IF YOU ARE ASKING YOURSELF IF THIS IS A GOOD TIME TO BUY....

GREAT ARTICLE FROM BUSINESS WEEK. NOW I WON'T CONTEND AS THE NAME OF THE ARTICLE STATES THAT YOU ARE STUPID OR BROKE IF YOU DON'T BUY A HOUSE. WILL CONTEND THAT IF YOU ARE THINKING, PONDERING, IN A POSITION TO DO SO....THE STARS COULD NOT HAVE ALINED MORE PERFECTLY IN YOUR FAVOR. TODAY I SAW RATES AT 4.78% AND THESE WILL NOT LAST FOREVER. IT IS PREDICTED THAT RATES WILL INCREASE LATE SPRING 2010

SOMEMETIME THIS LATE SPRING THE GOVERNMENT WILL STOP BUYING MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES WHICH IS THE MAIN REASON INTEREST RATES ARE STAYING LOW BUT AS WE ALL KNOW THIS WON'T LAST FOREVER. MARC ROTH SHARES HIS THOUGHTS IN THIS ARTICLE. http://www.businessweek.com/lifestyle/content/dec2009/bw2009127_753974.htm

NOW IF YOU ARE IN A POSITION WE ARE READY TO ASSIST! I HAVE A GREAT TEAM OF PROFESSIONALS READY TO HELP YOU! TO SEARCH FOR YOUR NEW HOME GO TO WWW.ALLENTATE.COM/JULIEKEELAN AND START YOUR SEARCH TODAY! WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU!

A great place to use your tax credit! 3537 Singleleaf Lane, Raleigh, NC, 27616. Powered by FloorPlanOnline

Tour this beautiful 3 bed 2.5 bath in Raleigh. Great location & the home is turn key & move in ready with all appliances included! Call me to set up a showing today. Virtual Tour # 55768 - 3537 Singleleaf Lane, Raleigh, NC, 27616. Powered by FloorPlanOnline Take this tour & really experience the home.

Wall Street Surprised by Home Sales Decline?

Wall Street Surprised by Home Sales Decline?

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Art Spark in Raleigh this weekend 9/17/ to 9/20

sparkcon this weekend! Come out for a weekend of art during SPARKcon, September 17-20, 2009 on Fayetteville Street. VAE produces artSPARK, which includes street painting, a gallery, a digital gallery and image slam, abstract painting, plein air painting, kidSPARK, an experimental video lounge, and installations in PODS (Portable On-Demand Storage) and on the street! There are over 600 visual artists involved in this year's event. www.sparkcon.com or www.visualartexchange.org/sparkcon2009.php

Virtual Tour # 51604 - 3521 Banks Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27603. Powered by FloorPlanOnline

Virtual Tour # 51604 - 3521 Banks Rd, Raleigh, NC, 27603. Powered by FloorPlanOnline

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Mortgage Applications Fall, Interest Rates Climb

Sparked by a drop in demand for home refinancing loans, mortgage applications fell during the week ending July 24 after having a four-week streak of increases, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association’s Weekly Mortgage Applications Survey. The MBA’s Market Composite Index, which includes both purchase and refinance mortgage applications, dropped 6.3 percent from the previous week to a seasonally adjusted 495.4.

“The rise in interest rates on mortgages is likely going to be accompanied by a rise in inflation and that has historically been good for housing,” said Jeffrey Fisher, a real estate professor at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

Fixed 30-year mortgage rates averaged 5.36 percent, up 0.05 from the previous week, while fixed 15-year rates averaged 4.75 percent, down 0.05 percent from the previous week. Rates for adjustable-rate mortgages increased to 6.66 percent from the previous week’s figure of 6.5 percent.

The MBA’s seasonally adjusted Refinance Index fell 10.9 percent from the previous week to 1,862.1 while the Purchase Index remained unchanged at 262.0. The refinance share of mortgage applications decreased from the previous week’s figure of 55.5 percent to 52.6 percent. The adjustable-rate mortgage share of applications increased to 5.5 percent, up 0.7 percent from the previous week.

Applications for loans to buy homes remained steady. Fisher noted that an unforeseen blow to the economy could hinder the housing market’s recovery. “The economy is recovering, but fragile,” he said. “But as consumer confidence increases and banks start making more loans we should see continued strength in the housing market.” Reposted from: Appraiser News Online Headlines

Great interview with Tony Robbins Moto-vate!

Great interview posted on Tony Robbins Blog "Change Your Life"http://http://tinyurl.com/2aq44a It is good stuff...Make a conscious decision TODAY!

GRI What is it & what does it mean?

REALTORS® who hold the GRI designation...
Have dedicated their time and money on real estate education to bring you quality service.

Graduate REALTOR® Institute designees have made the commitment to provide a high level of professional services to their clients.

The GRI curriculum incorporates a common body of knowledge for progressive real estate professionals. A REALTOR® who possesses the GRI designation has not only completed a course of study required by the program, but also subscribes to the Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®.

Have taken at least 90 hours of specialized real estate related courses.Graduate REALTOR® Institute (GRI) is the designation awarded by state associations to members of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® who successfully complete a predetermined course of study.

Are up to date on the latest real estate trends and issues.

Any person awarded the GRI designation must be a member of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and must maintain that membership to retain the designation.

The GRI Designation was established by the Education Committee of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® and approved by the NAR Board of Directors on February 12, 1974. It was amended and approved by the Education Committee in January, 1992.

Yale economist Robert Shiller on evaluating risk

This is one of the best clips on housing and the economy that I have seen in a while. Robert Shiller is always one of the guys to watch! Click here to see the interview of Robert Shiller on the Charlie Rose show http://http//www.charlierose.com/view/content/10526

There is a lot to think about and still much to be done. I love the statement about this being a time of inovation not by the government but by individuals! LEANER MEANER & GREENER this is what the next decade will be all about.

Walking, hiking, and biking trails in the Triangle area

Leaner, Meaner & Greener!!!!! Get out there people and do your thing walk it out, move that body. You don't have to go anywhere you can do it here in the one of the best areas in the country the Triangle!

Click here to see some of the places that are outstanding for area outdoor activities Walking, hiking, and biking trails in the Triangle area

So after you have spent the entire day out in your car with your favorite Agent (ME ! ;-) Get out and EXPLORE!

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DO THE MATH & TAKE THE LONG TERM VIEW!

Move-up buyers can increase their wealth by taking advantage of the current Triangle homes market. Many homeowners who don’t need to sell in this market are choosing to sit it out. Fearful that their homes will sell for less than they would have three years ago, many homeowners are missing the opportunity presented by the current real estate market. It’s only natural that a homeowner will focus on the loss in home prices compared with recent years, but “move-up” buyers need to focus on the importance of buying now in order to have a long-term positive impact on their net worth.


Home Price = $300,000
Sell at $270,000 = $30,000 less


Home Price = $500,000
Buy at $450,000 = $50,000 savings




The smaller loss at sale will be compensated by greater savings at purchase, resulting in a significant net gain. The example above assumes a 10% drop in the home market at both levels. In fact, in the Triangle Market the advantage may be even greater because the prices of lower-priced homes seem to be holding while the higher priced homes continue to go down in list price.


Smart homeowners are taking advantage of this market to “step-up” their housing, some of my clients are. When you buy a better home under the current market conditions, you are saving more on the purchase than you lost on the sale of your previous home and your new home is of often better positioned for appreciation when the market rebounds. If you take the example above and assume that the homes appreciate 10% in value, the first home gains $27,000, while the second gains $45,000. This can add significantly to your net worth when the market rebounds which it will.



Let the Keelan Realty Group show you how to take advantage of the current market conditions call us at 919-453-5064 today! Visit us on the web at www.AllenTate.com/JulieKeelan to view listings in the Triangle.

HAPPY 4th of JULY

I don't know how you celebrated it but I think this video embodies the necessary spirit needed today in our coountry click on and enjoy http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDA9NbPAK8o

4408 Cobble Creek Ln, Raleigh, NC 27616 - Zillow

4408 Cobble Creek Ln, Raleigh, NC 27616 - Zillow

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LUXURY HOME - SENSATIONAL STEM HOME

LUXURY HOME - SENSATIONAL STEM HOME

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New York Times Article about Research Triangle Park

Great article from the New York Times about The Research Triangle Park of North Carolina. To view the article go to this link: http//www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/06/14/travel/0614-raleigh_index.html or if you have trouble with the first link try this one: http//travel.nytimes.com/2009/06/14/travel/14hours.html

We live in such a great area of the country. Many people are pleasantly surprised when they come to our area and they quickly come to see the richness of our area. By richness I mean the history, culture, educational institutions & the great mix of ethnic diversity. I hope you enjoy this!

Two Great Open Houses This Weekend!

Two Great Open Houses this Weekend! Tomorrow shoud be a great day to come out! Tomorrow Saturday 1-4PM in Wake Forest Check out the home at 4924 Tuckahoe Trace Wake Forest, NC http://http//trianglemls.mlxtempo.com/Pub/EmailView.asp?r=1092564436&s=TRA&t=TRA
Great First Time Home Buyers Property or if You are downsizing! USDA Financing Available! $8,000 Tax Credit, Low Rates....Don't miss the BEST BUYERS MARKET EVER!


Second Home is Locacated in Rolesville, minutes form Raleigh. 5 BED 5 Bath, 5,001 SF Fininshed Walkout Basement, Storage, Storage, Storage. Wake Forest - Rolesville Schools! Swimming Pool Community. http://http//www.418peaslake.com/

Call 919-623-7715 with any questions you may have!

I am lucky enough to have friends and clients that ask what is going on in with Real Estate, what's going on in the market? Whether you are a home owner or not what is "going on' affects us all. This is the best source for current information on the Nation Real Estate Market that I have come across. Steve Harney is a national speaker on the topic of Real Estate. I was introduced to him through my company Allen Tate Realtors, I hope you find this as informative as I have. See my new side bar posting from Keeping Current Matters!

I trust you will find this informative.

That

That’s (Bleeping) Awesome!

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4924 Tuckahoe Trce, Wake Forest, NC 27587 - Zillow

4924 Tuckahoe Trce, Wake Forest, NC 27587 - Zillow

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So....you want to sell your house... But Are You Willing?

Selling in the present environment requires accurate pricing & meticulous presentation. If you start out with your home priced too high & have things left undone in the home you may have just added a significant level of difficulty to the process & the Buyer will move on to your competition.

During the first couple of weeks listed, you should see a flurry of activity with buyers' agents coming to preview your home so they can sell it to their clients. Fewer agents will preview your home when it is overpriced & does not present well. If your home is dramatically above market, agents will ignore your home thinking you're not a serious seller. Their time might be better spent previewing homes that are priced realistically & show well. If you start out with a high sales price, then drop it later -- your home is "old news." You will never be able to recapture that flurry of initial activity you would have had with a more accurate price. A good Agent will help you to put you best foot forward when you come to the market. I coined the phrase "the three P's of marketing a home" Presentation, Pricing and Promotion. It is my job to get your home priced right, to get your home in it's best showing condition I always consult with a Home Stager. I use Karen Reynolds owner of Champagne Staging, see her website at http://www.champagnestaging.com/

Even if you successfully sell at an above market price, your buyer will need a mortgage and the mortgage lender will require an appraisal. If comparable sales for the last six months and current market conditions do not support your sales price, the house won’t appraise. Your deal falls apart. Of course, you can always attempt to renegotiate the price, but only if the buyer is willing to listen. Your house could go "back on the market."

A Great Reminder as We Enter an Era of Needed Cooperation...NOT DOG EAT DOG

I wanted to take a moment to share this post from Tim Sanderes Blog SandersSays. No one says it better than Tim Sanders. I love Keeping it positive & sharing the POSITIVE which is why I read his Blog! The words & stories that we spread need to focus on the positive & there are true Powers of Example out there as evidence of this posting.

Thanks Adam Lambert for showing people that there are soooooo many ways to win & BE a winner!

Enjoy & Have a Peaceful Memorial Day! I hope you enjoy the post
http://sanderssays.typepad.com/sanders_says/2009/05/can-you-cheer-for-the-person-who-just-defeated-you.html

Housing Market posed to most likely rebound...you guessed it Raleigh, NC!!!

It has been a busy few months here in the Raleigh, Wake Forest & Triangle Market in North Carolina. Since the February market (our Spring Market) kicked in & Buyers started stretching their legs & came out looking. With the $8,000 tax credit (Thank you Mr. President) low interest rates & an abundant number of well priced homes in our market Smart First Time Home Buyers could not resist! Homes that are moving are in the $250K & under, still there is enough inventory that it is the best presented homes that are going under contract.

Twice since March been I have been in a multiple offer situations with my clients the most recent was just today! These Buyers are excited and they should be they are getting the best of all worlds when it comes to their purchase, low interest rates, great value & in most cases Sellers are willing to do what it takes to make the deal happen.

Raleigh is still receiving great reviews as a great place to live and to relocate. Check out this link on today Show with Real Estate Expert Barbara Corcoran: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/30825142#30825142

There are great programs popping up to continue helping with consumer confidence....more to come next blog! Till then don't let "them" crush your dream. Be well!

The tax credit is bringing about positive results!

Top Economist say recovery has BEGUN

http://www.realtor.org/RMODaily.nsf/pages/News2009040701?OpenDocument

EVEN ANTS HAVE TO RELOCATE

Jazzy June Jive to Benefit Community Hospice Foundation

I am happy to announce that the Keelan Realty Group will be a sponsor for the following event: Jazzy June Jive

Please join us at this great event on June 20, 2009 in Wake Forest, NC. For more details and to learn how to buy tickets click on the Jazzy June Jive link above. We hope to see you there & if you can not attend we hope that you will consider making a donation!

Home Sales Grow Over First Quarter - Wake County

http://wake.mync.com/site/wake/news%7CSports%7CLifestyles/story/32503/home-sales-grow-over-first-quarter Triangle Home Sales Rise Over First Quarter. John Wood, President, RRAR is interviewed by NBC 17.

Together with the $8,000 tax credit, low interest rates & rising rents the $300K and lower price points are starting to move in our market. Buyers have never been in a better position. If you are waiting for ??? you will miss the deals that are available now!

Smart Home Sellers that have done their homework in otherwords: gotten their home in the best possible showing condition & worked with their Realtor to make their home the BEST PRICED home in the neighborhood are getting offers. If your Agent is not working with you in this way ask them WHY!

To search for your new home go to www.AllenTate.com/JulieKeelan

BEST PLACES TO LIVE: RALEIGH, DURHAM, CHAPEL HILL & WAKE FOREST SEE THIS FORBES ARTICLE

Once again Raleigh comes in as one of the best places to live in our country. Take a minute to view the article! We look forward to welcoming you to our part of the country!

http://www.forbes.com/2009/03/25/best-cities-careers-bizplaces09-business-places-intro.html

How to Take Advantage of the Jump in Mortgage Applications
Wednesday, 25 Mar 2009 | 9:13 PM ET Text Size Posted By: Carlo Dellaverson
Web Producer

Today we learned that mortgage applications jumped 32 percent last week over the previous week. It was also recently reported that last month’s sales of previously-owned homes jumped to its biggest increase in six years. Rates are down and home sales are up – what does it mean for your mortgage?

Rodney Anderson, executive director and managing partner of Rodney Anderson Lending Services, says the “floodgates are opening and the phones are ringing off the hook” with home loan applicants. And 70 percent of those applicants are actually getting approved, he says.

The secret to that high rate of acceptance? Anderson says this time around people are realizing they have to verify their assets, income and pay attention to their credit scores if they want to get a loan. Having that triumvirate is the key to getting approved, he says, and more homebuyers understand it, which leads to better borrowers applying.

Anderson also says he does not see interest rates moving much higher in today’s market, and he would advise first-time homebuyers to use the opportunity to lock in rates the closer they get to closing. Don’t pay a premium to lock in rates for longer periods of time, he advises.




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