Perfect Affordable Property for Horse Lovers

Why board when you can own this 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch situated on 5.98 ac in a private country setting, set well back from road and is in move-in condition. This home has front & rear decks, sliding glass doors, a laundry area, computer nook and a fenced yard (front & back).

One of the many improvements to this property since Feb. is a 4 stall horse barn w/ matted 10X12 stalls, a tack rm, hay area and water & electric. Riding area (approx. 80x 120) with footing added has adjoining trails. 2+ ac pasture.

Free Home Valuation (CMA)

The correct selling price of a home is the highest price that the market will bear. To assist you in determining the correct asking price we provide you with a comprehensive market analysis of comparable properties sold and offered for sale in your neighborhood.To provide a more detailed Comparative Market Analysis, we would be more than happy to also assess your listing in person. Simply enter your criteria at the link listed below, and we will provide you with a speedy response. The more information given, the more accurate the evaluation. All information you provide is secure and will be kept strictly confidential. There is no obligation. Please indicate when you are thinking of selling and if you are moving within Ithaca or relocating outside Ithaca. Fill out the information and submit the form at: http://www.soldonithaca.com/dml_cma.html

MOST AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE WELL

MOST AFFORDABLE PLACES TO LIVE WELL
It's possible to enjoy such amenities without the hassles. Step one? Look for more affordable spots that offer a similar or better quality of life, and where the dollar goes far. (Source: Yahoo Finance) More Information . . .

IMPROVEMENT IN MORTGAGE MARKET BODES WELL FOR HOUSING IN 2008

Conditions in the mortgage market are improving for consumers, which should help to release some pent-up demand in early 2008, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of REALTORS®. (Source: Realtor.com) More Information . . .

NEW HOMES NO LONGER SUPERSIZED

NEW HOMES NO LONGER SUPERSIZED
With the nation's housing market in a slump and the mortgage market in disarray, many home builders are putting up fewer supersize homes and offering smaller floor plans. That seems to be what buyers suddenly want in an era of high prices and tougher financing. (Source: MSN Real Estate) More Information . . .

Why Rent When You Can Own this Affordable Home?

Lots of light & wood in this cozy 2 bedroom home with 2 car garage. Original one story home with two story addition offers a lot of charm. Sited well back from the road. Virtual Tour at:
http://www.8828route89.com/

Buy Retirement Home Now, Move in Later

Buy Retirement Home Now, Move in Later With prices in many areas at a low ebb, it may make sense to buy a retirement home now and rent it out until you're ready to move. Read more >

EFFECTS OF MOLD ON REAL ESTATE

BANKERS' GROUP REVISITS EFFECTS OF MOLD ON REAL ESTATE
Concerns about mold and its potential effects on indoor air quality and property values appear to have taken a back seat to other real estate issues, but that doesn't mean that someone isn't thinking about. (Source: Realty Times) Full Story . . .

Tighter lending standards affect April existing-home sales

Total existing-home sales, including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops fell 2.6 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.99 million units in April from an upwardly revised level of 6.15 million in March, and are 10.7 percent lower than the 6.71 million-unit pace in April 2006. “We’ve been anticipating slower home sales because many subprime loan products are no longer available,” said NAR Senior Economist Lawrence Yun. “In addition, increased scrutiny by lenders is stopping risky mortgage origination, which is good for both consumers and the lending community.”The national median existing-home price for all housing types was $220,900 in April, down 0.8 percent from April 2006 when the median was $222,600. Total housing inventory rose 10.4 percent at the end of April to 4.20 million existing homes available for sale, which represents an 8.4 month supply at the current sales pace, up from a 7.4 month supply in March.

Manufactured Homes

Manufactured Homes - Not Tin Cans on Wheels

Factory-built homes have suffered an image problem, but experts say they've become good investments. One hurdle that remains is financing.

Complementary Home Valuation

The correct selling price of a home is the highest price that the market will bear. To assist you in determining the correct asking price we provide you with a comprehensive market analysis of comparable properties sold and offered for sale in your neighborhood.To provide a more detailed Comparative Market Analysis, we would be more than happy to also assess your listing in person. Simply enter your criteria at the link listed below, and we will provide you with a speedy response. The more information given, the more accurate the evaluation. All information you provide is secure and will be kept strictly confidential. There is no obligation. Please indicate when you are thinking of selling and if you are moving within Ithaca or relocating outside Ithaca. Fill out the information and submit the form at ...http://dianemclafferty.point2agent.com/Home_Evaluation/page_163208.html

ARM LOANS

Arms, in my opinion, are suitable for a only very small slice of the borrowing public; specifically, those of very high credit quality with high net worth, who use it as a tool to manage cash flow. An option-ARM should NEVER be used simply to be able to afford a mortgage that under normal circumstances would be out of reach; that is just stupid and asking for disaster.

Real Estate Questions or Comments ...

Got a personal real estate issue?


Post your questions and comments here ...

HOUSING FORECAST CHANGED SLIGHTLY DUE TO IMPACT FROM TIGHTER LENDING

Housing activity this year will be somewhat lower than in earlier NAR forecasts, with clearer analysis of the effects of stricter lending standards and a decline in subprime mortgage origination, according to the latest projections by the National Association of REALTORS®. (Source: NAR) Full Story . . .

FREE Comparative Market Analysis for Ithaca Sellers

The correct selling price of a home is the highest price that the market will bear. To assist you in determining the correct asking price we provide you with a comprehensive market analysis of comparable properties sold and offered for sale in your neighborhood.

To provide a more detailed Comparative Market Analysis, we would be more than happy to also assess your listing in person. Simply enter your criteria at the link listed below, and we will provide you with a speedy response. The more information given, the more accurate the evaluation. All information you provide is secure and will be kept strictly confidential. There is no obligation. Please indicate when you are thinking of selling and if you are moving within Ithaca or relocating outside Ithaca.

Fill out the information and submit the form at ...

http://dianemclafferty.point2agent.com/Home_Evaluation/page_163208.html

GREEN HOME BUYERS PAY, SAVE MORE

Oh sure, home buyers who've purchased those new fangled "green" homes are pretty pleased with themselves. They dug deep to afford the extra cost of buying green, they rode the green home technology learning curve and, given the short supply of green homes, they managed to find a green house where they really want to live -- whatever it takes to help the species control its petrol habit and keep the habitat from heating up, washing out or losing other species. But what really gets green home owners tickled pick is their reduced operating costs. (Source: Realty Times)

Full Story . . .

Countrywide: Feds Might Worsen Subprime Loss

Countrywide: Feds Might Worsen Subprime Loss

Don't apply tighter standards to borrowers trying to refinance their way out of a shaky loan, says Countrywide CEO Angelo Mozilo. Read more >

WEATHER HITS MARCH EXISTING-HOME SALES AFTER THREE MONTHLY GAINS

Unusually bad winter weather in February curtailed home shopping, slowing sales that closed in March, which may have been dampened further by a decrease in subprime lending volume, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. (Source: NAR) Full Story . . .

Cayuga Lake Front Cottage

Cayuga Lake Front Cottage ~ very well maintained.

West side of the lake in “Wine Country”. A road to the back door and to the beach as well. Cozy Granite stone fireplace, vaulted ceilings, gleaming hardwood floors, galley kitchen with wood block, Large 24 x 13 screened in porch. 13 x 12 outside deck for the BBQ and lounging. Three bedrooms, sky lights, bunk beds & stacked washer and dryer. Newer appliances. Lawn and Dock & beach. Good fishing ~ relax. MLS # 123847

How Much Earnest Money Is the Right Amount?

How Much Earnest Money Is the Right Amount?

In many markets, deposit money is shrinking as buyers seek 100 percent financing. Read more >

GREEN HOME BUYERS PAY, SAVE MORE

Oh sure, home buyers who've purchased those new fangled "green" homes are pretty pleased with themselves. They dug deep to afford the extra cost of buying green, they rode the green home technology learning curve and, given the short supply of green homes, they managed to find a green house where they really want to live -- whatever it takes to help the species control its petrol habit and keep the habitat from heating up, washing out or losing other species. But what really gets green home owners tickled pick is their reduced operating costs. (Source: Realty Times) Full Story . . .

Fastest Growing Suburbs ...

The 'Burb Rush: Fastest Growing Suburbs

People are leaving the cities and moving to where the cost of living is lower and where they perceive the quality of life is higher. That’s the trend indicated this week by the U.S. Census Bureau when it released an analysis of the fastest-growing counties in the United States. The statistics reflect the period from April 1, 2000, to July 1, 2006, a time when interest rates were historically low, housing boomed, and home prices soared, particularly in metropolitan areas.At the same time, businesses and people packed up and moved to greener pastures, many of them in the Sun Belt. Texas, Florida, and Georgia boast some of the largest growth stories. Here are the top 10 fastest-growing counties and the percentage they grew by in that six-year time span:

1. Flagler County, Fla.: 66.7 percent. On the Atlantic Coast between Jacksonville and Daytona Beach, Flagler's population has boomed from 50,000 in 2000 to more than 83,000 last year. Its seaside location, balmy weather, and access to Interstate 95 are part of the reason for its boom.

2. Kendall County, Ill.: 61.7 percent. The Chicago suburbs that lie along Interstate 88 are all growing, but Kendall County, which is farther from the city, is growing the fastest.

3. Rockwall County, Texas: 60.5 percent. Rockwall, the smallest county in Texas, grew from 43,000 in 2000 to 69,000 in 2006, as people moved farther from nearby Dallas-Fort Worth.

4. Loudoun County, Va.: 58.5 percent. Loudoun's growth is partially due to the increasingly astronomical cost of living in nearby Washington, D.C.


Read more >

Existing Homes Sales Post Gains but ...

Existing-Home Sales Post 'Surprising' GainsTotal existing-home sales rose strongly in February, reaching the highest level since last April, NAR says. Find out what's happening by region.Read more >

Existing Home Sales Rose in January

Sales of existing homes rose in January, reaching the highest level in seven months, according to NAR. Total existing-home sales--including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops--increased 3.0% to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.46 million units in January from an upwardly revised pace of 6.27 million in December. Sales were 4.3% below the 6.75 million-unit level in January 2006. David Lereah, NAR's chief economist, said observers shouldn't overreact to the sales gain, or to other short-term effects. "Although we’re expecting existing-home sales to gradually rise this year, and buyers are responding to the price correction, some unusually warm weather helped boost sales in January," he said. "On the flip side, the winter storms that disrupted so much of the country in February could negatively impact the housing market." (Source: NAR) Full Story . . .

WILL GREEN ROOFS BE THE NEXT HOT TREND?

If the term "green roof" evokes an image of a few potted plants arranged tastefully on the top of a building, then the time seems ripe to rethink that definition. Green roofs may be the next hot trend to cool down the urban landscape and lower the cost of controlling temperatures in the average suburban home. Green roofs are generally categorized by one of two forms. Extensive green roofs, also known as eco-roofs or low-profile roofs, are made with a few thin layers of soil, are lightweight, relatively less expensive, and require very little maintenance. Extensive green roofs are the correct choice, the experts say, when the primary desire is for an ecological cover with limited human access. Intensive or high-profile green roofs, on the other hand, look like traditional roof gardens because a much wider variety of plant material is usually included. They have soil depths ranging from 8 to 12 inches, with growth that can extend upward of 15 feet. They can include such architectural features as waterfalls, ponds and gazebos. Their construction and maintenance is much more costly. (Source: Bankrate.com) Full Story . . .

10 Quick Fixes To Sell a Home Faster

Daily Real Estate News January 30, 2007

10 Quick Fixes To Sell a Home Faster

Here are 10 quick fixes that make a house more likely to be snagged up by buyers, according to home stager Lori Matzke, founder and president of Centerstagehome.com in Minneapolis:
1. Paint the trim, columns, front door, and the light fixture.
2. Replace the storm door with a full-view one.
3. Clean all the window screens.
4. Add new mulch and a potted plant by the front door.
5. Remove mirrors from over the fireplace so buyers focus on the fireplace.
6. Move furniture 1 1/2 to 2 feet away from the walls to create the illusion of more space.
7. Get rid of any movable storage pieces in the kitchen and take all the clutter off the refrigerator.
8. Clean and regrout the bathroom floor tile.
9. Replace dated bathroom vanities with trendy (and economical) pedestal sinks.
10. Put colorful bedding and matching window treatments in all the bedrooms.

Source: Star-Tribune, Aimee Blanchette (01/27/07)

AGING AREAS AROUND CITIES PUSH SUBURBAN RENEWAL

In recent years, newer US suburbs have flourished and big cities have lured business and residents back downtown. Caught in the middle are older suburbs, many in the Midwest where economic growth has been particularly slow. Their plight has attracted the interest of scholars and even earned them a name: inner-ring or first suburbs, as compared with the outer-ring suburbs or exurbs where developers can in many cases build from scratch. During his 12 years as mayor of Jennings, MO, a struggling suburb of 16,000 on the edge of St. Louis, Benjamin Sutphin has developed a simple philosophy for urban renewal: raze and rebuild. He's presided over the demolition of two regional shopping centers, dilapidated homes, abandoned tennis courts and a shuttered drive-in movie theater, promoting new retail, recreational and residential projects in their place. "Something had to be done," says Mr. Sutphin. (Source: RealEstateJournal.com) Full Story . . .

HOUSING GLUT GIVES BUYERS UPPER HAND

HOUSING GLUT GIVES BUYERS UPPER HAND

Amid a continuing glut of homes for sale in most of the country, buyers should have plenty of choices and lots of bargaining power in the spring selling season--typically the busiest time of the year. Many builders and real estate brokers, for their part, hope the housing market will start recovering this year as buyers respond to price cuts and other sweeteners offered by increasingly nervous sellers. In some markets, agents say, buyer traffic has picked up in the last month or two. But any recovery is likely to be gradual. Donald Tomnitz, chief executive officer of DR Horton Inc., a home builder, told investors this week that the market, which began slumping in 2005, may bottom out by mid-2007, but that "we don't see any rapid improvement thereafter."

(Source: RealEstateJournal.com)


Diane McLafferty
Associate Broker -ABR, GRI, e-Pro
www.soldonithaca.com

The future is now: Click here: E-Pro Your Internet Professional.

Warren Real Estate
830 Hanshaw Road
Ithaca, New York 14850
Office: (607) 257-0666 ext. 5243
Diret: (607) 330-5243
Fax: (607) 257-8801

Items to Consider Before Dropping the Price

Daily Real Estate News January 19, 2007


5 Items to Consider Before Dropping the Price
When a house won’t sell, the answer is often to drop the price, but how much and when?The following are some items to consider before dropping a home's price, according to several real estate professionals, mostly based in Long Island, N.Y.:

1. Price the house right to begin with — it will get the most activity when it first goes on the market.

2. Lower the asking price sooner rather than later while it's still fresh in buyers' minds.

3. If there has been no offer in one to two months — six at the most — consider dropping the price, then re-evaluate every two to four weeks.

4. When you drop the price, lower it by enough to make the home the top house in a lower price range rather than the bottom house in a higher range.

5. The more expensive the house, the greater the decrease needs to be to attract new buyers.


Source: Newsday, Abigail W. Leonard (01/19/07)

Gradual Rise Projected for Home Sales

Gradual Rise Projected for Home Sales
After bottoming in the fourth quarter of 2006, existing-home sales are forecast to gradually rise through 2007 and into 2008, while new-home sales should turnaround by summer, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors.

Fed's Housing Concerns Behind Rate Decision

Daily Real Estate News January 4, 2007

Fed's Housing Concerns Behind Rate Decision

Policymakers’ concern over the housing slump kept them from raising the key short-term interest rate, according to the minutes of the Federal Reserve Board's most recent meeting in December, which were released Wednesday.One Fed member, who wasn’t identified in the minutes, wanted the public statement to include a suggestion of a potential rate cut, but his wording didn’t make the final version.The Fed is expected to let the benchmark rate stand at 5.25 percent at its next meeting at the end of this month. But many analysts predict a rate cut in the coming months.

Source: Washington Post, Jeannine Aversa and Tim Paradis (01/04/07)


Diane McLafferty
Associate Broker - GRI, e-Pro
www.soldonithaca.com
The future is now: Click here: E-Pro Your Internet Professional.

Warren Real Estate
830 Hanshaw Road
Ithaca, New York 14850
Office: (607) 257-0666 ext. 5243
Cell: (607) 280-6664
Fax: (607) 257-8801