Ithaca, NY

Congratulations! You've decided to sell your home...but wait, what's that? You don't want to use a REALTOR to assist you?

"Why should I use a REALTOR to sell my home? It costs too much and I can do just as good a job."

And to that I say... please reconsider! You may be costing yourself more, more time, frustration and money by not consulting a REALTOR!

Did you know that sellers who use a real estate professional make 16 percent more* on the sale of their home than do sellers who go it alone.

REALTORS® are real estate professionals who are experts in marketing and negotiation.

REALTORS® can help a seller set a realistic price and ensure the proper paperwork and various disclosures and inspections are handled correctly.

REALTORS® know best how to prepare a home and maximize value, provide broader exposure to the market and are more likely to generate multiple bids than a seller on their own.

REALTORS® are experts in attracting qualified buyers. A professional can show a home more objectively than can a seller who may be emotionally attached to the home. The real estate pro also checks the financial capability and bona fides of buyers before allowing them onto a seller's property.

86% of buyers found a home through a real estate agent

80% from the Internet (then contacted a REALTOR)

69% from a REALTOR yard sign

Real Estate professionals can also navigate you through the local market landscape: advising you on the best marketing strategy and target audience for your area. They can also update you regularly with local market stats and keep tabs on your housing competition.

They can also find ways to save you money when it comes to closing costs, survey's, and inspections.

Oh wait, you didn't think about the closing costs and a seller's net sheet? Just another reason to hire a REALTOR to help with your home sale.

So, if you are thinking of selling, think of a REALTOR first and remember...

*Source: Realtor.org

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Ithaca Oasis - Grand Opening This Saturday, April 18th!

Okay, it's not your typical Real Estate topic, but it's REAL! And it pertains to signs of our local market conditions - certain businesses are GROWING in spite of the national slump we keep reading about. One of these, is the old Commonground, under new management (by Pam K), and re-emerging as "ITHACA OASIS" on Rt. 96B.

You must check this out - if not for the wine or tequila tastings (two Tuesdays a month), then for the live jazz sets on Friday at happy hour, or for Noche Latina, a crowd-pleasing format of dance instruction followed by a DJ'ed night of great latin dance tunes. People are totally cutting it up out there - you wouldn't know it was happening from the unassuming look of the place. Weekends tend toward bringing the party outdoors, especially as we move into better weather. Pam is doing a wonderful job with the event calendar - this week's lineup includes the Zydeco Trail Riders and Diana Leigh's Jazz Quartet on Saturday, and on Sunday, a "reunion" gig featuring Marie Burns, Harry and Eric Aceto, Chris Broadwell and Doug Richards. South Hill residents take note! The Hill is ON FIRE!!!

WHAT STRIPE ARE YOU??

So there you have it - an all stripes welcome, kick up your heels, put on your party dress venue where you can SPEND MONEY and help your new local businesses stay around and THRIVE into the coming decade!

That is it for this week's edition of "THE SHORT REPORT" by Santos!

See you on the dance floor ;-)

Okay, it's not your typical Real Estate topic, but it's REAL! And it pertains to signs of our local market conditions - certain businesses are GROWING in spite of the national slump we keep reading about. One of these, is the old Commonground, under new management (by Pam K), and re-emerging as "ITHACA OASIS" on Rt. 96B.

You must check this out - if not for the wine or tequila tastings (two Tuesdays a month), then for the live jazz sets on Friday at happy hour, or for Noche Latina, a crowd-pleasing format of dance instruction followed by a DJ'ed night of great latin dance tunes. People are totally cutting it up out there - you wouldn't know it was happening from the unassuming look of the place. Weekends tend toward bringing the party outdoors, especially as we move into better weather. Pam is doing a wonderful job with the event calendar - this week's lineup includes the Zydeco Trail Riders and Diana Leigh's Jazz Quartet on Saturday, and on Sunday, a "reunion" gig featuring Marie Burns, Harry and Eric Aceto, Chris Broadwell and Doug Richards. South Hill residents take note! The Hill is ON FIRE!!!

WHAT STRIPE ARE YOU??

So there you have it - an all stripes welcome, kick up your heels, put on your party dress venue where you can SPEND MONEY and help your new local businesses stay around and THRIVE into the coming decade!

That is it for this week's edition of "THE SHORT REPORT" by Santos!

See you on the dance floor ;-)

Some positive news about the housing market is starting to trickle in lately: Marketwatch reports that the rate of existing home sales is up 5.1% on the national level, boosted by price discounting. As a true sign of the times, the article states that 45% of the transactions recorded in February came from "Short" or distressed property sales, which have been averaging a 20% discount off current market values. See the entire article here.

If you are contemplating a short sale purchase, be aware of some of the myths and trends around these sales. You may need more time to close the transaction, and the bank may not necessarily "give" the house away. However, if you have the patience to get through the process, you may benefit by acquiring an excellent, under-valued property which will enhance your equity position, once you become the new owner. Hire an informed agent to help you identify potential properties, and present your offer in the best way possible. And be sure to have your attorney available for a thorough review of the contract. There are many opportunities out there - it IS a great time to buy!