Billings

Please follow the links to the statistics for October 2009. As you can see we are still behind last year in number of homes sold and dollar volume. However for September, October and November we had more units close than we did last year. This could be attributed to the first home » Read more  

Opportunity is knocking for those considering homeownership for the first time. Historically low interest rates, lower home prices in most markets and the first-time homebuyer tax credit – part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – brought first-timers to the market in droves throughout the year. In fact, these consumers represented about half » Read more  

When you look at your calendar you may find the months already overloaded with seasonal obligations — shopping, entertaining, children’s pageants, charity work, decorating the house, and so much more. If you are also trying to sell your home, you are under extra pressure to keep your home in “showing” condition. And that could be » Read more  

You’ve just toured the home of your dreams and are ready to make an offer. You can already envision upgrades you would like make: a pool in the back yard, window shutters and a black picket fence to match. You’re even excited that your boat will fit in the driveway. Yet, what you may not » Read more  

Here are the links to this months statistics reports. Our closed residential sales are only around 5% down from last year. That is good news. Let’s hope the trend continues for the rest of the year. Handout October 2009 MLS Area Charts October 2009 MLS Statistics October » Read more  

Americans believe in the dream of homeownership. With all the foreclosures and bankruptcies taking place, however, is it cheaper for people to rent rather than buy? When it comes to the decision of renting vs. buying, most people make the decision based upon a comparison of monthly payments. If their rent payment » Read more  

I am a little late giving you the statistics this month.  They continue to look better each month.  It will be interesting what will happen if the $8,000 first time home buyer tax credit is not extended. MLS Statistics September 2009 MLS Area Charts September 2009 Handout September » Read more  

The first time home buyer tax credit of $8,000 expires on November 30th.  Congress has been asked to extend the tax credit but it isn’t looking too likely at this time. October is already here. If a first time home buyer wants to beat the deadline, how much time would be needed to close the deal? Most » Read more  

In The Bathroom What you want – a new tub ($2,000 to $6,000). Save by – lining the one you already have (approximately $1,000). How it works. Rather than tearing out your old tub you can have a new custom tub made to fit right over it (think of one paper cup nesting inside another one).  The installer takes » Read more  

Granite countertops in the kitchen.  A tub for the master bathroom.  A family-room addition off the living room.  Whatever home improvement you’re dreaming of, it probably feels like a fantasy right now.  Let’s face it; you’re not going to spend tens of thousands of dollars on a renovation in this crazy economy.  Still, that doesn’t » Read more