Real Estate Newsletter, VOLUME III, Issue 7 JULY 2007

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal."

- Abraham Lincoln, The Gettysburg Address, 1863

Featured In This Issue

Special Days and Events
Home Sales Projected to Fluctuate Narrowly With a Gradual Upturn
Dangers of Overdoing it in the Summer Heat
Cooking Corner

Special Days and Events

July 4 - Independence Day
July 11 - World Population Day
July 16 - World Snake Day
July 20 - Moon Day
July 23 - National Hot Dog Day
July 27 - Cross Atlantic Communication Day
July 30 - Father-in-Law Day

The birth flower for July is the Larkspur. The birth stone for July is the Ruby.

Home Sales Projected to Fluctuate Narrowly With a Gradual Upturn

Home sales are projected to move in a relatively narrow range with a gradual upturn becoming more pronounced by the end of the year, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors®.

Lawrence Yun, NAR senior economist, said the market is relatively soft. "Overall housing levels are historically strong, but sales remain sluggish compared to the recent boom," he said. "Home sales will probably fluctuate in a narrow range in the short run, but gradually trend upward with improving activity by the end of the year. It's important to keep in mind that all real estate is local, and many markets are expected to have higher sales and strengthening prices during the second half of this year."

Existing-home sales are projected to total 6.18 million in 2007 and 6.41 million next year, in contrast with 6.48 million in 2006. New-home sales are forecast at 860,000 this year and 901,000 in 2008, down from 1.05 million last year. Housing starts are likely to total 1.43 million units in 2007 and 1.49 million next year, below the 1.80 million recorded in 2006.

The national median existing-home price should ease by 1.3 percent to $219,100 in 2007 before rising 1.7 percent next year. The median new-home price will probably fall 2.3 percent to $240,800 this year, and then grow by 2.6 percent in 2008.

"We continue to experience a temporary distortion in comparing median existing-home prices," Yun said. "Because the sales volume has shifted from many high-cost areas to moderately priced markets, we're not getting a true apples-to-apples comparison. When you look at other measures, such as this week's price index from Freddie Mac which is based on repeat sales, overall home prices are rising slowly."

"Buyers today need to have a traditional view that housing as a long-term investment is an added benefit to their shelter expense. If so, that investment generally will build a nice nest egg over time, especially if they use a traditional mortgage instrument that reduces debt," Yun said.

The 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is likely to increase to 6.6 percent in the third quarter and then hover at that level through 2008.

"Because of reductions in home sales and new home construction, the economy will expand at a subpar pace in 2007," Yun said. "As housing market conditions improve going into 2008, the economy will reach back to its growth potential next year." Growth in the U.S. gross domestic product is estimated at 2.0 percent this year, lower than the 3.3 percent growth in 2006. Yun forecasts GDP to grow 3.0 percent in 2008.

The unemployment rate is projected to average 4.6 percent in 2007, unchanged from last year. Inflation, as measured by the Consumer Price Index, is expected to decline to 2.5 percent this year, down from 3.2 percent in 2006. Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income is likely rise 2.8 percent this year, compared with a 2.6 percent increase in 2006.

Reprinted from REALTOR® Magazine [June, 2007] with permission of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. Copyright 2007. All rights reserved.

Dangers of Overdoing it in the Summer Heat

With longer days, warmer temperatures, and an abundance of sunshine, it's no wonder so many of us take to the outdoors for summertime fun. While it feels great to be outside for recreational activities and exercise in the summer, too much exertion can lead to serious health problems.

"When the temperature soars and humidity rises, it is time to take precautions to avoid dangerous health consequences such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke and overexposure to the sun," says Dr. Sean Robinson, assistant professor of education at Argosy University/Washington DC and ACE-certified personal trainer.

Seniors, children, and people with chronic illnesses are most susceptible to heat exhaustion and stroke, however, everyone is at risk. Many tell-tale symptoms and warning signs are associated with heat exhaustion, including dry mouth, fatigue, dizziness, headache, weak and rapid pulse, and cool, clammy, pale skin. And many of these symptoms take several hours to appear.

"The early symptoms of heat exhaustion can sneak up on us," explains Dr. Robinson. "Some people feel a bit lightheaded and weak, and might have a touch of nausea. The serious problems develop when symptoms are ignored and additional fluids are not taken right away." Dehydration - and the resulting loss of electrolytes such as sodium - is the primary cause of heat exhaustion. Dr. Robinson advises people to stay well-hydrated and take in extra salt. "Drink even though you don't feel like it - you can't count on your thirst mechanism to prompt you."

Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness and is a life-threatening emergency. It is the result of long, extreme exposure to the sun, in which a person does not sweat enough to lower body temperature, reaching over 103 degrees. People suffering from heat stroke may experience extremely serious medical conditions, including hot, dry, red skin; no sweating at all; disorientation, hallucinations, or delirium; convulsions; and a loss of consciousness.

"Heat stroke can occur within 10 to 15 minutes of the first symptoms. If treatment is not given immediately, permanent damage can occur to internal organs," says Dr. Robinson. He also emphasizes that heat stroke is a medical emergency. "Call 911 or transport the victim immediately to a hospital." While waiting for medical help, Dr. Robinson advises that an attendee to a heat stroke victim should move him or her to a cool place indoors and lower the body temperature by wrapping the victim in wet sheets, wet clothing or ice packs.

Summer is always a great season to enjoy and be physically active in the fine weather and outdoor opportunities. Knowing the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, and what to do when one is exposed to these conditions, will help keep you, your family and friends healthy and safe during the dog days of summer.

Courtesy of ARA Content

Cooking Corner

Roasted Summer Vegetable Salad
Courtesy FoodNetwork.com

1 ear corn - grilled, shucked, and cut off the cob
1 red pepper -- roasted, peeled, and cut into a 1/2-inch dice
1 tomato -- grilled, peeled, seeded, and cut into a 1/2-inch dice
2 zucchini or other summer squash -- cut into 1/2-inch slices, grilled, and cut into 1/2-inch dice
1 tablespoon lime juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
2 ounces extra virgin olive oil
Salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients. Marinate for 30 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste.

Hope you've enjoyed July's Newsletter. Please call or send an e-mail if you have any questions about buying, selling, or investing in real estate

If you are interested in selling your home and live in the Charlotte area please contact me for a FREE Evaluation to ready your home for sale. 704-724-4441 or curly@cbunited.com.

If you live outside the Charlotte area, please contact me and I will put you in touch with the best REALTOR in your area; this is a FREE service.  704-724-4441 or curly@cbunited.com.

If you would like a FREE list of homes for sale in the Charlotte area including all surrounding counties in North Carolina and South Carolina and want to be the FIRST to know when new listings come on the market or if you would like more information about the Charlotte area please call me 704-724-4441 or e-mail me curly@cbunited.com.

I cover the following areas and NC Counties: Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Iredell, The Lake Norman Area, Lincoln, Gaston, Rowan, Stanly, Anson, Catawba, Montgomery, Mountain Island lake, Downtown Charlotte, and the following SC areas and Counties Lake Wylie Area, York, Lancaster, Chester.

Visit My website for FREE Buyer or Seller Reports, Featured Listings, Complete MLS Listings,Community Information and my Monthly Recipes. It is my goal to provide the very best counsel, advice and service possible for your real estate needs. If I may ever be of assistance to you, a relative, friend or co-worker please don't hesitate to call me. As an added service, I can offer you, your friends, relatives and co-workers a Personalized Relocation Placement Service to or from anywhere in the USA AND over 100 foreign countries. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you.
	Michael "CURLY" Curl, REALTOR®, Broker Coldwell Banker UNITED, REALTORS® Direct: 704-724-4441 Office: 704-541-6100 x295		Email me at: curly@cbunited.com Visit my website at: http://curlysellshomes.com/