Linda Zyla

Top Five Reasons Why Not To Wait For The Market To Come Back:

1) Demand for existing homes are at it's peak
2) Less competition from new home sales
3) You can buy more home for your money
4) Tax incentives of $6,500/existing homeowners & $8,000/new buyers
5) Mortgage interest rates are low at around 5%

Since early 2006 home prices in Northwest Indiana have fallen an average of 30% from the market peak. What does this mean for home owners who have decided to "wait for the market to come back"? A long wait, a very long wait.

First remember at the peak of the market, home building was very active and new homes were going up everywhere. Buyers took note and the majority of buyers only wanted to view "newer homes" Existing home sales lagged behind new home sales 2-1 or even 3-1 in some areas.
The new home market is at a virtual standstill, with a limited new homes being built. That's good news as there is way less competition for the sale of your home.

Buyers see the value in purchasing an existing home. Buyers are pleased that they can buy a bigger home (more square footage) at a lower price than new construction. Buyers are also finding out that they are able to afford a home in areas that previously were not in there price range.

Additionally, tax incentives allow existing home owners to buy a new home and receive $6,500. You don't have to sell your existing home, you can rent it out - you just have to live in the new home.

Finally, remember that market prices have not even begun to rise. Even if prices rise at 6% per year - (at that's not happening) it could take 5 to 7 years for your home sale price to increase to the peak market price. Can you afford to wait that long? When and if the market swings back and the value of home prices begin to rise, so does the desire of buyers wanting new homes.

In conclusion, with the $6,500 tax credit for existing home owners or $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers, PLUS the active existing home market creates the best time to purchase a new home. Finally, mortgage interest rates continue to be very low at around 5%.

Homeowners often are afraid of listing their home for sale without finding their next home first. Shopping for a home, when you are not in a position to buy can be a painful experience.Let's say you visit 10 homes, and finally find a great new home! But wait, you are not in a position to buy. The seller of the great new home (as with most sellers) will not accept an offer from you based upon the contingent sale of your home. Thus, the dream home is sold to someone else and you miss the opportunity.The best homeowners list their home first and then look for a new home. You can always list your home "subject to finding home of choice". This means if you don't find a great new home, you don't have to sell. Remember, every neighborhood has an "average market time" meaning the average days on market to sale. In Northwest Indiana, the average is about 120 days or 4 months. So even if you list your home today, it could take a few months to find a buyer.The best advise is to list first and shop for the new great home second.

There is one thing that every home seller can do to assist their REALTOR in selling their home - TALK ABOUT IT!

When your REALTOR is out and about, we are always looking for opportunities to talk about home sales, share market data and look for potential home buyers. The bigger the net(work) the more fish you will catch.

So if you want to help your home sell FASTER, be sure to tell everyone you know that your home is for sale and talk about your moving plans. You get the conversation started by asking for moving company references, or if they know of anyone who has used the home buyer tax credit.

Just start the conversation - remember the more people who KNOW that your home is for sale - increases the opportunities for sale!

Thinking about downsizing or a lifestyle change away from lawn care and snow removal? Look no further than beautiful BRIDGEWATER ESTATES, Valparaiso's premier maintenance free community. This lovely neighborhood on the city's northside, features all brick single family and paired patio ranch homes.

JFM Homes, recently completed an outstanding paired patio ranch home located at 3608 and 3610 Bridgewater Drive. Presently offered by John Santner and Linda Zyla of Century 21 Alliance Group, these homes offer plenty of features and benefits to the discriminating buyer. Real Estate Professional, Linda Zyla notes:

You will be delighted with this well appointed all brick home. Step into the wide foyer and see the open concept living area. The cathedral ceilings grace the living room with frazie carpet, gas fireplace w oak mantel & raised brick hearth, dining room with brazilian hardwood floor, ceiling fan and the kitchen with birchwood cabinets, Brazilian hardwood floor, pantry, stainless steel sink, laminate counters with beveled edge and extra high backsplash. Enjoy the outdoors from your spacious 14 x 16 balcony. The details continue in the master bedroom with two extra large, lighted closets, frazie carpet and private bath. The master bathroom with marble vanity, birch cabinets, comfort height toliet and walk in 4' shower with seat. The guest bedroom is spacious with frazie carpet and ceiling fan. A main floor laundry alots for full size appliances. The lower level has another 1400 sq ft and is partially studded for future expansion. Maintenance free area with snow removal and lawn care.

To visit the neighborhood take Calumet Avenue NORTH and turn EAST on to Country Club Road. Turn NORTH into the BRIDGEWATER ESTATES on Bridgewater Drive to home.

Stop by and see this delightful home on SUNDAYS from 1-00 to 4:00 p.m.

Homebuyers seeking wide open spaces often desire a neighborhood with larger lot sizes. Valparaiso offers many neighborhoods with larger lot sizes in a variety of price ranges.

On the upper price point is Bridlewood on Joliet Road with rolling hills, creek and a minimum of 3,000 sq ft homes. On the west side of the city is Harrison West a gated community of luxury homes and Pepper Creek with large open expanses. Hawthorne Hills, just south of US 30 is under development and offers both new homes and lots.

For midrange homebuyers, Glenwood Hills, Hunters Point, Lakeside Meadows, Lexington Farms, Meadow Glen, Saeger Estates, Sylvan Manor and Valley View offer an excellent selection of homes.

So if you are looking for a home with a larger lot size, Valparaiso provides a multitude of neighborhoods in various price ranges for today's home buyer