Doreen Johan - Sunset Coast Michigan

Here on the Sunset Coast, autumn has begun and the days seem shorter already. Real Estate sales and our market have been steady however certainly a different volume. The Bluffside Park in St. Joseph has been making steady progress and the Compass Fountain recently had the Grand Opening and the results are magnificent. The Farmer's market is still going strong on Saturdays with dozen or more great regional vendors, with the best apples, squash, flowers, honey and assortments that you could ask for. And service with a smile, ah the joys of my community and home, the Sunset Coast of Southwestern Michigan! Come and visit, you will find a special place on the Lake, that you will not want to leave.

Doreen Johan 2009 REALTOR of the Year Southwestern Michigan Association of Realtors

www.johanrealestate.com Owner RE/MAX Sunset Coast 269-449-9897

The city of St. Joseph has opened the new Whirlpool Compass Fountain. it is amazing and is part of the new BLUFFSIDE PARK. The completed park will open in 2010 BUT the fountain is fabulous and such a wonderful addition. The Grand Opening Ceremony was spectacular and I say, please say it with me, I LIVE IN PARADISE! The park is interactive with water flowing from below and above in a rhythm that is exciting to all who dare to get WET! GREAT fun and memories in the fabulous SILVER BEACH on LAKE MICHIGAN in beautiful St. Joseph, MI. See you there someday soon.

WANTED: BRAVE AND COURAGEOUS EMPLOYED BUYERS OF NEW HOMES!

NAR's seventh pulse survey shows that despite improvements in affordability conditions, eight in 10 Americans still consider having enough money for down payment and closing costs to be the biggest obstacle facing them regarding buying a home. The survey measures how affordable housing issues are affecting consumers, has also found job security concerns to be the highest in seven years of sampling. Two-thirds of Americans think job layoffs and unemployment are a big problem; eight out of ten state these are issues and barriers to potential future homeownership.

Some of the key results from the NAR phone survey are:

• Eight in 10 Americans (82 percent) still consider having enough money for down payment and closing costs to be the biggest obstacle to buying a home.
• Two-thirds of Americans think job layoffs and unemployment are a big problem; 83 percent cite these issues as a barrier to homeownership.
• Eighty-three percent of Americans still believe buying a home is a good financial decision.
• Three-fourths of those surveyed also believe now is a good time to buy a home, a number that has increased steadily the past two years.
• The number of those who feel buying and selling activity has stabilized or stayed nearly the same has grown significantly, up more than 44 percent since last year.
• The majority (58 percent) report that activity in their market has slowed.
• Regarding home sales, nearly eight in 10 say it's harder to sell a home in their area today than it was a year ago, despite the fact that nearly three-fourths of respondents say home prices are less expensive.
• Foreclosures remain a real concern among survey respondents. Slightly more than half (51 percent) say foreclosures are a big to moderate problem in their area.
• The rate of foreclosures is generally seen as stabilizing; 41 percent say the rate of foreclosures in their area is about the same as last year.
• Ninety-two percent of respondents said neither they nor members of their immediate family have experienced a foreclosure in the past year, yet it is still a personal concern for many. One in five respondents said they are very or fairly worried that they will have difficulty making their mortgage payments over the next year.
• Thirty-two percent say it's a big or moderate worry that they, or a member of their family, may have their home repossessed or foreclosed because they are unable to pay rising monthly mortgage payments.
• In 2008, more than half of respondents (54 percent) were open to the federal government taking a more active role in overseeing mortgage and lending practices. The number dropped this year to 47 percent.
• Forty-two percent of Americans believe the country is back on the right track, more than double the number last year (16 percent).

Come on folks, let's breathe, respond and take forward motion related to housing in our country!

Southwestern Michigan is a desireable and fulfilling place to live, work and play! Another day in paradise!

Lake Michigan Sunsets are FREE!

www.johanrealestate.com Doreen Johan, REALTOR, Owner RE/MAX Sunset Coast

2009 Southwestern Michigan REALTOR of the Year

Buyers and Sellers UNITE! In the housing market, there is certainly one totally obvious fact before us. People want value. We want to live in the very nicest possible home for the very least possible amount of money. We want more for less. The Investors want to buy the lowest priced home to sell for the absolute most possible profitability. It is really that simple. We want more for less. The new normal we are muddling through has put us all on our toes for sure. Sellers must present an upgraded property and be prepared with a competitive price. Sellers must be the best home in the price range, and get it right early, not WHEN YOU HAVE HELPED TO SELL ANOTHER HOME! Buyers are enjoying the assertive role they currently have.

SHARPEN the curb appeal, sharpen the pencil and stay UNITED, the REALTOR is at the center of the transaction!

Doreen Johan 2009 REALTOR of the YEAR Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS

RE/MAX Sunset Coast www.johanrealestate.com 269-449-9897

Southwestern Michigan offers miles of coastline on beautiful Lake Michigan. How happy I am to live work and play in beautiful St. Joseph MI. As I walked the beach boardwalk, rode my bike all around the new fountain and carousel area at SILVER BEACH, I had to pinch myself to say, I LIVE HERE! I provide opportunities for my clients HERE in this vacation paradise and wonderful community I call HOME!

Life is Good www.johanrealestate.com Doreen Johan 2009 REALTOR of the YEAR Southwestern Michigan Association of REALTORS call 269-449-9897 for Full Service Real Estate Representation BUYING SELLING or INQUIRING