Either/or OR Both/and??

Saying that it is a buyers market OR a sellers market may be simplifying things too much. Perhaps it is both a buyers and sellers market, at least in our market.

The fact that home prices have fallen substantially in the last year would seem to give aspiring homeowners the upper hand in the current market. But if you ask a number of buyers, they may tell you it sure doesn't feel like a buyer's market.

Why?

The decline in home values does not mean a decline in what sellers owe on their homes. Thus even if values are lower, sellers still owe what they owe.... and unless they opt for a short-sale to sell, there is a foundational and unchangeable bottom line in what they can accept from a buyer.

So if a buyer is out there expecting a huge bargain, they may be in for a disappointment.

Buyers that decide to go for a fair sales price combined with the current low interest rates may have a greater success in getting into a home.

The occasional bargain from a long-time home owner (or a home owner who had a large amount of equity) may exist here and there, but more common are those sellers that have a solid bottom line.

For further analysis of our market, send us an email. We can let you in on the facts that will most benefit you as a buyer, seller or both!

In or Out?

As we get ready for the warmth of summer, our minds turn to enjoying the outdoors.

But you don't have to leave home in order to escape outside... you can turn your own outdoor space into a retreat!

For some inspiration on how to achieve this (and even on a budget!), have a look:

http://www.hgtv.com/smart-chic-outdoor-living/package/index.html

Outdoor fun here we come!

Rate Review

If you are curious what the recent economical and global issues have done to the rates, have a read... http://www.bankrate.com/finance/mortgages/mortgages-barely-move-in-fragile-economy.aspx

Spring is in the air.... literally.

Have your allergies made their annual spring appearance? Click on the article below to see how you can defeat those allergies as you rid your home of some dust, pollen, mold and other allergens. Another good one from our friends at HGTV. Bless you! http://www.hgtv.com/home-improvement/enjoy-a-healthy-home-10-mistakes-to-avoid/pictures/index.html