http://activerain.com/blogs/melissamillerteam The Fingerlakes region of New York State, Cayuga, Seneca, Owasco, Skaneatales, and Canandiagua. Cornell University, Ithaca College en-us http://activerain.com/blogsview/1184036/ithaca-ny-market-report-on-inventory-for-august-2009 <p>Looking thru a photograph I found inside a drawer I was taken by a photograph of you.... Wait that was the Jackson Browne concert at CMAC last Saturday. Sorry</p> <p>Looking through the Ithaca Board Statistics I was taken by the amount of homes available under $200,000. The total number of homes for sale in the IBR today 8/6/09 is 742. Of those homes 315 are listed under $200,000. That's a lot of possibilities, granted some of those homes might need a total rehab but in a market like this, that's a sign to go shopping.</p> <p>If you are a serious buyer who has their financing in check and home ownership is in your short site then you are in a terrific place. A bonus if you qualify for the $8000.00 tax credit if you close by December 1, 2009. Today's buyer is in a strong position to negotiate, and upon finding the right home and getting it at the right price you could even build equity in your home at a rapid rate.</p> <p>SUPPLY -vs.-DEMAND The timeless principle. With such an increase in inventory most seller's are competing with soo many other homes. Well informed and capable home seller's know they should get their homes in the best condition they can to get the best price. Seller's are looking for buyer's to make them a reasonable offer and they are ready to sell or they wouldn&lsquo;t be on the market. Not all seller's are desperate, be careful to get the full facts on the property, it's pricing history, the time it's been on the market and who it's competition is. NOTE: Low balling works so infrequently, but when it does it gets shouted from the mountain top and everybody wants in. An irrational low ball with no justification will basically just peeve the seller, and ruin your credibility so be careful.</p> <p>In the last 14 days 89 new properties came on the market with an average list price of $235,845 and a price per square foot reported at $105.46. Currently there are 216 homes under contract or sale pending at an average price of $186,636 at $105.67 per square foot. There are 742 sellers that want you to see their house today.</p> <p>Call your agent and HURRY for the $8000.00 tax credit. It takes on average 60 days to close on a home. That is with everyone doing what they should do on a set timeline. Most closings are delayed by an extra two weeks to that is 74 days. The DAM is going to break here shortly so if you are a first time home buyer and this credit works for you than get out there with your agent be in contract by September 15^thto be safe. HAPPY HOUSE HUNTING.</p> <p>Melissa Miller</p> <p>A fan of Jackson Browne</p> <p>RE/MAX In Motion</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Thu, 06 Aug 2009 08:13:05 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1184036/ithaca-ny-market-report-on-inventory-for-august-2009 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1175783/room-to-roam-and-a-place-to-call-home- <div style="color: #333333;"><table cellspacing="0" border="0" height="100%" cellpadding="10" width="100%"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="740"> <tr> <td></td> <td height="20"> <div style="background-color: #6B4242; color: #FFFEFD; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><strong>Melissa Miller Team</strong> | RE/MAX In Motion<a href="http://www.postlets.com/email_interest.php?pid=2549806&amp;v=re" style="color: #FFFEFD;"></a> | 607-351-1995</div> </td> </tr> </table> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" style="" width="740"> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="7" width="100%"> <tr> <td style="background-color: #E6E6E6;"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1" width="100%"> <tr> <td height="30"><div style="color: #524239;">1252 Genoa Locke Townline Road, Locke, NY</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="560"> <div style="color: #333333;">Room to Roam and a place to call Home!</div></td> </tr> </table></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #E6E6E6;"> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="4" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;" width="724"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td height="35" width="350"> <div style="color: #333333;">3BR/2.5BA Single Family House</div></td> <td><span style="padding-right: 5px;"></span></td> <td><div style="color: #333333;">offered at $249,900</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;" width="100%"> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #333333;" width="125">Year Built</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;">1999 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #333333;">Sq Footage</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;">2,088 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #333333;">Bedrooms</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;">3</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #333333;">Bathrooms</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;">2 full, 1 partial </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #333333;">Floors</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"> 1 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #333333;">Parking</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"> 1 Car garage </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #333333;">Lot Size</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;">10 acres </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #333333;">HOA/Maint</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;">$0 per month</td> </tr> </table> <br> <div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> DESCRIPTION</span></div> <hr style=""> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"> <tr> <td style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;">Terrific Property with 10 acres - PRIVACY and set far off the road. Lovely home with 3 bedrooms (3rd is an office now),2.5 baths, hot tub room, hardwood floors, formal rooms, fireplace, detached garage. Large kitchen with breakfast bar, and a massive full basement that is dry and partially finished, a great recreation room. Detached garage has workshop space. A must see!</td> </tr> </table> </td> <td width="5"><span style="padding-right: 5px;"></span></td> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="8" style="background-color: #6B4242;" width="100%"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090731/115033_Genoa_locke.jpg" border="1" height="262" width="350"><br> </td> </tr> </table> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="1" width="350"> <tr> <td height="25" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;">see additional photos below</td> </tr></table></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #E6E6E6;"><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="4" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;" width="724"> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PROPERTY FEATURES</span></div> <hr style=""> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"><tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"> <td width="33%">- Fireplace</td> <td width="33%">- Walk-in closet</td> <td width="33%">- Hardwood floor</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"> <td width="33%">- Tile floor</td> <td width="33%">- Living room</td> <td width="33%">- Bonus/Rec room</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"> <td width="33%">- Office/Den</td> <td width="33%">- Dining room</td> <td width="33%">- Breakfast nook</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"> <td width="33%">- Dishwasher</td> <td width="33%">- Refrigerator</td> <td width="33%">- Stove/Oven</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"> <td width="33%">- Basement</td> <td width="33%">- Washer</td> <td width="33%">- Dryer</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"> <td width="33%">- Yard</td> <td width="33%">- Swimming pool</td> <td width="33%"></td></tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> <br> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">COMMUNITY FEATURES</span></div> <hr style=""> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"><tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"> <td width="33%">- Garage parking</td> <td width="33%"></td><td width="33%"></td></tr> </table><p> </td> </tr> </table> <br> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES</span></div> <hr style=""> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"><tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"> <td>- Private setting</td></tr> </table><p> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #E6E6E6;"><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="4" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;" width="724"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"><tr> <td> <div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ADDITIONAL PHOTOS </span></div> <hr style=""><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"><tr><td height="262" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090731/115033_Genoa_locke.jpg" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 1</div></td><td style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090731/115033_129720_3.jpg" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 2</div><tr><td height="262" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090731/115033_129720_5.jpg" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 3</div></td><td style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090731/115033_129720_7.jpg" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 4</div><tr><td height="262" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090731/115034_129720_9.jpg" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 5</div></td><td style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #333333;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090731/115034_129720_11.jpg" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 6</div></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr> <td style="background-color: #E6E6E6;" width="50%"> <table cellspacing="1" border="0" cellpadding="0" style="background-color: #E6E6E6;" width="350"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="5" width="100%"> <tr> <td><div style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Contact info:</span></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="35"><span style="padding-right: 5px;"></span></td> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="2" width="100%"> <tr><td><div style="color: #333333;">Melissa Miller Team</div></td></tr> <tr><td><div style="color: #333333;">RE/MAX In Motion</div></td></tr> <tr><td><div style="color: #333333;">607-351-1995</div></td></tr> <tr> <td><div style="color: #333333;">For sale by agent/broker</div></td> </tr> </table></td> </tr> </table><br></td> </tr> </table></td> </tr> </table></td></tr></table></td> </tr> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td style="background-color: #E6E6E6;"><span style="padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/css/styles/unionsquare/btn_powered.gif" border="0" height="25" alt="powered by postlets" width="140"></span></td> <td style="background-color: #E6E6E6;"><a href="http://www.craigslist.org/about/FHA.html" style="color: #524239; text-decoration: none;">Equal Opportunity Housing</a></td> <td style="background-color: #E6E6E6;" width="35"><span style="padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/images/eoh_logo.gif" height="18" width="24"></span></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table></td> </tr> </table> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="740"> <tr> <td height="20"><div style="background-color: #6B4242; color: #FFFEFD; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">Posted: Jul 31, 2009, 8:46am PDT</div></td> </tr> </table></td></tr> </table></div> <div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Fri, 31 Jul 2009 12:06:51 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1175783/room-to-roam-and-a-place-to-call-home- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1171230/check-out-this-affordable-lansing-ny-gem-for-sale- <div style="color: #6F6F65;"><table cellspacing="0" border="0" height="100%" cellpadding="10" width="100%"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="740"> <tr> <td></td> <td height="20"> <div style="background-color: #4B532A; color: #FDF8D8; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><strong>Melissa Miller Team</strong> | RE/MAX In Motion<a href="http://www.postlets.com/email_interest.php?pid=2534634&amp;v=re" style="color: #FDF8D8;"></a> | 607-351-1995</div> </td> </tr> </table> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-left: 1px solid #e7e6d7; border-right: 1px solid #e7e6d7;" width="740"> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="7" width="100%"> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"> <table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="1" width="100%"> <tr> <td height="30"><div style="color: #8E0700;">1214 Ridge Road, Lansing, NY</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="560"> <div style="color: #5E5E56;">Looking for more space? Look no further!</div></td> </tr> </table></td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="4" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;" width="724"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td height="35" width="350"> <div style="color: #4B532A;">5BR/3BA Single Family House</div></td> <td><span style="padding-right: 5px;"></span></td> <td><div style="color: #4B532A;">offered at $169,900</div></td> </tr> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;" width="100%"> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;" width="125">Year Built</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">1998 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Sq Footage</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">2,476 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Bedrooms</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">5</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Bathrooms</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">3 full, 0 partial </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Floors</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;"> 2 </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Parking</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;"> 2 Car garage </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">Lot Size</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">2.2 acres </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 12px; font-weight: bold; color: #4B532A;">HOA/Maint</td> <td style="background-color: #FFFEFD; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #4B532A;">$0 per month</td> </tr> </table> <br> <div style="color: #4B532A;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> DESCRIPTION</span></div> <hr style=""> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"> <tr> <td style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;">SPACE SPACE SPACE. In the Lansing School District you will find this expansive ranch style home with 5 bedrooms and 2 levels of living space. Open floor plan with kitchen, living room, dining room, fireplace, and a lower level family room. Decks and a private yard. Country Living!</td> </tr> </table> </td> <td width="5"><span style="padding-right: 5px;"></span></td> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="8" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;" width="100%"> <tr> <td><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090728/141414_DSCN0049.JPG" border="1" height="262" width="350"><br> </td> </tr> </table> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="1" width="350"> <tr> <td height="25" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;">see additional photos below</td> </tr></table></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="4" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;" width="724"> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #4B532A;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">PROPERTY FEATURES</span></div> <hr style=""> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"><tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <td width="33%">• Fireplace</td> <td width="33%">• Walk-in closet</td> <td width="33%">• Family room</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <td width="33%">• Living room</td> <td width="33%">• Bonus/Rec room</td> <td width="33%">• Office/Den</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <td width="33%">• Dining room</td> <td width="33%">• Dishwasher</td> <td width="33%">• Refrigerator</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <td width="33%">• Stove/Oven</td> <td width="33%">• Microwave</td> <td width="33%">• Basement</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <td width="33%">• Washer</td> <td width="33%">• Dryer</td> <td width="33%">• Laundry area - inside</td> </tr> <tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <td width="33%">• Balcony, Deck, or Patio</td> <td width="33%">• Yard</td> <td width="33%"></td></tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> <br> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"> <tr> <td> <div style="color: #4B532A;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">COMMUNITY FEATURES</span></div> <hr style=""> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"><tr style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"> <td width="33%">• Garage parking</td> <td width="33%"></td><td width="33%"></td></tr> </table><p> </td> </tr> </table> <br> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="4" style="background-color: #FFFEFD;" width="724"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="3" width="100%"><tr> <td> <div style="color: #4B532A;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">ADDITIONAL PHOTOS </span></div> <hr style=""><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"><tr><td height="262" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090728/141414_DSCN0049.JPG" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 1</div></td><td style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090728/141415_DSCN0047.JPG" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 2</div><tr><td height="262" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090728/141416_Living_Rm.jpg" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 3</div></td><td style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090728/141416_Basement.jpg" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 4</div><tr><td height="262" style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090728/141417_Master.jpg" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 5</div></td><td style="font-size: 12px; font-weight: normal; color: #5E5E56;"><div style="padding-left: 2px; padding-right: 2px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/create/photos/20090728/141417_Deck_3.jpg" border="0" width="344"><br>Photo 6</div></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></td></tr></table></td></tr><tr> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;" width="50%"> <table cellspacing="1" border="0" cellpadding="0" style="border-left: 1px solid #e7e6d7; border-top: 1px solid #e7e6d7; border-bottom: 1px solid #e7e6d7; background-color: #e7e6d7;" width="350"> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="5" width="100%"> <tr> <td><div style="color: #4B532A;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> Contact info:</span></div></td> </tr> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td width="35"><span style="padding-right: 5px;"></span></td> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="2" width="100%"> <tr><td><div style="color: #5E5E56;">Melissa Miller Team</div></td></tr> <tr><td><div style="color: #5E5E56;">RE/MAX In Motion</div></td></tr> <tr><td><div style="color: #5E5E56;">607-351-1995</div></td></tr> <tr> <td><div style="color: #5E5E56;">For sale by agent/broker</div></td> </tr> </table></td> </tr> </table><br></td> </tr> </table></td> </tr> </table></td></tr></table></td> </tr> <tr> <td><table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"><span style="padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/css/styles/sonoma/btn_powered.gif" border="0" height="25" alt="powered by postlets" width="140"></span></td> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;"><a href="http://www.craigslist.org/about/FHA.html" style="color: #8E0700; text-decoration: none;">Equal Opportunity Housing</a></td> <td style="background-color: #e7e6d7;" width="35"><span style="padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px;"><img src="http://www.postlets.com/images/eoh_logo.gif" height="18" width="24"></span></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table></td> </tr> </table> <table cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="740"> <tr> <td height="20"><div style="background-color: #4B532A; color: #FDF8D8; padding-left: 5px; padding-right: 5px; padding-top: 2px; padding-bottom: 2px;">Posted: Jul 28, 2009, 11:09am PDT</div></td> </tr> </table></td></tr> </table></div> <div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:24:32 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1171230/check-out-this-affordable-lansing-ny-gem-for-sale- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1108313/ithaca-re-max-agent-is-first-to-earn-nar-green-designation <p>Shari Landsman, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson and EcoBroker at RE/MAX In Motion in downtown Ithaca has earned the National Association of Realtors (NAR) Green Designation. <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/9/7/6/5/ar12445732456798.jpg" height="85" alt="NAR Green designation" width="197" style="float: right;" /></p> <p>The NAR Green Designation is a real estate designation that helps real estate professionals be an advocate for green principles in the design and use of homes and a positive force for creating sustainable communities.</p> <p><br />The designation also provides real estate professionals with knowledge and awareness of green building principles applied in residences so that they can guide buyer-clients in purchasing and retrofitting green hom<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/7/6/7/7/ar124457332977672.jpg" height="105" alt="Shari Landsman" width="104" style="float: left;" />es as well as help sellers by listing and marketing the green features of their properties.</p> <p><br />Shari's knowledge and awareness of green building principles enhances her ability to help local home buyers and sellers who want to or have been thinking about going green. &nbsp;&nbsp;This is the second green designation for Shari; she earned her EcoBroker's certification last year.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>To learn more about going green with real estate please visit <a href="http://www.greenresourcecounsil.org/">www.greenresourcecounsil.org</a> and to learn more about Shari Landsman, visit <a href="http://www.sharilandsman.com/">www.ShariLandsman.com</a></p> <p>RE/MAX in motion is a full service Real Estate Brokerage that serves Tompkins, Tioga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Schuyler Counties. <a href="http://www.reinmotion.com/">www.REinMotion.com</a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:51:26 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1108313/ithaca-re-max-agent-is-first-to-earn-nar-green-designation http://activerain.com/blogsview/1097854/did-you-know-tax-credit-nuances-by-lindsay-hart-lres-at-re-max <p>Everywhere you turn, it's first time home buyer tax credit this and tax credit that.&nbsp;&nbsp; So even in my fear of <span style="text-decoration: line-through;">"beating a dead horse"</span>&nbsp;&nbsp; <em>(I&nbsp;don't like that phrase - I'm a fan of horses)</em> overkilling the subject there are some nuances and requirements for first-time home buyers to qualify for the tax credit, such as...</p> <p><strong>Did you know that you must 'close' on your home no later than December 1, 2009?</strong>&nbsp; That means property needs to be transfered into your name by Dec. 1, 2009.&nbsp;&nbsp; And where I practice real estate (Ithaca NY) getting to the closing table&nbsp;takes at least 45-60 days.&nbsp; Just to be even clearer, that's AFTER a purchase offer has been signed and accepted.&nbsp;&nbsp; So please don't wait until October to start looking for a home, you are only hurting yourself!</p> <p><strong>Did you know that a first-time home buyer is someone who has not owned a home in the past 36 months? </strong>(i.e. 3 years)&nbsp; Yes, that's right!&nbsp; If you were a home owner and then sold&nbsp;your home&nbsp;3 years ago you can still qualify for the credit!&nbsp; DISCLAIMER! according to the IRS they are checking actual closing date to closing date.&nbsp; For example if you closed on your home June 1, 2006 and are scheduled to close on your new home June 2, 2009 you will qualify - congratulations.&nbsp;&nbsp; IF you sold your home July 1, 2006 and are scheduled to close on your new home June 30, 2009 - you do not qualify.&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Did you know if you 'bought' your home from a relative</strong> that you do NOT qualify for the tax credit?&nbsp; That's right, the IRS deems non-arms length sales&nbsp;(meaning between relatives, not strangers) unqualified for the tax credit.</p> <p>I suggest consulting with your tax preparer for all the details on the tax credit and for help with buying your first home, I would like to suggest contacting me!</p> <p>Lindsay Hart is&nbsp;licensed real estate agent @ RE/MAX In Motion, not a tax advisor.&nbsp; Please consult your tax professional if your situation is unique.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Mon, 01 Jun 2009 14:47:41 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1097854/did-you-know-tax-credit-nuances-by-lindsay-hart-lres-at-re-max http://activerain.com/blogsview/1046945/for-sale-by-owner-lindsay-hart-licensed-real-estate-salesperson-re-max <p>Congratulations! You've decided to sell your home...but wait, what's that?&nbsp; You don't want to use a REALTOR to assist you?</p> <p><em><strong>&nbsp;</strong>"Why should I use a REALTOR to sell my home?&nbsp; It costs too much and I can do just as good a job."&nbsp;<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/6/2/6/4/8/ar124044512384626.jpg" height="141" alt="Ithaca NY Real Estate" width="138" style="float: right;" /></em></p> <p>And to that I say... please reconsider! You may be costing yourself more, more time, frustration and money&nbsp;by not consulting a REALTOR!</p> <p>Did you know that <strong>sellers who use a real estate professional make 16 percent more*</strong> on the sale of their home than do sellers who go it alone.</p> <p>REALTORS&reg; are real estate professionals who are experts in marketing and negotiation.</p> <p>REALTORS&reg; can help a seller set a realistic price and ensure the proper paperwork and various disclosures and inspections are handled correctly.</p> <p>REALTORS&reg; know best how to prepare a home and maximize value, provide broader exposure to the market and are more likely to generate multiple bids than a seller on their own.<br /><br />REALTORS&reg; are experts in attracting qualified buyers. &nbsp;A professional can show a home more objectively than can a seller who may be emotionally attached to the home.&nbsp; The real estate pro also checks the financial capability and bona fides of buyers before allowing them onto a seller's property.</p> <p>86% of buyers found a home through a real estate agent</p> <p>80% from the Internet (then contacted a REALTOR)</p> <p>69% from a REALTOR&nbsp;yard sign</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Real Estate professionals can also navigate you through the local market landscape: advising you on the best marketing strategy and target audience for your area.&nbsp; They can also update you regularly with local market stats and keep tabs on your housing competition.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">They can also find ways to save you money when it comes to closing costs, survey's,&nbsp;and inspections.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Oh wait, you didn't think about the closing costs and a seller's net sheet?&nbsp; Just another reason to hire a REALTOR to help with your home sale.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">So, if you are thinking of selling, think of a REALTOR first and remember...</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img title="Hart is where your home is - Ithaca NY Real Estate" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/3/8/7/ar124044491278393.jpg" height="43" alt="Ithaca and Trumansburg NY Real Estate" width="276" style="vertical-align: middle;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><em><strong>*</strong>Source: Realtor.org</em></p> <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Thu, 23 Apr 2009 07:57:49 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1046945/for-sale-by-owner-lindsay-hart-licensed-real-estate-salesperson-re-max http://activerain.com/blogsview/1036990/fed-report-real-estate-stabilizing-in-key-cities-ny-is-up-by-lindsay-hart-lic-re-salesperson-re-max <p><strong></strong></p> <p>It's not&nbsp;a surprise to the real estate professionals in the Tompkins County area that real estate is steady and is on the rise.&nbsp; In my office, I have seen some agents that have found themselves in multiple offer situations and it's only the 'start' of the season.&nbsp; So when NAR came out with the <a href="http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009041601?OpenDocument" title="NAR" target="_blank">fed report</a> as one of their top stories it was no surprise that&nbsp;banks in &nbsp;NY&nbsp;are reporting that they are seeing "the most widespread rise in demand for residential mortgages in more than seven years."</p> <p>Tompkins County real estate inventory is up and prices are competative.&nbsp; If you are thinking of selling, now is the time to interview real estate agents and choose the one that works best with you.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Lindsay Hart,</p> <p><a href="remaxlindsay.activerain.com" title="Caution: Blonde Blogging" target="_blank">Hart is where your Home is.</a></p> <p>Please consider interviewing me to be your trusted real estate agent!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:41:01 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1036990/fed-report-real-estate-stabilizing-in-key-cities-ny-is-up-by-lindsay-hart-lic-re-salesperson-re-max http://activerain.com/blogsview/1035075/ithaca-oasis-grand-opening-this-saturday-april-18th-linda-santos <p><a href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/reblogging_new/1033313"><img src="http://activerain.com/images/new_design/reblog.gif?1239781417" alt="Reblog" /></a> <img title="Re-blogged 0 times" src="http://activerain.com/images/new_design/pips_0.gif?1239781417" alt="Re-blogged 0 times" /></p> <p><strong>Re-blogged by 0 agents</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1033313/Ithaca-Oasis-Grand-Opening-This-Saturday-April-18th" rel="bookmark">Ithaca Oasis - Grand Opening This Saturday, April 18th!</a> </strong></p> <p>Okay, it's not your typical Real Estate topic, but it's REAL!&nbsp; And it pertains to signs of our local market conditions - certain businesses are GROWING in spite of the national slump we keep reading about.&nbsp; One of these, is the old Commonground, under new management (by Pam K), and re-emerging as "<a href="http://ithacaoasis.com/" title="Ithaca Oasis" target="_blank">ITHACA OASIS</a>" on Rt. 96B.&nbsp;</p> <p>You must check this out - if not for the wine or tequila tastings (two Tuesdays a month), then for the live jazz sets on Friday at happy hour, or for Noche Latina, a crowd-pleasing format of dance instruction followed by a DJ'ed night of great latin dance tunes.&nbsp; People are totally cutting it up out there - you wouldn't know it was happening from the unassuming look of the place.&nbsp; Weekends tend toward bringing the party outdoors, especially as we move into better weather.&nbsp; Pam is doing a wonderful job with the event calendar - this week's lineup includes the Zydeco Trail Riders and Diana Leigh's Jazz Quartet on Saturday, and on Sunday, a "reunion" gig featuring Marie Burns, Harry and Eric Aceto, Chris Broadwell and Doug Richards.&nbsp; South Hill residents take note!&nbsp; The Hill is ON FIRE!!!</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/5/0/6/5/ar123971103756055.jpg" height="330" alt="" width="470" /></p> <p>WHAT STRIPE ARE YOU??</p> <p>So there you have it - an all stripes welcome, kick up your heels, put on your party dress venue where you can SPEND MONEY and help your new local businesses stay around and THRIVE into the coming decade!</p> <p>That is it for this week's edition of "THE SHORT REPORT" by Santos!</p> <p>See you on the dance floor ;-)</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Wed, 15 Apr 2009 08:51:44 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1035075/ithaca-oasis-grand-opening-this-saturday-april-18th-linda-santos http://activerain.com/blogsview/1033453/re-max-agent-mary-stoe-featured-on-hgtv-tune-in-this-sunday <p>Licensed REALTOR, MARY STOE, at RE/MAX In Motion Real Estate will be featured this Sunday, April 19th on <a href="http://www.hgtv.com/about-us/about-us/index.html" title="RE/MAX on HGTV" target="_blank">HGTV'</a>s national program, "My house is worth what?"&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>Tune in to HGTV at noon on Sunday or DVR it!&nbsp;&nbsp; Ithaca NY makes it into the national spotlight again!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Tue, 14 Apr 2009 09:04:40 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1033453/re-max-agent-mary-stoe-featured-on-hgtv-tune-in-this-sunday http://activerain.com/blogsview/1023880/cayuga-county-town-of-genoa-there-is-still-time-to-grieve- <p>In case you did not see this in the Legal Section of&nbsp;yesterday's Citizen: <em></em>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<em><strong>Notice Concerning the Examination of Assessment and Inventory Valuation Data</strong></em> <em><strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;(Pursuant to Section 501 of the Real Property Tax Law)</strong></em> <em><strong></strong></em>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<em><strong>Notice is hereby given that assessment inventory and valuation data is available for examination and review.&nbsp; This data is the&nbsp;information which will be used to establish the assessment of each parcel which will appear on the tentative assessment roll for the Town of Genoa which will be filed on or before May 1, 2009.</strong></em></p> <p><em><strong>The information may be reviewed by appointment, in the Assessor's Office at 1000 Bartnick Road on April 10th and April 21st between 3pm and 5pm.&nbsp; An appointment to review the assessment information may be made by telephoning the assessor at 315-806-5500.</strong></em> <strong><em></em></strong>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;<strong><em>Dated this 14th day of March, </em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>2009</em></strong> <strong><em>Heather Garner</em></strong></p> <p><strong><em>Assessor</em></strong> <strong><em>Town of Genoa</em></strong></p> <p><em>Quick post to let the Cayuga County and lake owners know it looks like there is still time to get information together and get an appointment to review your property and the information.</em></p> <p><em>Scroll down to Michelle Miller's post on How to get your information.&nbsp; </em></p> <p><em>Melissa Miller, RE/MAX In Motion</em></p> <p><strong><em></em></strong></p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Wed, 08 Apr 2009 03:36:15 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1023880/cayuga-county-town-of-genoa-there-is-still-time-to-grieve- http://activerain.com/blogsview/1010253/central-new-york-alert-fortuna-energy-drilling-in-your-backyard-soon-linda-santos-re-max-in-motion <table border="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://activerain.com/action/blogs_admin/reblogging_new/1006648"><img src="http://activerain.com/images/new_design/reblog.gif?1238406441" alt="Reblog" /></a> <img title="Re-blogged 0 times" src="http://activerain.com/images/new_design/pips_0.gif?1238406441" alt="Re-blogged 0 times" /> <p><strong>Re-blogged by 0 agents</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1006648/Central-New-York-Alert-Fortuna-Energy-Drilling-in-Your-Backyard-SOON" rel="bookmark">Central New York Alert: Fortuna Energy Drilling in Your Backyard SOON!</a> </strong></p> <p>Okay, time to unostrichize ourselves on the gas leasing that is rather quickly moving to the front burner with many landowners and activists in Central New York.&nbsp; We've heard about it for a some time now, and some people have actually walked away with money in their pockets from leasing their land to energy companies for gas and mineral extraction.&nbsp; What else though, is going on out here?&nbsp;</p> <p>The realities of what the outcomes are in some cases have had people hitting the roof, and with good reason.&nbsp; Here is a short list of some isses that have come up:</p> <ul> <li>Loss of clean drinkable water on premises </li> <li>Loss of clean breathable air within the immediate surrounding area </li> <li>Destruction of roads from heavy traffic and infrastructure development </li> <li>Loss of privacy and quiet enjoyment of owned land </li> <li>Serious health issues and compromises that are related to exposure to the process of high pressure gas drilling </li> </ul> <p>This is the SHORT list.&nbsp; It's well past the time to take action.&nbsp; What can you and I do about this?</p> <ol> <li>Educate ourselves and others:&nbsp; <a href="http://www.shaleshock.org/drilling-101/" title="ShaleShock.org - Drilling 101" target="_blank">visit ShaleShock.org - Drilling 101</a>&nbsp; to understand the issues at hand; </li> <li>Familiarize yourself with the terms: Horizontal Drilling Hydro-fracking, Fracking Fluids, Waste-water Disposal, Well Pads, VOCs, and try having a conversation with a neighbor or a total stranger for that matter, and share your understanding with your own community; </li> <li><a href="http://www.shaleshock.org/get-involved/" title="ShaleShock Get Involved Page" target="_blank">Volunteer</a> at the grassroots level - sign on to receive updates from Shaleshock, or become an organizer within the group; </li> <li>Check out the <a href="http://www.shaleshock.org/the-listening-project/" title="ShaleShock Listening Project" target="_blank">Listening Project</a> if you want to go into the fields (literally) to hear from people whose lives are being most directly impacted by the horizontal drilling processes. </li> </ol> <p><img src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/5/4/8/0/ar123824465008451.jpg" height="355" alt="" width="305" /><img src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/3/1/0/0/ar123824470400139.jpg" height="350" alt="" width="304" /></p> <p>Photos above are of active sites in rural PA and NY.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The next ShaleShock event will be in Bath, NY, Monday March 30th:</p> <p><strong>Gas Drilling in the Marcellus Shale: Informational Meeting in Bath, NY</strong></p> <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td>March 30, 2009</td> </tr> <tr> <td>7:00 pm</td> <td>to</td> <td>10:00 pm</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p>Bath Fire Hall<br />50 E. Morris Street<br />Bath, NY (Steuben County)</p> <p>I urge Realtors and all citizens to pay attention to this issue - we have a responsibility to our clients to understand this issue and help them get the facts.&nbsp; Please help spread the word!</p> <p>AGENT SANTOS</p> &nbsp;</td> </tr> </tbody> </table><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:57:46 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1010253/central-new-york-alert-fortuna-energy-drilling-in-your-backyard-soon-linda-santos-re-max-in-motion http://activerain.com/blogsview/1010248/small-signs-of-improvement-in-national-housing-market-linda-santos-re-max-in-motion <table cellspacing="0" border="0" id="blog_content" cellpadding="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td> <table border="0" width="100%" style="height: 100%;"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="5">&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://activerain.com/">Home</a> : <a href="http://activerain.com/bloghome">Blogs</a> : <a href="http://activerain.com/lindasantos">Linda Santos Realtor&reg; Ithaca Fingerlakes NY Real Estate</a> : <a href="http://activerain.com/blogs/lindasantos">The Short Report by Santos</a> <table border="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <p><strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/1007939/Small-Signs-of-Improvement-in-National-Housing-Market" rel="bookmark">Small Signs of Improvement in National Housing Market</a> </strong></p> <p>Some positive news about the housing market is starting to trickle in lately:&nbsp; Marketwatch reports that the rate of existing home sales is up 5.1% on the national level, boosted by price discounting.&nbsp; As a true sign of the times, the article states that 45% of the transactions recorded in February came from "Short" or distressed property sales, which have been averaging a 20% discount off current market values.&nbsp; See the entire article <a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?guid=8c1fe7983d884352baf745b3bd01dce6&amp;siteid=nwhreal&amp;sguid=6NZ_VXMJr0CeWfYVupVfvA" title="Existing Home Sales Rise on Deep Discounting" target="_blank">here</a>.&nbsp;</p> <p>If you are contemplating a short sale purchase, be aware of some of the <a href="http://www.marketwatch.com/News/Story/Story.aspx?guid=c17d46fad819408f90cbd65cea4df6d9&amp;siteid=nwhreal&amp;sguid=6NZ_VXMJr0CeWfYVupVfvA" title="Short Sales, Slow Sales" target="_blank">myths and trends</a> around these sales.&nbsp; You may need more time to close the transaction, and the bank may not necessarily "give" the house away.&nbsp; However, if you have the patience to get through the process, you may benefit by acquiring an excellent, under-valued property which will enhance your equity position, once you become the new owner.&nbsp; Hire an informed agent to help you identify potential properties, and present your offer in the best way possible.&nbsp; And be sure to have your attorney available for a thorough review of the contract.&nbsp; There are many opportunities out there - it IS a great time to buy!</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Mon, 30 Mar 2009 15:55:45 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/1010248/small-signs-of-improvement-in-national-housing-market-linda-santos-re-max-in-motion http://activerain.com/blogsview/980673/cayuga-county-ny-understanding-your-re-assessment- <p>Dear Community:</p> <p>I have been swamped with calls from you about the Cayuga County re-assessment.&nbsp; I know that many of you are very surprised <em>and maybe that's an understatement</em>.&nbsp; About a year ago the Cayuga County Office of Real Property Services (ORPS) records were opened up and made public.&nbsp; I just want to share this with you so that you are aware and able to go in and see what information the assessor has about your property on record.&nbsp; There are many properties involved and as when you are doing anything in this volume there can be mistakes made.</p> <p>Check out your information and make sure the assessor has the correct information.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;It is very easy to check this out.&nbsp; If you are unlucky enough to be on dial up remember the local libraries have high speed access either wireless ( aurora - use you own laptop) or computers available - Aurora Library is open MWF 3-8 and Saturday 10-3 and Hazard Library is open Tuesday and Thursday 1-8 , and Saturday 9-4.&nbsp; Just to help, taxes are stressful enough.</p> <p>&nbsp;Here's the link to the ORPS website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.co.cayuga.ny.us/realproperty/imate/index.html">http://www.co.cayuga.ny.us/realproperty/imate/index.html</a></p> <p>&nbsp;and here is a step-by-step process to find your property:&nbsp;</p> <p>When the page opens up you'll see this and click on it</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/0/5/6/ar123690190265085.jpg" height="84" alt="" width="475" style="float: left;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Then you'll see the box below and click on here:</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/3/6/1/2/ar123690195421633.jpg" height="107" alt="" width="278" style="float: left;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Then you'll see &nbsp;the following box - IT'S VERY TOUCHY - meaning the more information you fill in, the more confused it gets - try just filling in the your last name - and hit search - then scroll through and find your information</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/6/7/6/3/ar123690199336769.jpg" height="290" alt="" width="505" style="float: left;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Your property information should come up - you'll see a box on the left hand side of the screen that looks like this:</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/3/3/5/7/ar123690206175338.jpg" height="260" alt="" width="196" style="float: left;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Click on the Report box and check all the boxes that come up on the left &nbsp;- click them all</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/8/4/1/9/ar123690210191487.jpg" height="195" alt="" width="351" style="float: left;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Now you should be able to look at everything that the tax office has about your property.&nbsp; There have been mistakes made on other people's properties - In the case of assessment, size matters and if they have you with extra outbuildings, extra bathrooms, rooms, square footage, extra shoreline ( if you are on the lake).&nbsp; Wrong information like this will directly affect the amount that you are assessed for.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;You'll also be able to see what everyone else is being re-assessed at - it is completely open information.</p> <p>&nbsp;Keep in mind that if a house sold, let's say, 4 times in the last 20 years the assessment value will be closer to the market value.&nbsp; Market value is usually by definition, what A BUYER will pay for your house on a open market.&nbsp; I am really, really, really unsure and surprised at some of the values that some of you have shared with me.</p> <p>&nbsp;If you have owned your house for a substantial time (as many of you have indicated) then you were probably re-assessed slowly or not at all - the point of re-assessment is designed to re-align the discrepancies between market value and assessment value.&nbsp; To insure that everyone is on a equal taxpaying level and no one is paying more than their share.</p> <p>&nbsp;I would suggest checking out the website and looking hard at your assessment and if you chose to, fighting it - you will only go up in the future from this number.&nbsp; The open ORPS site allows you to understand what everyone else is assessed at.</p> <p>&nbsp;It is my understanding that you are allowed to have an informal appointment where you discuss the assessment, make you case, ask them why you were assessed at that number and lodge your case.&nbsp; Later, I think May, the tentative assessments will become real assessments and then at that point you will need to do the formal grieving process.</p> <p>&nbsp;I have had MANY CALLS on this and want you to know that everyone has been re-assessed and everyone is very surprised.&nbsp; It may comfort you to know you AREN'T ALONE.</p> <p>&nbsp;<strong>I am not in any way, shape or form responsible for tax assessments</strong> but realize that many of you don't know that there's a open source of information available at your fingertips, I just wanted to give you the tools to help yourself.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;As always, you are more than welcome to contact me and can reach me by email or on my cell phone 607.351.2353 - as well, I don't have everyone's email please feel free to forward this to your re-assessed friends and family.&nbsp; Share the Knowledge.</p> <p>&nbsp;Take care and enjoy this Spring Day!</p> <p>Michelle Miller</p> <p>Licensed Broker Associate on the Melissa Miller Team at RE/MAX In Motion</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Sun, 15 Mar 2009 07:40:44 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/980673/cayuga-county-ny-understanding-your-re-assessment- http://activerain.com/blogsview/980050/re-max-in-motion-s-linda-santos-with-an-ithaca-market-update <p><strong><a href="http://activerain.com/blogsview/971457/Ithaca-vs-Manhattan-January-2009" rel="bookmark">Ithaca vs. Manhattan, January 2009</a> </strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img title="Cornell" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/6/1/7/2/ar123646327427162.jpg" height="101" alt="Cornell" width="124" />&nbsp;&nbsp; <img title="Columbia Inn" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/8/5/2/ar123646337925893.jpg" height="96" alt="Columbia Inn" width="134" /> &nbsp; <img title="The Commons" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/5/1/1/9/ar123646351391158.jpg" height="106" alt="The Commons" width="143" />&nbsp;&nbsp; <img title="Ithaca Falls" src="http://activerain.comhttp://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/9/7/2/ar123646346327985.jpg" height="102" alt="Ithaca Falls" width="148" /></p> <p>This morning I listened in on a short-sale webinar by J. Allan, Janie C., and Broker Bryant, all active on this site.&nbsp; Jennifer is from CO., the other two are from FL., and the statistics they cited about the FL. markets were stark.&nbsp; Roughly 60% of homes in their markets are distressed sales, therefore there is a need for Realtors in certain areas to perfect the skills required for successful short sale negotiations.</p> <p>Ithaca has seen an increase in such distressed property sales in the last year, but not nearly comparable to these markets.&nbsp; Our MLS system does not currently record distressed properties as a category in terms of type of sale.&nbsp; The only way to figure it out is if you happen to know the listing agents handling them, or by gleaning from reading the MLS sheets to see who the owners of the properties are.&nbsp; If the owners are Bank LLC's., you can make an educated guess, and/or call the listor.&nbsp; It may be worth our while now though, to begin to record this data, as it begins to appear in our market.</p> <p>There is an excellent <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/07/business/economy/07home.html?_r=1&amp;hp" title="A Gloomy Outlook For Home Sales' Big Season" target="_blank">article</a> in the NY Times today about the housing market from coast to coast.&nbsp; NYC condo and co-op sales showed a 50% drop in contracts in January (but they don't say what they are comparing it to - the previous month or the year ago month of Jan).&nbsp; However, Ithaca, also saw a 50% decline in terms of residential contracts in January (from 150 in Jan. 08 to 74 in Jan. 09).&nbsp; Interesting parallel.&nbsp; I do not, however, feel a cringe or a twinge when I read the Ithaca Board of Realtor stats.&nbsp; I do cringe when I read this about Manhattan, because of the bloodbath that their job market has become.&nbsp; A related <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/08/realestate/08condo.html?_r=1&amp;ref=realestate" title="Looking for Bottom in N.Y. Real Estate Market" target="_blank">article</a> goes on to discuss values declining by roughly 30% for some market sectors in the metropolitan area.</p> <p>One upside for us ABOUT Manhattan, is that homes in our market, compared to there, are STILL highly attractive in terms of price point, and what you can get for your (remaining) dollar.&nbsp; So, we are seeing some renewed interest from buyers who might be looking to invest, downsize, or in other ways escape the city, but still be near enough (only 4 hours away) to go back for the occasional urban fix.</p> <p>According to an Ithaca Journal <a href="http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2009903030323" title="Home Values Buck National Trend" target="_blank">article</a>, as of March 3rd, values held firm all through last year, and NO municipality lost ground:&nbsp; "Increases in property values varied across the county, from a 1.51 percent increase in Groton to a 3.58 percent increase in the City of Ithaca. No county municipality saw a drop in property values, Franklin said."&nbsp; Although we have had fewer transactions, values overall remained solid.&nbsp; But it is a shifting time.&nbsp; Many moving parts in the national economy, and in new taxation strategies both nationally and statewide.&nbsp; So the impact of these changes is likely to show up in the year ahead.</p> <p>Will we hold up in 2009 as well as we have so far?&nbsp; It's anybody's guess.&nbsp; We have had a store or two close shop, and some people have suffered job losses.&nbsp; But demand for housing here still seems to be high.&nbsp; Bidding wars have not disappeared.&nbsp; I know of at least two last week and that was just through my office, the 4th largest in town (we are not really "large" - 15 agents).</p> <p>Stay tuned for the post-mortem toward the end of summer!&nbsp; And feel free to leave your questions or comments for me here, or send them to me at Santos.Homes@gmail.com.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Thu, 12 Mar 2009 12:43:26 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/980050/re-max-in-motion-s-linda-santos-with-an-ithaca-market-update http://activerain.com/blogsview/940354/5-tips-on-applying-for-a-home-loan <p>Nervous lenders have tough new rules and are paperwork crazy.<br /><br />"Borrowers are going to have to prove they are the borrower they say they are," says Keith Gumbinger, vice president of HSH Associates, a mortgage-industry publisher in Pompton Plains, N.J.<br /><br />Homebuyers should consider these things before they apply for a loan.<br /><br /><strong>1. Down payments are critical</strong>. Borrowers should expect to put down at least 10 percent for a "conforming loan" - a mortgage that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will purchase.<br /><br /><strong>2. Credit scores count</strong>. A 720 on the 850-point FICO rating scale will get a borrower access to the best rates. A score between 720 and 739 could get 0.125 percent added to the rate, a score between 700 and 719 gets 0.375 percent added to the rate, and a score between 680 and 699 gets 0.5 percent added to the rate.<br /><br /><strong>3. Consider VA and FHA</strong>. Borrowers without down payments or with less than stellar credit scores should consider these government-insured loans offered through the Federal Housing Administration of the Veterans Administration. <br /><br /><strong>4. Unearth the records</strong>. Before applying, borrowers should organize tax, banking and other records that prove income, savings and debts. They should also expect to be patient about what may seem to be endless requests for information.<br /><br /><strong>5. Get rid of debts</strong>. Limiting debts, including what borrowers expect to pay for the mortgage, to less than 43 percent of gross income is important.<br /><br /><em>Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Umberger (02/15/09</em></p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Wed, 18 Feb 2009 10:04:56 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/940354/5-tips-on-applying-for-a-home-loan http://activerain.com/blogsview/894871/moving-up-re-max-welcomes-agent <p style="text-align: justify;">RE/MAX in motion is pleased to announce that Lindsay Hart, of Trumansburg, has made the transition from&nbsp;Dir. of Operations&nbsp;at RE/MAX In Motion to full time, NY Licensed&nbsp;Real Estate&nbsp;Salesperson.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "We are&nbsp;excited that Lindsay is taking her real estate career to the next level and we welcome her fresh perspective and experience." said Melissa Miller, broker/owner of RE/MAX in motion. "She will be an invaluable asset to our real estate team."<img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/0/5/3/0/ar123265487103509.jpg" height="209" alt="" width="141" style="float: left;" /></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;Lindsay arrived at RE/MAX in 2005 and has been entrenched in real estate every day for the past 4 years.&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I've spent those years, learning, promoting &amp; growing RE/MAX In Motion.&nbsp; I have learned a tremendous amount from some of the top professionals in the area.&nbsp; In 2006 I earned my Real Estate License and I am now ready to put my real estate experience and knowledge into practice!" says Lindsay</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Lindsay will be an associate with The Melissa Miller Team at RE/MAX, allowing her to offer an even higher level of service to her clients.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">Lindsay resides in Trumansburg with her husband, Rordan, and their two cats. In addition to Real Estate she volunteers her time to the TCSD Foundation.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">RE/MAX in motion serves the communities of Tompkins, Tioga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Schuyler.&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Thu, 22 Jan 2009 14:11:29 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/894871/moving-up-re-max-welcomes-agent http://activerain.com/blogsview/893280/another-accolade-for-re-max-agent-and-lansing-ny-resident-amanda-ryen-yowhan <p>Departing Ithaca Board of Realtor's President, Amanda Ryen-Yowhan, Associate Broker at RE/MAX In Motion, was honored with the Realtor of the Year award for 2008.&nbsp;&nbsp; She was presented with this award, on Thursday January 15^th at the annual Ithaca Board of Realtors installation of officer's dinner.&nbsp;<img title="Amanda K. Ryen-Yowhan" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/7/9/4/ar123257667549793.jpg" height="148" alt="" width="101" style="float: left; border: black 1px solid;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;She was chosen by her peers, to receive this award, for her dedication to the Ithaca Board of Realtors' membership throughout the year. She give a large part of her time and energy to our membership through committee involvement &amp; NAR &amp; NYSAR meeting attendance.</p> <p>Marge Hovanec, fellow REALTOR said&nbsp; "She listens to opinions and learns - while making decisions based on full facts and understanding.&nbsp; She is willing to take the time to do the investigative work to find all facts she needs to know."&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>She also contributes to the community by helping and donating to organizations such as the Tompkins County SPCA, INHS, Better Housing for Tompkins County</p> <p>Amanda has been in real estate for 9 years and is a licensed associate broker with RE/MAX In Motion Real Estate &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:27:17 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/893280/another-accolade-for-re-max-agent-and-lansing-ny-resident-amanda-ryen-yowhan http://activerain.com/blogsview/879658/re-max-agents-earn-honors- <p><strong>Ithaca, NY</strong> (January 13,2009) - &nbsp;&nbsp;Six (6) RE/MAX IN MOTION Real Estate Agents have earned the respected RE/MAX Executive Club Award for leadership in their field.&nbsp; To earn this award, agents must have achieved a specific dollar amount in gross closed commissions for the calendar year.&nbsp; This respected award is appointed by RE/MAX of New York Inc.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>The recipients are:</p> <p><strong>Barbara</strong><strong> Blanchard</strong>, Licensed Broker Associate, GRI, of Trumansburg</p> <p><strong>Marge</strong><strong> Hovanec</strong>, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, GRI, of Ithaca</p> <p><strong>Melissa Miller</strong>, Licensed Broker, ABR, of King Ferry</p> <p><strong>Mary Decker</strong>, Licensed&nbsp; Broker Associate, CBR, of Groton</p> <p><strong>Amanda</strong><strong> K. Ryen-Yowhan</strong>, Licensed Broker Associate, GRI, of Lansing</p> <p><strong>Mary Stoe</strong>, Licensed Broker Associate, of Lansing</p> <p>Each has each excelled in real estate sales and customer service for the 2008 calendar year, demonstrating professionalism, knowledge and leadership in the real estate industry.</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; "I applaud these agents' and their achievements in our real estate market." said Melissa Miller, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX in motion. &nbsp;"The RE/MAX system allows top agents to do a greater volume of business on average."</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp; RE/MAX in motion Real Estate Office serves Tompkins, Cayuga, Seneca, Tioga, and Schuyler Counties. <a href="http://www.reinmotion.com/">www.REinMotion.com</a></p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Tue, 13 Jan 2009 11:42:05 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/879658/re-max-agents-earn-honors- http://activerain.com/blogsview/873788/re-max-in-motion-in-the-lansing-star-news-richard-and-landsman-recognized-for-sustainability <p> <table border="0" width="100%"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <table border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="70%">&nbsp;</td> </tr> <tr> <td>Two local real estate agents have been recognized by Sustainable Tompkins with a "Sign of Sustainability" award for their work in &lsquo;green' Real Estate.<br /> <p>Real Estate agents, Kate Richard and Shari Landsman, of RE/MAX In Motion, were the first agents, in the Ithaca area, to obtain their EcoBroker certification, the premiere green designation program for real estate professionals. Together they formed Eco Properties Group at RE/MAX In Motion Real Estate in Ithaca. The group was created with the goal to help increase the number of green homes on the market for immediate sale by working with the Ithaca Green Building Alliance and other local green building professionals.</p> <p><img title="Image" src="http://www.lansingstar.com/images/stories/2009pics/remax_richard_landsman.jpg" border="0" height="246" alt="Image" width="400" /></p> <p>(Left to right) Kate Richard, Shari Landsman</p> <p>According to Kate Richard, the Eco Properties Group "encourages homebuyers to consider retrofitting some of our beautiful older homes to keep their character intact but also to make them efficient and healthy for people and planet."</p> <p>Sustainable Tompkins, the organization devoted to catalyzing sustainable development in our region, seeks to identify the newest "Signs of Sustainability" in our community.</p> <p>RE/MAX IN MOTION is a full service Real Estate Brokerage that serves Tompkins, Tioga, Cayuga, Seneca, and Schuyler Counties.</p> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Fri, 09 Jan 2009 14:21:57 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/873788/re-max-in-motion-in-the-lansing-star-news-richard-and-landsman-recognized-for-sustainability http://activerain.com/blogsview/857673/sale-of-home-contingency <p style="text-align: center;"><strong><em>"Help! We want to buy our dream home, but need to sell our house first.</em></strong><strong><em>&nbsp;&nbsp; What do we do?"</em></strong></p> <p style="text-align: justify;">At RE/MAX In Motion we use the &lsquo;Sale of Home Contingency' in the best interest <img title="Sale of Home contingency" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/7/1/9/7/8/ar123064935487917.jpg" height="163" alt="" width="213" style="float: right; border: black 1px solid;" />of our clients and we know how important it is to make sure that our clients are not at risk.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">When a sale of home contingency is&nbsp; properly written, explained, negotiated, and advocated for, with the right terms, it can be a WIN/WIN for both buyer and seller. Most offers with this contingency make it to a successful closing.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">New policies at the <a href="http://www.ithacarealtors.com" title="Ithaca Board of Realtors" target="_blank">Ithaca NY&nbsp;Board of REALTORS</a> have made it possible for sellers' properties to remain in &lsquo;active' status even with a sale of home contingency offer in place. This means continued exposure of your property.&nbsp; This allows buyers to continue to see your property &amp; make purchasing decisions.&nbsp; <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/5/8/7/7/2/ar123064948827785.jpg" height="139" alt="" width="207" style="float: left; border: black 1px solid;" />If this makes sense for you, ask your REALTOR.&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: justify;">At RE/MAX we know how important the next chapter of your life is.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Tue, 30 Dec 2008 09:08:30 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/857673/sale-of-home-contingency http://activerain.com/blogsview/839633/one-billion-fans-re-max-in-motion <p>Re/Max In Motion is supporting Musical Artist, Derek Rose in the global One Billion Fans Contest&nbsp;sponsored by Tribe of Noise.&nbsp;</p> <p>Derek describes his sound as, "True homemade music without any modern technology, with good vibes and feelings."</p> <p>We acknowledge that we can't do justice to his sound by just describing it - we can have the technology to do much better - here's a link to his on of his original songs, &nbsp;Painted Boots:&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://www.tribeofnoise.com/listen.php?h=ba7b6c3fa8d2c1361bbc5feb384077eb&amp;l=f">http://www.tribeofnoise.com/listen.php?h=ba7b6c3fa8d2c1361bbc5feb384077eb&amp;l=f</a>&nbsp;</p> <p>Derek has a chance to win the One Billion Fans and an even better chance if you vote for him - please click here <a href="http://www.tribeofnoise.com/dereckrose">http://www.tribeofnoise.com/dereckrose</a>&nbsp; and click on the stars.&nbsp; Thanks.</p> <p>As the winner of the One Billion Fans contest, Derek Rose would&nbsp;have his image on the world's largest digital billboard, in Times Square in New York City.&nbsp; Cool huh?&nbsp; Please take the time to vote - we appreciate it!</p> <p>The contest is being sponsored by Tribe of Noise.com.&nbsp; It is the first and only website solely using the Creative Commons license and user agreements to share music for commercial purposes.&nbsp;&nbsp;The musicians' need a platform to have their music heard and you or someone you know&nbsp;may be looking for hip, cool, new sounds in which you don't have to worry about copyright hassles. There is a component to the site which allows marketers/advertisers/gamers/video/movies/bloggers&nbsp;to use the music with no copyright hassles.&nbsp;There is also another side to the site which allows fans to click in and hear fabulous originals in all kinds of genres.&nbsp; It is a great tool - spread the word.</p> <p>Thanks!</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Tue, 16 Dec 2008 16:46:29 -0600 http://activerain.com/blogsview/839633/one-billion-fans-re-max-in-motion http://activerain.com/blogsview/769692/what-do-remax-the-colbert-report-have-in-common- <p><a href="http://jvhomes.typepad.com/propertycast_madison/2008/10/nov-4th-is-election-day--stephen-colbert-picks-the-winner.html">http://jvhomes.typepad.com/propertycast_madison/2008/10/nov-4th-is-election-day--stephen-colbert-picks-the-winner.html</a></p> <p>RE/MAX is leading if you count signs :-)&nbsp;&nbsp; RE/MAX...more signs, more exposure, more sales...</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/0/4/9/7/ar122554985079401.gif" height="229" alt="" width="176" /></p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Sat, 01 Nov 2008 09:32:32 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/769692/what-do-remax-the-colbert-report-have-in-common- http://activerain.com/blogsview/761507/looking-for-an-explaination-ithaca-real-estate-market <p><img title="Barbara Blanchard, Associate Broker, GRI" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/1/3/2/7/4/ar122513262147231.jpg" height="112" alt="" width="108" style="float: right; border: black 1px solid;" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>By <a href="http://www.barbbithacarealestate.com/" title="Barbara Blanchard" target="_blank">Barbara Blanchard</a>, Licensed Broker Associate, GRI with RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong><img title="Cornell University Campus, Ithaca NY" src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/4/3/4/3/ar122513253834349.jpg" height="212" alt="Cornell University Campus, Ithaca NY" width="318" style="float: left; border: black 1px solid;" />We are fortunate enought to live in an area with a stable economy spearheaded by Cornell University and Ithaca College. We never fell victim to the three primary causes that created the housing crisis.</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p>1. Corporate builders saturated areas with thousands of new homes, primarily in states with low property taxes and heating bills.</p> <p>2. Buyers came, along with the speculators. In some areas, houses doubled in value in a short period of time. Speculators purchased more homes with little cash out of pocket, hoping to cash in on inflated housing prices after holding the houses for a short period of time.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/9/8/6/9/0/ar122513336109689.jpg" height="239" alt="" width="157" style="float: right;" />3. As prices rose at an unhealthy rate, many buyers couldn't afford to purchase homes using <a href="http://www.investorwords.com/1097/conventional_mortgage.html" target="_blank">conventional mortgages</a>. Instead of letting the market correct itself, banks came up with ways to loan people more money than they could afford, using tactics like <a href="http://www.investorwords.com/3217/negative_amortization.html" target="_blank">negative amortization</a>, <a href="http://www.investorwords.com/105/Adjustable_Rate_Mortgage.html" target="_blank">adjustable mortgages</a> with low starting rates, lowering credit standards, and raising debt to income ratios. They also gave risky loans to speculators. Many of these loans were sold to <a href="http://www.fanniemae.com/index.jhtml" title="Fannie Mae website" target="_blank">Fannie Mae</a> and <a href="http://www.freddiemac.com/" title="Freddie mac website" target="_blank">Freddie Mac</a>, who used investors' money (pension funds, 401ks, mutual funds, foreign funds, etc) to purchase them. Builders kept building, speculators kept buying, driving housing prices up, until the market was oversaturated. The builders discounted their unsold houses, bringing down the price on others in the neighborhood: the speculators defaulted on their loans and many people with adjustable rate mortgages, that had reset at a much higher payment, lost their homes to the banks.&nbsp; The banks discounted the houses, driving down prices in those areas causing housing values to drop significantly in those areas. Other people, who had nothing to do with the mess, couldn't sell their homes because they owed more than the adjusted value on their homes, causing more <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foreclosure" title="wikipedia def." target="_blank">foreclosures</a>. With all the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-performing_loan" target="_blank">non-performing loans</a>, some banks lost money, as did the investors who purchased the mortgage backed securities.</p> <p><a href="http://www.visitithaca.com" title="Ithaca NY" target="_blank">In our area</a>, real estate is a stable investment that allows us to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with those we love. If you are thinking about buying or selling a home, just give me a call.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Mon, 27 Oct 2008 13:43:59 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/761507/looking-for-an-explaination-ithaca-real-estate-market http://activerain.com/blogsview/760738/-existing-home-sales-data-released-by-nar- <p>WASHINGTON, October 24, 2008</p> <p>Existing-home sales increased last month as buyers responded to improved housing affordability <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/4/3/7/6/3/ar122511525436734.jpg" height="191" alt="" width="112" style="float: right; border: black 1px solid;" />conditions, <a href="http://www.realtor.org/press_room/news_releases/2008/ehs_rise_on_affordability" title="Article link" target="_blank">according to the National Association of Realtors</a>^&reg;.</p> <p>Existing-home sales - including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops - rose 5.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate&sup1; of 5.18 million units in September from a level of 4.91 million in August, and are 1.4 percent higher than the 5.11 million-unit pace in September 2007.</p> <p>Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said more markets are seeing year-over-year gains. "The sales turnaround which began in California several months ago is broadening now to Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri and Rhode Island," he said. "The South was hampered by much lower home sales in Houston in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike."</p> <p><strong>NAR President Richard F. Gaylord, a broker with RE/MAX Real Estate Specialists in <img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/3/9/6/1/7/ar122511560471693.jpg" height="73" alt="" width="184" style="float: left;" />Long Beach, Calif., said low home prices and low interest rates have been attracting buyers. "This is the first time since November 2005 that home sales have been above year-ago levels</strong>," he said. "Credit tightened at the end of September, but the improvement demonstrates that buyers who've been on the sidelines want to get into the market to make a long-term investment in their future."</p> <p>According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to 6.04 percent in September from 6.48 percent in August; the rate was 6.38 percent in September 2007.</p> <p>Total housing inventory at the end of September fell 1.6 percent to 4.27 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.9-month supply&sup2; at the current sales pace, down from a 10.6-month supply in August. This marks two consecutive monthly declines since inventories peaked in July.</p> <p><strong>The national median existing-home price³ for all housing types was $191,600 in September, down 9.0 percent from a year ago when the median was $210,500.</strong> "Compared to a fairly small share of foreclosures or short sales a year ago, distressed sales are currently 35 to 40 percent of transactions.</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/2/1/9/1/1/ar122511572411912.jpg" height="239" alt="" width="216" style="float: left;" /></p> <p>These are pulling the median price down because many are being sold at discounted prices," Yun explained. "The current market is not being dominated by speculative investors. Rather, 80 percent of current buyers are purchasing a primary residence, which is a bit higher than historic norms."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Single-family home sales increased 6.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.62 million in September from a pace of 4.35 million in August, and are 3.8 percent above the 4.45 million-unit level a year ago. The median existing single-family home price was $190,600 in September, which is 8.6 percent below September 2007.</p> <p>Existing condominium and co-op sales were unchanged at a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 560,000 units in September, but are 15.7 percent below the 664,000-unit pace in September 2007. The median existing condo price⁴ was $199,400 in September, down 10.2 percent from a year ago.</p> <p>Regionally, existing-home sales in the West jumped 16.8 percent to an annual rate of 1.25 million in September, and are 34.4 percent higher than September 2007. The median price in the West was $253,600, down 18.5 percent from a year ago.</p> <p><strong>In the Midwest,</strong> existing-home sales increased 4.4 percent to an annual pace of 1.19 million in September, but are 2.5 percent below a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $152,500, which is 7.9 percent lower than September 2007.</p> <p>Existing-home <strong>sales in the South</strong> rose 2.2 percent in September to a pace of 1.90 million but remain 7.8 percent below September 2007. The median price in the South was $167,200, down 4.1 percent from a year ago.</p> <p><strong>In the Northeast,</strong> existing-home sales slipped 1.2 percent to an annual pace of 840,000 in September, and are 7.7 percent lower than a year ago. The median price in the Northeast was $246,800, down 5.4 percent from September 2007.</p> <p>The National Association of Realtors&reg;, "The Voice for Real Estate," is America's largest trade association, representing 1.2 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.</p> <p># # #</p> <p>NOTE: References to performance in states or metro areas are from unpublished raw data used to analyze regional trends; please contact your local association of Realtors&reg; for more information. ---</p> <p><img src="http://activerain.com/image_store/uploads/8/8/4/4/6/ar122511530064488.jpg" height="112" alt="" width="152" style="BORDER-RIGHT: black 1px solid; BORDER-TOP: black 1px solid; BORDER-LEFT: black 1px solid; BORDER-BOTTOM: black 1px solid" /><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com" target="_blank">REMAX In Motion</a> in Ithaca NY is a memeber of NAR.&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="http://www.remax.net/files/National_Summary_October.pdf?rnd=0.9545223926639608" title="remax stats AP" target="_blank">REMAX National Housing Report</a>&nbsp;link.</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:58:22 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/760738/-existing-home-sales-data-released-by-nar- http://activerain.com/blogsview/754884/chicken-and-the-egg-cart-and-the-horse-buy-a-home-and-sell-a-home <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>That is the challenge but what is the answer? Historically, in a confident marketplace when buyers want to buy a new home, they find it, and put in an offer.&nbsp; Then put their home on the market. They price their home to sell and within 60 to 90 days everything complete and everyone is happy.</p> <p>Currently in this market place&nbsp;this method is not working.&nbsp; We have experienced a slow down of offers on properties during our normally active market time, and we now have increased inventory that directly effects value.&nbsp; Buyers won't buy until they sell. They won't even put in an offer with a sale of home contingency.&nbsp; Why not?&nbsp; Don't know how or didn't know you could?&nbsp; It's how you protect yourself from owning two homes?</p> <p>&nbsp;Bill Crane of CFCU stated today that the biggest challenge they have seen for their clients this year is not credit issues, or a lack of loans available but rather their clients have a home that needs to be sold first.&nbsp; Their homes are either outside the Ithaca market place, or in town and they do not want to be caught with two mortgages.&nbsp;</p> <p>&nbsp;A good Realtor knows how to write an offer with a sale of home contingency and protect their buyers.&nbsp; A better Realtor knows how to get it accepted.&nbsp; The best realtor will explain it to the seller, advocate for this contingency,&nbsp;will create a WIN/WIN for both the buyer and the seller and see it through to closing.&nbsp; There are many aspects of this&nbsp; contingency that need to be carefully examined and negotiated.&nbsp; Ask questions, if it doesn't make sense ask again.</p> <p>&nbsp;Currently for October 2008 there have been 66 homes that have had an offer on them.&nbsp; That's alot for Ocotber.&nbsp;&nbsp;93 homes have made it to the "funding in place ready to close" status. That's great news.&nbsp; However,&nbsp;there are only 5 homes in a sale of home status.&nbsp; This could help everyone, if you are in this dilemma, and don't want to lose out on the opportunity to get the home you really want ask about this contigency.</p> <p>To find out what it happening in your world of real estate ask a RE/MAX agent, we know our market and we can help you to know yours.&nbsp;</p> <p>Melissa Miller&nbsp; Broker Owner</p><div class='agent_signature'><p>RE/MAX In Motion</p> <p>607-277-1500</p> <p><a href="http://www.reinmotion.com">www.reinmotion.com</a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p></div> RE/MAX In Motion Thu, 23 Oct 2008 14:14:54 -0500 http://activerain.com/blogsview/754884/chicken-and-the-egg-cart-and-the-horse-buy-a-home-and-sell-a-home