I'm often asked this - 'how is the market going, and how do I price my home'? Here is what I have been finding in the trenches - there are many types of "buyers" scouring the area right now looking for homes. The first type of home buyer is the "one time offer" home buyer. Don't be surprised when someone gives you a low offer and if you counter anything in the original offer they go to the next property. You, as a seller, are left to wonder "what the heck happened, did I do something wrong?" No, this buyer has lots of properties they are looking at and wants just one round to get the property they are looking for. Usually not "dream home" buyers, just seeing homes as an investment with no emotional attachment. So, if this happens to you, don't get discouraged especially if the buyer's offer wasn't anything near what you could live with. I'm getting lots of offers on listings, one right after the other, so j...

This monthly snapshot of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Area Market Activity shows a 30.39% increase in closed sales from 408 in Jan 2008 to 532 in February 2008. The area has seen an decrease in new listings from 1,817 in Jan of 2008 to 1,615 in February of 2008, a 11.12% decrease. The February 2008 Average of 71 Days on Market has remained the same as the 71 days on market from Jan of 2008. Average Days on Market is now being calculated based upon the time it takes a property to go from the listing date to being under contract for sale (pending). In February, the Greater Albuquerque Market saw a Median Sales Price of $189,250 and an Average Sales Price of $226,342 for Detached Residential Homes. The Greater Albuquerque area has seen a decrease in closed sales for type DET and ATT homes, from 820 in Feb of 2007 to 592 in Feb of 2008, a 27.81% decrease. To keep updated on market conditions or to find out how to buy or sell a home, please contact me at my site at http://www.realest...

I just heard a story on CNN that has relevance in today's high tech age. While we are all aware of scams involving our personal information, accessing our bank accounts, credit cards and ruining our credit rating, it is also possible for someone to tamper with your home's records in title. Fraudulent liens can be filed against your property. Of course these can be released but it takes contacting authorities to do so and if not discovered until you have a home sale, it can tie up a closing. Some are preparing fraudulent documents of transfer and recording with authorities to attempt to take your property. Nothing can be done to really prevent these things from happening, but be aware that it is a good idea to run a search of your property's documents of record periodically. This can be done by either going directly to the county clerk's office, or contacting a title company. There may be a small fee involved, but it is well worth the aggravation that can be pre...

The final walk through can be a crucial step in the home-buying process. Before the final closing on your home you will have the opportunity to inspect the property again, also known as a final walk through. This final step is to ensure that the property is in the condition you agreed to buy and that any agreed upon repairs have been made. Typically the buyer just before settlement conducts a final walk-through. The idea is to be sure the seller is delivering the home to the buyer in the condition they agreed to under the terms of their contract . Therefore it includes checking on anything the contract says about the condition of the property. What should you look for in a walk through inspection? To start with, you want to make sure that the overall condition of the home hasn’t changed since you signed the contract. Below are some things you should look for in a pre closing inspection, it is also a good idea to bring along a checklist so that there is nothing overlooked. • Ensu...

Albuquerque has been listed on the top 25 appreciating markets for 2008 according to Housing Predictor. The other 24 markets are scattered throughout all parts of the U.S. from the west to the east and into the southern states. Housing Predictor notes that more than 20 factors are considered when issuing each forecast, including economics, regional political influences, business development, employment levels and other socioeconomic issues. The forecast is showing a developing trends that more people are moving to smaller less urban cities seeking a better quality of life. Albuquerque was also Housing Predictor's top rated market for appreciation in 2007 estimated at 9.1%. For 2008 they estimate a 3.5% appreciation which is positive in this market. With new businesses moving to the state prompted in part by tax incentives, a less expensive labor market and job growth are all contributing factors to the positive outlook for Albuquerque .

When buying or selling a home you may find yourself experiencing real estate issues that can range from simple to very complex, plus a whole new vocabulary of unfamiliar terms to deal with. With such a large investment at stake, many people choose to hire a real estate attorney to assist them with their real estate proceedings. Use the below information to help you decide if you need to use a real estate attorney for your transaction. What services to real estate attorneys offer? A real estate attorney can offer many different services and some may specialize in certain areas but some general services that are typically offered are: • Reviewing and outlining the real estate transaction process • Reviewing any listing or agency agreements • Drafting and reviewing real estate condition reports • Drafting and reviewing residential offers to purchase and counter offers • Assisting buyers and sellers through the property inspection and financing contingencies • Working with title...