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« July 2006 | Main | September 2006 » August 25, 2006Most likely to moveYounger generations are more likely to be homeowners according to a recent Coldwell Banker study. Echo boomers and Gen Xers are leading the charge to home buying. More than half of those who earn $75K or greater indicated that they have owned multiple residences. Most felt secure with their housing purchases, did not indicate that they were over extended due to housing costs, and considered their home to be more then just an asset to their portfolio. Not for sale? Not a problemHousing inventories have increased 39% since last year, giving hopeful house hunters a wide variety of options. However the perfect home may still remain elusively off the market. Enterprising websites are popping up to aid those who hanker for their neighbor’s house, to make unsolicited offers. Now, for a small price you can name your price, and an official looking letter will be anonymously sent off, to the address of your choice. If only junior high crushes had been this easy. August 17, 2006One singular sensationApparently, one is no longer the loneliest number. According to recent Census figures, 41% of the adult US population is unmarried. It is estimated that of the unmarried population, nearly 30 million people currently live on their own. Women homebuyers, have been a significant force in recent years, and account for more than half of all singles. With close to 90 million singles, that’s a lot of homes to fill. Matchmaker matchmakerBuilders and Realtors should go together like peas and carrots, nevertheless in the hot housing market, it was more like every man for himself. However l’amoure has returned to the housing industry. Builders are now wooing Realtors by bestowing lavish gifts, incentives, and higher than average commission rates, in an effort to market slow moving inventory. Want to buddy up to a builder and establish a new home niche? Find out more here August 11, 2006Checkup on closing costsBuyers can be overwhelmed with the home buying process, so it is important for them to keep in mind that the buck does not stop with the price of the house. Negotiating an amenable home price is one hurdle, but money must also be set aside for closing costs. Live in NY? Prepare buyers to shell out for the highest average closing costs. If you live in Missouri, you are a little luckier. However costs and fees can vary greatly from city to city and from lender to lender. For a better buying experience, encourage buyers to comparison shop for closing costs as well as mortgage terms and rates. Bidding adieu to property at auctionsSellers markets are out and auctions are in. The post bubble housing era means that inventory tends to linger longer, and online and live auctions have taken off. According to the National Auctioneers Association, gross sales at residential property auctions increased 24 percent in two years, to $14.2 billion in 2005. Anxious sellers count on bidding wars to bring in fair market value for their homes. But auctions are also useful when trying to move distressed or probate real estate. Buyers need to be careful and do their homework. If the price is right, everyone can walk away feeling like they got a deal. August 03, 2006Free gift with purchaseCosmetic companies aren’t the only ones tapped into the giveaway market. Due to recent slumps in sales and increasing inventories, it seems that getting an incentive with a home purchase is becoming the standard. Bidding wars have given way to flashy gimmicks, that are used to entice skittish buyers. Luxury items like cars, pools, vacations, and even money, are all up for grabs. It seems like everything and anything can be offered with that cozy 3 bedroom, 2 ½ bath, with one car garage, even the opportunity to meet your favorite celebrity. Whoever coined the phrase there’s no such thing as a free lunch, obviously never lived through a buyers market. 
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