About Laclede County, MO

Home buyers have been lurking in the shadows of the internet for quite a while now. They've been looking at listings day after day, waiting for the right time to step into the light and let their presence be known. They've been still and quiet, but are starting to get restless. And now they're ready to move. Crawling out amongst those of us in the real estate world. Asking the professionals to help them get the best deals on the perfect property.

Why should this matter to you? Because your property isn't listed and readily available for the buyer to see. Here's just a few reasons that now is the time you should hire me to sell your home.

TAX CREDIT

The new tax credit for home buyers, of up to $8,000, is helping to get them out in the open. Let's face it, everybody loves free money! When they realize the government is going to GIVE them money just for buying a home, they're all for it.

SPRING FEVER

Yes, spring is here, indeed! And with it comes an itch. An itch to do something, go somewhere, get busy, and move. It's also the peak time for home sales. Write an offer today, wait a month to close, get moved and settled in before the summer hits with full force. Then they're ready for bar-b-ques and family get-togethers with plenty of time to relax before the next school year.

THE BOTTOM OF THE MARKET IN LACLEDE COUNTY?

Buyers have been waiting and waiting on that one word to be said...Bottom. Everyone wants to time the market perfectly to get that killer deal. But buyer's are beginning to realize that nobody really knows where "bottom" will land. They're becoming fearful that if they wait too long the prices will start going up, and they will have missed their opportunity.

I'M SERIOUS ABOUT SELLING HOUSES

I'm not in the market of listing houses. I'm here to sell them. It's no big secret that listing a property costs me money until it closes, and I can't afford to lose a dime. I'm hungry, and I like to eat. Real estate isn't a hobby or part time job for me. It is my way of life.

FINDING THE PERFECT HOME FOR THE BUYER

Yes, there are homes available for these buyers. But is the perfect home available? Can they find it? Buyer's may look at dozens of properties before picking one to buy. Even the one they choose may not be the perfect home. They eventually either get frustrated or settle for second best. Your home may be just the one they're looking for so let's get it on the MLS for everyone to see!

Give me a call and we'll work together to present your home to the buyers and get it SOLD.

This report pertains to residential homes on less than 10 acres sold from Jan 1st to March 12th as reported by the Lebanon Board of Realtors MLS.

In the first 2 ½ months this year there were 28 homes sold for a total of just over 3.4 million. The average price of these homes was almost 122 thousand and the median price at 96K these homes had an average time on the market of 150 days. There are currently 11 homes listed as under contract in the Lebanon MLS and those homes have an average price of 65 thousand.

Year to date the 28 homes sold is, just over half of last years 48 during the same time frame, the average price is just over

122 thousand dollars way up from last years 109K; the YTD volume of 3.4 million is under last years 5.4 million. Our average time on the market this year of 150 days is similar to last years 157 day average.

As of this morning there were 333 homes with less than 10 acres, listed with the Lebanon MLS compared to 350 last year in the same week. The average asking price is 145 with median asking price of just about 120; these homes have an average time on the market of 170 days.

Well the big stories this year have so far have been about how to stimulate the economy, and what I pay closest attention to is how to stimulate the real estate market. No one can predict the future but there is good indication that those qualified and needing a home will buy this year. Prices nationwide are down drastically, and locally prices are down as well. With the 8000 tax credit for 1^st time buyers and extremely low mortgage rates there has never been a better time to buy. Many consumers don't understand how the 8000 tax credit works, well here is an overview; If you have not owned a home as your primary residence in the last 3 years you may be considered a first time home buyers. The tax credit is equal to 10% of amount you buy your home for or a maximum of 8000 dollars. Unlike a tax deduction a tax credit is applied directly to you tax liability so you will most likely be entitled to receive the entire amount in cash come tax time. Unlike last years tax credit you are not required to pay this money back but you do need to live in the home you purchased for at least 3 years. As with any big financial decision you should consult your accountant to determine how this credit will effect your individual situation.

Yesterday I told you about my clients looking for a home in the Laclede County R-1 school district. They lost out on a home in Phillipsburg MO by a matter of minutes!

We're still looking!

If you own a home in the Laclede County R-1 school district and are in Lebanon MO, Conway MO or Phillipsburg MO please read on...

This couple is looking for a home:

• with a little bit of land, 3+ acres would be ideal
• at least two full bathrooms is a must
• at least three bedrooms
• hard wood floors would be nice, but not required
• a basement would be nice
• a storm shelter would be a great bonus
• easy access to I-44 would be a plus
• in good condition - not a whole lot of work please

If you have a home you think would be of interest to my client, and you are willing to sell, call me at 417-533-4015 or email me at debbie@ucvip.com
All contacts will be held in confidence.


Debbie DiFonzo, e-PRO, GRI, SRS
Broker/Owner
United Country VIP Realty

417-532-2031 Lebanon MO office phone
417-468-5900 Marshfield MO office phone

www.FindYourFreedomMissouri.com

What an incredible day!

I am working with a wonderful couple that have three daughters. They transferred to the Lebanon Missouri area a few years ago and have been renting since then. Feeling they will stay here, without another transfer in the near future, they decided to buy. They have been to the bank, they have been pre-approved and have money in the bank for a down payment. All the pieces are in place to make an offer on a home.

Earlier this week, we looked at a foreclosure in Phillipsburg Missouri. Our choices have been some what limited as they want to stay in the Laclede County R-1 school district. There isn't a whole lot for sale in this school district, as it ranks well in the State and has a very strong reputation in the area. There is limited turn over within the boundaries of the district.

So... back to my story. We look at the home. A few family members look over the home. The buyers made a list of potential repairs and went home to talk about an offer. They later called to say they would be in Friday morning, their day off, to write an offer.

This morning, we meet at the Lebanon MO office and I pull up the data sheet. I go on to pull up our state forms software, flipping back to the MLS data sheet. Upon doing so, the page refreshes...what do I see? The home is now under contract? What? Five minutes ago it still showed as "active."

Placing a call to the listing agent, I find out that the REO company did indeed accept an offer this morning from another local buyer.

My buyers lost a home that had everything they were looking for - the right school district, a little bit of land, no major repairs, a storm shelter or safe room and at least two full baths.

As of today, the home had been on the market 169 days. They thought they had plenty of time. They thought it wasn't going any where any time soon. They thought homes weren't moving - that is what the media told them.

The morning was an emotional roller coaster.

Our market has seen an increase in Internet traffic and an increase in telephone calls. It looks like we'll also see an increase in pendings and solds in the near future.

If you're thinking of buying or selling, why wait?

~~~~~~~~~~

Contact Debbie DiFonzo, Broker, United Country VIP Realty, at 417-468-5900 to list your property for sale or to purchase a property in Marshfield, Conway, Phillipsburg, Lebanon, Long Lane, or Buffalo, Missouri.

Contact Debbie at: Debbie@ucvip.com

Copyright © 2009 By Debbie DiFonzo, All Rights Reserved.

Thinking of selling your Southwest Missouri property? Wait no more - do it now!

This week I've spent a great deal of time talking to people about the First Time Homebuyer tax credit being offered by the Federal government as well as the Tax Advance program being offered by the State of Missouri. There have been a ton of questions and I'm loving every minute of it!

While it's still early in the program, the buying public has taken note and is looking into their buying options.

Here are four reasons I believe now is a great time to list your home to SELL:

1. New inventory will get noticed! Many properties on the market today have been there for a long, long time. The issue may be price, it may be condition or perhaps even difficulty in showing the home. Agents have seen these properties and have made their judgment call. Buyers have seen these properties on the Internet and have their reservations. A home that has not been on the market recently will get noticed.

2. Local buyers are asking about the 1st time buyer tax credits - The majority of questions we've received this week have come from RENTERS in the area. One or two have made the decision to stay in the area, put down roots and buy a home. A few realize there may never be a better incentive to buy than there is right now.

3. Rates are still historically low - Compared to previous down turns in real estate, interest rates are incredibly low. Buyers can still buy more home for their money due to lower rates. I do believe this time next year we will see higher interest rates.

4. Out of state buyer interest is picking back up - Real estate is selling in areas outside of Missouri. We are again seeing inquiries from around the country; as properties out of state are selling, people are able to come into the state of Missouri and BUY homes, farms and commercial property. This is new money that can be used to buy your home.

And, a bonus: This is a great time to take advantage of the lower interest rates for YOURSELF, especially if you are in need of a larger home or more land.



If you'd like more information on the programs available to your buyers:

Are you a First Time Homebuyer in South Central Missouri? 10 things to know

MHDC Tax Credit Advance Loan Program for 1st Time Home Buyers in Missouri

Frequently Asked Questions About the Home Buyer Tax Credit

Expanded Tax Break Available for 2009 First-Time Homebuyers