Record low interest rates

As of late last week, 30 year fixed mortgages hit another all time low (since tracking began in 1971 anyway) at 4.85%! Still a great time to buy, if you're in the position to do so! I anticipate seeing lower interest rates for a good part of 2009!

How long should it last?

The NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) recently did a study regarding how long the components of a house should last. "The true longevity of any household material depends on maintenance, use, quality of installation & climate conditions." Keep in mind you should only use these averages as a general guideline! Here are just a few of the items that the study reported on:

100 Years or More
Brick exterior - lifetime of the home
All wooden floors - lifetime of the home

50 - 100 Years
Slate roofs - 50+ years
Kitchen cabinets - up to 50 years
Vinyl floors - 50 years

30 - 50 Years
Thermostats - 35 years
Wood windows - 30 years

10 - 20 Years
Aluminum windows - 15 - 20 years
Asphalt shingle roofs - 20 years
Faucets & kitchen sinks - 15 years
Gas ranges - 15 years
Dryers & refrigerators - 13 years
A/C Units - 10 - 15 years
Electric or gas hot water heaters - 10 years
Furnaces - 15 - 20 years

5 - 10 Years
Heat & smoke detectors - 5 - 10 years
Dishwashers - 9 years
Microwaves - 9 years
Carpet 8 - 10 years

Information courtesy of Realtor magazine, February 2009.

Want to take advantage of the great deals the current market has to offer?

I've talked to so many people lately who are afraid of losing a little money on the sale of their home, in order to take advantage of the great deals out there, and buying a new one. I completely understand that point of view, but here's some food for thought. Ok, so you may not make much of anything (or even have to bring some cash to the closing table), but what you may lose on the sale end, you will most likely make up, and maybe then some, on the purchase! Interest rates are still low, so there is still plenty of time to take advantage of the great buyer's market that we currently find ourselves in. If you've thought about selling your current home in order to buy a new one, contact me so I can go over the options available to you that will best fit your needs!

Thanks Jan!!

Here's a shout out to a wonderful woman who's re-designed my blog for me! I think you'll agree that it's much more contemporary and user friendly! I'm still working on getting my links added back in, but should have that completed in the next few days.

Visit Jan's website to see what other awesome things she can do!

http://www.jannypie.com/

Undergoing a huge remodel!

I apologize for not having any posts on here within the past few weeks, but I'm in the process of having my blog design updated! Check back in a week or so, and it should be up and running again! I still have to re-add all my links. Thanks for stopping by!

Details on the $8K tax credit for homebuyers

This article from money.cnn.com pretty much sums it up.

http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/13/real_estate/homebuyer_tax_credit_finalized/index.htm?postversion=2009021712

Selling your home soon?

Here's a list of repairs that will help you get the most for your home! I think you'll find it useful!

http://realtytimes.com/rtpages/20090116_repairs.htm

$5K - $8K in repairs can potentially net you $10K - $15K or more when you go to sell!

Happy Selling!

Year End Sales Stats

According to the lastest figures posted from the CBR (Columbus Board of Realtors), "central Ohio fared far better than Ohio and the nation." Columbus real estate statistics aren't nearly as doom and gloom as the national statistics might have you believe. The average sales price in Central Ohio in 2008 was just under $164K, down only 5% from the 2007 average. It has been predicted that 2009 will actually bring property value increases, which is great news for all of you looking to sell and take advantage of historically low interest rates. Happy house hunting!

New listing -- $199,900 Dublin schools/Columbus taxes

http://amberherbster.vflyer.com/home/flyer/home/2198974

Contact me directly to schedule your private showing today! You won't want to miss this one!

Sorry, this one was in contract within 10 days, after having 26 showings, and closed shortly thereafter!

Thinking of refinancing?

Check out this article that I just recently came across! I thought it had some good info!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123153162327368989.html?mod=djemRealEstate