Friday, February 15, 2013
Realtor.com®'s January Trend Data Shows Ripe Conditions For Home Values Increasing in the New Year
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Realtor.com®, a leader in online real estate operated by Move, Inc. (NASDAQ: MOVE), released its January data on the U.S. housing market today, offering valuable insight into the latest real estate trends. Realtor.com®'s January 2013 national housing data indicates that listing inventories decreased 16.47 percent year-over-year; median age of inventory was at 108 days, a 9.24 percent decrease year-over-year; and median list prices are slightly higher increasing .80 percent year-over year to $187,000.
The findings indicate opportunities in local markets for both buyers and sellers. With inventories at record lows and list prices increasing, Realtor.com®'s 2013 Best Sellers Markets are Sacramento, CA; San Jose, CA; San Francisco, CA; Phoenix, AZ; and Washington, DC. For consumers looking for a competitive edge heading into the busy spring buying season, Realtor.com®'s Top Buyers Markets are Asheville, NC; Peoria, IL; Charleston, WV; Philadelphia, PA; and Cleveland, OH.
"We connect consumers to the home of their dreams by delivering the most comprehensive selection and accurate housing data for homes currently on sale or for rent," said Steve Berkowitz , chief executive officer of Move, Inc. "If inventories remain low and list prices begin to rise over the next few months, as they did last year, conditions will be ripe for additional markets to appreciate in 2013."
National Data
In January, the total number of single-family homes, condos, townhomes and co-ops for sale in the U.S. decreased by 16.47 percent from one year ago, dropping to its lowest point since January 2007, when Realtor.com® began collecting this data. The significant year-over-year decline in homes for sale shows that the real estate market has worked through much of its excess inventory and, if these conditions continue, sellers are more likely to receive their asking price. While the median list price is essentially the same as it was one year ago, the average amount of time a home spent on the market decreased 9.24 percent on a year-over-year basis.
The national for-sale inventory for single family homes, condos, townhomes and co-ops (SFH/CTHCOPS) (1,477,266) continued to decline in January, falling by 5.63 percent during the month and by 16.47 percent on an annual basis.
The national median list price for SFH/CTHCOPS ($187,000) increased .80 percent in January and is now slightly higher than it was one year ago.
The median age of inventory of for-sale listings was 108 days in January, down 2.70 percent from December and 9.24 percent below the median age one year ago (January 2012).
Local Data
Regional January data suggests that at a local level, trends for both growth and decline observed in 2012 are continuing into 2013. States that were once at the center of the housing crisis, including Arizona, California and Washington, are continuing on upward trajectories. In several markets, particularly in California, home sellers are seeing a dramatic advantage when putting their homes on the market with some of the best prices in recent years. Alternatively, markets in the older industrialized parts of the Midwest and the East will likely continue to struggle without a significant turnaround in their local economies.
Realtor.com®'s 2013 Best Sellers Markets are Sacramento, CA; San Jose, CA; San Francisco, CA; Phoenix, AZ; and Washington, DC.
Realtor.com®'s Top Buyers Markets are Asheville, NC; Peoria, IL; Charleston, WV; Philadelphia, PA; and Cleveland, OH.
A number of factors will contribute to the continuation of a housing recovery this year, including the strength of the economy, the cost and availability of mortgage credit, consumer expectations regarding future housing prices and the success of efforts to reduce the number of foreclosures.
Realtor.com® regularly tracks real estate data and develops monthly reports featuring the number of listings, median age of inventory and median list price across the U.S. and in specific markets, as well as provides year-over-year and month-over-month changes. These reports are the only ones pulled directly from the Realtor.com® database that updates every 15 minutes from more than 800 multiple listing services. For more information, please visit www.Realtor.com.
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1zNIX)
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Zillow Names Best Cities for Singles to Move for Love
SEATTLE, Feb. 11, 2013- Zillow® has released its first "In the Move for Love Index" naming the best cities for young singles to relocate for love. For both men seeking women and women seeing women, Worcester, Mass., tops the list. Milwaukee, Wis., is best for young women looking for a man, and for single gay men, Miami topped the list of cities to find love.
Zillow ranked the 150 largest U.S. cities based on the Zillow Rent Index versus the median income, walkability and the ratio and abundance of single males to single females under 35. The resulting cities are geographically diverse, with median rents ranging from $800 to $2,500 per month.
"Today's society is more transient than ever, and when young singles are considering where to move next it makes perfect sense to consider how easy it will be to meet that person of their dreams," said Zillow Chief Marketing Officer Amy Bohutinsky . "We took a scientific approach to something that's typically been assumed more art than science; we looked at demographics, median income, rent prices and a number of other factors to pinpoint the best places for singles under 35 to move."
Methodology
Disposable Income: Assuming young people who are moving to a new city are more likely to rent, Zillow compared the Zillow Rent Index[i] (median rent price) to the median income[ii] because when a higher proportion of take-home pay can be spent on dating, the likelihood of finding a match increases. For young singles looking for love, housing costs represent a big portion of their monthly take-home pay.
Size of the Dating Pool: Cities with a higher proportion of single people to married people scored higher in the index.
Competition: To further determine where men and women had better odds of scoring a date, Zillow examined the ratio of single men to single women. In the rankings, the more lopsided the ratio, the less competition. For heterosexual singles Zillow used the overall ratio of men to women in the city. For gay singles Zillow looked at Census data on gay cohabitating households, as a proxy for the overall gay population.
Walkability: Assuming singles have a better chance of meeting "the one" when they are out and about, walking to bars, restaurants, shops and attractions, Zillow looked at a city's Walk Score® as a gauge to determine the ease of meeting new people.
Transplant Rate: Because it can be easier to meet other singles if many are new to town, the Zillow analysis factored in the percentage of a city's total population that is single and relocated within the past five years from a different county, state or country. Areas with high rates of single transplants scored higher in the index.
Results
Top 10 Cities to Find Your Valentine for Men and Women | |||||
Men Seeking Women Under 35 | Women Seeking Men Under 35 | ||||
Rank | City | Zillow Rent Index | Rank | City | Zillow Rent Index |
1. | Worcester, Mass. | $1,302 | 1. | Milwaukee, Wis. | $962 |
2. | Glendale, Calif. | $2,548 | 2. | Miami, Fla. | $1,727 |
3. | Irving, Texas | $1,208 | 3. | Denver, Colo. | $1,468 |
4. | Cleveland, Ohio | $834 | 4. | Charleston, S.C. | $1,435 |
5. | Memphis, Tenn. | $857 | 5. | Tucson, Ariz. | $989 |
6. | Tulsa, Okla. | $888 | 6. | Plano, Texas | $1,713 |
7. | San Diego, Calif. | $2,116 | 7. | Baltimore, Md. | $1,247 |
8. | Philadelphia, Penn. | $1,060 | 8. | Santa Ana, Calif. | $2,097 |
9. | Buffalo, N.Y. | $810 | 9. | Durham, N.C. | $1,168 |
10. | Springfield, Mass. | $1,255 | 10. | Rochester, N.Y. | $893 |
Men Seeking Men Under 35 | Women Seeking Women Under 35 | ||||
Rank | City | Zillow Rent Index | Rank | City | Zillow Rent Index |
1. | Miami, Fla. | $1,727 | 1. | Worcester, Mass. | $1,302 |
2. | San Diego, Calif. | $2,116 | 2. | San Diego, Calif. | $2,116 |
3. | Philadelphia, Penn. | $1,060 | 3. | Cleveland, Ohio | $834 |
4. | Worcester, Mass. | $1,302 | 4. | Denver, Colo. | $1,468 |
5. | Santa Maria, Calif. | $1,547 | 5. | Des Moines, Iowa | $1,009 |
6. | Des Moines, Iowa | $1,009 | 6. | Colorado Springs, Colo. | $1,219 |
7. | Colorado Springs, Colo. | $1,219 | 7. | Springfield, Mass. | $1,255 |
8. | Cleveland, Ohio | $834 | 8. | Kansas City, Kan. | $734 |
9. | Arlington, Texas | $1,252 | 9. | Aurora, Colo. | $1,323 |
10. | Baltimore, Md. | $1,247 | 10. | Dallas, Texas | $1,134 |
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Curb Appeal: Getting Buyers Through the Door
More times than I can count, I’ve pulled away from a home without getting out because the buyer didn’t like the looks of it from the outside. In the buyer’s mind, if a house is unappealing from the outside, it’ll be no better on the inside - regardless of what the interior really looks like.
Make sure exterior isn't scaring potential buyers away. Step across the street and take a long, honest look at your home. Do you like what you see? If you don’t, then chances are potential buyers won’t either.
First make sure the exterior of your home is in good repair. If siding is coming loose, shutters are hanging askew, shingles are missing or windows are cracked, make those kinds of repairs first. If the paint is cracked or faded, repaint. Most buyers would rather avoid any home deemed a “fixer upper.
Next, what does the front door look like? Beat up front doors can turn away potential buyers regardless of what the rest of the exterior looks like. Give new life to an old front door with new stain or a fresh coat of paint and take the time to sand out scratches. Also, make sure the door hangs straight and opens and closes easily. Locks should turn easily. It’s frustrating when real estate agents must fiddle with the lock. I dread nothing more than showing instructions with detailed directions on how to get the door open.
Even if a buyer falls in love with your home as is, they will likely ask for these many of these repairs anyway - or concessions on the price in anticipation of the work they’ll have to do themselves.
Even if the home is in good repair, there’s still more you can do to stand out. If the exterior of the home is dirty, wash it. Most home improvement stores have do-it-yourself power washing tools, but for the best results, you might have to have it professionally pressure washed.
Wash window exteriors and replace torn or missing screens. Sweep and mop porches, patios and balconies. Make sure you sweep cobwebs and flying insect nests from underneath porch coverings.
Replace broken or missing outside light fixtures. Replace any fence pickets or gates that are visible from the street. Repair or replace broken flower bed edging. Pack away any yard art, statuary and flower pots.
Clean up grease stains from the driveway. You can start by soaking up grease stains with cat litter for a couple of hours. After you sweep up the cat litter, saturate the spots with a degreasing dish detergent and let that soak for a couple of hours. You might have to scrub the stains with a stiff brush as well. If that doesn’t work, you might have to have the drive way power washed as well.
Next turn your attention to the landscape. Make sure the yard is clear of any debris - leaves, brush, old newspapers and trash. If you have bare spots in your lawn, lay down enough sod to cover the problem. Trim bushes and pull up any dead landscaping and clean out the flower beds. Once the flower beds are cleaned out, spruce up them up with a layer of fresh mulch and some seasonal spot color. You don’t have to go overboard, just add enough color to make entrance bright and inviting.
If you’re thinking about selling your home and need a few tips, give me a shout!
________________________________
Please share this article on your social media networks!
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Staging Your Home
After you’ve decluttered, cleaned and repaired your home, now it’s time to stage it. Staging turns your home into a showplace where buyers can envision themselves living. It is yet another tactic to help you get top dollar for your home.
The first step in home staging is to depersonalize it. Buyers want to visualize themselves in the space with their things, and your stuff - your memories - can get in the way. Pack up anything that makes the home uniquely yours - personal framed photos, photo albums, scrapbooks - anything personal. Also pack up mementoes from past vacations, work, school or anything else that you save for sentimental purposes.
Also put away holiday-oriented décor. Not all buyers celebrate the same holidays. This is easier to do for spring and summer holidays than for winter holidays. If you go all out for Christmas, you might consider pairing back or even waiting until after the holidays before listing.
Do decorate your home with neutral décor. Showcase your most current, trendy pieces. But do so sparingly. And make sure those pieces sparkle like the rest of your home. Take a tour through a builder’s model to get ideas about what’s in style. Chances are buyers have toured model homes, and they’ll know what’s in style too.
After you’ve got your home looking good, you can focus on the more subtle aspect of staging. Your home should not only appeal to the eyes but the nose and ears as well.
A deep cleaning will help neutralize odors, but you can go a step further. Invest in an electric potpourri pot or fragrance warmers that you can plug into an electrical outlet. Choose clean scents appropriate to the season. I recommend linen or floral in spring, citrus in summer, wood or vanilla for fall and evergreen for winters.
For an open house, you can bake cookies and leave them on the counter in a decorative plate. You can also leave out a candle for your Realtor to burn. I never suggest leaving a burning candle unattended, even if you’re just stepping out for an hour or two while your house is being shown.
If you have pets, make sure to clean their spaces frequently - wash bedding, change litter boxes, etc….
No matter how clean a home looks, if it doesn’t smell clean, that’s one more chance for another home to jump head on the buyer’s list of favorites.
Finally, listen to what your home sounds like. Do you have humming appliances? Can hear traffic sounds or your neighbors? Barking dogs? Use your sound system or even television to mask over those sounds with background music. If you don’t have a sound system, turn to your cable provider. Many cable services have music channels that will work just as well. Select a channel that features light instrumentals. Tune all your televisions to the same channel for a cohesive sound throughout your home, but don’t blast the sound. You want it just loud enough to create ambiance.
When potential buyers walk into a house, they want to feel like they belong there. Staging is cost-effective way to quickly and easily improve your home’s appeal to potential buyers and make them feel at home.
____________________________________________
Please share this article on your social media networks!
The first step in home staging is to depersonalize it. Buyers want to visualize themselves in the space with their things, and your stuff - your memories - can get in the way. Pack up anything that makes the home uniquely yours - personal framed photos, photo albums, scrapbooks - anything personal. Also pack up mementoes from past vacations, work, school or anything else that you save for sentimental purposes.
Also put away holiday-oriented décor. Not all buyers celebrate the same holidays. This is easier to do for spring and summer holidays than for winter holidays. If you go all out for Christmas, you might consider pairing back or even waiting until after the holidays before listing.
Do decorate your home with neutral décor. Showcase your most current, trendy pieces. But do so sparingly. And make sure those pieces sparkle like the rest of your home. Take a tour through a builder’s model to get ideas about what’s in style. Chances are buyers have toured model homes, and they’ll know what’s in style too.
After you’ve got your home looking good, you can focus on the more subtle aspect of staging. Your home should not only appeal to the eyes but the nose and ears as well.
A deep cleaning will help neutralize odors, but you can go a step further. Invest in an electric potpourri pot or fragrance warmers that you can plug into an electrical outlet. Choose clean scents appropriate to the season. I recommend linen or floral in spring, citrus in summer, wood or vanilla for fall and evergreen for winters.
For an open house, you can bake cookies and leave them on the counter in a decorative plate. You can also leave out a candle for your Realtor to burn. I never suggest leaving a burning candle unattended, even if you’re just stepping out for an hour or two while your house is being shown.
If you have pets, make sure to clean their spaces frequently - wash bedding, change litter boxes, etc….
No matter how clean a home looks, if it doesn’t smell clean, that’s one more chance for another home to jump head on the buyer’s list of favorites.
Finally, listen to what your home sounds like. Do you have humming appliances? Can hear traffic sounds or your neighbors? Barking dogs? Use your sound system or even television to mask over those sounds with background music. If you don’t have a sound system, turn to your cable provider. Many cable services have music channels that will work just as well. Select a channel that features light instrumentals. Tune all your televisions to the same channel for a cohesive sound throughout your home, but don’t blast the sound. You want it just loud enough to create ambiance.
When potential buyers walk into a house, they want to feel like they belong there. Staging is cost-effective way to quickly and easily improve your home’s appeal to potential buyers and make them feel at home.
____________________________________________
Please share this article on your social media networks!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Getting Your Home Ready to Sell This Spring
North Texas’ pre-existing inventory of homes is the lowest that it’s been in months and prices are stronger than they’ve been in years. Now is an attractive time to upsize, downsize, move closer to work, into a new school district, or otherwise sell your home. But simply listing your home doesn’t necessarily mean home a quick sale, especially if your home looks… well… lived in. To make sure your property makes a buyer’s short list, you’ll likely need to invest some elbow grease so your home shines above the rest.
Declutter. If you’re serious about selling your home, start cleaning out closets and packing now. When you get a contract, you’ll have about a month, maybe six weeks, to pack up. Though a month may seem like a lot of time now, cleaning out and packing will inevitably be a daunting task when the time comes. Decluttering also will make your home show better because counters, closets and storage spaces will seem more spacious. As a result your home will show better.
If you have any fixtures or window treatments you plan to take with you, take them down and replace them. When a buyer purchases your home, they’ll expect everything attached to the home to be included in the sale. Your Realtor can list exclusions in the MLS database, but if you really want to keep an heirloom light fixture, high-tech showerhead or designer draperies, pack them away before you even put your home on the market.
The decluttering stage would be a good time to host a garage sale. Click here to request a free copy of my “Clearing out the Clutter,” a comprehensive guide to hosting a successful garage sale. My guide offers up proven tips and tactics for making money and ditching your junk so you don’t have to move it.
After you’ve unloaded your junk, pack up everything except for the essentials. When you have a showing, you’ll have less to pick up, and when it comes time to move, you’ll have one major chore already crossed off of your to-do list.
Clean. A clean home shows better than a dirty home. The perception is that a dirty home needs work, while a clean, “move-in ready” home represents a better value. I’ve had buyers walk out of homes that otherwise meet their needs just because they were dirty.
A little elbow grease can prevent that buyer about face. On top of your routine cleaning, make sure you pay attention to these often overlooked areas:
- Corners, floor to ceiling inside and out
- Tile grout
- Ceiling fans and light fixtures
- Faceplates
- Baseboards
- Underneath and behind furniture
- Cabinets and drawers, inside and out
- Oven, microwave and other build-in appliances.
- Stair banisters, top to bottom
- Windows, inside and out
- Doors and door frames
- Window blinds and other window coverings, including curtain rods
- Mirrors
- Shelves
- Garage floor - sweep, mop and degrease.
- Drains, clean out and deodorize
- Porches, patios and balconies, sweep and mop
- Exterior brick and siding
- HVAC filters
Also have your carpets professionally cleaned, especially if you have pets. If your carpet has pet odors that aren’t neutralized with a good cleaning, you may have to consider new carpet. Your Realtor can advise you about your options here.
Repair. If you get an offer on your home, you’ll likely be given a list of items that the prospective buyer would like for you to fix as part of the deal. Frequently these requests come after a buyer has had the home inspected.
The list could include big ticket items such as the roof or foundation. You should already know whether you have problems there. Your Realtor can offer advice on how to deal with these kinds of problems.
The buyer’s list of requests likely will include anything that is obviously broken or in need of repair. Frequently the prospective buyer will ask you to have the problems “professionally repaired,” and you’ll have to show receipts proving that they were fixed. To save time and money later, fix those problems beforehand, especially if you can do it yourself.
Other problems aren’t as obvious. While you’re deep cleaning, you’ll likely find some small things that need repair. During your deep clean, make a list of those things so you can come back to them later. Here are some things to look for:
- Burned out light bulbs
- Broken or cracked face plates
- Cracks in corners and seams in the Sheetrock and back splashes
- Chipped, cracked or loose tile
- Loose carpet and other flooring
- Dripping faucets
- Running toilets
- Nail holes
- Drafty windows and doors
Many of these things require nothing more than bead of calk, a bit of adhesive or an inexpensive part from the hardware store. While they might be small things to you, they could very well end up on the buyer’s list of requested repairs too. But even if they don’t, a well maintained home stands out among the competition.
Paint. A fresh coat of paint makes any home feel fresh and clean. If possible, paint inside and out. If that’s not feasible, repaint any wall that’s been patched, has a lot of nail holes, can’t be cleaned or otherwise in obvious need of help.
Also paint over colors that are dated or faded or are TOO custom. Recently, I toured a home with a shocking green laundry room that matched nothing else in the house. Unless the homeowner repaints, they’ll have a very limited pool of buyers. The same can be said for children’s rooms painted in pinks and blues and purples. To make your home more appealing to the largest number of buyers, Consider neutral or earth tone colors that highlight flooring, counter tops or other features in your home.
Investing a little time and money before listing your home could mean a quick, top-dollar pay off after the sign goes in your yard.
_________________________________________
Please share this article on your social media networks!
Sunday, February 10, 2013
What Does 2013 Hold for Home Cooks Around the Country? "Clean" Ingredients, Juicy Treats...and Bacteria!
Allrecipes.com, the world's #1 digital food brand with more than one billion annual visits, partnered with Meredith women's lifestyle brands Better Homes and Gardens, Ladies' Home Journal, Family Circle, Eating Well, Fitness and Recipe.com to uncover the hottest food trends among home cooks. The report: The Measuring Cup Trend Report: What American Families are Cooking and Eating: 2013 Trends, available as a free download, concludes healthier eating will continue to be a top priority for home cooks, whether it's incorporating probiotics, "clean" ingredients, or more fruits and vegetables in everyday meals.
The report also found that women are flexing their creative muscles in kitchen. Using whiskey as a flavoring is on the rise, while novelty cakes have taken the place of the traditional sweet treats. Home cooks continue to be mindful of saving money by recreating their favorite restaurant dishes at home rather than dining out.
Below is a summary of 2013 trends:
Trend #1: Good-for-You Bacteria Goes Mainstream
Probiotic foods will become conventional refrigerator staples as one-third of women have already "tried and like them." The biggest probiotic food fans are women ages 30 to 39, with 40% earning 100k+/year.
Trend #2: It's a Piece of Cake!
Instead of a traditional birthday or holiday cake, 35% of women are creating novelty cakes for special occasions and holiday gatherings (think: ice cream cake, fun shape, unusual flavor).
Trend #3: Dinner Staycation
Women continue to feel pinched by the economy. Survey respondents say they dined out less frequently in 2012 compared to a year ago (44%). However these same women still seek the variety and new flavors available through restaurant menus. To satisfy this craving, 61% of home cooks admit to having prepared a restaurant-inspired dish at home in the past year.
Trend #4: A Clean Sweep in the Kitchen
With more than 44% of home cooks trying to eat cleaner (no processed foods, more whole foods/vegetables), 21% eating organic foods, 29% cutting back on meat, and 48% eating more vegetables, the healthy habits of home cooks are sure to impact 2013. Leading the way in the clean-food frenzy are home cooks in the West and the younger generation (ages 18-29).
Trend #5: Shaken, Stirred or Seared—with Whiskey
Whiskey isn't just for cocktails anymore. The celebration of whisky/bourbon flavors is extending into home kitchens. Bourbon Balls, Bourbon Chicken, Bourbon Fudge, Bourbon Salmon, and Bourbon Meatballs were all among the fastest-moving recipe search terms in 2012.
Trend #6: First Eat with Your Eyes
The wildly popular photo and idea-sharing site, Pinterest, inspires 75% of women to try new dishes based on inspiration gathered from friends, family, brands, and—complete strangers! Allrecipes' most popular Pinterest boards include inspiration for those who feast with their eyes (Amazing Food Photos), plus ideas for feeding a family (Kids' Recipes).
Trend #7: Increasing App-etites
Mobile phones continue their rapid growth as essential grocery shopping companions for family-focused women. Shoppers are most excited about mobile's ease of use, the variety of app choices, and the ability to make mealtime/purchase decisions while in-store. Shoppers aged 39 and younger are the most likely to seek in-store meal inspiration using a mobile device.
Trend #8: The Juicy Details
More than 56% of women prepared a smoothie or squeezed fresh juice at home last year. The majority trying this juicy option say their main incentive is, "it's delicious" (73%), followed by "health benefits" (64%).
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1yMF7)
The report also found that women are flexing their creative muscles in kitchen. Using whiskey as a flavoring is on the rise, while novelty cakes have taken the place of the traditional sweet treats. Home cooks continue to be mindful of saving money by recreating their favorite restaurant dishes at home rather than dining out.
Below is a summary of 2013 trends:
Trend #1: Good-for-You Bacteria Goes Mainstream
Probiotic foods will become conventional refrigerator staples as one-third of women have already "tried and like them." The biggest probiotic food fans are women ages 30 to 39, with 40% earning 100k+/year.
Trend #2: It's a Piece of Cake!
Instead of a traditional birthday or holiday cake, 35% of women are creating novelty cakes for special occasions and holiday gatherings (think: ice cream cake, fun shape, unusual flavor).
Trend #3: Dinner Staycation
Women continue to feel pinched by the economy. Survey respondents say they dined out less frequently in 2012 compared to a year ago (44%). However these same women still seek the variety and new flavors available through restaurant menus. To satisfy this craving, 61% of home cooks admit to having prepared a restaurant-inspired dish at home in the past year.
Trend #4: A Clean Sweep in the Kitchen
With more than 44% of home cooks trying to eat cleaner (no processed foods, more whole foods/vegetables), 21% eating organic foods, 29% cutting back on meat, and 48% eating more vegetables, the healthy habits of home cooks are sure to impact 2013. Leading the way in the clean-food frenzy are home cooks in the West and the younger generation (ages 18-29).
Trend #5: Shaken, Stirred or Seared—with Whiskey
Whiskey isn't just for cocktails anymore. The celebration of whisky/bourbon flavors is extending into home kitchens. Bourbon Balls, Bourbon Chicken, Bourbon Fudge, Bourbon Salmon, and Bourbon Meatballs were all among the fastest-moving recipe search terms in 2012.
Trend #6: First Eat with Your Eyes
The wildly popular photo and idea-sharing site, Pinterest, inspires 75% of women to try new dishes based on inspiration gathered from friends, family, brands, and—complete strangers! Allrecipes' most popular Pinterest boards include inspiration for those who feast with their eyes (Amazing Food Photos), plus ideas for feeding a family (Kids' Recipes).
Trend #7: Increasing App-etites
Mobile phones continue their rapid growth as essential grocery shopping companions for family-focused women. Shoppers are most excited about mobile's ease of use, the variety of app choices, and the ability to make mealtime/purchase decisions while in-store. Shoppers aged 39 and younger are the most likely to seek in-store meal inspiration using a mobile device.
Trend #8: The Juicy Details
More than 56% of women prepared a smoothie or squeezed fresh juice at home last year. The majority trying this juicy option say their main incentive is, "it's delicious" (73%), followed by "health benefits" (64%).
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1yMF7)
Friday, February 8, 2013
Consumer Housing Sentiment Continues to Rise as Employment Concerns Wane; More Americans Say Now is a Good Time to Sell
WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2013- Increasing confidence in home sales and an improved sense of job security provide further evidence of the strengthening of the housing market, according to Fannie Mae's January 2013 National Housing Survey results. Underlying the growing sense of optimism, the percentage of survey respondents who think it is a good time to sell a home continued to climb to 23 percent last month from 11 percent the same time last year. While expectations regarding personal finances stayed relatively flat last month, other housing indicators remained at or near survey highs, indicating consumers remain confident in the stability of the housing market.
"The housing market continues to firm, with consumer home price expectations for both rental and ownership properties near the strongest levels that we've seen in the survey's two-and-a-half-year history," said Doug Duncan , senior vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae. "Concerns about job loss are waning as payrolls are growing – a trend that may give potential homebuyers more confidence that they can meet the financial obligation of homeownership. The upward trend over the past year and a half in the share of consumers who say it's a good time to sell may reflect two related events. First, homeowners see that home prices are improving. Second, the number of homeowners who are underwater is declining, reducing a barrier for those owners who need to sell their home in order to buy a new one."
SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS
Homeownership and Renting
For detailed findings from the January 2013 survey, as well as a podcast providing an audio synopsis of the survey results and technical notes on survey methodology and questions asked of respondents associated with each monthly indicator, please visit the Fannie Mae Monthly National Housing Survey site. Also available on the site are quarterly survey results, which provide a detailed assessment of combined data results from three monthly studies. The January 2013 Fannie Mae National Housing Survey was conducted between January 5, 2013 and January 28, 2013. Interviews were conducted by Penn Schoen Berland, in coordination with Fannie Mae.
Opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, and other views of Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group included in these materials should not be construed as indicating Fannie Mae's business prospects or expected results, are based on a number of assumptions, and are subject to change without notice. How this information affects Fannie Mae will depend on many factors. Although the ESR Group bases its opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, and other views on information it considers reliable, it does not guarantee that the information provided in these materials is accurate, current, or suitable for any particular purpose. Changes in the assumptions or the information underlying these views could produce materially different results. The analyses, opinions, estimates, forecasts, and other views published by the ESR Group represent the views of that group as of the date indicated and do not necessarily represent the views of Fannie Mae or its management.
Fannie Mae enables people to buy, refinance, or rent a home. We play a leading role in America's economic recovery today and in building a better housing finance system for the future.
SOURCE Fannie Mae
"The housing market continues to firm, with consumer home price expectations for both rental and ownership properties near the strongest levels that we've seen in the survey's two-and-a-half-year history," said Doug Duncan , senior vice president and chief economist at Fannie Mae. "Concerns about job loss are waning as payrolls are growing – a trend that may give potential homebuyers more confidence that they can meet the financial obligation of homeownership. The upward trend over the past year and a half in the share of consumers who say it's a good time to sell may reflect two related events. First, homeowners see that home prices are improving. Second, the number of homeowners who are underwater is declining, reducing a barrier for those owners who need to sell their home in order to buy a new one."
SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS
Homeownership and Renting
- The average 12-month home price change expectation fell slightly from last month's survey high to 2.4 percent.
- At 41 percent, the share of those surveyed who believe home prices will go up in the next 12 months decreased by 2 percentage points from December's survey high, while the share who believe home prices will go down returned to the survey low of 10 percent.
- The percentage of those surveyed who think mortgage rates will go up decreased by 3 percentage points to 41 percent, while those who think they will go down dipped slightly to 7 percent.
- Twenty-three percent of respondents say it is a good time to sell a house, up by 12 percentage points year-over-year.
- At 3.7 percent, the average 12-month rental price change expectation fell 0.9 percent from last month's survey high.
- Fifty percent of those surveyed say home rental prices will go up in the next 12 months, a slight increase over December, and the highest level since the survey's inception.
- The share of respondents who said they would buy if they were going to move held steady at 65 percent.
- At 39 percent, the share of respondents who say the economy is on the right track increased slightly over December.
- The percentage who expect their personal financial situation to get better over the next 12 months rose by 3 percentage points to 43 percent.
- Twenty-three percent of respondents say their household income is significantly higher than it was 12 months ago, holding steady from last month.
- Thirty-eight percent reported significantly higher household expenses compared to 12 months ago, the highest level since December 2011.
- The percentage who are concerned they will lose their job in the next 12 months declined 1 percentage point to 19 percent, a survey low.
For detailed findings from the January 2013 survey, as well as a podcast providing an audio synopsis of the survey results and technical notes on survey methodology and questions asked of respondents associated with each monthly indicator, please visit the Fannie Mae Monthly National Housing Survey site. Also available on the site are quarterly survey results, which provide a detailed assessment of combined data results from three monthly studies. The January 2013 Fannie Mae National Housing Survey was conducted between January 5, 2013 and January 28, 2013. Interviews were conducted by Penn Schoen Berland, in coordination with Fannie Mae.
Opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, and other views of Fannie Mae's Economic & Strategic Research (ESR) Group included in these materials should not be construed as indicating Fannie Mae's business prospects or expected results, are based on a number of assumptions, and are subject to change without notice. How this information affects Fannie Mae will depend on many factors. Although the ESR Group bases its opinions, analyses, estimates, forecasts, and other views on information it considers reliable, it does not guarantee that the information provided in these materials is accurate, current, or suitable for any particular purpose. Changes in the assumptions or the information underlying these views could produce materially different results. The analyses, opinions, estimates, forecasts, and other views published by the ESR Group represent the views of that group as of the date indicated and do not necessarily represent the views of Fannie Mae or its management.
Fannie Mae enables people to buy, refinance, or rent a home. We play a leading role in America's economic recovery today and in building a better housing finance system for the future.
SOURCE Fannie Mae
PR NewswireWin a $70,000 Backyard Makover
Is your backyard just run of the mill and nothing special? Not quite the oasis you would like? Are you NOT currently living your backyard dream?
Then enter the Dream Backyard Makeover Contest for a chance to win a $70,000 backyard makeover. You can get the backyard of your dreams courtesy of Archadeck Outdoor Living, North America's largest builder of outdoor living spaces, (www.archadeck.com); Belgard Hardscapes, North America's leading manufacturer of hardscape paver products, (www.belgard.biz); and TimberTech, a leading manufacturer of composite decking and railing materials (www.timbertech.com). To enter, homeowners should visit www.dreambackyardmakeover.com and submit a photo along with a 200 word description of why their backyard is the most deserving.
The Dream Backyard Makeover contest begins February 1, 2013 and runs through April 22, 2013 via Facebook. The grand prize is a complete backyard transformation from Archadeck, Belgard Hardscapes and TimberTech. Second and third place prizes will be the renovation of an existing deck or patio, courtesy of Archadeck, and the installation of an outdoor lighting system provided by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, respectively. Two finalists will be selected at the end of February, March and April, and their entries will be posted on Facebook. On April 23, voting will open for one week so that Archadeck Facebook fans may voice their opinions on the most deserving backyard. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and Facebook fan votes, and winners will be announced in May 2013.
"While many backyards are in need of renovation, we're looking for that special backyard that really stands out for one reason or the other," said Rob Haslip , vice president of Archadeck. "Whether a homeowner wants to create a soothing sanctuary for two or an entertainment area for family and friends, our team will provide the upscale outdoor design that makes their dream come true, utilizing beautiful paver products from Belgard Hardscapes and gorgeous composite decking materials from TimberTech."
Archadeck, established in 1980, has built more than 100,000 projects across the country and is recognized as the largest deck and porch builder in North America. The company's design expertise includes outdoor living rooms, fire features, porches, pergolas, sunrooms and patios — all featuring the latest trends in outdoor leisure enjoyment and functionality.
For full Archadeck Dream Backyard Makeover contest rules, visit: www.dreambackyardmakeover.com.
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1zkY3)
Then enter the Dream Backyard Makeover Contest for a chance to win a $70,000 backyard makeover. You can get the backyard of your dreams courtesy of Archadeck Outdoor Living, North America's largest builder of outdoor living spaces, (www.archadeck.com); Belgard Hardscapes, North America's leading manufacturer of hardscape paver products, (www.belgard.biz); and TimberTech, a leading manufacturer of composite decking and railing materials (www.timbertech.com). To enter, homeowners should visit www.dreambackyardmakeover.com and submit a photo along with a 200 word description of why their backyard is the most deserving.
The Dream Backyard Makeover contest begins February 1, 2013 and runs through April 22, 2013 via Facebook. The grand prize is a complete backyard transformation from Archadeck, Belgard Hardscapes and TimberTech. Second and third place prizes will be the renovation of an existing deck or patio, courtesy of Archadeck, and the installation of an outdoor lighting system provided by Outdoor Lighting Perspectives, respectively. Two finalists will be selected at the end of February, March and April, and their entries will be posted on Facebook. On April 23, voting will open for one week so that Archadeck Facebook fans may voice their opinions on the most deserving backyard. Winners will be selected by a panel of judges and Facebook fan votes, and winners will be announced in May 2013.
"While many backyards are in need of renovation, we're looking for that special backyard that really stands out for one reason or the other," said Rob Haslip , vice president of Archadeck. "Whether a homeowner wants to create a soothing sanctuary for two or an entertainment area for family and friends, our team will provide the upscale outdoor design that makes their dream come true, utilizing beautiful paver products from Belgard Hardscapes and gorgeous composite decking materials from TimberTech."
Archadeck, established in 1980, has built more than 100,000 projects across the country and is recognized as the largest deck and porch builder in North America. The company's design expertise includes outdoor living rooms, fire features, porches, pergolas, sunrooms and patios — all featuring the latest trends in outdoor leisure enjoyment and functionality.
For full Archadeck Dream Backyard Makeover contest rules, visit: www.dreambackyardmakeover.com.
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1zkY3)
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Credit Repair: Getting Your Credit in Shape Before Shopping for a New Home
In the last few months, I’ve run across a number of would-be home buyers who have weathered the worse of the economy and are now on the road to recovery and ready to move on to their next adventure. Often, unfortunately, their credit scores haven’t caught up to their new optimism when they knock on my door. Bad credit, no credit and errors in their credit reports wreak havoc on a client’s ability to secure a home mortgage.
In fact, a lot of clients are unpleasantly surprised at what their credit reports look like - even when they’ve diligently monitored their scores through various for-profit services. Those services only give its customers "soft" credit pulls or inquiries - a top level look at their credit - rather than a "hard" credit pull which is used in determining credit worthiness. A “hard” credit pull can be significantly different from a “soft” inquiry. A soft credit pull, which does not impact your credit score, can be done by any number of organizations for any number of reasons - except for the purpose of extending credit.
A hard credit pull, which does impact your score, occurs when you seek credit. It is usually more detailed and contains a longer, more detailed history than a soft pull. A hard credit report is more likely to show bad credit that the client thought had long since rolled off. It also can include erroneous entries that weren't seen on a soft pull.
I’ve also had clients with no late payments in total shock when they find that their scores aren’t where they think they should be. The most common reason is that their revolving credit cards are maxed out. Though they’re never late, they owe more than 30 percent of their credit limit.
To further complicate matters, different kinds of credits count differently toward a mortgage. Entries related to housing have more weight in obtaining - or not obtaining a mortgage - than other forms of credit.
At this point, clients are spinning. “How do I fix it?” they ask. And usually, they don’t like the answer: “It depends.” (Lots of eye rolls at this point.) But that’s the truth: the fix depends on the problem.
If your credit cards are over 30 percent of the your limit, the fix is to pay down the balance. If you’re late or behind, get caught up - and stay that way.
If you don’t have any credit, you need to open a couple of credit cards. The easiest card to get is a secured card. What to look for in a secured credit card is a whole other post, but here is a good place to start.
If your credit report has a lot of negatives entries - old charge offs, bankruptcy, foreclosures, blatant errors and the like - the fix is more complicated. At that point, you most likely need the help of a credit repair expert.
By expert, I don’t mean calling the number posted a telephone phone pole by unnamed company promising to “legally” fix your credit. You don’t now who you’re really dealing with. I have several reputable companies I can refer you to, and your lender should have some referrals for you too. A reputable credit repair company will outline a course of action that likely includes a combination of removing negative credit and adding positive credit.
How the negative credit is removed goes beyond the template “dispute” letter, and that’s where the expert part comes in. An experienced agency has a working knowledge of how the credit reporting industry works - preferably knowledge gained from working inside that system. The agency should have a deep understanding of your rights as a credit consumer and how to effectively excise those rights on your behalf.
You also want to look for a credit repair company that educates you on how to maximize your score in the future and how to handle your finances. And you’re want a company that is upfront in all their fees.
Cleaning up your credit likely will require you to follow through on your end as well - staying current in revolving credit payments, opening positive lines of credit, or paying down balances - whatever your credit adviser recommends.
Successful credit repair is neither cheap nor easy nor quick. At best is takes 30 days, but realistically it can take 4-5 months or longer. The cost is in the ballpark of $500 and up, depending on the complexity of your individual plan. You’ll also want to factor in catching up on bills and/or opening up positive trade lines.
When should you start credit repair? As soon as you’ve made the decision to purchase a home - even if the purchase is still months away.
More questions or need a referral to a reputable credit repair company? Drop me an email! Let’s start your journey to your new home!
In fact, a lot of clients are unpleasantly surprised at what their credit reports look like - even when they’ve diligently monitored their scores through various for-profit services. Those services only give its customers "soft" credit pulls or inquiries - a top level look at their credit - rather than a "hard" credit pull which is used in determining credit worthiness. A “hard” credit pull can be significantly different from a “soft” inquiry. A soft credit pull, which does not impact your credit score, can be done by any number of organizations for any number of reasons - except for the purpose of extending credit.
A hard credit pull, which does impact your score, occurs when you seek credit. It is usually more detailed and contains a longer, more detailed history than a soft pull. A hard credit report is more likely to show bad credit that the client thought had long since rolled off. It also can include erroneous entries that weren't seen on a soft pull.
I’ve also had clients with no late payments in total shock when they find that their scores aren’t where they think they should be. The most common reason is that their revolving credit cards are maxed out. Though they’re never late, they owe more than 30 percent of their credit limit.
To further complicate matters, different kinds of credits count differently toward a mortgage. Entries related to housing have more weight in obtaining - or not obtaining a mortgage - than other forms of credit.
At this point, clients are spinning. “How do I fix it?” they ask. And usually, they don’t like the answer: “It depends.” (Lots of eye rolls at this point.) But that’s the truth: the fix depends on the problem.
If your credit cards are over 30 percent of the your limit, the fix is to pay down the balance. If you’re late or behind, get caught up - and stay that way.
If you don’t have any credit, you need to open a couple of credit cards. The easiest card to get is a secured card. What to look for in a secured credit card is a whole other post, but here is a good place to start.
If your credit report has a lot of negatives entries - old charge offs, bankruptcy, foreclosures, blatant errors and the like - the fix is more complicated. At that point, you most likely need the help of a credit repair expert.
By expert, I don’t mean calling the number posted a telephone phone pole by unnamed company promising to “legally” fix your credit. You don’t now who you’re really dealing with. I have several reputable companies I can refer you to, and your lender should have some referrals for you too. A reputable credit repair company will outline a course of action that likely includes a combination of removing negative credit and adding positive credit.
How the negative credit is removed goes beyond the template “dispute” letter, and that’s where the expert part comes in. An experienced agency has a working knowledge of how the credit reporting industry works - preferably knowledge gained from working inside that system. The agency should have a deep understanding of your rights as a credit consumer and how to effectively excise those rights on your behalf.
You also want to look for a credit repair company that educates you on how to maximize your score in the future and how to handle your finances. And you’re want a company that is upfront in all their fees.
Cleaning up your credit likely will require you to follow through on your end as well - staying current in revolving credit payments, opening positive lines of credit, or paying down balances - whatever your credit adviser recommends.
Successful credit repair is neither cheap nor easy nor quick. At best is takes 30 days, but realistically it can take 4-5 months or longer. The cost is in the ballpark of $500 and up, depending on the complexity of your individual plan. You’ll also want to factor in catching up on bills and/or opening up positive trade lines.
When should you start credit repair? As soon as you’ve made the decision to purchase a home - even if the purchase is still months away.
More questions or need a referral to a reputable credit repair company? Drop me an email! Let’s start your journey to your new home!
Italian Beats Out French, Fondue As Most Popular Cuisne Choice for Valentine's Day 2013
Restaurant.com Survey Uncovers Trends For Dining's Popular Holiday
More than half of respondents (52 percent) also consider a meal at an Italian restaurant the most romantic option overall, followed by French (22 percent) and Fondue (15 percent). Lovebirds planning a romantic date should avoid tortillas and seaweed: Mexican food (44 percent) and sushi (34 percent) were deemed the least romantic cuisines.
Dining out is a key ingredient in the recipe for romance this Valentine's Day; three out of four survey respondents (75 percent) indicated they plan to celebrate with a meal at a restaurant this year. They won't plan ahead though; 42 percent said they won't make dining plans until the week of Valentine's Day, with 32 percent waiting until Valentine's Day itself to plan their date. Just 22 percent of respondents said they will make Valentine's Day dining plans several weeks in advance.
Additional Restaurant.com Valentine's Day dining survey findings include:
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1z5DJ)
Additional Restaurant.com Valentine's Day dining survey findings include:
- More Money on a Meal – 64 percent of survey respondents state they will spend more money on Valentine's Day than on a typical dining occasion.
- Just Desserts – Nearly three out of four survey respondents (73 percent) confirm they are more likely to order dessert on Valentine's Day than during a normal dining occasion; while 46 percent are more likely to order appetizers; 42 percent are more likely to order wine; and 40 percent are more likely to order expensive entrees.
- Check Please – The majority of respondents peg their estimated Valentine's Day meal check to fall into the $50-$100 range, with only four percent planning to spend $150 or more.
- Cost-Conscious Cupids – More than six out of ten respondents (61 percent) agree they admire the savvy saving techniques of a Valentine's date that leverages a dining coupon (a mere 2 percent said it would be a turn off).
PR Newswire (http://s.tt/1z5DJ)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)