The Right Real Estate Agent

People don't talk about it a lot. But finding the right real estate agent can be the difference between a happy, stress-free home buying or selling experience, and an unhappy, stressful experience.

First, you'll want an agent ready and able to make a full-time commitment to you. I can and will do that.

Second, you'll want an agent with the experience needed to know the local neighborhoods, schools, market conditions, ordinances, etc. With my years of experience in the local market - I have the expertise and track record of success you need.

Third, you'll want an agent who embraces the convenience of technology without losing the personal touch. You'll love the resources available on my website and the e-mail alerts that I send, but these will never replace the time I spend with you, serving as your personal guide through this exciting process.

Last but certainly not least, I am the agent that delivers the benefits and values you want and need. I want to be a Realtor you remember long after I have helped you achieve your real estate goals. I certainly want and will keep in touch with you after you have bought or sold your home. And, I want to be the one you trust to refer all of your relatives and friends to so I can provide them the same high level service you have come to know I have.

NEWS, NEWS, NEWS

6/4/09

Wall Street Journal

Housing picture brightens in California

With the state’s median price rising for the second consecutive month in April, and sales of existing, single-family homes remaining above the 500,000 level for the eighth month in a row, California is being closely watched as a barometer of the economy. Some economists believe these two factors indicate the state’s median price could be at or near the bottom.

MAKING SENSE OF THE STORY FOR CONSUMERS

· Sales of existing, single-family homes increased 49.2 percent in April in California compared with the same period a year ago, according to the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ (C.A.R.) April sales and price report.

· As the level of unsold inventory declines, the state’s median price will likely stabilize. Inventory levels for homes in the under $500,000 segment shrank to nearly three months in April, compared with almost 10 months a year ago, while unsold inventory in the more than $1 million segment rose to approximately 17 months, compared with roughly 10 months in April 2008.

· The median price of an existing, single-family detached home in California during April 2009 was $256,700, an increase of 1.4 percent compared with the prior month, but a 36.5 percent decrease from the revised $404,470 median of a year ago.

· Favorable home prices in many parts of the state have led to an increase in affordability for first-time buyers. In the first quarter of 2009, affordability rose to 69 percent, enabling many to take advantage of first-time buyer programs and near record-low interest rates.

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Article from CAR Newsletter by Wall Street Journal