Relaxation, in Rotation

Have you and your family been thinking about purchasing a vacation home but think that you just can't afford 2 mortgages? You may find an answer to your problem in this Washington Post Article written by Karen Tanner Allen. Relaxation, in Rotation discusses the trend of families and friends purchasing vacation homes together, kind of like a "mini timeshare". Allowing families to get away without breaking the bank. This arrangement has multiple families sharing the mortgage as well as the day to day expenses.

If this is something that you may be serious about, you might want to also read Preventing Conflict, Preserving Fun. This related article may give you some helpful hints on drafting a vacation home contract.

Stay Cool...It's Hot Out There!

Angela Jones
AngelaJonesRealEstate.com

For First-Time Buyers, Tempting Prices but Tougher Rules

If you're a first-time home buyer, you'll find it a little harder to qualify for a mortgage than your counterpart did two years ago. There are loans out there...read this Washington Post article written by Ilyce R. Glink and Samuel J. Tamkin...to see what kinds of loans are available and might fit the bill for you.

Happy June!

Angela Jones
AngelaJonesRealEstate.com

The Bottom Line on Fixing It Up

Home Renovations' Return on Investment Varies at Resale

If you're trying to sell your house, you're probably going to need to grab a paint brush -- or at least a phone to call a contractor. But as you fix up the place, keep a close eye on costs, as major remodeling projects rarely add to a seller's bottom line.

This is a GREAT article written by Mary Ellen Slayter of the Washington Post. If you are a seller in todays market, read this article...it will help you decide what fix-ups are a must and which are a bust!

Have a wonderful week...
Angela Jones
AngelaJonesRealEstate.com

Spring is finally in bloom, and so is the housing market

Finally, Spring! Worked in the yard this past weekend getting new flowers and plants in. It looks great. I have to give all the credit to Donna though because it's really her vision that makes our yard look nice. With spring comes the spring housing market, more houses go on the market, more buyers are out there looking.
Parade Magazine had some really good articles this weekend about the housing market that I wanted to share. If you're selling, pay attention to this valuable information:
http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2007/edition_05-06-2007/10_Tips.
If you're looking to buy, here's something for you too:
http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2007/edition_05-06-2007/ABuy_or_Sell.
Parade also focused on renters too:
http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2007/edition_05-06-2007/Reasons_to_Rent

I hope you find this information helpful. Remember, if you have any real estate questions or concerns, don't hesitate to give me a call. You can also visit my website at http://www.angelajonesrealestate.com.

What goes down, goes up (eventually)

Home prices are beginning to rebound a bit in some parts of the country. Some good news on the housing front finally. Check this out.
http://www.realestatejournal.com/buysell/markettrends/20070425-nutting.html
BTW, if you're considering buying new construction and you're wondering if you're better off taking the builder's incentives, read this first:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/21/AR2007042100094.html

So many opinions

The Washington Post ran its Mega Real Estate section this past weekend. If you didn't get a chance to read it, here are a few articles that I think are noteworthy.
It has become more of a buyers market so if you want to sell your home be sure to price it right. Price and condition go hand in hand now more than ever.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/22/AR2007032202397.html
Lots of concerns about the types of loans that mortgage lenders have been approving. This is causing lots of concern for all of us in real estate. This article talks about getting back to basics. I agree.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/03/22/AR2007032202445.html

BTW, I was quoted in the Washington Post Magazine a few weeks ago. It was a story about a new agent and how difficult the business can be. As I've mentioned many times here, this is not an easy business and it does take a lot of work.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/27/AR2007022701472_3.html

That's it for today. Enjoy the rest of your day.