If you watch the national news, you're probably bombarded with information about the real estate market. One anchor says the market is still lagging, while another says we're on the rebound. One says the tax credit has been a huge success, while another says it's just a drain on our national resources. Who do you believe??
Personally, I don't put much stock in the national headlines. If you remember one thing after reading this blog entry, remember this: real estate is local! The market in Rochester is different from the markets in Syracuse and Buffalo, and it's certainlydifferent from the market in San Francisco or Miami! The national news people may talk about how the market is doing in "the Northeast", but do they honestly expect us to think that Rochester is experiencing the same trends as Boston, where homes are at least 3 times as expensive and the cost of living is massively higher?
Here in Rochester, we have a lot going for us. Our homes are incredibly affordable. We didn't experience the huge dip in home values that affected much of the nation over the past few years. We still have a strong economic base supported by companies such as Xerox, Paetec, and Paychex. Sure, there will always be people who are concerned about our high New York State taxes, but overall the Greater Rochester area is faring better than most of the nation. We are a region that knows how to hold our own.
I want to share two positive articles about the local real estate market that were published in the Democrat and Chronicle over the past couple of days.
The first, published yesterday, is entitled "Real estate sales up for the quarter." The statistics that stuck out in my mind are that our sales in the Rochester area are up 2.9% from this time last year, and an amazing 48.1% since the last quarter. The article states that this is most likely due to the first-time home buyer tax credit, and I agree. It has brought a ton of buyers into our local market.
The second article was published today and is about the tax credit specifically. It's entitled "First-time buyers drive home sales." This lengthier article quoted the CEO of the Greater Rochester Association of Realtors, several local agents, and some first-time buyers themselves, all of whom agreed that the tax credit has had a positive impact on the local market. The most notable statistic in the article is that the number of accepted purchase offers rose 7% recently. Pending homes are an important factor to consider, since they are an indicator of future sales.
Because of our affordable home prices, tons of first-time buyers were able to use the tax credit to achieve their dreams of home ownership. Now, with the tax credit coming to an end on November 30th, the time for them to purchase has all but run out. Already our pending home sales are starting to flat-line.
Personally, I hope the legislation to extend and possibly expand the tax credit passes. Sure, there has been some fraud, but that happens with every government program. Sadly, there are people out there who will try to use anything for personal gain. Still, I think the positives far outweigh the negatives in this situation. Let's keep the market strong!!
I am proud to help buyers and sellers in the Greater Rochester, New York area find the homes of their dreams. If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in the Rochester area, don't hesitate to contact me. I pride myself in providing the best possible service for my clients!
When you work with me... 
Visit my website at www.YourNYDreamHome.com to learn more about the services I offer!
Contact:
Kristen Wahl
Realtor Associate
(585) 455-5524
KWahl@RealtyUSA.com
I love when tons of great information is right at my fingertips. Don't we all?
RealtyUSA is one of only a few companies in the Rochester area that is a member of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World, the world's largest network of independent real estate companies. That gives our Relocation Department the ability to assist our clients who are moving to or from anywhere in the country.
Now, Leading Real Estate Companies of the World has launched a great new website, www.ReloHomeSearch.com. It has to be one of the most user friendly sites I've visited in a long time.
From the home page, you're able to click on an interactive map to choose a location... anywhere in the world!Once you narrow it down to your desired area, you're presented with a useful array of information and statistics about your chosen community. The statistics pages have great information, and the area guides are very well-written.
To the left, you'll see a search box. As you narrow down your criteria, it will whittle down the number of homes you see in the listings box at the top. Once you figure out what you want, you can scroll through the listings using the left and right arrows. Just click on a photo to see a short summary and a link to the company's website for more information. Simple, but very effective!
Will this site be the best for everyone? No, it does have a more limited selection than our local Multiple Listing Service. However, the local information is top notch.
I think this is a great new tool for people looking to relocate through the United States and beyond. Take a look and let me know what you think!
I am proud to help buyers and sellers in the Greater Rochester, New York area find the homes of their dreams. If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in the Rochester area, don't hesitate to contact me. I pride myself in providing the best possible service for my clients!
When you work with me...
Visit my website at www.YourNYDreamHome.com to learn more about the services I offer!
Contact:
Kristen Wahl
Realtor Associate
(585) 455-5524
KWahl@RealtyUSA.com
The New York State Consumer Protection Board will conduct a free public "ask the expert" calling day on September 30 to answer state residents' questions about home improvement projects.
Professionals specializing in kitchen and bath remodeling, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, sheet metal installation and servicing, construction management, site development, window and door installation, home building, energy efficiency, availability of funding for low-income consumers, and renovation of historical buildings will be available to answer questions.
All you need to do is call (888) 351-4648 on September 30th, 2009 between the hours of 9 AM-2 PM, and someone will be there to share some expertise.
If you have questions about home improvements, you can always contact me, too! I'd be happy to share information about trustworthy contractors, improvements that add value, or anything else I can help with!
I am proud to help buyers and sellers in the Greater Rochester, New York area find the homes of their dreams. If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in the Rochester area, don't hesitate to contact me. I pride myself in providing the best possible service for my clients!
When you work with me...
Visit my website at www.YourNYDreamHome.com to learn more about the services I offer!
Contact:
Kristen Wahl
Realtor Associate
(585) 455-5524
KWahl@RealtyUSA.com
Governor David Paterson signed into law legislation to strengthen the New York State Historic Preservation Tax Credit. The program will create jobs, draw investments to main streets, and preserve historic structures.
New York's preservation tax credit was adopted in 2006, but the program failed to provide adequate incentives to attract investment to struggling municipalities, particularly those upstate. The newly enhanced program will apply to taxable years beginning January 1, 2010 and will sunset on December 31, 2014. The enhancements signed into law by Paterson will:
According to Governor Pateron, "New York has a wealth of historic properties, particularly in our small cities, that are falling into disrepair or are underutilized. The enhanced Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit will breathe new life into the State's historic downtown areas while creating jobs and revitalizing the economy."
Members of the senate and assembly across the state applauded Governor Paterson's decision to sign the bill, saying it will be beneficial to Upstate New York communities.
As for Rochester, our local leaders have been working for some time to bring new life to the downtown area. Let's hope this bill creates additional funding opportunities for our city!
Click here for more information on the bill.
I am proud to help buyers and sellers in the Greater Rochester, New York area find the homes of their dreams. If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in the Rochester area, don't hesitate to contact me. I pride myself in providing the best possible service for my clients!
When you work with me...
Visit my website at www.YourNYDreamHome.com to learn more about the services I offer!
Contact:
Kristen Wahl
Realtor Associate
(585) 455-5524
KWahl@RealtyUSA.com
If you've been reading my blog, you've heard me sing the praises of the $8,000 first-time home buyer tax credit. You purchase a home, and the government gives you back 10% of the purchase price up to $8,000. How can you go wrong??
I have good news and bad news on this front. The good news is that you can still take advantage of this free money!
The bad news is that time is winding down on the tax credit, so you need to act quickly!
How long do you have? Buyers need to be closed on their new homes by November 30th, 2009 to receive the tax credit. A purchase typically takes 45-60 days from contract to close. With the mortgage market clogged with people refinancing, I've found that lately it's usually closer to 60.
That means you'll want to have an accepted offer on a home by September 30th. That's exactly two months away!
So don't procrastinate, or you might miss out! If you want to catch this credit, get pre-approved ASAP and get moving!
If you're looking for a home in the Rochester area, don't hesitate to contact me. I would love to help you take advantage of this fantastic opportunity!
TICK, TOCK!!
I am proud to help buyers and sellers in the Greater Rochester, New York area find the homes of their dreams. If you are considering purchasing or selling a home in the Rochester area, don't hesitate to contact me. I pride myself in providing the best possible service for my clients!
When you work with me...
Visit my website at www.YourNYDreamHome.com to learn more about the services I offer!
Contact:
Kristen Wahl
Realtor Associate
(585) 455-5524
KWahl@RealtyUSA.com
A full-time, full-service Realtor serving the Greater Rochester Area. Kristen strives to guide buyers and sellers through every step of the process.
When you work with me...
I specialize in the eastern suburbs of Rochester, consisting of Monroe, Wayne, and Ontario counties. As a native of this area, I feel very strongly about the value of its communities.
I have experience working with first-time homebuyers. I enjoy the hands-on nature of teaching them about the home buying and selling process.
Kristen Wahl was an amazing Realtor! I would recommend her to anyone trying to buy or sell a home! She sold our home in 7 days and assisted us in finding our new dream home!" -Dale and Gina Fair, Hilton
"Very honest agent and was available to us day or night. She's also great with our kids!" -Stacy and Frank Gulick, Penn Yan
ActiveRain Corp. is not responsible for the accuracy of the site's content (which is written by members of the ActiveRain Real Estate Network) and does not endorse the views of the real estate agents, mortgage brokers, and others listed here.
Powered by the ActiveRain Real Estate Network
© 2009 ActiveRain Corp. All Rights Reserved
