October Housing Supply Outlook
The October Housing Supply Outlook just hit your intertubenetz. As usual, here's some quick takeaways from this dense and detailed look at supply-demand dynamics in the Twin Cities housing market:
Takeaway #1: If you're buying a home in the price range below $120,000, you're gonna have to move fast. There's only 2.9 months of supply in that range, which places it in the extreme seller's market category. The reason for the tight inventory picture? There's been a huge upsurge in home buying activity—sales are up 127.5 percent in that category over the last twelve months.
Takeaway #2: The number of new construction properties available for sale continues to shrink rapidly as builders pull back from creating new inventory. The current inventory of 2,426 listed new construction properties in the MLS system represents a drop of over 1,200 units from a year ago.
Takeaway #3: Unfortunately for builders, new construction home sales have also rapidly declined, falling by 18.8 percent (over 800 units) in the last twelve months.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Crunch Time for First Time Buyers
The rush is on for first time buyers trying to get into a house and get the $8000 tax credit. Check this out:
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/homegarden/63358102.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/homegarden/63358102.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Get The Skinny on the Twin Cities Real Estate Market
Here is The Skinny on the Twin Cities Real Estate Market for September:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVmF9otaRbg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVmF9otaRbg
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Twin Cities' Real Estate Market Looking Optimistic
Median Twin Cities Home Prices Crawling Back Up
The median home sale price in the Twin Cities was $175,000 in August, down 12.5 percent from a year ago, but continuing its run up from this spring.
From March 2009 through August, the median sale price has grown from $154,125 to $175,000. It climbed $4,000 from last month, when it was reported at $171,000.
“Prices are stabilizing due to strong buyer demand – especially in the lower price ranges – buoyed by low mortgage rates and the federal tax credit for first time buyers,” the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS (MAAR) said in a press statement.
The tax credit expires in November and the number of sales that close should stay robust for at least the next two months, said Brad Fisher, president elect of MAAR, in a statement.
“Time will tell what the market looks like after that, but there will be less inventory left.”
The median home sale price in the Twin Cities was $175,000 in August, down 12.5 percent from a year ago, but continuing its run up from this spring.
From March 2009 through August, the median sale price has grown from $154,125 to $175,000. It climbed $4,000 from last month, when it was reported at $171,000.
“Prices are stabilizing due to strong buyer demand – especially in the lower price ranges – buoyed by low mortgage rates and the federal tax credit for first time buyers,” the Minneapolis Area Association of REALTORS (MAAR) said in a press statement.
The tax credit expires in November and the number of sales that close should stay robust for at least the next two months, said Brad Fisher, president elect of MAAR, in a statement.
“Time will tell what the market looks like after that, but there will be less inventory left.”
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Minneapolis is on Forbes list of best places to live.
Best U.S. Cities To Earn A LivingFrancesca Levy, 09.03.09, 06:00 PM EDT
Forget New York and L.A. The best career prospects are in these places.
Best U.S. Cities To Earn A Living
For the exasperated job-seeker to whom employment opportunities seem bleaker than ever, salvation may lie in the Lone Star State. Texas, home to dozens of energy heavyweights and nearly as many innovative small companies, has three of the best cities to earn a living: Dallas, Houston and Austin.
When taking into account the cost of living, strength of industry, economists' predictions for the future state of employment and, of course, salary, these are some of the best U.S. cities in which to take home a paycheck.
In Depth: Best U.S. Cities To Earn A Living
It's no secret that, in general, jobs are tight: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Aug. 7 that non-farm payroll employment sank further in July, and unemployment is entrenched at 9.4%. But some job markets manage to remain healthier due to one or more factors, like a concentration of top companies a resulting prospective annual jump in job growth. Such is the case for the Texas towns on our list.
And then there's Minneapolis-St. Paul. Cold weather, yes. Dismal employment landscape, no. The reason is that the area is home to 10 of Forbes' top-ranked companies--and comes out third on this list.
While employees everywhere are anxious about their jobs, they have less to worry about in cities with clusters of businesses in high-paying or growth industries, and there just so happens to be a relatively low cost of living as well. It all adds up to people earning a better living.
Forget New York and L.A. The best career prospects are in these places.
Best U.S. Cities To Earn A Living
For the exasperated job-seeker to whom employment opportunities seem bleaker than ever, salvation may lie in the Lone Star State. Texas, home to dozens of energy heavyweights and nearly as many innovative small companies, has three of the best cities to earn a living: Dallas, Houston and Austin.
When taking into account the cost of living, strength of industry, economists' predictions for the future state of employment and, of course, salary, these are some of the best U.S. cities in which to take home a paycheck.
In Depth: Best U.S. Cities To Earn A Living
It's no secret that, in general, jobs are tight: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Aug. 7 that non-farm payroll employment sank further in July, and unemployment is entrenched at 9.4%. But some job markets manage to remain healthier due to one or more factors, like a concentration of top companies a resulting prospective annual jump in job growth. Such is the case for the Texas towns on our list.
And then there's Minneapolis-St. Paul. Cold weather, yes. Dismal employment landscape, no. The reason is that the area is home to 10 of Forbes' top-ranked companies--and comes out third on this list.
While employees everywhere are anxious about their jobs, they have less to worry about in cities with clusters of businesses in high-paying or growth industries, and there just so happens to be a relatively low cost of living as well. It all adds up to people earning a better living.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC)
The Home Valuation Code of Conduct (HVCC) establishes standards for solicitation, selection, compensation, conflicts of interest and appraiser independence. It is effective May 1, 2009, for any mortgage that will be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac; Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) mortgages are not covered in the agreement.
How HVCC Affects the Appraisal Process
REALTORS® and mortgage brokers are prohibited from selecting appraisers. Lenders are may use “in house” staff appraisers to conduct appraisals. However, the loan production staff is prohibited from:
How HVCC Affects the Appraisal Process
REALTORS® and mortgage brokers are prohibited from selecting appraisers. Lenders are may use “in house” staff appraisers to conduct appraisals. However, the loan production staff is prohibited from:
- selecting, retaining, recommending, or influencing the selection of an appraiser; and,
- conducting any substantive conversation with an appraiser or appraisal management company regarding the appraisal assignment.
For the consumer, the appraisal process has remained largely intact. However, consumers may find the process takes longer than and may be more costly than it has been in the past.
For More Information
President's Podcast: Legislative Update on HVCC
NAR's HVCC Myths and Facts Flyer
Complete Home Valuation Code of Conduct
Or contact me at:
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Live Young! Live Long!
About LifeVantage
Lifevantage Corporation is a publicly traded health products company based in San Diego, CA. Their vision is to be a leader in science-based health and wellness products. LifeVantage manufactures, markets, and distributes a patented dietary supplement, Protandim®, which is a unique antioxidant therapy, shown to reduce oxidative stress in a human clinical study.
CLINICALLY PROVEN PRODUCT
LifeVantage’s Director of Science, Dr. Joe M. McCord, is one of the foremost authorities on the body’s antioxidant defense system and co-discovered the enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in 1969.Protandim® triggers the cells in the human body to produce more of its own free radical-fighting antioxidant enzymes, SOD and Catalase (CAT). These enzymes effectively and efficiently neutralize free radicals inside the cells where free radicals are produced.Protandim® patented formula is a blend of high quality, herbal ingredients including:
Milk Thistle Extract (Silybum marianum)
Bacopa Extract (Bacopa monnieri)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Green Tea Extract (Camilia sinesis)
Turmeric Extract (Curcuma Longa)
Herbal ingredients, sourced from around the world, are chosen for quality, purity and potency. Each herb undergoes a quality review process for potency, purity and identification prior to acceptance for production.About Protandim®Oxidative stress is a term you hear a lot these days. It refers to the imbalance between the production of highly reactive oxygen molucules, called free radicals, and the special antioxidant enzymes that neutralize the free radicals. This imbalance results in aging and health conditions. And as you age, this imbalance becomes even more significant as your body produces far more free radicals than antioxidant enzymes.True Science Anti-Aging CreamTrueScience anti-aging cream was formulated to fight your aging battles from the outside in. With cutting-edge science battling externally and the ingredients in Protandim proven to protect your cells internally, TrueScience is the complete anti-aging solution that gives your skin a beautiful, even tone, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, and provides a vibrant, glowing appearance.
THE ANTIOXIDANT MYTH
Not all antioxidants are equal. Conventional or “consumable” antioxidants from food or vitamin-mineral supplements are used up on a one-to-one basis as each antioxidant neutralizes each free radical.We’ve been told that if we eat antioxidant-rich foods or consume vitamin pills, we’ll receive tremendous antioxidant rewards. But the fact is, scientific studies show that you can’t possibly ingest enough antioxidants to neutralize the free radicals your body produces every day. You would need to eat impossible amounts of foods rich in antioxidants (over 350 oranges, over 30 pounds of raspberries or 15 pounds of dark chocolate per day) to equal the antioxidant power you receive from one Protandim caplet daily.
For More Information
For more information contact me or got to:www.lifvantage.com
Make sure to watch the ABC Primetime Video
Lifevantage Corporation is a publicly traded health products company based in San Diego, CA. Their vision is to be a leader in science-based health and wellness products. LifeVantage manufactures, markets, and distributes a patented dietary supplement, Protandim®, which is a unique antioxidant therapy, shown to reduce oxidative stress in a human clinical study.
CLINICALLY PROVEN PRODUCT
LifeVantage’s Director of Science, Dr. Joe M. McCord, is one of the foremost authorities on the body’s antioxidant defense system and co-discovered the enzyme Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in 1969.Protandim® triggers the cells in the human body to produce more of its own free radical-fighting antioxidant enzymes, SOD and Catalase (CAT). These enzymes effectively and efficiently neutralize free radicals inside the cells where free radicals are produced.Protandim® patented formula is a blend of high quality, herbal ingredients including:
Milk Thistle Extract (Silybum marianum)
Bacopa Extract (Bacopa monnieri)
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Green Tea Extract (Camilia sinesis)
Turmeric Extract (Curcuma Longa)
Herbal ingredients, sourced from around the world, are chosen for quality, purity and potency. Each herb undergoes a quality review process for potency, purity and identification prior to acceptance for production.About Protandim®Oxidative stress is a term you hear a lot these days. It refers to the imbalance between the production of highly reactive oxygen molucules, called free radicals, and the special antioxidant enzymes that neutralize the free radicals. This imbalance results in aging and health conditions. And as you age, this imbalance becomes even more significant as your body produces far more free radicals than antioxidant enzymes.True Science Anti-Aging CreamTrueScience anti-aging cream was formulated to fight your aging battles from the outside in. With cutting-edge science battling externally and the ingredients in Protandim proven to protect your cells internally, TrueScience is the complete anti-aging solution that gives your skin a beautiful, even tone, diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, and provides a vibrant, glowing appearance.
THE ANTIOXIDANT MYTH
Not all antioxidants are equal. Conventional or “consumable” antioxidants from food or vitamin-mineral supplements are used up on a one-to-one basis as each antioxidant neutralizes each free radical.We’ve been told that if we eat antioxidant-rich foods or consume vitamin pills, we’ll receive tremendous antioxidant rewards. But the fact is, scientific studies show that you can’t possibly ingest enough antioxidants to neutralize the free radicals your body produces every day. You would need to eat impossible amounts of foods rich in antioxidants (over 350 oranges, over 30 pounds of raspberries or 15 pounds of dark chocolate per day) to equal the antioxidant power you receive from one Protandim caplet daily.
For More Information
For more information contact me or got to:www.lifvantage.com
Make sure to watch the ABC Primetime Video
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