Exising Home Sales On The Rise

I am pleased to report that according to something I just read at www.CNNMoney.com, existing home sales are on the rise. According to CNN, existing home sales climbed for the second month in a row in September. The report claims that this has fueled some hope that a housing recovery is underway.

Sales of previously owned homes rose 10% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.53million units last month, the National Association of Realtors reported on Monday. That was up from a 4.12 million rate in August.

The report came in much stronger than expectations. Economists had forecast sales to edge up to an annual rate of 4.25 million units, according to consensus estimates from Briefing.com.

The gains of the past two months were welcome news, after home sales sank 27% to their lowest level in 15 years in July. While some economists say a housing recovery is underway, a foreclosure moratorium in October may have a negative impact on next month's report.

"A housing recovery is taking place but will be choppy at times depending on the duration and impact of a foreclosure moratorium," Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist said in a press release. "But the overall direction should be a gradual rising trend in home sales, with buyer responding to historically low mortgage interest rates and very favorable affordability conditions."

In the Atlanta metro area there are currently 68,092 Active listings on the market on Friday, October 29th. Currently, there are 6,901 homes that are showing up as Pending Sale. In August, 3,156 homes were sold in the Metro Atlanta area. In September, 3,175 homes were sold in the Atlanta metro area. Although the numbers are not completed for October, the total SOLD in the metro Atlanta area so far in October and as I write this at 6:00PM is 2,185. The October figures will not be final for at least another two weeks. I will share them when I receive them. In the meantime, albeit a slow recovery, things are looking up! Smile and have a safe and happy Trick-or-Treat Weekend!

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia serving the Atlanta metro area. Call Sara with all your real estate needs and questions. Sara is easily reached by calling 770-399-8108.

If Its Wednesday, It Must Be Market Conditions Wedensday

I try to provide a regular market snap shot, typically on Wednesday's, of current market conditions affecting a specific city in the Atlanta metro area. Since starting this column in February, we have focused on the cities of Acworth, Alpharetta, Atlanta, Austell, Ball Ground, Canton, Cartersville, Conyers, Covington, Cumming, Dallas and Dunwoody.

Today the focus is on HOLLY SPRINGS.

Located just north of Atlanta in fast-growing Cherokee County, the City of Holly Springs is a five and a half square mile oasis of friendly neighborhoods, thriving businesses, and wonderful early-twentieth century homes and commercial buildings. The City was incorporated in 1906, and quickly began building up around a busy train depot established by the L&N Railroad (now the Georgia Northeastern Railway). That depot, now the Holly Springs Community Center, was painstakingly restored by the City in the late 1990's and is a source of immense civic pride for the 6,500 local residents.

Holly Springs is easily accessible via two interchanges, Interstate 575 and Interstate 75. The City has an abundant supply of land available for new office and retail development as well as a number of sites already prepared for such development. Details on local economic development opportunities are available through the Holly Springs Business & Professional Association and the City’s Planning Department.

According to today's FMLS data and as I write this, there is a total of 68,137 homes actively listed and on the market in the entire Atlanta metro area. Likewise, as I write this, there is a total of 5 single family homes available and on the market in Holly Springs. Additionally, there is a total of 1 condo/townhome available today in Holly Springs. It is worth noting here that Holly Springs shares its zip code with the city of Canton. It is possible that there could be more homes available in Holly Springs but they have been listed as Canton properties and not Holly Springs. Regardless, the numbers that show up today as specific Holly Springs properties are 5single family homes and only 1 town home.

Actively Listed Single Family Homes
This week, actively listed single family homes in Holly Springs range in price from $165,000 to $325,000. Three of the five properties are located in popular Harmony On The Lakes. The other two properties are located in Holly Commons and The Preserve at Holly Springs.

Actively Listed Condo / Town Home Properties
The only town-home currently available and showing up as actively listed is also located in Harmony On The Lakes. The town home offers 2 bedrooms/2 full bathrooms and is priced to sell at $129,000. This unit offers two owner suites.

Pending Sale
As of today there are two single family homes PENDING SALE in Holly Springs. Both homes are located in Harmony On The Lakes. One home offers 5 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms and was listed at $319,900. The other property offers 6 bedrooms and 4 full bathrooms. The listing price for the property was $299,900. These homes are scheduled to close on 11/12 and 11/9 respectively. There are no condo / townhomes homes listed as Pending Sale today.

SOLD Properties
There have been four single family homes sold in Holly Springs since the beginning of the year. Three of the four homes SOlD were located in Harmony on the Lakes. The other properties was not listed in a sub-division. The home not in a sub-division sold for $110,000 and was a "fixer-upper". The properties sold in Harmony on the Lakes ranged in price from $245,000 to $326,000. There was one condo / town home sold in Holly Springs since the beginning of the year. It was located in Village at Stoney Creek and sold for $141,129 or 94% of SP/OLP.

It should again be noted that Holly Springs is only 5 square miles and so number of houses available and actively listed, Pending and Sold will be relative to the area.

Regardless, homes are selling Holly Springs. Folks in Holly Springs Love It There! You will too!

Existing Home Sales Show Another Strong Gain in September

RISMEDIA, October 26, 2010—Existing-home sales rose again in September 2010, affirming that a sales recovery has begun, according to the National Association of Realtors. Existing-home sales, which are completed transactions that include single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops, jumped 10.0% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.53 million in September from a downwardly revised 4.12 million in August, but remain 19.1% below the 5.60 million-unit pace in September 2009 when first-time buyers were ramping up in advance of the initial deadline for the tax credit last November.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said the housing market is in the early stages of recovery. “A housing recovery is taking place, but will be choppy at times depending on the duration and impact of a foreclosure moratorium. But the overall direction should be a gradual rising trend in home sales with buyers responding to historically low mortgage interest rates and very favorable affordability conditions,” he said.

According to Freddie Mac, the national average commitment rate for a 30-year, conventional, fixed-rate mortgage fell to a record low 4.35% in September from 4.43% in August; the rate was 5.06% in September 2009.

The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $171,700 in September, which is 2.4% below a year ago. Distressed homes accounted for 35% of sales in September compared with 34% in August; they were 29% in September 2009.

NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of Vicki L. Cox & Associates in Tucson, Ariz., said opportunities abound in the current market. “A decade ago, mortgage rates were almost double what they are today, and they’re about one-and-a-half percentage points lower than the peak of the housing boom in 2005,” she said. “In addition, home prices are running about 22 percent less than five years ago when they were bid up by the biggest housing rush on record.”

To illustrate the jump in housing affordability, the median monthly mortgage payment for a recently purchased home is several hundred dollars less than it was five years ago. “In fact, the median monthly mortgage payment in many areas is less than people are paying for rent,” Golder said.

Housing affordability conditions today are 60 percentage points higher than during the housing boom, so it has become a very strong buyers’ market, especially for families with long-term plans. “The savings today’s buyers are receiving are not a one-time benefit. Buyers with fixed-rate mortgages will save money every year they are living in their home—this is truly an example of how homeownership builds wealth over the long term,” Golder added.

Total housing inventory at the end of September fell 1.9% to 4.04 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 10.7-month supply at the current sales pace, down from a 12.0-month supply in August. Raw, unsold inventory is 11.7% below the record of 4.58 million in July 2008.

“Vacant homes and homes where mortgages have not been paid for an extended number of months need to be cleared from the market as quickly as possible, with a new set of buyers helping the recovery along a healthy path,” Yun said. “Inventory remains elevated and continues to favor buyers over sellers. A normal seasonal decline in inventory is expected through the upcoming months.”

A parallel NAR practitioner survey shows first-time buyers purchased 32% of homes in September, almost unchanged from 31% in August. Investors were at an 18% market share in September, down from 21% in August; the balance of purchases were by repeat buyers. All-cash sales were at 29% in September compared with 28% in August.

Single-family home sales increased 10.0% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.97 million in September from a pace of 3.61 million in August, but are 19.5% below the 4.93 million level in September 2009. The median existing single-family home price was $172,600 in September, down 1.9% from a year ago.

Existing condominium and co-op sales rose 9.8% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 560,000 in September from 510,000 in August, but are 16.2% lower than the 668,000-unit level one year ago. The median existing condo price was $165,400 in September, down 6.2% from September 2009.

Regionally, existing-home sales in the Northeast increased 10.1% to an annual pace of 760,000 in September but are 20.8% below September 2009. The median price in the Northeast was $239,200, which is 1.4% below a year ago.

Existing-home sales in the Midwest jumped 14.5% in September to a level of 950,000 but are 26.4% below a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $139,700, down 5.2% from September 2009.

In the South, existing-home sales rose 10.6% to an annual pace of 1.77 million in September but are 14.9% lower than September 2009. The median price in the South was $149,500, down 2.6% from a year ago.

Existing-home sales in the West increased 5.0% to an annual level of 1.05 million in September but are 16.7% below a year ago. The median price in the West was $213,600, which is 4.9% lower than September 2009.

For more information, visit www.realtor.org.

RISMedia welcomes your questions and comments. Send your e-mail to: realestatemagazinefeedback@rismedia.com.

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Copyright© 2010 RISMedia, The Leader in Real Estate Information Systems and Real Estate News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be republished without permission from RISMedia.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and serves the Atlanta metro area. Sara is also a subscriber to RIS MEDIA an online daily real estate newsletter for those in the real estate business. Occasionally, Sara likes to share articles with clients. If you have any questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / buying / selling process, Sara will be happy to answer all questions and concerns you may have. To contact Sara Hibbard please call her at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara@sarahibbard.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate In On Your Mind!

Prepare Your Home For Winter With These Simple Tips

It is hard to believe summertime is a distant memory. "Leaf Peeping" is in full force. Trick-or-Treat is this coming weekend and the holidays are approaching. WOW! Where did 2010 go? As the temperatures are continuing to get cooler, and when they have time, homeowners across Georgia are thinking ahead and preparing their homes for the Winter weather that will be here before we know it.

The folks at True Value Hardware offer the following steps homeowners can take now to ensure their family's comfort as the cold weather approaches in addition to keeping their heating bills from going through the roof.

Check for and seal foundation cracks
Look for any cracks or openings in your foundation, exterior walls and around pipes, and be sure to seal them with exterior caulk or foam insulation. Clear away leaves and other debris from the foundation to make sure you haven’t overlooked any cracks. Check the roof for problems such as broken tiles and shingles that could become a larger issue when snow comes. Clean out gutters and downspouts and make sure they’re working properly.

Inspect the chimney and fireplace
For safety reasons, you should examine your chimney each fall. Make sure it is clear of any bird or animal nests. Check to see that the flue opens and closes fully and that it can be locked in either position. You should also check to see if the chimney drafts properly by lighting a small fire and watching the smoke rise up and out. If you find that there is an obstruction, clean your chimney using special rods and brushes designed for this purpose. If your fireplace leaks air, you can cut a piece of fiberglass insulation and place it behind the fireplace doors. Just remember to remove it before building a fire. Additionally, check the brick in the fireplace for any open mortar joints. Have any open joints repaired immediately as fire can spread through open joints into the wall.

Install storm windows
Windows are a common culprit of wintertime heat loss. If you have single-pane windows, remove screens and install double- or triple-pane storm windows before winter comes. Be sure to pull down both the top and bottom storm windows to help prevent heat loss.

Check the furnace
Check the condition of your furnace in late fall. Turn off the electricity and gas, and then use a wet/dry vacuum to clean the entire burner area. Clean the thermocouple with a cloth and use a precision duster with compressed air to clean the pilot light. Replace any disposable air filters and clean washable ones with mild detergent and water. Clean fan blades with a brush and lubricate the fan shaft. If the motor has oiling ports, apply a few drops of heavy-duty electric motor oil. Be sure not to over-oil your furnace and never use automotive motor oil or 3-in-1 household oil.

Winterize your water heater
Because water heaters can be inefficient, it is important to insulate your hot water tank with a water heater blanket. Also, check the water temperature of your water heater. A good energy-efficient temperature is around 120 degrees. It's never a good idea to turn off your water heater completely if you will be away from home for an extended period of time. Instead, turn the water heater's thermostat to the "vacation" setting or a similar low setting. The pilot light will remain lit, maintaining a slightly warm water temperature within the unit until you return.

Insulate exposed piping
Using a pipe insulation kit to add insulation around accessible water pipes will save you energy, lower your heating bills and prevent pipes from freezing during the winter months. Look for water pipes that pass through spaces where cold drafts are likely, such as crawl spaces, garages and attics. Check the pipe leading directly from the hot water heater and don't ignore hot water lines. Though slower to freeze, they are more likely to burst than cold-water lines. Make sure the pipe insulation kit you choose includes adhesive tape or contact cement for sealing. The most common pipe insulation is a tubular foam sleeve slit lengthwise. Tubes without slits are designed for installation over new piping, but they can easily be slit with a sharp utility knife. Open the pipe insulation along the slit, press it onto the pipe, and seal it with adhesive tape or contact cement to prevent summertime condensation.

Additional ways to warm your home
There are more easy ways to make and keep your home warm in the winter. By simply reversing the spin of your ceiling fans and setting them on low speed, you'll send warm air down into your living space. In winter, your fans should spin in a counter-clockwise direction. Most fans have a small switch to set the spin direction. If yours doesn't, you may want to upgrade to a new energy-efficient ceiling fan. Using your ceiling fans to circulate warm air in the winter saves money and keeps your furnace from having to work as hard.

Keeping blinds and curtains open on sunny days will naturally warm up any room. Closing them at night will help keep the heat in and the chill out. Save costs and concentrate warmth in your home by only heating rooms you use. If your heating system has vents, close the ones in unused areas of your home. Use a humidifier—just adding moisture to the air will make your home feel warmer. And as an added bonus, humidifiers also cut down on carpet shocks from dry static electricity.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara specializes in working with home buyers and sellers alike and holds national designations in several disciplines. Please contact Sara Hibbard with all your real estate needs. She is easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail Sara at, sara.hibbard@metrobrokers.com or sara@sarahibbard.com. Visit Sara's websites located at www.SaraHibbard.com, www.SaraHibbardRealEstate.com, www.CantonGa-Homes.com or www.WoodstockGa-Homes.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is On Your Mind!

Real Estate Outlook: Bank Of America Halts Foreclosures

Its announcement has been received with mixed reviews. Many homeowners on the brink of foreclosure are breathing a temporary sigh of relief, as Bank of America announced it would become the first major bank to halt both foreclosure proceedings and sales. This will take effect in each of the 50 U.S. states.

The decision comes on the heels of mounting political pressure, namely that from Senator Christopher Dodd, chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, and the impending November 16th hearing on foreclosures.

The temporary cessation of foreclosure proceedings will give Bank of America time, in the wake of the mortgage crisis, to review its own methods, to ensure fairness and that no predatory practices are in place.

Zillow.com is reporting that the foreclosure rate climbed again in August and became an even larger portion of monthly transactions. Foreclosure resales as a percentage of all sales in August were 19%, up 2 percent from July.

In an housing market that is already anemic, however, will this halt bring more paperwork, pressure, and slowed sales?

Vicki Cox Golder, NAR President, notes, "There are valid foreclosures that should move ahead quickly, and we shouldn't lump them in with mortgages that are suspect. That would cause deep problems in an already fragile market and throw many families into uncertainty."

The National Association of Realtors also reports that "thousands of first-time and move-up buyers who hoped to make a foreclosed property their new home now face uncertainty, anxiety and possibly remorse as they worry that closing on their desired property could be in jeopardy."

This temporary halt could also put more pressure on an ailing job market. Remodelers, contractors, and other workers employed to rehab newly purchased foreclosures may now find themselves without work.

Last week it was reported that U.S. Payrolls had already dropped 95,000 in September.

Will the Fed take action under this mounting pressure when it meets up on November 2nd and 3rd? Time will tell and we'll keep you posted of any changes that may coming your way.

For now, the market remains mostly unchanged. According to the NAHB/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index, results remain "dismal." They report that new job formations slowed in the second and third quarters and both businesses and consumers pulled back on purchases. Overall uncertainty over economic growth has become the latest impediment to a resurgence in new housing -- even with historically low interest rates, leveling house prices and pent-up demand from unformed households.

Zillow predicts that a bottom in national home values will happen later this year or early next year at the latest.

It looks like for now, the housing market will continue on its weakened path.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara specializes in assisting home buyers and sellers in the north Atlanta metro area. She holds specific designations qualifying her to work with foreclosures, short sales, HUD, and REO properties. Sara is available to answer your many questions at any time at 770-399-8108 or e-mail Sara at sara@sarahibbard.com.

Moving With Young Children

Are you excited and happy about moving? Or are you dreading the sorting, packing and other chores?

If you look at moving as an exciting adventure full of fun, new possibilities, then you’re halfway to getting your children on board for the ride. Your children will absorb your enthusiasm like little sponges.

There will be some worries, of course, but you can defeat those with a little preparation and understanding.

Most children don’t like the changes associated with moving. The younger the child, the less able they are to see into the future; as you do. They tend to focus on losing the security they’re used to, and they worry about missing friends and family.

You can make childish anger and doubt grow into a sense of wonder and adventure. You can do that by acknowledging and empathizing with the loss they feel and showing them how to balance their feelings with what they have to gain.

1. Communicate with your child patiently and frequently. Let your children know, step by step, what is happening and what is likely to happen next. Tell them what the move means to the family -- how important it is that Mommy got a big promotion or that Daddy is opening a new office for his company.

2. List all the advantages there are for the child in the move. For example, will the family be closer to Grandma, the ocean, or another favorite person, place, or activity? Will they be able to see old friends and family frequently? Or at least at holiday time?

3. Show the child as much as you can about the new home. When you show your child their room, bath, and play area, make a game of it by asking where certain favorite toys or furniture should go. Have fun by showing your child the new house plans, or draw them yourself and let your child cut out furniture and toys to place in the rooms. Show your child a typical day in the home as you go from room to room.

4. Introduce your child to the new community online. Draw a map, and show how close Mommy and Daddy work, where schools are, where Aunt Bea lives, and other points of interest to help them orient themselves in their new surroundings.

5. Be ready for those “What about me?” questions. If your child is in scouts, little league, or other organizations, contact those associations for referrals in your new neighborhood or city. Knowing they won't have to give up favorite hobbies or sports goes a long way toward helping children adjust.

6. Let your child participate. Make a fun activity out of researching services you’ll need online, like finding a new veterinarian for your dog. Older children can find blogs online about their new school.

7. Keep your child occupied by letting them plan and pack a box or two of their special things. Consider their input on new decor and the layout of their new rooms. Encourage them to take the time to exchange good-byes with friends and loved ones and get addresses, e-mail addresses, and phone numbers to stay in touch.

8. Try to stick to normal routines as much as possible. Let your children know that, although they will soon live in a new house, the rules of the household will still be the same. Bedtime is still at 9 p.m., and homework must still be completed before TV time is allowed. And although Mom and Dad are a little busier and distracted with the move, they love their children very much and are giving the entire household a new opportunity to grow.

9. On moving day, have a bag packed of personal belongings for each member of the family, being careful to include medications, clothes, and personal items. Let your children choose what amusements and favorite “loveys” they wish to take along, and reassure them they will see their other favorite toys when they arrive in their new home.

Your preparedness will go a long way in reassuring your children that their needs are being considered, even while big changes are happening around them.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia and works mainly in the metro Atlanta area. Sara specializes in working with families relocating to the Atlanta metro area, first time home buyers, retirees and those looking for second homes. Sara has advanced certifications and designations in foreclosure, short sale, HUD and REO properties. Call Sara for a free consultation at 770-399-8108. Sara Hibbard looks forward to assisting you and your family throughout the moving process. I'm Glad Georgia Real Estate is On Your Mind!

Tips For Hiring A Home Remodeling Contractor

I am often asked by home buyer and seller clients alike for the names or contact information on remodeling contractors. Of course, I am always happy to share this information. Likewise, if you have used a contractor that you like, I am always interested in collecting the name for future reference and to offer clients who have been bitten by the infamous "remodeling bug".

If you know someone who has recently been bitten by the remodeling bug, I have attached some advice and stories shared by both contractors and consumers. StageofLife.com, a blogging resource for homeowners, discovered 10 important tips on how to find a trustworthy home remodeling contractor to help ensure the right person or company is hired for your next home improvement project.

Tip #1: Does Your Contractor Have Proof of Insurance?
Ask the contractor to have his insurance company mail or fax a copy of his current contractor insurance card to you. If the contractor can't do this - stay away. Why? If there is an accident at your home, you are then liable. This also applies to any sub-contractor or employee that the contractor may use - those individuals should have active insurance cards faxed or mailed to you as well.

Tip #2: Did You Check References and See Photos?
Ask for at least three references - with two of them being for the same type of project you are planning - and then call the references. Additionally, ask the contractor to provide photos of previous work, especially for the same type of project. If he produces lawn and garden photos and you're planning a bathroom remodel, you may want to check out another contractor.

Tip #3: Does Your Contractor Take Debit or Credit Cards?
Besides your ability to earn a few points, bonus miles, or cash back on your project, a good sign that a contractor is financially savvy and has a bank behind his business is his ability to take debit and credit cards. This doesn't just apply to big contracting companies. Many small, one-man shops will take cards if they have a good relationship with their business bank or credit union.

Tip #4: Manners and Appearance?
If the contractor drove his vehicle to your home to give you an estimate, take a look at the way he keeps the equipment and vehicle. Are things clean? Neatly arranged? If not - that's a big warning. The way a contractor treats his tools is a direct connection to how he'll treat your home. During the initial meeting, does the contractor present himself in a professional way? Do you feel comfortable around him or his employees? They will be working in your home after all.

Tip #5: Clean Up Policy?
Ask about the clean-up policy. For example, if your home improvement is a multi-day project, will the contractor be cleaning up at the end of every day or will he leave the dust, wood chips, and other mess laying there for day #2? The more mess in your home - the more it gets tracked around. Many homeowners find themselves with mouths gaping wide after the contractor has left for the day and their floors and home are dirty and messy around the project area.

Tip #6: Will the Contractor Put It In Writing?
Is your contractor willing to put both his bid and the scope of work in writing? If not - walk away immediately. You'll be surprised how many homeowners have been duped by contractors who verbally tell you what's included in their scope of work, but will then, in the middle of everything, require extra money to finish the remodel, thus holding you hostage with an uncompleted home project.

Tip #7: Availability?
Can the contractor get the job done in your timeline rather than his timeline? There's nothing more frustrating than if a contractor tells you that a job will be done by a certain date and then it isn't . On the flip side, if you can't find a good contractor that's willing to commit to your timeline, your expectations may be too high and you may need to adjust your timeline.

Tip #8: Does Your Contractor Use "Subs?"
Does your contractor plan on doing everything himself? Or will he "sub out" work to the "trades?" For example, if you are remodeling a bathroom, you may need a plumber, electrician, and carpenter. It's okay if the contractor subs work out to these specific trades - it shows he wants the work done right.

Also, it's fair to say that you can expect your contractor to make money off the trades, or other sub-contractors, by marking up those quotes for the project. That is a standard practice to help the general contractor recover costs in the time it takes to manage the schedule. If you don't want to spend the extra money on your contractor marking up the trade quotes, then you should prepare to project manage the remodel yourself, but know this may limit your options on contractors willing to work with you.

Tip #9: Quoting & Billing Procedure?
Ask the contractor about his quoting procedure. Will it contain general information, or will it be specific? For example - most contractors will charge you for a fuel surcharge, material up-charges, waste removal, labor, etc. Some will show you these exact costs in a line item invoice, but others roll it up into one big bill. How much detail do you want? You should clarify that with your contractor upfront.

Also - what is the payment or billing policy? Is money required upfront? If so, go back to #1 and #2 above to make sure you have the contractor's references checked and have a copy of his contractor's insurance.

Tip #10: Did Your Contractor Get the Permits?
Ask your contractor to take care of the permits. Although permits cost you money, the inspection process is meant to protect you from poor workmanship and to make sure that everything is being built to code.

By following these 10 tips for hiring a home contractor, you'll feel more confident that you've found the right contractor for your remodeling job.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara works with buyers and sellers alike and specializes in the areas of First Time Home-Buyers, Relocation, Short Sales and Foreclosure properties, 2nd homes, Luxury and Golf properties. Sara can be easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail Sara. She can be reached at sara@sarahibbard.com or sara.hibbard@metrobrokers.com. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate Is on Your Mind!

Nearly Eight In 10 Americans Still Believe Buying A Home Makes Good Financial Sense!

And, I believe it too! Today's article written by RIS Media tells the story. I believe it helps to here the facts on a regular basis and so I share this one with your now in my blog.

RISMEDIA, October 15, 2010—Nearly eight out of 10 respondents believe buying a home is a good financial decision, despite ongoing challenges with the economy and housing market. That’s according to the 2010 National Housing Pulse Survey, an annual report released by the National Association of Realtors. The survey, which measures how affordable housing issues affect consumers, also found job security concerns to be the highest in eight years of sampling, with 70% of Americans saying that job layoffs and unemployment are a big problem in their area; eight in 10 cite these issues as a barrier to homeownership.

“The real issue facing the nation’s economy right now is that many Americans can’t find meaningful work to support their families,” said NAR President Vicki Cox Golder, owner of a real estate company in Tucson, Ariz. “While a job recovery is what’s needed right now to get the economy and housing market back on the right track, owning a home continues to be part of the American Dream and one of the best long-term investments in your future.”

Despite economic uncertainty, 68% of those surveyed still believe now is a good time to buy a home; while that number is down from last year (75%), it’s up from 2008 (66%) and 2007 (59%). Lower home prices and record-low mortgage interest rates may be attracting buyers to the housing market—more than one-fourth of renters said they are thinking more about buying a home than they were a year ago. Sixty-three percent of renter respondents said that owning a home is a priority in their future, and nearly 40% said it was one of their highest priorities.

Lower home prices have improved affordability. In fact, the percentage of renters who are worried that the cost of housing is getting so unaffordable that they will never be able to buy a home has decreased steadily since 2007, from 63% to 57%.

Despite improved affordability, 79% of respondents still consider having enough money for down payment and closing costs to be among the biggest obstacles to buying a home. Another obstacle is a lack of confidence in their ability to be approved for a loan, reported by 73% of respondents.

The good news is that Americans are seeing more stability in the real estate market. Nearly seven out of 10 believe that home values have stabilized in their area; the same number expects home sales to remain about the same through the end of the year.

While more than half (51%) say foreclosures are a problem in their area, the rate of foreclosures is also seen as stabilizing; 51% say the rate is about the same as last year. Thirty-six percent of respondents cite the recession, loss of jobs and the poor economy as the main reason for the ongoing foreclosure problem. This has also led to a slight increase in the number of people who believe the federal government should take a more active role overseeing loans and mortgages (44%, up from 43% last year).

While nearly seven out of 10 say it’s harder to sell a home in their area today than it was a year ago, it’s less of a concern from last year when the number was 10 percentage points higher. This is most likely the result of lower home inventories.

The 2010 National Housing Pulse Survey is conducted by American Strategies and Myers Research & Strategic Services for NAR’s Housing Opportunity Program. The telephone survey was among 1,209 adults living in the 25 most populous metropolitan statistical areas. The study has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.

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Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara strives to keep clients and prospective clients up-to-date on real estate trends via this blog. Please call Sara Hibbard with all your real estate questions and concerns regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the relocation / pre-approval / buying / selling process. Sara can be easily reached at 770-399-8108 or e-mail her at sara@sarahibbard.com.

My Mom Was Right!

No, that isn't my Mom!
But, I'm sure you probably grew up (like I did) with tons of wisdom and familiar phrases from your Mom. Heck, you are probably passing some of these phrases on to your own children too. You know, we all grew up with our mothers and grandmothers repeating certain little ditties that have become as familiar in our individual families as Shakespeare quotes. Every now and then an old familiar phrase reminds me of something I experienced in my real estate career.

A good example I heard the other day was "If your neighbor jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?" Well probably not, but I related that old phrase to be akin to "if every other agent took over priced listings, would I take over priced listings too?" The reality is that taking over priced listings is NOT good for anyone. Its bad for the agent, because it costs them valuable marketing dollars with no chance to recoup the funds. Its bad for the homeowner who will not attract the most eligible home buyer and it's bad for the buyers who get a contract on a house that will not appraise. In the end the homeowner realizes too late that the house is priced too high.

I am forever educating my clients. I take this part of my job very seriously. After all, clients will never refer me to friends, if I make a mistake pricing their house for sale. When I accept a listing, I give 120% as I market the property to the most qualified home buyers! Among other things, I always share up-to-date competitive information and a Competitive Market Analysis including market conditions that should be considered as we determine the appropriate listing price. Likewise, I work hard to educate my Buyer Clients too. We are always looking at market and neighborhood statistics to determine appropriate offer prices.

Make New Friends, But Keep the Old Ones.
Remember that one? I think I first heard that one in Sunday School when I was about 5 years old. Funny how that gem of a phrase applies to my real estate career too. I am a relationship person -- always have been. Sometimes I find myself becoming so focused on my current clients and transactions that I compromise attention to my past clients. I don't mean to really, but sometimes it just happens. I am very mindful of checking in with previous clients on a regular basis. I encourage past clients to call me anytime with their questions and concerns. I actively pursue and continue to cultivate a strong relationship with my clients after the closing. I try very hard to stay in continuous contact with past clients. In fact, they all hear from me monthly as well as several times per year including and especially their anniversary of closing.

And, For Pity Sakes Remember Who You Are!
This was one of my Mom's most famous phrases. We heard this one whenever we were going away from home for a long weekend or out with friends on a Friday night. This phrase too is a great parallel to my real estate career. It is always my goal and sincere hope that clients recognize that Integrity comes first with me. I believe strongly in treating all clients the way I would want to be treated. I give more than my clients expect. I recognize that clients don't purchase and sell property every day. For many, this is a totally new and perhaps scary experience. This is an occasional transaction at best for most people. To make it even more daunting, the real estate laws are forever changing and developing. I strive to give my clients A+ service, excellent attention to the details yielding the desired results. I hope every client recognizes that I care deeply about their unique situation as well as their individual transaction. I am always available for consultation. I am easily reachable at 770-399-8108. My goal is always to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. I look forward to serving your real estate needs when the time is right for you.

Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia working in the north Atlanta metro area. Sara can be reached anytime at 770-399-8108 or sara@sarahibbard.com. I'm Glad Georgia Real Estate Is On Your Mind!