Friday, September 17, 2010

10 Reasons To Buy a Home - WSJ.com

10 Reasons To Buy a Home - WSJ.com

Way to go, Brett! Check out this great article explaining the benefits from purchasing real estate in the current market conditions. Nice to finally see some positive perspective.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Brookings Housing Report - August 2010

Brookings Housing Report - August 2010
by Justin Fjeldos
September 8, 2010

August Sales Volume was $3.34M down 21% from $4.05M in July.
Year-over-year Sales Volume was down 50% from $6.69M in August '09.
August Average Sale Price was $151,939 down 9.1% from a year ago.
August Pending Home Sales saw a 52% decline year-over-year.
Pending Home Sales have remained flat in 2010 since June.
August Inventory rose 8.7% to 4.96 months from 4.56 months in July.
Year-over-year Inventory is down 18% from August '09.
Days on Market for August was 106 days which is a 30.8% increase from July.

Agent's Note:  Year-over-year comparisons need to be kept in perspective because a year ago we had the home buyer tax credits driving higher than usual buyer demand into the fall.  Sales are expected to slow over the next few months as we proceed into fall.  However, it is encouraging to see that the Inventory rate remains low in August.  Buyers are still able to take advantage of interest rates at 50 year lows.  This means, for most buyers, you can afford more house within your monthly budget.

*Report includes statistics for the City of Brookings only! These figures do not include surrounding cities or towns. Information compiled by Justin Fjeldos using local MLS statistics. This information is deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Brookings Housing Report - July 2010

Brookings Housing Report - July 2010
by Justin Fjeldos
August 26, 2010

July Sales Volume was $4.05M down 47% from $8.59M for June '10.
July Sales Volume of $4.05M was down 35% from $6.2M for July '09.
July Average Sale Price was $162,106 down 14% from a year ago.
July Pending Home Sales saw a 30% decline year-over-year.
There was no change in Pending Home Sales from June '10 to July '10.
July Inventory dropped 11% to 4.56 Months from 5.07 in June '10.
Year-over-year July Inventory is also down 14% from July '09.
Days on Market for July was 81 which is a 21% decrease from July '09.

Agent's Note: We had a great month in June.  Sales were expected to slow over the next few months with the June expiration of the tax credits.  July was better than I had projected.  It is encouraging to see the Pending Home Sales remain the same for June and July.  We also have encouragement for Sellers with the lower Inventory Rate.  Don't worry Buyers!  You are still able to take advantage of interest rates at 50 year lows.  This means, for most buyers, you can afford more house within your monthly budget.


*Report includes statistics for the City of Brookings only! These figures do not include surrounding cities or towns. Information compiled by Justin Fjeldos using local MLS statistics. This information is deemed to be reliable but is not guaranteed.

Bright Spot in Housing

Prices Holding Up Well Despite Everything : Speaking of Real Estate

Today's Tips for August 26th 2010

Free Tips Help Home Owners Do an Insurance Checkup : Speaking of Real Estate

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

20 most stressed, least stressed counties - CNBC

20 most stressed, least stressed counties - CNBC

Brookings County ranks #4 in least stressed counties. Nationwide!!!

An Associated Press index ranks Brookings County #4 on their top 20 list of least economically stressed counties in the country. The index measures counties with populations of at least 25,000. It looks at foreclosure, bankruptcy and unemployment rates to determine the 20 most stressed and the 20 least stressed counties in the nation.

Friday, April 2, 2010

National Open House Weekend!

Brookings April 2, 2010

The National Association of Realtors® has organized its first-ever National Open House Weekend Event.  This event will take place Saturday and Sunday April 10th & 11th.  Best Choice Real Estate and Brookings4Sale.com will be taking part!  We are currently planning locally for a one day event on Saturday with two times available to view homes.  The open house times will be 10:30-Noon and 1:00-2:30.  Check back Monday for details on which properties will be available and when.

For more information, contact:
Justin Fjeldos 605.691.1240 Justin@Brookings4Sale.com

The Clock is Ticking! Tax credits expire April 30.

Brookings April 2, 2010

Now's a great time to hop off the fence.  Have you had your eye on the "perfect" house?  Well, don't wait long.  Change is coming.  The tax credits offered by the IRS end April 30 for most buyers.  You'll also want to talk with your lenders.  The low, low, low interest rates available will soon go the way of the dinosaurs.  With Uncle Sam ending the buy-down of the GSE's (Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac) rates will most likely start to rise. 

The Extended Home Buyer credit offers as much as $8,000 to first time buyers or up to $6,500 for homeowners buying their next home.  Some restrictions and limits apply.  See below for eligiblity.
The Basics: Extended Home Buyer Tax Credit 2009/2010

For more information, contact:
Justin Fjeldos 605.691.1240 Justin@Brookings4Sale.com

Spring & Summer Seasonal Maintenance Guide — Midwest | HouseLogic

Spring & Summer Seasonal Maintenance Guide — Midwest | HouseLogic
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