Recent Blog Posts

Why Buying a Home May Make More Sense Than Renting  Some Highlights If you’re trying to decide whether to rent or buy a home, consider the advantages homeownership offers. Buying a home can help you escape the cycle of rising rents, it’s a powerful wealth-building tool, and it’s typically considered a good hedge against inflation. If you’re ready to take advantage of the benefits of homeownership, let’s connect to explore your options. 09/30/2022

On September 28, 2022, National Association of Realtors® (NAR) reported that nationwide pending contract signed home sales down 2.0% to an index of 88.4 in August of 2022 from July of 2022, and fell 24.2% from August of 2021.Pending home sales index in the Northeast lower 3.4% to an index of 76.6 in August of 2022 from July of 2022, and decreased 19.0% from August of 2021.Pending home sales index in the Midwest declined 5.2% to an index of 88.4 in August of 2022 from July of 2022, and dropped 5.9% from August of 2021.Pending home sales index in the South lost 0.9% to an index of 105.4 in August of 2022 from July of 2022, and fell 6.3% from August of 2021.Pending home sales index in the West gained 1.4% to an index of 71.0 in August of 2022 from July of 2022, but down 9.2% from August of... 09/30/2022

 SEPT 2022 WISCONSIN FORESTLAND SOLD REPORT Langlade County; Hunting, Timber, Investments! Market Snapshot for 20+ Acre Properties   Sold Properties Report Price Total Acres $/Acre Original MLS # Status Municipality County $47,900 23.5 $2,038 50246822 Sold Langlade Langlade $49,900 26 $1,919 22104855 Sold Ackley Langlade $63,450 40 $1,586 22102113 Sold Vilas Langlade $69,000 30 $2,300 22202326 Sold Vilas Langlade $70,000 40 $1,750 50258356 Sold Summit Langlade $80,000 40 $2,000 50243738 Sold Vilas Langlade $85,000 40 $2,125 22200591 Sold Summit Langlade $90,000 40 $2,250 22201278 Sold Elcho Langlade $100,000 40 $2,500 50247897 Sold Elcho Langlade $105,000 40 $2,625 22202748 Sold Langlade Langlade $115,000 40 $2,875 50255298 Sold Rolling Langlade $130,000 41.8 $3,110 22202856 Sold Summi... 09/30/2022

1115 Missionwood Lane, Talahassee, FL Photos Maps & Local Schools Print Click Here to Get Directions $3000003bed - 2bath - 0.29 sqft lotNestled in the quiet neighborhood of Missionwood, this fantastic three bedroom, three bath home lives large with multiple living spaces and oversized bedrooms and features updated flooring throughout, a well appointed kitchen with updated cabinets, countertops, backsplash and stainless steel appliances, completely renovated bathrooms, spacious screened in porch our back, and a fenced back yard featuring your very own fruit trees! Updates have been completed, but also allowing the next owner to put their personal touch on the home. This ideal location is convenient to shopping, schools, parks and entertainment for home buyers or is a great investment opp... 09/30/2022

How NIMBYism Stunts Housing GrowthHomeowners may not realize that by preventing development in their towns and neighborhoods that they’re making homeownership much more expensive for themselves as well as others. Have questions? Read this #GoodToKnow article and contact me so I can answer any questions you have.In addition to supply chain interruptions, high material costs and labor shortages, badly needed new home construction is also being curtailed by NIMBYism, says the National Association of Home Builders. “Not in my backyard” homeowners may not realize that by preventing development in their towns and neighborhoods that they’re making homeownership much more expensive for themselves as well as others.The root cause of nimbyism is that homeowners are afraid that their home values w... 09/30/2022

Visit Property Site 99 E ILOCA Lane San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 Encanterra Country Club masterpiece Details Price : $924,900 Bedrooms : 2 Bathrooms : 2.00 Square Foot : 2,618 Lot Size : 7,841 sq.ft. County : Pinal Year Built : 2020 MLS Number : 6470400 Jeff Jones BrokerJeff (480) 200-5305Debbie (206) 650-4491Visit WebsiteAz Home Seekers85 W Combs Rd St 1010-390San Tan Valley, AZ Description Better than new! This Tarragona model completed in 2020 is highly upgraded on premium corner lot with a private pool. As you are greeted with a large custom iron and glass entry door, you know this place is special. Tile throughout, and no stone unturned. Custom wall finishes throughout, power blinds, this house needs nothing. Large entertaining double island kitchen has gas built in cooktop with wall ... 09/30/2022

Visit Property Site 619 W Lyle Ave San Tan Valley, AZ 85140 Room for all your toys Details Price : $615,000 Bedrooms : 3 Bathrooms : 2.00 Square Foot : 2,199 Lot Size : 9,186 sq.ft. County : YSA Property Type : Single Family Home Year Built : 2008 MLS Number : 6457723 Jeff Jones BrokerJeff (480) 200-5305Debbie (206) 650-4491Visit WebsiteAz Home Seekers85 W Combs Rd St 1010-390San Tan Valley, AZ Description Rare opportunity to own this magnificent single story home with a 4.5 car insulated garage! The curb appeal starts with the stone accents that draw you to the paver entry courtyard. The large foyer has diagonal tile leading to the grand familyroom with gas fireplace and surround sound. Split floorplan with a luxurious master suite with private rear patio access. The office has a cust... 09/30/2022

Experts are starting to make their 2023 home price forecasts. As they do, most agree homes will continue to gain value, just at a slower pace. Over the past couple of years, home prices have risen at an unsustainable rate, leaving many to wonder how long they would last. If you’re asking yourself: what’s ahead for the price of my home, know that experts are now answering this question and it's welcome news for homeowners who may have been led by the media to believe their home would lose value.  1.9KSHARES 1.6K 96 16 185 What Experts Say Will Happen with Home Prices Next Year Historically, home prices have appreciated at a rate near 4%. For 2023, the average of six major forecasters noted below is 2.5%. While one, Zelman & Associates, is calling for depreciation, the other five are cal... 09/30/2022

As any parent knows, choosing the right preschool for your child is one of the most important decisions you can make. It's where their education begins, and it sets the tone for their future schooling. With so many options out there, it can be tough to know where to start. That's why we've put together a list of the top 8 preschools in Marietta, GA.Rest assured, all of these schools come highly recommended by parents and educators alike. They offer a variety of programs designed to help your child grow academically, socially, and emotionally. So take some time to read through this list and reflect on what's most important to you and your family. We're confident you'll find the perfect preschool for your little one.Top Preschools in Marietta, GA  La Petite Academy of Marietta Bentley Kin... 09/30/2022

El Arroyo is an iconic local spot in Austin. They make the best hand-squeezed margaritas and serve Black Angus beef tacos (along with many other Tex- Mex offerings) and have since 1975!A quirky marquee is out front on the corner of West 5th and Campbell. Every day they change their bill board with a new pun (everything imaginable).                   They encourage you to submit your pun on their website and of course have permission to post them. It’s one of those “Keep Austin Weird” things that we all in Austin love!They post them on Instagram because everyone loves them. Our own Myrl Jeffcoat follows them! We all need some laughter or a chuckle each day! It's fun checking out the new pun each day.                               Hope you enjoy these! Happy Friday!! 09/30/2022

Mortgage rates continued to push higher this week and are now double what was seen a year ago. Freddie Mac reports that the 30-year fixed rate mortgage rose to 6.70% this week from 6.29% last week with 0.9 in points and fees. A year ago the rate was 3.01%. The 15-year rose to 5.96% from 5.44% last week and up from 2.28% a year ago. Rates rose for the sixth consecutive week. Freddie Mac's chief economist said, "The large dispersion in rates means it has become even more important for homebuyers to shop around with different lenders."August inflation was slightly hotter than expected but the bond markets were prepared and have shrugged off the somewhat backward-looking data. The Fed's favorite inflation measure, the Core PCE (personal consumption expenditures), rose 4.9% in August from a ... 09/30/2022

Mortgage backed securities closed down 25basis points today at 97.25 having closed 780 points below the 200 day moving average. The conforming rate is at 6.375% today.  My jumbo pricing is now sizzling! The 30 year jumbo for $1 million was at 5.75% with no points!. Whether in New England, the Mid Atlantic or the Midwest or anywhere else in the U.S., history tells us it is time to refinance!! Please call me at 203-981-8282. 09/30/2022

The rise in interest rates has been dramatic. There's no sugar coating it. The sticker shock buyers are experiencing is two-fold: sales price and monthly payment. If one qualified for a 700K house a few months ago, that same monthly payment now only buys a home in the 400s. That is a dramatic difference. But - there is always a but - there is a silver lining. While we did not yet see much of a slowdown in August (inventory level dropped to less than a month), we are beginning to clearly see it now. Rising rates + a slowing market = opportunities!What are the advantages of buying during these times? Less competition to no competition!⇒ not having to sell an organ to score a house⇒ having the time to return for a second look ⇒ no cash (or a lot less) over appraisal⇒ little to no escalatio... 09/30/2022

Bankruptcy can be a difficult and stressful time. Many people worry about their finances and whether or not they will be able to keep their homes. If you are considering bankruptcy, you may be wondering if you can still buy a house.The answer is yes, you can still buy a house after bankruptcy. However, there are some things you need to consider before doing so. Here are three things to keep in mind when buying a house after bankruptcy:1. Your credit score will be lowered.2. You may have to wait two to four years before you can get a mortgage.3. You will likely have to put down a larger down payment than usual. If you are considering buying a house after bankruptcy, it is important to talk to a financial advisor or mortgage lender to discuss your options. They will be able to help you un... 09/30/2022

09/30/2022

Condo Association Knowledge Important!  Value of the Common Areas Recent Updates and Assessments The Budget and Condo Fees The Management Company      Buyers like to value the common areas and know what the condo fees cover. Best to let them see the budget and let them know about past assessments and reserves are. Often great to put the budgets in the unit so they can see all what the condo fees cover. The Condo Association BudgetCommon AreasPlaces to Enjoy Inside and Outside 09/30/2022

https://bit.ly/3E7bVGQ  09/30/2022

If you want to buy a home, you need to be able to responsibly save and manage your finances, and that comes down to having the right habits.So what, exactly, are the “right” habits if you’re trying to buy a home?A recent video from realtor.com outlined the habits you’ll want to adopt if you’re planning on buying a home in the near future, including: Set up weekly deposits. As mentioned, the quicker you save up for your down payment, the quicker you’ll be able to buy your home. If you want to speed up the process, set up a separate account for your down payment—and then set up an automatic weekly deposit. That automatic withdrawal will get you in the habit of saving, without requiring too much thought or effort. Pare back your budget. When you buy a home, you want to have as much saved f... 09/30/2022

Last week, I talked about common contingencies to ask for when buying a home. I recommend including these in your typical sales contract. However, there are times when it is OK to waive contingencies. This works in a buyer's favor when they wish to stand out among other buyers. And even though the Westfield area real estate market appears to be starting to level out a bit, it still favors the seller. So, keep these situations in mind when crafting your offer.When Is It OK to Waive Contingencies?Finance ContingencyIf you need to borrow money to finance your new Westfield area home, you might want to include a finance contingency (aka "mortgage contingency"). This allows you a specified amount of time to complete the loan process. But, if you pay for your home in cash, this is one conting... 09/30/2022

Carrell Elizabeth is my granddaughter, and she has now started the 4th generation of giving blood.  We are so proud that at 16 she took time out today to go and give. Giving blood is a fantastic way to give life, as synthetic blood has not been developed at this point.I hope this post will encourage everyone to make an appointment in October to give.  15 minutes and you will make some family incredibly happy.  My mother is 84 and was upset at 65 when they would not let her give any more --she did not weigh enough. At 62, I still give four times a year, and Henry gives too.  My daughter works in a lab and types blood for all procedures.We give when someone needs but we also give regularly to anyone in need. Please take time to give, someone needs what you have--all ages, all races, all p... 09/30/2022