The NAR reports an increase in existing home sales of 5.5% in September. This includes single family, condominiums, townhomes and co-ops. Home sales were 1.4% higher than September, 2007. This is the first time since November of 2005 that there was an increase in sales compared to year ago levels. Low prices and low interest rates appear to be attracting buyers. There have been other indicators in recent weeks that the housing market is starting to rebound! Good news for everyone, please call or email with questions - Tina
With all the negative talk in the press about the real estate market and depreciating home values nationwide, I can’t stress enough that appreciation rates in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest and other Triangle North Carolina areas have continued to stay in the plus column. I thought you’d enjoy seeing a list of the Top 10 appreciating neighborhoods in Wake County for the past 13 months. If you don’t see your neighborhood here and want to know how it measures up, please call or email anytime - Tina
Top 10 Appreciation Subdivisions Report for Wake County
(Data is based upon closed sales during the past 13 months)
Woodcrest 14.84%
Lakemont 12.32%
Capital Heights 12.22%
Hi Mount 11.15%
North Hills 10.74%
Sunset Hills-Ral 9.53%
Meredith Woods 8.61%
Hayes Barton 8.3%
Cameron Village 8.11%
Stonehenge 8.4%
The North Carolina State Fair is almost ready to start, this year the Fair will run from October 16th to October 26th. If you want to purchase early discount tickets you can do so through tomorrow, Thursday, October 16th. Discount tickets are $5 for adults and $1 for children and can be bought at designated ticket locations or online. Call or email for more information, and hope to see you at the Fair. I’ll be there on Friday!- Tina
Coldwell Banker Howard Perry & Walston has introduced a bold initiative to bring buyers and sellers together in the Triangle area and help give a boost to the real estate market. From October 10th through October 19th, many listings in the area are being offered at specially reduced prices. Sellers participating in this sale event are offering price reductions of up to 10%. Homes in all areas, including Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest, Apex and Knightdale are included. Please call or email me with questions - Tina
The National Association of Realtors just released national August sales numbers showing an increase in Pending sales of 7% vs. July! This news suggests that first-time homebuyers are starting to take advantage of the $7,500 tax break available as well as the continued, relatively low mortgage rates. In the past few weeks I have had several buyers contract to buy and despite what’s being reported in the media, they have not had any trouble securing mortgage loans. Please call or write with questions/comments! Let’s hope for continued good news! -Tina
This weekend begins the Home Builders Association of Raleigh - Wake County Parade of Homes. This is the 43rd annual Parade in Raleigh - Wake County with 394 of the areas finest Builder’s showcasing the Triangle’s finest in new home construction. Parade hours this year are from noon to 5pm October 4-5, October 10-12, and October 17-19. If you’d like to get a Parade Book outling all of the homes available for tour, call me at 618-7171 or email me at tina@hpw.com. I know there are going to be some beautiful houses available this year and hope to see you out around Raleigh, Wake Forest, Cary and Knightdale! Please call with questions - Tina