Rent Real Estate
Oil leaks and spills from residential fuel tanks have cost Canadian insurance companies and homeowners a lot of money in recent years. Insurance companies now balk at insuring homes with older fuel tanks, and some provinces have passed strict new regulations governing when the tanks must be replaced.
As most Canadians watch their gardens thaw out after a long winter of
Living in one of Canada"s finest resort communities is great fun for all, except those who are trying to work there.
Mortgage Investors Lose
Look for more luxurious features and improved energy efficiency in new homes built in Canada during the coming year. A survey of members of the Canadian Home Builders" Association (CHBA) shows four in 10 builders say they will make significant changes to the houses they are building, including more luxurious features, better energy efficiency, more square footage and more environmentally favourable features.
As the annual scramble to stash cash in RRSPs ends, the debate rages on. Should Canadians mentally post a big "Hands Off" sign on their RRSPs? Or should they consider their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) a "registered ready-spending plan," there to help out in a cash crunch?
Whether you get married or not, Canadian law may govern the disposition of property if your relationship fails. When you enter into a personal relationship owning real estate, don’t automatically assume you’ll leave with your property intact if things don’t work out love-wise.
If you"re planning a major renovation to your home, there are dozens of books, articles and websites to help you with your project. Make sure you get at least three quotes for the work, you"ll be told. Ensure that you have a good working relationship with your contractor and that you are comfortable working with him, says the advice. Good planning will ensure success, you"re promised.
A recently-released report on small- and medium-sized enterprises or SMEs concludes that “to turn the corner on two decades of deteriorating Canadian living standards” requires policies specifically geared towards addressing the barriers to growth of Canadian SMEs. There are many definitions of SMEs that refer to revenues, employment or assets. This study defined SMEs as enterprises that employ fewer than 250 people.
Although recent economic news and activity may suggest a technical end to the "Great Recession," the conditions facing the construction industry are likely to remain weak for another year or more, causing a drag on cement consumption, according to the most recent economic forecast from the Portland Cement Association (PCA).
During the real estate boom, staging and cosmetic touch-ups were often all it took to launch buyers on a desperate race to make an offer before they ended up in a price-escalating, multiple-offer showdown. Now that calmer conditions exist for buyers, superficial or fashion-based make-overs may not be enough to trigger an offer. They may even turn buyers off a property.
The housing industry continues to lead Canada"s economy, with the latest figures showing a stronger-than-expected number of housing starts in August. Starts were 25 per cent higher than in August of 2001, led by Western Canada.
Do you find it difficult to get satisfaction when you are not happy with the service or goods you have paid for? Do you often let your complaint go unresolved because you don"t know where to start when it comes to writing a complaint letter?
Among the first welcome signs of spring across Canada are garage sales. However, whether you are an eager garage sale buyer hunting for "deals" or a determined lawn sale seller out to cash-in on the sale of accumulated "treasures," you may be in for more trouble than you bargained for. (The same holds true when shopping at resale stores, accepting hand-me-downs or taking advantage of curbside shopping on rubbish day.)
Radon gas, of great concern to American home buyers and home owners, is virtually unknown to Canadians. While the world considers radon gas an indoor health hazzard, Canada continues to view this silent killer as a relatively-benign intruder. This ordourless, tasteless, invisible gas is the second major source of lung cancer.
What do Nunavut"s Iqaluit, Ontario"s Brampton and Newfoundland"s Conception Bay South have in common?
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is in the news again, this time for its deep pockets as the September 30 deadline fast approaches. Through its External Research Program, approximately 20 housing research grants of up to $20,000 each will be awarded by CMHC. The competition is open to Canadians or those with permanent resident status.
Canadians tend to grow deep roots in their communities and usually hate to move away from friends and neighbours unless forced.
With so much of the U.S. economy hanging in the balance, where do the Presidential candidates weigh in federally insured limits on bank-deposit accounts?
Do you understand real estate terminology well enough to consider yourself an informed consumer or investor? How can you ensure you get a good deal when buying a house or arranging a mortgage if you don"t understand the language used by housing and financial professionals. Don"t let jargon get the better of you!
As the Canadian National Exhibition opens in Toronto and across the country similar fairs swing into action, Canadians must be on the alert for fraud. Whether it"s the Pacific National Exhibition, a fall fair or a home show, when exhibitors offer prizes, promote contests and encourage you to "fill out this form to get...", some of your personal information may end up in the wrong hands - those of fraudulent telemarketers.
Many retired Canadian homeowners return from their snowbirding months in the United States with thoughts of reverse mortgages fresh in their minds. Although these home equity conversion products are widely available in the US, Canadian homeowners do not have an open, competitive reverse mortgage marketplace to shop in.
Anyone who does or advertises to do repairs, remodeling, alterations or new construction is usually required to be registered with the state contractor licensing board. This includes roofing, siding, painting, carpentry, concrete, appliance repair, heating and air conditioning, home inspections, tree service, plumbing, electrical and most other construction and repair services. These state agencies often offer free dispute resolution service for those who have problems with a registered contractor for up to a year after the work has been substantially completed.
As spring fever begins to grip Canada, those in British
Canada"s major financial institutions raised mortgage rates
Millions of Canadians are spending madly to celebrate the new Millennium
The forecast for home sales has trended up as the year progressed, fueled lately by added demand resulting from the impact of recent hurricanes, according to the National Association of Realtors.
Despite recent increases in days on market and reports of slowed sales, Dallas is still reported as one of the best markets in the country.
The majority of metropolitan areas experienced historically strong annual increases in median existing-home prices in the second quarter, according to the latest survey by the National Association of Realtors.
What a difference a year makes! Barely 11 months ago, the National Association of Realtors joined forces with trade group allies on Capitol Hill to torpedo a Bush administration real estate settlement system reform plan, that sought to encourage "guaranteed packages" of mortgage and closing costs for consumers.
Sales of existing single-family homes held steady last month, setting a pace that was the fourth highest on record, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
A growing economy will help to sustain strong home sales in 2004, but housing activity isn"t likely to match last year"s record, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
Foreclosure and REO investors have begun taking a closer look at the Obama administration"s recent loosening of rules on property "flips"… . And they"re seeing some potential complications.
Like many of its suburban counterparts across the country, DeKalb, Georgia, pending sales have suddenly entered positive territory after months of downward trends.
Lower-than-projected mortgage interest rates are expected to sustain housing at healthy levels, according to the National Association of REALTORS.
The National Association of Realtors praised President George W. Bush and Housing and Urban Development Secretary Mel Martinez for their commitment to increasing minority homeownership opportunities and pledged its full support for the White House minority homeownership initiative announced yesterday. Regional Vice President Bob McMillan of Decatur, Ala., represented NAR -- one of about a dozen partners in this public-private initiative -- at this morning"s announcement ceremony at St. Paul AME Church in Atlanta.
Converting apartment buildings into condominiums has become a popular alternative to new construction. There are a number of advantages to the developer:
"Indemnify" is an insurance and legal term that means "to protect against loss or damage." Just about all homeowner association management contracts have a provision which states that the HOA shall indemnify the manager under certain circumstances since it is likely that the manager will be named as a defendant in any lawsuit relating to the management of the property. For example, if somebody slips and falls on the property most attorneys representing the injured person would sue the manager as well as the HOA.
Annual meetings in homeowner associations are much more productive, organized and harmonious with a bit of advance planning. Here"s a useful checklist to prepare for this important event.
We often hear about trends in home design and efficiency, but what about trends in garage spaces? For many homeowners that"s a space that is often neglected. But if you"re in the market to sell your home, you should get familiar with what buyers are looking for these days in garages.
One of the most controversial issues that face a homeowner association is tree removal. While there are many practical reasons to remove trees, some residents take a deeply personal interest in their fate. It is the Practical versus the Emotional. Let"s explore the dynamics of this phenomena.
Question: Should the board require that a member"s account be current before they approve an Architectural Review Application?
A condition that exists in some homeowner associations is called "efflorescence," a term sometimes confused with "fluorescence," as in the lightbulb. It is, in fact, a deposit that appears on the surface of stone or masonry, which is formed by the crystallization of soluble salts carried to the surface by moisture. In layman"s terms, it looks like white powder. The good news is that efflorescence is primarily a visual problem. Very rarely does it cause structural problems and often it diminishes with time.
It may come as little surprise that some homeowner association boards fail miserably in rule enforcement, especially in self managed HOAs. Let"s face it, confrontation with neighbors is not something most people look forward to.
"Nuisance" has been defined as "something that causes harm" and "a bit of a bother." Nuisances are a pretty common occurrence in homeowner associations since living in close proximity is bound to create friction from time to time. Most HOA governing documents include language like: "No resident shall engage in offensive activities which are a nuisance, or interfere with the quiet enjoyment of other residents."
For reasons known only to those embroiled in the dispute, flags and flagpoles seem to bring out passion in people. Flags evoke patriotism (Old Glory), defiance (Stars & Bars), pride (college), decoration (fall, spring), respect for the dead (half mast), warning (storms) and mirth (cocktail hour). There are numerous attitudes and messages flags can invoke and there seems to be no end to the options.
Question: I am serving on the Board of Directors of my community association and this is a critical time for us. We are a new community facing a transition from developer control. What steps -- legal and practical -- should we take so that this process will be successful?
You"ve heard all the horror stories, "My condominium association told me what color I could paint my door, after I painted it a color I liked but it didn"t." "I was only parked in the wrong space for a few minutes so I could unload my groceries, but my owners" association had my car towed anyway."
Having a homeowner association website is a tremendous plus when it has all the right stuff and kept current. Members access the budget, rules, policies and governing documents with a few button clicks. Prospective owners learn about the community before closing the deal. Need to know information is available 24/7, saving time, money, providing a platform for efficient communication and helping define a community identity. HOA websites come in different formats and slants, depending on who is paying the bill.
With 2,726 sales during the first half of this month, activity has declined 16 per cent from the 3,236 recorded during same time period a year ago. Compared to the 2,913 transactions recorded during the first half of September 2006, activity has declined six per cent.
Many prospective homeowner association buyers are attracted to their maintenance-free aspect. Fixed income buyers expect maintenance fees to relatively remain stable, possibly adjusted by inflation and little more. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case due to the tendency of many boards to keep fees and reserves unrealistically low. This budget "starvation" results in deferred maintenance and special assessments. What can be done to prevent this?
There is an old saying that goes, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." Nothing is truer when it comes to community associations. If your association does not already have one, forging an Annual Planning Calendar will be an enormous step toward solving many nagging maintenance and administrative problems.
Almost as quickly as it dropped in Las Vegas, condo sales have made a dramatic turn around the last few months. Home sales are up the 7th consecutive month, according to GlobeSt.com – a national commercial real estate site. As prices have dropped 35 percent in the last year for condos to a median sales price of $123,000, the number of units sold has increased by 35 percent, as well.
Tobacco-related deaths in the U.S. number more than 430,000 each year. Medical costs directly attributable to smoking total more than $50 billion per year. Every year, 62,000 nonsmokers die from coronary heart disease and another 3,000 die from lung cancer caused by secondhand smoke, also known as environmental tobacco smoke (ETS).
The universe of homeowner associations seems to be a "thousand points of light" all separated by an impenetrable void. Each operates in its own little world inventing and reinventing solutions to problems as they come along or come crashing in. The Board members rarely see their job as a privilege but more of a curse, something they got stuck doing because no one else would do it.
"Be sincere, be brief and be seated." Unfortunately, some meeting attendees fail to follow Teddy Roosevelt’s sage advice. As a result, discussions can be lengthy and repetitive. Effective presiding officers use various techniques to keep the discussion moving. If your meetings are dragging on and on and on and, well, you get the picture, try a couple of these techniques:
In recent years, the importance of accumulating reserves has dawned on many HOA Boards and Managers. Proper reserve planning drives an HOA"s ability to adequately care for assets by having both the funds and a maintenance schedule to follow. A well executed reserve study calls for a funding plan that systematically grows reserves to address future repairs and replacements without the need for special assessments.
Long before ground is broken, the HOA developer is faced with a variety of decisions over building and landscaping styles, materials and systems. While price point and marketing considerations play a heavy hand in those decisions, an aspect oft-overlooked is the HOA Factor. The HOA Factor is the maintenance and costs required to run the HOA operation after turnover.
Question: We have just circulated our proposed budget for member review and several members have commented that our dues are already higher than other HOAs in the area. Have you ever done a survey of fees so we have something for comparison?
The natives are restless. The sound of drums can be heard echoing ominously in the night. The smell of tar wafts through the air and somewhere another chicken loses its feathers. The chant of "Recall, Recall, Recall" is heard. The Board prepares for impending doom. Is there no redemption?
Fall is the time many HOAs do their budgets. To many people, budgets look like a mess of meaningless numbers. But, like it or not, the Board is responsible for understanding what those numbers mean so it can properly guide the financial course of the HOA. But there"s hope! Dr. B.N. Counter to the rescue.
Money is the grease that oils the homeowner association"s wheels. Without it, the HOA will screech to a grinding halt. Without money, bills go unpaid, needed repairs are delayed, property values fall and tempers rise. In most HOA budgets, there is little margin for slow or no payers so attention to timely collection is essential. Yet, it"s a recurring problem in many HOAs because Boards are reluctant to enforce collection on neighbors and/or friends. But there is no government bailout for HOAs. If all don"t pay, the remaining members must make up the difference. The picture isn"t pretty.
Question: We have just been advised by our community association"s architectural control committee that our fence is eight inches too high, and allegedly violates some obscure rule within our association. We were told that if we do not lower the fence within 30 days, we will be fined $25 per day until the matter is resolved. We just purchased the property, and our seller (or his predecessor) installed that fence. We certainly want to comply with the rules of our association, but do not want to spend any money removing a fence that we did not install. What should we do?
Planning for future repairs and replacements is one of the most critical and beneficial things a homeowner association should do. A Reserve Study is a long range planning tool that identifies common element building and grounds components that have useful lives of 3-30 years, the current cost of repair or replacement of each and a Funding Plan to accumulate the money to accomplish the work.
Keeping good homeowner association records is not only important for the present but for the future and past as well. HOAs are legal entities with significant power over their members. As such, the governing documents, rules, regulations, policies, resolutions, newsletters and minutes should be organized and accessible because they outline and discuss how the HOA impacts the members’ lives. Financial records memorialize the handling of the member contributions and help the Board maintain balance in this most important aspect of HOA business. Then there are assorted documents that fill files with correspondence, contracts and other business details.
Question: We have recurring problems with insurance claims. Our management company advises that if a unit owner has damage inside their condo (toilet overflow, fire, etc.), the claim should be submitted to the association’s insurance carrier which will determine whether the claim should be paid by the association or the homeowner insurance. This doesn’t sound right to me.
One of the advantages of HOA living is the ability to join forces to achieve goals that individuals by themselves could not. HOAs can take advantage of volume discount opportunities like Cable TV bulk rate contracts that can save individuals up to 50% of what they’re already paying. And sharing the cost of a pool makes it affordable to members who otherwise could not. But there are many more untapped possibilities waiting to be discovered.
Developers of homeowner association properties have a dual role. Besides handling all the elements of development and construction, the developer is charged with proper management of a homeowner association which is a very complex legal entity.
A "fiduciary" is someone that has been entrusted to act on behalf of another. It is an ancient and noble calling to serve another"s interest for no compensation. The principle of fiduciary is central to the role of directors that serve on a homeowner association board.
Q. I have just been elected to the Board of Directors of our community association. When I looked at our financial picture for the first time, I was literally shocked to find that there are many delinquencies on our books. I now understand why our previous Board kept raising our association fees. In fact, it was because of these yearly increases that prompted me to run for -- and get elected to -- the Board.. There are a number of repairs which we must make, but we just do not have enough money. Many of our owners have filed for bankruptcy relief to avoid paying their creditors.
Question: Our Condo Board struggles with the concept of yard and garage sales. We do have adequate parking but there seems to be security concerns about having strangers on the property. Any advice?
One of the most important decisions you will make in your lifetime is to sell your home. And getting your house ready for resale is vital to a quick and successful sale, especially when many parts of the country are experiencing a buyers market. In addition to the remodeling projects and staging that you’re preparing inside the home, remember that the very first impression a prospective buyer gets is the moment they drive up. A lackluster lawn can cost you in the end.
One of the earliest advocates of preventive maintenance was Ben Franklin. He wisely wrote: "A little neglect may breed mischief...for want of a nail, the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost..." Old Ben nailed what happens when seemingly minor things are overlooked. Little things have major impact on the assets of a homeowner association.
The HOA Event Calendar is an action plan which assists the Board in organizing and completing association business effectively. It also advises owners and residents well in advance so they can plan accordingly. Some musts to include:
HOAs often have rules that don"t exist in traditional subdivisions. Things like controlling pets, the look of the dwelling and where you park frequently qualify as finable offenses.
Question: How should we handle compensation, benefits and expenses to board members?
The annual homeowner association meeting may be required but rather than approach it in the "Do I have to?" mode, make it a celebration of accomplishments: Bills were paid, volunteers served and survived, and worthy projects were completed. There are always things to celebrate. So, while the business meeting may be mundane, dress it up for a party! All good parties takes planning:
Homeowner association boards are granted authority to establish and enforce reasonable rules in the governing documents. Unfortunately, there are rarely many details provided explaining how and when to do it, so boards often set rules reactively. Reacting to a problem is not necessarily bad but overreacting is. One of the biggest dangers of rule making is moving too quickly.
Most Agents hold top-producing Agents in the highest regard. A top-producing Agent is given a status that is almost God-like. Since I was put on a pedestal for many years during my sales career, let me give you an undeniable truth. Each and every one of us has a top-producing Agent inside of us trying to get out. Each person has the God-given ability to produce at a stratospheric level. Top-producers are ordinary people who happen to be doing extraordinary things. There are three components that enable top-producing Agents to excel in their business.
Sign restrictions are often a bone of contention for homeowner associations. Free-speechers feel it"s protected expression under the Bill of Rights while Community Beautification proponents advocate "sign free zones". The ideal is somewhere in the middle.
As a member of a homeowner association Board of Directors, you"re charged with directing association business wisely and being "in the know". Since -- asset-wise -- you"re often directors of a multi-million dollar corporation, you should carefully consider all business before acting.
The outcome of construction defect claims often depends on the warranties that courts "imply by law" into the relationships between the property
Here"s a concept that real estate investors might want to check out: Cash for part of the future equity in their properties ... with no interest charges.
One of the advantages of a homeowner association is that it can enforce appearance standards, what is known generally as Architectural Control.
When to speak and when to listen is a challenge we all face. In daily
Fall is the time when most homeowner associations go through the ritual of
There has been a nasty rumor hanging around for years that homeowner associations (HOAs) are inherently flawed. The premise is that both volunteer and hired management are incompetent, invasive and tyrannical. Picture the Board trooping through the property with clipboard and citations ready to swat any owners that step out of line. Not a pretty picture for those that want "care free" living.
Question: Can we have a rule stating that no children are allowed in the
In October 1999, Oregon enacted a significant improvement to its Condominium and Planned Community regarding capital reserve planning, a process by which homeowner associations plan and fund future repairs and replacements. For many associations, the process become mandatory although there was an "escape clause" for pre-October 99 Oregon communities.
The phrase "absentee landlord" conjures up images of the "tenant from hell" and an owner who could care less what happens. However, both are myths... both want the highest return for their investment. What benefits the homeowner association will also benefit them.
QUESTION: We are starting the process of finding a new property management company. Do we need a homeowner vote to approve a change in property management or simply a vote or the board members?
There is a curious similarity between board management styles and traffic
Money, as they say, doesn"t grow on trees. Even if it did, every Fall, the money trees would lose their bills and the Board would still be scratching its head on where to find more to make it through the year. And then there"s that darned inflation eating away at the roots.
Question: Since homeowner associations are set up to be run by a minority who like to stick their noses into everyone"s business, how do we go about dissolving ours?
Different industries like to rely on "indicators" of value. Indicators are
A manager of a seniors community once commented on the challenges of long
San Francisco, California, has seen the resale of homes drop 30 percent from last year -- a downward trend seen in much of the state.
Phoenix, Arizona, could be seeing the bottom of its market. Inventory continues to increase, despite depressed home sales.
Tampa Bay, Florida, is seeing median price of $230,000 at this time. Homes sales have decreased significantly from last year at this time.
While price trends remain unchanged in Millard, Nebraska, local experts are reporting a buyers market at this time.
This just might be the turn in the numbers we"ve been waiting for: Resales of existing houses jumped by 3.1 percent in last month to the highest level in nearly half a year.
Realtor Theresa Barron says, "Columbus Ohio is the capitol city. It is home to Ohio State and probably best known for the Ohio State Buckeyes Football Team. In Columbus, you will find notable events like the Memorial Golf Tournament at Muirfield every May. If you are a hockey fan, you can experience the excitement of a Blue Jacket"s Professional Hockey Game. If you are into the arts, you can find much pleasure and comfort at the yearly Arts Festival and Jazz and Rib Festival. Columbus is known nationally for its awesome Red, White and Boom Fireworks display every July 4th."
Realtor Cheryl Williams says, "The housing market is still strong. Sales from the first quarter were up from last years record breaking pace and prices have climbed more than 40 percent in the past year. However, the resale home market is starting to cool or in other words, it is appearing to have met its peak. The market still looks strong compared with the same time last year. For example: the multiple listing service shows 33 percent of the homes listed in July 2004 sold in less than 30 days. This year 72 percent sold within 30 days. The price for an average resale home now is $255,000."
Reatlor Jim Dishman says, "Finding a neighborhood to call your own is a breeze in St. Petersburg, where your options abound. From single-family residences to urban condominiums to palatial waterfront estates, you are sure to find that one of the more than 100 neighborhoods fit your lifestyle. Design elements of homes in St. Petersburg include elegant Mediterranean revival homes, charming wooden bungalows and contemporary loft projects. Waterfront views, pink streets and tree-lined historic neighborhoods are some of the unique features of St. Petersburg."
Realtor Anne Kadin notes, "Portland, Oregon, is a wonderfully livable city with mild climate, friendly people and a wide variety of things to do. The Portland Oregon Visitors Assn. (POVA) calls Portland "the city of books, beer, bikes and blooms." But that overlooks the Portland Trailblazers, the symphony and art museum. Portland is located 78 miles from the ocean and 65 miles to Mt Hood. The population is approx 510,000 within the city limits and 1.8 million within the metro area. We have a bad reputation in Portland for always having rain. But the average precipitation is 37" per year -- less than Atlanta, Baltimore, Houston or Seattle."
"The word is out and strong national attention to the excellent quality of life in Boise and surrounding areas of Idaho have prompted a significant increase in home sales! Although home prices are increasing, overall home values remain excellent. The market is moving quickly, buyers need to work with their agent to get educated on the market and be ready to respond immediately when they locate a home to purchase," note Realtors Sue and Rich Zabel.
Upscale living, country clubs, specialty shops, and great dining. Boca Raton, Florida, has it all!
Moving inside Austin city limits could bring sweet music to your ears -- and pocketbook.
Some experts feel that Utah is undervalued by 25 percent. Is now the time to invest in quiet living?
Realtors in Marietta, Georgia, a suburb of Atlanta, say they are seeing housing sales swell as homebuyers seek family-centered lifestyle close to, but just far enough away from, the inner city.
With its close location to Washington, D.C., Bethesda, Maryland, is still reporting high prices but a moderation in sales.
Rich in resorts, Utah is a popular vacation destination, but local Realtors say it"s also the place to buy real estate.
People in other towns may wish their city planners had created the pleasant and relaxing greenscapes and lakes that Columbia, Maryland, developers thought to do, suggest local Realtors.
It"s been a bumpy ride, but local Realtors say that there"s some sun on the horizon that could smooth the landing for Wichita, Kansas" housing market, which has been turbulent since 2001.
"Cheyenne is a great city to raise a family or to retire in," says Realtor Connie Webb. "It has great schools, medical facilities, and is close to large urban areas. There"s easy access for all outdoor sports, and it"s just a great place to call home."
Answer: Probably we"re going to see a lot more of them, given the rising level of foreclosures and distressed homeowners.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Fort Worth was one of the top five biggest gainers in population between 2003 and 2004, yet the market remains incredibly affordable, say local Realtors.
Fairfax, Virginia, Realtors say the market is pulling back slightly after years of feverish homebuying, creating new opportunities for homebuyers in a low interest-rate environment.
Arlington, Virginia, Realtors say real estate is still selling briskly, thanks to the area"s proximity to Washington, D.C.
Pembroke Pines is located in Broward County, Florida, and offers an ideal lifestyle for seniors, families with children and everyone in-between, say local Realtors.
Charming and historical, Fort Myers, Florida is attracting a lot of new homebuyers, say local Realtors who want to capture their piece of the sun while interest rates are low.
Realtors in the Liberty Lake/Spokane, Washington, area say there is so much to do outdoors, that fresh air-loving visitors and residents never want to leave.
Like other parts of the country, Rhode Island real estate had been in a frenzy, but whether you are inland or on the coast, it"s a little easier to buy a home now, say local Realtors.
A suburb of Columbus, Ohio, the town of Worthington offers an idyllic lifestyle close to the city, say Realtors.
In Charlotte, say Realtors, you can get everything from trendy condos and townhomes to old Southern mansions, to commuter-friendly lake homes.
The Dallas bedroom community of Allen was hit hard by telecom layoffs a few years ago, but the town is finally starting to absorb its excess housing inventory as buyers realize they can have a great quality of life and a lot of home for the money, say Realtors.
Realtors in Racine County and Shorewood report active interest in these Lake Michigan areas from homebuyers. Whether they are looking for the city or rural lifestyle, these areas have something to offer.
Lake-front homes are selling briskly in Lake Geneva, say local Realtors, due to city dwellers buying vacation homes.
Steady increases in housing prices and sales with a drop in the average days on market signal a rising sellers" market in Clearfield, Utah, say local Realtors.
Year over year, prices are rising in Charleston, South Carolina, and after a record-breaking 2004, Realtors in the area believe the spring buying season will really heat up.
Germantown is an upscale suburb of Memphis, Tennessee, where local Realtors report the area is still a big draw for the elite.
There"s a reason why Charlottesville, Virginia attracts such a diversity of homebuyers, including famous authors and politicians, say local Realtors.
Historical and eclectic, Alexandria, Virginia is one of the most sought-after bedroom communities for commuters into Washington D.C., keeping home sales moving even throughout the holidays and winter months.
Local Realtors say the Baby Boomers are taking over, with lots of investment in California"s Riviera, otherwise known as Laguna Beach.
The best of country living is within two hours of Washington, D.C., say Realtors in Greene County, Virginia, where Blue Ridge Mountain towns offer growth along with small-town values.
The housing market in Jacksonville, Florida is hot, according to local Realtors, even through the holidays.
Homes in the Lake Geneva, Lauderdale Lake, and south-central Walworth County are still selling well, say local Realtors, who don"t foresee more slowdown for the holidays.
A local Realtor says strong demand and continuing low interest rates will fuel a record high in home sales for the Sausalito, California market.
Lewisville, Texas offers a large beautiful lake for waterfront living, estate-sized lots for building and a variety of housing styles including townhomes and condominiums. Whether you want to live large or small, you can enjoy the city amenities offered by nearby Dallas and Fort Worth, while enjoying the natural countryside beauty of North Texas.
The U.S. Virgin Islands offer paradise in the Caribbean Seas. Local Realtors say homebuying is more expensive and competitive than it"s been in the past.
One benefit of buying a home in the suburbs is that real estate can generally be more affordable there. But with the cost of gasoline soaring these days, that commute is looking much less attractive.
Despite the anticipation of rising mortgage interest rates, Realtors in Chattanooga, Tennessee report a continuing strong housing market.
Historical Falls Church, Virginia continues to be a popular relocation destination for those who wish to live within 10 minutes commute to Washington, D.C.
Not only does Wichita have the distinction of being the "Air Capitol of the World" with five airplane manufacturers, it is also home to many other industries, as well as being an art and entertainment mecca, say Realtors.
Realtors in Fort Worth, Texas say the many cultural opportunities that are available, from the Old West historical sites to the most sophisticated arts and entertainment centers, are the main attraction to visitors and residents.
Realtors in Gillette, Jackson and Cheyenne, Wyoming say quality of life is bringing new housing demand to their towns.
Andover and Coon Rapids are within 20 minutes of downtown Minneapolis. Home prices are starting to slow, so both areas provide good buys for homebuyers, say local Realtors.
Like other parts of Florida, Lake Worth has grown and escalated in value, despite the recent troubles with the weather. New face-lifts downtown are among the attractions.
Lakeway began as a resort community and has become one of the most popular bedroom communities of Austin, Texas, says a local Realtor.
Local Realtors note slow but steady improvement in the housing market of Columbus, Ohio.
With new construction, attractive older homes, and quick access to a busy Houston, Texas airport, The Woodlands is a village concept with tree-trunk legs.
Summit County ski resort homes are selling briskly, thanks to their towns" proximity to Colorado Springs and Denver, Colorado, say local Realtors.
There"s a lot of talk about curb appeal being the driving force drawing buyers into your home. It makes sense. If the house looks a mess from the outside, what buyer would want to set foot inside?