Real Estate Market

We finally have some good news for the Triangle Real Estate Market! Sales were up 11% over the same period a year ago. Although showings were down 3%, pending sales were up 8 percent. When the federal homebuyer tax credit expired at the end of June last year, sales were down for 6 months but now they seem to be on the rise which is good news as we head into 2012!

There were 19% less homes on the market this November than a year ago. One problem that continues is a lack of qualified buyers. The average price of homes that sold in November was down 11% from a year ago and the average days on the market for homes that did was up to 129 days from 110 days a year ago. Clearly, it is still a buyer's market.

As we exit 2011, prices still not have rebounded after their huge declines, inventories are still well above normal, and the foreclosure rate is still high but as job gains continue to rise, the real estate market should steadily improve.

The winter months are typically the slowest period of the year however I have a good feeling as we approach the new year. Onward and Upward!

Until then, Masha Halpern & The Smart Move Team wish everyone a Happy and a Healthy 2012!

If you’re considering repainting your home in the New Year, look to the great outdoors for inspiration. The color experts at the Paint Quality Institute (PQI) say paint color trends for 2012 will draw upon the natural colors in the American landscape, such as native plants, flowers, rocks and minerals, and the ocean.

Blues will continue to be popular in 2012, says Debbie Zimmer, color expert at PQI. Whether choosing sparkling sea-glass blue or colonial blue-gray, blues are suitable for all living spaces because they are a soothing color that everyone seems to love.

Greens, from sage to forest green, allow homeowners to bring part of the outside world inside. Dining rooms and kitchens are natural spots for different shades of “in-vogue” green, but the color works well in family rooms and bedrooms too.

Violet, inspired by the majestic purple mountains in the West, brings a harmonious combination of patriotic blue and red to the home’s interior.

Violet can add punch to any room when used as an accent color or be the dominant color in a bedroom.

Also new for 2012 is patterned paint, which can be the focal point in a room, or provide a subtle, textural backdrop to fine furnishings and artwork. For a sleek, stylish look, try classic black and white, which is popular in kitchen designs. Home exteriors are also moving to a more monochromatic palette in 2012. For example, shutters will be painted a shade or two darker than the siding.

Despite the new colors and trends for 2012, Zimmer says one thing will remain the same. “Top quality 100 percent acrylic latex paint will provide the best performance and the best value to budget-conscious homeowners,” she says.

With so many homes on the market these days, buyers may find it difficult to decide which style of home is right for them. HGTV’s Frontdoor.com outlines several factors to consider when choosing a home style, including the region of the country, personal tastes, lifestyle and budget.

First, think about what part of the country you plan to live in and the type of neighborhood that appeals to you. Some home styles are more prevalent in certain parts of the country and in certain communities. For example, bungalows are more common in the Midwest, while Colonials are more prevalent in the Northeast.

Budget is also a consideration. For first-time homebuyers on a budget, certain home styles may be out of their price range. Meanwhile, move-up buyers with more cash available can consider a more spacious home with luxury amenities.How much space do you need? For growing families, the typical American ranch home usually offers plenty of space and a large yard for kids to play, while a smaller ranch home may be a better option for empty nesters and older singles. 

When selecting a home style, think carefully about the upkeep. How much home maintenance are you willing to do? Older homes may have more history and character but they sometimes require more maintenance, while newer homes may only require some minor touch-ups and may be more move-in ready.

Modern home styles with open, free-flowing floor plans and outdoor living spaces will likely appeal to those who love to entertain or have families. But smaller, cozy spaces may be better suited to older couples or single homeowners who enjoy their privacy.

The best part about finding the best home style to fit your lifestyle is decorating it to make it all your own.

For the uninformed, blogging is hitting the Internet today and making a real impact! What is a blog? An easy explanation of this is a WEB LOG or a journal on the web … it’s a place where folks can “voice” their thoughts, share ideas, or comment on those of others. The Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Durham area now has such a blog where new items of interest will be posted and where comments can be made. Topics can range from those related to real estate and community highlights to local events of interest or anything personal or business related that might be perceived as worthwhile information for public knowledge, discussion and/or use. It’s even possible to subscribe to a blog of interest and receive textual updates on your iPod! Check out the latest updates for the Chapel Hill, Carrboro and Durham at: http://www.thesmartmoveteam.com/blog.aspThanks for reading my newsletter, and please feel free to forward this email in it's entirety to anyone you feel would benefit from it. To UNSUBSCRIBE scroll to bottom and use the link. You will be removed automatically and immediately. Please also ignore this newsletter if your home is listed with another broker. It's not our intent to solicit other brokers listings.

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