If you ever thought about the possibility of a new house and you've saved a few dollars for a down payment, now is the time to move. Just like the market being in flux and buying stock while the prices are down...you won't find them like this again in a very long time!
The market can change in a heart beat! It can happen over night. Confidence is beginning to build in the Real Estate neighborhood and when things begin to change, you won't believe the difference.
Right now, however, you can buy homes for less than they were originally purchase 8 years ago. Who would ever believe it? And, if you want a real deal! get a 'fixer-upper' and take out a '203K' loan to get those 'fixes' in place as you move along. You'll have the home of your dreams at a less than dream price. Make your Christmas dreams come true early!
If you can close before December 31,2008, Real Living Mortgage will pay up to $3,000 of your closing costs!! What a deal!! Call me today...:)
About Me
- Couch on Houses
- Central, Ohio, United States
- Full time Real Estate agent/ consultant with HER Realtors in the Central Ohio area. Dedicated to a clients success using the latest real estate tools, honest communication, and available when you call!
Cold and windy November days
We've had a wonderful fall season with warm but not hot days, comfortable walking and playing out doors days..and now the seasonal weather has turned. We seem to be at least one month behind where we were when I was a young girl.
My birthday is October 1 and my sister was October 5. My mother threw us a party every year and every year it rained and was cold. The leaves were off the trees and it was coat weather. Not jacket weather. Coat weather.
The seasons seem to have moved forward a bit. Today is November 7 and today is exactly as it looked at my birthday party every year.
Soon ..wow! within a matter of a few short weeks, good weather or bad,Thanksgiving will be here. I hope you will take a minute to visit the sight after clicking the Turkey on the front page. Some really Great information about the REAL Thanksgiving.
Have a happy day!
My birthday is October 1 and my sister was October 5. My mother threw us a party every year and every year it rained and was cold. The leaves were off the trees and it was coat weather. Not jacket weather. Coat weather.
The seasons seem to have moved forward a bit. Today is November 7 and today is exactly as it looked at my birthday party every year.
Soon ..wow! within a matter of a few short weeks, good weather or bad,Thanksgiving will be here. I hope you will take a minute to visit the sight after clicking the Turkey on the front page. Some really Great information about the REAL Thanksgiving.
Have a happy day!
numbers I have numbers!
Active Listings: One Year Ago: 18,278- homes were on the market Today: 17,945-homes on the market today!
Sold: 1508 -last year in the month of July 1644-last month
Pended Sales: 1606-last year 1263 -this year
Months of Inventory
based on Closed Sales 11.4 -last year 10.9 -this year
*
Sold: 1508 -last year in the month of July 1644-last month
Pended Sales: 1606-last year 1263 -this year
Months of Inventory
based on Closed Sales 11.4 -last year 10.9 -this year
*
Doom and gloom..what's real and what isn't?
http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/easescredit.asp
Here is the truth...and this is where it started.
Here is the truth...and this is where it started.
Is the sky falling?
Everyday I wonder when the housing crisis is going to be over and another day passes with out answers.
For me , this crisis began taking shape a few years ago. I noticed little things like...it was taking a longer time for the houses I had listed to sell. But, to off set that, Buyers who I swore could never get a house because of their credit scores and past credit problems were getting loans so it seemed to even out.
As time passed, builders started moving into the area and there was a huge building spurt. They went up EVERYWHERE! and Some builders didn't use realtors..mmmm...what was that about?
Then, there were more houses than there were buyers and the people who had homes trying to move up or move on couldn't sell because the market was saturated! What happens when the market place is saturated - lets say...with cabbage patch dolls ? What once you had to wait on and stand in line for was now on every street corner. Supply/Demand. Prices drop. Values plummet! And loan opportunites grew. The word was out. The goverment thought EVERYONE should own a house. Have a pulse? You can get a loan. Want a $700 mortage? Heck, the bank says you can afford $1200 mortgage because in a couple of years your income will get better, won't it? Credit card companies LOVED it. Loan officers were greatful. They could make everyone happy! Realtors, Buyers, Sellers, Builders...and then...something happened.
Builders had so many houses they had to quit building. The people who had all those easy loans didn't get the raises they expected. They wanted to have fun along with paying the mortage and they wanted to buy Play Stations and get a new car. That new house payment took everything they had and there was no play money for them to use. They began to default. Some people lost their jobs. Some people had family issues and couldn't keep the house. They defaulted in bigger numbers. Some people had loans that were adjustable and the mortage adjusted until they adjusted themselves right out of being able to pay.
Isn't home ownership the American Dream? Isn't everyone entitled to the American Dream?
Isn't entitlement what every American thinks they should have? .......Who says?
Did someone entitle our grand parents and great grandparents? Didn't they all have their own homes? ...wait...or did they build their own homes? ...or rent? ...or lease...mmmm
The American Dream is the ability to dream and then go work for it. Not to be handed to you. To work for it. There was no work here. No wait. It was given to us and freely. And we took it. And now we are being asked to pay for their mistake without an apology or a declaration of responsibility. Heck, they are blaming every one but those who are responsible. And guess what! The very entity that told so that we were entitled and told the banks to lend and lend and lend...yes, the very same entity is now going to take all those bad loans and fix our problems.. using our money to pay for it. And what does that mean? They will be the owners of all of our properties until we finish paying for them. So REALLY....Who wins and who loses?
For me , this crisis began taking shape a few years ago. I noticed little things like...it was taking a longer time for the houses I had listed to sell. But, to off set that, Buyers who I swore could never get a house because of their credit scores and past credit problems were getting loans so it seemed to even out.
As time passed, builders started moving into the area and there was a huge building spurt. They went up EVERYWHERE! and Some builders didn't use realtors..mmmm...what was that about?
Then, there were more houses than there were buyers and the people who had homes trying to move up or move on couldn't sell because the market was saturated! What happens when the market place is saturated - lets say...with cabbage patch dolls ? What once you had to wait on and stand in line for was now on every street corner. Supply/Demand. Prices drop. Values plummet! And loan opportunites grew. The word was out. The goverment thought EVERYONE should own a house. Have a pulse? You can get a loan. Want a $700 mortage? Heck, the bank says you can afford $1200 mortgage because in a couple of years your income will get better, won't it? Credit card companies LOVED it. Loan officers were greatful. They could make everyone happy! Realtors, Buyers, Sellers, Builders...and then...something happened.
Builders had so many houses they had to quit building. The people who had all those easy loans didn't get the raises they expected. They wanted to have fun along with paying the mortage and they wanted to buy Play Stations and get a new car. That new house payment took everything they had and there was no play money for them to use. They began to default. Some people lost their jobs. Some people had family issues and couldn't keep the house. They defaulted in bigger numbers. Some people had loans that were adjustable and the mortage adjusted until they adjusted themselves right out of being able to pay.
Isn't home ownership the American Dream? Isn't everyone entitled to the American Dream?
Isn't entitlement what every American thinks they should have? .......Who says?
Did someone entitle our grand parents and great grandparents? Didn't they all have their own homes? ...wait...or did they build their own homes? ...or rent? ...or lease...mmmm
The American Dream is the ability to dream and then go work for it. Not to be handed to you. To work for it. There was no work here. No wait. It was given to us and freely. And we took it. And now we are being asked to pay for their mistake without an apology or a declaration of responsibility. Heck, they are blaming every one but those who are responsible. And guess what! The very entity that told so that we were entitled and told the banks to lend and lend and lend...yes, the very same entity is now going to take all those bad loans and fix our problems.. using our money to pay for it. And what does that mean? They will be the owners of all of our properties until we finish paying for them. So REALLY....Who wins and who loses?
Learning the ins and out in a complicated world
In a world full of Black Mold, Radon, Urea Formaldehyde, and lead based paint, is there anything safe in the home buying world?
Think about it. You are looking at a house you might purchase. THE largest purchase of your life and the sheet in front of you is showing what the home owner knows about the property..the Residential Property Disclosure. And , on this sheet, lists all these bad bad things that may or may not be there and the Seller is sometimes not sure, either!
How does one know if there are problems or not?
The home inspector will surly find all the problems won't he?
The home owner will know everything about the home, won't he? Not necessarily.
These are safe guards to be sure but be realistic. If you were a selling the residence that you currently live..would you know if it had Radon? Lead Based Paint? that other nasty word..Urea Formaldehyde or gross!! black mold!?
Before you go crazy with worry...check it out for your self. What is Radon? What is lead based paint? If you can count on nothing else, count on the fact that our government agencies have LOADS of information about all of these things. In fact, in a booklet that I have available, you will get a good start to the information as well as where to go for additional information if that wasn't enough.
Should you have tests for all these things when you buy?
That depends. Lets start with Lead Based Paint...
1. When was the house built? Before 1978? Then it has the potential for the paint.
How about before 1950? Oh yes. It's there or is it?
2. Has the house been refurbished? Is the wood work painted? Does it have plaster or drywall?
3. Are you planning to remodel when you live there? Are you doing the work yourself or hiring someone?
If you answered yes to these questions, you can assume certain things.
Before 1968 and it has not been renovated or remodeled, your chances are great that lead based paint is somewhere. What does that mean?
READ.
Is there chipping paint? Do you have children that like to stick things in there mouth? This is how lead poisoning happens.
Is the paint peeling off the walls in sheets? This is lead based paint.
Can you get lead poisoning? Yes. Think of sanding. Air borne particles. Think respirator. Think safety. You'll be fine.
Black Mold.
Any mold is bad. It comes from moisture. Where is the moisture coming from? A leak? Gutters that might be placed incorrectly and the water is running back into the ground toward the house? READ. Find out if there is a difference between molds and how to get rid of them. What you don't need to use when you buy, you may have a need for after you become a home owner. You never know.
Radon.
A naturally occurring emission coming from the ground.
Like so many things, it's a BUZZ word now.
Is it serious? It can be. Is it safe? Have it tested. Find out. Mitigate if you need to.
Are you going to set up a basement office? Live in the lower level? Might be a good idea to make sure.
If it's just a basement for storage..maybe not a problem. Decide for your self. I've lived in the lower level of a split level home for the past 20 + years and I'm still here. One of two things...either I don't have an issue with Radon .. or.. I do have and , in time, I'll find out the hard way..Radon can cause respiratory problems; cancer. Not right away. In time. Silently. No smell. mmmmmmmm.....
Urea Formaldehyde .
In homes, the most significant sources of formaldehyde are likely to be pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. Pressed wood products made for indoor use include: particleboard (used as sub-flooring and shelving and in cabinetry and furniture); hardwood plywood paneling (used for decorative wall covering and used in cabinets and furniture); and medium density fiberboard (used for drawer fronts, cabinets, and furniture tops). Medium density fiberboard contains a higher resin-to-wood ratio than any other UF pressed wood product and is generally recognized as being the highest formaldehyde-emitting pressed wood product.
Who knew? Is it a problem? Not sure. READ. What isn't a problem for me could be one for you if you have asthma. Does anyone really know if they have it in their home? I doubt it.
I wonder: if you have a lot of pressed wood 'put-it-together-yourself' furniture...does it have UF ? Paneling? cabinet fronts? mmmmm......is anything safe anymore?
You can see that education is key. Make sure you educate your self. Don't rely on others.
And, use a little common sense. There are dangers in the world. Limit what you can. And try not to worry too much. There will be more things to worry about and more BUZZ words in the future. I guarantee it! and, oh, standing in the corner not moving for fear of what 'could be' out there is not an option. Life goes on.
Think about it. You are looking at a house you might purchase. THE largest purchase of your life and the sheet in front of you is showing what the home owner knows about the property..the Residential Property Disclosure. And , on this sheet, lists all these bad bad things that may or may not be there and the Seller is sometimes not sure, either!
How does one know if there are problems or not?
The home inspector will surly find all the problems won't he?
The home owner will know everything about the home, won't he? Not necessarily.
These are safe guards to be sure but be realistic. If you were a selling the residence that you currently live..would you know if it had Radon? Lead Based Paint? that other nasty word..Urea Formaldehyde or gross!! black mold!?
Before you go crazy with worry...check it out for your self. What is Radon? What is lead based paint? If you can count on nothing else, count on the fact that our government agencies have LOADS of information about all of these things. In fact, in a booklet that I have available, you will get a good start to the information as well as where to go for additional information if that wasn't enough.
Should you have tests for all these things when you buy?
That depends. Lets start with Lead Based Paint...
1. When was the house built? Before 1978? Then it has the potential for the paint.
How about before 1950? Oh yes. It's there or is it?
2. Has the house been refurbished? Is the wood work painted? Does it have plaster or drywall?
3. Are you planning to remodel when you live there? Are you doing the work yourself or hiring someone?
If you answered yes to these questions, you can assume certain things.
Before 1968 and it has not been renovated or remodeled, your chances are great that lead based paint is somewhere. What does that mean?
READ.
Is there chipping paint? Do you have children that like to stick things in there mouth? This is how lead poisoning happens.
Is the paint peeling off the walls in sheets? This is lead based paint.
Can you get lead poisoning? Yes. Think of sanding. Air borne particles. Think respirator. Think safety. You'll be fine.
Black Mold.
Any mold is bad. It comes from moisture. Where is the moisture coming from? A leak? Gutters that might be placed incorrectly and the water is running back into the ground toward the house? READ. Find out if there is a difference between molds and how to get rid of them. What you don't need to use when you buy, you may have a need for after you become a home owner. You never know.
Radon.
A naturally occurring emission coming from the ground.
Like so many things, it's a BUZZ word now.
Is it serious? It can be. Is it safe? Have it tested. Find out. Mitigate if you need to.
Are you going to set up a basement office? Live in the lower level? Might be a good idea to make sure.
If it's just a basement for storage..maybe not a problem. Decide for your self. I've lived in the lower level of a split level home for the past 20 + years and I'm still here. One of two things...either I don't have an issue with Radon .. or.. I do have and , in time, I'll find out the hard way..Radon can cause respiratory problems; cancer. Not right away. In time. Silently. No smell. mmmmmmmm.....
Urea Formaldehyde .
In homes, the most significant sources of formaldehyde are likely to be pressed wood products made using adhesives that contain urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins. Pressed wood products made for indoor use include: particleboard (used as sub-flooring and shelving and in cabinetry and furniture); hardwood plywood paneling (used for decorative wall covering and used in cabinets and furniture); and medium density fiberboard (used for drawer fronts, cabinets, and furniture tops). Medium density fiberboard contains a higher resin-to-wood ratio than any other UF pressed wood product and is generally recognized as being the highest formaldehyde-emitting pressed wood product.
Who knew? Is it a problem? Not sure. READ. What isn't a problem for me could be one for you if you have asthma. Does anyone really know if they have it in their home? I doubt it.
I wonder: if you have a lot of pressed wood 'put-it-together-yourself' furniture...does it have UF ? Paneling? cabinet fronts? mmmmm......is anything safe anymore?
You can see that education is key. Make sure you educate your self. Don't rely on others.
And, use a little common sense. There are dangers in the world. Limit what you can. And try not to worry too much. There will be more things to worry about and more BUZZ words in the future. I guarantee it! and, oh, standing in the corner not moving for fear of what 'could be' out there is not an option. Life goes on.
What you may not know about Used Car Salesmen
Did you know - you must because there are statistics out there that say you do- that Realtors are held in such high regard that they are just above..I mean that literally...the line above..Used Car Salesmen!
How would you feel, making a conscious career decision, to know that the world thinks you have just reached a new career low by choosing to become 'A Realtor'? I didn't realize that when I was making that selection. I thought, after attending Columbus State that I didn't know why one would have to go to college to get a job selling homes. I had been in business for quite a while and never been required to have college to sell something.
Perhaps it was because of this opinion that so many have that created the profession to become more selective in who became a realtor, I am not sure. What ever the reason for all the education: taking the focus classes needed to become a realtor, the additional 10 hours post liscence and an additional 30 hours for each 3 years one is a Realtor, one would think that the Real Estate profession would gain just a little respect!
How would you feel, making a conscious career decision, to know that the world thinks you have just reached a new career low by choosing to become 'A Realtor'? I didn't realize that when I was making that selection. I thought, after attending Columbus State that I didn't know why one would have to go to college to get a job selling homes. I had been in business for quite a while and never been required to have college to sell something.
Perhaps it was because of this opinion that so many have that created the profession to become more selective in who became a realtor, I am not sure. What ever the reason for all the education: taking the focus classes needed to become a realtor, the additional 10 hours post liscence and an additional 30 hours for each 3 years one is a Realtor, one would think that the Real Estate profession would gain just a little respect!
Something new
I had great visions when I started to think about writing my own blog. My family thinks I can talk for hours on most subjects but funny thing happened when I started this process...nothing.From the time when I first thought about having this blog until now, my biggest hurdle seems to be starting.
Hello, My name is Carol Couch and this is my Blog.
I took my required Realtor classes plus one extra and sat for my test in 1992. It was a fourth career move for me. My first was office related. I worked in several jobs before becoming a mom. The last job before we moved to Pennsylvania for 9 years was as Admin. Assistant to the VP of Operations for a Bolt & Nut Company. That's where I met my husband, Chuck. We moved to Pennsylvania when he took over the management of the branch.
While in Pennsylvania, I started my third career when, with a friend; formed a company called "Jills of All Trades". It was a great training ground for Real Estate because it dealt with contracts with owners and Realtors cleaning, organizing, and getting property ready to market.
When our family moved back to Ohio, I started looking for similar opportunities but Ohio is nothing like Pennsylvania so, I took a property management job which led to my career in Real Estate.
Changes. So many changes since starting in 1992. I think it is probably the only thing one can really depend on....Change.
Some changes have been good. I've seen home loan interest rates drop from 13-16% to a low of 4 1/2 % before going back to a 6% or just above. And bad - the amount of foreclosures and home losses that are going on right now. Have you seen changes in your job as drastic as what we have experienced in this market? WOW!! I can only imagine.
Hello, My name is Carol Couch and this is my Blog.
I took my required Realtor classes plus one extra and sat for my test in 1992. It was a fourth career move for me. My first was office related. I worked in several jobs before becoming a mom. The last job before we moved to Pennsylvania for 9 years was as Admin. Assistant to the VP of Operations for a Bolt & Nut Company. That's where I met my husband, Chuck. We moved to Pennsylvania when he took over the management of the branch.
While in Pennsylvania, I started my third career when, with a friend; formed a company called "Jills of All Trades". It was a great training ground for Real Estate because it dealt with contracts with owners and Realtors cleaning, organizing, and getting property ready to market.
When our family moved back to Ohio, I started looking for similar opportunities but Ohio is nothing like Pennsylvania so, I took a property management job which led to my career in Real Estate.
Changes. So many changes since starting in 1992. I think it is probably the only thing one can really depend on....Change.
Some changes have been good. I've seen home loan interest rates drop from 13-16% to a low of 4 1/2 % before going back to a 6% or just above. And bad - the amount of foreclosures and home losses that are going on right now. Have you seen changes in your job as drastic as what we have experienced in this market? WOW!! I can only imagine.
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