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Greetings!
Spring is the season of new growth, and sure enough - the real estate market continues to show signs of healthy progress.
There's always room for improvement, though. As you'll read here, many home buyers are wondering why 'short sales' are not called 'long sales'.
Are you the type who's always curious about what the Joneses are up to? If so, you might be interested to know about the characteristics of recently purchased homes. Read here to learn about current home trends.
Have you made it yet to one of my successful Home Buyer Workshop series?. See below for details about this month's session.
Please forward this e-newsletter to friends, colleagues, or family members, and don't forget to check out my other informational resources on my blog, Facebook page, YouTube channel, and website!
Oh by the way, if you know of anyone thinking of buying or selling a home who would benefit from the level of service I provide, just give me a call with their contact information. I'll be happy to follow up and take special care of them.
Best,
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 What Americans Are Buying
Current home trends often pique the interest of potential and recent buyers and curious people alike. Here's an overview of the characteristics of recently purchased homes.
Buyers are scooping up previously owned bargains. 84% of buyers purchased a previously owned home, compared to 16% who purchased a new home.
Detached single-family homes still dominate sales in all household compositions. 77% of all buyers purchased a detached single-family home, including:
- 83% of married couples
- 64% of single female buyers
- 64% of single male buyers
- 78% of unmarried couples
The suburbs remain a hotspot location for buyers. 51% purchased a home in the suburbs or in a subdivision. While suburbs were the top choice of buyers in all regions of the country, urban areas/central cities are gaining traction among first-time homebuyers (26%) and buyers in the West (23%).
Buyers purchased larger homes. The median size of a home has increased 120 square feet to 1,900 square feet.
The majority of buyers chose homes with three or more bedrooms (83%) and two full bathrooms (60%). 22% of all homebuyers purchased a home built between 1960 and 1984, followed by 21% who purchased a home built between 1985 and 1999. The majority of buyers in the Northeast (27%) and Midwest (23%) purchased a home built between 1911 and 1959, while the majority of buyers in the South (21%) and West (26%) purchased homes built between 1985 and 1999.
©2012 Buffini & Company. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
LGK MARCH E-REPORTS
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Announcing 2012 Home Buyer Workshop Dates
 My popular free Home Buyer Workshops are already off to a good start this season.
Plan to join me for a free, no-nonsense home-buying workshop on one of these Saturdays:
- April 21*
- May 12*
- September 15
- October 20
* Please note the date change for the April and May workshops.
How familiar are you with the home-buying process? What does making an Offer involve? What happens to your deposit money? How do you determine a negotiating price for a home? Is it necessary to use an Attorney? How would you choose a Realtor to represent you?
This Home Buyer Workshop is designed to answer these questions and many more.
LOCATION: RE/MAX Realty Advisors, 320 Washington Street, Norwell, MA (2nd floor)
TIME: 10:15 - 10:30am - Registration
10:30 - 11:15am - Workshop
11:15 - 11:30am - Q & A
Light refreshments will be served. Register soon as space will be limited.
REGISTER
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Essential Information for Second-Home Purchases
If you're thinking of buying a second home, here is some must-know information to consider BEFORE making your next purchase.
Click below to view the video.
 | Essential Information
for Second Home Purchases |
- Do NOT make an impulse purchase.
- Consider the maintenance and upkeep costs of a second home as well as the purchase price.
- Decide what a second home's purpose will be and whether you'll actually use it.
- Consider extra costs like insurance and taxes.
- Find a Realtor who can give you a year-round perspective of the area in which you're considering buying.
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 Connie White has worked as a full-time Realtor for over 20 years. During her career, she's earned the following certifications: ABR (Accredited Buyer Representative) and CDPE (Certified Distressed Property Expert - meaning she's a certified expert in helping homeowners facing short sales).
Connie has been affiliated with RE/MAX (an international organization) since 1990. Her motto is: "Delivering Excellence" - Your South Shore Realtor for Single-Family, Condos, Multi-Family, Oceanfront, Luxury, and Distressed Properties.
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320 Washington Drive
Norwell, Massachusetts 02061
RE/MAX Realty Advisors
(617) 697-5566
  
  
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What Does Golf Have to Do with Short Sales?
Lots! |
Anyone who knows me knows how I love golf. I love to play, and I love to watch the best! While I watch the best so that I can cheer them on, I also learn from them - not only lessons on how to improve my game, but also lessons that apply to my being a Realtor facing "short sales". This year's Masters taught me many lessons. There's drama in watching the last nine holes being played on Sunday. Who will win? In the final round, two fine players vied for the "green jacket": Oosthuizen from South Africa and Bubba Watson from the U.S. Two players with very different styles, yet each played with passion, vision, determination, and focus. Oosthuisen and the double eagle on the second hole; Bubba Watson's extraordinary shot at hole #10 - in sudden death. One played with a traditional style, the other with a creative artistic focus. As I work diligently towards helping my Sellers and Buyers get through the maze of the short sale, I realize that I must bring those characteristics to the transaction. A passion in my career balanced with caring for the parties involved. A vision and determination to get the job done. A focus on the tasks that need to be addressed each step of the way. A tradition of each step in the process. A willingness to step out of the box and be creative - to find a way over the hurdles and obstacles towards success. What Does Golf Have to Do with Short Sales? Lots! |
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Home Buyers...
Why Are 'Short Sales' Not Called 'Long Sales'?
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It's a question I've been asked more than once:
"Connie, why are 'short sales' not called' long sales' - given how much time it takes to get a short sale through the process?"
A short sale means that the sales price of a home in today's real estate market has a market value less than what is owed on the mortgage. If an Offer is presented, the Lender of that mortgage has to approve the sale.
Although the short sale process has improved in recent years, it still has a long way to go. For starters, the process typically takes 4.5 to 5 months!
While the 8 suggestions below may not shorten the process, they do go a long way toward helping all parties involved: * Maintain a positive attitude. * Remain calm. * Prepare all parties. * Establish positive, professional relationships. * Show respect to all parties. * Make sure that all paperwork has been submitted in a timely manner. * Communicate! Communicate! Communicate! * Keep records.
Click here for more information on how to successfully navigate the short sale process.
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Useful Resources | |
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Visit my website
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Home Buyer Workshop
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