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Will You Buy a Home in 2011?

After the erratic market we've had in real estate these last few years, there's a lot of pent-up demand for housing. Will 2011 be the year when buyers get off the fence? If you're one of those hesitating, here are some things to consider:

Why do you want to buy a home? The main reasons have little to do with finances. We buy our homes to have a good place to raise our children, a safe place for our families to live; to have more space, and control of that space. There is talk of 2011 being the year a house again becomes a home (as opposed to a short-term investment). If you do buy this year, be sure that you are buying a home that you can live in comfortably for awhile.

How long is awhile? At least until you can make some money when you sell -- experts are projecting a cumulative appreciation of over 10% by 2015 for homes purchased in 2010. And prices are still down, so buying before they start back up makes a lot of sense.

Have home prices stabilized? In most of the country, they may slip a little bit more in 2011. But interest rates are starting to creep up, so you need to keep your cost (monthly payment) in mind when you are crunching numbers. Waiting for the rock bottom price won't do you any good if the interest rate came up while you waited. That teeny percentage stretched out over the life of your mortgage can cost you more in the end.

So go ahead and look. Your home is one of the largest investments you will make, and whether you're making your first purchase, trading up for a more substantial home, or downsizing, 2011 could be a great year in real estate. Sit down at your computer -- over 80% of home searches begin on the internet. It's the perfect activity for ffffffffreezing February!

5 Reasons to List Your Home with a Small Brokerage

There is a common misconception that only large real estate companies possess the resources to market listings, recruit and train top agents, and get homes sold. Here are 5 reasons to consider using an independent firm (like Fall Properties!).

1. Personalized Customer Service: Working with a small firm is much like working with a team -- because there are fewer players, every person associated with the small firm is familiar with each transaction. You will always speak with someone who knows who you are. Since buying or selling a home is such a large transaction, this level of comfort can be very reassuring.

2. Strong Internet Marketing: Since 80% of home searches start on the internet, this is an important piece of the puzzle, but one that requires more time than money to accomplish. A small firm will have an online presence that takes advantage of the long reach of the internet (Realtor.com) along with the ability to touch people on a more intimate level (Facebook).

3. Market Knowledge: "All real estate is local" is a catch phrase that means regardless of what may be happening on a national scale, what's happening in your community is what really drives your market. Who knows your market better than a locally owned and operated brokerage?

4. Better Agent Training: At a small firm, training is tailored to the specific skills and challenges of each new agent, with one-on-one sessions with the broker where they learn first hand how to be a Realtor -- taking photos, writing ads, interacting with clients, showing homes, etc. The broker is available to advise and assist whenever it's necessary. The well trained agent, working with an involved broker, can make a smooth road to settlement.

5. Flexibility & Determination: Without the interference of company protocol, a small firm can adapt quickly to changes, whether they be in the market, on your street, or in your own circumstances. And a small firm is more determined to see your transaction through to closing, partly because they are more mindful of the company bottom line.

In a challenging economy, the small firm that provides quality customer service with a strong internet presence, knowledgeable agents, and attention to the fluctuations of the local market, will survive and thrive. Put them to work for you and discover that size really does matter.

Congratulations to Michelle Sagatov!

 Michelle Sagatov recently received the National Association of Realtors Green Designation, identifying her as an agent who is educated in energy-efficient and environmentally conscious home features. Michelle has represented Sagatov Associates' green-built homes since she became a Realtor, so this is a perfect fit.

Michelle is very busy woman, managing a career in real estate while balancing home, husband & two small children. So her achievements in continuing education are especially meaningful, and make us very proud.

Our agents stay on top of developments in the real estate arena, through classes, seminars, internet content and collaboration with professional colleagues. Call us to take advantage of our ever-expanding pool of knowledge.