Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Home Buyer Tips: Low Down Payment

Good news!!  If you are a first-time homebuyer, you may not need a 20% down payment.  According to a recent survey, nearly 75% of first time buyers only put down 3.5% or less.  Of course, with interest rates still low, now is a great time to buy!  Contact your mortgage professional for your situation; then give us a call to help get you started.   Check out this video for more info:

Monday, February 14, 2011

February 2011 Market Snapshot

Though we are only 2 months into the new year, signs are peeking everywhere that consumers are feeling better: an increase in the food & services industry indicate we're eating out more, vacations are on the rise due to an 8% increase in the travel industry, and believe it or not, household net worths are increasing thanks to a strong stock market and the focus on shrinking personal debt.  What does this mean for the housing industry?  For now, buyers can benefit from historically favorable buying conditions and sellers can enjoy increased stability in the market.

We are still seeing an upward trend in existing home sales activity.  Though sales remained 2.9% below the level seen last year, this trend is a welcoming sign.

Home prices softened in December, down 1% from the year before, but mostly due to the number of distressed properties, which accounted for 36% of sales for that month.  However prices continue to hold steady and mortgage rates remain historically low, offering favorable buying opportunities.


Keep in mind...as the ecomonic recovery stays the course, rates are expected to rise to keep inflation in check.  So if you are looking to buy, don't wait!  Now really is the time to take advantage of the market.  Give us a call or email to schedule your appointment today.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Market Stats for Lakepointe in Shawnee, KS



Lakepointe has several homes available right now if you're looking to live in Western Shawnee. Lakepointe currently has 8 active homes listed for sale ranging in price from $189,950 to $299,000, four to five bedrooms/2+ baths available. In the past 60 days, 3 homes have sold, with an average sale price of $244,333 and about 67 days on market. This is a great location and when the price is right, these homes will move.

Lakepointe is located in Western Shawnee, just off Johnson Drive and Monticello Road. This community is part of the Award Winning De Soto School District, has great highway access, and is close to restaurants and shopping.

To see any of the available homes in this neighborhood or any of the nearby communities in Shawnee, such as Crimson Ridge, Monticello Farms, Brittany Valley, Woodland Park, Brittany Heights, Grey Oaks, Woodsonia, Greens of Chapel Creek, Greenview Ridge, or Estates of Green View Ridge, email, text, or give us a call. As a resident of nearby Grey Oaks, Pickett Property Group is your Western Shawnee expert.

Monday, February 7, 2011

Why Now is a Great Time to Sell Your Home

Some interesting statistics out now explain it best....Don't wait until Spring!  NOW really is the time to sell your home.  For starters, 89% of all homebuyers start their search on the internet and catering to those buyers will give you a jump on those sellers waiting until Spring.  When there are fewer houses on the market, those that are priced right and staged well will stand out even more.  On average, it takes about 12 weeks to sell a home, so those listed right now are in a better position to market to buyers looking to buy now and close in the Spring.  Check out the video below for more information:

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Snow and ice can be dangerous to your home

As I sit here witnessing a blizzard outside my window, it's only appropriate that I bring up how this type of weather can wreak havoc on your home as well.  Let's be honest, streets and sidewalks aren't the only areas that become dangerous when there's snow and ice.

According to many roofing experts, snow, ice, and strong winds could cause roofs to fail and collapse....think Metrodome in Minneapolis, MN this past December.  But this could happen to residential homes as well.

Approximately 16 inches of snow equals about 20 extra pounds of weight per square foot.  But if there's a layer of ice underneath, there's even more weight.

Growing up with winters in Minnesota as a child, I remember my dad climbing on top of the roof to shovel off snow and chip away at any ice in the gutters.  HOWEVER, I do NOT recommend any homeowners try getting rid of it themselves.  You'll just be adding even more weight to an already weighty issue and if the snow starts to slide, so will you!  Call a professional if you hear any cracking or see any leaking in your home.  They will have the right ladders, tools, and know-how.  If you must do it yourself, invest in a roof rake.  When used correctly, it's safe for your house and won't scratch your asphalt.