Showing posts with label Schneider Real Estate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Schneider Real Estate. Show all posts
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Achieving Greatness thru Gratitude
Have you ever received a thank you from someone...just because they appreciate you? Ever sent one? It has been said that people don't care how much you know til they know how much you care! There are countless reasons to thank or recognize a person, and creating this habit will surely bring good things to you. It is the law of sowing and reaping, or, the law of attraction. Getting back what you give out. Want more out of life? Become a giver...for the sake of giving! Let someone know today that you appreciate them for who they are.At the end of this writing, I am sending a note to my neighbor...no, not the one who seems to always be having a bad day....but to the one who takes such great care of his property! Do you think this matters to the people living around him?Absolutely...when someone decides to put their home on the market, it is a HUGE benefit if their neighbors have a well maintained property! I, for one, am grateful...and he deserves to know it!
Posted by SCHNEIDER Real Estate at 2:04 PM
Homebuyer Survey reveals what women and men want FREE
Issue Date: Real Estate Insider - Aug. 31, 2009, Posted On: 8/20/2009Market Trends
Homebuyer survey reveals what women (and men) want FREE
It often seems as though men and women are from different planets, but every day millions of couples navigate through day-to-day and even life-altering decisions. Because a home is the biggest purchase most people will make in their lifetime, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC surveyed 1,000 individuals to discover how much men and women differ in the home-buying process.
The real estate company engaged a third-party research firm, International Communications Research (ICR), to delve into the innerpsyche of men and women, asking questions such as “How long did it take for you to know that the last home you purchased was right for you?” and “If you found the home of your dreams but had concerns about its security, would you still be interested?” Coldwell Banker Real Estate also surveyed couples on additional topics, such as “Who wears the pants in the relationship?” when it comes to making major financial decisions.
“The results were surprising,” said Diann Patton, the Coldwell Banker consumer real estate expert. “Not only did we uncover some of the inherent differences between men and women, but we also pinpointed a number of ways that the two genders are actually the same. For example, both men and women are increasingly concerned with having a space to work in their homes – something we would not have seen 40 years ago.
“We also found that feeling insecure about a home’s safety is a deal-breaker for most people, regardless of gender,” she added. Patton noted this topic is particularly timely given that many first-time homebuyers are hoping to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it expires on Dec. 1.
Below are some key highlights from the Coldwell Banker Real Estate study:
Women may be inclined to make up their mind more quickly than men …
When asked how long it took before they knew their home was “right” for them, almost 70 percent of women had made up their mind the day they walked into the house, vs. 62 percent of men. Conversely, significantly more men needed two or more visits: (32 percent of men vs. 23 percent of women).
Women would rather live closer to their extended family than to their job …
55 percent of women find it more important to be closer to their extended family (those that do not live in their household) than to their job, compared to only 37 percent of men.
A home’s security is a deal-breaker for both men and women …
64 percent of women said that if they found the home of their dreams but had concerns about its security, they would no longer be interested. More than half of men agreed (51 percent).
Couples say that no one “wears the pants in the relationship” in terms of major financial decisions …
When asked who wears the pants in the relationship (when it comes to major financial decisions, such as purchasing a home), almost 70 percent of respondents living with their significant other said it’s actually mutual. However, 23 percent think that they, themselves, wear the pants in the relationship, not their partner. More men than women said this (26 percent vs. 20 percent, respectively).
Men and women agree on how they would use a spare room, for the most part …
When the respondents were asked how they would use an extra 12-by-12-foot room if it could be anything they wanted, men and women agreed on the top three most popular, and very practical, responses:
Bedroom: 25 percent
Office/study: 15 percent
Family room/den: 11 percent
However, men really do want a “man cave”…
Interestingly, out of the 8 percent who indicated they would turn that spare room into an entertainment center, it was a preponderance of men leading the charge. In fact, four times as many men as women said they would use the extra space for recreation/ entertainment.
In addition to providing background on the survey results, Patton is able to offer tips for couples who are currently going through the process of buying a home. “These results further validate how critical it is for couples to recognize each other’s differences and work together, from deciding a neighborhood to how to use a spare room,” she said. “Online tools and the expertise of a real estate professional can be particularly helpful for couples, especially if they work together step-by-step along the way.”
Homebuyer survey reveals what women (and men) want FREE
It often seems as though men and women are from different planets, but every day millions of couples navigate through day-to-day and even life-altering decisions. Because a home is the biggest purchase most people will make in their lifetime, Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC surveyed 1,000 individuals to discover how much men and women differ in the home-buying process.
The real estate company engaged a third-party research firm, International Communications Research (ICR), to delve into the innerpsyche of men and women, asking questions such as “How long did it take for you to know that the last home you purchased was right for you?” and “If you found the home of your dreams but had concerns about its security, would you still be interested?” Coldwell Banker Real Estate also surveyed couples on additional topics, such as “Who wears the pants in the relationship?” when it comes to making major financial decisions.
“The results were surprising,” said Diann Patton, the Coldwell Banker consumer real estate expert. “Not only did we uncover some of the inherent differences between men and women, but we also pinpointed a number of ways that the two genders are actually the same. For example, both men and women are increasingly concerned with having a space to work in their homes – something we would not have seen 40 years ago.
“We also found that feeling insecure about a home’s safety is a deal-breaker for most people, regardless of gender,” she added. Patton noted this topic is particularly timely given that many first-time homebuyers are hoping to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it expires on Dec. 1.
Below are some key highlights from the Coldwell Banker Real Estate study:
Women may be inclined to make up their mind more quickly than men …
When asked how long it took before they knew their home was “right” for them, almost 70 percent of women had made up their mind the day they walked into the house, vs. 62 percent of men. Conversely, significantly more men needed two or more visits: (32 percent of men vs. 23 percent of women).
Women would rather live closer to their extended family than to their job …
55 percent of women find it more important to be closer to their extended family (those that do not live in their household) than to their job, compared to only 37 percent of men.
A home’s security is a deal-breaker for both men and women …
64 percent of women said that if they found the home of their dreams but had concerns about its security, they would no longer be interested. More than half of men agreed (51 percent).
Couples say that no one “wears the pants in the relationship” in terms of major financial decisions …
When asked who wears the pants in the relationship (when it comes to major financial decisions, such as purchasing a home), almost 70 percent of respondents living with their significant other said it’s actually mutual. However, 23 percent think that they, themselves, wear the pants in the relationship, not their partner. More men than women said this (26 percent vs. 20 percent, respectively).
Men and women agree on how they would use a spare room, for the most part …
When the respondents were asked how they would use an extra 12-by-12-foot room if it could be anything they wanted, men and women agreed on the top three most popular, and very practical, responses:
Bedroom: 25 percent
Office/study: 15 percent
Family room/den: 11 percent
However, men really do want a “man cave”…
Interestingly, out of the 8 percent who indicated they would turn that spare room into an entertainment center, it was a preponderance of men leading the charge. In fact, four times as many men as women said they would use the extra space for recreation/ entertainment.
In addition to providing background on the survey results, Patton is able to offer tips for couples who are currently going through the process of buying a home. “These results further validate how critical it is for couples to recognize each other’s differences and work together, from deciding a neighborhood to how to use a spare room,” she said. “Online tools and the expertise of a real estate professional can be particularly helpful for couples, especially if they work together step-by-step along the way.”
Friday, August 21, 2009
Third Quarter off to an Excellent Start!
Real Estate Sales in August have really picked up at our office. It seems that buyers are getting serious about taking advantage of the $8,000 tax credit before it's too late. A first time home buyer is one that hasn't owned a home in the last three years. When they buy, then the seller's are able to move up and the market it robust. I have a high end listing that was not producing any showings, I've had 4 this week and a few last week- YES! A mid range villa that was also experiencing no showings also had two this week. More showings on listings is always a good sign.
One thing I've noticed that is still distressing is that buyers are coming in with low ball offers. There are so many distressed properties on the market they are under the false assumption that sellers are willing to take a hit, more than they already are with the current market value. It was encouraging to see the following reports this week:
Single-Family Homes and CondosSingle-family home sales increased 6.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.61 million in July from a pace of 4.33 million in June, and are 5.0 percent higher than the 4.39 million-unit level in July 2008. The median existing single-family home price was $178,300 in July, which is 14.6 percent below a year ago.Existing condominium and co-op sales jumped 12.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 630,000 units in July from 560,000 in June, and are 5.9 percent above the 595,000-unit level a year ago. The median existing condo price was $178,800 in July, down 18.9 percent from July 2008.By Region:
The Northeast surged 13.4 percent to an annual pace of 930,000 in July, and are 3.3 percent higher than July 2008. The median price in the Northeast was $236,700, down 15.0 percent from a year ago.
Existing-home sales in the Midwest jumped 10.9 percent in July to a level of 1.22 million and are 8.0 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $157,200, which is 5.9 percent less than July 2008.
In the South, existing-home sales rose 7.1 percent to an annual pace of 1.95 million in July and are 5.4 percent higher than July 2008. The median price in the South was $164,500, down 7.1 percent from a year ago.
Existing-home sales in the West slipped 1.7 percent to an annual rate of 1.13 million in July, but are 1.8 percent above a year ago. The median price in the West was $202,300, which is 28.0 percent below July 2008. Source: NAR
One thing I've noticed that is still distressing is that buyers are coming in with low ball offers. There are so many distressed properties on the market they are under the false assumption that sellers are willing to take a hit, more than they already are with the current market value. It was encouraging to see the following reports this week:
Single-Family Homes and CondosSingle-family home sales increased 6.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.61 million in July from a pace of 4.33 million in June, and are 5.0 percent higher than the 4.39 million-unit level in July 2008. The median existing single-family home price was $178,300 in July, which is 14.6 percent below a year ago.Existing condominium and co-op sales jumped 12.5 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 630,000 units in July from 560,000 in June, and are 5.9 percent above the 595,000-unit level a year ago. The median existing condo price was $178,800 in July, down 18.9 percent from July 2008.By Region:
The Northeast surged 13.4 percent to an annual pace of 930,000 in July, and are 3.3 percent higher than July 2008. The median price in the Northeast was $236,700, down 15.0 percent from a year ago.
Existing-home sales in the Midwest jumped 10.9 percent in July to a level of 1.22 million and are 8.0 percent above a year ago. The median price in the Midwest was $157,200, which is 5.9 percent less than July 2008.
In the South, existing-home sales rose 7.1 percent to an annual pace of 1.95 million in July and are 5.4 percent higher than July 2008. The median price in the South was $164,500, down 7.1 percent from a year ago.
Existing-home sales in the West slipped 1.7 percent to an annual rate of 1.13 million in July, but are 1.8 percent above a year ago. The median price in the West was $202,300, which is 28.0 percent below July 2008. Source: NAR
Monday, August 10, 2009
Things are Picking Up in St Charles, MO Real Estate
It feels a little like the good ole days of Real Estate; I personally listed a villa in St Charles in June and sold it in less than two weeks and recently listed a split level home in St Peters and sold it in 8 days! I was in the office Saturday and three of our agents were busy writing contracts. One agent wrote three contracts for buyers, another two. Our office stats for July sales were up and August looks to double July. I think the first time home buyers are finally getting off the fence and getting the message- TIME IS RUNNING OUT on the $8,000 Tax Credit. All homes must close by November 30th to qualify. Sellers are beginning to realize to sell quickly they must have the three key ingredients to sell:
- Price : Listen to your realtor- don't price high and miss all those potential buyers the first 30 days
- Condition: Spruce up with paint if needed, get rid of clutter, make a good first impression
- Location: Can't control this or the Market Conditions So make sure to give yourself the competitive edge with price and condition.
Looks like the second half is starting out strong- YEAH
Friday, July 17, 2009
Enjoy Cardinal Baseball and Help a Kid!
SCHNEIDER Realtor, Robert Clarke, tells his story (click the link below) of how he got involved in selling Cardinal baseball tickets to help his son Cauy, who suffers from a rare disease. You can help and at the same time enjoy the ball game! http://www.cureforcauy2009.com/Home_Page.html
Posted by SCHNEIDER Real Estate at 1:50 PM 0 comments
Posted by SCHNEIDER Real Estate at 1:50 PM 0 comments
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
LAST CALL FOR $8,000 TAX CREDIT
It’s hard to believe that we are into the second half of 2009. What a year it’s been for the Real Estate Industry! Our area is experiencing an increase in sales and recently was named as number 8 on a list of the Top 10 cities of opportunity by Forbes Magazine:
“Best Cities for Finding Opportunity Where are the best cities to live in the United States if you want to work hard and get ahead? Forbes magazine examined the nation’s 40 largest metropolitan statistical areas and based on the number of Forbes' 400 best big companies and 200 best small companies that are headquartered in each, it identified what it considered places with the most opportunity. The magazine says it took this route because the best big companies provide opportunities for those who seek to be employees, and the rate of success of small businesses indicates how the area treats entrepreneurs.”
We have been fortunate to be in the conservative Mid-West, faring better than most US cities not only when it comes to opportunity but also home values.
One of the results of the Stimulus Package was the $8,000 Tax Credit offered to first time home buyer (those not owning a home in the last 3 years).Recently this tax credit was amended to allow the buyer to use the money for closing costs or to add additional down payment (in addition to the required 3.5% minimum down). This has really helped to stimulate sales. To take advantage of this gift a home buyer must act NOW. A home purchase must close by Nov. 30th to qualify; the home buying process has been lengthened by the careful underwriting of a loan and appraisal changes. A serious buyer should be viewing homes now and get under contract no later than September to allow time for any delays in the process. If you’ve been sitting on the fence (or know someone who has) now is the time to jump down! Interest rates are still at record lows, there is lots of inventory to choose from and home prices are lower than they have been in years. We may never see a better scenario in our life time to buy real estate. THIS IS LAST CALL to get in on the free $8,000 gift!
“Best Cities for Finding Opportunity Where are the best cities to live in the United States if you want to work hard and get ahead? Forbes magazine examined the nation’s 40 largest metropolitan statistical areas and based on the number of Forbes' 400 best big companies and 200 best small companies that are headquartered in each, it identified what it considered places with the most opportunity. The magazine says it took this route because the best big companies provide opportunities for those who seek to be employees, and the rate of success of small businesses indicates how the area treats entrepreneurs.”
We have been fortunate to be in the conservative Mid-West, faring better than most US cities not only when it comes to opportunity but also home values.
One of the results of the Stimulus Package was the $8,000 Tax Credit offered to first time home buyer (those not owning a home in the last 3 years).Recently this tax credit was amended to allow the buyer to use the money for closing costs or to add additional down payment (in addition to the required 3.5% minimum down). This has really helped to stimulate sales. To take advantage of this gift a home buyer must act NOW. A home purchase must close by Nov. 30th to qualify; the home buying process has been lengthened by the careful underwriting of a loan and appraisal changes. A serious buyer should be viewing homes now and get under contract no later than September to allow time for any delays in the process. If you’ve been sitting on the fence (or know someone who has) now is the time to jump down! Interest rates are still at record lows, there is lots of inventory to choose from and home prices are lower than they have been in years. We may never see a better scenario in our life time to buy real estate. THIS IS LAST CALL to get in on the free $8,000 gift!
SCHNEIDER Team has an unusual Sales Meeting!
SCHNEIDER Realtor, Steve Snarzyk, was surprised at Tuesdays sales meeting when the team got together and gave him a diaper shower. Steve and wife Samantha are expecting their first child October 1st. They are shown here loading their trunk with all the diapers, it's a start!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Monday, June 29, 2009
Around St. Charles County
Thursday, July 2-Saturday, July 4 Riverfest, Frontier Park. Games, food, crafts, carnival rides, parade, fireworks and fun for the entire family.Thursday, Bluegrass Festival4:30-9:30 p.m.Friday and SaturdayMusic at 2 stages. Parade at 10:00 AM on July 4th. Fireworks at 9:20 PM. On Friday and Saturday www.stcharlesriverfest.com
Friday, July 3-Saturday July 4 O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Friday, 4-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-11 p.m.Ozzie Smith Sports Complex.National bands, fireworks, carnival rides, family-friendly shows, kids’ activities, festival food and beverages, Independence Day parade. Info, www.heritagandfreedomfest.com. Or (636) 379-5614.
Free Saturday, July 4 -1 p.m.
Parade 4-8 p.m. music New Town St. Charles Friday:
July 10 Bicentennial Historical Trolley Tours 1-4:45 p.m.
Tour of Old Cemeteries Historical Trolley Tours developed in conjunction with the Greater St. Charles CVB, the Bicentennial Committee & Steve Wiechens of the First Capitol Lions Club. Trolley Transportation will be provided by the CVB. Participation is limited to 20-22 people per tour and is by reservation only on a first-come, first-serve basis.Info, 636-255-6154
FreeSaturday, July 11 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mo CHIP - Child Identification and Protection Program: Keeping MO Kids Safe! Little Guppy Child Development Center, 3151 Elm Point Industrial Drive. MO Masonic Family will be on hand to further ensure the safety of area children free of charge. Representatives from the police department and fire department to discuss child safety. Car seat and helmet safety checks, games, ice cream social.Info, 636-530-6069.
FreeFriday, July 17-Saturday, July 18Friday, July 24-Satuday, July 25 7:30 p.m.Lindenwood Center for Fine & Performing Arts Events Production of Pulitzer Prize Broadway play HarveyTickets available at Lindenwood Box Office, www.telecharge.com or 800-447-7400. General Admission $10.Info, 636-949-4433
Thursday, July 231:30 p.m.Middendorf-Kredell Branch, St. Charles Library District How To Find Medical InformationConsumer health librarian Denise Ulett helps patrons research understandable, reliable sources for healthcare consumers. Navigate print and electronic information.
Free Sunday, July 26, 1-4 p.m: Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton Hummingbird Festival See hummingbirds up close. The Illinois Audubon Society will band birds. Adopt a hummingbird for a small fee.Info, 618-786-2331, ext. 338
Free Friday, July 3 12:30-4:30 p.m.Corporate Parkway Branch, St. Charles Library District Teen 80s End of Summer PartyGames, trivia, snacks, prizes for best dressed.Register online or call 332-9966
Around St. Charles County
Thursday, July 2-Saturday, July 4 Riverfest, Frontier Park. Games, food, crafts, carnival rides, parade, fireworks and fun for the entire family.Thursday, Bluegrass Festival4:30-9:30 p.m.Friday and SaturdayMusic at 2 stages. Parade at 10:00 AM on July 4th. Fireworks at 9:20 PM. On Friday and Saturday www.stcharlesriverfest.com
Friday, July 3-Saturday July 4 O’Fallon’s Heritage & Freedom Fest Friday, 4-11 p.m. Saturday, noon-11 p.m.Ozzie Smith Sports Complex.National bands, fireworks, carnival rides, family-friendly shows, kids’ activities, festival food and beverages, Independence Day parade. Info, www.heritagandfreedomfest.com. Or (636) 379-5614.
Free Saturday, July 4 -1 p.m.
Parade 4-8 p.m. music New Town St. Charles Friday:
July 10 Bicentennial Historical Trolley Tours 1-4:45 p.m.
Tour of Old Cemeteries Historical Trolley Tours developed in conjunction with the Greater St. Charles CVB, the Bicentennial Committee & Steve Wiechens of the First Capitol Lions Club. Trolley Transportation will be provided by the CVB. Participation is limited to 20-22 people per tour and is by reservation only on a first-come, first-serve basis.Info, 636-255-6154
FreeSaturday, July 11 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Mo CHIP - Child Identification and Protection Program: Keeping MO Kids Safe! Little Guppy Child Development Center, 3151 Elm Point Industrial Drive. MO Masonic Family will be on hand to further ensure the safety of area children free of charge. Representatives from the police department and fire department to discuss child safety. Car seat and helmet safety checks, games, ice cream social.Info, 636-530-6069.
FreeFriday, July 17-Saturday, July 18Friday, July 24-Satuday, July 25 7:30 p.m.Lindenwood Center for Fine & Performing Arts Events Production of Pulitzer Prize Broadway play HarveyTickets available at Lindenwood Box Office, www.telecharge.com or 800-447-7400. General Admission $10.Info, 636-949-4433
Thursday, July 231:30 p.m.Middendorf-Kredell Branch, St. Charles Library District How To Find Medical InformationConsumer health librarian Denise Ulett helps patrons research understandable, reliable sources for healthcare consumers. Navigate print and electronic information.
Free Sunday, July 26, 1-4 p.m: Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton Hummingbird Festival See hummingbirds up close. The Illinois Audubon Society will band birds. Adopt a hummingbird for a small fee.Info, 618-786-2331, ext. 338
Free Friday, July 3 12:30-4:30 p.m.Corporate Parkway Branch, St. Charles Library District Teen 80s End of Summer PartyGames, trivia, snacks, prizes for best dressed.Register online or call 332-9966
Professional Room Makeovers: Home & Design
These examples will make you a believer that small inexpensive changes can make a tremendous difference in the appearance of rooms in your home. This is a must see for sellers!
Professional Room Makeovers: Home & Design: REALTOR® Magazine
Shared via AddThis
Professional Room Makeovers: Home & Design: REALTOR® Magazine
Shared via AddThis
Monday, June 29, 2009
Home-Sale Hassles of the Rich and Famous
Home-Sale Hassles of the Rich and Famous
Some how I just can't feel sorry for them, how about you?????
Anybody having trouble selling their home should take comfort in the fact that even celebrities are having the same problem. Here are some celebs who can't seem to sell their houses:
Jon and Kate Gosselin, co-stars of the popular TLC show "Jon & Kate Plus 8," have been trying for three months to sell their former home in Elizabethtown, Pa.
Rapper 50 Cent has given up selling his mansion in Farmington, Conn., after dropping the price from $18.5 million to $14 million.
Richard Gere and wife Carey Lowell have dropped the price on their home in New York's Hamptons from $8.8 million to $7.2 million.
Model Elle Macpherson cut the price of her London Victorian from $9.5 million to $8.5 million, and has since dropped it to $7.5 million.
Star of "Real Housewives of Orange County" on BRAVO TV Jeana Keough, also a real estate practitioner, is facing foreclosure.
Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Umberger (06/21/2009)
Some how I just can't feel sorry for them, how about you?????
Anybody having trouble selling their home should take comfort in the fact that even celebrities are having the same problem. Here are some celebs who can't seem to sell their houses:
Jon and Kate Gosselin, co-stars of the popular TLC show "Jon & Kate Plus 8," have been trying for three months to sell their former home in Elizabethtown, Pa.
Rapper 50 Cent has given up selling his mansion in Farmington, Conn., after dropping the price from $18.5 million to $14 million.
Richard Gere and wife Carey Lowell have dropped the price on their home in New York's Hamptons from $8.8 million to $7.2 million.
Model Elle Macpherson cut the price of her London Victorian from $9.5 million to $8.5 million, and has since dropped it to $7.5 million.
Star of "Real Housewives of Orange County" on BRAVO TV Jeana Keough, also a real estate practitioner, is facing foreclosure.
Source: Chicago Tribune, Mary Umberger (06/21/2009)
St Louis Makes the Top 10!
Best Cities for Finding Opportunity Where are the best cities to live in the United States if you want to work hard and get ahead? Forbes magazine examined the nation’s 40 largest metropolitan statistical areas and based on the number of Forbes' 400 best big companies and 200 best small companies that are headquartered in each, it identified what it considered places with the most opportunity. The magazine says it took this route because the best big companies provide opportunities for those who seek to be employees, and the rate of success of small businesses indicates how the area treats entrepreneurs. Here are the top 10:
1. Houston 2. Dallas 3. Minneapolis 4. Pittsburgh 5. Boston 6. Washington, D.C. 7. Austin
8. St. Louis 9. Kansas City, Mo. 10. New YorkSource: Forbes, Lauren Sherman (06/19/2009)
1. Houston 2. Dallas 3. Minneapolis 4. Pittsburgh 5. Boston 6. Washington, D.C. 7. Austin
8. St. Louis 9. Kansas City, Mo. 10. New YorkSource: Forbes, Lauren Sherman (06/19/2009)
Poor Appraisals Stall Recovery
Poor Appraisals Stall TransactionsHowever, the increase in sales is less than expected because poor appraisals are stalling transactions. Pending home sales indicated much stronger activity, but some contracts are falling through from faulty valuations that keep buyers from getting a loan.”Total housing inventory at the end of May fell 3.5 percent to 3.80 million existing homes available for sale, which represents a 9.6-month supply at the current sales pace, down from a 10.1-month supply in April.Yun says the appraisal problem is serious. “Lenders are using appraisers who may not be familiar with a neighborhood, or who compare traditional homes with distressed and discounted sales,” he says. “In the past month, stories of appraisal problems have been snowballing from across the country with many contracts falling through at the last moment. There is danger of a delayed housing market recovery and a further rise in foreclosures if the appraisal problems are not quickly corrected.”
Home Sales on the Rise!
NAR: Existing-Home Sale Continue to Rise Sales of existing homes showed another gain in May, benefiting from favorable affordability conditions and a first-time buyer tax credit, according to the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ®. May’s increase was the first back-to-back monthly gain since September 2005.Existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – rose 2.4 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.77 million units in May from a downwardly revised level of 4.66 million units in April. Sales remained 3.6 percent below the 4.95 million-unit pace in May 2008.Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, expected an improvement in sales. “Historically low mortgage interest rates clearly drew buyers into the market, and housing remains very affordable even with a recent uptick in rates,” Yun says. “First-time buyers also are being drawn off the sidelines by the $8,000 tax credit, which is helping to absorb inventory.
Monday, June 22, 2009
SCHNEIDER Women to Assist in Habitat for Humanity "Women's Build".
A group of women from SCHNEIDER Real Estate are scheduled to assist in a Women's Build Habitat project in St. Peters on Wednesday June 24th. The women are a few of many who are making a single mom's dream come true. The SCHNEIDER Diva's will be helping to dry wall and Continental Title is providing lunch for the crew. I'll post pictures when the mission is accomplished!
SCHNEIDER Helps out at the St Peters Picnic
SCHNEIDER Real Estate agents, Cort Schneider, Glenn Miller, Judy Bateman, Karen Matthews, and Jesse Schneider along with office assistants Pat Hillin and Lori Linhoff, all pitched in to help at the anual St Peters Old Tyme Picnic last weekend. St Charles County Association of Realtors provide a booth that sells snow cones and funnel cakes with proceeds going to charity. Thanks all for your help!!! Thursday, June 11, 2009
SCHNEIDER Real Estate Adds 3 Veteran Agents to Team
SCHNEIDER Real Estate Adds 3 Veteran Agents to Team
SCHNEIDER Real Estate has recently added 3 Agents with diverse experience to its residential sales team. These Agents will broaden the firm’s knowledge base in such areas as first-time home-buyer purchases, bank short sales, investment properties, rehabs, foreclosure prevention, and senior purchases.
Julie Vaughan joins the SCHNEIDER team after 12 years as a top producer in real estate sales in Saint Charles and surrounding counties. She was named “Rookie of the Year” for a large local real estate brokerage in 1997. Julie and her husband, Rich are proprietors of Picture Perfect Homes, LLC, a property investment and rehab business. They are active in the rental property market.
Julie is a life-time resident of Saint Charles County. She and her husband and 3 children currently live in Dardenne Prairie.
Keith Kohlenhoefer has joined the SCHNEIDER team after 9 years as a high volume seller and private investor, specializing in foreclosures and pre-foreclosures, short sales and rehabbing “as-is” properties in Saint Charles County. Prior to his real estate career, Keith was a machinist for 7 years, and also a customer service representative for a lawn irrigation firm. He has held a wide variety of jobs, which help him identify with the needs of his clients.
Keith is a lifetime resident of Saint Charles. He is very proud of his 2 daughters, Bailey and Remy.
Patty Hickman joins the SCHNEIDER team with 5 productive years of experience in residential real estate sales in a wide-ranging area from North Saint Louis County to Hermann, MO. Patty’s former employment as a bookkeeper for a major drugstore chain helps her to advise her clients on profitability. She has also strengthened her marketing skills by working for the Lincoln County Journal.
Patty has 3 grown children. She and her husband Bill and teen-age daughter live in O’Fallon. They have bought and sold 10 residences in 15 years, which helps her identify with her buyer and seller clients.
SCHNEIDER Real Estate has recently added 3 Agents with diverse experience to its residential sales team. These Agents will broaden the firm’s knowledge base in such areas as first-time home-buyer purchases, bank short sales, investment properties, rehabs, foreclosure prevention, and senior purchases.
Julie Vaughan joins the SCHNEIDER team after 12 years as a top producer in real estate sales in Saint Charles and surrounding counties. She was named “Rookie of the Year” for a large local real estate brokerage in 1997. Julie and her husband, Rich are proprietors of Picture Perfect Homes, LLC, a property investment and rehab business. They are active in the rental property market.
Julie is a life-time resident of Saint Charles County. She and her husband and 3 children currently live in Dardenne Prairie.
Keith Kohlenhoefer has joined the SCHNEIDER team after 9 years as a high volume seller and private investor, specializing in foreclosures and pre-foreclosures, short sales and rehabbing “as-is” properties in Saint Charles County. Prior to his real estate career, Keith was a machinist for 7 years, and also a customer service representative for a lawn irrigation firm. He has held a wide variety of jobs, which help him identify with the needs of his clients.
Keith is a lifetime resident of Saint Charles. He is very proud of his 2 daughters, Bailey and Remy.
Patty Hickman joins the SCHNEIDER team with 5 productive years of experience in residential real estate sales in a wide-ranging area from North Saint Louis County to Hermann, MO. Patty’s former employment as a bookkeeper for a major drugstore chain helps her to advise her clients on profitability. She has also strengthened her marketing skills by working for the Lincoln County Journal.
Patty has 3 grown children. She and her husband Bill and teen-age daughter live in O’Fallon. They have bought and sold 10 residences in 15 years, which helps her identify with her buyer and seller clients.
Friday, June 5, 2009
The Two Latest Signs Housing Is Recovering
The Two Latest Signs Housing Is Recovering
Here’s more evidence that the housing market is recovering.Two major home builders, Toll Brothers Inc. and Hovnanian Enterprises Inc., say their losses were shrinking compared to last year because buyers are coming back to the market.Other encouraging news came from HIS Global Insight, a research firm, which said home prices fell on average at an annual rate of 2.2 percent in the first quarter in 199 of 330 metropolitan areas. That compares with a 12.5 percent decline in the fourth quarter of 2008 in 312 metropolitan areas."While it's too early to see a bottom of this housing downturn," the report said, the latest data "may signal that the market is beginning to stabilize."Source: The Wall Street Journal, James R. Hagerty and John Spence (06/04/2009)
Posted by SCHNEIDER Real Estate at 11:44 AM 0 comments
Labels: $8 000 tax credit for first time buyers, Career in Real Estate, first time Home buyers, SCHNEIDER Real Estate, st charles county
Thursday, June 4, 2009
$8,000 Gift to Home Buyers Who Haven't Owned a Home in Three Years!
HUD: Tax Credit Can Be Used on Closing Costs
This is great News for all those folks who haven't owned a home in the last three years! You can now get your $8,000 gift upfront if needed- Read the details!
FHA-approved lenders received the go-ahead to develop bridge-loan products that enable first-time buyers to use the benefits of the federal tax credit upfront, according to eagerly awaited guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on so-called home buyer tax credit loans that was released today.Under the guidance, FHA-approved lenders can develop bridge loans that home buyers can use to help cover their closing costs, buy down their interest rate, or put down more than the minimum 3.5 percent.The loans can't be used to cover the minimum 3.5 percent, senior HUD officials told reporters on a conference call Friday morning. Thus, buyers applying for FHA-backed financing with an FHA-approved lender that offers a bridge-loan program can get a bridge loan to bring down the upfront costs of buying a home significantly but would still have to come up with the minimum 3.5 percent downpayment.There remain many sources of assistance for buyers needing help with the 3.5 percent downpayment, including many state and local government instrumentalities and nonprofit lenders.In addition, some state housing finance agencies have developed their own tax credit bridge loan programs, so buyers in states whose HFAs offer such programs can monetize the tax credit upfront to cover all or part of their downpayment. These programs are separate from what HUD announced today. The first-time homebuyer tax credit was enacted last year--and improved upon earlier this year--to help encourage households to enter the housing market while interest rates are low and affordability is high. The credit is worth up to $8,000 and is available to households that haven't owned a home in at least three years. The credit does not have to be repaid, and is fully reimbursable, so households can get their credit returned to them in the form of a payment.Learn more about the credit, including how to apply for it this year even if you've already filed your taxes, at REALTOR.org.
This is great News for all those folks who haven't owned a home in the last three years! You can now get your $8,000 gift upfront if needed- Read the details!
FHA-approved lenders received the go-ahead to develop bridge-loan products that enable first-time buyers to use the benefits of the federal tax credit upfront, according to eagerly awaited guidance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on so-called home buyer tax credit loans that was released today.Under the guidance, FHA-approved lenders can develop bridge loans that home buyers can use to help cover their closing costs, buy down their interest rate, or put down more than the minimum 3.5 percent.The loans can't be used to cover the minimum 3.5 percent, senior HUD officials told reporters on a conference call Friday morning. Thus, buyers applying for FHA-backed financing with an FHA-approved lender that offers a bridge-loan program can get a bridge loan to bring down the upfront costs of buying a home significantly but would still have to come up with the minimum 3.5 percent downpayment.There remain many sources of assistance for buyers needing help with the 3.5 percent downpayment, including many state and local government instrumentalities and nonprofit lenders.In addition, some state housing finance agencies have developed their own tax credit bridge loan programs, so buyers in states whose HFAs offer such programs can monetize the tax credit upfront to cover all or part of their downpayment. These programs are separate from what HUD announced today. The first-time homebuyer tax credit was enacted last year--and improved upon earlier this year--to help encourage households to enter the housing market while interest rates are low and affordability is high. The credit is worth up to $8,000 and is available to households that haven't owned a home in at least three years. The credit does not have to be repaid, and is fully reimbursable, so households can get their credit returned to them in the form of a payment.Learn more about the credit, including how to apply for it this year even if you've already filed your taxes, at REALTOR.org.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
PENDING HOMES SALES UP THREE MONTHS IN A ROW!
WASHINGTON, June 02, 2009
Record low mortgage interest rates boosted pending home sales for the third consecutive month, with some benefit now from the first-time buyer tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
The Pending Home Sales Index,1 a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.7 percent to 90.3 from a reading of 84.6 in March, and is 3.2 percent above April 2008 when it was 87.5.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said buyers are responding to very favorable market conditions. “Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market,” he said. “Since first-time buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30 to get the credit, we expect greater activity in the months ahead, and that should spark more sales by repeat buyers.”
Record low mortgage interest rates boosted pending home sales for the third consecutive month, with some benefit now from the first-time buyer tax credit, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
The Pending Home Sales Index,1 a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in April, rose 6.7 percent to 90.3 from a reading of 84.6 in March, and is 3.2 percent above April 2008 when it was 87.5.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said buyers are responding to very favorable market conditions. “Housing affordability conditions have been at historic highs, but now the $8,000 first-time buyer tax credit is beginning to impact the market,” he said. “Since first-time buyers must finalize their purchase by November 30 to get the credit, we expect greater activity in the months ahead, and that should spark more sales by repeat buyers.”
Monday, June 1, 2009
Seniors and First Time Home Buyers Don't Miss Out!
PERFECT for the first time homebuyer or senior looking to downsize! This spacious 2 bedroom villa is located minutes from the Page extension tucked away in the back of the subdivision with loads of peace and quiet. Vaulted Ceilings with wood beams, large bay window in the dining room and double French doors in the kitchen leading to the patio, give this villa a bright and open feel. The kitchen is equipped with more than adequate cabinet space, a pantry, lots of counter space
and an overhang for bar stools. You'll love the spacious bedrooms and the wonderful large bath with sunken tub, separate shower and double vanity! Move right in - refrigerator, washer and dryer stay and the furnace and air conditioner are newer. Put your finishing touches to this one owner unit - never smoked or had a pet- Hurry it is priced to sell AND the seller is selling "as is" making no repairs.
See A Vitual Tour by clicking the link vu.realbiz360.com/Listing-166851.html
and an overhang for bar stools. You'll love the spacious bedrooms and the wonderful large bath with sunken tub, separate shower and double vanity! Move right in - refrigerator, washer and dryer stay and the furnace and air conditioner are newer. Put your finishing touches to this one owner unit - never smoked or had a pet- Hurry it is priced to sell AND the seller is selling "as is" making no repairs.
See A Vitual Tour by clicking the link vu.realbiz360.com/Listing-166851.html
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