I don’t like to admit it, but I’m getting older. I’m well on my way to fifty, the new thirty, and my needs are changing. I’ve noticed that my similarly aged clients wants and needs are shifting as well.  when I first got into this business, 16 years ago many of us we flocking to McMansions in the ‘burbs and now those who can are seeking Ranch Style homes or homes with first floor master bedrooms.  An article just published in RIS media confirms my findings as a national trend. More here

The Holidays have come and gone and you’ve zeroed in on a goal, a resolution. You’ve resolved  to eat healthier, save more, spend less, exercise more or whatever.  To accomplish goals and gain some momentum  make small changes.  For example, if you are going to save more, begin saving a little, consistently. Sudden changes that are too big are often unsustainable. Automate the financial ones, human beings are consistently inconsistent so automate  the financial ones, cut costs. Health related goals, unlike financial ones, require a bit more stategy, I’ve found. Begin with 5 minutes of exercise a day and add a little gradually until you are doing 30-45 minutes of cardio per day. If the last time you did a push up was more than a year ago begin slow.  An idea that’s a bit scary is finding someone to hold you accountable. An Accountability Partner is key to staying on track, I suggest you do some reaserch and find a AP… If you do these simple things, begin small, automate, and find an accountability partner you’ll increase the probability of achieving your 2010 goals.

Technorati Tags: Ann Arbor, Buyer Insights, Michigan Real Estate, To See and Do

Charles Hugh Smith of DailyFinance asks, “What Happens To Housing’s ‘Turnaround’ When Uncle Sam Backs Out?” 

This provocative article looks at the housing crisis and the stabilization measures now being taken and asks hard questions but offers few answers.

Think of crisis management as a green house.  As long as plants are not exposed to the elements, there is little chance of knowing, with any level of certainty, that they will survive when fully exposed to elements. 

Currently the housing market is being supported at an unpresidented level by tax payers–you and me.

In fact, more support is being afforded the housing market than any other industry in history and it ‘appears’ to be having the intended affect.

How this will all play out is not yet know but this article should make us all think and plan accordingly.

With the onset of winter in North America and the need to save dollars and create jobs, President Obama in a Virginia Home Depot pushes energy-efficiency as a part of his overall economic stimulation package.

Check out Jim Puzzanghera’s story here:

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Based on information from the Ann Arbor Area Board of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service for the period October 10, 2009 through November 11, 2009 November brought a significant increase in residential real estate sales activity, as first-time buyers rushed to take advantage of the tax credit that was scheduled to expire at the end of the month. While the tax credit has now been expanded and extended to April 30, 2010, the earlier deadline helped to spur a 48 percent increase in total sales for November over last year, unleashing a pent-up demand from a large pool of financially qualified renters who were able to become homeowners.

 Read the rest of the story here.

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Technorati Tags: Ann Arbor, condos, General Real Estate, market statistics, Michigan Real Estate, real estate

Have you noticed homes sitting on the market lately and wondered why they are not sold? 

Understanding ‘Pricing’ will aide in getting any home sold. (see graph to the left)

For most of us our natural bent when shopping for anything is to look for a value yet many sellers are still in the habit of pricing homes at Market Value. 

In many cases, in a decending market, pricing at Market  Value is the kiss of death.

Value-driven buyers simply overlook homes that are not true bargins.

To sell homes in this market consider ‘Pricing’  below Market Value. Doing so will draw ‘Value-driven’ buyers, reduce Time-On-The-Market and increase the probability ( due to increased competition) of selling the home at Market Value.

Do the Math: a mortage payment of 2000.00/month that doesn’t sell is a cost to the seller. So every month the home sets unsold 2000 is spent that could otherwise be invested in the next move.

In this market, pricing at Market Value isn’t smart ‘Pricing’ and it ultimately costs the seller in terms of time and money.

If you want droves of buyers to get excited about your home price it 10-12% below the average most recent sale and then market the daylights out of it prior to the first showing. 

In my experience, proper ‘Pricing’ usually creates an auction effect resulting in several offers at or above list price even in down markets.

For more information on How to Get Homes Sold in any Market, contact me at: eric@team366.com.

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Technorati Tags: Ann Arbor, General Real Estate, Listings, Marketing, Michigan Real Estate, Pricing, real estate, Sellers

Technorati Tags: Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor Real Estate Agent, Buyer Insights, General Real Estate, market statistics, Team366, To See and Do

2190 Stonebridge, Ann Arbor, MI

	Elegantly appointed brick home on the 10th fairway of Stonebridge Golf Course. Meticulously decorated w/extensive hardwood floors, elegant colors and lighting.
	Master suite features over sized spa tub and clear glass shower, custom accent lighting in bedroom. Formal living room, den, family room w/fireplace, formal dining, two studies and 3 car garage!
	Fabulous contemporary kitchen w/sleek double ovens, granite countertops, stainless steel cook top and vented stainless hood fan. Kitchen eating space overlooks deck and fairway.

2190 Stonebridge, Ann Arbor, MI features Team366’s proprietary Listing Syndication System.  We make use of narrated walk through videos and a syndication system that pushes your property to the “corners” of the internet.  Interested in learning more?  Give, call us at 734.476.1343 or drop us a note at info-at-team366-dot-com.

Team366 | Real Estate One
734.476-1343
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Visit Team366.com

 

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Oh, I see! You clicked on the link, when you were told not to…  All right, you’ve been warned!

If you don’t want an agent like this when looking for your next home, drop us an email, we’ll be happy to help you find a home with zero pressure!

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The first month of 2009 is behind us. Is it an indicator of things to come, or is it simply in line with how January’s have been in the past? Typically, there are fewer sales in January, and therefore the averages are thrown off a bit.  This year, the silver linings for January are the decreased number of listings coming on the market and the fact that there were more closings in January 2009 than January 2008. Overall, the Washtenaw County housing market has further to decline in price, if it is to return to an even market. As Econ 101 taught us, when demand is steady, and inventory high, the only way to burn off the inventory is to lower prices Or offer a tax credit for purchasers… In an attempt to “juice” the housing market along, the Feds have apparently settled on a tax credit for first time primary residence purchasers. Effectively, this lowers the cost of purchasing that first home for many folks. This could help in moving properties in the first time home buyer price points.

Average List Price – Month 2008 Average list price for January was $184,414, down over 21% from January 2008. Average Sales Price – Month 2008 The average sales price in Washtenaw County was $157,810 in January.  This is down nearly 25.5% compared to January 2008. Number of Listings v Closings – Month 2008 # of New Listings: January saw 393 listings come on the market. That is a nearly 66.5% decrease in the number of new listings compared to January 2008. Keep in mind that the listings tracked here have not been scrubbed for re-lists or price adjustment re-listings. # of Closings: 192 closings in January 2008, nearly 8% more than January 2008. Team366 | Ann Arbor Real Estate | Real Estate One [48108]

Technorati Tags: 48108, Ann Arbor, Chelsea, condos, Dexter, Homes, properties, real estate, Team366