I hate to admit it but the AARP newsletter has good stuff. Since I have been in Spring Cleaning mode I took a look at a list they call, 9 Things To Get Rid of in Spring Cleaning. See what you think about the list? Am heading to the spice cabinet-that is for sure.
Here are 9 obvious things you can get rid of when Spring cleaning. What else is there? Can you add to this list?
- Old Spices
- Old Medicines
- Old Plastic containers
- Old batteries
- Old make-up
- Old pillows
- Old contact lenses
- Expired canned food
- Old sponges
In many parts of the country, more houses are needed to sustain the spring market demand. National Association of REALTORs chief economist Lawrence Yun says, “Home sales are ‘stuck’ this spring due to the limited number of homes available.”
In our own market in central Virginia we have seen the following inventory figures:
April 2008- 600 homes for sale
April 2010-670 homes for sale
April 2011-550 homes for sale
April 2012-550 homes for sale
March 30, 2013- 517 homes for sale.
Read the entire article.
We suspected this could be true in the Central Virginia market and now we have areas reporting that prices for new homes are on the rise. As the market continues to improve, what does this mean for sellers, right here, right now? It is a good time to SELL.
READ ON
Realty Times Article by David Fletcher 4/30/2013
The Quiet Giant Built on Performance
RisMedia , Real Estate Magazine features a cover picture and story about Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Montague Miller & Company has been a member for the entire 17 year history of this network. Before there was an affiliation of top United States and International real estate firms called LRE there was a network called RELO. Our firm joined the original network in the ’70′s and continued when LeadingRE was established in 1997.
LearingRE’s mantra is ‘Helping to make the best brokerages better,’ says CEO Pam O’Connor. LeadingRE is a group of independent real estate brokerages who share four major focuses-lead generation, brand enhancement, technology, and professional development. The members expect a high degree of professionalism when referrals are made to another market. The network is larger than any franchise with 500 independent companies, 4,600 offices, and 140,000 sales associates. The annual sales volume of LeadingRE is higher than any franchise network.
Just another way for Montague Miller to bring you the best service possible. If you are selling a home, our affiliates send in Buyer clients. If you are leaving the area and moving to another market, our Relocation Department will be happy to find one of our “sister firms” in the LRE Network. You will be in good hands. I guarantee it.
The Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORs has released the market report for the 1 st Quarter of 2013. The numbers are encouraging as the local real estate market continues to improve. In comparing numbers year over year, SALES are up 6.5% in the region. That puts us at the highest increase in sales since 2007.
Sales are up and in some areas it is being accomplished in fewer days. In Charlottesville the Days on Market, or the number of days required to get a contract decreased to 48. The median price in the city increased also.
Attached homes sell quicker than detached homes and Albemarle County continues to have the highest median price. Read the full Report.
Call on one of our highly trained agents if you are thinking of putting your property on the market or if you are in buying mode.
National Open House Weekend April 20-21
National Open house Weekend is fast approaching. It is an opportunity for prospective Buyers to see a number of homes open on both Saturday and Sunday April 20-21, 2013. The National Association of REALTORs promotes the event and many of our local firms will participate. Open Houses will be promoted both on-line and in the print media. Be sure to visit The Real Estate Weekly for maps and details. Montague Miller & Company will feature a full page ad in the Daily Progress detailing the properties being held open.
You can learn many things by visiting Open Houses-It is a chance to see some of the inventory and get a feel for the spring market. The agents holding Open House will be very knowledgeable about the homes and can answer questions for you.
You are welcomed to take your time and tour. What are you waiting for? Get out there and see some Open houses!
Here is an article just for you. Thinking about buying your first home? Here is a perfect outline for you to follow.
Evaluate Your Life and Your Finances
Shop for a Loan
Find a house- Using a REALTOR (of course)
Close!
REALTORs are often asked how to prepare a house for sale and, in particular, are asked what kind of renovation should I consider? Should a kitchen be completely remodeled? What about doing the bathrooms? Will I gain as much as I spend,or should I just paint and mulch? Enjoy reading the Top 10 Remodeling Projects- an article posted by Keeping Current Matters Crew, March 22,2013.
The good news continues… In today’s Realty Times article the prediction is for 2013 to be a very good year. The sense in our market place is that Buyers are Back and Sellers are making their decisions to move ahead. The loan climate is very good, as well. Younger Buyers are In- Match day was last weekend, bringing a new wave of medical staff into Central Virginia. The only possible complaint is that the Groundhog may have gotten the “early spring” bit wrong. Oh Well, Can’t have everything.
I Can't Believe I Got It Wrong?????
The market continues to improve and as it does we begin to hear from men and women who are considering real estate as their career. Many of the best agents came to real estate as a second career. Consider this-The National Association of REALTORs reports that the average age of Brokers is 59. It is obvious that the leadership of the industry is “greying”. With that in mind, why not consider real estate as your primary career. There is room at the top and this seems to be a good time to begin.
What is important about beginning in real estate? I am prejudiced, naturally, but think you need to affiliate with a great teaching firm. A mentor and coach with experience in all markets will make a big difference to you.
What sort of candidates do well in our business? Are you good at working with people, have good communication skills? Are you able to work independently, are you motivated to do well?
Would you like to learn more? Call me.
