Well, we have allowed the media once again to bring the "not-so-positive" news straight to the front page.  As a result the confidence of the buyers and sellers is what is really is at an all time low.  Yes, it is true that our numbers may be down since last year, however, last year (2006) the Memphis Real Estate Market saw lucrative numbers which means the slight drop truly is not as devasting as the news portrays it,

The national media loves to cover the fall of the real estate market and include such inspirational phrases such as "downward spiral" and "sinking values".  The job of the Real Estate Agent has become increasingly more difficult when you constantly have to reassure your clients.  We sell Real Estate home by home and neighborhood by neighborhood, the national media can't tell you what market trends are happening in your community.  So trust in your agent, they know the pros and cons of each neighborhood and can give you specific market information for that defined area.

The Memphis Area Association of REALTORS® (MAAR) reports that homes sales for 2007 as recorded by Memphis-area REALTORS® in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), totaled 16,791, down 14.9 percent from the record 19,738 homes sold in 2006, making 2007 the fourth-best year on record. Total home sales volume for 2007 was $2.87 billion, down 16.1 percent from 2006. For the full year 2007, the average sales price market wide was down 1.3 percent to $171,000 from $173,200 in 2006. The median sales price showed a similar decline, down 1.4 percent to $136,000 from $138,000 in 2006.

"With the increased negative media coverage of real estate last year, psychological factors continued to play into the weakening results we've seen despite the ongoing strength of our local market and some of the best conditions for buyers in recent history," - MAAR President John Snyder.

 

But green's the color of spring
And green can be cool and friendly-like
And green can be big like a mountain
Or important like a river
Or tall like a tree

When green is all there is to be
It could make you wonder why
But why wonder why wonder
I am green, and it'll do fine
It's beautiful, and I think it's what I want to be 
                                --Kermit the Frog

 

Are you green?  There are many, many ways to help our environment some of the most simple things. but is it all too confusing.  As part of my local blog at http://www.memphisrealestateblogger.com/ I am really working on the one stop place for advice, tips and more for more than real estate.  There are thousands upon thousands of sites that list tips on this and let's not forget tips on that.  In an effort to compile this information for my readers.....ok my READER, I hope to share some with everyone. 

I think we would all like to be greener than we are, but just what does that mean?  If you are not a guru on the subject it can be somewhat overwhelming.  Years ago we all thought that recycling our paper and aluminum cans meant we were really contributing to saving our environment.  But not anymore.  Green is mainstream and there are many options, choices and approaches to the matter.  Green homes, cars, gifts, babies, gardening, cleaning and etc.  So let's get started, below are some really simple tips and as part of my new blog (I'm undecided how often to post my updates.....I'll have to ask that reader) I'll be posting more on a regular basis and would love to get tips from you guys on how you have "gone green".

1.  Change to a Compact Fluorescent Light Blub (CFLs).  They use about 65% less energy and yes they cost a little more upfront, but remember, they burn 10 times longer.

2.  Use eco-friendly cleaners.  Cleaners that are toxic make their way into the groundwater so options such as 7th Generation clean just as well as others that use harsh chemicals.

3.  Eat local, eat organic.  My favorite.  Eating local saves transporation fuel, eating organic keeps chemicals out of the soil.  Besides, you should be supporting your local businesses in your community anyway.

4.  The no brainer - RECYCLE, RECYCLE, RECYCLE!!

5.  The easiest one, Look for the energy saving star and visit www.energystar.gov - the EPA website.

What do I do about holiday decorating if I have my home on the market?  Can you believe it, I just finished counting the Halloween candy and I'm already getting these questions. 

Less is more is the absolute correct answer. 

A fresh wreath on the front door is welcoming but houses present much better without a lot of holiday decor. Be wise and don't block focal spaces with Christmas trees and additional holiday decor.  Homes that use minimal decorations and lights present much better than the ones overdone.  Remember decorating for the holidays is personal and when preparing a house to sell, the emphasis to personalize should be minimized always.   People can't imagine making your home theirs if your decorations dominate the staging.  Keep in mind some of these tips for your holiday season:

Don't cover items that could be a feature with your decorations. 

When deciding on colors, opt for red since it is a more appealing color.

Display your centerpieces using natural items such as pine cones, garland, evergreens.

Then go for the gusto, simmer the hot cocoa, apple cider or bake those cookies.  Since when do people not like to munch on sweets during those drab winter months.  That smell of cinnamon or chocolate just might make them think of home. 

 

 

That's it, nothing like creating a storm on a site that already incorporates the word "rain".  However, I do only feel it brewing.  After reading article upon article at website after website I feel the creativity beginning to build.  People really do write/blog about anything, no really, anything.  I read a blog a few moments ago about the end of Vanilla Pepsi.  The Vanilla Pepsi blog was astounding!  Being a Pepsi drinker myself I didn't even know they made it in the first place.   As I read all the tips and hints to avoid writer's block, coming up with creative blogs that will grab the reader's attention and continually draw people to your web site......the phone rings.  Someone needs something, they are in complete panic mode and I as "SuperAgent" must divert my attention to one million different things.  Did I mention something about creativity or writing a real blog post earlier in this paragraph? 

The Jason Gaia Team has some great listings in Memphis, Germantown and Collierville.  We hope that you take a look not just for yourself but for anyone you know that may be looking to move. 

1360 Goodbar 214,900 (Central Gardens)

357 N. McNeil 179,000 (Evergreen Historic District)

372 N. Angelus 157,500 (Evergreen Historic District)

4820 Parkside 139,900 (Colonial Acres)

1005 Rolling Oak 345,00 (Collierville)

8386 Creek Bridge Cove 347.000 (Germantown)

 Please log on to www.JasonGaiaTeam.com to view these and many others.  Take virtual tours, visity my blog www.memphisrealestateblogger.com and tell me what you think about Memphis and the Real Estate Market.  Tell me about your favorite neighborhood and why you live where you live.  You can also get tips and pointers from our panel of experts.

 Thanks, hope to see you soon!

The Jason Gaia Team represents the total package in real estate.  Quite simply, we are knowledgeable in our field and are prepared to help you make the decisions that will influence one of the largest investments you will ever make.  The Jason Gaia Team is made up of a team of experts involved in each facet of the real estate industry.  Our team is committed to making the journey to the closing table not only smooth but enjoyable.