Some tips that may help in clearing clutter include:

• First:  Determine clutter's cause.  If you know why you are cluttering, it is easier to change.

Second:  Start small.  It takes time to de-clutter, just like it takes time to lose weight.  Choose one area to start and reward yourself when you get it organized!

Third:  Share a plan.  You are more likely to follow through with plans if you share them with someone who can help hold you accountable.

Then...create de-cluttering habits.  Tidy up whenever time allows.

Lastly, know where to get rid of items.  Don't simply move piles one to another.  Think about this before you start and come up with a plan of throwing away, moving and organizing!  Return garden tools to the shed, sort through bags of items and donate as much as possible. 

Shrinking clutter piles will give you confidence to tackle paper clutter at work as well!  And especially make it a priority if you want to sell your home.  Buyers will take one look at it and move on to the next un-cluttered place!

The thing about Realtors is that we give the very best advice possible to our clients.  Advice that we ourselves would take if we were in the same position.  I wonder how many of our clients know that.  We are there through it all.  If the transaction is not accepted or if it closes... we share the journey.  If the house sells or not....we share the journey.  It is an honor to help people through one of the most important decisions they make in life.  The purchase of a safe haven, a place to visit with family and friends, a place for children to grow.....home.   We feel blessed to walk with them through this journey.  It makes our business worth getting into and the struggle acceptable. 

Again, in their infinite wisdom, rather than tell folks that their payroll taxes are going to go back up, they will most likely pas HR 3630…the payroll tax reduction bill.

It’s going to reduce payroll taxes for employees and employers for a whopping 2 months!

And how will they fund this? They going to increase the fees on all mortgages that lenders pay to Fannie, Freddie and FHA…which in turn means passed on to the person at the end of the line…you, the consumer.

So, we’re funding this 2 month crap by imposing higher fees on an already struggling segment of the economy…arguably THE most important one for an economic recovery…by the way, these fees go on FOREVER, not just 2 months!!!

Thank you congress J

Please watch the short video clip below…

Market Update

August, 2011

Great month in terms of closed, pending and total inventory.

Closed - Up 23% from August, 2010

Pending - Up 51% from August, 2010

Total Inventory Down 19%

Days on market showed an increase.  Average DOM was 121 days for August closings which was up 30 days from August a year ago.

It's extremely important to price your home right.  Trends show an almost 4 month penalty for overpricing.

TRULY BEAUTIFUL BRICK FRONT TRANSITIONAL WITH LARGE OPEN LIVING SPACES, BAY WINDOW, WOOD FLOORS IN DINING ROOM, LARGE SECOND FLOOR LOFT AND BONUS ROOM, NICE BACK YARD WITH MATURE APPLE TREES AND UNDERGROUND FENCE FOR PETS.  A GREAT FAMILY HOME ONLY MINUTES TO RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, UNC HOSPITAL OR DUKE HOSPITAL.  THIS HOME HAS BEEN WELL CARED FOR AND APPLIANCES CONVEY AS WELL AS WINDOW TREATMENTS.  A MUST SEE IF YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR A HOME NEAR THESE TWO UNIVERSITIES/HOSPITALS.

ADDRESS:  2507 BECKETTS RIDGE DRIVE, HILLSBOROUGH, NC 27278
PRICE:  $282,500
SF:  2837
DOM:8
SUBDIVISION:  BECKETTS RIDGE

THIS Saturday and Sunday.... The Burlington Carousel Festival at City Park!

The City of Burlington’s Carousel Festival will be held from 10:00am to 6:00pm on Saturday, September 17th and from 1:00pm to 6:00pm on Sunday, September 18th in Burlington’s City Park. This annual event is a celebration of the historic Dentzel Menagerie Carousel which was built around 1910 by the Dentzel Family in Philadelphia Pennsylvania and has been the beloved centerpiece of City Park since October 8, 1948.

 The Carousel Festival is comprised of multiple features bringing entertainment, artisans, food vendors, and local non-profit organizations together in a celebration of tradition, family, and community. There is something for everyone at this year’s Carousel Festival.

 The Artist Alley features exhibitors displaying arts and crafts. The Carousel Tents in Artist Alley exhibit Carousel memorabilia, including original Carousel paintings and much more. The Children’s area offers a chance to ride the historic Dentzel Carousel in addition to the numerous other amusement rides located in the Park and the inflatables brought in by Interactive Playgrounds. The food court is sure to tantalize taste buds as Festival-goers enjoy the sights and sounds throughout the Park.

 In addition to the fabulous artisans, amusements and food, an impressive slate of musical and performing artists will be entertaining the crowds from the Jimmy Combs Pavilion, the Thataways Stage, and from the tent located across from the amusement park’s concession area.

 Headlining national recording artists, the River City Gang will be performing at 4:30pm on Sunday on the Main Stage at the Jimmy Combs Pavilion. Regional acts such as Eric & the Chill Tones and Holy Ghost Tent Revival, in addition to many local acts such as the Burlington Boy’s Choir, Alamance Jazz Band, will also be performing on the main stage during the Festival. The Thataways Stage will be host to performing artists such as, the Carousel Cloggers, the Williams Dance Team, and on Sunday, The Magnificents take the stage at 2:00pm. In addition to the concurrent performances on the two stages, walking entertainment will be provided throughout the Festival. The Lee brothers, Arts Alive, Ultimate Martial Arts, Karizma, and others will be making their way through the Park, entertaining guests at the third tent across from the amusement park concession area. For a detailed schedule of all performances scheduled for the Carousel Festival, please visit www.BurlingtonNC.gov/festival.

 At 3:00pm on Sunday, September 18th, the Alamance County Meals on Wheels and MidCarolina Bank will present the annual Rubber Duck Dash for Cash Race. During the Festival, you can buy $5 chances – rubber ducks—which will float in the race, if your duck wins, you’ll receive one of a variety of prizes. Call 228-8815 now to learn about sponsoring these rubber ducks.

 It is the strong support of local businesses and the community’s continued enthusiasm that makes the Burlington Carousel Festival one of the Southeast’s most anticipated and respected events. Burlington Recreation and Parks Department and MidCarolina Bank invite you on September 17th and 18th to the 24th annual Carousel Festival. Please call 222-5030 or visit  www.BurlingtonNC.gov/Festival [http://www.burlingtonnc.gov/Festival]  for additional information.

Market Update

The housing market continues its uneven and gradual recovery without the aid of the tax credit. Experts believe this will be the trend moving forward. Interest rates hit another record low but have started moving back up as the overall economy improves.

Despite a less-than-expected employment report, consumers seem to be feeling brighter about the future. While the Consumer Confidence Index about the Present Situation rose only slightly, the Expectation Index showed substantial improvement. As we enter into the holiday gift-buying season, consumers are expected to be out shopping and buying more gifts for under the tree this year. Reports indicate a 13-24% increase in retail sales from last year. Consumer spending accounts for about half of all economic activity in the US; as long as consumers are spending and using debt responsibly, this is a positive indicator for economic growth.

This march back up continues to provide excellent opportunities: an ample selection of homes, affordable prices, and historically low interest rates. Experts anticipate both the economy and the housing market will continue on a path to a complete recovery.

Home Sales

Home sales dropped slightly in October, compared with the previous month, despite a temporary moratorium on foreclosures, which have recently represented more than one third of sales activity. Sales were up 15% from July when the tax credit expiration caused a drop-off in sales. The most significant indicator of a market rebound, however, appears to be the October pending sales report. A 10.4% increase in pending sales, which measures homes under contract, signals stronger home sales activity in the coming months as the homes under contract close.

Home Price

Home prices have shown considerable stability when compared with the previous several years. October's median home price declined slightly, down less than 1% from the previous month and year. A recent study shows an increased interest in smaller homes. Smaller homes often mean smaller price tags, depending on location. While the market currently provides many opportunities for buyers, sellers look forward to the general trending upward of home price as the market's stability without government support grows deeper roots.

Inventory

There are fewer homes on the market. Total inventory fell to 3.86 million in October from 4 million in September. The month's supply* of homes on the market fell to 10.5 months.  While still at a relatively high level, months of inventory has shrunken substantially since July's 12.5 months. As lending standards continue to loosen and return to historical norms, more people will be able to buy their first home, move up, or invest and take advantage of the abundant opportunities in the current market - including  historically low interest rates, highly affordable prices, and an ample but shrinking selection of homes.

* Month's supply of inventory measures how many months it will take to sell all the homes that are for sale, if no new homes come on the market and buyers continue to buy at the same pace or rate.

Affordability

Housing is at record affordability levels. Prospective home buyers stand to benefit from the lowest mortgage rates in decades, as well as advantageous home prices. The home price-to-income ratio, 13.5% in October, continues to remain well below the historical standard. Stabilizing home prices and rising interest rates are anticipated to begin drawing affordability back up toward more normal levels.

Source: National Association of Realtors - October housing data released November 23.

Interest Rates

Mortgage rates hit another record low of 4.17% on November 11 after which they rose to close to 4.4% for the remainder of the month. Historically low rates have contributed to real savings for buyers who will continue to realize those savings for as long as they own the home. As overall economic recovery gains traction, rates must rise to keep inflation in check. Industry economist Lawrence Yun anticipates rates to be between 5.4% and 6% by the end of 2011.

Source: Freddie Mac, Rates as of December 2.

This Month's Video

Topics For Home Owners, Buyers & Sellers

Prime Time to Buy

Homes Have Never Been More Affordable

For most individual home buyers, there are only a few factors that really matter:

    •   Can I afford this home?

    •   Is it a good investment?

    •   Does it meet my family's needs?

So it's a bit surprising that the most important housing statistic has gone largely unreported: homes have never been more affordable.  Affordability, measured by the median mortgage payment on the current median-priced home ($171,000) as a percentage of the median household income ($62,141), is lower than it's been in a generation.  The chart below shows affordability at a record level, having significantly improved since the height of the recent housing boom in 2006.

For more detail, check out Keller Williams Realty's 7 Reasons Why Now Is a Great Time to Buy a Home!

There are many factors to consider when purchasing or selling a home.  Will home prices ever stop falling?  Will the housing market ever see a full recovery?  Can I sell my home in this market and make a profit?  If I do buy, how much will my home be worth a year down the road?

Recently, when doing a listing presentation to a potential client, the foreclosures in her neighborhood drastically impacted the price she could list her home.  Ultimately the decision was "not to list" now because of the huge loss of equity.  Once you lose money, its harder to recover and you have to grow your investment at a higher rate than your percentage decline.  If a market has dropped say by 20% and is recovering at 3% per year or at a lower rate, you can see how it can impact recovery.

According to the Triangle Multiple Listing Service "Those who are questioning home ownership are targeting current tax incentives and subsidies.  The majority of home buyers who purchased between 2006 and 2009 and have re-sold within the past 13 months have sold for less than prior purchase.  This has created a segment of the population who are skeptical about home ownership".

Current mortgage rates are still at historic lows (although they are creeping up) and the inventory of resale listings have increased from 8254 in 2007 to 10,660 in 2010 in this area.  New home listings have decreased from 5039 in 2007 to 2475 in 2010.  With an oversupply of housing (179 active homes for sale in Orange County, NC) the market will most likely see more price reductions.  Everyone needs a roof of their head whether you rent or buy.  There are still many mortgage programs to help purchase a home which is still considered the American Dream.  This is truly the time to buy.  While it could still take some time for prices to stop falling and used home sale to pick up, eventually it will happen.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, its extremely important to have an agent that knows current market conditions.  Decent schools and low crime rates remain in high demand.  Americans will always want to own their own homes, education and patience are essential.  Please contact us at www.fowleradvantage.com if we can help!

There are many factors to consider when purchasing or selling a home.  Will home prices ever stop falling?  Will the housing market ever see a full recovery?  Can I sell my home in this market and make a profit?  If I do buy, how much will my home be worth a year down the road?

Recently, when doing a listing presentation to a potential client, the foreclosures in her neighborhood drastically impacted the price she could list her home.  Ultimately the decision was "not to list" now because of the huge loss of equity.  Once you lose money, its harder to recover and you have to grow your investment at a higher rate than your percentage decline.  If a market has dropped say by 20% and is recovering at 3% per year or at a lower rate, you can see how it can impact recovery.

According to the Triangle Multiple Listing Service "Those who are questioning home ownership are targeting current tax incentives and subsidies.  The majority of home buyers who purchased between 2006 and 2009 and have re-sold within the past 13 months have sold for less than prior purchase.  This has created a segment of the population who are skeptical about home ownership".

Current mortgage rates are still at historic lows (although they are creeping up) and the inventory of resale listings have increased from 8254 in 2007 to 10,660 in 2010 in this area.  New home listings have decreased from 5039 in 2007 to 2475 in 2010.  With an oversupply of housing (179 active homes for sale in Orange County, NC) the market will most likely see more price reductions.  Everyone needs a roof of their head whether you rent or buy.  There are still many mortgage programs to help purchase a home which is still considered the American Dream.  This is truly the time to buy.  While it could still take some time for prices to stop falling and used home sale to pick up, eventually it will happen.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, its extremely important to have an agent that knows current market conditions.  Decent schools and low crime rates remain in high demand.  Americans will always want to own their own homes, education and patience are essential.  Please contact us at www.fowleradvantage.com if we can help!

There are many factors to consider when purchasing or selling a home.  Will home prices ever stop falling?  Will the housing market ever see a full recovery?  Can I sell my home in this market and make a profit?  If I do buy, how much will my home be worth a year down the road?

Recently, when doing a listing presentation to a potential client, the foreclosures in her neighborhood drastically impacted the price she could list her home.  Ultimately the decision was "not to list" now because of the huge loss of equity.  Once you lose money, its harder to recover and you have to grow your investment at a higher rate than your percentage decline.  If a market has dropped say by 20% and is recovering at 3% per year or at a lower rate, you can see how it can impact recovery.

According to the Triangle Multiple Listing Service "Those who are questioning home ownership are targeting current tax incentives and subsidies.  The majority of home buyers who purchased between 2006 and 2009 and have re-sold within the past 13 months have sold for less than prior purchase.  This has created a segment of the population who are skeptical about home ownership".

Current mortgage rates are still at historic lows (although they are creeping up) and the inventory of resale listings have increased from 8254 in 2007 to 10,660 in 2010 in this area.  New home listings have decreased from 5039 in 2007 to 2475 in 2010.  With an oversupply of housing (179 active homes for sale in Orange County, NC) the market will most likely see more price reductions.  Everyone needs a roof of their head whether you rent or buy.  There are still many mortgage programs to help purchase a home which is still considered the American Dream.  This is truly the time to buy.  While it could still take some time for prices to stop falling and used home sale to pick up, eventually it will happen.

Whether you are a buyer or a seller, its extremely important to have an agent that knows current market conditions.  Decent schools and low crime rates remain in high demand.  Americans will always want to own their own homes, education and patience are essential.  Please contact us at www.fowleradvantage.com if we can help!