If you are a seller having a difficult time finding a buyer, June Fletcher of The Wall Street Journal has a possible solution.
Resource: REALTOR®Mag & The Wall Street Journal
July 2, 2010
June 27, 2010
Rocky And Sloppy Bottom
Stuart Miller, CEO of Lennar Corp., told analysts and investors in a conference call that, “This is going to be a rocky and sloppy bottom.” Transitioning from a tax subsidized (i.e. stimulated) market to a free market requires time to stabilize. Lennar is one of the nation‘s largest home builders.
Resource: REALTOR®Mag
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June 23, 2010
2nd Fastest
For what is is worth (and that isn’t much) CNNMoney reports that Pinal County in Arizona (between Phoenix and Tucson) is the second fastest growing county in the country.
Resource: REALTOR®Mag
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That Glass Of Water
Half full or half empty?
image from egoscueportland.wordpress.com
Headlines at the end of Tuesday, June 22 (Dow fell 149 points):
◊ “Weak US home data slices into stocks”
◊ “Continued Strong Pace for Existing-Home Sales”
“How can that be,” you ask? Depends upon what you see. The first headline was based on existing home sales falling 2.2 percent in May from the preceding month. The second headline is based on the fact that May, 2010 sales were up 19.2 percent over May of 2009. Causes one to recall the question, “Is the glass half full or half empty”
Resource: REALTOR®Mag & Reuters
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June 19, 2010
Housing Shortage Coming?
Is a housing shortage on the horizon? Some think there may be.
1st, housing starts are low. Annualized starts in April are half of what they were in 2009.
2nd, the recession caused many young singles and married couples to move back in with Mom & Dad.
When our economy improves and these youngins decide to move out (as well as new school grads find work and leave home) this pent up demand, coupled with fewer new home starts, could result in a shortage and escalating prices.
Resource: REALTOR®Mag
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June 17, 2010
New Cochise County Animal Control Law
www.copyright-free-photos.org.uk
Cochise County modifies it’s animal control law. Dog owners living in the county but outside city jurisdictions no long have to license their dogs. But dog owners do have to maintain required vaccinations. Click on the KGUN-TV link for additional changes.
Resource: KGUN-TV, Channel 9
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June 9, 2010
Homeownership More Costly Than Expected
A recent survey found that over half of first time home buyers underestimated the cost of home ownership. Also, The U.S. Department of Energy reported that the typical family spends $158 per month for heat, cooling and power. No wonder homeowners underestimate costs. I wish I could get by on $158 per month. My actual costs for January through May for electricity, gas and water is $358 per month for a newer 1800 sq ft home.
If you are buying a resale home (not a foreclosure or newly constructed) ask the sellers for actual utility expense. And include other items such as trash and cable,
Resource: REALTOR.org
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June 4, 2010
The Summer Kitchen Is Back
Summer has arrived in Cochise County. Here is St. David we will reach 90o this week. But that is not bad. Phoenix is forecast to reach 110o on Sunday!
A Summer Kitchen, photo by cindywise on PhotoBucket.com
Before the days of air conditioning, a “summer kitchen” was “de rigueur” for those who could afford it. A stove and sink on a back porch or in a screened ramada was a way to keep heat out of the main house during summer. A summer kitchen was especially desirable when a wood stove was the way one cooked.
The summer kitchen is back and becoming the latest desired amenity for home buyers. With energy usage a prime consideration, the idea of keeping cooking heat out or the home is again a consideration. Also it is a summertime center for entertaining when the summer kitchen has a grill, small refrigerator, sink, wine chiller and ice-maker.
Resource: REALTOR.org
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June 1, 2010
Best In State: Cochise County Census Response
Cochise County has the highest participation rate among Arizona counties. Thank you to all who responded. Read more here.
Many federal and state allocation of tax revenue is based on census so we do not want anyone to be overlooked. Not being counted costs!
Resource: Sierra Vista Herald
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Learn About The Border Patrol
The Tucson Sector Border Patrol invites you to join in the Cochise County Citizen’s Academy beginning on June 6. The purpose of the CCCA is to educate members of the community on the mission of the Border Patrol. There is no charge and sessions will be held daily from June 6 through June 11. An article from The Herald has additional information and how to enroll. Applications must be submitted by June 4.
Resource: Sierra Vista Herald
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