News from The Hoagland Team

The Hoagland Team

"The Perfect Place For You!"

Hoagland News
October 2009

Greetings!

It's officially "Fall" and we're hoping for a few warm autumn days to enjoy the season's beauty and some fun outdoor activities.  Check out "Around Town"   and "Favorite Hangouts" -- maybe you'll discover something new!

Everyone we meet continues to ask "how's the market" and we always enjoy sharing our thoughts. Things are looking encouraging! Interest rates are really attractive - around 5% again, and there are still first time buyers looking to purchase a new home before the $8000 tax credit expires on December 1st.

Traditionally, fall tends to be a "slower" season for real estate, but we're very busy adding the latest technology to enhance your real estate experience. More than 90% of homebuyers are using the internet to look for thier next home, so after extensive research, we're thrilled to have found the "coolest" property search tool available and are currently implementing it on PerfectPlaceForYou.com.  It uses google mapping technology --check it out!

Plus, Steve has just completed the National Association of Realtor's technology training and is now a certified e-Pro specialist. We're also continuing to increase internet exposure for our listings. They can be found on more than 65 of the top real estate searches available around the world and we're constantly updating this list. We've also recently added electronic signature software to our tool bag - no more printing, faxing....etc. It's especially handy for those out of town buyers and sellers.

In our spare time lol.....we're really enjoying connecting with everyone on facebook. If you haven't joined us - it's never too late. Send us a friend invitation and be sure to become a fan of our new facebook business page too.

Steve has also been trying to squeeze in a few more golf games while it's still nice enough to play and has recently learned about a great new website where you can find discounted tee times. Be sure to check it out!

The majority of our business continues to come from referrals. We truly appreciate your passing our names along to your friends and rest assured, they'll always receive our very best service!

Give us a call -- we're never too busy to hear from you!

Steve and Tonda

Share Your Favorite "Local" hangouts!

The August newsletter featured several of our favorite places. Did you try any of them? Looking for ideas for the weekend? Here are a couple of other "perfect places for you"!

The Suds Hot Rod Club

Deep in the heart of downtown Greenwood on a Saturday night you will be magically transported to another place and time -- at The Suds! Lining the street are vintage cars from yesteryear - hoods opened, freshly waxed, and just waiting for you to ogle. While you are there, be sure to order a frosty mug of root beer - just like back in the day - right from your car window. Don't wait too long - the Suds is only open through October 31st and if you want a special treat, visit the 4th Annual Rock-n-Roll Car Show October 16th & 17th! Proceeds benefit Riley Children's Hospital.

The Apple Works

The Apple Works

Looking for somewhere to go on a nice fall afternoon? Don't miss the Apple Works just south of Trafalgar. Great apples - but our favorite is their apple dumplings! Yum!

Do you have other favorite things you enjoy doing this time of year? Where do you like to visit? Let us know and we'll share them in future emails or on our website!

What's Happening in the Market?

Everyone we speak to seems to ask our opinion - "how is the real estate market"? It is clear why they ask. The real estate market is a key barometer on consumer confidence and how quickly our economy is recovering.

We are encouraged! Things are looking up, and as the stock market continues to rise, a complete recovery can be seen on the horizon. Interest rates continue to be exceptionally low - we actually saw sub 5% again recently. What does this mean?

If you are a buyer you have the ability to purchase a home today for a sales price lower than those several years ago, plus interest rates at near record lows -- which translates to lower monthly payments! And if you're prepared to act quickly, you may still qualify for the $8000 tax credit.

If you are a seller looking to move up it's a great time to take advantage of the lower prices in the market -- even if you have a house to sell. Check out the example below:

Let's have some fun with numbers! Let's assume your home would sell today for $150,000. If the market turns around and prices rise 5% over the next 12 months your home might sell for $157,500 - a $7,500 increase! "I'll wait" you say. But if you're moving up and the home you want to buy today is selling for $250,000 - - it's value will rise by 5% too! Oh! That's a $12,500 increase. Wow, waiting would cost you $5000.

Would you like more information unique to your situation? Give us a call or schedule a "coffee chat".

Be The Next Winner!