Saturday, January 27, 2007

2006 Third Best Year for Sales

The National Association of Realtors® reports existing-home sales eased but prices stabilized as inventories tightened in December, while 2006 was the third-highest sales year on record.

Total existing-home sales – Total existing-home sales – including single-family, townhomes, condominiums and co-ops – eased 0.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 6.22 million units in December from a level of 6.27 million in November. Sales were 7.9 percent lower than a 6.75 million-unit pace in December 2005. There were 6,480,000 existing-home sales in all of 2006, down 8.4 percent from a record 7,075,000 in 2005. The second highest total was 6,779,000 in 2004; NAR began tracking home sales in 1968.

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Saturday, January 20, 2007

Paying Points Doesn't Pay

FreddieMac.com reported interest rates inched up within the past few weeks. The average rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage was around 6.21 percent compared to previous rates of 6.18 percent.

When rates inch up, borrowers become more interested in paying upfront discount points to reduce their interest rate over the life of the loan. One discount point is equal to one percent of the loan balance and is paid at the time of closing.

A new study by MarketWatch.com indicates that paying upfront points rarely saves the borrower money. You must weigh the upfront costs against the long term savings and most borrowers over-estimate the amount of time they will pay on the loan without refinancing or actually own the house.

If you are thinking of buying a home and are weighing your options concerning paying discount points, contact me. I'm glad to discuss this with you and assist with you with making a good home buying decision.

Also, visit TheDickeyGroup.com to receive new Highland County real estate listings as they hit the market. It's fast, easy, convenient and FREE.

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Monday, January 15, 2007

7 Mortgage Tips for 2007

BankRate.com has just released it's 7 smart mortgage moves for 2007 whether you already have a mortgage or are considering getting one. Read the full article to learn about the benefits of making pre-payments to paying mortgage insurance rather than getting a piggyback mortgage.

Contact me if you would like to talk with a reputable mortgage lender. I can recommend a lender who will provide you with superior products and service.

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Saturday, January 13, 2007

Ruby's Hearth

Recently, I received information about a local business, Ruby's Hearth, that provides accommodations in a "home away from home" atmosphere near downtown Hillsboro. In honor of Ruby Hedge Wicker, Ruby's Hearth operates as a service of compassion for the need to have a comfortable home environment, whether it be an emergency, business or pleasure.

The brochure explains that Ruby's Hearth is an upstairs private, furnished, two bedroom, one bathroom, furnished kitchen, apartment with all the comforts of home. Located only two blocks from downtown, a stay here provides easy access to many restaurants, stores, and health care facilities. It has a private entrance with a wrap around porch with table and chairs for enjoying the fresh air or dining outside. Ruby's Hearth has no handicap access and is a smoke free, drug free, alchohol free, pet free environment.

Buyers who are looking at and purchasing real estate are invited to make Ruby's Hearth a temporary "home" prior to moving in to your new home! To make reservations or to inquire about availability, please call Candy Hedge at 937.763.9979.

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Saturday, January 06, 2007

Future Plans for Local Middle and High Schools

Recently, the Quandel Group Inc. provided an image showing the aerial view of where various facilities at the new Hillsboro High School and Middle School will be located. Actual construction is expected to begin in April of this year. The new facility is expected to provide 150 percent more room than it currently has for middle and high school students.

Check out the entire article and picture here.

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Ohio Home Sales Continue Cool Down

The state's largest Multiple Listing Services report that home sales throughout Ohio slowed in November. Overall performance of the 2006 market has been strong despite less than ideal conditions.

Favorable interest rates, a solid supply of housing in all price categories and improving housing affordability is providing a solid foundation upon which would-be buyers can become home owners.

The statistics (data provided to OAR) show there was a slight decrease in statewide sales of new and existing homes last year (Jan. - Nov.) as well as a slight decrease in the state's average sales price.

Patrick O'Neil, president of the Ohio Association of REALTORS, states that "at some point the housing market was going to return to levels that are typical by historical standards in the Buckeye State....and this past year provided that opportunity."

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Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Presidential Thoughts

As we say goodbye to a former US President, I am reminded that seven US presidents have come from Ohio. I am excited and proud to say that our state has had so many active citizens in the political process. During the 1800s, Ohio became a central part of the nations by providing a link between the older colonies and the growing western frontier. This led to a rapid rise in population and set the scene for more people to become involved.

The seven individuals who would emerge as leaders of our country are: U.S. Grant - 18th President, Rutherford B. Hayes - 19th President, James Garfield - 20th President, Benjamin Harrison - 23rd President, William McKinley - 25th President, William Howard Taft - 27th President, and Warren Harding - 29th President.

Our Ohio history is rich with details, including many of national interest!

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