Gini Moran, Your LaCenter Realtor

Attention First Time and Anytime Home Buyers:

Are you still sitting on the fence? Are you thinking that you want to make sure you get the lowest price possible? Well, we will know when we have hit bottom only when we are 3-5 months past it and the prices are already on the rise.

Home sales in Clark County, comparing homes sales in January 2009 to February 2009, have increased 10.3%, according to the local RMLS. The median sales price was $222,500 in February and $215,000 YTD. (This compares to the median sales price in 2008 of $244,900.) "The big complaint during the housing-market boom years was that middle-class home buyers were priced out of the market. Now that prices are declining, it gives them a change to enter the market", says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The inventory, or number of homes for sale, is enormous which makes it a perfect time for the first time home buyer, or the anytime buyer. As of 3/25/09, the number of homes in Clark County are as follows:

$100,000-$200,000>>>1095 homes

$201,000-$300,000>>>1482 homes

$301,000-$400,000>>>667 homes

$401,000-$500,000>>>341 homes

$201,000-$600,000>>>190 homes

That is 3775 homes for sale.

You have choices and you have excellent interest rates. As of 3/25/09, interest rates are about 4.9%, an all time low. Combined greater inventory and extremely low interest rates, the first time home buyer can also participate in the recent government stimulus bill. This is only good until December 1, 2009, so acting now is in your best interest.

For your real estate needs, call me. I have lived in the county for over 30 years and know it well. From the north county to Hazel Dell to Washougal to Vancouver, I can show you any listed home. Call me now so that we can get started.

Gini Moran, Realtor & Partner

Keller Williams Realty

360-798-8570

www.ginimoran.com

ginimoran.realtor@yahoo.com

Good Morning all,

I am sending this from north Clark County, Washington, and we are snowed in! OK, maybe just a little but 5-6" for us is ugly!! Boy do I wish the rain would return!!

Now for the subject of short sales and here is my story: I have a wonderful buyer who made an offer on a brand new home in Washougal, Wa. Home was listed for $499,000, needed about $15,000 to be finished and needed an occupancy permit. That is the Catch 22---The bank would not finish it in order to get the occupancy permit and we could not secure a loan without the occupancy permit! But, my buyer was willing to risk the $15,000 so he offered over $500,000 for the home. The bank turned him down, and the home was sold at auction for $450,000. Now am I bad at math or is the bank? Wouldn't it have been better for the bank to get the work completed (for $15,000 or less) and then sell it for $100,000 more?

That is my story on short sales and I would be happy if I never saw one again. Not only for the hassle and issues it creates for the buyers but also for the home owners who have lost their homes. I am hoping that 2009 will bring a relief to this and many more issues we face in this great country. We will get through this and hopefully it will be sooner than later.

Merry Christmas everyone!

Gini Moran, Realtor

Keller Williams Premier Partners, Vancouver & Battle Ground, Wa

360-798-8570

I am a Realtor with Keller Williams Realty, Clark County, Washington. My specialty is the buyer or seller who is my peer----Yes, I am a "senior" (no, not in high school!) and plan on working for a very long time! My husband and I have eight grandchildren, together, four boys and four girls! My husband is a Team Roper as are his two daughters. I am a retired RN and now on my third (and last!) career. I absolutely love Real Estate and helping dreams come true. I was born and raised in Oregon, Bend to be specific and have lived in the West my entire life. Living in the greater Vancouver, Washington area, I know the county well, even the back roads.

Call if you are wanting to live in the fabulous Clark County, Washington. Close to the mountains, ocean, mighty Columbia River, Portland, Oregon, Seattle, Washington, the Gifford Pinchon National Forest, AND Mt St Helens!! I watch her (Mt St Helens) and Mt Adams every day and they are fabulous.

Gini Moran, Realtor/Partner
Keller Williams Realty
www.ginimoran.com
ginimoran.realtor@yahoo.com
360-798-8570