Foreclosures declined 6 percent in May compared to April, but the number is still an increase of 18 percent compared to May 2008, reports RealtyTrac.
Nevada continued to have the highest foreclosure rate with one in every 64 housing units receiving a foreclosure filing in May, six times the national average.
These 10 states account for nearly 77 percent of total U.S. foreclosure activity: Nevada, California, Florida, Arizona, Utah, Michigan, Georgia, Colorado, Idaho, and Ohio.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Great New Listings and Open Houses
We are excited to announce a great new price on a well maintained home in Carver!!!!
748 Kirche Hill Road in Carver is now listed for $220,900. The current owners of this home have installed new carpet and pad thruout, along with fresh paint, new light fixtures, new hardware, new flooring, and much more. The quiet yard backs to a business and are the quietest neighbors your could ask for.
Our OPEN HOUSE schedule is now posted for this Sunday the 7th. Come and visit Sharla & Eric and check out some great opportunities!
8500 Cedar Court, Victoria - $335,000 open from 12-2
910 Anthony Way, Victoria - $429,900 open from 2:30 - 4:30
9108 Overlook Court, Chanhassen $510,000 open form 12-2
For more information, please visit StaffordFamilyRealtors.com or call 952.470.2575.
748 Kirche Hill Road in Carver is now listed for $220,900. The current owners of this home have installed new carpet and pad thruout, along with fresh paint, new light fixtures, new hardware, new flooring, and much more. The quiet yard backs to a business and are the quietest neighbors your could ask for.
Our OPEN HOUSE schedule is now posted for this Sunday the 7th. Come and visit Sharla & Eric and check out some great opportunities!
8500 Cedar Court, Victoria - $335,000 open from 12-2
910 Anthony Way, Victoria - $429,900 open from 2:30 - 4:30
9108 Overlook Court, Chanhassen $510,000 open form 12-2
For more information, please visit StaffordFamilyRealtors.com or call 952.470.2575.
Weekly Market Activity Report from MAAR
For the week ending May 23, there were 1,103 pending sales, which was down slightly from the week prior due to the Memorial Day weekend holiday. Despite the low-cal dip, the mark is still 27.2 percent higher than last year at this time. Of the week's sales, 43.2 percent were lender-mediated foreclosures and short sales. In week-by-week, year-over-year comparisons, sales are expected to be higher than last year for the remainder of the year.
Heavy sales and soft growth in new listings equate to no growth in the supply of homes for sale this spring—the time of year that typically shows the largest increases. There are currently 26,453 active listings, lagging 19.6 percent behind this time in 2008.
This week's edition of the MAAR Weekly Market Activity Report features a new Supply-Demand Ratio for June 2009 of 5.04, which means that there will be 5.04 houses per buyer during the month. This is an astounding 33.4 percent drop compared to June 2008.
Heavy sales and soft growth in new listings equate to no growth in the supply of homes for sale this spring—the time of year that typically shows the largest increases. There are currently 26,453 active listings, lagging 19.6 percent behind this time in 2008.
This week's edition of the MAAR Weekly Market Activity Report features a new Supply-Demand Ratio for June 2009 of 5.04, which means that there will be 5.04 houses per buyer during the month. This is an astounding 33.4 percent drop compared to June 2008.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Emerald Ash Borer Pests
Minnesota has officially seen its first Emerald Ash Borer Beetle. This exotic bug has already killed more than 50 million Ash trees in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana and Canada. With 872 million Ash trees, Minnesota is home to the third largest population in nation. If preventative measures are not taken, the state can expect to see potentially devastating results from these bugs.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Preventative measures can be taken to protect against the damage inflicted by the borer. Many Cities have an Arborist on staff that can answer questions or offer treatment suggestions; this is generally a great place to start. Jill Sinclair is the Arborist for the City of Chanhassen, she is reached at 952.227.1133. Another great resource is the Emerald Ash Borer Website.
The most recent discovery of the beetles was in St. Paul and measures have been taken to prevent the spread. The DNR and the Department of Agriculture request that you report any concerns regarding an infestation. They have set up an Arrest-The-Pest Hotline at 1.888.545.6684.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
Preventative measures can be taken to protect against the damage inflicted by the borer. Many Cities have an Arborist on staff that can answer questions or offer treatment suggestions; this is generally a great place to start. Jill Sinclair is the Arborist for the City of Chanhassen, she is reached at 952.227.1133. Another great resource is the Emerald Ash Borer Website.
The most recent discovery of the beetles was in St. Paul and measures have been taken to prevent the spread. The DNR and the Department of Agriculture request that you report any concerns regarding an infestation. They have set up an Arrest-The-Pest Hotline at 1.888.545.6684.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Welcome to 7095 Northwood Court, sited on a quiet cul-de-sac in the demand neighborhood of Longacres. This home is truly a Gem, with amazing living spaces designed and built specifically with Family and entertaining in mind. From its custom finished Lower Level to it stunning landscaped yard this home has no equal in Longacres.
From pillar to post this home features brilliant details. Crown Molding can be found in every room. The main level features a Separate Formal Dining Room and Living Room, a spacious Eat-In Gourmet Kitchen, Great Room with gas burning fireplace and built-ins.
The Kitchen features Maple hardwood floors, Birch Cabinets, Granite center island, Stainless Steel Appliances and a Work station.
You will find four bedrooms on the second floor including the private Master Suite. With a vaulted ceiling, large walk-in closet and bath with a double vanity, this is a wonderful retreat.
If the top two floors aren’t quiet enough, the custom finished Lower Level of this amazing home will. A perfect space for entertaining, relaxing or the big game, all your needs are covered with the stone faced fireplace, custom built-in entertainment center and full service Wet Bar. The granite countered Wet Bar features a full refrigerator, wine refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave.
There is another large bedroom on this level.
This home is sited on a beautifully landscaped, private cul-de-sac lot. With the professionally built Deck and Paver Patio, enjoy every moment of this lush retreat. The Deck has been wired for speakers.
The residents of this neighborhood are more than neighbors; the relationships built here become great friendships. With the winding streets, private parks, walking paths you'll enjoy the prime location of this neighborhood nestled between the City of Chanhassen and the Village of Excelsior. Experience Lake Minnetonka and all the conveniences of Chanhassen. Longacres is a unique neighborhood that has a welcoming feeling of community; many social events take place throughout the year including an Annual Picnic, Bunco, Book Clubs and numerous parties. Made up of 225 Lundgren Brothers built residences, Longacres is a neighborhood that people aspire to live in.
For a private showing, please contact us at 952.470.2575 or visit StaffordFamilyRealtors.com for more information.
From pillar to post this home features brilliant details. Crown Molding can be found in every room. The main level features a Separate Formal Dining Room and Living Room, a spacious Eat-In Gourmet Kitchen, Great Room with gas burning fireplace and built-ins.
The Kitchen features Maple hardwood floors, Birch Cabinets, Granite center island, Stainless Steel Appliances and a Work station.
You will find four bedrooms on the second floor including the private Master Suite. With a vaulted ceiling, large walk-in closet and bath with a double vanity, this is a wonderful retreat.
If the top two floors aren’t quiet enough, the custom finished Lower Level of this amazing home will. A perfect space for entertaining, relaxing or the big game, all your needs are covered with the stone faced fireplace, custom built-in entertainment center and full service Wet Bar. The granite countered Wet Bar features a full refrigerator, wine refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave.
There is another large bedroom on this level.
This home is sited on a beautifully landscaped, private cul-de-sac lot. With the professionally built Deck and Paver Patio, enjoy every moment of this lush retreat. The Deck has been wired for speakers.
The residents of this neighborhood are more than neighbors; the relationships built here become great friendships. With the winding streets, private parks, walking paths you'll enjoy the prime location of this neighborhood nestled between the City of Chanhassen and the Village of Excelsior. Experience Lake Minnetonka and all the conveniences of Chanhassen. Longacres is a unique neighborhood that has a welcoming feeling of community; many social events take place throughout the year including an Annual Picnic, Bunco, Book Clubs and numerous parties. Made up of 225 Lundgren Brothers built residences, Longacres is a neighborhood that people aspire to live in.
For a private showing, please contact us at 952.470.2575 or visit StaffordFamilyRealtors.com for more information.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Great News for First-Time Home Buyers!
HUD recently announced that qualified First-Time Home Buyers who want to take advantage of the available tax credit of up to $8,000 now have another option available to them to help them become homeowners.
It's clear that first-time home buyers have been having a major impact on the housing market this year. The National Association of Realtors announced that first-time buyers, who typically account for less than 40% of home sales each year, have been especially busy…in March, homes that were purchased by first-timers accounted for 53% of all sales, and this percentage is expected to hold true for all of 2009.
With home affordability higher than ever, available tax credits and some of the lowest interest rates ever recorded for home loans, who can blame them? Particularly as a first-time buyer, there may never be a better time to buy a home than right now.
However, the availability of a tax credit, while a great incentive, does not put the money in the hands of a buyer right away. HUD's announcement now allows for prospective and qualified home buyers to borrow the money from approved agencies and lenders.
HUD recently announced that qualified First-Time Home Buyers who want to take advantage of the available tax credit of up to $8,000 now have another option available to them to help them become homeowners.
It's clear that first-time home buyers have been having a major impact on the housing market this year. The National Association of Realtors announced that first-time buyers, who typically account for less than 40% of home sales each year, have been especially busy…in March, homes that were purchased by first-timers accounted for 53% of all sales, and this percentage is expected to hold true for all of 2009.
With home affordability higher than ever, available tax credits and some of the lowest interest rates ever recorded for home loans, who can blame them? Particularly as a first-time buyer, there may never be a better time to buy a home than right now.
However, the availability of a tax credit, while a great incentive, does not put the money in the hands of a buyer right away. HUD's announcement now allows for prospective and qualified home buyers to borrow the money from approved agencies and lenders.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Weekly Market Activity Report from MAAR
1,004. 1,046. 1,083. 1,078. 1,120. 1,185.
Notice a pattern? That's the number of signed purchase agreements each of the last six weeks in the Twin Cities housing market, growing most weeks as the spring buyer market heats up. The 1,185 pending sales during the week of May 9 were a robust 26.6 percent higher than the same week in 2008. Over the last three months, there have been 2,228 more pending sales than the same period last year.
There are some caveats to this good news:
1. Traditional home sales (excluding foreclosures and short sales) over those last three months are down 17.6 percent from a year ago.
2. Sales above $190,000 are down 19.2 percent from a year ago.
3. Sales of new construction homes are down 16.8 percent from a year ago.
Looking through a sharper lens is sometimes the best way to fully understand market dynamics. Take a look at our Housing Supply Outlook and foreclosures and short sales report to learn more.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Weekly Market Activity Report from MAAR
Not everyone is thrilled by increasing numbers, but what they represent in the Twin Cities housing market is nothing to worry for 108 minutes over. Two increases—pending sales and housing affordability—are indicating improvement in the local housing market.
There were 1,120 pending sales for the week ending May 2, a healthy 26.3 percent above last year at this time. The Housing Affordability Index, now at 219, is 45.5 percent above where it was a year ago.
Active listings continue to underwhelm at 26,450, a decrease of 19.5 percent from last year. The lower figure, coupled with increased sales, has in turn helped to create a Supply Demand Ratio of 5.02 for April—31 percent lower than last year. Combining this with the 24.5 percent drop in Months Supply of Inventory over the past year could speak to the amount of houses (and foreclosures) remaining on the market that are selling through.
We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but this could also usher in some new construction for the summer period. According to the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, there were 419 residential units permitted in April 2009, an increase of 43 percent over March 2009.
You don't have to be able to read hieroglyphics to see that within these numbers there could be some optimism found in what was once Lost.
There were 1,120 pending sales for the week ending May 2, a healthy 26.3 percent above last year at this time. The Housing Affordability Index, now at 219, is 45.5 percent above where it was a year ago.
Active listings continue to underwhelm at 26,450, a decrease of 19.5 percent from last year. The lower figure, coupled with increased sales, has in turn helped to create a Supply Demand Ratio of 5.02 for April—31 percent lower than last year. Combining this with the 24.5 percent drop in Months Supply of Inventory over the past year could speak to the amount of houses (and foreclosures) remaining on the market that are selling through.
We don't want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but this could also usher in some new construction for the summer period. According to the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, there were 419 residential units permitted in April 2009, an increase of 43 percent over March 2009.
You don't have to be able to read hieroglyphics to see that within these numbers there could be some optimism found in what was once Lost.
SO MUCH GOING ON!!!!
It has been another crazy week here in the Stafford Family Realtors Office. We have so much to report!
We have added another New Listing to our desk:
Presenting
748 Kirche Hill Drive, Carver
4 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom / 2 Car Garage
$234,900
MLS #3681868
This well maintained home is just a short walk from 2 neighborhood parks and historic downtown Carver. The current owners have put a lot of work into this home. Their efforts include new paint thruout, new carpet and pad, new light fixtures, new hardware, new wood flooring, new tile, new faucets in the bathrooms.... NEW, NEW, NEW! Great for a First time home buyer!
Take advantage of the new $8,000 Tax Credit as a first time home buyer. Stop by the open house on Sunday, May 17th from 12 -2 and find out more information.
We are also currently running a promotion! When you stop by any of our open houses this month, you can fill out a form to be entered to win a $50 gift card to Bachman's nursery.
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 16th
1 - 4 PM
1340 Alpine Pass, Golden Valley $399,900 -
Just Reduced $20,000! Now listed at $150,000 LESS than what the previous owners paid in 2008.
Sunday May 17th
12 - 2 PM
748 Kirche Hill Drive, Carver $234,900 -
Just Listed, this is the first open.
12 - 2 PM
9108 Overlook Court, Chanhassen $510,000 -
Another Great listing that has received a price reduction.
2:30 - 4:30 PM
6605 Pointe Lake Lucy, Chanhassen $872,000 -
Another Price Reduction! Beautiful Masterpiece in Minnetonka School District.
2:30 - 4:30 PM
8500 Cedar Court, Victoria $335,000 -
This one too!!! Just reduced. First open since reduction.
3 - 5 PM
910 Anthony Way, Victoria $429,900
Beautiful Twin Home loaded with all the upgrades. Granite, Tray ceilings, Private Master, One Level Living!
STOP BY AND SEE US!
For more information on these or any of our other listings, visit STAFFORDFAMILYREALTORS.com, or call 952.470.2575.
We have added another New Listing to our desk:
Presenting
748 Kirche Hill Drive, Carver
4 Bedroom / 2 Bathroom / 2 Car Garage
$234,900
MLS #3681868
This well maintained home is just a short walk from 2 neighborhood parks and historic downtown Carver. The current owners have put a lot of work into this home. Their efforts include new paint thruout, new carpet and pad, new light fixtures, new hardware, new wood flooring, new tile, new faucets in the bathrooms.... NEW, NEW, NEW! Great for a First time home buyer!
Take advantage of the new $8,000 Tax Credit as a first time home buyer. Stop by the open house on Sunday, May 17th from 12 -2 and find out more information.
We are also currently running a promotion! When you stop by any of our open houses this month, you can fill out a form to be entered to win a $50 gift card to Bachman's nursery.
OPEN HOUSE SCHEDULE
Saturday, May 16th
1 - 4 PM
1340 Alpine Pass, Golden Valley $399,900 -
Just Reduced $20,000! Now listed at $150,000 LESS than what the previous owners paid in 2008.
Sunday May 17th
12 - 2 PM
748 Kirche Hill Drive, Carver $234,900 -
Just Listed, this is the first open.
12 - 2 PM
9108 Overlook Court, Chanhassen $510,000 -
Another Great listing that has received a price reduction.
2:30 - 4:30 PM
6605 Pointe Lake Lucy, Chanhassen $872,000 -
Another Price Reduction! Beautiful Masterpiece in Minnetonka School District.
2:30 - 4:30 PM
8500 Cedar Court, Victoria $335,000 -
This one too!!! Just reduced. First open since reduction.
3 - 5 PM
910 Anthony Way, Victoria $429,900
Beautiful Twin Home loaded with all the upgrades. Granite, Tray ceilings, Private Master, One Level Living!
STOP BY AND SEE US!
For more information on these or any of our other listings, visit STAFFORDFAMILYREALTORS.com, or call 952.470.2575.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Weekly Market Activity Report from MAAR
We trust that you had a good May Day, International Worker's Day or early Cinco de Mayo celebration. Whatever your cause for celebration, the Twin Cities housing market did not take a holiday. During the week ending April 25, pending sales posted their fourth consecutive week of more than 1,000 sales, a feat not accomplished since 2006. The 1,078 sales represent a 34.1 percent increase over the same week last year.
Supply remains a different story. New listings were hitting the market at a robust pace last spring, but activity has been comparatively tepid this year. New listings are 16.4 percent behind one year ago and the overall supply of homes for sale trails last year by 19.0 percent. We have remained near 26,000 homes for sale for most of this year, betraying the healthy seasonal growth we typically see this time of year.
Yes, supply is down, but there's still plenty of inventory out there. April's showers are behind us, the Housing Affordability Index is stratospherically healthy, low mortgage rates persist, and a first-time buyer tax credit remains in effect. At this clip, your buyers could certainly find May flowers blooming in front of their newly purchased homes.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Weekly Market Activity Report from MAAR
Low mortgage rates, high affordability and government programs designed to encourage home purchases are continuing to spur home sales this spring despite an iffy economy. The week ending April 18 was the fourth consecutive week of pending sales activity that was more than 20 percent higher than during the same week in 2008. There were 1,083 pending sales for the week, up 21.3 percent from this time last year. It was also the third consecutive week of 1,000-plus unit sales, a first-time occurrence since 2006.
All these sales are quickly whisking inventory off the market at a time when new listing inventory is not growing at its typically robust spring rate. The number of total homes for sale is down 18.4 percent from a year ago at 26,318. As a result, the gap between this year's supply of homes and that of previous years continues to grow.
All these sales are quickly whisking inventory off the market at a time when new listing inventory is not growing at its typically robust spring rate. The number of total homes for sale is down 18.4 percent from a year ago at 26,318. As a result, the gap between this year's supply of homes and that of previous years continues to grow.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Weekly Market Activity Report from MAAR
Hopeful signs of a Twin Cities housing market recovery carry on thanks to a combination of no growth in the spring supply of homes for sale and still-improving sales figures.
Helping to keep inventory down is slow new listing activity, a metric that has been sluggish all year. For the week ending April 11, there were 20.7 percent fewer new listings than there were during the same week in 2008. Pending sales are still trending in the opposite direction, up 21.9 percent in year-over-year numbers to 1,046 for the week. That's only the second week of 1,000-plus pending sales or more since May 2007. If these two metrics persist, the market could be in for some serious re-balancing.
With the Housing Affordability Index reaching 218—an increase of 40.8 percent over last year—it seems to be an awfully good time for buyers to get off the wall and on the dance floor...being mindful that 29.1 percent of the dance partners are lender-mediated.
Helping to keep inventory down is slow new listing activity, a metric that has been sluggish all year. For the week ending April 11, there were 20.7 percent fewer new listings than there were during the same week in 2008. Pending sales are still trending in the opposite direction, up 21.9 percent in year-over-year numbers to 1,046 for the week. That's only the second week of 1,000-plus pending sales or more since May 2007. If these two metrics persist, the market could be in for some serious re-balancing.
With the Housing Affordability Index reaching 218—an increase of 40.8 percent over last year—it seems to be an awfully good time for buyers to get off the wall and on the dance floor...being mindful that 29.1 percent of the dance partners are lender-mediated.
Monday, April 20, 2009
CLEAR OUT THE CLUTTER
Spring is here and over the past few weekends I have noticed all the people cleaning out their garages and homes. Trash bins are overflowing with all the unused and cast off items that gathered dust all winter.
Are you one of these people? If so, instead of tossing out all that stuff come and visit us at the Annual Coldwell Banker Burnet for Bridging Event on Saturday April 25th, 2009 from 10-2.
Bridging is a non-profit organization that offers free household items and furniture for families in transition.
Tax receipts for donations are available.
Call us for more information! 952.470.2575
Are you one of these people? If so, instead of tossing out all that stuff come and visit us at the Annual Coldwell Banker Burnet for Bridging Event on Saturday April 25th, 2009 from 10-2.
Bridging is a non-profit organization that offers free household items and furniture for families in transition.
Tax receipts for donations are available.
Call us for more information! 952.470.2575
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Open Houses for Sunday, April 19th, 2009
Stafford Family Realtors are excited to announce our open houses for this upcoming Sunday. If you miss the ads in the Star Tribune, here is more information.
8500 Cedar Court, Victoria Open: 12-2
$349,900
4 Bedroom / 3 Bath / 3 Car Garage
Our newest listing! This beautiful custom built home from Sondegaard Forcier is finished with Pottery Barn touches. Freshly painted and newly enameled Kitchen accent the spacious open Great Room Floor plan. Featuring a Main Floor Office and large back yard.
606 Carver Bluffs Parkway, Carver Open: 12-2
$459,000
4 Bedroom / 4 Bath / 3 Car Garage
Sighted on the breath taking Carver Bluffs, this former Hans Hagen Model home is loaded with all the high-end amenities. Stainless Steel Appliances, Quartz Counters, Hardwood Floors, 2 Stone Front Fireplaces, custom stained built-ins on every floor and a Two Story Dining area.
3120 Shores Boulevard, Minnetonka Open 12-2
$215,000
3 Bedroom / 1 Bath / 33 Car Garage
Just steps from Lake Minnetonka and two neighborhood parks, this newly remodeled home features new everything! New windows, sliding glass patio door, Hardi Plank siding, new floors throughout, new kitchen, new appliances, new mechanicals, new bathroom, NEW, NEW, NEW!
9108 Overlook Circle, Chanhassen Open: 2:30-4:30
$520,000
5 Bedroom / 4 Bathroom / 3 Car Garage
Located in demand Springfield of Chanhassen, walk to Lake Riley, Bandimere Park or any of the many walking trails. The new Hwy 212 extension offers easy access to the entire metro area. Upgrades include a Gourmet Kitchen with Granite, Great Room floor plan and a loft that can be converted to a 4th bedroom on the second floor.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. For more information, please contact Stafford Family Realtors at 952.470.2575 or visit www.StaffordFamilyRealtors.com for more information on these or any of our other listings.
8500 Cedar Court, Victoria Open: 12-2
$349,900
4 Bedroom / 3 Bath / 3 Car Garage
Our newest listing! This beautiful custom built home from Sondegaard Forcier is finished with Pottery Barn touches. Freshly painted and newly enameled Kitchen accent the spacious open Great Room Floor plan. Featuring a Main Floor Office and large back yard.
606 Carver Bluffs Parkway, Carver Open: 12-2
$459,000
4 Bedroom / 4 Bath / 3 Car Garage
Sighted on the breath taking Carver Bluffs, this former Hans Hagen Model home is loaded with all the high-end amenities. Stainless Steel Appliances, Quartz Counters, Hardwood Floors, 2 Stone Front Fireplaces, custom stained built-ins on every floor and a Two Story Dining area.
3120 Shores Boulevard, Minnetonka Open 12-2
$215,000
3 Bedroom / 1 Bath / 33 Car Garage
Just steps from Lake Minnetonka and two neighborhood parks, this newly remodeled home features new everything! New windows, sliding glass patio door, Hardi Plank siding, new floors throughout, new kitchen, new appliances, new mechanicals, new bathroom, NEW, NEW, NEW!
9108 Overlook Circle, Chanhassen Open: 2:30-4:30
$520,000
5 Bedroom / 4 Bathroom / 3 Car Garage
Located in demand Springfield of Chanhassen, walk to Lake Riley, Bandimere Park or any of the many walking trails. The new Hwy 212 extension offers easy access to the entire metro area. Upgrades include a Gourmet Kitchen with Granite, Great Room floor plan and a loft that can be converted to a 4th bedroom on the second floor.
We look forward to seeing you on Sunday. For more information, please contact Stafford Family Realtors at 952.470.2575 or visit www.StaffordFamilyRealtors.com for more information on these or any of our other listings.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Weekly Market Activity Report from MAAR
It's becoming a wild and active spring for the Twin Cities housing market. First, pending sales ought to give REALTORS® some joy in their Easter baskets, with 1,004 reported for the week ending April 4—a 28.7 percent increase over last year and the best single week since May 2007. New listings went skyward compared to last week with 2,055 for the week ending April 4, but they remain 11.2 percent behind the same week a year ago.
The recent jump in sales is bringing the supply of available homes down even further. There are currently 26,085 homes on the market in the region—17.5 percent below this time last year and good for 7.7 months of supply.
Finally, like Warren Robinett in Adventure, this week's WMAR has its own Easter egg tucked away. The Housing Affordability Index for April has grown to 218, which means the median family income is 218 percent of what's necessary to qualify for the median priced home. For those of you scoring at home, that's a 40.8 percent increase over where we stood last year at this time and is 77.3 percent over our low point of 123 in July 2006. We have to bear in mind that increased lender-mediated activity makes that number supernaturally high.
All in all, dropping prices, low mortgage rates and government incentive programs for home buyers are making this a spring to remember.
The recent jump in sales is bringing the supply of available homes down even further. There are currently 26,085 homes on the market in the region—17.5 percent below this time last year and good for 7.7 months of supply.
Finally, like Warren Robinett in Adventure, this week's WMAR has its own Easter egg tucked away. The Housing Affordability Index for April has grown to 218, which means the median family income is 218 percent of what's necessary to qualify for the median priced home. For those of you scoring at home, that's a 40.8 percent increase over where we stood last year at this time and is 77.3 percent over our low point of 123 in July 2006. We have to bear in mind that increased lender-mediated activity makes that number supernaturally high.
All in all, dropping prices, low mortgage rates and government incentive programs for home buyers are making this a spring to remember.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Two Great New Listings!!!!
We are pleased to announce two great new listings brought to you by Stafford Family Realtors.
8500 Cedar Court, Victoria MLS# 3668083
$349,900
4 Bedroom / 3 Bath / 3 Car Garage
Pottery Barn beautiful, this home has been freshly painted and shows wonderfully. Newly Enameled kitchen cabinets. Main Floor Office can be used as a separate formal Dining Room or Bedroom. This home features amazing living spaces including a Great Room, Master Suite with private Bath and a Large Eat-in Kitchen.
6461 Oriole Avenue, Chanhassen MLS# 3667982
$259,000
4 Bedroom / 2 Bath / 2 Car Garage
This one won’t last long! Priced to sell, this home is NOT a short sale or foreclosure. Sited on a large lot with mature trees, just steps to Lake Minnewashta, schools, shopping and parks. Amenities include an updated Kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors under carpet in Dining/ Family Room, 3 Wood burning Fireplaces, 2 Full Baths and much more to see.
For more information on these or any of our other listings, please visit StaffordFamilyRealtors.com or call for a private showing to day.
952.470.2575
8500 Cedar Court, Victoria MLS# 3668083
$349,900
4 Bedroom / 3 Bath / 3 Car Garage
Pottery Barn beautiful, this home has been freshly painted and shows wonderfully. Newly Enameled kitchen cabinets. Main Floor Office can be used as a separate formal Dining Room or Bedroom. This home features amazing living spaces including a Great Room, Master Suite with private Bath and a Large Eat-in Kitchen.
6461 Oriole Avenue, Chanhassen MLS# 3667982
$259,000
4 Bedroom / 2 Bath / 2 Car Garage
This one won’t last long! Priced to sell, this home is NOT a short sale or foreclosure. Sited on a large lot with mature trees, just steps to Lake Minnewashta, schools, shopping and parks. Amenities include an updated Kitchen, beautiful hardwood floors under carpet in Dining/ Family Room, 3 Wood burning Fireplaces, 2 Full Baths and much more to see.
For more information on these or any of our other listings, please visit StaffordFamilyRealtors.com or call for a private showing to day.
952.470.2575
Thursday, April 2, 2009
FIRST ANNUAL MOVIE EVENT
First off, we would like to thank all of our Friends and Clients who came and supported our FIRST ANNUAL STAFFORD FAMILY REALTORS MOVIE EVENT.
With your generous support, we were able to collect over 370 Pounds of food for the CAP Agency Food Shelf.
We had a great time watching Monsters vs. Aliens with all of you and cannot wait for next year when we will try to top our numbers!
THANKS AGAIN!!!
With your generous support, we were able to collect over 370 Pounds of food for the CAP Agency Food Shelf.
We had a great time watching Monsters vs. Aliens with all of you and cannot wait for next year when we will try to top our numbers!
THANKS AGAIN!!!
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Open Houses for April 5th
We have some great homes open this Sunday!
1340 Alpine Pass in Golden Valley.
1-3:00 PM
We recently received a $20k Price Reduction on this Beautiful Condo Alternative in Tyrol Hills. Situated on a double lot, this home features a Gourmet Kitchen, beautiful Wood Floors and a totally remodeled Bathroom.
910 Anthony Way, Victoria
12-2:00 PM
Just Listed! This twin home lives large. Built from the specs of the model, you will find Granite, Custom Stained mill work and much more. This is main level living at its best!
6605 Mulberry Circle East, Chanhassen
1-3:00 PM
Pottery Barn finishes accentuate this home in award winning Minnetonka Schools. This is a great opportunity.
Please visit StaffordFamilyRealtors.com for more information or call 952.470.2575.
1340 Alpine Pass in Golden Valley.
1-3:00 PM
We recently received a $20k Price Reduction on this Beautiful Condo Alternative in Tyrol Hills. Situated on a double lot, this home features a Gourmet Kitchen, beautiful Wood Floors and a totally remodeled Bathroom.
910 Anthony Way, Victoria
12-2:00 PM
Just Listed! This twin home lives large. Built from the specs of the model, you will find Granite, Custom Stained mill work and much more. This is main level living at its best!
6605 Mulberry Circle East, Chanhassen
1-3:00 PM
Pottery Barn finishes accentuate this home in award winning Minnetonka Schools. This is a great opportunity.
Please visit StaffordFamilyRealtors.com for more information or call 952.470.2575.
Top 10 Most Heavily Taxed States
It’s April, so people’s thoughts are turning to taxes, and where they live makes a big difference in how much they pay.
Here are the 10 states with the highest taxes, including property, individual income, sales, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, motor vehicles, hunting and fishing, motor fuels, death and gift taxes, as well as insurance premiums. The per capita tax was derived by adding up all the taxes and dividing the total by the number of citizens.
1. Vermont, $3,861
2. Hawaii, $3,856
3. Connecticut, $3,596
4. Minnesota, $3,203
5. New Jersey, $3,024
6. New York, $3,019
7. Massachusetts, $2,953
8. Washington, $2,553
9. Wyoming, $2,357
10. Pennsylvania, $2,223
Source: Forbes, Matt Woolsey (03/30/2009)
Here are the 10 states with the highest taxes, including property, individual income, sales, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, motor vehicles, hunting and fishing, motor fuels, death and gift taxes, as well as insurance premiums. The per capita tax was derived by adding up all the taxes and dividing the total by the number of citizens.
1. Vermont, $3,861
2. Hawaii, $3,856
3. Connecticut, $3,596
4. Minnesota, $3,203
5. New Jersey, $3,024
6. New York, $3,019
7. Massachusetts, $2,953
8. Washington, $2,553
9. Wyoming, $2,357
10. Pennsylvania, $2,223
Source: Forbes, Matt Woolsey (03/30/2009)
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