Michele T. Brown

Greater Sales but Lower Prices

Bev — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 15:04:44 +0000

According to the National Association of Realtors for the last quarter of 2011:

U.S. homes sales rose 5.9% in 2011 but home prices continue to fall
National median home prices fell 4.2 percent to $163,500
Distressed sales made up 30% of transactions and were sold at discounts averaging 15% to 20%
33% of homes sold were purchased by first time buyers
19% of homes sold were purchased by investors
21.2% fewer existing homes were available for sale at the end of the year as compared to a year ago

These figures indicate more home sales activity at lower price points according to Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. “Sales have risen strongly in lower price ranges from one year ago, while sales at the upper end remain sluggish. More importantly, we’re seeing a consistent trend of declining inventory, which means supply and demand conditions are becoming more balanced in more areas, which will help stabilize home prices.”

Rising Homes Sales

Bev — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:15:53 +0000

Such good news for the 4th quarter of 2011 — Grand Rapids is number 5 in the country with the largest percentage increase in median single-family existing-home prices. Click on link below for full article published by Inman News:

http://www.inman.com/news/2012/02/9/top-10-markets-home-price-growth-in-q4-2011

Spend Your Money Wisely

Bev — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:42:44 +0000

Kitchens Sell a House like no other area of a home. If you’re thinking of upgrading, you won’t lose money if you update your kitchen according to a recent Realty Times article. Bev

Decorating Problems

Bev — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:20:27 +0000

A recent RisMedia article provides some good solutions to particular areas of your home that need attention. The article appears below.

http://rismedia.com/2012-01-19/clever-disguises-hide-decorating-problems/

Bev

Solving Decorating Problems

Bev — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:18:20 +0000

A recent RisMedia article provides some good solutions to particular areas of your home that need attention. The article appears below.

http://rismedia.com/2012-01-19/clever-disguises-hide-decorating-problems/

Bev

Historical Statistics from Grand Rapids Association of Realtors

Bev — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 16:59:50 +0000

Click on the link below to see a 15-year history of average sale price, listing inventory, number of homes sold, etc. It’s an interesting read. Bev

http://www.grar.com/mls-history?mid=57554

Tips on Keeping Your House “Healthy”

Bev — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:37:48 +0000

Click on the link below:

http://rismedia.com/2012-01-10/home-trends-healthy-home-room-by-room/

2011 Tax Tip

Bev — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:43:49 +0000

According to an article that appeared in This Week in Real Estate published on December 7, 2011, by RisMedia, the “Alliance to Save Energy urges American consumers to give themselves the gift of energy efficiency this holiday season–and reap the benefits when they file their 2011 federal tax returns.” These tax credits expire at the end of this year and may not be passed by Congress next year.

Read the entire article by clicking on the following link:

http://rismedia.com/2011-12-06/last-call-for-energy-efficiency-homeowner-tax-credits/

Holiday Flying!!!!

Bev — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 15:41:15 +0000

Tis the time of year — thousands of people will be flying somewhere to be with their loved ones for the holidays. And…. flights may be delayed due to weather, etc. If you find yourself in that situation, the article that follows may help you focus on things that will pass the time in the best way possible.

http://rismedia.com/2011-12-03/how-to-weather-a-delay/

Bev

KW Outreach, a New Member of Local First!!!!

Bev — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 20:34:51 +0000

KW Outreach is now a member of Local First!!!! What an alliance!!! We’re proud to belong to such caring organizations!!!!