Lindsay Hart, @ RE/MAX In Motion,

Let me preface this... I like to repeat myself so in that tradition -- Ithaca NY has a steady real estate market, and if you are in the market for real estate you should buy now! Just got word that FHA will allow first time home buyers, taking advantage of the $8000 tax credit, to use it as a down payment!

But wait there's more!

Ithaca has made the news again. USA today reports (as I have been touting all along) .."Ithaca, a small city in Upstate New York, seems like a bucolic refuge from financial woes. It avoided the housing bubble, and so far, it has been sheltered from much of the economic crisis."

Check it out...Ithaca NY: Affordable homes...

It's official - real estate season is in full swing in Upstate NY. I know I may have said it before, but it's evident now. This is the second day, in a row, that I have been in a multiple offer situation! As I'm prone to repeating myself, I'll say it again - if the property is priced right and the demand is there, it will sell. Of course it's all about location, location, location as well. The first deal fell through to a cash buyer. ("Yes, Virginia, cash buyers do still exist.")

What's that you say? All you are hearing is the doom and gloom of the national housing market? Well, I have just one question for you then -- do you listen to the national weather report to get your local weather?? Right... so talk to a local REALTOR... I digress...

A piece of advice to all the buyers out there: it IS a great time to buy in Tompkins Co NY and the surrounding counties. Everyone likes to dub it a "bubble" area. The word is so cliche; i try to avoid it. I will say, though, (without using the word bubble) that this area is in good shape when it comes to real estate. We did not see the over inflation of home prices, thus no huge dropoff in prices. PLUS, new construction in this area, only accounts for approximately 0.5% of inventory - we have two high end developements for this area - that's it! But wait there's more! Ithaca NY is #1 in the nation for lowest to no subprime lending. (We don't really like to brag, but ...) On the contrary, we did see a drop in houses for sale (inventory) in '08 compared to prior years thus less properties sold because of it.

In the past two months we have seen inventory increase and continuing to do so and prices are very competative. So, whether you are a first timer or a seasoned buyer, if you find your 'perfect' place, don't hesitate (I saw a house go under contract in 4 days -thus my buyers lost out)and please heed the advice of your knowledgable agent, don't low-ball the offer! More often than not, the house is already priced correctly. You've hired your buyer's agent for a reason, now listen to them, they are working in your best interest.

I'm in the midst of negotations on the other one. I'm sure the suspense is killing you, so I'll leave you with this...so far, so good. But, as it is well known, it's not a 'sure thing' until it's closed.

Stay tuned...

NY housing market posts sales and price gain in March

For the first time in 2009, the New York State housing market posted a gain in sales and selling price in a month-to-month comparison, a strong signal to buyers waiting for the market to "hit bottom" that they may well have already missed it.

Sales jumped 14.1 percent to 3,903 in March compared to February, and the statewide median sales price rose 6 percent to $222,500 to reach its second highest level in the past 12 months, according to preliminary single-family sales data accumulated by NYSAR.

To access March and first quarter housing statistics, click here.

Congratulations! You've decided to sell your home...but wait, what's that? You don't want to use a REALTOR to assist you?

"Why should I use a REALTOR to sell my home? It costs too much and I can do just as good a job."

And to that I say... please reconsider! You may be costing yourself more, more time, frustration and money by not consulting a REALTOR!

Did you know that sellers who use a real estate professional make 16 percent more* on the sale of their home than do sellers who go it alone.

REALTORS® are real estate professionals who are experts in marketing and negotiation.

REALTORS® can help a seller set a realistic price and ensure the proper paperwork and various disclosures and inspections are handled correctly.

REALTORS® know best how to prepare a home and maximize value, provide broader exposure to the market and are more likely to generate multiple bids than a seller on their own.

REALTORS® are experts in attracting qualified buyers. A professional can show a home more objectively than can a seller who may be emotionally attached to the home. The real estate pro also checks the financial capability and bona fides of buyers before allowing them onto a seller's property.

86% of buyers found a home through a real estate agent

80% from the Internet (then contacted a REALTOR)

69% from a REALTOR yard sign

Real Estate professionals can also navigate you through the local market landscape: advising you on the best marketing strategy and target audience for your area. They can also update you regularly with local market stats and keep tabs on your housing competition.

They can also find ways to save you money when it comes to closing costs, survey's, and inspections.

Oh wait, you didn't think about the closing costs and a seller's net sheet? Just another reason to hire a REALTOR to help with your home sale.

So, if you are thinking of selling, think of a REALTOR first and remember...

*Source: Realtor.org

NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!!!

There is a great selection of inventory! The Ithaca Board of Realtors reports, that on average, there are 15 new listings hitting the market daily.

Interest rates are near all time lows in the 5% range! Check out www.bankrate.com

There is an $8,000 tax credit for first time home buyers! Click Here for more info...

Housing affordability is at a record high - the buying power of a typical family has risen significantly. With the drop in interest rates, a median income family can afford a home costing $20,000 more than a year ago for the same monthly mortgage payment.

On the converse... if it's a good time to buy then it's a good time to sell! First time home buyers who may have been waiting another year to buy are taking advantage of the tax credit and are in the market now. So if you have been thinking about selling, give me a call, I would be happy to provide a complimentary comparative market analysis of your home!

All signs point to a stable real estate market in Tompkins and surrounding counties.