Sales Up Foreclosures Down

The past two months of home sales are at the highest levels in 5 years if you don’t count the temporary spikes we had when the government was offering tax incentives in 2009 and 2010.

I find it  interesting to see that vacation home sales have surged along with investment sales.  In close to half of these sales, buyers have paid with all cash.  Foreclosure sales are finally down a bit, and all signs are indicating that the housing economy is on the move to recovery.

The report from NAR on vacation home sales is good news for homeowners on the Central Coast. I think we all know that many vacation home buyers will seek to buy in our area as it is still one of the most beautiful areas in the world to live. Savvy investors are snatching up the most competitively priced homes, causing a bit of a buying frenzy in certain price ranges.

How this will affect your particular situation? If you are thinking about buying, you should realize that the deals are disappearing fast.  When you find the home you want, don’t be surprised if there are several offers on it at the same time.  Be prepared to possibly pay over the asking price if it is priced particularly low.  This has become a common scenario.

If you are selling your home, be encouraged because if sales remain strong, you will have a much better chance of  getting your price this year, than last year. With foreclosure activity finally easing a bit, hopefully, we will see more regular sales, therefore making the playing field a little more even and “fair” for the average seller.  My advice is to contact a professional to determine what your property would sell for in today ‘s market and be sure to ask them what your net proceeds will be after the costs of sale.

Nancy Puder is the owner and broker of Signature Properties, a prestigious real estate sales and property management firm in Arroyo Grande, CA.  Nancy is endorsed as a trusted Realtor by Dave Ramsey, well known speaker and author. You may reach her at 805.710.2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com. Website: www.SignatureProperties1.com. We always enjoy hearing from you!

Reasons that sellers should list their homes in January. The holidays are behind us again and here we are about to experience a new year in 2012.  If you have been contemplating on whether to sell this year, this is a good time to put your home on the market.  Let me explain why.

One reason is that many buyers have put their home search on hold over the holidays.  As the decorations are being put away,  most people reflect on the past year and think about how they would like to improve their lives over the next 12 months. Often, these thoughts include a move whether up or down or for the first time.

Another reason to sell now is that buyers have pent up energy after trying to gauge what the market is going to do over the past couple of years.   They are beginning to realize that prices have stabilized in many areas, homes are affordable and interest rates are historically low.   Those who have been waiting for the bottom are making the decision to go forward now.

The mortgage interest deduction is a big factor as people are beginning to think about what they will pay in taxes soon.  The mortgage interest deduction is still a wonderful opportunity to pay less to Uncle Sam while enjoying the benefits of owning your own home.  Most buyers realize this and resolve to get into a home so that they will have a big tax deduction to write off next year.

Retirement is also a factor in buyer decisions to move forward at the first of the year.   As we all know, the Central Coast of California is one of the most beautiful areas that someone can choose to retire in.  Many of these buyers are purchasing their retirement home now and leasing it until they are ready to actually move.

After a long slump in the market, this buyer energy is exciting and should be taken advantage of.  As in any recovery, it usually surges, slows down, sometimes stops and then gets going again.  Timing can be everything so this is a good time to take action.

If you need to short sale your home, this is also a good time to make a move in that direction.  There are new laws to protect homeowners from the banks going after them for the difference owed.  This is a good time to make a decision on whether to go ahead and sell  or not and make a plan for you and your family.  If this is your situation, refer to my last post on Short Sale or Foreclosure.

If you need help to sort it all out, contact me for a free consultation and I will do all I can to help guide you to the best decision and show you how to accomplish your goals.  Nancy Puder at (805)710-2415 Nancy@SignatureProperties1.com 

Short sale or loan modification? What if I have to choose? What is the next step if my loan modification is turned down? These are questions that are on the minds of many as we go into 2012 and I can help answer your questions individually and confidentially. 

It is going to be a great year.  Yes, I said it! One way to make this happen is to stop listening to the bad news on the television or in the newspaper!  The truth is that sales have been up in California for seven months in a row.  Consumer confidence is on the rise and the American people are figuring out how to make  necessary adjustments, if necessary, and are moving forward in their lives regardless of the obstacles they are facing!

The truth is that we are resilient people and we will not be beaten down by the economy or the negativity that threatens to consume us daily.  There are solutions to many more of our problems than we think and it is important to speak to someone who can help put things into perspective for you if you are struggling with a decision.

If you know someone who has been unsuccessful with a loan modification or is behind in their mortgage payments,  ask them to give me a call or contact me by email,  and I will help them sort through their options before it is too late to do anything at all.  There are options available other than foreclosure and there are no fees for my consultations.  Beware and warn your friends and family against anyone who is charging money up front with the promise of results.  This includes attorneys!  These are often scams and they can’t do anything for you that I can and will do at no cost to you.

Let me help you get past the pain of indecision and make 2012 a great year no matter what is going on around you! 

Nancy Puder is the owner and broker of Signature Properties, a distinguished real estate firm on the Central Coast of California.  You may contact her at (805)710-2415 or email Nancy@NancyPuder.com

Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition

A  friend of mine sent this to me and I wanted to share it with you and your friends.

As the Christmas & Hanukkah holidays approach (& other gift giving events), the giant Asian factories are kicking into high gear to provide Americans with monstrous piles of cheaply produced goods — merchandise that has been produced at the expense of American jobs.  This year let’s make a difference.   This year, why don’t we Americans give the gift of genuine concern for other Americans.   There is no longer an excuse that at gift giving time, nothing can be found that is produced by American hands. 

Yes, there is!  Join me this Christmas 2011 — Birth of a New Tradition

It’s time to think outside the box, people.  Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in Chinese produced wrapping paper?

Everyone — yes, EVERYONE gets their hair cut.   How about gift certificates from your local American hair +/or nail salon or barber? Gym membership?   It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.  How about a massage?  I would love that! Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed?   Small, American owned detail businesses and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.

What teenager wouldn’t like a few certificates to the local pizzeria?

Does someone on your list want to learn how to play golf…tennis…horseback riding…sailing?? Think lessons.

Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamins on a Chinese made flat-screen?   Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or rounds at the local golf course, or gifts from the gardening center.

There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift certificates.  And, if your intention isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.   Remember folks, this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town Americans with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or motorcycle, done at a shop run by the American working guy?

Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom?   Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.  How about a few hours from a local handyman?

My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

OK, you were looking for something more personal.   Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves.   They make jewelry and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.  Go to the Arts & Crafts & Street Fairs & Farmers Markets.

Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.   And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre? 

Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

Honestly, people, do you REALLY need to buy another ten thousand Chinese lights for the house?   When you buy a five dollar string of lights, about fifty cents stays in the community. If you have those kinds of bucks to burn, leave the mailman, trash guy or babysitter a nice BIG tip.

Donate to your church, feed the homeless, or start any other tradition of giving during Christmas, but let’s keep it going throughout the entire year for we are blessed.

You see, Christmas is no longer about draining American pockets so that China can build another glittering city.  Christmas is about caring about US, encouraging American small businesses to keep plugging away to follow their dreams.  And, when we care about other Americans, we care about our communities, and the benefits come back to us in ways we couldn’t imagine.

Let’s make THIS the new American Christmas tradition.

This is a revolution of caring about each other, and isn’t that what Christmas is about?