Fort Wayne Real Estate Agents

Single pane, double pane, thermo pane, triple pane windows, plain glass, leaded glass, low "e" glass, wired glass, and tempered glass, too. WOW - There's a lot to know!

Some children have been known to shatter a window or two. Tempered glass can prevent this. Fogged thermal pane windows might need to be replaced if their seals are broken. New argon gas filled windows work well to insulate, while low-e coatings reduce the heat transfer for south facing rooms.

There is a lot of information available on the web, but this site seems to be one of the best ones out there. We will be happy to show you the different types of windows and glass as we show you around homes, so be sure to ask us.

​For further information about buying and selling your home, land or commercial property please visit my website at: www.homes4saleindiana.com or call me directly at: 260-443-5747

March 23, 2012 Contact: Stacey Hartman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (317) 644-9210 cell or text sahartman@indianarealtors.com

REALTORS® RELEASE INDIANA REAL ESTATE MARKETS REPORT FOR FEBRUARY 2012

Report shows more home sales statewide than in the same month of 2011, value of homes holding steady

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) – The state’s REALTORS® have released their Indiana Real Estate Markets Report, which shows  that 2012 has continued on the upward path set by January.

Statewide, when comparing February 2012 to February 2011:

• The number of closed home sales increased 20.5 percent to 3,551; and

• The number of pending home sales increased 22.5 percent to 4,446.

Prices were fairly stable with the median sale price of homes in February 2012 up a half percent from last February at $103,000. The average sale price of homes increased 0.8 percent to $124,446.

“Our data, combined with the fact that consumer confidence is as high as it has been in a year, points to an active spring and summer,” said Karl Berron, Chief Executive Officer of the Indiana Association of REALTORS®. “There are still some challenges to work through, but the statewide housing market is on its way to recovery with some local markets leading the charge.”

Visit the Reports tab of IndianaIsHome.com for the full report including a summary one-pager for 85 of Indiana’s 92 counties. The following six counties covered by the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) of the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS®, formerly the Fort Wayne Area Association, have been omitted this month because of a recent MLS conversion that affected the data processing for this report:  Adams, Allen, Huntington, Jay, Wells and Whitley.

More about the Indiana Real Estate Markets Report

Established in May 2009, the Indiana Real Estate Markets Report was the first-ever county-by-county comparison of existing single-family home sales in Indiana. In March 2010, IAR added statistics on other types of existing detached single-family (DSF) home sales – condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, mobile homes, etc. – to the report.

The report became even more robust in August 2010.  It now tells how the statewide housing market is performing according to eight different indicators, each with one-month and year-to-date comparisons, as well as a historical look. It also provides specific county information for 91 of Indiana’s 92 counties in a sortable table format, allowing for consistent comparison between local markets. IAR obtains the data directly from and releases this report in partnership with 26 of the state’s 27 Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), including the Broker Listing Cooperative® (BLC®) in both central and southwestern Indiana.

IAR represents approximately 15,000 REALTORS® who are involved in virtually all aspects related to the sale, purchase, exchange or lease of real property in Indiana. The term REALTOR® is a registered mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of America’s largest trade association, the National Association of REALTORS®, and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.

AVIVA EQUITY-RELEASE LIFETIME MORTGAGES

Here is their website URL: http://www.aviva.co.uk/equity-release/

​

Simply explained a lifetime mortgage is a long term loan secured against your home which is repaid when you die or go into long term care

From my understanding, here is how this works;

You will receive an amount of money based on the value of your current home. You are able to keep ownership of your home and you can then continue to live there until you either die or go into long term care at which time the property is willed/reverts to Aviva Equity. In other words, Aviva is BUYING your home from you, giving you the money upfront, then allowing you to live there until you pass away or move into long-term care.

​The gamble by Aviva is that during the upcoming years you are living there the property will increase in value. Then, when you die or move-on they can re-sell the property for a profit or at least for the amount they paid you initially. Ultimately, it is your responsibility to still take care of the property as normal.

You don't have to make any monthly payments during the lifetime of the loan This is because the way this program works is the loan and the interest of the loan are combined and then repaid by the sale of your property when the plan ends....normally either when you die or move into long term care.

One of the benefits is you can also move if you want to and still retain the monies paid to you, as long as the home you are moving to meets the minimum valuation that your current home is.

These are just a sampling of the many benefits for having a Lifetime Mortgage by Aviva Equity.

​Contact them today to learn more about how this program can fit your current life situation!

For the third time in four months, existing-home sales increased again while inventories decreased, according to a recent report by the National Association of Realtors (NAR). Existing-home sales, which include recently purchased single family, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops were up 4.3 percent in January to a seasonally adjusted rate of 4.53 million units.

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, explains that buyers are responding to market conditions. "The uptrend in home sales is in line with all of the underlying fundamentals – pent-up household formation, record-low mortgage interest rates, bargain home prices, sustained job creation and rising rents," he said. “Foreclosure sales are moving swiftly with ready home buyers and investors competing in nearly all markets. A government proposal to turn bank-owned properties into rentals on a large scale does not appear to be needed at this time."

Total housing inventory dropped 0.4 percent in January, leaving 2.31 million existing homes for sale. This represents a 6.1 month supply of homes at today's current sales pace. Inventory continues to shrink from their record levels of 4.04 million set in July 2007, and is 20.6 percent below a year ago.

NAR President Moe Veissi is encouraged by the trend. "Word has been spreading about the record high housing affordability conditions and our members are reporting an increase in foot traffic compared with a year ago," he said. "With other favorable market factors, these are hopeful indicators leading into the spring home-buying season. We’re cautiously optimistic that an uptrend will continue this year."

This information is graciously provided by a colleague of mine in Colorado.

Luther Benson - Broker/Owner
Access Real Estate Professionals Inc.
21 Years of Experience
For a Free List of Distressed Homes go to:

http://www.freedistressedlistings.com

For a list of all available homes on the MLS go to:

http://www.Homes4SaleCo.com

Learn the 7 costly mistakes buyers and sellers make on my web site:

http://www.lutherbenson.com

Email: lutherbenson@comcast.net

Direct 719-528-2406
Toll Free 877-528-2406
Cell 719-310-2404
CPV, CRS Sales were up compared to last January with an increase of 3%. There are currently 3157 active single family listings on the market in the Pikes Peak region compared to 4326 last year in December, which is a 27% decrease. New listings on the market were down by 15.3%. With supplies down and demand up for several months in a row the market is improving.

The median single family sales price was down 4.3% in January 2012. Last year's median number was $180,000 and this year's January stat was $172,500.  The average purchase price was down in January compared to last year by 2.9% to $204,814 from $210,879.

There are currently 360 active condo/townhomes listings on the market compared to 607 last year in January, which is a 41% decrease. Sales were up in January by 8.6% compared to Jan 2011 and down 18.3% compared to last month. The average purchase price for condo/townhomes was up 1% to $130,822 compared to Jan 2011 stats.

With demand increases and sale prices low this is a great time to jump into the market. If demand keeps up the prices will begin to rise.

REALTORS® RELEASE INDIANA REAL ESTATE MARKETS REPORT FOR DECEMBER 2011
Report closes door on 2011, shows it better than 2010 with regard to activity and prices

(INDIANAPOLIS, IN) – The monthly Indiana Real Estate Markets Report today released by the Indiana Association of REALTORS® also provides year-end data which shows that 2011 was better than the year before with regard to activity and home prices.

Statewide, there were 220 more homes sold in 2011 than in 2010. The median price of all 57,985 homes sold in Indiana last year was $112,900, which is 0.8 percent more than the median price of all homes sold in 2010. The average price of all homes sold last year was $135,183, which is a 1.7 percent increase over 2010.

“Local housing markets are making some progress,” said Karl Berron, Chief Executive Officer. “This is good news even if we’d like to press the accelerator.”

Statewide, when comparing December 2011 to December 2010:

• The number of closed sales increased 7.1 percent to 4,592;
• The median sale price of homes increased 0.9 percent to $110,000; and
• The average sale price of homes decreased 3.3 percent to $128,422.

“For 2012 to realize growth or just continue this slight, but steady progress, four things need to happen,” continued Berron. “One, Hoosiers must be working. Two, they must be confident in their prolonged employment. Three, qualified buyers must have access to available financing. And four, the foreclosure inventory must decrease so as to relieve that downward pressure on prices.

“Regardless, it is difficult to ignore that home prices here in Indiana have historically held their ground and interest rates are at the lowest in most memories. Anyone looking to buy or invest should start with the sortable county tables of this report and then talk to a local REALTOR® who can give the most insight into what’s happening in a neighborhood, city or school district,” concluded Berron.

More about the Indiana Real Estate Markets Report

Established in May 2009, the Indiana Real Estate Markets Report was the first-ever county-by-county comparison of existing single-family home sales in Indiana. In March 2010, IAR added statistics on other types of existing detached single-family (DSF) home sales – condominiums, duplexes, townhomes, mobile homes, etc. – to the report.

The report became even more robust in August 2010.  It now tells how the statewide housing market is performing according to eight different indicators, each with one-month and year-to-date comparisons, as well as a historical look. It also provides specific county information for 91 of Indiana’s 92 counties in a sortable table format, allowing for consistent comparison between local markets. IAR obtains the data directly from and releases this report in partnership with 26 of the state’s 27 Multiple Listing Services (MLSs), including the Broker Listing Cooperative® (BLC®) in both central and southwestern Indiana.

IAR represents approximately 15,000 REALTORS® who are involved in virtually all aspects related to the sale, purchase, exchange or lease of real property in Indiana. The term REALTOR® is a registered mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of America’s largest trade association, the National Association of REALTORS®, and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics

This information is graciously provided by a colleague of mine in Colorado.

Luther Benson - Broker/Owner
Access Real Estate Professionals Inc.
21 Years of Experience
For a Free List of Distressed Homes go to:

http://www.freedistressedlistings.com

For a list of all available homes on the MLS go to:

http://www.Homes4SaleCo.com

Learn the 7 costly mistakes buyers and sellers make on my web site:

http://www.lutherbenson.com

Email: lutherbenson@comcast.net

Direct 719-528-2406
Toll Free 877-528-2406
Cell 719-310-2404
CPV, CRS

Sales were up compared to last December with an increase of 3.5%. There are currently 3285 active single family listings on the market in the Pikes Peak region compared to 4327 last year in December, which is a 24.1% decrease. New listings on the market were down by 21.4%. With supplies down and demand up for several months in a row the market appears to be improving.

The median single family sales price was down 6.8% in December 2011. Last year's median number was $198,500 and this year's December stat was $185,000.  The average purchase price was down in December compared to last year by 9.6% to $210,688 from $232,939.

There are currently 373 active condo/townhomes listings on the market compared to 612 last year in December, which is a 39.1% decrease. Sales were up in December by 12% compared to Dec 2010 and down 38.8% compared to last month. The average purchase price for condo/townhomes was down 13.3% to 157,514 compared to Dec 2010 stats.

The average single family home price is down 4.9% in 2011. New listings were down by 16.3% and sales were up 3.3%

The average Condo/townhome price was down in 2011 by by 14%.

With sales up and prices down, even if you have to sell this could be the right time to get in the market! Check it out on our web site. www.lutherbenson.com

This is a re-post of information provided by: 

Copyright @ 2012 MBSQuoteline During the first week of the new year, mortgage rates continued to be influenced by the same factors as in 2011. Stronger than expected US economic data roughly offset continued concerns about Europe, and mortgage rates ended the week nearly unchanged.

Friday's Employment report provided further support that the US economy is gaining strength to begin the new year. Against a consensus forecast of 150K, the economy added 200K jobs in December. The Unemployment Rate unexpectedly fell to 8.5%, the lowest level since February 2009, from 8.7% in November. The decline was partly due to the increase in jobs and partly due to people dropping out of the labor force. Average Hourly Earnings, a proxy for wage growth, increased 2.1% from one year ago. This was an encouraging report in nearly every area.

While prospects in the US appear to be picking up, signs of improvement in Europe have been frustratingly slow to emerge. Bond yields in troubled countries remained at elevated levels, and European banks had to pay higher than expected costs to raise additional capital. Investors are still demanding very large premiums to lend money to European countries which are considered risky, making recovery efforts even more costly. Relatively safer assets, such as US mortgage-backed securities (MBS), continued to benefit this week from the lack of progress in Europe.

Next week, the Fed's Beige Book will come out on Wednesday. Retail Sales will be released on Thursday. Retail Sales account for about 70% of economic activity. Import Prices, the Trade Balance, and Consumer Sentiment will come out on Friday. In addition, there will be Treasury auctions on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Copyright @ 2012 MBSQuoteline

November 2011 Quick Facts

Home prices are one of the most popular barometers of market vitality, yet they

only tell part of the story. Soft prices may accompany improvements in other

indicators such as purchase demand, absorption rates, seller concessions or

market times. Regional, market-wide prices fall short by not recognizing the mix

of homes that close each month, be it weighted toward single-family, lendermediated

or new construction addition movements often lag mediated construction. In addition, price changes

elsewhere in the marketplace. Let's see what the preferred market yardstick has

measured for November 2011.

• New Listings decreased 0.4% to 671.

• Pending Sales were up 16.9 percent to 456.

• Inventory levels grew 2.5 percent to 3,851 units.

• The Median Sales Price declined 7.0 percent to $92,500.

• Percent of Original List Price Received increased 0.4 percent to 94.0.

• The rate of inventory absorption slowed as Months Supply of Inventory was

up 3.9 percent to 8.0 months.

Not only do forces beyond supply and demand affect home prices, but other

factors outside of housing serve as inputs into the equation. New job growth

and consumer confidence drive household formations which in turn fuels

purchase demand and pressures prices. Similarly, when real incomes rise,

families can afford more house and move-up buyers become increasingly

motivated. To that end, the jobless rate fell from 9.0 percent to 8.6 percent in

November – the lowest in 2.5 years.

- 7.0%

Change in

Median Sales Price

+ 2.5%

Change in

Inventory

+ 14.3%

Change in

Closed Sales

This report contains information compiled by the Indiana Association of REALTORS®, may contain content from sources other than the Upstate Alliance of REALTORS® Multiple Listing Service and may not reflect all real estate activity in the market. Statistical data is based on residential property listings and sales from the Indiana counties of Adams, Allen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Wells and Whitley. Powered by 10K Research and Marketing.

Heating and cooling systems are some of the most important investments you'll ever make in your home. Heating and cooling accounts for 44% of your home's energy use. Various systems include electric, gas, propane, oil, and even wood-fired.

Some of the methods of distribution can be forced air, under floor boilers and pipes, tankless hot water, baseboard, zonal, gravity, heat pumps, ceiling wires and, of course, wood stove and fireplace. Some have higher purchase prices, while others cost more to maintain or operate.

The more energy efficient an appliance is, the less it costs to run and the lower your utility bills. Use this knowledge to evaluate the asking price of any home. You'll be money ahead as you factor its heat source into any offer! More information on heating is available right here.