12/31/11:

As 2011 draws to a close and 2012 begins, like most people I reflect on the prior year and look forward to the New Year to come.  In that spirit, I would like to share with you what I believe will happen real estate-wise in 2012.

I believe that 2012 will be very similar to 2011 in many respects.  I believe that prices of housing overall will be relatively stable.  Some neighborhoods that have started to recover price-wise will continue their recovery and the places that have not – will probably not see much change.

Inventory of homes will probably continue along the same path we have seen for the past 6 months.  The biggest variable is in the “shadow” inventory – those houses that are owned by banks and are not currently on the market.

Mortgage rates are dependent on so many factors but I feel that going into an election year, neither political party wants to be responsible for raising interest rates.  That said, rates are at all time lows and qualified buyers should be storming the gates!!

Just as 2011 was, 2012 should be a great time to buy if you are:

• A first time home buyer
• moving up in price
• relocating to a less expensive area of the country.

If you are thinking about selling, I understand that prices are still off from their peak several years ago but if you are moving up in price you will (in most cases) save more money on the purchase price of your new home than you are “not getting’ by selling now.

Perhaps the best opportunity in 2012 will be for those that truly believe real estate is still a great investment.  There are many opportunities for people to invest in a property and realize a positive cash flow from the rent right from the start.

Most people when they hear the word “investor” think of the large investor that may have many properties.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Your average investor owns less than 2 investment properties.

If you are interested in discussing any or all of these, please do not hesitate to either respond here or contact me directly.

I wish you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2012.

11/23/11:

I want to wish you a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving holiday.

Each year I believe we should all take a moment to think about what we have to be “thankful” for.    It is always nice, especially in these trying times to take stock of what is truly important in our lives.

I am thankful for many, many things.  First, of course is my wife and family.  I have been blessed with a family that is as loving and caring as one could hope for.  I have a family that is there for each other – both in the good times and in the not so good times (when it really counts).

I am thankful for my good health and the good health of my family and friends.

I am thankful that I am able to make a living helping people to achieve their goals and dreams through real estate and of course I am thankful for the support and loyalty of my clients, both past and current. 

I hope you have an abundance of blessings in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Allan

11/14/11:

Where has the time gone?

As some of you may know, I celebrated my 55^th birthday on November 13^th.  As most of us do at least a couple of times a year (birthday and New Years) I started to think about all that has transpired in my life, where I am and where I want to go.

Because of my age, I can’t remember too much of my past but I can tell you that what I remember the most is the time spent with my family.  Not only the good times – some of the most vivid memories are from the trying times.  I remember how in the trying times my family always pulls together and we help each other through whatever it is at that time.  Looking back on those, they are some of the best memories of all. 

These past 13 months may have been filled with more blessings and good times than any one person has the right to enjoy.  As I have written before, I had the pleasure and blessing of seeing two of my daughters get married.  I have witnessed my youngest flourish as a young teacher finishing up her student teaching in college – ready to make this world a better place by educating our young people.  I welcomed one son in-law into this business and of course we were all blessed by the birth of our first grandchild.

I also reflected on how my way of doing business has changed over the years.  When I first started in this business 18 years ago, I most often found myself working with clients that  were close to my age or just a bit younger.  Today, I would say that many of my clients are much younger than me and much of my work is on a consultative basis.

I am proud  to have this type of relationship with  my clients as I believe that they can truly benefit from  the advice I  give them and I can honestly say I have ALWAYS done what is right for my clients just as I would with my own family.

I truly am a very lucky person to have the family, extended family and client family that I have.  I know I will always be here for them and I know they will be there for me.

It doesn’t get any better than that!!!!

Allan

David's Blog

12/31/11:

Another new year has come which means a fresh beginning.  It gives us a chance to look back on the past year and think about those things which we have accomplished, and things we could have done better.  For those things we have accomplished, the New Year will allow the opportunity to build on those accomplishments and become increasingly more successful, whatever that may mean to you.  For those things we could have done better, the New Year allows us to reflect on those missed opportunities and perhaps re-configure our game plan so that we do not face the same situation again.

People tend to make “new year’s resolutions” at the beginning of the year.  These are things we have decided we are going to accomplish in the months ahead, for personal or professional gain, but from my own personal experience, by late January or early February we are not so resolute and our resolutions become “just another thing to get to later.”  I have decided rather that rather than setting another resolution that will no doubt falter within weeks, I will attack the upcoming year by setting goals.

 According to www.dictionary.com, a goal is the result or achievement toward which effort is directed.  A goal needs to be attainable, measurable and specific in order for it to be reached.  I will also try to visualize my success.  By doing this, I should be able to picture in my mind, what life will be like after I have achieved my goal.  I need to figure out why I want to achieve this goal and what steps I will take to complete my goal.  By writing my goals down, it becomes real and not “just something to think about.”   Also important is outlining consequences if my goal is not completed.  If there are no consequences due to lack of success then really my goal has become just another wish and I may as well have made it a resolution.

I know that by setting goals and not resolutions, I will have a more successful 2012 then I did in 2011.  I know that I already have several goals in mind that I will be writing down and figuring out how to make sure they are attainable to ensure my success in the months ahead.  I have a great article on goal setting that I know is going to help me.  If you would like a copy, just let me know and I would be happy to send it to you!  I wish you a happy, healthy, and successful new year! 

12/12/11:

Have you ever wondered when the right time to make a move with real estate is?  When should you sell your home?  When should you buy your next home?  Should you rent?  A lot of people will tell you that the real estate market is shaky right now.  There are articles and news shows that will tell you that you shouldn’t expect a fantastic real estate recovery and that housing prices may rise a little but foreclosures are taking over the market.  Make sure you don’t pay too much attention if you are buying a home.  I find all of those statements to be a generalization. 

The fact is your real estate goals should be yours and yours alone. Ask yourself some questions. Are you comfortable with where prices are now?  Are you aware that interest rates are ridiculously low?  Are you tired of renting and think it’s time to invest in your own home? If the answers to these questions are yes then perhaps you should consider buying a home. 

But what if interest rates go down more?  What if I buy a house now and the prices continue to drop?  What if?  What if?  What if?  The reality is your personal situation should determine whether buying a home now is the right choice for you.

More important than knowing what the market is at any given time you need to know where you are in your life regarding home ownership. You should know what your monthly budget is.  You should know how much you are comfortable paying for a home.  Are you looking to buy a home to live in or buy one as an investment property? Knowing all of this and understanding your own personal circumstances combined with working with the right people to help you through the process you should come out a winner in the real estate game.

 The fact is that home prices have been higher and people still bought homes.  Mortgage interest rates have been incredibly higher than they are right now and people still bought homes.  Why?  They felt it was the right time for them to do so.  Buying a home has proven over the long term to always be a fantastic investment.  If you have the dream and desire to own a home whether for your own living situation or to invest don’t let the market or what you hear about the market scare you.  Let your own personal circumstances and wants guide you to the best decision for you.   

Not sure what the right decision is?  Need to talk it out, ask some questions, get some advice, or more information?  Just give me a call.  There is no obligation.  A huge part of the reason I went into this business is because I truly enjoy helping others realize their dreams of home ownership.  I will help you in any way I can including being honest if the right decision at the time means holding off on buying a home.  Just remember in the end nobody, not the market, me, or anyone else can ultimately know if home ownership is the right decision for you now.  Only you and your personal circumstances can determine that but if you need I am always available to help.

11/23/11:

It is that time of year when we tend to take a step back and think about the things we are thankful for.  I have done this as well and I have come to realize the thing that I am most thankful for is my family.  I am most thankful for my wife.  Through thick and thin I know that she has my back and she knows that I have hers.  I am thankful of how supportive she is of me and I know that no matter what, she is there for me.  Good times and tough times don't make me any difference as long as I have her. 

Recently I have gotten closer with my immediate family which is so great.  With all the things going on in my everyday life, it is so important to take time for those that have been with you your whole life.  I love seeing my mom and sisters as well as my 4 year old niece and am thankful that I will be welcoming a new little one in March when my younger sister has her baby. 

My in-laws are also fantastic.  I am thankful that I have married into a family that has welcomed me as if I have been there all along.  I am not treated as a son in-law, brother in-law, cousin in-law, nephew in-law, etc.... I am just family. 

What I have learned is that family, whether blood or "inherited" is so important.  Those are the people that will always have a place in my heart.

I am also thankful for my rewarding career in real estate.  I am so thankful to have the opportunity to help others realize their dreams of home ownership. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

David

11/8/11:

When I think back over the course of my life so far, it is amazing to me that I have just turned 30.  While I am not a huge country music fan, it does make me think of the Tim McGraw song titled “My Next Thirty Years.”  Turning 30 certainly makes me think back to all the crazy things that have happened in my life time.  I have lived through some very interesting times.  I have lived through good and bad times that affected me both directly and indirectly. 

The thing that I have tried to take away from everything that I have experienced is that living with regrets is not for me.  I have experienced so many different things in my life and the one thing I can say is that I have grown from each experience I have had…even the negative ones.   I think back over the last 30 years and while there are definitely some things that should have been done differently, all of those things have made me the person I am today and I wouldn’t change any of that. 

I have had some things given to me, some things taken away, lots of things that I have earned and life changing events that truly make me appreciate every day I get to live on this Earth.  While nothing in life is perfect, the last thirty years has taught me to appreciate every moment of the next 30+ as I never know what moment may pass me by.

David

03/05/12:

Today’s blog will give you insight into our Mortgage page.  This page has lots of useful information to help you navigate all the different options there are when choosing a mortgage that is right for you.  It will also give you tips on when you should think about refinancing.

On the left hand side of the page we offer lots of useful calculators.  These calculators will help you run the numbers to figure out if you qualify for a loan, what tax savings a mortgage might offer, help you to figure out if the numbers show you should refinance, and so much more.  These calculators are a great first step to finding the answers to questions you may have.  Don’t forget to call us if you have any questions about any of the calculators or what the numbers they who may mean for you.

The right hand side of the page has some great articles that will explain to you many of your choices when looking for a mortgage.  There are articles that will explain what the different types of mortgages are, what paperwork you should be prepared with when applying for a mortgage loan, information on refinancing, and the most up to date changes in the laws that may affect your mortgage.

Again, always remember that we are here to answer any questions you may have. 

11/29/11:

Today’s blog will highlight our Sellers page.  This page provides lots of useful information to those looking to sell as well as those that selling is further along in their future.

The left hand side of the page has some quick links to help you receive some useful information.  If you are looking to get an idea of what your home is worth there is an easy to fill out form that will help us provide that information to you.  There is also a link that will let you search listings in your area to help you get an idea of what the market looks like right now.  There is a link that will take you to mortgage calculators to help you figure out where you are or need to be financially.  And, of course, there is a place to ask us a question.

The middle of the page houses many different articles.  These articles will be found useful by those looking to sell now and for those who may be selling in the future.  The articles cover many different topics including the real estate selling process, ideas to inexpensively increase the value of your home, tips for home improvements, how to stage your home properly, a moving checklist, and so much more.  Also, in the middle check out our Easy Exit Listing Guarantee.

The right side of the page has a quick search feature to see what is on the market now as well as information on some of the communities in the area.

Be sure to check back as we will be continuously updating and adding new articles with even more information that will be useful to you.

11/22/11:

Today we would like to highlight the Buyers page of our website.  This page has a lot of useful information not only for those looking to buy but even for those that may already own.

The left hand side of the Buyers page has quick links where you can search for homes already on the market or sign-up to receive listings by e-mail.  There is also a space to submit a question to us if you have one.  There is also a link to mortgage calculators which are a great tool to help you figure out what you can afford and what price range you should be looking in.  You can also find a form you can fill out that will be sent to us describing your perfect home so that we can assist you in finding it.

The middle of the page consists of many different useful articles that both current or future buyers and home owners will find helpful.  These articles cover a wide range of helpful information including an explanation of the entire home buying process, things to think about when buying a home, information on credit reports and scores, ideas on how to save for a down payment, a moving checklist, ways to lower your home owner’s insurance, and more. 

The right side of the page has a quick search feature to see what is on the market now as well as information on some of the communities in the area.

Be sure to check back as we will be continuously updating and adding new articles with even more information that will be useful to you.

11/15/11:

There are so many features on our site that we are proud of.  Today we would like to highlight the different search features available. 

You can find a search feature on almost every page of our site.  These searches allow you to search for homes listed for sale using as few or as many criteria as you would like.  Search by zip code, price, number of bedrooms, property size, and so much more and any combination.

Want to save a search to come back to later?  No problem!  Just fill out the quick registration form and your current search as well as any future searches will be saved for you to access at any time. 

You can also set-up a search and have the results e-mailed to you as often as you like.  This is a useful feature as it will allow you to keep up with what is on the market while only setting-up the search one time.  Of course, you can always log back in and modify your search if you desire.

Another cool feature is located on our community pages.  If you know specifically what community you are looking to buy in this feature will be a huge help in seeing what is available in that community.  Click on one of our community pages and on the right hand side you will see a breakdown of all the different houses available for sale in that community.  The best part is that this pre-determined search is broken down by price range, number of bedrooms, and key words such as short sales or waterfront property.

The searches available on our site can be a great resource whether you are looking to buy a new home now, in the future, or just want to get an idea of what the market is like now. 

11/7/11:

We are so excited to have launched our new website and even more excited to have you checking it out.  Our goal is always to provide the best service to our clients and one of the ways we will do that is through this website.  On this site you will find the most current information pertaining to real estate and much more.

This blog is one aspect of the site we are most excited about as it is another way for us to connect with our clients.  In this blog you will learn more about the real estate world as well as more about us as a team and as individuals.  Over the next few blog posts we will be highlighting some of the different features of the site.  Of course, please feel free to look around the site and explore.   If there is ever anything you would like to see on this site but don’t just let us know what it is and we will do our best to get it up here for you.

Today, we would like to point out a few things on our homepage.  On this page you can find quick links to many of our other pages where we provide lots of useful information.  We also post upcoming events on this page.  Another feature is Top 5.  Click on this link and you will find even more useful and current (updated every day) information about real estate and owning a home.  Confused about any part of the home buying and/or selling process just click on the Ask the Lawyer link and be taken to a brochure developed by Village Settlements that will answer many of your questions and walk you through the process.

Thanks again for checking out our new website.  We are really proud of it and hope you are too and find it to be a great resource.