Color Forecast for 2015

It seems to me that the same colors have been present in new homes for a lot of years now.  Over and over I see soft colors in the taupe to tan range, dark cabinets, painted woodwork and neutral counters and tile work.  Of course, all of that makes sense, because when the bones are neutral, the accents can be bright and exciting ....... and easily changed.

When I saw this article, I was immediately interested, because I keep thinking this will change.  Maybe not.  What I see mostly is the subdued background with which we are all comfortable.  But there are some really good ideas for a fresh approach to the foreground which add energy and freshness to your décor for very little money.  Enjoy!

http://blog.realestatebook.com/2015/01/07/an-enthusiastic-color-palette-forecast-for-2015/

What's up this fall?

Nationally, real estate sales may be better than you think.  From the Certified Residential Specialist web site ~

"By Michael Fenner,    

Pending home sales increased 0.8 percent in November 2014 from October, according to the National Association of REALTORS®. This is the third straight month that pending sales were higher year-over-year, and three of the nation’s four regions recorded a slight gain in November, with only the Midwest logging a slight decline.
"The consistent economic growth and steady hiring we've seen the second half of [2014] is giving buyers enough assurance to consider purchasing a home," says Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist. "With rents now rising at a seven-year high, historically low rates and moderating price growth are likely to entice more buyers to enter the market in upcoming months."
NAR expects total existing-homes sales to decline 3.0 percent in 2014 to 4.94 million, but sales are projected to rebound to 5.30 million in 2015. The national median existing-home price for all of 2014 will be close to $208,000, up 5.6 percent from 2013, although appreciation is expected to slow somewhat in 2015."

My favorite fall drives in Oklahoma~

http://www.travelok.com/article_page/best-bets-for-oklahoma-fall-foliage

Here is a great page for those of us who are lawn challenged!

http://www.lawncare.org/winter-lawn-care-tips/

About the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) Designation

When  you look at my business cards, there some initials after my name.  They indicate classes, or series of classes and milestones that I have achieved.  This explains a little more about the CRS designation: 

"The Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) is the highest Designation awarded to sales associates in the residential sales field. The CRS Designation recognizes professional accomplishments in both experience and education.

 Since 1977 the Council of Residential Specialists has been conferring the CRS Designation on agents who meet its stringent requirements. Currently, there are more than 33,000 active CRS Designees."

 

As long as I am licensed, I will ALWAYS continue my education.  Typically, I earn more, and sometimes many more, hours of continuing education for license renewal.  I owe it to you.

Oklahoma City and Housing Affordability

Are you feeling it?  That itchy feeling that says that NOW is the time to make the move that you have really been needing to make for several seasons, but just felt that the economy was too risky? 

There are probably reasons for the itchy feeling:

1)  As I posted a few days ago, there are some predictions out there that we are in the final stages of the really great interest rates that we have been enjoying for the past several years.
2)  According to the Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of Realtors, the number of closed sales increased by more than 33% in February 2012 over February 2011. 
3)  The average sold price was up $5000 and the number of days on the market dropped to below 100 during the same time period.
4)  Perhaps most importantly to those of you who have a home to sell, the number of homes for sale dropped by more than 800 from February 2011 to February 2012.  This is a great sign for people with nice homes to sell.

Additionally, worldwide, the Oklahoma City market continues to rank among the most affordable cities in the world.  Thankfully, we are no longer in the catagory of the markets that are truly depressed like Detroit and other places that have seen the kinds of downturns that we saw in the notorious 80's, but we are still in the top 15 most affordable major metropolitan markets in the USA which is number 1 in the world for affordable major markets!

Makes you want to sing God Bless America, doesn't it?

Oklahoma City remains so very well ranked because of the solid nature of our people, who are determined to live reasonably.  But, sooner or later, everyone needs to move on.  So if now seems like the right time to you, give me a call.  I really can help.

Elaine Thomasson, CRS, GRI, SFR
405-387-2381 or 405-243-7981 or toll free 866-352-4633 (866 Elaine 3)











Resoources:
 http://economistsoutlook.blogs.realtor.org/2012/02/07/international-vs-u-s-housing-affordability/
Oklahoma City Metropolitan Association of Realtors Multi-List Statistics for February 2012

Interest Rates Set to Rise

For all of you who have been thinking, "I really should take advantage of current interest rates.  After all, how long will it be before inflation pushes rates higher?"  Here is an answer.  And it makes perfect sense to me. 

Give me a call if it makes sense to you, too, and you would like to take advantage of the current low interest rates. 405-243-7981
http://economistsoutlook.blogs.realtor.org/2012/03/12/mortgage-rates-3/