Gina Buck's Blog

Market Report For Elmore County Alabama

Gina Buck (Buck Realty) — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:54:56 -0800

With all the news reports, and questions out there, I am compelled to share some interesting statistics with all of you. I am reporting market conditions for Elmore County AL. For the month of January 2009 there have been 34 homes sold. Of these homes, the average price/square foot is $81.23, and the average price is $159,277. The average time that homes spent on the market were 142.

This data is compared with the sales for the same county one year ago. For the month of January 2008, there were a total of 56 homes sold. Of these homes, the average price/square foot was $93.12, and the average price was $177,382. The average time on the market was 137 days.

As we can see from the data, the values of homes sold from last January to this have dropped 11% in Elmore County. The average time on the market is relatively the same, however.

I do not find it surprising, however, that the number of homes sold is dramatically different. The public perception is skewed because of the media coverage of much more volatile markets.

So what does this mean for sellers. A buyer's market is always a great time to buy up. Think about it. If you have a home that will sell for $100,000 now, it would have sold for $111,000 one year ago. So you are losing about $10,000 on the sale. But you are buying a $150,000 today, that sold for $166500 a year ago. You are saving $16500 on the home you are buying, and only losing $10,000 on the one you are selling. Think about it.

What about buyers. Now is a great time to buy. Interest rates are at historical lows and prices are lower than they have been in years. What's not to love?

Visit my website at www.ginabuck.com for information on how go contact me for more information.

Home for the Holidays!!

Gina Buck (Buck Realty) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:57:53 -0800

Holiday time is fast approaching for all of us. Whether you are in the market for a home, or trying to sell one, the holidays are a great time for real estate.

For sellers, the holiday season gives you the opportunity to stage your home is a way that is sure to play on the emotions of even the hardest buyers. Christmas and the feel of home is a powerful memory in all of our minds, and you only get one chance to cash in on these emotions. So, go all out for the holiday season and stage your home with all the splendor of the North Pole. It could pay off BIG!!

For buyers, normally sales drop in the holiday months. This could be just the opportunity you have been waiting for. And just imagine how exciting a new home is for a christmas gift. WOW!! So don't let the winter cold keep you in, go out and see what's happening. You just might find the deal of a lifetime, and maybe the seller will leave the tree:)

Best wishes for a Happy Holiday season and Merry CHRISTmas.

Gina Buck

www.ginabuck.com

334-657-0939 cell

334-569-1480 office

Internet Buyers and Sellers

Gina Buck (Buck Realty) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 16:47:22 -0700

Well, this post is to address all the internet buyers and sellers out there.

With the advancements in technology over the past years, the dynamic of buying and selling homes has changed. Buyers and sellers can do so much on the internet, without ever having to speak to an individual. However, I question whether this is a good change.

From the perspective of the consumer, I can see that you may avoid the occasional real estate agent who hounds you with annoying messages and correspondence. But, how much valuable information are you missing out on by not taking advantage of the real estate agent's knowledge? Realtors hold a vast array of knowledge on different topics. And by far, the help we can give you will outweigh the negative experience that you may encounter.

With so many changes in the market, please take time to talk to the local Realtor. We are there to be helpful, and provide a high level of customer service to everyone.

For more information, visit my website @ www.ginabuck.com.

Thanks for reading. Happy Homes make Happy Hearts.

Summer is Here

Gina Buck (Buck Realty) — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 08:18:03 -0700

Well, summer has found us. For many families, summer means moving time. Whether it's relocation by force, or by adventure, families are forced to make decisions about where they will spend the next season of their lives. One of the major factors for some will be the local real estate market.

With so much talk on the news about the market conditions and the future of real estate, most consumers have found themselves confused by conflicting information. So what do you do when you have to buy or sell in these turbulent times?

Here are a few suggestions

1. Hire a professional REALTOR. Realtors have continuing education to keep us abreast of the market conditions and how to handle special situations that may arise in different markets. In addition, we have knowledge of our markets, that will save buyers and sellers thousands of dollars on the purchase/sale of their home.

2. Don't rely totally on national news reports. While national news may represent the country as a whole, many regional areas are not effected in the same way. There are some areas of the country where real estate is still apprecialting and moving. Ask a local REALTOR for information. Most agents will be more than happy to share this information with you.

3. Don't wait too long. Getting a head start on your home search will leave you feeling refreshed and relaxed at the end of the process. You will have time to search for the best home for your family in the area where you are moving. And once you find the home, you will have more time to get settled and learn your way around before the lazy days of summer give way to hectic schedules and colder weather.

Good luck with your moves this summer! Visit my website at www.ginabuck.com for more information on moving.