Real Estate News

I keep reading articles about how Georgia will be unlikely to face a recession due to it’s diversity. The funny thing is, that optimism is only in the title and first couple paragraphs. When you read further, you see that most analysts say that recession is imminent and we aren’t immune. So which is it?
It could be either. I have decided that no matter what the issue, you will have two conflicting stories. I think people’s nature affects there outlook. Data can be skewed to support people’s theories. So what are people to do?

You can do your own research and form your own opinions. While I hope we avoid recession, I think it’s always best to be  prepared. Life is always changing.  Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

So let’s look at some facts:

The real estate market has slowed in areas

The number of foreclosures has increased

Some businesses are feeling the crunch and trying to stay alive via lay offs, take overs, or termination

Unemployment has gone up slightly

Consumers are unsure of what is down the road. People trying to buy a home, face tougher mortgage regulations. The positive is that mortgage rates are still low. In some areas, home prices have gone down. In others, home prices have been stable or even increased. Whether or not it’s the right time to buy, is dependent on individual situations. If you have good credit and a steady job, it might be a great time to take advantage of the low interest rates. Before you do anything, make sure you weigh all your options.

Technorati Tags: conflicting stories, foreclosure, News, real estate market, recession, unemployment

Tomorrow between 2 pm and 5 pm, 109 Village Drive in Guyton will be open. It is a four bedroom, two bath brick ranch style home on a 0.86 acre wooded lot. This home was built in 2001 and has the original owners. The home is well maintained and has a unique multilevel deck. There is almost 2600 square feet of living space. This home is ideal for entertaining indoors and out. The large family room off the kitchen is a large room that has many possibilities. The living room has a vaulted ceiling and gas fireplace. There is a two car garage that is detached. Feel free to stop by and ask questions.

On Sunday, 300 Antigua Drive will be open from 2pm until 5pm. This is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath brick ranch home on a corner lot with a privacy fenced backyard. This home would be a great starter home. It has been well maintained and has a two car attached garage.

For more information, questions, or directions, feel free to contact me at 912-308-2699!
I look forward to answering any questions you may have.

If you will be moving to the Pittsburgh area, you must see this home. It’s about 30 minutes and 15 miles South of downtown Pittsburgh. It is ideal for people that want to have all the conveniences of the city without being in the city.
The home is close to the new South Park Elementary and South Park High School. The home is within a mile of the South Park golf course. It is close to the shopping of West Mifflin, South Park, and Bethel Park. The home is located in a great neighborhood and has new windows, hot water tank, and siding (within 2-4 years old)
There are 4 bedroom, two full baths, and one half bath. All the bedrooms and full bathrooms are located upstairs. There is a separate living room, separate dining room, breakfast nook in the kitchen, family room, and half bath all on the main level. The kitchen is fully equipped with new appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, stove, and microwave) that are no older than 4 years old. The refrigerator will stay with this home. If you go through the sliding glass doors in the family room, you will be on a deck overlooking the back yard and houses below.
This home has an unfinished basement and a two car garage. The laundry area is located in the basement and has washer/dryer hook ups. The backyard is fenced.

Call 912-308-2699 or 412-655-8778 for more details! Beautiful home, great location, and priced to sell.

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I don’t know about you, but I love going to zoos. I grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and they over the years built a great zoo. I love their aquarium. Like most zoos, sometimes you don’t get to see all the animals.
In 2005, we went to the Atlanta Zoo. The kids were excited as was I. It did not live up to the expectations we had. I don’t know if it was just the time we went or if it was a recurring issue. We only saw 3 or 4 animals while we were there.

There is no real zoo in Savannah. However, there is Oatland Island Educational Center. It is a mix of a natural trail and zoo. The only animal that eluded us was the bobcat. The kids loved it. I loved it. It was also very affordable at only $3 per person over 4 years old. They don’t have the amount of animals a typical zoo has, but they offer the animals a more natural setting. In addition, you get some exercise, some beautiful views, and peaceful scenes. It is a great, inexpensive way to spend time with the kids.

Technorati Tags: Local Events

I never thought my blog posts could ever reach the number of people that they are. It’s amazing what the internet can do and has done. All of this technology makes you wonder what the future will hold.
I was searching my web address to see what all google could find. I found my blog posts in all the spots I knew they should be. But then the word Technorati Profile on technorati caught my eye. I did not expect to see my posts on that website. I have since claimed my posts on their site to increase my blogs exposure. I just hope that my posts have helped a few people along the way. It is definitely encouraging to see other people and websites mention or acknowledge your website.
For everyone that reads my blog, I will be posting my weekly sales report tomorrow evening. I want to allow sometime to get all the sales recorded. Last week, I wrote my report too soon. U checked my data the next day to find more homes had sold.

…had one of those days where nothing seems to go right?
I think we all have had them one time or another. Well, Monday was mine. My husband got home early and it seemed like the day was going to be great. We made it through lunch with no problems. Then the phone rang. It was the school nurse. My son had a high fever. I told her that we would come and get him.
We start getting ourselves and our two small sons ready to go. We get both of them into their car seats. I realized I forgot something so I ran back in the house. I hear this large bang a few seconds after. Following the noise, I hear my husband call my name. I asked him what, but I didn’t hear a reply. I didn’t think it was serious.
I get into the garage to see my husband lying on the floor and moaning in pain. He asked me if he’s bleeding through his shirt. I told him he wasn’t. He says that it must not have been too serious then and was starting to get up. I stopped him. I pulled up his shirt to see a large dash in his right shoulder. It wasn’t bleeding yet so I bandaged it up.
So he’s driving himself to the doctors and I am going to get the kids now. I call the school and ask to have my daughter ready. I get into the school and they tell me my daughter has a fever as well. I finally arrive at the doctors and begin filling out every one’s paperwork.
In the end, my husband got 6 stitches, my son had a ear infection, and my daughter had strep throat. It was a crazy day, followed by hectic medicine schedules and quarantining children. Although when you start a week like that, it only gets better.

I was searching the internet for information and looking for good articles and blogs to read when I came across Stacy’s Blog. I started reading and her blog is an excellent resource if you are thinking of Bluffton.
Doing a little searching, you will find that there are numerous real estate blogs out there. Blogging has become the new way to no only market yourself but to market properties. What better way to get your home in front of the most people than to use the power of the internet.

Two of my favorite blogs are Teresa Boardman’s and Kristal Krafts’. They are experienced not only as agents but as writers. I doubt that there is a question that is not answered somewhere in all their posts.

Through my searching, I have found that there aren’t many agents in this area taking advantage of this wonderful tool. This is a great way for people to get to know me without even meeting me. It’s also like I said a great way to get your listings out there.

Homes can be great investments, but that should rely too much on home equity as a source for retirement. Equity is still a benefit to home ownership along with many other reasons. According to an article in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, more than 80 percent of American over 65 own homes. The total value of those homes is around 4 trillion dollars, which is about one-third of their wealth. Home equity can be a great supplemental income for seniors.

Regardless of the benefits, a home shouldn’t be a substitute for a pension, 401(k) plan or IRA. Over long periods of time, residential real estate usually generate lower returns than stocks or bonds. The price you get for your home is dependent upon the market. If you are selling at a good time, you may do very well. If you sell at a bad time, you may no longer have the retirement money you were expecting.

Compared to stocks and bonds, on average homes produced 4.6% less inflation-adjusted compound returns. Even on West Coast where homes appreciated the most, bonds still did slightly better. However over  five- and 10-year periods, the average annual return on residential real estate has been slightly better than the return on U.S. Treasury bills.

In conclusion, your home should never be considered a retirement fund or piggy bank. A home should be a place for memories to be made. Any money produced by the sale is just a bonus.

There are quite a few events coming up. I found one event to be really interesting. On Valentine’s day, couples can get married or renew their vows at Tybee Island. The event will start at 7 pm and go until 11 pm. I would imagine that with the beach behind you, the night will be truly romantic.

For you early birds, there will be a reading of “Love” by Ruby Valentine in Barnes and Noble at the Oglethorpe Mall. So if you aren’t working or can get out, try to meet your loved one for a mood setting event.

For more information on this weeks up and coming events, they are located in the Savannah Now Morning Newspaper or Online.

While doing my usually research on the internet this morning, I came across an interesting article on the New York Times website. According to the article, there are mortgage lenders and brokers that are swearing to a code of ethics. They are guaranteeing that all the fees you will receive will be disclosed and unchanged. The site, loan.com, watches the lenders and brokers by secretly applying for loans. They also investigate any consumer complaints.

If the lender or broker is found to have poor customer service or such, they are given a second chance. They do not get a second chance if they have committed a major violation.

Lenders and Brokers are interviewed and checked against better business bureau records before they are allowed on the site. This is to prevent any unethical lender or brokers from appearing on the site.

The site just opened last month. They say the are there to protect the consumer. As of the 2nd of February, there were 50 mortgage brokers and lenders listed.