January 2011 Homes Sales Up 11% - 02/23/11 02:59 PM
The San Antonio Board of REALTORS (SABOR) recently reported home sale statistics for the month of January 2011.
 

 
This January home sales report comes as good news to the San Antonio real estate market. Single-family home sales for January 2011 totaled 922 homes. This represents over an 11% increase in homes sales compared to January 2010.
This is significant because this is the first month we have seen a year-over-year increase in home sales since the federal homebuyers tax credit expired during the first part 2010. January 2011 home sales exceeded last year’s home sales in which an … (2 comments)

The Economy is Built on Real Estate - look at these stats! - 02/17/11 03:53 PM

If you’ve ever doubted the importance of the real estate industry, consider these statistics released by the National Association of Realtors:
Home sales in this country generate more than 2.5 million private sector jobs, and for every two homes sold a job is created.
Every home purchased pumps up to $60,000 into the economy over time for furniture, home improvements and related items.
Housing accounts for more than 15% of the Gross Domestic Product.
Housing led this country out of six of the last eight recessions.
Thanks to the NAR for reporting these important facts.
The bottom line is that … (3 comments)

WSJ.com Reports good sign for Housing - 02/12/11 12:17 PM

The Wall Street Journal reported cash buyers are grabbing up real estate deals and “breathing life into some of the nation’s most battered housing markets.” The jump in cash purchases is also a sign of revival for the economy.
 

 
According to NAR, 28% of sales in 2010 were all-cash transactions. When NAR began tracking cash transactions in October 2008, it was 14%.
It isn’t clear if housing prices have bottomed, but current bargains are luring buyers into the market. And those with cash can often pay 10-15% less than the asking price since deals are more likely … (1 comments)

Single and Buying a Home - 02/09/11 02:33 PM

According to Advertising Age, never married singles age 25-34 now outnumber married couples in the same age group. This is a dramatic reversal from 20 years ago when marriages held a 20 point edge. The data comes from the US Census.
Marketers are taking note because singles often have more disposable income than married people do. This translates into home sales too. For example, single women accounted for 20% of all homebuyers in 2010, according to the NAR.
Some real estate companies are reaching out to this demographic. Advertising Age quotes Michael Fisher, the CMO for Coldwell Banker, “You can’t ignore the single buyer … (2 comments)

NEW! Facebook, Twitter and YouTube Uploads - 02/08/11 11:30 AM

Social Networking is now easier than ever via. We are happy to announce a direct link from your Homes & Land control panel to FaceBook, Twitter and YouTube!
 
 

 
No matter how you connect with your social network, Homes & Land can help. Now you can share your listings on Facebook and Twitter directly from the Control Panel. You can even post an EZTour on YouTube to help a listing "go viral." It's never been easier to market your services and your inventory - just upload your listing, click to select it and share it online. 
… (0 comments)

February Cover Feature - Ultimate Collector's Estate - 02/04/11 12:03 PM
The New Issue of Homes & Land is Now Available. Pick one up today or view the online version of the magazine.
This month's cover property is presented by Laura Fore of Fore Premier Properties
 


This 14.42-acre luxury residence located in the beautiful Hill Country is improved w/over 3,900 SqFt of living space & offers awe inspiring panorama views. This home showcases different characteristics of the 1920s era, without losing today’s modern efficiency conveniences. Interior features a grand two story living room, retro inspired eat-in kitchen with all the modern conveniences, a wonderful master suite boasting period based … (1 comments)

Long Distance Moves Hit Record Lows - 02/01/11 11:30 AM

The Associated Press reported that fewer Americans are relocating to other parts of the country. This is due to a sluggish economy and younger people without jobs staying closer to home.
According to the Census Bureau, the share of long distance moves fell to 4.3 million people, 1.4% percent of the population. Overall, 38 million people, roughly 12.5% of the population, made some kind of move to a new residence. The percentage of people who moved within the same county increased slightly in 2010 from 2009.
The level of people making long moves had already declined prior the recession due … (0 comments)