Here are the YTD stats ending August 31st.  As compared with 2011, inventory was down with more closed properties (32% increase).  Pending Sales have also increased over 23%. Average contract price was down .79% from last year with seller’s receiving 89.9% of their list price.   What does this mean? We have low interest rates coupled with more buyers looking at fewer homes. So it is really important for seller’s not only to set a realistic list price but also set the stage. Remove any … [Read more...]

Current economic conditions have forced many families to re-evaluate their spending habits and cut back in certain areas that are no longer deemed necessities. Dining out, family vacations and the purchase of that new TV are all being postponed until the economy makes it out of the red - but some things, like home improvement projects, can't be pushed off quite as easily. And while you may not be ready to invest in a whole new set of tools to begin your home improvement project, a trip to your local rental store … [Read more...]

They say that every cloud has a silver lining. And despite a slew of disappointing economic news last week, home loan rates continue to reach record best levels. Read on for details.The majority of economic reports released last week added to the uncertainty about our economic outlook. Retail Sales fell more than expected while the NY State Manufacturing Index remains at relatively low levels. In addition, the National Association for Business Economics (NABE) reported that the outlook for job growth has fallen … [Read more...]

The days of navigating a family road trip with just a map and your wits are over. Scores of smart-phone apps make locating gas stations, roadside eateries and last-minute hotel rooms easy. But you'll get even more mileage from our favorites. They'll steer you around traffic jams, help you manage an emergency, and point you toward scenic hiking trails. All are free. One for the road. With gas prices painfully high, finding cheap fill-ups and avoiding traffic snarls will keep your wallet and passengers happy. … [Read more...]

There is a three-year waiting period after a short sale before you can qualify for an FHA loan on a new home.   But what if you’re ready to buy sooner?  You’ve been paying your bills, your credit rating is back up, and you’ve decided that you’re just not a renter. 1. Wait a year. The fact is, time flies -- and you're only 12 months away from the expiration of the FHA waiting period. Frankly, there are so many homes on the market right now, including an enormous percentage of distressed properties with … [Read more...]