Sherwood & Surrounding Area Real Estate with The Gardner Team

Pending home sales jump 7.4 percent

Rise to highest level in more than a year comes as a surprise

...BREAKING NEWS...

The Associated Press

updated 7:11 a.m. PT, Wed., Oct. 8, 2008

Pending home sales rose 7.4 percent from July to August, an unexpected piece of positive news for the battered U.S. housing market.

The National Association of Realtors said Wednesday its seasonally adjusted index of pending sales for existing homes rose to 93.4 from an upwardly revised July reading of 87. The reading was the highest since June 2007.

Home sales are considered pending when the seller has accepted an offer, but the deal has not yet closed. Typically there is a one- to two-month lag before a sale is completed.

Wall Street economists surveyed by Thomson/IFR had predicted the index would fall to 84.9.

The index, which sunk to a record low of 83 in March, stood at 85.8 in August 2007.

Sales are picking up in places that have seen the most severe declines in housing prices - including California, Florida Nevada and Arizona, plus Rhode Island and the Washington, D.C. area, said Lawrence Yun, the trade group's chief economist. Still, Yun does not expect home prices to rebound until next year and only expects a modest gain of 2 to 3 percent in 2009.

MSNBC  FULL STORY - URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27084129/

Sharing your passion for real estate, community and everyday living,

Amber Gardner, Marketing/REALTOR - www.TheGardnerTeam.net  / Jason Direct (971) 832-1234

"Defining Excellence & Delivering Results... We're Committed to Your Success!"

The Gardner Team: #1 in Sales & Marketing, John L. Scott RE/Sherwood | Presidents Elite | MDC

This weeks Market Minute:  How the Sherwood real estate market compares to recent month over month trends.  

Analytics provided have been pulled directly from the local Multiple Listing Service (RMLS) the most trusted source, relied upon by the entire real estate industry.

These reports show an original search criteria for Sold, Pending and Active sales: 

Property Category: RESIDNETIAL Area: 151 Zip: 97140/SHERWOOD 

SOLD: 08/01/2008 - 09/01/2008 PENDING: 08/01/2008 - 09/01/2008 STATUS ACT, BMP, PEN, SLD 

Pulled Date: 10/7/2008 / Time 11:11:06 AM

 Now - here is the SAME report for 9/1/2008 to 10/1/2008:

Trends:The median single family home price for SHERWOOD is about $429,250

Conditions:The current Market Housing Index, a barometer for housing supply & demand is 13.05  30+ we call a sellers market / -30 we call a buyers market  Now is the BEST time to buy

Demands: The current average Days On Market (DOM) for SHERWOOD is about 133

Pricing:  There are many variables and factors to measure the accurate going rate for dollar per square foot (PSF), the current overall average is good information, yet not an exact measurement for all local real estate.  Actual pricing is best determined by having a Comparative Market Analysis (CMA) done for your specific home.  For now, here is the overall average dollar (PSF) for SHERWOOD $180.00

Home Sales:  As you can see in the MLS reports above, pending sales in SHERWOOD OREGON are on the rise.  More home buyers are out searching for homes now and contracts have more than doubled month over month

Reflection:  Reflecting on our personal experiences as local Sherwood REALTORS, we noticed a rise in overall real estate activity ourselves.  As an example, one of the homes under our represention had a dozen viewings in just a single day in September - and it was not an open house.  Now, that property is under contract and pending like many of our other clients homes.  In perspective, it is a buyers market and buying confidence is building.  Interest rates are in the 5's and lower than this same time last year. 

With all the conflicting messages in the media recently, you may be wondering if now is a good time to buy a home in a higher price range.  As a matter of fact, there is an advantage for move up buyers in today's market; the process is called "price jumping".

On the pro side: Historically low interest rates, great selection of homes, lower prices.

The cons: It's a challenging market for those who must sell their current home before buying.

The real question you must ask yourself when considering "price jumping" is what your return on investment will be. In other words, will you be better off in five years, ten or twenty, if you step up into a higher price range today? 

The recent announcement by the U.S. Treasury Department regarding the take over of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac marks a significant turning point in the mortgage credit crisis and housing market recovery. Since this announcement was made, interest rates have dropped sharply. Lower interest rates open up additional loan options and increases affordability for home-buyers, adding to the opportunity that currently exists to price jump into a higher priced home.  But buying a home isn't just about interest rates and affordability. Though it's true that you could save money now and that your investment could earn you significantly more money later, the real benefit is the home itself and the reality of achieving the American Dream.

If you have a home on the market or are thinking of putting your home on the market, there is a lot of choices and buyers are making decisions so make sure you have professional representation and you're positioned to sell - the market is moving. 

Brought to you by The Gardner Team - Defining Excellence & Delivering Results to Sherwood Oregon and the Surrounding Areas - Visit with us at www.TheGardnerTeam.net or www.SherwoodRealEstateTeam.com

Licensed Oregon REALTORS, MDC and ranked "#1 in Sales & Marketing" for John L. Scott RE/Sherwood

We're ready to earn your business and look forward to your call (971) 832-1234 jasongardner@johnlscott.com

Have you ever noticed when you're shopping for real estate online you'll find pages and pages of relevant and irrelevant information, and it can be several clicks before you even find what you're looking for?   I know.   Many of us even bookmark places in our favorites and it just becomes one-big-archive...

If you're searching for real estate in Sherwood Oregon or the surrounding areas, there's now a more intelligent way to conduct your home search - no more long searches and sifting through heavy real estate websites anymore!  Now you can search for real estate on your terms...

Sherwood Oregon now has its very own solution that provides direct access to ALL Sherwood listings, all the time and by every brokerage with real-time feeds right from our local RMLS - the "main source" the entire real estate community relies on for this important data...  Super simple - Just "one" click - Try it www.SherwoodMLS.com

And because I just love data, statistics facts and all that fun stuff... I have some of that great information to share with you about some of the very simple - advanced search options that are available in your quest to find that perfect home or even tracking the market...  So this is for those of you beyond just a home search that like me, love more information... Here you go!

SherwoodMLS.com Features

• Full MLS property search interface by property photo index or interactive map with real-time MLS property data that directly addresses your buying & selling inquiries - "You'll find what you're looking for"
• The ability to compare up to 4 detailed property descriptions side by side - "One snapshot to see how your home choices stack up"
• A section for registered subscribers to save their favorite listings and searches - "Keeping you organized and saving you precious time"
• Instant "Property Alerts" provide buyers a leading advantage through "real-time MLS listing updates" on new properties or price changes that fit their criteria, right to their inbox - "Putting you in the driver's seat - as the 1^st one to know"
• Innovative search features like Virtual Earth Map with Aerial images, Community and School Reports, printable flyers and more - "Providing you more relevant information in one place"
• Unlike ordinary home search solutions, this one used by SherwoodMLS.com is designed to actively engage and equip consumers with easy-to-use home search solutions so they can make more informed decisions.

SherwoodMLS.com Benefits

•  Provides Sherwood Oregon it's very own Multiple Listing Service through this MLS/IDX solution
•  Is the destination for point-blank, immediate access to ALL Sherwood listings
•  Offers a robust service that is free of charge to all consumers, all the time
•  Eliminates bothersome registrations so you can browse on your terms
•  Provides privacy, no contact unless you "specifically" place a request
•  Saves you time with no more long searches or heavy real estate website pages to sift through
•  Is truly the no-nonsense"one stop shop" for all real estate in Sherwood Oregon
•  Makes looking for homes in the area you love that much easier
•  SherwoodMLS.com is the simple solution we've all been waiting for!  

People are talking about the latest in value-added features of this state-of-the-art home search site from the intuitive interface, detailed community and school information, flexible search options, the ability to save their favorite listings, Property Alerts, Property Comparison tool, dynamic maps, recently viewed property sidebar, and much more.  People are saying - "it's easy, efficient, effective and the intelligent and way to search for Sherwood homes!"

Enjoy!

Your Sherwood Area Real Estate Experts,

Jason and Amber Gardner | #1 in Sales at John L. Scott RE/Sherwood

Direct (971) 832-1234 | jasongardner@johnlscott.com | www.TheGardnerTeam.net

How's the Market?  Take a Look...

Get Your House Ready to Show to Buyers - With expectations of moving forward in the real estate and financial sectors, investors and home buyers are gearing up... NOW is the time to buy, so make sure it's your home they remember most!

A house that "sparkles" on the surface will sell faster than its shabby neighbor, even though both are structurally well maintained.  Remember, the way you live in a home and the way you sell your house are two very different things... But they can co-exist and we can show you how.

Home staging is a "UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE" - Here's a video, take a look...

From much experience, Realtors also know that a "well-polished" house appeals to more buyers and will sell faster and for a higher price. Additionally, buyers feel more comfortable purchasing a well-cared for home because if what they can see is well maintained, they assume that what they can't see has probably also been well maintained. In readying your house for sale, consider:

How much should you spend to prepare your house for sale?

Can my home be staged with my own room to room decor?

What kind of tips will I need for exterior and curb appeal?

How can I accomplish interior appeal if I have an empty home to sell?

Can The Gardner Team help me with this... YES! We work with a professional team and have advice that can help!

Before putting your house on the market, take as much time as necessary (and as little money as possible) to maximize its exterior and interior appeal... With The Gardner Teams stratigic home selling system and free professional home staging consultation, we can help you accomplish this!

How Much Should You Spend to Prepare Your House for Sale?

In preparing your home for the market, spend as little money as possible. Buyers will be impressed by a brand new roof, but they aren't likely to give you enough extra money to pay for it.

There is a big difference between making minor and inexpensive polishes and touch-ups to your house, such as putting new knobs on cabinets and a fresh coat of neutral paint in the living room, and doing extensive and costly renovations, like installing a new kitchen.

As leading Realtors and local experts in Sherwood Oregon and the surrounding areas, we're familiar with buyers' expectations in your neighborhood and can advise you specifically on what improvements need to be made and which improvements are most effective. Don't hesitate to ask for advice - real estate is what we do and see every single day.

Maximizing Exterior and Curb Appeal

When preparing to put your home up for sale, your first concern is the home's exterior. If the outside, or "curb appeal" looks good, people will more than likely want to see what's on the inside.

Here are some tips to enhance your home's exterior and curb appeal to buyers:

• Keep the lawn edged, cut and watered. 
• Regularly trim hedges and weed lawns and flowerbeds.
• Be sure your front door area has a "Welcome" feeling.
• Paint the front door.
• Through the seasons, add a couple of pots of showy annuals near your front entrance.
• Keep walks neatly clear and clutter free.
• Check foundation, steps, walkways, walls and patios for cracks and deterioration, and fix any problem areas.
• Remove and repaint any peeling paint on doors and windows.
• Clean and align gutters.
• Inspect and clean the chimney.
• Repair and replace loose or damaged roof shingles.
• Repair and repaint loose siding and caulking.
• Reseal old asphalt.
• Keep the garage door closed & garbage cans put away.
• Store RVs, boats and old cars out of sight or elsewhere while the house is on the market.

Maximizing Interior Appeal

You want your home to look as spacious, bright and clean as possible. Also the home should look neutral - without a lot of your personal and sentimental objects - so buyers can begin to imagine living there.

Here are some tips to enhance your home's interior appeal to buyers:

• Give every room in the house a thorough cleaning and remove all clutter. This alone will make your house appear bigger and brighter. Some homeowners with crowded rooms actually rent storage garages and move half their furniture out, creating a sleeker, more spacious look.
• Use a professional cleaning service every few weeks while the house is on the market.
• Remove the less frequently used, and even daily-used items from kitchen counters, closets, basement and attic to make these areas more inviting.
• Make sure that table tops, dressers and closets are free of clutter.
• Pay special attention to the kitchen and bathrooms: they should look as modern, bright and fresh as possible. It is essential for them to be clean and odor free.
• Repair dripping faucets and shower heads.
• Buy showy new towels for the bathroom, and put them out only for showings.
• Spruce up a kitchen in need of more major remodeling by installing new curtains and cabinet knobs, or applying a fresh coat of neutral paint.
• Clean walls and doors of smudges and scuff marks.
• If necessary, repaint dingy, soiled or strongly-colored walls with a neutral shade of paint, such as off-white or beige. The same neutral scheme can be applied to carpets and linoleum.
• Check for cracks, leaks and signs of dampness in the attic and basement, and fix any problem areas.
• Seal basement walls if there are any signs of dampness or leakage.
• Repair cracks, holes or damage to plaster, wallboard, wallpaper, paint and tiles.
• Replace broken or cracked windowpanes, moldings and other woodwork.
• Inspect and repair the plumbing, heating, cooling and alarm systems.

While all this may seem like a lot to do, remember this is about an equitable investment for you - and not all homes have to do a ton to be market ready.  Our complimentary walk through and strategic marketing plan will get you on the right track.  If you're thinking of selling we'll not only help you get your home in shape to compete on the market, your home will be the one they remember and want to buy. 

If you're looking to buy or sell in or around the Sherwood Oregon area, keep in mind that The Gardner team is having another record breaking year in today's market because they take a different approach... commitment to your success.  There's an advantage to working with the areas preferred real estate team.  If you're serious about real estate and want the best results, and appreciate the value in remarkable representation, and working with a team that's #1 in sales and marketing for their real estate office - we should talk.

For more information on the services offered by your local expert, contact Jason Gardner...

Direct (971) 832-1234 | jasongardner@johnlscott.com | www.TheGardnerTeam.net

Sharing your passion for real estate, community & everyday living ~ Amber Gardner  

Navigating through today's real estate market - 2008

Local Market Update...  You'll notice that our normal Monday Market Minute had been postponed this week.  With all the talk on bailouts and financial institutions, there was plenty already being said by the press.

In light of the fact that national strategies are still being worked out, we must keep in mind that there is and always will be local market conditions.  This is more than just a common phrase - there are many layers of truth behind it with very real statistics that back it up.

While week to week the market conditions here have been fairly consistent, this week is a good opportunity to talk about the market overall, with a special focus on some important facts. 

We'll pick up our local Monday Market Minute again next week.

Let's take a closer look...  There is a lot of national press about the market right now.  But for some, what we're hearing isn't entirely consistent with what's being experienced first hand. 

While many buyers and sellers are having tuff times, many buyers and sellers are also having great success.  This is a testament to changing market trends, how respective markets are very local and that there are always two sides to every story.  

Here's a few examples...

1.  Oregon has a far lower foreclosure rate compared to other states, providing more stability here. 

2.  Now is a great time for "first time" home buyers.

3.  This is also a great time for investors- Many are building strong wealth portfolios for their future through buying up some of today's real estate opportunities.

4.  Sellers who have a niche property, experience less competition which can have a potential advantage on the market - making it a great opportunity to sell or a buyer to purchase.

5.  When you buy and sell is relative.  Taxes are structured to accommodate the premise that when most people sell their home, they are also buying another one because they need a place to live.  There are financial incentives encouraging this timely reinvestment. 

So, market conditions asside, buying and selling in a relatively close period of time can level the playing field.  If you sell in a high market, you buy in a high market.  If you sell in a low market, you buy in a low market.  Overall, the housing market is relative and staying true to all housing trends, real estate values and sales go up over time.

Here's a few facts...

1.  With respect to the current concerns with the financial and housing market, the best thing buyers can do to "navigate through this" is to FIRST get pre-qualified before they even begin looking online or with a Realtor. 

The buyers who take the time to follow this very basic step, right out of the gate, getting their "pre-approval letter in hand", and aligning themselves with strong Realtor representation are having some of the most secure success right now. 

2.  In any case, what we still continue to hear is that now is a great time to buy...  Right now, buyers have a better chance to get what they want in a home - with more options in inventory and some extra time on their side, they can find their dream home and at a better value than if they wait. 

3. One thing remains constant - real estate sales go up over time.  We always have and always will repeat cycles.  This buyers market may be now, but it's not here to stay.  

4.  News of a down market is not new to 2007 & 2008 - there are several historical trends, and the housing market always rode out and improved in each case, look at the cycles in the 70's, 80's and 90's.  Now, in 2007 the press circled around "Down Market" headlines and many couldn't imagine it getting any worse if you remember... But yet 2007 home sales were the 5th best year in national history. 

5.  Another thing that will never change is the desire to live the American Dream... No matter what there will still be a need, desire and benefit to home ownership.  Life happens, people relocate, jobs change, we retire, and people always have a reason to need more or less space... There will always be opportunities to buy and sell a home.  No matter what, the show still must go on.

**While this is being written, we have recently sold/closed on many of our clients homes and several are currently under contract and pending.

Part of the solution... Simply learning or remembering to "focus" on the basic steps to successfully navigate through today's market.  It may be tuff times, but the process doesn't have to be hard.

1. Get pre-qualified and have your letter in hand first.

2. Align yourself with a Realtor that is"successful" in TODAYS market.  Look beyond the number of homes they may have listed.  What is their expiration and/or their sold rate?  Where will you potentially be when hiring them... On the market, in the market, off the market or through the market?

3. Remember homes are worth what a buyer is willing to pay which is what the market is going to bare - it is not necessarily going to be what you "need" to get out of your home.  However, as I showed you above - real estate is relitive when you're making good decisions.  Finding the right Realtor to consult with and negotiate for you is ever so important and a wise investment of your time. This is not the time to be doing it alone. 

4. When you've found a Realtor you trust, listen to them.  They know the market, they have the tips, tools and resources and their success rate is the proof.  If they say it's time to get your lawn green, lay bark, pull down the personal photos, nick-knacks, store the personal hygiene, make up your beds or put some furniture pieces in storage - do it.  It may take a little more work, but what matters is what works.

5. You will need to be "best of show" in appearance and value.  This means you need to look good and be priced good.  You need to outshine your competition all the way around... Keep in mind that when you come on the market, other homes are not far behind and the homes that are "sitting" will use you to measure their inevitable price decrease.  A good Realtor that specializes in the market will pay attention to proper pricing so you don't wind up chasing the market - Otherwise, this can be a very expensive lesson as you already can see.

**We can prepare for all of this and more through our strategic pricing and maketing system- You want a solution that will have you off the market without leaving money on the table right?  Then we should go over our local market reports and talk about some options in helping you sell, buy or both.

Respectfully,

Jason and Amber Gardner, Realtors - #1 in Sales, John L. Scott RE/Sherwood

Direct (971) 832-1234 | jasongardner@johnlscott.com | www.TheGardnerTeam.net

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The Gardner Team is the "#1 Top Office Producer" in real estate sales and marketing for John L. Scott Real Estate in Sherwood, Presidents Elite Award Winners and Diamond Platinum Members of the Multi-Million Dollar Club (the highest achievement from the Portland Metropolitan Association of Realtors) 

"The Gardner Team is proud to be the preferred real estate team of choice through integrity, commitment to their clients success, exceptional service and excellence in results for Sherwood Oregon and the surrounding areas since 2005... And, we appreciate your time, your trust and your referrals."