April Legal Ads

April 12th, 2008 Sharon Merritt

Today has been one of those days that clearly defines the extremes of the current real estate market. The April legal ads for Gwinnett reveal more than 50 houses in the Collins Hill High School district are scheduled for foreclosure May 6th. This is the highest number I have ever seen. On the other side, today I received four calls from buyers–wow, there are buyers out there. Howeever, all four of these buyers are looking for homes in move-in condition so they are not prospects for most of the foreclosures.

This market is a rollar-coaster, hop on and let’s have some fun!

Posted in Blogroll | No Comments »

Re/Max and Statistics

February 21st, 2008 Sharon Merritt

According to FMLS, 2008 started off like 2007 ended, with a large year-to-year monthly percentage decline. There were 2,787 single-family closings in January or a decline of 38.9% from January 2007. This is also the lowest reported monthly closing total since January 2001. Comparing January, 2008 with January, 2007, there was a 36.9% decline in closed single family detached homes, and the 18th decline in the past 19 months. FMLS further states that when demand declines prices soon follow.

The average price for single family detached home was $246,833 in January. This is the lowest reported monthly average since 2006’s average of $240,844. This is also $44,000 lower than the all-time high for single family detached which was $285,078 in June 2007.

However, RE/MAX Center had the best month in January, 2008 that it has had since June, 2007, and this was accomplished with fewer agents. I am very optomistic about real estate in 2008. This is not the first time I have sold real estate in a strong Buyers Market, I know how to sell homes.

Source FMLS: There were 7,604 expired listings for all single family in January. This is down from last month’s all-time record high, but still 2,200 greater than the same year ago period.

If you were one of the expireds, please know that I am available to help you determine a marketing plan that you help you reach your real estate goals. Each seller is different and each home is different. My experience is varied. Whatever your goals, I can help you reach them.

Please let me know how I can be of service to you.

Happy Birthday James!

Posted in Blogroll | No Comments »

Housing Market may be stabilizing

February 20th, 2008 Sharon Merritt

Its another busy day in real estate. FMLS shows that since February 1, 2008 25 homes in the Collins Hill district went under contract. This includes 2 new homes and 6 foreclosures or short-sales. This means 17 regular sellers have successfully negotiated an offer on their home in the last 3 weeks. Unfortunately, several of these motivated sellers sold for less than full value. However, a properly priced home, correctly staged, with a well-timed entry into the market, will sell.

One of my lenders sent me an e-mail this morning, Mortgage Bonds are on another wild ride today–they crashed below the 200-Day Moving Average, which serves as a key support level. Since then, however, the Bond has improved dramatically with the aid of a weak stock market. Other market information includes Housing Starts in January posted a small gain, which was in line with expectations. Meanwhile, Building Permits continue to decline and are currently at their lowest pace since November 1991. Overall, the data suggests that the housing market is attempting to stabilize.

The Buyers Market continues to be strong. If you, or anyone you know, is interested in buying or selling real estate, please call me for your personal consultation.

Posted in General Real Estate | No Comments »

Sharon Merritt - Your real estate resource.

December 3rd, 2007 Sharon Merritt

Wow, can you believe it is December already? 2007 has been a wild ride for real estate in our area. What is going on in real estate in the local market? To answer that questions I have decided to start a blog. Any and all feedback is appreciated. It is my desire to become the Realtor that you know, like and trust. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any realestate questions or if I can be of service to you in any way.

Now is an excellent time to buy real estate. Interest rates are still at an all time low. My recent e-mails indicate that the rates dropped another .25% last week. Whatever your needs, I can help you locate what you are looking for and negotiate terms and conditions with your best interest in mind.

One of my buyers has a credit score less than 600 and only $500 to invest. This family will be in their new home by Christmas. Whatever your needs and desires, I have the experience, education and knowledge to help you reach your real estate goals.

Now is an excellent time to sell real estate. According to FMLS, 4,185 single family homes closed during October, and 6,436 had their listing expire. Why do some homes sell while most of them do not? The answer to that question is as unique as the properties themselves. As an experienced Realtor, I know how to market your home so that it will be one of the ones that closes. If you are interested in considering selling your home, I am happy to come to you. Together we will tour your home, research the data, and put together options. You can sell your home in this market and I know how. One of my listings went under contract two weeks ago and I am expecting an offer on another one tomorrow. I know how to sell real-estate, I’ve sold houses in a market like this before.

When you have a real estate question or need, please feel free to give me a call or e-mail. It is my desire to help you reach your real estate goals.

Posted in Main | No Comments »