David Angione

Friday, August 7, 2009

Doing the Happy Dance

Today's a good day to do a happy dance. Not only is it Friday (which is reason in itself to do a happy dance) but SCAR will be releasing another positive statistical report over the next few days.

Statistics for July for Stark County reported an average selling price of $119,613, and increase over June's average selling price of $110,900 Additionally, the number of solds (residential/condominium) also recorded an increase to 332 in July from 327 in June, while the average days on market held steady at 96.

Unfortunately, statistics for July for Carroll County were not as positive. Average selling price for July was $88,075, compared to $102,638 in June. Additionally, the number of solds dropped to 12 in July from 16 in June. The only positive sign was that average days on market dropped ever so slightly to 114 in July from 115 in June. Keep in mind though, one low transaction can skew the numbers greatly.

Are you dancing yet? If not, dust your dancing shoes off because here's the kicker. (You will want to share this information with your clients. Besides being just plain good news, it's great marketing material!)

Remember how dismal January was (and I don't just mean how bleak it was when it snowed). The average selling price was $73,384, and the number of solds was 161 for Stark County.

Skip ahead to March, when we thought there was a break (and not in the weather). The average selling price was $86,008 and the number of solds was 248.

The average selling price skipped up more in May to $96,551, along with the number of solds which jumped to 262.

So here we are - midway through 2009 and we have increased substantially. Did you think this would happen? What are your thoughts for the rest of the year? Will we be dancing in to the New Year or do you think the market will slow when the holidays roll around? Posted by Wired In at 9:03 AM

From NKBA: When Home Owners May Want Something Besides Granite

May 7, 2009 by Melissa Tracey · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Home Trends

By Barbara Ballinger

ATLANTA-Granite may still be the benchmark for countertops-with its high quality, unique colors and patterns, and great durability-but more home owners are seeking alternatives in the latest chic materials that also offer sustainability.

Cosentino, a company based in Almeria, Spain, offers granite selections but also provides manmade quartz alternatives, including Silestone. It's the largest quartz manufacturer in the world.

The company recently debuted its new Eco green line at the National Kitchen & Bath Association's annual convention in Atlanta. The material is made from materials-glass, ceramics, ash, stone, resin-that are 75 percent recycled. Its Eco line comes in 10 colors.

For those who still desire marble with its luxurious old-world look and elegant veining, company executives say, "go for it," but beware that it can stain and chip since it's soft. If spills occur, it needs to be cleaned immediately.

To read more about the latest trends in kitchen materials, read Architecture Coach: From Corian to Cork
to learn what design experts say are the hottest materials, and some old favorites, that offer a big impact in the kitchen.

Barbara Ballinger is a freelance writer for REALTOR® magazine.

4 Interior Painting Tips
Painting is a quick and easy way to liven up a listing. But some smart prep work can make a huge difference in the quality of the results. April 2009

1.Get the surface ready.

You want the paint to glide on smoothly, so be sure the surface is clean before you start painting. Remove any handprints, dirt, or scuff marks. Lightly sand any glossy spots to avoid streaks.

2. Select a paint sheen and color.

Ah, the choices! Many paint stores are making it easier to narrow down your choices by offering small trial sizes so that you can test the color at home and look for any variations in daylight and night. Lighting has a big effect on the way color appears. Remember: Higher sheen paints tend to offer more durability than flat paints, so use them in high-traffic areas. Stain or low-lustre finishes offer more warmth and depth than a flat paint. Consider a high sheen paint on the ceiling, which offers good reflection in the room.

3. Don't go cheap on the paint.

It's always tempting to save a buck, but it might not be worth it on paint. Painting is a big job, so you want the expense and quality to show. The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute, a national painting education group, recommends purchasing top-quality acrylic latex interior paint, which will go on smoothly and allow for easy soap and water cleanups.

4. Choose the right paint tools.

If you're using a roller to paint, select the right length of roller nap cover for proper paint coverage. The smoother your painting surface, the shorter the nap should be. Use synthetic materials, which are made from nylon or polyester, when applying latex or water-based paints.

www.davidangione.com

Source: The Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute

Title Insurance offers protection to buyers and lenders in real property transactions and insures that each will have good title,free from any liens or encumbrances. A title insurance policy is retroactive, meaning that if a policy effective date is July 1, 2000, the owner of the policy is protected from any adverse claims arising before and up to July 1 2000. A title insurance policy does not cover claims arising after the effective date.

A title company is in position to give title insuracne to a buyer and/or a lender only after it has conducted a search of the property. After the search is done, a Title Commitment is prepared. Schedule A of the Title Commitment states who the company is insuring and gives a description of the property to be insured. Schedule B1 and B2 list any items that will be expected from coverage under the title insurance policy. Finally, Schedule C lists additional requirements that the title company will have to meet before closing.

To obtain the benefits of title insurance, a Buyer and/or Lender need only pay a premium equal to the amount of coverage desired (typically, the rate is $5.00 per $1000.00 of coverage). Most purchase agreements provide for the cost of the policy to be split between buyer and seller. Unlike home owner's insurance, a title insurance premium is paid only once - it is non-renewable - and the policy lasts as long as the policy has an interest in the property.

Because title insurance rates are set by state guidlaines, the rate will not vary from title company. Therefore, the only way to fairly compare title companies is by the services they offer and other charges associated with closing a transaction. Please keep in mind that we are able to offer reduced rates or reissue rates for customers who have used our services in the past and/or customers who provide us with copies of prior title work

Provided by

CORNERSTONE REAL ESTATE TITLE COMPANY, Ltd

330-433-6800