Monday, December 7, 2009

Short Sale Guidelines

Here's the scoop on the new short sale guidelines.
They are meant to expedite things. This is a good thing.
http://eloop4.goldlasso.com/UserFiles/c_781/File/Fast_Track_Oct-Dec09/120709_short_sale_guidelines(1).html

Wind Power, Real Estate and Birds....

As the wind-energy winds begin to shift, pun intended, let us consider our feathered friends.
Here's a some good information regarding wind power.
By the way, Indiana does not have guidelines for proper siting of wind turbines. Let's work on that.
http://www.audubon.org/campaign/windPowerQA.html

Friday, October 16, 2009

National Trend to Independent Brokers

While researching the subjcet of the changing face in real estate, I came upon a couple of articles which I will share with you here:
In July 2009, Mr. Stephen M. Fells wrote an article titled, “The Changing Face of Real Estate Franchise Brands?” where he referenced Mrs. Stephen Swanepol annual TRENDS Report of Real Estate. It dealt with the scope and number of real estate franchises. He compared large franchises standings to date and concluded that, although his comparison was not scientific, “There are numerous new franchise brands bubbling under the radar”, and that “even in the “big picture” of large national brands the world is ever changing and that anything can happen.”
What is happening nationally and in Indiana is that there is a growing number of independent brokers. MIBOR reports that independent brokers represent 92% of the broker membership. Independent brokers serve their clients well, given their experience, knowledge, and increased desire to offer client-centered, one-on-one-type service. This deviates from the “company bottom line” approach to business.
A natural progression to work together independently evolved to IREIBA, which was formalized in 2001 with By-Laws having been written and accepted by acclamation. In 2005 the organization was formally registered. The purpose of IREIBA is to aid and promote the business of Independent Real Estate Brokers, to increase their effectiveness in serving their clients, and to increase their visibility in the community. IREIBA members represent the best in the industry, and they get to network with the best in the industry. Meetings focus on legal updates, technology updates, BLC updates, governmental/legislative updates, mandatory continuing education, and sometimes a friendly open forum where seasoned brokers share their wisdom.
We are proud members of MIBOR, NAR, and IAR. We support the REALTOR Foundation as well as other community organizations. We are non-profit organization and we are always eager to serve the public where “Our only boss is you”. Please find us at www.ireiba.com
Source:
The Swanepoel TRENDS Report is published by RealSure and can be purchased online at www.RealEstateBooks.org.
Mr. Stephen Fells is Founder and CEO, AIMIS, http://www.agencylogic.com/Management-Bio-Stephen-Fells.aspx

Friday, September 25, 2009

August Home Sales Down 12.9%

The Indianapolis Star reported today that:
Existing-home sales in the Indianapolis area fell 12.9% in August compared with a year ago. According to the Indiana Association of Realtors (IAR), data received from realtor members indicate that this was the eighth consecutive month this year that sales have fallen. Sales dropped to 1,793 in the eight-county metro area, from 2,059 in August 2008. The hardest-hit county was Hendricks County where sales fell to 29% to 148 homes.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Market Quote of the Day

Greetings Friends and Neighbors,
I attended a most interesting Real Estate Forum yesterday which dealt with the sad state of affairs in the real estate market and the economy as a whole.
Guess what. There a great number of new foreclosures that will be hitting the market very soon, so that means more homes out there offered for sale at very low prices which huts sound properties.
Here's the quote for properties that need to be priced right.
"We are in a beauty contest in a price war."
Doesn't that say it all?
Stay tuned!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Health Insurance vs Health Care Reform? That is the question

Greetings Friends and Neighbors,
Health Insurance Reform or Health Care Reform? That is the question. The answer is both need a good enema to clear out a lot of toxicity.
The health insurance industry needs to clean house because the bubble is about to burst. Much like the recent bubble bursts in the housing, finance and auto sectors, the insurance sector is about to see a lot of noise and it will not be pretty. Why? Too big, too much overhead, too many pockets to line and too many favors to repay. That is the reality.
And here's another sobering thought. The middle man is getting rich from both sides of the scale--increased premiums from insurers, decreased benefits payments to health providers.
The Health Care side of this mess will face dire consequences as well. Too many errors, by too many health care givers with too little training or compassion. Too much time on the computer updating what care has been delivered to placate the insurance company's insatiable appetite for validation (a stallling tactic) to care about whether the care was delivered correctly. Who suffers? We all do.
The system needs balance. The sooner the better. Legislators need to hear YOUR war-stories. They are only hearing from lobbyist. Send them your woes to keep them on their toes!
What's your solution?

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Energy-Efficient Home=Faster Sale

The real estate market will see brief-but-welcome upswing in sales due to appliance upgrades and a turn to "Energy Efficiency".
RSMedia Reports that:
Congress passed a $300 million stimulus program which offers rebates to buyers of more energy-efficient appliances and other products with the Energy Star label. These are products with a 10 to 30% more energy efficient than comparable products.
Note to Sellers:
Provide your Utility Usage Sheet at showings.
Note to Buyers: Take heed. If you buy a house that needs udating, check on the cash-for-clunker-appliance program before you upgrade.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Roommates are out, Boarders are in...

An article summary:
It's a sign of our economic times that more homeowners, looking to relieve financial stress, appear to be looking for someone to occupy a spare bedroom in exchange for monthly rent. And although having "roommates" is nothing new, recession-era realities are redefining the players and the living arrangements.
Home Sharing services are on the rise, particularly noticeable in areas where housing is costly.
Probably 90 percent of the home providers extra income, and in some areas they can get at least $600 a month in rent. There has been an increase of 20-30% increase in some areas over the prior year.
For people are struggling with their mortgage costs, or perhaps they're in jeopardy of losing their homes, taking in a boarder is not uncommon.
Would-be landlords who generally fall into four categories:
People in their 50s who retired early, thinking they could live on their investments, and who are now living on half of what they thought they had.
Others are homeowners caught in the slow real estate market who have had homes for sale for one or two years and who need someone in the home. These are generally really neat people who must keep the house in show-ready condition.
A third group is frail, elderly people trying to continue to live independently, who want someone who can help with household chores such as grocery shopping, often for reduced rent.
Then you have the regular homeowners who are struggling to pay their utilities, their household costs and taxes.
The people looking to move in have changed, too, indicative of the reality of the job market. Some people have left their home and family to work out of town and come home for weekends. They are looking for an affordable place to live while they work on contract or while other permanent arrangements can be made
Source:
Boarders: real estate's perfect strangers
House-sharing makes financial sense
By Mary Umberger, Wednesday, September 9, 2009.
Inman News
 

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Distressed Properties Continue to as a sign of a Distressed Economy

The Sunday Indianapolis Star front page report on foreclosed homes points to the extent of recovery needed in the market and the economy. If something is not done to stop the downward spiral affecting sound neighborhoods,where solid citizens have worked tirelessly to maintain their homes, mortgages, and piece of the American Dream, our social structure will continue to unravel. Where have the owners of all these foreclosed homes gone? Have they gone back to live with parents or extended families? Have they gone to live on the streets? And what about their kids?
How about we ask some of the major congregations of all faiths to absorb some of this real estate?
The government can buy some of these as well. Housing developments do not have to become "housing projects". These can become section VIII homes with proper management; and by this I mean management of the entire familial structure because that is what is needed.
The foreclosed home pandemic is not only an economic problem, it is a sociological and spiritual one as well.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Housing Market Tied to Unemployment

The market is moving. It saw its usual summer shift of people moving from one city to another, changing school districts, and other motivators that one sees during the summer months. In a slow market, this is an excellent reference denominator for expected numbers in a given year.

Next we will see what the unemployment figures look like. One suspects that some improvement will be seen. Keep in mind that zero % unemployment is unrealistic given that there is at least 4% of the working-age population is unable to work due to mental or physical impairment.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

HOME STATS Spring 09

Real Estate is moving slowly. Sales of homes under three hundred thousand are moving. Homes under two hundred thousand are the staple these days due to government incentives. For homes in the 300-499K range, there is a ten month supply. Homes from 500-700K, you are looking at 18 months. Homes priced at over one million dollars: There is presently a 91 month supply. Yikes!