Cleveland Ranked #1 Housing Market 2010
Best 25 Housing Market Forecasts in 2010 More housing markets are forecast to experience appreciation in 2010 as the nation's real estate markets move closer to stabilization. The Best 25 Housing Markets named annually by Housing Predictor hold the strongest likelihood of housing inflation of all 250 market predictions issued. Despite the weak economy, home sales are increasing in the majority of the country and are projected to improve over at least the first half of the year boosted by the federal government's expansion of the first time home buyers' tax credit to move-up buyers. Propelled by bargain prices, four Ohio markets top the list of the best 25. Prices got so low in most of Ohio that they have only one way to go. Bankers slashing prices of foreclosures and short sales are setting a new standard for the real estate industry in order to try and save their institutions from failure. Twelve states are represented on the top 25 list, including many midwest and northern-tier states, which have been less severely impacted by the housing crisis. In all, 44 markets are currently forecast to experience housing inflation in 2010. ...
Good News About Taxes
Tax Tips for 2009 Good News about Last Year's Taxes April 15th is less than six weeks away and we all know what that means. If you've yet to visit your accountant or tax preparer, there are some new tax laws, as well as a few old ones you need to know about. But, don't worry. All of the information we're going to share falls under the category of "good news". Back again for his yearly tax-time advice is Trevor Rice, a certified public accountant and shareholder with Stern, Kory, Sreden and Morgan, AAC in Stevenson Ranch, California. Considering that Rice's appointment book is filling up quickly, we thought it would be a good idea to get him talking about some of the more favorable changes regarding our taxes from last year. For Individuals "With a lot of people struggling and finding themselves in survival mode," Rice says, "Our government is responding with help in the form of new tax laws." According to Rice, the biggest benefit in terms of tax relief is extended to those who are losing their homes to either foreclosure or short sale. He says in the past, the amount ...
An Open House Must – Staging
You already know that your home should look great when you are hosting an open house. However, do you know the tricks for staging your home for optimum appeal? Staging is comparable to preparing a set for a movie, but in this case, you are setting the stage in a way that makes visitors feel comfortable and at home in your house. It makes people want to sit, to linger, and to begin imagining how their things will fit in your space. Helping prospective buyers achieve this level of comfort is not only conducive to offers; it practically guarantees higher offers. These open house ideas will help you make the most of the situation: Clean until it sparkles The least expensive and best way to make your home appealing is to scrub and polish everything to perfection. If you need to hire a cleaning service, do not hesitate to do so. No one wants to live in someone else's dirt, and the slightest hint of grime is the biggest turnoff to potential buyers. Get rid of clutter This can be tricky while in the process of packing, but clutter makes a home appear as ...
Common Questions from First Time Homebuyers
Common Questions for the First Time Homebuyers This is an article I found on the HUD website. I have added my own comments and links to other information in my editorial red font! Why should I buy, instead of rent? Answer: A home is an investment. When you rent, you write your monthly check and that money is gone forever. But when you own your home, you can deduct the cost of your mortgage loan interest from your federal income taxes, and usually from your state taxes. This will save you a lot each year, because the interest you pay will make up most of your monthly payment for most of the years of your mortgage. You can also deduct the property taxes you pay as a homeowner. In addition, the value of your home may go up over the years. Finally, you'll enjoy having something that's all yours - a home where your own personal style will tell the world who you are. Remark: This first point alone is reason enouh to own your home. If you are in a position where you CAN buy, then you owe it to ...
10 Ways to NOT Sell Your Home
When it comes to selling a home, these unforgivable no-no's top the charts. Use this checklist to make sure you won't lose potential buyers on account of an unkempt yard or that hole in the Sheetrock. Leave the Lawn There's no sense in fixing up the yard. After all, it’s the house they’re coming to see! Or… See your yard as an extension of the house and give it a thorough once-over. Trim unruly bushes, pull weeds, spread fresh mulch, and keep it mowed. Your yard sets the expectations of the buyer before they’ve even stepped in your house. Also, consider installing attractive outdoor lighting. It goes a long way (for a little investment) toward creating a dramatic mood. And if you have a dog, go on a hunt for “land mines” and clean them up. Lingering Stench Don’t change the litter box. After all, you changed it yesterday, right? It doesn’t smell that bad. Or… give your house the "sniff test." Nothing is more off-putting to a prospective buyer than a house that smells stale ... or worse. Often, you become so inured to the smell of your own home that you don’t notice ...
Selling Your Own Home? Yeah, OK.
Selling your own home isn't the piece of cake that people make it out to be. Most of them are trying to sell you tips and tricks to selling your own home. In reality, they are the hustlers, NOT your local licensed real estate agent! Read this article that I found from a source listed at the end of this post, and pay particular attention to my notes, in red font and you will see how the supposed benefits of FSBO are not all what it's cracked up to be! There are both advantages and disadvantages to selling your own home and it isn't difficult to learn how to sell your own home, either. Number one on the list of advantages is saving money by avoiding real estate commission fees (Saving money on the commission? OK. Read on). Another major advantage is that the seller has complete control over the sale process (Misconception. You have final say on price WITH an agent also!). Among the disadvantages are paying out of pocket for advertising costs, pricing your home too high or too low, and not being able to devote enough ...
Ohio Foreclosure is No Mystery…
The Truth About Foreclosure Law in Ohio It is no mystery that foreclosures are skyrocketing in the United States as quickly as the gas prices. Each state has its own foreclosure laws, and it is important for residents to have a clear understanding of what they are. We're going to zero in on the state of Ohio. Foreclosures in Ohio differ from other states in that there are no non-judicial foreclosures available. Properties in Ohio act as securities against the lien. In order for a foreclosure to take place in the state of Ohio, lenders must go to court for what is called a judicial foreclosure. Once the court has granted the foreclosure, it is listed as a public notice sale. A complaint is filed with the county courthouse in addition to what is called a "lis pendens." A "lis pendens" is a document which records the fact that a public notice is being filed stating the property is being foreclosed upon. A foreclosure in the state of Ohio cannot go through unless a complaint is filed with the county courthouse giving the defendant 28 days to respond, three appraisers who are ...
Keller Williams Realty Ranked #1
Keller Williams Realty Ranked as Top Real Estate Franchise by Industry Leader and Entrepreneur Magazine AUSTIN, TEXAS (December 21, 2009) — Keller Williams Realty joined the ranks of the top franchises in the world last week, when the company was ranked as the No. 1 real estate franchise on the 31st Annual Franchise 500 list by Entrepreneur magazine. During the same week, the company was also voted the Most Recognizable Brand of Real Estate Franchises for 2009 in an industry-wide survey for the Swanepoel TRENDS Report. “The Swanepoel TRENDS Report is a respected source for the real estate industry and beyond, as is Entrepreneur magazine, and we are excited to see our agents honored in this way for all of their hard work,” said Mark Willis, CEO, Keller Williams Realty. “We certainly wouldn’t have been included on either list without the dedication and resolve of our agents.” According to the ranking in Entrepreneur magazine, the most important criteria to determine the top franchises included financial strength and stability, as well as growth rate and size of the franchise system. The magazine also looked at the number of years the company has ...
Upcoming Keller Williams Realty RED Day
Keller Williams Realty Announces RED Day 2010! What is Keller Williams RED Day? RED (Renew, Energize and Donate) Day is a Keller Williams Realty service initiative dedicated to improving our local communities. We are asking all Keller Williams Realty associates in the US and Canada to donate their time on May 13, 2010 to renewing and energizing aspects of their local communities. Because of her constant commitment to the culture of our company, this day has been dedicated in honor of our Vice Chairman, Mo Anderson. Our vision for this day is that all Keller Williams associates will actively engage in a coordinated effort to improve their local community. Activities may include rehabbing a house, cleaning up a local trail, providing food for the homeless, or any other service related activity needed in your community. This will be one of the single biggest events ever undertaken in the real estate industry. In order for this day to be a huge success, we need your energy and your commitment. Each Market Center will be asked to identify and coordinate an activity which will have a visible impact on their local comminity and surroundings. ...
Creating Wealth with Real Estate
So You'd Like To Create Wealth with Real Estate? Take a look at a list of the World's Richest People as compiled by any number of organizations such as the US "Forbes 400 Richest Americans", or Australia's "BRW Rich 200 List", and look at where each of these individuals have built their wealth. Whilst these people have generated their wealth from a very eclectic field of businesses and professions, one stands out as more common and re-occurring than the rest: Real Estate! And for those that haven't generated their wealth directly in real estate, many of them will use real estate as a secure and solid asset to funnel and further grow their fortunes. So what makes real estate stand out above all the other asset classes as the vehicle of choice for wealth creation? There are a number of reasons, but four principle ones: 1. Leverage When purchasing real estate, it is not uncommon, particularly for a house and land package, to be able to borrow 80% or 90% of the purchase price. Depending on the location of the land, the lender, and your borrowing position (i.e. whether you already have other assets ...
