A once in a lifetime opportunity has arrived and is available to all who are ready to take advantage of a new government stimulus. The Federal Government Tax Credit Stimulus offers first time buyers an $8,000 tax credit and owners of existing homes a $6,500 tax credit. Here’s the catch: the transaction must be settled by April 30, 2010, with a closing by July 1, 2010. This means that instead of April and May being the best months for selling, the greatest number of buyers will likely be looking for homes in February and March. Click here to download the program details

If you have been on the fence and waiting for that perfect time to sell, the next few months will be critical! But when exactly should you start the process? I have put together a timeline for success. By following this simple guide, you can successfully sell and move with results you could have only dreamed of!

Your Success Timeline

Early January

Call me for a free personalized market estimate as well as a game plan for preparing the home for market. I
will explain how you can take advantage of this unique real estate opportunity, and offer suggestions as to any contractors or inspections needed.

Mid-January

Visit the senior community of your choice. Meet with the Read the rest of this entry »

We all are anxious about our present as well as our future. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that crystal ball that would give us some clues as to what our economy will look like next year and beyond! Since no reliable indicator exists, we can only depend on the so called “pundits” who profess to know more than most, but their results are mixed. I am going to take a stab at my own predictions of next year’s real estate market with the risk of missing the mark a bit and having you, the reader, remind me of my well intended attempt! My picture of next year’s market is based on many conversations with banks, appraisers, home owners, buyers and sellers. I have 32 years as a full-time Realtor providing a good base for my insights into 2010’s housing environment. So here goes:

I believe that our economy is not out of the woods, but it is gaining some footing. Americans are feeling that Read the rest of this entry »

My kids don’t understand! It’s my safety zone. I’ve lived here for 40 years. This home is my memories, not just a building and foundation. It’s hard to think of moving to a community and having to make new friends. What if my money runs out? Will they kick me out? How do I start going through everything…there’s so much. I don’t have anyone to help me and I don’t want to burden my family. What if I move and I hate it?

Sound familiar? Over the course of my career in working with seniors and their families the above questions and comments have been a constant when dealing with a move of a senior from their long time home. Some have described the stress of moving as somewhere between a divorce and a colonoscopy…ouch! As we age, change becomes more and more difficult. As children of seniors, we want Read the rest of this entry »

Click here to see what home prices are going for in your neighborhood!

A market snapshot of your neighborhood, every month, for free. Great information for interested buyers and sellers!

Click Here to read a review of my book by Diane Schmidt at About.com