Our Market right now

By now everyone knows that all real estate is local. Different areas are affected to different degrees, but with few exceptions, they are effected in the same way.
Last Winter we were predicting rapid sales this spring, because of the pressure on pricing from banks unleashing large volumes of forclosed properties over a relatively short period of time. This did not happen exactly as predicted, because of the now infamous "robo-signing", which was seemingly just a lazy and improper way for mortgage companies to relieve their books of an abundance of foreclosures. Or as Fannie Mae phrased it:“Our foreclosure rates remain high. However, foreclosure levels were lower than what they otherwise would have been in the first quarter of 2011 due to the delays caused by servicer foreclosure
process deficiencies
and the resulting
foreclosure pause.”
Although sales have been strong, an odd thing has occurred. May sales dropped below expected levels,because of a lack of supply of foreclosed and short sale properties. This meant that the investors were temporarily dropping from the market and home sales were "normal" sales. We actually saw a rise of "Short Sale" prices from 85% of market value to 90% over the past quarter because of a shortage of supply. Our area showed a leveling out of home prices over the past few months. The next 90 to 120 days will probably be the best time to sell your home, because the mortgage companies are expected to unleash the pent up forclosure or "shadow market". When this happens, these will become comparables and competition for all homes on the market, which will place a downward pressure on prices. This will and should bring investors out again.Many forcastors are pedicting historic record numbers of home to be sold. This will be necessary to clear the market of 'bank involved' sales. Then by the 2nd quarter of 2012, prices should rise and we should see a much more normalized market.
It is important to realize that if you have your home for sale or are thinking about it, that what what might seem a loss on the value of your home will be made up in the next home you purchase. Many buyers are buying into homes that they could not previously purchase and the mortgages will be low, because of the price and our current interest rates. Which is different than the circumstance that brought us into this market. Home prices will be what are affordable, not just mortgages. It is an opportunity to buy your dream home. And though you will certainly see large equity gains in 5 years, it is important to change our focus on why we buy homes; a home should be our castle, our safety, our security and our haven - I believe we need to stop viewing them as get rich investments. Real Estate is a commodity and not a product. prices will go up and prices will go down. bubbles will rise and bubbles will burst. But the place your family lives is home.

Randy Wax showed some agents a sneak peak at the new website and went in depth at the functionality, tools and really cool personalization of the agents profile websites. A lot more personality will be able to come through. A lot more agent directed customization and a very user friendly website.

Graphic Artists in Residence Amelia High School

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE 2011

The Anderson East Regional office of CBWS was fortunate enough to Donate money to Amelia High School. Curriculum Director, Tanny Mcgregor, worked with the Ohio Arts Council to bring in Graphic Artist, Carol Tyler, to teach students how to create their own Graphic Novels. Literature, Social Studies and Art were combined to create their books. Check out the video by clicking on "Artist in Residence"

Sunday June 5th Madisonville Recreation Center

Because of our efforts at the "Split The Pot" game on Friday, we were able to host a Match Game, Anderson Vs. Madisonville in Madisonville. It was more like a picnic. The teams were mixed, so they weren't just playing with their team mates. It was a hot day so only three innings were played, but the real fun was 100 water balloons we launched out to the kids and a Great Cook-out provided by Ron's Barbecue (that spicy met bit me back). and there were prizes for all the kids and a few lucky adults. It was a Great time.

Split The Pot Game on Friday June 3rd

The Anderson East Regional Office had the opportunity to, once again, sell "split the Pot" ticket for the Reds Community fund. 9 agents from our office participated. We sold over six thousand dollars in tickets in 4 innings. The folks in the bleachers were the most generous, thank you. The winning ticket holder took home almost $3,000. And Shirley Winters, pictured above, was either having fun with the Hooters girls or contemplating a career change.

Kelly and Jeff Weir danced to a secon place finish raising about $1000 for the Clermont county Board of disabilities. We are so proud and pleased to work with agents who desire to give back to the community as well as to help others.
Kelly Said:"Jeff and I wanted to thank each and every one of you that donated to the Clermont County Board of
Developmental Disabilities and helped support us in our 'Dancing with the Stars' endeavor :o) We can't express how touched we were at the outpouring of well-wishes and donations from so many of you! You are truly wonderful and even though we know, every day, that we are blessed, this has made us even more aware than usual that we are surrounded by caring, thoughtful people, like you. The county board for Developmental Disabilities is a great organization that we were thrilled to be able to help, with your support. I can tell you sincerely that the people involved in that organization appreciated every dollar you gave. So, once again, thank you so, so much."

Amelia Artist in Residence/Cbws donation

We contacted Tanny Mcgregor from West Clermont Schools and offered money to support a project of her choice. She contacted the Ohio Arts Council and hire Carol Tyler, a graphic novelist. Carol and the School staff created an interdisciplinary program, where the students made their own graphic novels. Tanny said that this project was impactful and one the students of Amelia High School would remember long after graduation