Top 10 Tips for Sellers

gsar — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:43:38 -0600

Today's sellers may face challenging conditions in many markets, but that doesn't mean choosing to sell is a bad idea. There are many reasons to sell and most are good ones.

Here are ten tips to get you on your way to getting your home sold.

1. Hire a Professional. This is no time to be navigating the rough waters of the real estate market on your own. You want someone who can help you accurately price your home, bring in potential buyers, handle contracts, and market your home to the masses.

Mortgage rates fall slightly for Northeast in the first week of January

gsar — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:33:59 -0600

In its Primary Mortgage Market Survey for the week ending January 5, 2012, Freddie Mac reported that the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FRM) for the Northeast fell slightly, dropping form 3.96 percent to 3.93 percent with an average 0.7 point.

The 15-year FRM for the Northeast fell from 3.28 percent to 3.27 percent with an average 0.7 point.

Nationally, the 30-year FRM averaged 3.91 percent, down from 3.95 percent the week prior, while the 15-year FRM fell slightly from 3.24 percent to 3.23 percent.

Housing to Be Key Factor in 2012 Election

gsar — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:27:56 -0600

HouseLogic, the consumer website for the National Association of Realtors® has released the results from their latest survey. They found that when it comes to the upcoming 2012 election, jobs and housing are at the forefront of voters' minds.

U.S. Will Remain a Nation of Homeowners

gsar — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:59:37 -0600

The U.S. will not become a nation of renters; there are just too many benefits, both financial and otherwise, to own versus rent. That's according to the combined findings of several recent studies presented during the "Buyer or Renter Nation?" session at the 2011 Realtors® Conference & Expo recently.

Growth in Commercial Real Estate Markets Expected in 2012

gsar — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 08:22:14 -0600

Commercial real estate markets have been relatively flat this year, but improving fundamentals mean a more positive trend is expected in 2012, according to the National Association of Realtors®.

REALTORS Applaud Congress for Reinstating FHA Loan Limits

gsar — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 12:53:33 -0600

The National Association of Realtors® commends Congress for reinstating the loan limit formula and maximum cap for Federal Housing Administration-insured loans for two years.

Syracuse area REALTORS Donate "Small Bottles" to Vera House and Dorothy Day House Winning a National Contest!

gsar — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 09:32:02 -0600

The Greater Syracuse Association of REALTORS^® (GSAR) recently donated 2,336 sample sizes of toiletry items to two worthy Syracuse area charities. "Small Bottles, BIG Help" was a National level contest, organized by Melynn Sight of nSight Marketing out of Kansas City. GSAR exceeded expectations, and won the contest across the country! GSAR wanted to deliver big for our community by collecting something so small as bottles from Hotels!

Five Great Things about Homeownership

gsar — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 13:01:30 -0600

If you've been on the fence about homeownership, now is the time to take a leap! Don't let the negative press deter you from one of life's greatest joys.

Take a look at five short and sweet reasons that homeownership is great!

Homeownership Rate Second-Highest on Record

gsar — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 09:13:14 -0500

The homeownership rate is at its second-highest level on record, only behind the record high set in 2000, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, which began collecting home ownership data in 1890.

By region, the homeownership rate is: