Thursday, February 16, 2012

CRAZY LOW RATES!

Rate on 30-year mortgage stays at record 3.87%

The average rate on the 30-year fixed mortgage held steady at a record low for a third straight week, offering more incentive to those looking to buy a home or refinance. Mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday that the rate on the 30-year home loan was unchanged at 3.87%. That's the lowest level since long-term mortgages began in the 1950s. The average on the 15-year fixed mortgage was also unchanged at 3.16%. That's up from a record low of 3.14% reached two weeks ago.

The low rates have done little to boost the struggling housing market. Rates have been below 5% for all but two weeks in the past year. Yet few people can qualify for the rates and many of those who can have already done so.

Information from USA Today Housing Article dated 2-16-12.

Thursday, February 9, 2012

HOMES THAT ROCK!

Blending a home with the natural elements and materials of its environment is one of the foundations of organic architecture, but the process can present challenges when said natural elements are sheer cliffs, massive outcroppings and protruding boulders.  However, REALTOR.com has identified five architectural wonders that buck conventional trends and conform to the tumultuous terrain. Each design is as uncommon as the next, but each shares one distinctive trait: they are homes that rock.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

16 TIPS ON PREPARING YOUR HOME TO BE PHOTOGRAPHED

We hire OBEO to do our photography on our new listings. They are professional and do a wonderful job putting a home's "best foot forward."  With all the online marketing that we do as real estate professionals, quality pictures are more important than ever.  OBEO recently put together a list of tips on preparing your home to be photographed for marketing.  Below you will find an exert from that article.

1. Have the lawn mowed, leaves raked, bushes trimmed.
2. When in season, flowers can add a gorgeous pop of color.
3. Remove all vehicles from the driveway and front of the house.
4. Make sure all garbage cans, hoses, garden tools etc. are put away.
5. If you will be doing any twilight photos, be sure to check all outdoor lights and change dim or broken bulbs.
6. Remove any “cute” yard decorations the owner may have put out.
7. Remove any “clutter” inside the home, and put away toys, clothing, dishes, towels, etc.
8. Make the beds.
9. The counter tops in the bathrooms and kitchen should be as clean and as empty as possible.
10. Make sure the kitchen sink is empty and all dishes are put away.
11. Hide the trash cans.
12. Hide personal photos.
13. Replace any light bulbs that are out.
14. Remove any decorations or magnets that are on the fridge.
15. Before the photographer arrives, turn on all lights and open all blinds in rooms to be photographed.
16. Put all the toilet seats and lids down.


CLICK HERE for full article.