If you'd like an update on the housing market (are you thinking of buying or selling a home?) and how it is affecting Charlotte, NC, read on.



The National Association of Realtors, in light of the recent economic developments, released this statement about the stability of the housing market:

Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said home prices have been moderating. “Median home prices have been moving up and down in a relatively narrow range in many markets, which shows a stabilization trend,” he said. “Markets showing consistent price stability or increases are those with solid labor market conditions, such as in Washington, D.C.; San Antonio; or Fargo, N.D.”


Charlotte can certainly be grouped in with other cities with solid labor markets-there are multiple Fortune 500 companies in Charlotte and our hospital systems, energy and banking centers bring in new people every month.

Read the article regarding the housing market in its entirety: Second Quarter Metro Prices Mixed
.

Also, check out this video from YUN on the AAA credit downgrade:



If you'd like stats or update info on your particular neighborhood or neighborhood of interest, email me at Sarah@SarahMartinHomes.com

Well 2009, you taught us a lot. We are more thankful for the jobs we have and the money we make. More importantly, we cherish our friends and family perhaps more than ever. It has been a crazy year for all of us-some made more than ever by cashing in on the niche spots in the economy but most of us just barely made it through and are ready for 2010!






Here are some tips to take into 2010 that I gathered from some of my clients and other professionals in the real estate industry:


-Absolutely take advantage of the $8,000 or $6,500 tax credit for purchasing property before it disappears in June!


-Aside from investors who are doing remodeling/flipping, think more long-term when looking for your new home(perhaps holding on to it for 5-10+ years as opposed to 2-5 years)


-Curb appeal and staging have never been more important to buyers


-Don't stretch your budget: live within your means even if that means waiting on your dream house another year


-Work hard, but don't forget to leave it at the office (or hide the Blackberry) and spend focused time with your family


-Sellers may be more willing to add in extras: you like the playset they have in the backyard? Or the bunk beds upstairs? Ask for them! It may just relieve them of hauling the furntiure in the Rent-A-Truck.








Here are a few tidbits I've heard from clients that should get you motivated!


-I talked to one of my clients last week and he said that Wells Fargo/Wachovia made more money last year than ever before. They are going to start hiring new people this week.



-I also just got an email from another client that said his company targeted niches and segments of markets that were starting to come back 6 months ago (San Diego, Las Vegas) and they have seen a 26% increase in their product sales. They predict Charlotte is 6 months behind these markets.


-Agents in San Diego and southern California are desperate to find inventory for their buyers! The listing agents are getting 20 offers on listings. In Las Vegas, if you don't offer cash they won't even look at your offer.












If you have any questions regarding the tax credit extension or how to make the most of 2010's real estae market, feel free to give me a ring at 704-604-2445 or shoot me an email: sarah@sarahmartinhomes.com


Happy New Year!