Nationally, Home Prices Are Up

Yes, summer has come and gone. As we head into fall, we are continuing to enjoy nice weather and sunny skies. Like the weather, the national housing market is experiencing its fifth straight month  in a row of gains.



A recent Reuters article (September 4th, 2012) noted that home prices in June "rose more than expected". In fact, in the  survey of 20 cities taken nationally, there was a 0.5% increase over 2011 prices.





David Blitzer, the chairman of the index committee at Standard & Poor's, went so far as to say "We seem to be witnessing exactly what we needed for a sustained recovery; monthly increases coupled with improving annual rates of change."

Traditionally, the summer buying season is strong. The June numbers benefitted from this phenonina. Blitzer went on to say that "the gains on both a monthly and yearly basis boded well for the housing market."

The financial markets reaction to the data has been cautious as investors turn their attention to Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke to see what, if any, action he plans to take.

The bottom line: The housing market continues to rebound from one of the worst economic downturns in our nations history. The pace of the housing recovery is slow, but steady. Minus any unforseen national or international event, we should see continued improvement.

For further information on the home buying process or selling process, contact Todd Adams at 503-332-5227 or visit Home Search

The Importance of Saying No

No is one of the shortest words, yet one of the toughest to say. While no one has found a way to buy time, we can take more measured steps to protect our time and live out happier lives.

In an article published in Better Homes and Gardens in April, 2012 by Karen Haywood Queen, four steps are suggested that could lead you across the pond of endless obligations to the hammock of personal bliss.

Are you the person who everyone thinks to call when volunteer work is needed? You know, the person who ends up organizing the reunion instead of enjoying it. It might be time to learn how to say "no" and mean it without alienating yourself. It's OK to say no and feel good doing it.

Decline Delicately - a great place to start you on your path to freedom. Example: if you are asked to head up a big-time fund-raiser, Karen suggests saying something like, "Wow, I'm honored that you thought of me for this important event, but my schedule is so hectic right now that I couldn't give it the attention that it deserves." It's not a hard hit, but more of a soft landing - no feelings hurt.

Be Honest But Vague - The less said the better. No need to feel guilty by lying, people can tell when someone is not being truthful. "Simply say you are booked and leave it at that," says Karen.

Negotiate Terms - "Many people agree to requests without knowing the logistics, which can be a trap," says psychologist Susan Newman, Ph.D., author of The Book of No (McGraw-Hill). The next time you are asked to volunteer, ask more questions. Are you expected to take everyone's jacket before the event or are you preparing all the food for the event? You will get a clear understanding of the expected time commitment and whether or not you want to make the time.

Put You On Your Schedule - Use the calendar on your iPad or smart phone to schedule your personal time for working out, enjoying coffee with a friend, or to read that book that you've been wanting to read. "Saying yes to someone can mean saying no to something you'd rather do, says Nancy Austin, coauthor of The Assertive Woman (Impact Publishers).

Remember, it is your time to schedule. If you don't schedule your personal time, everyone else will schedule it for you. Here's to taking back your time and happiness in 2012, it's not too late!


For further information on the home buying process or selling process, contact Todd Adams at 503-332-5227 or visit Home Search

Here's What A Hefty Price Tag Buys These Days!

Photo courtesy of Trulia.com

Actor Ben Stiller and his wife have just listed their Manhattan duplex for a cool $9.6M a $400K reduction in what they paid for the property back in 2008. (Even the rich and famous have been impacted by the housing market.)

Ben, in the past, has admitted to having a lot of nervous energy and says that " Work is my best way of channelling that into something productive unless I want to wind up assaulting the postman or gardener."

The home has a chef's kitchen, theater room, maid's quarters, and incredible river views! Ka-ching!!! If you would like to help a NYC postman or gardener than check out the link below and consider investing in some NYC real estate. If you want beautiful scenery matched by incredible views than maybe you should look at Portland, Oregon...


For additional pictures and property detail click here

For further information on the home buying process or selling process, contact Todd Adams at 503-332-5227 or visit Home Search
 

Tips For Selling Your Property Faster

When I meet with my clients to sell their home, I am frequently asked "how can we sell it fast?" In a recent publication of HGTV Magazine (Click here to subscribe) a fellow real estate pro, Cora Sue Anthony, host of Real Estate Intervention, offered up some tips that I thought I would share.

• Buy The Best Bedding - Nothing dampens the feel of a master bedroom more than a cheap looking bedspread. The idea here is to make the master bedroom "feel like a five-star hotel."
• Spray Down Your Yard - Before you host your open house, grab a hose and give your yard that "dewy look." Grab their attention before they walk in the door or they just might keep walking!
• Give Light Fixtures A Thorough Cleaning - No one wants to see cobwebs or dead bugs. A clean house appeals to everyone.
• Hang Mirrors - Mirrors reflect light and help small spaces seem larger. Buyers will actually see themselves in your house, "subliminal staging at its best."
• Get Your Windows Professionally Cleaned - Clean windows help the house look light and bright!

None of these tips alone will help you sell quickly. However, if you combine these tips with smart staging, your house will sell faster. The key to selling your home fast is to make it look like the cleanest,  most well organized house on the block every day it is on the market. Selling your home is not easy, but is can be done quickly if you take the right steps.

For further information on the home buying process or selling process, contact Todd Adams at 503-332-5227 or visit Home Search