Good News!

There are people who are undoubtedly having a tough time of it during this current economic state.  But keep in mind that this is not a return to the Great Depression!  Presently, 92% of Americans have jobs, while in the Great Depression the unemployment rate was nearly 30%.  Concurrently, there is good news to be told, particularly in the real estate sector.

The Stimulus Package allows new home buyers to save $8,000.  Even prior to this package being unveiled, a Housing Industry Association survey showed that new home sales increased by more than eight percent in January of 2009.

And despite the doom and gloom you may have heard about the housing market, did you know that over half of the United States (28 states) had positive quarterly growth in housing prices for the fourth quarter of 2008 (according to the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight Price Index).

And how about the fact that the 30 year fixed rate fell to 5.01%, it’s lowest level on record!  Now is the time to refinance your home!

Also a new study rightfully takes issue with the media coverage that foreclosures are dangerously widespread.  William Lucy and Jeff Herlitz note in an article that 62 percent of the foreclosures in 2008 were in four states; and none of these were in the North East.

Locally, we have witnessed clients having success in the real estate market – both buying and selling property.  We have been happy to be apart of the work which helped sell a home, and look forward to the opportunity to do work on a recently purchased home.

As you can see, there is plenty of good news and benefits out there for home owners, particularly, those who invest in their most valuable asset – their home.  The enhancement of your home will for certain elevate the value of your home as well as the spirits of you and your family.

Energey Conservation Tips

1) Use heat from the sun to your advantage

Open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.

2) Install a programmable thermostat

These are easy to replace with your existing thermostats and make it easy to keep your house at the temperatures needed for various times of the day and according to the season.

3) Seal air leaks

These are most common around doors, windows and floors.  Caulk or weather-stripping can be used in most applications to prevent these air leaks.