July Home Sales Down Yet Prices Edge Higher. - 08/26/10 09:34 AM
With the recent decline in pending sales reported a few weeks ago, it should come as no surprise that existing home sales would see a similar decline. According to the National Association Of Realtors existing home sales dropped 27.2 percent in July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.83 million units from 5.26 million in June, and they were 25.5 percent below the 5.14 million sold in 2009. Since May, after the tax credit deadline, contract signings have been notably lower and a pause period for homes sales was likely. Yet given the historically low mortgage interest rates and high housing affordability conditions, … (1 comments)

1139 Maher Road, Walton, Kentucky - 08/25/10 05:16 PM
 Rare Find. Beautiful open floor plan. Five bedroom home on 4 acres. Finished basement with walkout. Anderson windows, detached three car garage. Asking $305,000. Call Herb at 859-372-8019.
 

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Home Sales And Prices Rise In Q2 2010 - 08/24/10 07:18 AM
Sales of existing-homes rose 9.1 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.61 million in the second quarter from 5.14 million in the first quarter, and was 17.3 percent above the 4.78 million homes sold in the second quarter of 2009. Sales in 47 states and the District of Columbia were higher than a year ago. The national median home price of an existing home was $176,900 during the second quarter, up 1.5 percent from $174,200 a year ago. Distressed homes accounted for 32 percent of second-quarter sales, down from 36 percent a year ago. In the second quarter, 100 … (2 comments)

New Housing Starts Rise In July. - 08/22/10 09:31 AM
A little good news for the slowly recovering housing markets? According to the U.S. Commerce Department, Housing starts increased 1.7 percent. That data shows that new housing activity appears to be stabilizing in the wake of the expiration of the home buyer tax credit. However, a healthy economy requires not only a good housing sector but stronger employment and income numbers than we currently have. Builders, rightly so, are very reluctant to build more homes in view of the current state of the economy and weak buyer demand.
But what does a recovering housing start market, in general, mean for the average homeowner? As our … (1 comments)

The Current Housing Markets Favorite Dance. - 08/19/10 12:26 PM
Ever heard of the Limbo? Today many homeowners are trapped in limbo, living in homes but not paying for them, waiting to see if someone will help or throw them out. Sure some are victims of their economic circumstances, yet others are opportunists, choosing not to spend on a house worth less than they owe. Instead the live rent free until their lender makes a move.
This is a radical departure from previous crashes in real estate. Before there were far fewer troubled loans and banks moved speedily on those who fell behind on their payments. Now most lenders simply can't … (0 comments)

National And Local Housing Information. - 08/17/10 07:27 PM
Welcome to the most current issue of our Housing Trends Newsletter. This Newsletter is specially designed with national and local housing information that you may find useful.
Please copy and paste this link to view the Newsletter. http://herb.housingtrendsenewsletter.com
The Newsletter contains the latest information from the National Association of REALTORS®, the U.S. Census Bureau, Realtor.org reports and other sources.
It also includes press releases with charts and videos, key market indicators and real estate sales and price statistics, a video message by a nationally recognized economist, maps, mortgage rates and calculators, consumer articles, plus community reports that map shopping, schools, recreation and … (1 comments)

Loans Are Not Priced by "Excellent, Good, Fair, Poor" - 08/14/10 07:32 AM

Via Deborah Garvin California Mortgage Financing (Capital Empire Funding, a subsidiary of Gateway):
Many, many loan officers and banks post mortgage rates on a daily basis.  Many even have a nifty widget that enables the consumer to input a few general critera (loan amount, purpose, value, credit score...or, more likely:  "excellent, good, fair, poor" and, voila', up pops a rate and the consumer is compelled (?) to call to start the loan process.  The problem is that the rate the consumer is able to generate through a self guided mortgage rate calculation tool is very likely completely incorrect.
First off, lenders do … (1 comments)

New Homeowners Are Happy! - 08/13/10 06:33 AM
According to a survey conducted by Bankrate.com, 90 percent of respondents said they had no regrets about buying their current home. That means an overwhelming number of homeowners are happy with the decision to purchase their home, despite the challenging housing market.
The survey aslo revealed a positive outcome related to the challenging housing market, homeowners are far more knowledgeable about their mortgage. Lesss than 10 percent of homeowners didn't know whether they have a fixed or adjustable rate loan, compared to 25 percent just two years ago.
The survey underscores the value homeowners place on their houses, both financially and socially.
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How To Maintain A Healthy Credit Score. - 08/12/10 10:38 AM
A healthy credit score is very important in todays world. As large banks tighten lending standards it is important to have your score as high as you possibly can.
Credit scores range from 300 to 850, the higher the number the better the rating. The score is formulated from payment history, amounts of money owed, length of your credit history, new credit accounts opened and how you have utilized your credit. While you can't buy a good score, you can build one over time by demonstrating that you are responsible.
To improve your credit score, consider starting with these steps.
1. … (3 comments)

My House Is Not Selling And I Want To Buy Now! - 08/11/10 11:25 AM

Via Carra Riley CRB, CRS, GRI (Author, Speaker, Consultant, Second Homes AZ LLC):
My House Is Not Selling And I Want To Buy Now!
This is the dilemma I heard from a Broker I was talking with recently who was frustrated with a seller. The seller has an overpriced condo in an area which is not easily accessible from a main street. The seller wants open houses and newspaper ads to ger her condo sold so she can move on to a bigger home.  This sounded to me like a familiar problem.
The broker had given the seller the statistics of … (1 comments)

Who Do You Spend Your Time With? - 08/09/10 11:24 AM
Ever aspired to be depressed? If you make a list of life's best achievements, do you include becoming a permanent resident on someday isle? When you make out your daily to do list does it include hanging out by the coffee pot gossiping with fellow associates, or spending time one on one with a person who does nothing but complain about how the world has dealt him a lousy hand? Feeling too familiar with any statements in this first paragraph or was your response who would want to live life like that?
Think of a bright and inspiring person, what thoughts come to mind? Usually, I'd like to know them … (1 comments)

DEED IN LIEU - PRESERVATION COMPANY FRAUDULENT BILLS - WATCH OUT! - 08/09/10 07:44 AM

Via Richard Zaretsky, Florida Real Estate Attorney (Richard P. Zaretsky P.A. - Bd Certified Real Estate Attorney):
I just can't get a day of rest! One of my clients had a rotten experieince this week with a home inspector.
REDC, the California company that does default solutions and auctions for lenders, has gotten a nice niche for doing home inspections for lenders just prior to the lender accepting and filing a deed in lieu of foreclosure.  They hire local inspectors and contractors to review the interior and exterior of the home and make necessary remedial actions if necessary.  The problem is that … (4 comments)

Features To Highlight When Selling Your Home. - 08/07/10 08:57 AM
 
According to recent surveys, there are some fairly distinctive must haves for home buyers. For sellers trying to compete in this tough housing market, these findings can help emphasize some of the best features in their home to highlight in a listing to appeal to the greatest number of buyers.
Top 5 Things to Highlight:
1. Master Bedroom - The number one must have for buyers. Master suites are very appealing to buyers,. Be sure to take photos that show the entire suite, bathroom and discribe the master in all marketing materials plus the MLS listing.

2. Parking - This is … (3 comments)

Avoid Home Buyer Mistakes. - 08/05/10 07:23 AM
In the market to buy a home? You may have already realized that the process involves many different aspects that require certain levels of knowledge. Chances are some of the process might be a bit foreign to most. By aligning yourself with a team of professionals, you are sure to avoid some of the most common home buyer mistakes. Below are suggestions to help avoid many mistakes home buyers make.
1. Hire the Right Realtor. Notice it says Realtor verses agent? Personalities and experience levels range greatly, just as with any profession. Consider interviewing several Realtors before deciding on which one to … (1 comments)

Are You Show-Ready? - 08/04/10 09:56 AM
 
Via Tom Branch, Broker, CDPE, SFR (RE/MAX Dallas Suburbs):
We were out showing homes and began wondering why so many occupied homes are not properly prepared for showings. The sellers knew we were going to show their home several hours in advance and yet most of them were not "show-ready" when we arrived.
What is "show-ready"? Here's a little background before we answer the question.
Homes sell on either emotion or price. Homes that create emotion with buyers sell faster and at a higher price. Many sellers hire a professional stager to help create that warm and inviting atmosphere. While professional … (1 comments)

GOD.....HOW DO YOU PLEASE HIM ? - 08/03/10 10:53 AM
 
Via Richie Naggar Ran Right Realty Riverside, Ca:
Religion and beliefs tend to be a very personal subject with people. I wonder why? Joseph Campbell wrote many books after studying the worldwide phenomenon of man's desire to cry out unto something greater than himself. Every tribe, culture, nation, and group believes in the greater power.......
LETS TALK ABOUT IT.........explore it, and learn from doing it
The lord GOD of the heaven and earth, The GOD of peace and truth, The lord of light and majesty, are just a few of the callings out to GOD by man. There are millions of … (1 comments)

855 Oak Street Ludlow, Kentucky 41016 $75,900. - 08/02/10 06:07 PM
Cozy two bedroom historic home located in walking distance to park and river. $75,900. Call Herb Johnson at Remax Affiliates, 859-372-8019.




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Checklist If Your Home Is Currently On The Market. - 08/02/10 01:23 PM
As the seller, you have relatively little to do at this point. Avoid common glitches by keeping abreast of progress on both sides.
Be aware if the buyer is having trouble getting a loan on the terms specified in the contract. If he/she is turned down, it could jeopardize the whole deal, and your house could be put back on the market. A day or so before closing, make sure all the necessary papers and documents have been gathered and are in the hands of the right parties.
Things can go wrong. Documents can be misplaced, delayed or lost. However, common … (2 comments)

Digitally Enhanced Listing Really Looks Like Garbage In Person..... GO FIGURE - 08/02/10 10:43 AM
 
Via Greg Nino Houston Texas (RE/MAX West Houston Professionals):
My buyer was really excited about seeing a local house. Under agent remarks (not viewable by the public) it reads: Photos have been digitally enhanced to better visualize the amazing possibilities!

The "photo's" on the MLS have been digitally altered with furniture, paint, lamps, carpet. wood trim and repairs. NONE OF WHICH have been done in real life. The listing agent is working with some digital home stager to create an appearance of what they think the home MIGHT look like if you were to spend the money.
Under the digitally altered photo's … (1 comments)

 
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Herb Johnson Northern Kentucky Realtor, Remax

Florence, KY

More about me…

NKYRealty/ REMAX Affiliates

Address: Florence, KY, 41042

Office Phone: (859) 372-8019

Cell Phone: (859) 372-8019

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