What a Difference A Makeover Makes!

When selling a house, perception is everything. And sometimes it is just the little things. The splash of color from a well placed throw rug or a tall vase with colorful blooms, or the bowl of limes on the table....
A few makeover tips for homeowners/ home sellers:
--if it looks tired, it is. Freshen up a room by putting in a new throw rug, or getting a new lampshade.
--check your bedding. Does it have some miles on it? Some fresh colors might make it a whole new room!
--dramatic artwork can really set off a room. Get some cool wrapping paper from a specialty shop and cut it to fit a frame and voila!
--de-clutter! Less is more when showing off your real estate space.
--Plants and flowers are great, but keep them freshly watered so they look plump and fresh.
--the more light the better. Brighten up your lower level with lamps and more lamps.
--For great curb appeal, sharp edging of your lawn along the sidewalk can make all the difference!

RODGERS FORGE IS OPEN ON SUNDAY!

Starting at 12 noon on Sunday, there will be more than 12 homes open in Rodgers Forge--Take advantage of this big neighborhood OPEN HOUSE and bring your friends to the neighborhood, or, just go around and get some decorating ideas or landscaping ideas! Don't miss it! The Real Estate Blog would love to hear your feedback on these homes--any comments you have would be very welcome!! Houses are selling well in our neighborhood, rates are good, and summer is an ideal time to make a move! So take the kids, bring a friend, and visit some homes....
Below are some of the houses that will be open for your viewing:

107 Brandon Road--12-2pm
427 Dunkirk Road--12-2pm
132 Stevenson Lane--1-3pm
7212 Lanark Road--12-2pm
7235 Lanark Road--12-2pm
27 Murdock Road--12-2pm
32 Murdock Road--12-2pm
40 Murdock Road--12-2pm
134 Overbrook Road--1-3pm
149 Regester Avenue--12-2pm

July Housing Market Update

As of today in The Forge:
--22 houses currently for sale from $269K -$430K. This is about 1% of the homes in the neighborhood.
--Of these: 3 are 4bdrms priced from $307K-$369K
--2 are 5bdrms priced from $392.5K-$430K
--3bdrm price range is $269K-$319.9K
--Of the 3bdrms, 11 have 1 bath, 7 have 2 baths
--14 homes are currently under contract
--Average time it takes to put a home under contract is 46 days, but most took less time than that.

--12 homes have sold since June 1.
--Of these 12 were 3 bdrms w closing prices from $$240K-$348K
--2 were 4 bdrms w closing prices of $342K-$410K.

The Forge continues to see a robust market. Rates are still very good, houses are very affordable and buyers have lots of reasons to buy in this market!
Need more details? Have questions? Write in or feel free to call me.

Mortgage Notes--Do you know what HVCC is?

Rates are pretty good...still. Whether it's 5.25% or 5.75% , it's still good! More importantly, you should be aware of the new HVCC policy which can delay your closing or cost you extra money if you switch lenders and are attempting to use the same appraisal.

HVCC stands for home valuation code of conduct. This "code" of conduct was adopted by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as of June 1. Andrew Cuomo from New York did an "end run" around the legislative process and went directly to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to adopt this policy. This is a policy that was introduced in response to the "flipping" of homes that caused a lot of people to lose their homes due to fradulent practices concerning the appraisal process.
In short, mortgage originators may not order their appraisals anymore nor can they even speak to the appraiser regarding value. All appraisals, except on FHA and VA loans, must be ordered through a "management company". This is another layer to the already burdensome process of getting a mortgage. Appraisal fees immediately went from an average of $350.00 to $400.00.

The good news is that the National Association of Realtors and enjoined the lawsuit that the National Association of Mortgage Brokers has initiated and they are calling for an immediate moratorium on the HVCC procedure for the next 18 months. Let's hope that they are successful.

If I can help you with any mortgage questions and how this HVCC may or may not affect your upcoming home purchase or refinance please contact me and I will be happy to help guide you through the process.

Marc Hayes

Mortgage Consultant

Mhayes@remortgagefunding.com

O-443-632-0868

C-410-979-9588

Mortgage Rate Update/Monday June 15

Rates are continuing lower today as mortgage and treasury prices rally. ( Rates not back to previous lows, but at least heading in the right direction). Treasuries are climbing after the Japanese and Russian Finance Ministers expressed confidence in the U.S. dollar and U.S. securities. The economic releases last week were not as positive as the previous week and have helped stop the freefall in the treasury market as well.
Bruce W. Kessler
Mortgage Loan Officer
First Home Mortgage

Great Turn-out for Annual Rodgers Forge Picnic

Saturday's Community Picnic was a great success. Estimates are that we saw close to 500 neighbors at the big event. The kid's were lined up for pony rides all afternoon(after 200 rides we had some tired ponies!); even the pit beef ran out before 1pm! We had a very talented clown in the house who designed many different animal balloons--we loved the poodles on leashes-- and we saw lots of faces painted in many colors! The food was fabulous thanks to Wolford's. It was great to meet and catch up with lots of neighbors from many streets in the neighborhood.

Thanks to those who stopped at the ticket table to check on their dues and get them paid. the Rodgers Forge cups were a popular item. Many thanks to Kate Canada and her team of volunteers for pulling off an awesome event and for making sure we had good weather!

June Housing Update

As of today in The Forge:
--23 properties currently on the market, price range $269.9-$445K
--Of these, 3 are 5bdrm EOGs from $395-$445K
--3 are 4bdrm homes from $317-$349.9
--2 rentals on the market
--14 properties currently under contract, price range $245-$399K
--Average days it takes to put a house under contract: 45
--11 properties sold since May 1, sold price range $213-$350K
Questions, comments? Post them! Or call me anytime.