I wrote a recent newsletter to my sphere giving information about the 2008 state of Tallahassee real estate and projections for 2009. In this past Sunday's paper, a competitive real estate office had a surprisingly similar article in the real estate section.
I'm in no way suggesting plagiarism, I'm delighted to see what I wrote confirmed by other Realtors in the area.
In a quick synposis, this is what I said: Tallahassee sales of single family homes, townhomes and condos were lower in 2008 than any year for the past 5 years. Sales may have been lower than 2003, but I didn't go back that far. Still there were over 2500 sales in 2008.
Expectations for 2009 are that these resales will be slightly higher in 2009, but new construction is not expected to gain for the year.
Mortgage rates couldn't be better, local banks are lending and there are some fabulous buys out there, many sellers are willing to negotiate.
Of the sales for 2008 and 1500 Realtors with the Tallahassee Board, only 1000 brokered a transaction during the year. Of those 1000, with the help of repeat customers and customer referrals (the bulk of my business) I finished the year in the top 20% of sales. Thank you all very much for your referrals and business.
Wish to know more about Tallahassee's real estate market or want information about foreclosures or short sales, check out my website at www.agoodmove.us.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Friday, January 16, 2009
Are You In?
The web has changed our world. While I'm still adjusting to websites, even taking a recent on line class to creat web pages-what fun, I'm still quite the novice at all this electronic gadgetry overtaking our world. I've never been one to "chat" on line with friends, but feel the necessity for business and for staying on top of some of this that I be in on some of the social networks. Plus, since over 80% of people check properties on line before ever calling a Realtor, a web presence for real estate is a necessity.
Are you 'linked in'? How about a presence on facebook, or twitter, or activerain? I heard of something new the other day, haven't checked it yet, called 'stumbled upon'
While you don't have to be IN, it's to our advantage to at least be a little versed with the web. I understand that Costco and was it Walmart? when they opened on Mahan were only taking applications on line. Now AARP is going to on line registration and soon payment for their Safe Driving Classes.
No, most of us don't like change, but learning is good and can be very fun. Stay young, stay in touch, learn something new and get in the 21st century-get IN on some of the social networks or at least learn something about the web.
Are you 'linked in'? How about a presence on facebook, or twitter, or activerain? I heard of something new the other day, haven't checked it yet, called 'stumbled upon'
While you don't have to be IN, it's to our advantage to at least be a little versed with the web. I understand that Costco and was it Walmart? when they opened on Mahan were only taking applications on line. Now AARP is going to on line registration and soon payment for their Safe Driving Classes.
No, most of us don't like change, but learning is good and can be very fun. Stay young, stay in touch, learn something new and get in the 21st century-get IN on some of the social networks or at least learn something about the web.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Who's Buying Real Estate in Florida
Florida Association of Realtors released information recently on 2008 findings for buyers. Here's a few of the statistics collected on profiles for the Florida buyer.
First-time home buyers accounted for 43 percent of recent home purchases. The median age of home buyers was 43 years old. Among first-time buyers, the median age was 32. Fifty-eight percent of home buyers were married couples, 18 percent single females, 13 percent single males, and 9 percent were unmarried couples. Forty-eight percent of first-time home buyers were between 25 and 34 years old. The primary reason for the recent home purchase was a desire to own a home for 60 percent of first-time buyers.
And perhaps most important for obtaining and helping buyers is this statistic:Forty-six percent of home buyers reported using social networking Web sites, such as MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Friendster. Among home buyers aged 18 to 24, 85 percent reported using social networking sites, and 50 percent reported using them every day or nearly every day.
The Web is used. Real estate agents have to be part of that electronic media.
First-time home buyers accounted for 43 percent of recent home purchases. The median age of home buyers was 43 years old. Among first-time buyers, the median age was 32. Fifty-eight percent of home buyers were married couples, 18 percent single females, 13 percent single males, and 9 percent were unmarried couples. Forty-eight percent of first-time home buyers were between 25 and 34 years old. The primary reason for the recent home purchase was a desire to own a home for 60 percent of first-time buyers.
And perhaps most important for obtaining and helping buyers is this statistic:Forty-six percent of home buyers reported using social networking Web sites, such as MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Friendster. Among home buyers aged 18 to 24, 85 percent reported using social networking sites, and 50 percent reported using them every day or nearly every day.
The Web is used. Real estate agents have to be part of that electronic media.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Killearn Acres Home New on Market for Sale
I'm conducting an open house this Sunday, 1-11-09 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 3241 Gallant Fox Trail in Killearn Acres. This home is ready for buyers wanting to move right in, with refrigerator/icemaker, washer and dryer included in the sale. The home has 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage with split bedroom plan, open floor plan, eat-in kitchen, fireplace, screened back porch and large yard with privacy fence. The master bed and bath are both spacious with double vanity sinks, all bedrooms have walk in closets. Home has cathedral ceilings, hardiboard exterior and 1312 square feet, built in 1996. Come see at the open house or view pictures at my website at www.agoodmove.us.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
www.medicare.gov
There's a new service, quality star rating on this www.medicare.gov website for nursing homes. It rates the quality of the nursing home on a 1 to 5 star rating. Checking Leon County's 7 nursing homes, Miracle Hill Nursing and Convalescence got the highest ratings in all categories for all nursing homes in the county.
Showed previous inspections too, and it looks like inspections are done yearly. Wonder if the nursing facilities recognize that it's time again for the auditors and attempt to improve conditions during the period they think they'll be accessed. Not trying to imply they would be less viligent in their care at other times, more concerned with just once a year inspections, random or not. Seems to me wouldn't take long for a negligent condition to affect someone already in compromised condition.
Just concerned for those who may not have a voice. Check out the site and see what you think.
Showed previous inspections too, and it looks like inspections are done yearly. Wonder if the nursing facilities recognize that it's time again for the auditors and attempt to improve conditions during the period they think they'll be accessed. Not trying to imply they would be less viligent in their care at other times, more concerned with just once a year inspections, random or not. Seems to me wouldn't take long for a negligent condition to affect someone already in compromised condition.
Just concerned for those who may not have a voice. Check out the site and see what you think.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Buyers searching for Homes in Tallahassee
There are many websites available for buyers to search the internet for properties for sale anywhere. The problem with many of these sites can be that the homes are no longer available, or prices have changed, or something has changed.
The smart way to search is to use a local Realtor who can load your email address and your search criteria on the local Multiple Listing Service. Let's say you want a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage home in the northeast area of Tallahassee. The Realtor sets your email address so you receive all the properties presently on the market in that area meeting that criteria and after that initial emailing, you'll receive everything that comes on the market with that same criteria as soon as the Realtor inputs the information onto the Multiple Listing Service.
The benefit is that buyers get the newest properties available as soon as they become available. While that may not seem like such a big deal, if you've been looking for that "certain" home, you want to be sure and be one of the first to get notified it is now available.
It's estimated over 85% of buyers are looking on the internet for their home. Why keep searching when your search criteria can notify you when that house hits the market? Call me or email me to set you up for automatic notification. It's the way to house hunt!
The smart way to search is to use a local Realtor who can load your email address and your search criteria on the local Multiple Listing Service. Let's say you want a 3 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 car garage home in the northeast area of Tallahassee. The Realtor sets your email address so you receive all the properties presently on the market in that area meeting that criteria and after that initial emailing, you'll receive everything that comes on the market with that same criteria as soon as the Realtor inputs the information onto the Multiple Listing Service.
The benefit is that buyers get the newest properties available as soon as they become available. While that may not seem like such a big deal, if you've been looking for that "certain" home, you want to be sure and be one of the first to get notified it is now available.
It's estimated over 85% of buyers are looking on the internet for their home. Why keep searching when your search criteria can notify you when that house hits the market? Call me or email me to set you up for automatic notification. It's the way to house hunt!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Happy Holidays
I find that Thanksgiving has come and gone without my making mention of it. Obviously the holidays are here and I again find myself feeling behind on all of it.
While the holidays can be hectic with feeling there is so much to do with so little time, the key I am told is to limit your activities. Pick a couple of parties to attend, instead of all, cook a few less items, drink a little less and enjoy the season while it is here.
I know that the economy has affected most all of us and of course limiting one's budget for gifts is a smart thing. I'd like to recommend that if you are considering gifts for friends and family this season, consider a charitable gift of some kind. Many of the local United Way agencies are staging some type of event to garner funds for their respective charities. One opportunity for you to obtain a gift and do some good for the community is the Alternative Christmas Markets.
Shop the Alternative Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at John Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 1689 Old St. Augustine Road.
If you are unavailable that weekend, check out the Market at Christ Presbyterian Church on Bannerman Road, which will be held the following weekend.
Tis the season. May you all be healthy, happy and stress free during this time.
While the holidays can be hectic with feeling there is so much to do with so little time, the key I am told is to limit your activities. Pick a couple of parties to attend, instead of all, cook a few less items, drink a little less and enjoy the season while it is here.
I know that the economy has affected most all of us and of course limiting one's budget for gifts is a smart thing. I'd like to recommend that if you are considering gifts for friends and family this season, consider a charitable gift of some kind. Many of the local United Way agencies are staging some type of event to garner funds for their respective charities. One opportunity for you to obtain a gift and do some good for the community is the Alternative Christmas Markets.
Shop the Alternative Christmas Market on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at John Wesley United Methodist Church, located at 1689 Old St. Augustine Road.
If you are unavailable that weekend, check out the Market at Christ Presbyterian Church on Bannerman Road, which will be held the following weekend.
Tis the season. May you all be healthy, happy and stress free during this time.
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