Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

I hope you have had a great start to the year and are able to keep nice and warm!  It sure is clod outside!  I was getting a little irritated by the low prematures until I spoke with a client from Minnesota yesterday who told me it was -10 there the other day.  Oh well, it is winter and the kids are loving the snow. Speaking of kids, my daughter Aubry just got her first haircut in 8 years and donated 13 inches of hair to Locks of Love.

Did you make any New Years Resolutions?  I really haven't gotten to that yet.  I was busy trying to stick to my end of the year resolution to exercise and loose weight in order to win our office Biggest Loser contest.  We weighed in today and I feel confident that I am NOT the Biggest Loser! Oh well, I guess that gives me something to keep working towards.

If putting your home on the market is on your list this year, check out my attachment, Preparing Your Home For Sale.  Now is the time to start!  It is still a buyers market and the homes that are selling quickly and for fair value are those that show great. If you need me to come by and make a list of suggestions for you,  just give me a call.  Don't forget there is a $6,500 existing homeowner tax credit, but the home must be under contract by April 30th.

Well here is the Market Update for December, 09:

Joplin: Active; 481  Pending; 67  Sold; 62

Carl Junction: Active; 96  Pending; 12  Sold; 14

Webb City: Active; 158  Pending; 25  Sold; 17

Did you notice that there are roughly 4 times as many homes for sale as there are pending and sold?  That said, if you are a buyer you should have a nice selection of homes and if you are a seller you need to properly prepare for the market.  Of course, these numbers will vary some in each price range.

If you know of anyone who would like information on the home buying process, I will be hosting a Buyers Seminar at the Keller Williams office on Feb. 1st from 7-8.  We'll discuss the tax credits and I will have a lender and title company rep. there as well to answer any questions.  Pass the info. along and have them give me a call to reserve a spot.  The more the merrier!

To wrap things up, I just want to say thanks to all of the great clients and friends that I have in the community.  I had a wonderful year and am looking forward to next year. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you.

JO