HARRY'S COLUMN

 

HARVARD STUDY SHOWS STAGE IS SET FOR HOUSING RECOVERY

 

In a report issued on June 22, 2009, a Harvard University study states that conditions that could support a recovery in the housing market are now taking shape.

 

"We do see some signs of stabilization, more in home sales and less so in prices", said Nicolas Retsinas, Director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University.

 

Although housing is becoming more affordable now, the report also noted that the number of households paying more than half their incomes for housing jumped from 13.8 million in 2001 to 17.9 million in 2007.

 

In the long run, the study notes, immigration and demand for housing by "echo boomers" could improve the balance between supply and demand. A related practitioner survey by the National Association of Realtors shows that first-time buyers accounted for 29% of transactions in May and that the number of buyers looking for homes was nearly 10 percentage points higher than a year ago.

 

Also, keep in mind that the recent and projected influx of military personnel into Fort Carson will help keep Colorado Springs well ahead of the national real estate growth curve and will result in a reduction in the local home inventory.

 

So, with home inventories shrinking, low interest rates still available, inflation looming ahead of us and home prices predicted to rise as the population of the Pikes Peak area grows, right now is the time to buy !!!

 

 

COLORADO SPRINGS BUSINESS JOURNAL RECOGNIZES HARRY'S "JLP"

 

The June 26 issue of the Colorado Springs Business Journal featured a front-page article about Harry's recently-introduced Job Loss Protection Plan for Buyers. The article included interviews with home sellers who felt that this new benefit would be a great assist in their efforts to market their homes. To date, Harry is Colorado's sole source for this innovative plan.

 

Harry is excited about the newly-introduced Job Loss Protection Plan and has stated, "In times of economic upheaval, potential Buyers are rightly concerned about the possibility of involuntary job-loss. With this plan in place, Buyers can be assured that they will receive payments of up to $1800 per month for six months, if they are laid-off from their present job."

 

"It's a "Win, win, win, win situation", Harry said. "It's good for Buyers, Sellers, Lenders and Realtors and definitely gives some peace of mind to all parties".

 

 

AND FOR ALL OF YOU SELLERS OUT THERE, HERE ARE SOME GREAT TIPS !!!

 

1. First Impressions count:  How's your curb appeal? Is the house clean and spotless? Remove excess furniture. (Rent a storage unit, if necessary). Stage the rooms. Update cabinet hardware, lighting, welcome mats, etc.

 

2. De-personalize your home:

Yes, your kids are beautiful, but the prospective buyer wants to visualize his/her kids' pictures on the walls.

 

3. Create incentives for the buyer: Ask Harry to provide you with a marketing survey that can demonstrate to prospective buyers that your house is going to grow in value. Take advantage of Harry's Job Loss Protection Plan for Buyers to persuade prospective Buyers that they're covered against job loss for 18 months. Offer to pre-pay real estate taxes for 6 months or longer. Offer an interest-rate buy-down, gift certificates from Home Depot, Family Gym Memberships, etc.  

 

4. Sponsor an Open House and Agent Tours:  Rent a 20 ft. tall blow-up OPEN HOUSE sign. Provide refreshments.

 

Don't get discouraged, if your house doesn't sell right away. Keep in mind that houses are selling every day. Just make yours look like the best apple in the barrel.

 

And, please remember, I would be honored to serve as your broker for all of your residential real estate needs.

 

Also if you know of anyone who desires to buy or sell local real estate, or, who is moving in or out of the Pikes Peak region, remember that, with over 35 years of providing relocation and Real Estate services to clients throughout the country, I am uniquely qualified to assist them with the relocation process, including buying and/or selling their homes on both ends of their move.

 

LATEST LOCAL STATISTICS

 

Click here to see the most recent sales and listings statistics

 

 

JOKE OF THE WEEK

 

I'm really tired. For a couple years, I've been blaming it on lack of sleep and too much pressure from my job, but now I found out the real reason: I'm tired because I'm overworked.

 

The population of this country is 237 million. 104 million are retired. That leaves 133 million to do the work.

 

There are 85 million in school, which leaves 48 million to do the work.

 

Of this 48 million, there are 29 million employed by the federal government, leaving 19 million to do the work.

 

Of this 19 million, 2.8 million are in the Armed Forces, which leaves 16.2 million to do the work.

 

Take from that 16.2 million the 14,800,000 people who work for State and City Governments and that leaves 1.8 million to do the work.

 

At any given time there are 188,000 people in hospitals, leaving 1,212,000 to do the work.

 

Now, there are 1,211,998 people in prisons.

 

That leaves just two people to do the work. You and Me !!

 

And you're sitting there at your computer reading jokes.