Highest Home Sales Since 2009

Real Estate
An article in the Bellingham Herald reported that this past month in February, home sales were at its highest since November of 2009. The home sales rose about .8 percent to adjust the annual rate to 4.98 million. This is an excellent sign that the housing market is strengthening, and it is an encouraging factor for sellers to place their homes on the market. Also, last month there was a 10 percent increase in the existing homes being available to sell.
To read a summary of this featured article from the Bellingham Herald click this link:

Real Estate Definitions Every Seller Should Know

Real Estate
When it comes to selling your home there may be some strange and bizarre words and acroynms being thrown around that could really make your head spin! There is a lot more to learn other than knowing what staging is and what setting a reasonable listing price means.
Check out this AOL Real Estate site full of definitions of words and acroynms that could really help out when it comes to selling your home:

Real Estate Market Good For Buyers

Real Estate
According to an article in Realty Times:
“In some areas the real estate market is “hopping”. New homes are being sold faster than they can be built and some new homeowners are purchasing great properties for a lower price than five years ago and with a very low interest rate. That’s making today’s buyers feel more secure about their investment.”
To read the full article about these low interests rates click here: http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20130322_oppforbuyers.htm

Remodeling Projects for 2013

Real Estate
Return on investment for remodeling projects varies depending upon project and location, but overall your best return is on small projects that boosts your homes appeal. Items such as a new front entry door, updated garage door and new siding are all good investments.

Click here to see the top 5 and bottom 5 remodeling projects in regards to return on your investment.
Courtesy of msn.com & Remodeling Magazine.

New Listing: Beautifully Finished Lynden Home

Real Estate
New Listing!
Exquisitely detailed and maintained 4BR home with added upgrades throughout. Formal dining room, great room with double height inset ceiling, rock fireplace with wood mantel, lovely kitchen and eating area with granite, cherry cabinetry, tile backsplash and hardwood floors. Main floor master suite with tray ceiling, large bath with granite counteres, spa tub and tile floors. Upstairs includes additional 3 bedrooms, full bath and bonus room. Upgrade electrical, central vac, wood blinds, speakers and more! Must see! $419,900
Click here to see full details and photos.

CURRENT MARKET TRENDS

Real Estate

THE TIME IS NOW!
If you are thinking about Selling or Buying a home THE TIME IS NOW! Our inventory is dangerously low. When you consider the stats comparing December 2011 to December 2012 in the Lynden area, there are 46% less homes on the market, while the homes sold for the same period has exactly doubled, the pending sales were up 425% and the price per sq.ft. of those homes sold was up 7% which is a great indicator of the current market trends.

With the interest rates still at an all time low and inventory down with prices on the rise now is the time to jump in the market.

Jerry Blankers | 505 Front Street | Lynden | (360) 410-1297

2013 RE Forecast

Real Estate

QUOTE OF THE WEEK… “It is wise to keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final.”–Roger Babson, American entrepreneur and business theorist

INFO THAT HITS US WHERE WE LIVE… That’s a good thought as we watch the housing market, once doomed to failure, turn into a more successful enterprise. A national online real estate site surveyed more than 100 professional forecasters — economists, real estate experts, and investment and market strategists. They see growing optimism in the housing market, expecting home prices to rise 3.1% in 2013, after ending 2012 UP more than 4.6%. The site’s chief economist commented, “An organic recovery in the housing market really took hold in the latter half of 2012.”

He added: “Record levels of affordability and an improving overall economic picture… have us well positioned for continued growth, albeit slightly slower, in 2013 and beyond.” Case-Shiller’s chief economist offered, “It is clear the housing recovery is gathering strength… that housing is now contributing to the economy.” Finally, in their latest forecast, Fannie Mae economists expect 2013 existing home sales UP 9.6%, new home sales UP 19.5%, and rates on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages to stay near historical lows.

Courtesy of Nicole Walker, Sterling Bank