Here is an except of an article that has very encouraging information for the Real Estate Markets.  For the full article, please contact me.

First American CoreLogic, a California-based housing and finance information firm, is forecasting that home prices around the country will bottom out by spring.

And in the D-FW area, prices should be slightly positive by August, the firm's economists predict.

"In August 2010, the index is projecting that 12-month appreciation for Dallas-Plano-Irving home prices will be 0.21 percent," First American's latest report said.

That compares with a 0.12 percent decline in home prices here in the 12 months ending August 2009, the analyst said.

First American CoreLogic Home Price Index

Metro areas ranked by best appreciation between August 2008 and August 2009.

1. Houston-area: 2.03%

2. Dallas : -0.12%

3. Boston -3.97%

4. Philadelphia : -5.22%

5. Washington , D.C. : -5.28%

6. Atlanta : -8.22%

7. New York : -11.72%

8. Chicago : -12.5%

9. Los Angeles : -14.02%

10. Miami : -16.82%

SOURCE: First American CoreLogic

LINNEA LAVELL  EARNS PRESTIGIOUS DESIGNATION TO HELP HOMEOWNERS IN DANGER OF FORECLOSURE

Linnea Lavell of RE/MAX First Realty II in Frisco has earned the prestigious Certified Distressed Property Expert (CDPE) designation, having completed extensive training in foreclosure avoidance and short sales. This is invaluable expertise to offer at a time when the area is ravaged by "distressed" homes in the foreclosure process.

Short sales allow the cash-strapped seller to repay the mortgage at the price that the home sells for, even though it is lower than what is owed on the property. With plummeting property values, this can save many people from foreclosure and even bankruptcy. More and more lenders are willing to consider short sales because they are much less costly than foreclosures.

In the Denton County area, more than 1030 homes are in danger of foreclosing. It is happening in all price ranges. Local experts say that even high-priced homes are not immune.

"This CDPE designation has been invaluable as I work with sellers and lenders on complicated short sales," said Ms. Lavell. "It is so rewarding to be able to help sellers save their homes from foreclosure."

Alex Charfen, founder of the Distressed Property Institute in Boca Raton, Fla., said that Realtors® such as Linnea Lavell with the CDPE designation have valuable training in short sales that can offer the homeowner much better alternatives to foreclosure, which virtually destroys the credit rating. These experts also may better understand market conditions and can help sellers through the emotional experience, he said.

The Distressed Property Institute opened in January 2008 and provides training on-site and online. The CDPE is the premier designation for Realtors helping homeowners in distress and handling short sales.

"Our goal is to educate as many people as possible so we can help as many homeowners as possible," Charfen said.

If you or someone you know is in danger of foreclosure, I may be able to help.  Here's how:

• For lenders, foreclosure is the last resort - one they wish to avoid if at all possible.
• They may be open to other options - ones that can help you avoid foreclosure and the drastic effect on your credit.
• Options may include modifying the loan to make it more affordable or short sale where the lender agrees to the sale of your home for less than the balance of the loan. This can have far less of an impact than a foreclosure on your credit.

If you have missed payments - or on the verge of doing so - don't waste any time.  I have the knowledge and the experience to help you navagate through the waters of today's economy.

I can't guarantee I'll be able to help you stay in your home.  But I promise you that I'll work with you to arrive at the best possible outcome for your particular circumstances.

Linnea Lavell
Realtor, CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert)

With the opening of the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge fast approaching, community leaders have joined together with the North Texas Tollway Authority to creat an event that would celebrate the opening of the bridge and allow the community to participate in the momentous occasion.  The result of their hard work being the creation of the Run the Lewisville Lake Bridge 5K Race and Family Fun Walk.  The event is a one time only chance for the public to walk or run this new North Texas landmark.  The event will be held on August 1, 2009 beginning at 8 a.m. with the 5K race.  To register or for more information, go to http://runlltb.com. 

All activities will begin in the West side of the bridge at Swisher Road.  Come join in the fun and celebration with us.

RE/MAX International, Inc.  proudly recognizes Linnea Lavell for five years of service with the RE/MAX Network.

The award was presented to Ms. Lavell by Joe Bugg from the Broker & Management Team of RE/MAX First Realty II at their monthly office meeting. 

"We at RE/MAX would like to thank Linnea for the commitment and skill these five years represent.   She is  highly valued as a vital contributor to the ongoing success of our network. "

RE/MAX Associates enjoy Agent Training on Demand through RE/MAX University on Mainstreet, the members' resource site.  With streaming video education available 24/7 at their desk or laptop, RE/MAX agents can earn advanced designations, take classes on Internet marketing and computer applications without the time or expense of travel.

Bill Williams, Broker, RE/MAX First Realty II said "We've seen how she handles clients, and the quality of professionalism she demonstrates in every phase of customer service. Since she has the added benefit of the worldwide RE/MAX branding power, and more national television, radio and print advertising than all our competitors combined, the sky is his limit."

Ms. Lavell's office is at RE/MAX First Realty II, located at 2831 Eldorado Pkwy., just two doors down from Starbucks, can be reached by calling (972) 294 4545, or visiting

http://www.linnealavell.remax-texas.com

The RE/MAX franchise network is a global real estate system with more than 7,000 independently owned offices engaging 113,000 member sales associates who lead the industry in professional designations, experience and production while providing real estate services in residential, commercial, referral, relocation, and asset management. Local community involvement is important to RE/MAX members who participate in thousands of local charitable causes and have raised more than $70 million for Children's Miracle Network. RE/MAX is also a major sponsor of the Komen Race for the Cure Survivor Program. For more information visit www.remax.com

*Each office independently owned and operated.