Some Good and Some Bad

This just in today...Existing home sales rose in February by the largest amount in 3 years. This backs what we've been trying to tell people that the market was not flat, especially here in the Defiance area. On the flip side, however, the prices of homes have fallen mostly because of the fallout that is happening in the secondary market mortgages. There are just not as many buyers who can get a loan as there were a year ago because there has been such a crackdown on getting "qualified" to buy a home. So, what does all this mean for us here in Defiance? Well, first it means that if you've been thinking about selling your home, but have been worried that the market was flat, you don't have to worry about that. However, you may not get that high dollar you thought you would get that you would have a year or so ago. If you're in the market to buy a house then it's a good time to start looking because there is downward pressure on house prices, as well as, low interest rates. I was sent the rate sheet from First Federal Bank today and they are offering a 6.0% 30 year Fixed Rate mortgage at 95% Loan to Value which is still a low rate. Those low rates combined with the Welcome Home government grant money for down payment makes buying a home right now a great idea. You can access more information about the February sales facts at MSNBC.com

Free Money and Heading Back To State

It looks like the Holgate Tigers are heading back to the state boys basketball tournament again this year. This will be the second time in 4 years they have gone there. They are continuing in their Cinderella story again as they beat a higher ranked team this past week. It was just a few years ago they won the state championship. I'm excited for the team and the town of Holgate as this is adding to their winning tradition. You can read more about the game, as well as, other information at the Crescent News.

-Don't forget to take a look at my previous post as it contains information about getting the FREE grant money to purchase a home. It really seems like an easy way to get $5,000.

-Finally, take a look at this weeks featured listing as this is a great home on 5 Acres. The seller is telling me to tell people he's "MOTIVATED" and is looking for offers. Click on the link under the picture to find out more about this great home or Contact me and I'll fill you in.

FREE $$$$$$$ From Uncle Sam

GOOD NEWS! Starting tomorrow, March 15th, our local banks will begin passing out the "Welcome Home" grant money. I've heard of several banks in the area who have applied for it this year and have it available to pass out. What it is, is a grant that any buyer can apply for and get up to $5,000 to be applied towards their down payment and closing costs. It's a pretty nice deal. The funds are limited, so it's given out on a first come first serve basis. If you are wanting to buy a house, don't procrastinate any longer because if you do you'll miss out! If you want more information about this grant program CONTACT me and I'll fill you in with some more details.

Here's a Question for my readers: How often do you search for a home on the internet compared to the newspaper? Post your comment and lets see what the results are!

The Market Is Picking Up and So are Some Headaches

It seems like with the change in weather comes the change in the market. This week in the Defiance area we have had some very nice weather reaching up into the high 50's. The snow is all about melted and many flowers are beginning to break through the dirt and poke through. There still seems to be an abudance of homes for sale on the market and the buyers are getting some good deals.



There seems to be some stir in the community this past week as we are preparing for our new WalMart store to open. According to this Crescent News article it looks like we are going to be heading into a few headaches with the trafic on the Northside once the store opens up. Together with the Hwy 24 expansion the traffic is going to be a little nuts for a while.