About Smith County, TX

It is official, we are in a recession! Just from looking at the real estate market in Texas, it appears that the recession started months ago. Very few Texas cities didn't have a decline in home sales and/or an increase in median price. Tyler, TX sales were down over 20% but the median sales price increased to $139,000.

Information obtained from Real Estate Center, MarketWatch and CNNMoney indicates that a total of 16,711 existing homes were sold in Texas last month, a 17 percent decline from October 2007, according to MLS data compiled by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. The median price dropped 0.8 percent to $142,300 during the same period, and the state finished the month with a 6.8-month inventory of existing homes.

Here is how select Texas cities fared in October (data current as of Dec. 2, 2008):

The real estate market has slowed and will continue to do so in the Tyler area due to more announced layoffs. It is definitely a buyer's market and homes are staying on the market longer.

It has officially been announced that "We are in a Recession" and it is apparent in some real estate markets across Texas. While some market have been hit hard, others are still booming. Below is a snapshot of cities across Texas.

Note that Tyler sales were down over 20% from last year but the median sales price rose to $139,000.

Here is how select Tyler and other Texas cities fared in October (data current as of Dec. 2, 2008):

TEXAS (Real Estate Center, MarketWatch, CNNMoney) - A total of 16,711 existing homes were sold in Texas last month, a 17 percent decline from October 2007, according to MLS data compiled by the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University. The median price dropped 0.8 percent to $142,300 during the same period, and the state finished the month with a 6.8-month inventory of existing homes.

The current real estate market is tough but in East Texas, it is not as bad as other areas. We have seen a decline in sales and home values and the unemployment rate is increasing due to some major manufacturing job layoffs.

It has been my experience that Homebuyers are being more selective now and want the most for their money. I always recommend to sellers that they can offer incentives like $500 gas card or plasma TV in lieu of decreasing their listing price. This tactic has worked and is a win-win for both buyers and sellers. Sellers are able to sell their home and help the neighborhood values to stay strong and buyers are not only getting a new home but are gaining a new piece of equipment to go along with their new home.

An incentive that a seller recently offered was a $500 gift card from Brookshires (which could be used to stock the refrigerator or for gas) and a $1500.00 gift card to a Home Improvement store of their choice (Lowe's, Home Depot or Don's TV & Appliances).

The real estate market is getting tough, don't let it knock you out!

I'll bet the last closing gift your client got is something that they no longer use, or have already eaten dinner with that gift card they received. With nothing much to show for it. Nothing to remind them of the Realtor who toured & toiled to find them the perfect home.....

But, what if they got a Scentsy Wickless system from you, their Realtor? They would use it DAILY, and when friends come over and comment on their Scentsy warmer (which, TRUST ME, they will!), they will explain what it is. When asked where they got it.... "Oh, my Realtor gave it to me when we bought our home!". You'll always be in front of your client, and they will gladly pass your name along when friends & family ask about their gift. (There are 45 different warmer designs & over 80 scents available. You can quickly add your information to the bottom of the warmer so your information is always on hand, and put your address labels on the inside of each wax bar container. Each time they open their bars, there you are!)

Stand out from the crowd. Make an impression. And most importantly, help your client protect their new investment. Since 7 out of every 10 households burns candles anyway- why not give them a safe alternative to something they already love to do?? Something that will remind them of YOU!!

Call me- find out more about Scentsy, and ask about my exclusive "Buy 5, Get 1 Free" offer. With scents like "WELCOME HOME" & "HOME SWEET HOME", you can't go wrong!! A Scentsy System is $44.00 (plus shipping) purchased individually, or you can purchase all 5 Scentsy Systems at once for $220.00- and get FREE SHIPPING, plus get a free Scentsy System!!

Stephanie Smith

Scentsy Star Consultant

www.scentedplaces.com

Stephanie@scentedplaces.com

"Come stick your nose in my business!"

(Saturday nights in October and Halloween)

McClendon House

2008 Spirit Tours

806 W. Houston Street in Tyler, Texas

Step back into the history of the Bonner-Whitaker-McClendon House and Tyler. Hear a brief history portrayed by three generations who lived through the life of this majestic house.

Hear the family tales as they relate to Tyler and Texas.

Dates Continuous Tours

Oct. 4 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

Oct. 11

Oct. 18 Cost

Oct. 25 $10.00 per person

Oct. 31

For further information or to book a group tour

Call (903) 592-3533