foreclosure: Should I Buy An Investment Property??? - 06/30/11 01:43 AM
                                               
I read this article on Twitter from Realtor Magazine Online and I am really finding this to be true in our market.Another great reason to buy an investment property! Have someone pay your mortgage and then sell when the market values increase. A win-win! Foreclosures Contribute to Rental Boom
Foreclosed home owners are contributing to a boom in the rental market. Nearly half of property managers recently surveyed - or 47 percent - say they're seeing an increase in applicants moving to rental units from foreclosed properties.
But foreclosed home owners may not find big deals in the rental … (2 comments)

foreclosure: Great Article... 10 Reasons to Buy a Home - 09/17/10 02:49 AM
10 Reasons to Buy a Home
Sure, maybe there's more pain to come in the housing market. But when Time magazine starts running covers that declare "Owning a home may no longer make economic sense," it's time to say: Enough is enough. This is what "capitulation" looks like. Everyone has given up.
After all, at the peak of the bubble five years ago, Time had a different take. "Home Sweet Home," declared its cover then, as it celebrated the boom and asked: "Will your house make your rich?"  But it's not enough just to be contrarian. So here are 10 reasons … (1 comments)

foreclosure: Deal of the century? - 08/06/10 02:34 AM
You want to buy a home and it seems like everyone you know has advice to give you but you still don’t know who to listen too. Check out the video below on items that you should pay attention to when looking for a home. It could save you a lot of headaches in the end. Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy
To Recap: Water in the basement- look for water marks on the walls and if items are stored off the floor. Water issues in the basement can cost a lot to repair – … (2 comments)

foreclosure: Short Sales... Cue the scary music - 07/08/10 09:08 AM
So often we call short sales "long sales".  The process, which you would think would be very straight forward, often takes at least 3 months for a bank to respond!  And many times, an already patient buyer has decided to pursue a house that does not have a "third party" or "bank" contingency, setting the seller back to marketing their home for sale. 
So what can you do?  You've heard that the best defense is a good offense, so coming to the table before an offer is even received with the following can ensure that you have done your best in moving … (2 comments)

foreclosure: 10 Things to Know About Real Estate in 2010 - 01/08/10 03:24 AM
Is 2010 the year to buy a house?
Prices bottom, mortgage rates increase, and foreclosures move upstream
It certainly looks that way: After a steep run-up in prices during the first half of the decade, home values have plummeted back to 2003 levels. Fixed mortgage rates are sitting near record lows. And the foreclosure epidemic—while painful for many home owners—has created some wonderful opportunities for bargain hunters. If that's not enough, Uncle Sam is handing out thousands of dollars in tax credits to nearly all first-time buyers and the bulk of existing home owners who close a purchase by June.
But … (3 comments)

foreclosure: Declines Moderating to under 5% in Connecticut's Housing Markets - 10/27/09 05:23 AM
Center for Real Estate and Urban Economics Studies University of Connecticut The pace of decline in Connecticut's single family housing markets moderated throughout the state during the third quarter of 2009. In the middle of the market, preliminary numbers indicate that prices went down by less than 5% year-over-year, compared to 11-12% rates of decline in the first half of the year. The total decline since the peak in 2006Q1 is 17%. On an inflation adjusted basis Connecticut house prices are down about 26% since their peak. Several signs point to a moderating trend in the market. House price decreases during … (0 comments)

foreclosure: Stratford, Connecticut - 2010 Census - 05/08/09 08:12 AM
The 2010 census is nearing and that means it is time to verify addresses.
The U.S. government is preparing to do another census, as they do every ten years. In preparation for this, census takers are canvassing neighborhoods to verify addresses. If you see anyone in your neighborhood walking around recording address information, make sure they have a U.S. Census identification badge and are carrying a U.S. Census tote bag. Otherwise, if you are concerned about someone who looks suspicious, you can always call the police. The census takers will be in neighborhoods through July of 2009.
Contact The Kasey Group … (0 comments)

foreclosure: Stratford, Connecticut-Homeownership at Lowest Level Since 2000 - 04/28/09 08:30 AM
Home ownership at Lowest Level Since 2000
According to the Census Bureau, the rate of U.S. home ownership slipped in the 2009 first quarter to the lowest level since the start of the decade. The U.S. homeownership rate dropped to 67.5 percent from 68 percent a year earlier, driven largely by a sharp decline among younger buyers as well as among African-American households. Loose credit pushed up national home ownership levels in recent years, but the trend is now being reversed by the recession and a foreclosure epidemic.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, Conor Dougherty (04/28/09)
What is being done … (0 comments)

foreclosure: FSBO... Good or Bad?! - 04/15/09 06:07 AM
Pronounced "fizzbo," a FSBO (for sale by owner) is a Realtor acronym for a property that an individual is looking to sell on their own.
To a certain extent, the notion may be driven by tough economic times. With equity evaporating in many markets, it might be a necessity for some sellers to go the DIY route. It is a question brought about by the perception of high cost for very little real work and a nagging sense that, hey, maybe I could do that.
Maybe you can. Maybe you shouldn't. The market, motivation, familiarity with the process, knowledge of real … (0 comments)

foreclosure: Stratford, Connecticut-Welcome to The Spring Market! - 04/13/09 03:35 AM
It seems like the Spring Market is upon us, as Stratford is seeing a rise in homes that are selling!
In Stratford, for single family homes:
January saw 74 new listings and 29 homes going on deposit.
February had 85 new listings with 26 homes going on deposit.
March had 68 new listings with 34 homes going on deposit.
and, already for April,
22 homes listed and 18 have already taken a deposit!
Curious how The Kasey Group compares?
We have 27 homes under deposit/sold!
How does the town that you work in compare?
… (0 comments)

foreclosure: Urge your clients to take advantage of low interest rates! - 04/10/09 02:40 AM
If you are purchasing a home or trying to find ways to lower your current mortgage payment then you should know that there are programs out there for you.
Looking to make a purchase?
As interest rates remain near the lowest level in decades buyers with strong credit and stable jobs are able to take advantage of low interest rates.  If you are a first time home buyer  you are eligible for an $8,000 tax credit that does not need to be repaid.
 "For purposes of the credit, you are considered to be a first-time home buyer if you, and your … (0 comments)

foreclosure: I am not a lead.. A video all Realtors should watch! - 04/02/09 06:17 AM
As members of the Real Estate community we wanted to share this video with you. I am not a lead As Real Estate agents we can easily get caught up in the process and forget that buying and selling a home is a major life decision. If you’re a first time homebuyer or selling the home you have lived in for over 20 years the real estate process can be stressful. Let’s give our clients the service they expect and remember that they aren't just a commission check. What does this video say to you? We want to give a special … (6 comments)

foreclosure: Connecticut Real Estate - 04/01/09 06:23 AM
Short sales are a wonderful opportunity...if you have the patience. 
 We have been working diligently to get this home sold for the last 4 months and the happy new owners just moved in!
This beautiful three bedroom, 1 1/2 bath townhouse-style condominium is located in a quiet development in Fairfield convenient to 95, the train, schools, the University and shopping. 
… (0 comments)

foreclosure: Stratford, Connecticut Real Estate - 03/31/09 01:55 AM
6 Reasons Why It's Still a Good Time to Buy
The housing market is looking healthier. Here are six reasons why now is the time to jump into the market.1. Uncle Sam is willing to help. First-time buyers (defined as anyone who hasn't owned a home in the last three years) are entitled to a maximum $8,000 tax credit; interest rates are at record lows; and the Federal Reserve is doing its best to make mortgage loans available. 2. People have to live somewhere. About 800,000 new households are formed each year in this country, ensuring that the housing market … (0 comments)

foreclosure: Stratford Connecticut Real Estate - 03/30/09 02:32 AM

Spring checklist for your home.
Don't let problems around the house turn into money drains
To help you protect your most valuable asset, your home, be on the lookout for these potential issues and learn how to fix them:
1- Hazardous deck
Look for water stains where the deck ties to the house. Ongoing water leakage can lead to wood decay, weakening the deck structure and the house. If you have any doubt about the structural integrity of the deck, call a pro to investigate.Rid your deck of moss and mold. Pressure washers are effective. Remember, if you see wood damage, … (0 comments)

foreclosure: Stratford Connecticut Real Estate - 03/27/09 07:41 AM
Are you struggling to make your mortgage payments?
Unsure of what your options are?
The United States Department of Treasury and the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development have set up http://makinghomeaffordable.gov/ to help homeowners get the help they need.
For more information on the options available to you as a Homeowner
Call The Kasey Group at 203-378-8200 or visit our website at www.TheKaseyGroup.Raveis.com
 
… (0 comments)

foreclosure: Stratford Connecticut Real Estate - 03/26/09 08:54 AM
 Are you on-line?
Most real estate agents know that buyers and sellers are using the Internet more and more to buy and sell homes.  The day of driving by a sign and calling your local real estate agent is a thing of the past.  It is important to capture buyers and sellers on-line and to do that you must be on the Internet.
Over the past two weeks The Kasey Group has worked on becoming members of the different networking sites available on-line.  You can now find The Kasey Group at: www.Twitter.com/TheKaseyGroup , www.linkedin.com/in/TheKaseyGroup , www.TheKaseyGroup.Raveis.com , TheKaseyGroup.Listingbook.com , and www.TheKaseyGroupBlogs.com
These different … (0 comments)

foreclosure: Connecticut Real Estate - 03/25/09 01:34 AM
Governor Rell: $163 Million in Stimulus Funds To Bolster Bus, Rail and Greenway Projects Posted by Connecticut RealEstateRama March 24, 2009 March 24, 2009 - (RealEstateRama) - Governor M. Jodi Rell announced today that the state's Recovery Working Group unanimously approved nearly $163 million in federal stimulus transportation projects to create jobs on statewide bus and rail projects and enhance pedestrian and bicycle access. "These statewide projects, both large and small, have one thing in common - they need hard-working men and women of Connecticut to make them a reality," Governor Rell said. "The federal stimulus act is giving us a … (0 comments)

foreclosure: Foreclosed homes in Connecticut - 03/24/09 01:46 AM
The Connecticut Post ran this article on March 17, 2009 that describes the steps the City of Bridgeport is taking to fill bank owned/foreclosed homes. City to broker foreclosed homes   By Rob VarnonSTAFF WRITER Updated: 03/17/2009 11:07:41 PM EDT
  BRIDGEPORT -- Mayor Bill Finch unveiled a $25 million program Tuesday that within a month could begin to put families into 200 foreclosed and abandoned properties in the city. "The first loans will go out in two weeks," Finch pledged at a news conference in front of a foreclosed home at 72 Sidney St. He was there to announce the … (0 comments)

foreclosure: Stratford, Connecticut Real Estate - 03/19/09 02:43 AM
 
 

There are many sites being used today by both buyers and sellers to keep informed on the market.  The Kasey Group encourages people to start using Listingbook.com.  This site offers up-to-date information on the market because it is directly connected to the Multiple Listing Service(MLS). 
Sellers With Listingbook you can easily:
• Stay informed about new listings and price changes in your neighborhood
• (If listed)See how many people are interested in your home
Buyers With Listingbook you can easily:
• Find any home in the Multiple Listing Service- just like agents do!
• Make an informed decision and find … (2 comments)