Montgomery Area & Central Alabama Real Estate News

Deductible Is The Point

2012-01-26T09:37:00.000-06:00

Points refer to prepaid interest on a home mortgage and can be fully deductible by the buyer in the year paid if the right conditions exist. The points must be used to buy, build or improve a taxpayer's principal residence but not all fees charged by the lender are necessarily deductible.

According to IRS Publication 936, "The term 'points' is used to describe certain charges paid, or treated as paid, by a borrower to obtain a home mortgage. Points may also be called loan origination fees, maximum loan charges, loan discount, or discount points. A borrower is treated as paying any points that a home seller pays for the borrower's mortgage."

"Points" can be confusing! When I am teaching Real Estate Pre-License School at Martin & Fellows Real Estate School, the session on Financing always elicits some puzzled looks of confusion.

If you purchased a home in 2011, have your tax professional evaluate your closing statement to see if there are loan fees that may be used as a deduction on your tax return regardless of whether you or the seller paid them.

Refinancing a principal residence or purchasing an investment or income property require that points must be deducted ratably over the term of the mortgage rather than deducting them fully in the year paid. Borrowers in these situations should consider the benefits of lower interest rates from paying point to higher interest rates without points.

This article is meant to provide information that can be discussed with your tax professional about your specific situation and is not to be considered tax advice.

Choose Your Deduction

2012-01-19T15:15:00.000-06:00

One third of all U.S. households, 75% of households with more than $75,000 income and most homeowners itemize their deduction on their federal income tax returns. It makes sense because the interest paid on their mortgage and their property taxes probably exceeds the allowable standard deduction.

However, with interest rates as low as they have been in the last two years and the price of homes having come down considerably, it is possible that the standard deduction may be the better choice.

Each year, the taxpayer can compare the total of the itemized deductions to the standard deduction to select which method will result in the most benefits. The 2011 standard deduction is $11,600 for married couple filing jointly and $5,800 for single filers.

Forced Savings...Really??

2012-01-17T10:38:00.000-06:00

Part of the American Dream is to own a home. A home is a place to call your own; a place to raise your family and share with your friends. A home is a place to feel safe and secure. A home is a good investment?

In a recent report* by Beracha and Johnson, it is suggested that buying a home is the right thing to do but not necessarily for the reason that people expect. A home is, in many instances, the largest investment that homeowners have and it accounts for the majority of their net worth.

The report suggests that the self-imposed savings due to amortization has a significant contribution to a person's net worth. The premise was determined by comparing the net worth of buyers to renters over a 31 year period of time.

When the savings in rent and down payment were reinvested, renters had a greater net worth than buyers after each 8-year cycle by a margin of 91% to 9%. On the other hand, when the requirement to reinvest the savings was dropped and renters were allowed to spend the savings on consumption, the Buyers had a greater net worth 84% compared to 16% for renters.

Appreciation, tax savings and amortization contribute to lowering the cost of housing and help homeowners build equity. The forced savings due to amortization benefits the individuals who may not be disciplined enough to invest the savings otherwise. Regardless of which benefits apply in different situations, owning a home can be a satisfying investment both emotionally and financially.

*Factor Sensitivities in the Making of Buy vs. Rent Decisions: Do Homeowners Make the Right Decision for the Wrong Reason by Eli Berach and Ken J. Johnson of Florida International University writing for the Journal of Housing Research.

The "Right Size" Home

2012-01-04T11:05:00.001-06:00

Work hard, buy a home, start a family and continue to upgrade your home until everyone has enough room. This has been the blueprint for lots of homeowners for the last fifty years but there is certainly a shift in thinking that could change all of that.

Interestingly, Americans live in much larger homes than most people in other countries throughout the world. The U.S. Census reported in 2006 that the average single family home completed had 2,469 square feet which was 769 feet more than in 1976.

Once the children are grown and have moved out, homeowners are finding they have too much room. Even if their home is paid for, they have higher property taxes, insurance, utilities and maintenance on the larger home than they'd have if they were living in the "right size" home.

Some homeowners state thaty they're keeping their larger home because it has luxury features that smaller homes don't have. There's a movement that seems to have started in the United States to find the "right size" home with the amenities and convenience that homeowners want.

This philosophy has been expressed by Sarah Susanka in her book Creating the Not So Big House. It proposes a house that "values quality over quantity with an emphasis on comfort and beauty, a high level of detail, and a floor plan designed for today's informal lifestyle."

"This Year I'm Going To..."

2011-12-28T09:58:00.000-06:00

Every year, it seems like the same things are on the list but this could be the year you really do invest in a rental home.

Rents are climbing, home prices are cheap and mortgage rates are low for even non-owner occupied properties. A $125,000 home with 20% down payment can easily have a $300 to $500 monthly cash flow after paying all of the expenses.

There are lots of investment strategies that work but one that is easy to understand and execute is to stay with below average price range homes in predominantly owner-occupied neighborhoods. These properties will appeal to the broadest range of tenants while you hold them and buyers when you're ready to sell.

Single family homes offer an opportunity to borrow high loan-to-value mortgages at fixed rates for long terms on appreciating assets with tax advantages and reasonable control

This is the year to make some real progress on your resolutions. Not sure how to start? First, invest some time learning about rental properties by attending a FREE webinar on January 4th at 7:00 PM Central time by national real estate speaker Pat Zaby. Click here to register.

Watch Pat's free webinar and then contact me about some of the great opportunities to purchase rental property here in the Montgomery area.

Last Minute Gifts Without Shopping

2011-12-21T16:00:00.000-06:00

What do they want? What do they need? Will it fit? Do they already have one? These are the common thoughts running through our minds when trying to find the perfect gift.

The gift of really listening with no interrupting, no daydreaming and no planning your response is exactly what people want when they have something important to say.

The gift of affection with appropriate hugs, kisses and pats on the back can demonstrate your love for family and friends better than words.

The gift of laughter by sharing cartoons and funny stories will say "I love to laugh with you."

The gift of a simple written note shows sincerity and real heartfelt sentiment that may be remembered for a lifetime and could even change a life.

The gift of a sincere compliment supports a person's need to be accepted and appreciated. "You look great in that color", "That was outstanding" or "I really enjoyed that" can make someone's day.

The gift of random kindness or good deeds like holding a door or allowing someone to move ahead of you in a checkout lane shows respect for others.

Your smile, however, may be your most rewarding gift. Invariably, the person receiving the smile will in turn, smile back. The gift you gave will now be given back to you. It will be the right size and you can always use one more.

Jobless Rate Takes Big Drop In Alabama

2011-12-17T09:19:00.000-06:00

A glance at the local newspaper this morning reveals great news for Alabama, and the tri-county area including Montgomery. And it is my hope that this is another sign that our real estate market is slowly making its way to a recovery.

According to the Montgomery Advertiser, Alabama's unemployment rate for November "dropped 0.6 percent from October, the largest month-to-month drop in unemployment since the state began tracking the numbers more than 35 years ago."

The article went on to say that Montgomery County's unemployment rate has fallen 1.6 percent in the past two months, down to 8.4 percent in November. Read the complete article.

Having seen our housing market rise and fall over the past thirty years of my real estate career, I am excited about these unemployment figures! This has got to be great news as we all celebrate Christmas and look toward a great 2012.

Merry Christmas!

There's No Place Like Home

2011-12-13T13:52:00.002-06:00

You don't have to be Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz to feel like there's no place like home.

Home is a place to call your own. It's a place to raise your family and share with your friends. It's a place to create memories. A home is a place to feel safe and secure.

Inspect all of your decorations and electrical lighting before using them. While you're enjoying the holidays this year, it's important to pay attention to some of the things that may affect your safety.

Extension cords should not be placed under the carpet or rugs or bundled together which could cause overheating.
Limit three standard size sets of lights to a single extension cord.
Consider using portable or permanent ground fault circuit interrupters with all lighting to avoid possible shocks.
Turn off holiday lights when you leave the home or got to bed.
Avoid using candles near trees or wreaths.
Do not allow natural trees to dry out during the time they're displayed to potential fire hazard.
Make certain that all trees are on a firm, steady base to avoid tipping over.
Don't burn wrapping paper in fireplaces.
Small children are particularly susceptible to accidents and should be protected from potential harm.

Here's hoping your time at home is special during this holiday season. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.

Finding the best deal

2011-12-08T12:49:00.000-06:00

Consumers are vigilant about buying opportunities like Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday along with sales, coupons and rebates. Some cautious buyers will even risk shopping early to find exactly what they want to waiting until the last moment for potentially lower prices.

In retail, the hype is more obvious and the signs may be easier to read than that of the home market. Certainly, volumes have been written about the record low mortgage rates and that home prices have adjusted considerably lower in the last four years.

A more subtle indication of a home buying bargain is that statistics indicate that year-after-year, the average home prices fall in the fourth quarter. The holidays beginning with Thanksgiving, winter weather and the distractions of gift purchases certainly contribute to lower home sales.

Regardless of what is causing the reduced volume, the smart buyer can take advantage of the end of the year to get their best possible deal on a home purchase. The buyers willing to buck the trend could easily benefit from lower prices and less competition from other buyers. Ready to start your search for the right home anywhere in the Montgomery/Central Alabama area? Give me a call. 334-324-9485.

Why Pay Full Price?

2011-12-02T14:08:00.000-06:00

No one wants to pay more than its value regardless of the product. When you buy bananas for 49 cents a pound at one store and see them for 39 cents a pound at another store, it's not the ten cent difference as much as it is about overpaying.

It seems like the natural way to start the negotiation process is to offer less than the asking price for the home. However, instead of the price, a buyer could negotiate condition, timing or terms. A few thousand dollars off the price may not make much difference in the monthly payments but it might make a big difference if it was negotiated in one of the other areas.

A buyer who only has enough available funds for down payment and closing costs will have to live in a home exactly the way it is for some time. They may not be able to make the changes that would really make it feel like home until they've saved more money.

Let's say you found a home that needed $5,000 worth of improvements and the seller would lower the price by that amount. Financing those improvements with a separate bank loan will result in higher payments due to a higher interest rate and shorter term than your mortgage.

Offering full price and asking the seller to make the improvements will result in lower monthly payments based on today's low mortgage rates and 30 year term. Another alternative is to negotiate with the seller to pay your closing costs so you'd have the cash to make the improvements. In our market here in the Montgomery area, we have seen sellers quite willing
to cover the buyer's closing costs.

Paying full price may cause the seller to consider concessions regarding condition or terms which can be balanced to affect the value of the property. Buyers can and should negotiate to acquire the home that meets their needs at the lowest possible cost of housing.

The Best Way Home

2011-11-25T10:38:00.000-06:00

"It's not far, if you know the way." Maybe it is an obvious statement but there are some definite steps that will improve your success in buying a home in today's market.

Know you credit score - the best mortgage rates are available to borrowers with the highest scores. Unless you know what your credit score is at all three major bureaus, you don't really know what rate you'll have to pay.
Clean up your credit - it is estimated that about 90% of credit reports have errors. Some are not serious but others could affect a borrower from getting the best loan terms. It is your responsibility to know what is on your different reports and correct them if possible. You're entitled to a free copy of your credit report each year from Experian, Trans Union and Equifax.
Get pre-approved - Taking the time to make a loan application with a qualified lender even before you start looking at homes will provide peace of mind, make sure that you are looking at the "right" homes and may help you negotiate the best price on the home you select.
Do your homework - when you find the home that meets your needs and desires, research the tax assessments, school ratings, crime activity, possible zoning changes and comparable sales in the area.

As your real estate professional I can definitely help you with these important strategies to invest in a home to call your own, raise your family, feel safe and secure and share with your friends. Call for a recommendation of a trusted mortgage professional; there really is a difference.

I hope you and yours had a Great Thanksgiving. And remember if it is time to make a change in your life, perhaps real estate school may be the answer. A new class starts Monday December 5, at Martin Fellows Real Estate School here in Montgomery.

Life is Great! Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-24T09:57:00.000-06:00

THANKSGIVING MORNING in Montgomery, Alabama. I have so very many things to be thankful for it would take quite a while to list them all here. Our housing market in Central Alabama is still a bit "challenging", however we do sense signs of improvement. We do have plenty of quality homes available for buyers, and of course we still have our share of foreclosures. Smart investor clients are taking serious looks at the really great values being offered in some of the foreclosure, and in fact, they feel NOW is the time to invest in rental property before our market starts going up.

REAL ESTATE SCHOOL is still chugging along at Martin & Fellows Real Estate School. We do have a new class scheduled to start on Monday December 5. It is the "Pre-License" Class for people who want to get into real estate. It meets Monday and Wednesday nights, with a break for the holidays. All info can be found at our web site: More Details

Life IS Great! Have a Great Thanksgiving!

ANOTHER CLASS STARTING OCTOBER 3, 2011

2011-09-12T10:30:00.002-05:00

WELL, we are gradually seeing signs of improvement in our housing market here in the Montgomery, Alabama area! That's exciting. And as we see improvement, we are seeing a few more people thinking about trying their hand at becoming real estate agents.

IF you may be one of those people who have thought about getting into the real estate business, you're in luck. We have a new class starting Monday night Oct. 3, 2011. Classes meet Monday and Wednesday nights from 5:30-9:30. Tuition is $425, and that includes the books. For details and online registration, visit http://www.earlnotes.com/.

Space is limited to eight students for a comfortable conference room setting and good interaction and learning. There are still a few seats left. The Real Estate School where I teach is Martin & Fellows Real Estate School in Montgomery. The school is owned by "The Doctor of Real Estate", Earl Martin. Together, he and I teach many different classes and have a passion for helping other agents become better at serving the public

I Always Learn When Teaching New Agents

2010-10-09T10:46:00.003-05:00

After nearly thirty years of helping buyers and sellers, and many years of teaching classes to real estate agents, I still get excited about the opportunities I have to touch other people's lives.

And I continue to learn from all of these experiences!

Having just finished teaching the Post License Class, required of agents within six months of passing the Alabama Real Estate Licensing Exam, I am really pumped! What an exciting class it was! To have students who are motivated and excited about helping our country, by helping become a major part of the housing recovery, wow, what a thrill!

And I come away from my classes, always reminded that I always have more to learn. And I thank my students of our most recent class (at Martin & Fellows Real Estate School, headed by the "Doctor of Real Estate", Earl Martin) for giving me fresh insights and ideas.

Life is Good! And our market is improving every day!

Top Real Estate Trainer Dick Betts in Montgomery

2010-09-09T15:22:00.004-05:00

What a great session today in Montgomery with top trainer Dick Betts! Dick has been coming to Montgomery for several years, to provide seminars on all of the latest technology that affects real estate agents.

And as I just struggled for several hours earlier today, finally trying to setup my YouTube account, Dick's visit could not come at a better time! And now ready to start posting videos about all of the great lisings I have in Central Alabama in the Montgomery area.

And I will be teaching Real Estate Post License classes next week for newly licensed real estate agents, and I will be able to incorporate so many of Dick's ideas.

Tony Robbins "Breakthrough" TV Show

2010-07-28T15:05:00.004-05:00

I am sitting here preparing to teach a real estate class to students who aspire to become new real estate agents, and really do not have the time to convey all of my thoughts about Tony Robbins.

However, watching his new "Breakthrough" program on NBC last night stirred a number of emotions and memories.

I discovered Tony in the late 80's, bought his tapes, and he began to help change my life!

I have seen him in person, at one day seminars in Atlanta, two years in a row. When I discovered his book "Unlimited Power" many years ago, I bought and gave away many copies to friends. And after the program last night, I am inspired to reread, and reapply, the book.

Tony Robbins rocks!

$8,000 Tax Credit for First Time Buyers

2009-07-19T11:17:00.003-05:00

Sunday July 19, 2009 and I have been out early this morning putting up balloons on my Open House signs at 1229 Autumn Ridge Rd in Halcyon Summit. And it has been a gloriously sunny Sunday morning here in Montgomery. And recent stats show home sales are still up.
Several closings recently with buyers who realized the really great deal with the $8,000 Tax Credit. My buyer Friday is already having her tax preparer file an amended return for last year, so she can get the $8,000 NOW. What a great help for SELLERS, as an added incentive for Buyers.

Market Conditions for Montgomery, Alabama May 2008

2008-05-06T19:59:00.004-05:00

Market Conditions for Montgomery, Alabama

Reported by Jere Whitehouse - Associate Broker, CRS, ABR, GRI, SRES, E-Pro, Associate Broker

As of May 6, 2008.

I would like to share with you some great local news for Montgomery and the surrounding areas:

Home sales around Montgomery remained well below 2007 levels in March, but the pace has picked up compared to February, pointing to a shift in sales! The average Montgomery area home price climbed in March 2008 as compared to February, up to $156,390 from an average $150,618, though still down well below from home prices this same time last year.

This means "Great Buys" are still available for Home Buyers, AND a great "Value" for Home Sellers as home prices are coming back to reality!

Homes sold faster in Montgomery last month compared to February, bucking a statewide trend. Homes in the Montgomery area sold after an average of 93 days on the market as compared to 136 days statewide. The second quarter of 2008 continues to reflect a period of correction compared to historic levels, but contributing factors that are leading toward momentum and long term stability in the housing market include an improved credit environment, realistic buyer and seller value expectations, and continued improvement in the level of housing afordability!

The interest rates are still at historic lows, and the selection of new and existing homes in all areas and price ranges is "Excellent"

Spring is here, and there is lots of buyer activity with everything in bloom, schools are letting out for summer break, and Maxwell AFB is preparing for its annual migration of Air War College students and enlisted support... which is always a great boom for our local economy and greatly appreciated!

This is GREAT news for anyone wanting to buy, sell, or invest in the Montgomery Tri-County areas and now would be a great time to make a move in the real estate market.

Give me a call or send me an email and let me know your situation and how I can help! Together, I am sure, we can find a solution to meet your goals.

(334) 324-9485 or Jere@JereWhitehouse.com

Sincerely,

Jere Whitehouse

Time To Spring Forward!

2008-03-08T11:11:00.003-06:00

Time to Spring Forward!

As seasons change so do your real estate needs. Remember; when you´re planning to buy or sell, you can count on timely
service, experience, and commitment of
Jere Whitehouse and his team of real estate professionals at RE/MAX of Montgomery. When it´s time to move, you get results with
"Caring Real Estate Service
Beyond Expectations!"
From - Jere Whitehouse

In Aug. 2005, Congress passed an energy bill that included extending Daylight Saving Time by about a month. As of 2007, DST starts the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November.

Most of the United States begins Daylight Saving Time at 2:00 a.m. on the second Sunday in March and reverts to standard time on the first Sunday in November.

Arizona (with the exception of the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii and the territories of Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, Guam, and American Samoa are the only places in the U.S. that do not observe DST but instead stay on "standard time" all year long.
(And if you've spent any time in the sweltering summer sun in those regions you can understand why residents don't need another hour of sunlight.)

safety reminder
Many fire departments encourage people to change the batteries in their smoke detectors when they change their clocks because Daylight Saving Time provides a convenient reminder. "A working smoke detector more than doubles a person's chances of surviving a home fire". More than 90 percent of homes in the United States have smoke detectors, but one-third are estimated to have dead or missing batteries.

Have a wonderful safe weekend and give me a call! I look forward to hearing from you and am at your service when you are ready to make a move. Interest rates are near 40 year lows and now would be a great time to "Spring" into action!

Sincerely,

Jere

Home Sellers Take A Walk!

2007-12-27T12:21:00.000-06:00

When to Take a Walk

Your agent calls to say he is bringing prospective buyers to see your home. You quickly straighten up the living room, make the beds, and run the dishwasher. What should you do then? If you have to let them into the house -- then go to a friends house, take a drive or walk the dog!

Many owners think they should stay close by while their home is being shown. They are afraid that the real estate agent might miss the storage shelves in the basement or forget to point out the beautiful new floor in the kitchen.

It is better for the agent to miss something than for you to be ushering the buyers around, so resist the temptation to stay while your house is being shown.

Buyers usually base their decision to buy on an attraction that often has more to do with emotions than pure logic, and a lot goes on between buyer and agent during a showing. The buyer needs to evaluate the home's pluses and minuses, and the agent needs the opportunity to work with the buyer's objections. This process cannot take place comfortably if the seller is on the scene.

Does This Real Estate Tip Apply to YOU?

I've learned these tips through over 25 years of experience as a REALTOR in the Montgomery Alabama Area. But I know that YOUR situation might be different. That's why I'm here.
It's my job to personally advise homebuyers and sellers.

Feel Free to give me a call or send me an email should you have any questions or need any help buying or selling a home in Central Alabama. I look forward to hearing from you!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-20T16:29:00.000-06:00

Thanksgiving 2007 is upon us already! This is a time for counting our blessings, and I want you to know I am counting you too! I want to wish you a safe and wonderful holiday season this year and to express my thankfulness to you for visiting my websites and blogs and taking advantage of all the real estate resources I have been providing for you.

I am just a phone call or an email away, so please don’t hesitate to contact me with any home buying or home selling questions, or just to say hello and Happy Thanksgiving!

I am never too busy for my clients or their referrals; if you or anyone you know can benefit from my years of real estate experience, it is my pledge to provide you and them with the best “Caring Real Estate Service Beyond Expectations” because I really do care, and I want to be the best, and I want you to agree!

In the spirit of the season, I found a great house and home Thanksgiving resource of decorating ideas and recipes here from HGTV , and just for fun, here is some real estate trivia you may enjoy !

Happy Thanksgiving!
Jere

Jere Whitehouse - Associate Broker, RE/MAX of Montgomery

Phone: 334-324-9485
Email: Jere@JereWhitehouse.com
Website: http://www.yesmontgomery.com/

Real Estate News For November

2007-11-06T15:36:00.000-06:00

Despite all of the negative National news about the doom and gloom of the housing market, I am pleased to report that Central Alabama is still

"Alive and Well"!
You can STILL buy a home with No Money Down, under several really great loan programs available, and if you a are a seller in our area and hearing nothing but excuses as to why your home is not selling, let's talk!

This Newsletter is full of interesting and useful information that I think you will enjoy whether you are a buyer, seller, homeowner, or renter.

This month's issue includes topics such as:

"It's A Buyers Market. So, When Are You Going to Buy?";

"Don't Let Home Heating Wear Out Your Wallet";

"Safeguarding Your Mortgage Application Takes Commonsense";

"Important Facts That Will Affect Real Estate Pricing Over The Next 20+ Years";

"New ID Theft Study Points to Strangers";

Plus a roundup of October real estate activity as well as much more advice and information.

I hope you enjoy this monthly newsletter. If you have any comments, please e-mail them to me. Or, if you would like to see a certain topic covered in future months, let me know that too!

If you wish to recieve this newsletter each month, just call or send me an email and I will be happy to add you to my growing list of satisfied customers

Sincerely,

Your REALTOR:
Jere Whitehouse Associate Broker
November 2007
Caring Real Estate ServiceBeyond Expectations

It's A Buyers Market. So, When Are You Going to Buy? A buyer's market is technically defined as: "A market condition characterized by an abundance of goods available for sale." The in-depth definition from the same source is: "When a buyer's market exists in commodities, the buyer is able to be selective in purchasing contracts, as there are many individuals wishing to sell. Furthermore, these buyers will generally be able to purchase contracts at lower prices than those that were previously prevalent." The simple version is: when no one else wants a product of value -- buy it, because the price will be lower whereby you'll be able to maximize your investment for future gain. In essence -- buy low, sell high. When it comes to purchasing real estate, it's not as easy as investing in your 401K or savings account. Those are simple. You can select as little as $1 to invest each

Mortgage Rates U.S. averages as of October 25, 2007:30 yr. fixed: 6.33%15 yr. fixed: 5.99%1 yr. adj: 5.66%30 yr. jumbo: 6.98%
View current rates

Don't Let Home HeatingWear Out Your Wallet As sure as year-end holiday decorations hit the stores months early, the annual home heating fuel cost forecast will put a damper on season's greetings. The U.S. Energy Department's (DOE) 2007-2008 "Short Term Energy and Winter Fuels Outlook" is bleak thanks to both colder weather, than last year and record high fuel costs. Without the cooperation of Mother Nature and oil barons, conservation, weatherization and other fuel saving techniques will be key to saving on heating costs this heating season. Overall, when the four most common types of central heating were considered -- oil, natural gas, propane and electricity -- the DOE said the average cost of heating homes during the heating season will rise nearly $90 or 10 percent this winter compared with last year. Households warmed with heating oil will really get burned. The average heating oil bill is expected to rise by a whopping $319 this heating season,

Safeguarding Your Mortgage Application Takes Commonsense There are several factors that affect the real estate market as a whole. These factors can make the national market swing upward or downward. One is the employment expansion/shrinkage in the job market; secondly, is the availability of money to consumers; thirdly, is the size of the real estate inventory. When all of these come into alignment, you have a killer market that nothing can stop. When one gets out of kilter, it can make the market stall, shrink or halt no matter how strong the other two. It's a three-legged table, as it were. This is why even though you'll hear the stories nationally about real estate, it's not a national phenomenon. In the past year, 13 states have seen home sales price appreciation of more than 5 percent (National Association of Home Builders), as well as the number of home sales beating out the year before. Real estate, like politics, is local. So before you get excited or scared about a particular housing market, look and analyze what's going on locally to make a decision. With that said, there is a factor in preparing for a home purchase that both buyers and sellers have complete control over. Nothing about interest rates, inventory or employment

Winterize AgainstPesky Intruders Here's another reason to plug holes, stop gaps and otherwise winterize your home. Pests that get in can be just as expensive as heat that gets out. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) says the last thing you want in your home for the holidays are the kind of unwanted guests that can turn out to be real creeps. Roaches can trigger asthma. Mice can gnaw through electrical wires and insulation. So can rats. All three will get into your pantry. Yeech. Unfortunately, just as you want to stay inside where the warmth is delightful, so do vermin and they can be quite frightful. "Pests adapt to the changing environment and seek refuge indoors during the colder months," says Cindy
CONTINUED >>>
Daily News and Advice -->Read about the events shaping the Real Estate market today, find current interest rates, or browse the extensive library of advice and how-to articles written by some of the top experts in Real Estate. Updated each weekday.
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Important Facts That Will Affect Real Estate Pricing Over The Next 20+ Years

New ID Theft Study Points to Strangers

Popularity of Outdoor LivingSpaces Increases

Jere Whitehouse, Associate Broker,CRS,ABR,GRI,SRES,E-Pro Phone: 334-324-9485E-mail: Jere@JereWhitehouse.com

Web: www.yesmontgomery.com/ MontgomeryAreaHomeTours.com www.JereWhitehouse.com
RE/MAX of Montgomery334-324-94854240 Carmichael Ct. NorthMontgomery AL 36106
Equal Housing Opportunity

E-mail this Newsletter to a friend

Jere Whitehouse

RE/MAX of Montgomery

Phone: 334-324-9485

Email: Jere@JereWhitehouse.com

Website: www.YesMontgomery.com

Seller Beware

2007-10-26T15:54:00.000-05:00

Sellers Beware

Here is a scenario for sellers to avoid.

You contact a real estate agent to list your home and the agent suggests that you might get more for your house than comparable homes on the market. The agent assures you that it only takes finding one person who is willing to pay your price!

Some agents approach a listing appointment as if

they are bidding for your home.

The unfortunate result is that you start out with an unrealistic opinion of your home's value.
There is often a strong temptation to work with a person who says what you want to hear.

An experienced, reputable real estate agent will back up their opinion of your home's value with hard data. The agent should give you information about the listing price of homes that are currently on the market, and recent selling prices of similar properties in your immediate area.

Even the most heroic marketing efforts won't work on a property that is obviously overpriced, (except in the most exaggerated of seller's markets.)

Even if you find a buyer who is willing to pay more than your home is worth, the sale could fall apart when the appraisal comes in lower than the

agreed-upon price.

Listen to everything, but be careful!

Does This Real Estate Tip Really Apply to YOU?

I've learned these tips through years of experience as a

top real estate agent. But I know that

YOUR situation might be different.

That's why I'm here.
It's my job to personally advise homebuyers and sellers.

Does this tip raise questions for you? Let me know!

I am happy to answer ANY questions. It's my job!
There's no obligation, and

I promise to get back to you quickly...

Jere@JereWhitehouse.com

Thanks to Jere our family is together this year

2007-07-11T14:26:00.000-05:00

7/10/07
Hey Jere,

Your testimonials are what prompted me to give you a call in the first place. Now I would like to add ours to your growing list. You are amazing and new clients should know there is a difference in real estate agents!

I contacted you when the market was slow and our home had been sitting for over 6 months already. We needed to sell to get our family to my husband´s next military assignment. We were discouraged and prepared to be separated for a year if the house didn´t sell. When I spoke with you on the phone I asked you to just shoot straight with me. That is EXACTLY what you did!!

We scheduled an appointment for 2 days after our first phone call. Before meeting with us, Jere put together a booklet with our home on the front page. Reading over the information, we were amazed! Jere knew his stuff!

Jere arrived on time and ready to go. He put together realistic figures and a plan to get our home sold. He worked all Memorial Day weekend taking pictures and bringing signs and retaking pictures and getting the virtual tour up and running. In the first week we had more showings than in 6 months with our previous agent. Jere didn´t put us through the stress of an open house. Instead he directed open house goers to the virtual tour. That did the trick. Jere had our home sold within 3 weeks with a quick closing.

Thanks to Jere our family is together this year, instead of living apart. We love the military, but moving is stressful. Every move would go much smoother if we could work with Jere every time.

Moral of this testament.........There is a difference in real estate agents!!! Make Jere Whitehouse the FIRST person you call for all your real estate needs. In all of our moves we have NEVER worked with anyone more dedicated and dependable!

Ray and Angela Newbill
Major USAF

Lock Bumping Safety - Caring Real Estate Service Beyond Expectations

2007-03-06T10:52:00.000-06:00

There is a technique being used to break into people's homes that

I would like to help you be informed of.

It is called "Lock Bumping" and is the latest way that burglers and

other criminals gain access into houses.

Here is a news video of information to help you become aware of this problem and hopefully to prevent you from becoming a victim of this method of breaking and entering.

Just Click the Play Button in the center of the video below:

For more news and information about real estate related issues in Montgomery Area Alabama: Be sure and visit my website @ www.JereWhitehouse.com for all your real estate needs

Caring Real Estate Service Beyond Expectations

2007-02-14T12:26:00.000-06:00

Valentines Day 2007

On this occasion I am reminded of the mission statement for my real estate business. "Caring Real Estate Service Beyond Expectations". Most everything pertaining to being successful in this profession, besides knowledge and experience, boils down to one thing: Relationships.

My relationships built over the years with mortgage loan originators and processors, attorneys, other real estate professionals, home inspectors, pest control specialists, builders, maintenance engineers and the list goes on.... can make or break the purchase or sale of a home.

Of course, without the loyalty and support of the community: home buyers and sellers past and future - I would be out of business in a hurry.

I just want to take the time to thank you all.

Thank you for visiting my website at JereWhitehouse.com, my blogs, and a special thank you to all my past clients for trusting me with the most important investments of their lives - buying or selling a home.

I have been blessed and rewarded in so many ways because of all of you. Please know, I appreciate you all

Ten Reasons To List Your Home For Sale During The Winter

2007-01-16T22:53:00.000-06:00

There are many reasons to list your home for sale during this traditional "slow period" of real estate. The Montgomery area has and continues to enjoy record growth and expansion in both population and business. Montgomery is bursting at the seams, and our real estate market remains strong and robust. Here you can find 10 great reasons to get started to sell your home today!

Ten Reasons To List Your Home For Sale During The Winter
By Jim Remley, Pro Performer Seminars