“Happy Holidays! “Season’s Greetings!”
These are the greetings we hear as we go through the final days of the hustle and bustle of preparing for Christmas. Rarely do we hear a clerk or a service person offer the old familiar “Merry Christmas” greeting. It seems we have become so fearful of offending someone and so intuned to being politically correct, we opt for the safer general greetings rather than specifically referring to this special time as “Christmas”.
Our children in college come home for “semester break” and our elementary school grandchildren celebrate with the “Winter Holiday” parties. The high schools enjoy “Winter Break”. Nowhere do you hear that the real reason for vacations, parties and celebration is Christmas…the celebration of the birth of Jesus.
We realize there are people of other faiths who do not share this celebration with Christians, but that should not diminish our enthusiasm for the observance of one of the most significant events in our faith tradition.
With that being said, we at the Snyder household are looking forward to gathering for our traditional ways of celebrating Christmas. Early in December those who live locally get together to help Mom and Dad put up the Christmas tree. We still have a “real” tree decorated mostly with “kid-made” ornaments from the elementary school days. Each one has a few favorites from the past.
Christmas Eve, the family comes to our house for a traditional chili supper and then on to Christmas Eve Mass. Christmas morning is mass confusion as all the grandchildren descend the stairs to see what Santa has brought them. This year there will be eleven grandchildren to share that magical moment together. Following Santa’s visit we have a relaxing morning with brunch in our pj’s.
Early Christmas afternoon is reserved for visits with in-laws or catching up on some sleep. Later in the afternoon we gather around the table for Christmas dinner and open the gifts under the tree following dinner.
Each family has their own special way of celebrating the most joyous occasion. May you and your family treasure this time together. We wish you all a very
“Merry Christmas!”
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
From our house to yours, have a wonderful Holiday Season. It is time for families; we hope you are connected with your loved ones. We are so thankful for the many gifts of family, friends and faith.
A brief update on our oldest grandson, Michael; The chemo and radiation are complete. The tests show everything clear and regular testing will continue. We are thankful for everyone’s prayers and best wishes. Michael is a wonderful soccer player and his team won the Nebraska State title. Michael and his family received a trip from the Make a Wish Foundation. They leave this week for 7 days in Madrid Spain to meet and attend a “Real Madrid” soccer game. What a thrill for them.
We have our Thanksgiving meal the Sunday before to allow for in-law options on Thanksgiving and to prevent kid “founder”. We used 5 high chairs as one baby grandchild was absent (In New York)
Do we really want to sell our house? Yes! Yes! The great work is done, no more carpenters, window, and flooring or handymen vendors. See our home @ MLS#1704511, www.barbandwayne.com. Special thanks to Jim, our son, for heading this project for the last 3 Months.
Business Only
This is not a bad real estate time. If you recognize the “new normal” it not only is a good time to buy but a time to sell. Think in terms of taking advantage of the market to buy smart; making up for the price adjustment needed to sell your home. Also, ask yourself the question “What happens if interest rates go up?” Buyers miss a window- sellers homes are less affordable. Now is a good time to make a decision.
Again we are thankful for the wonderful referrals – 6 transactions in the last 3 weeks. Three listings sold in that period. We need more listing inventory.
At a recent industry meeting, the data suggested it will take approx. 3 years to come out of this Foreclosure influenced climate. Massive #’s of foreclosures still to come.
We offer to you a customized ‘market snapshot’ of your area, development or any radius/dimension you provide (ex. ½ mile) solds, days on market, avg. price, current listings etc. This is the most complete and up to date data available specific to your home market. Talk to or email Barb or Wayne and we will set you up for a regular distribution of this information.
This time of year our thoughts go out to our Armed Forces men and women away from home. We salute you
A brief update on our oldest grandson, Michael; The chemo and radiation are complete. The tests show everything clear and regular testing will continue. We are thankful for everyone’s prayers and best wishes. Michael is a wonderful soccer player and his team won the Nebraska State title. Michael and his family received a trip from the Make a Wish Foundation. They leave this week for 7 days in Madrid Spain to meet and attend a “Real Madrid” soccer game. What a thrill for them.
We have our Thanksgiving meal the Sunday before to allow for in-law options on Thanksgiving and to prevent kid “founder”. We used 5 high chairs as one baby grandchild was absent (In New York)
Do we really want to sell our house? Yes! Yes! The great work is done, no more carpenters, window, and flooring or handymen vendors. See our home @ MLS#1704511, www.barbandwayne.com. Special thanks to Jim, our son, for heading this project for the last 3 Months.
Business Only
This is not a bad real estate time. If you recognize the “new normal” it not only is a good time to buy but a time to sell. Think in terms of taking advantage of the market to buy smart; making up for the price adjustment needed to sell your home. Also, ask yourself the question “What happens if interest rates go up?” Buyers miss a window- sellers homes are less affordable. Now is a good time to make a decision.
Again we are thankful for the wonderful referrals – 6 transactions in the last 3 weeks. Three listings sold in that period. We need more listing inventory.
At a recent industry meeting, the data suggested it will take approx. 3 years to come out of this Foreclosure influenced climate. Massive #’s of foreclosures still to come.
We offer to you a customized ‘market snapshot’ of your area, development or any radius/dimension you provide (ex. ½ mile) solds, days on market, avg. price, current listings etc. This is the most complete and up to date data available specific to your home market. Talk to or email Barb or Wayne and we will set you up for a regular distribution of this information.
This time of year our thoughts go out to our Armed Forces men and women away from home. We salute you
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Mancillious VI
All the buzz around our house for the past month has been about the Mancillious International V I golf tournament. You’ve never heard of it you say? Well, it doesn’t exactly rank up there with the US Open or the Ryder Cup but it creates quite a bit of excitement in the Snyder household.
Every year all of the adult males in the Snyder clan including Wayne, eight sons and two sons-in law gather to participate in a two day golf tournament dubbed The Mancillious International. Two sons come from as far away as New York to participate in this yearly ritual of male bonding. The “trash talk” starts early in an effort to “out psych” the other family members……….all done in good fun, of course. This year the tournament will be in mid-October so we are all hoping the beautiful fall weather holds out for a few more days.
You may wonder how the event got its unusual name. It all started the first year when son Nick and his wife Angie decided to design a jacket for the tournament winner to wear proudly. The winners name is embroidered on the jacket each year. They found a lovely jacket at the thrift store…………checkered with a paisley lining which became the official tournament’s coveted prize. The label inside the coat read “Mancillious International”. Thus the tournament found its name.
To date, son Jim has been the winner at each tournament so last year the men subtitled the event “The Race for Second Place” and had t-shirts emblazoned with that slogan. A trophy for the most improved player has been added to the awards ceremony.
In addition to the men who gather for the golf there will be 13 of our 15 grandchildren, 4 daughters, and five daughters-in law joining us for the weekend. We plan to do our share of bonding as well. We have been much blessed and welcome every opportunity to celebrate life with our family.
On the real estate front, interest rates continue to drop and are at levels never seen in our lifetime. We greatly appreciate all of your referrals.
Please pray for our men and women serving in our armed forces.
Every year all of the adult males in the Snyder clan including Wayne, eight sons and two sons-in law gather to participate in a two day golf tournament dubbed The Mancillious International. Two sons come from as far away as New York to participate in this yearly ritual of male bonding. The “trash talk” starts early in an effort to “out psych” the other family members……….all done in good fun, of course. This year the tournament will be in mid-October so we are all hoping the beautiful fall weather holds out for a few more days.
You may wonder how the event got its unusual name. It all started the first year when son Nick and his wife Angie decided to design a jacket for the tournament winner to wear proudly. The winners name is embroidered on the jacket each year. They found a lovely jacket at the thrift store…………checkered with a paisley lining which became the official tournament’s coveted prize. The label inside the coat read “Mancillious International”. Thus the tournament found its name.
To date, son Jim has been the winner at each tournament so last year the men subtitled the event “The Race for Second Place” and had t-shirts emblazoned with that slogan. A trophy for the most improved player has been added to the awards ceremony.
In addition to the men who gather for the golf there will be 13 of our 15 grandchildren, 4 daughters, and five daughters-in law joining us for the weekend. We plan to do our share of bonding as well. We have been much blessed and welcome every opportunity to celebrate life with our family.
On the real estate front, interest rates continue to drop and are at levels never seen in our lifetime. We greatly appreciate all of your referrals.
Please pray for our men and women serving in our armed forces.
In the State of Chaos
I am not one that has ever been labeled a compulsive “neat nick”. Raising twelve children has made me tolerant of a certain level of chaos. However, when the household is in order and the cleaning is complete it gives me a sense of peace and serenity.
With that being said, you may understand the state of turmoil I find myself in at the present time.
As you may know, we are in the process of preparing our home to put on the market. For years we have been counseling sellers as to the importance of having their home ready to capture the “buyers eye”- windows must sparkle, paint must be fresh, clutter packed away and counters cleared off. Along with those items, we understand the value of updating and upgrading a home that has been on deferred status as we raised a large family. We now find ourselves recipients of our own advice and have been in the throes of remodeling and repairing and de-cluttering for weeks.
We try our best to maintain a certain level of normalcy, but the necessity of clearing out rooms and displacing personal items can be unsettling. Keeping in mind the final result and the enjoyment it will bring I resolve to embrace the change and the temporary chaos.
When things get overwhelming I resort to the age old axiom that has sufficed in the stressful life circumstances- “This too shall pass.”
Update on our grandson Michael-
This pass week Michael completed his last round of chemotherapy. We wait for the final results, in hope that the cancer is gone! Thank you for your continuing prayers.
Our best wishes to everyone sending children off to a new school year, whether it be kindergarten or college!
With that being said, you may understand the state of turmoil I find myself in at the present time.
As you may know, we are in the process of preparing our home to put on the market. For years we have been counseling sellers as to the importance of having their home ready to capture the “buyers eye”- windows must sparkle, paint must be fresh, clutter packed away and counters cleared off. Along with those items, we understand the value of updating and upgrading a home that has been on deferred status as we raised a large family. We now find ourselves recipients of our own advice and have been in the throes of remodeling and repairing and de-cluttering for weeks.
We try our best to maintain a certain level of normalcy, but the necessity of clearing out rooms and displacing personal items can be unsettling. Keeping in mind the final result and the enjoyment it will bring I resolve to embrace the change and the temporary chaos.
When things get overwhelming I resort to the age old axiom that has sufficed in the stressful life circumstances- “This too shall pass.”
Update on our grandson Michael-
This pass week Michael completed his last round of chemotherapy. We wait for the final results, in hope that the cancer is gone! Thank you for your continuing prayers.
Our best wishes to everyone sending children off to a new school year, whether it be kindergarten or college!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
What a first half of the year! Thanks for your many referrals! Because of you, Barbara enjoyed top Agent status in results at our 40+ agent office through May. During that time REMAX held top market share for Platte Co. and Clay Co.
Update on Michael, our oldest grandson; Michael continues to undergo chemo treatments. Progress is expected and good with the road predictably bumpy. Your prayers are appreciated.
The Market: Activity is brisk. The buyers are still out buying (See blog – May –www.barbandwayne.com) Normal to good conditions for Real Estate.
Since deciding to sell our family home and acreage we have been asked to share what we are doing to prepare our 7 bedroom, 5 ½ bath home for sale. So here goes: New windows, 2 new furnaces, new flooring (Carpet, vinyl, tile) professionally clean all non-replaced carpet, new paint outside, deck, Painted most inside walls and ceilings (Including unfinished basement), new door hardware and some new doors, all bathrooms get a makeover and the landscaping has been changed. Since the kitchen, dining and great room were recently redecorated, we will only paint trim and spruce up caulking. We are replacing all exterior lights and many interior lights to get more brightness. It has a newer roof so we are just re-caulking around all vent pipes and touching up the guttering. Finally, mountains of “de-clutter” after 25 years of gathering. Thanks to our son, Jim for hiring on to lead this project for 60 days and thanks to Barbara for her patience as she tries to maintain a home and business climate.
We look forward to a vigorous Real Estate environment for the future. Less time maintaining the “Kid Farm” will give us more time with you and our family.
God Bless our Men and Women serving in our Armed Forces.
Update on Michael, our oldest grandson; Michael continues to undergo chemo treatments. Progress is expected and good with the road predictably bumpy. Your prayers are appreciated.
The Market: Activity is brisk. The buyers are still out buying (See blog – May –www.barbandwayne.com) Normal to good conditions for Real Estate.
Since deciding to sell our family home and acreage we have been asked to share what we are doing to prepare our 7 bedroom, 5 ½ bath home for sale. So here goes: New windows, 2 new furnaces, new flooring (Carpet, vinyl, tile) professionally clean all non-replaced carpet, new paint outside, deck, Painted most inside walls and ceilings (Including unfinished basement), new door hardware and some new doors, all bathrooms get a makeover and the landscaping has been changed. Since the kitchen, dining and great room were recently redecorated, we will only paint trim and spruce up caulking. We are replacing all exterior lights and many interior lights to get more brightness. It has a newer roof so we are just re-caulking around all vent pipes and touching up the guttering. Finally, mountains of “de-clutter” after 25 years of gathering. Thanks to our son, Jim for hiring on to lead this project for 60 days and thanks to Barbara for her patience as she tries to maintain a home and business climate.
We look forward to a vigorous Real Estate environment for the future. Less time maintaining the “Kid Farm” will give us more time with you and our family.
God Bless our Men and Women serving in our Armed Forces.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Why would demand for your home be strong!
The interesting thing about this buyer’s market is that there are a lot of buyers out. With a wonderful selection, low interest rates and new confidence about Real Estate it is a good time to buy.
First you have many sellers who have come to grips with the “new market price” for their home – not the 19% drop from 2006 but equal to the “good” market of 2001-2. With opportunity to move up or move on many are deciding to sell. Not a sacrifice or crisis move but a smart decision for their situation. …. And the opportunities on the “other side” are positive. So smart selling is back – well prepared, staged and market priced.
Second, the normal buyers are back. Not the buyer looking to steal a house or find a crisis deal but the buyer who has stood on the sideline for good reason: “the concern that any purchases made would decline in value 10% in 6 months”. With confidence of stability a pent up number of buyers are looking to make a Real Estate transaction that meet their home needs and desires but protect their investment equity.
So from the above sellers moving on and the pent up backlog of smart buyers looking for stability added to the normal new buyers and normal need driven buyers we have a market condition reflecting the answer to the title question: Yes! The demand for your home can be strong. Convince yourself you your house will sell to the first prospect – act this out in your preparation and pricing and it will happen!
Think it won’t happen to you? We listed five homes since March that sold in the first two weeks. Thanks for your referrals and relocation referrals.
Your comments, prayers and support for our oldest Grandson, Michael, are deeply appreciated.
We announce with great pride our youngest grandchild, Stella Kathryn Snyder born May 21st, to our son Matt and wonderful wife Tricia Blanchard. A New York City blessing. We are traveling to the baptism late this month.
God Bless our Men and Women serving in our Armed Forces.
First you have many sellers who have come to grips with the “new market price” for their home – not the 19% drop from 2006 but equal to the “good” market of 2001-2. With opportunity to move up or move on many are deciding to sell. Not a sacrifice or crisis move but a smart decision for their situation. …. And the opportunities on the “other side” are positive. So smart selling is back – well prepared, staged and market priced.
Second, the normal buyers are back. Not the buyer looking to steal a house or find a crisis deal but the buyer who has stood on the sideline for good reason: “the concern that any purchases made would decline in value 10% in 6 months”. With confidence of stability a pent up number of buyers are looking to make a Real Estate transaction that meet their home needs and desires but protect their investment equity.
So from the above sellers moving on and the pent up backlog of smart buyers looking for stability added to the normal new buyers and normal need driven buyers we have a market condition reflecting the answer to the title question: Yes! The demand for your home can be strong. Convince yourself you your house will sell to the first prospect – act this out in your preparation and pricing and it will happen!
Think it won’t happen to you? We listed five homes since March that sold in the first two weeks. Thanks for your referrals and relocation referrals.
Your comments, prayers and support for our oldest Grandson, Michael, are deeply appreciated.
We announce with great pride our youngest grandchild, Stella Kathryn Snyder born May 21st, to our son Matt and wonderful wife Tricia Blanchard. A New York City blessing. We are traveling to the baptism late this month.
God Bless our Men and Women serving in our Armed Forces.
One of the joys of having adult children is that some of the have married and brought new personalities into our family. With eight of our children married we have added two sons-in-law and six daughters-in-law. What a blessing! Each brings their own unique background, interests, culture and personality. Each enriches us and causes us to grow.
Among them are avid sports fans. Matt bleeds NE red and has a passion for soccer. Todd is a true blue Royals fan. Every parent hopes for their daughters to marry good men who are loving, generous husbands and strong fathers. In both cases Matt and Todd fulfill those hopes. Both are great husbands and terrific fathers.
Daughter-in-law, Samantha, now living in upstate NY, grew up in Riverside close to our home and met our son Bob when they both worked at Red X. Sam has a delightful personality and keeps us in stitches. She is a devoted mother to her two sons.
Daughter-in-law, Kristen, is a KU grad (and fan) so she supports Sarah (our only KU grad) during the basketball season! They attempt to fly the KU flag but our MU fans usually prevail! Kristen is a first year teacher and has done wonders reclaiming John’s “bachelor pad!”
Daughter-in-law, Angie, has the artistic genes that seem to have skipped over most of us. She is incredibly talented and willing to lend a hand whenever we have a project that requires her talents. She and husband, Nick, create the Nerdbots we have written about in our previous blog. Go to www.nerdbots.net for more information.
Daughter-in-law, Amber, is a nurse and a wonderful mother to their 3 children. She loves to come to KC and hit the garage sales on Saturday mornings. She and husband Andy have tackled some major repairs in their grand turn-of-the-century home in Monroe City.
As I write this letter, daughter-in-law Tricia is in New York City in labor with her and husband Matthew’s first child. We are anxiously awaiting word. Tricia grew up in Louisiana and brings us many culinary variations from our Midwest fare. As an LSU graduates she roots for the Tigers…the LSU Tigers that is!
Daughter-in-law, Vusala, brings a whole unique perspective to our family. She grew up in Azerbaijan and came to the US as an exchange student. She speaks 5 languages and recently graduated from Park College. While in college she has also added 3 grandchildren to our family. We have enjoyed expanding our culinary tastes to included dishes from her native county.
In each case, our young adults have chosen life partners who have made them better more complete people. Their influences on our family and on their individual partners cannot be overstated. We are grateful for each and every one!
Among them are avid sports fans. Matt bleeds NE red and has a passion for soccer. Todd is a true blue Royals fan. Every parent hopes for their daughters to marry good men who are loving, generous husbands and strong fathers. In both cases Matt and Todd fulfill those hopes. Both are great husbands and terrific fathers.
Daughter-in-law, Samantha, now living in upstate NY, grew up in Riverside close to our home and met our son Bob when they both worked at Red X. Sam has a delightful personality and keeps us in stitches. She is a devoted mother to her two sons.
Daughter-in-law, Kristen, is a KU grad (and fan) so she supports Sarah (our only KU grad) during the basketball season! They attempt to fly the KU flag but our MU fans usually prevail! Kristen is a first year teacher and has done wonders reclaiming John’s “bachelor pad!”
Daughter-in-law, Angie, has the artistic genes that seem to have skipped over most of us. She is incredibly talented and willing to lend a hand whenever we have a project that requires her talents. She and husband, Nick, create the Nerdbots we have written about in our previous blog. Go to www.nerdbots.net for more information.
Daughter-in-law, Amber, is a nurse and a wonderful mother to their 3 children. She loves to come to KC and hit the garage sales on Saturday mornings. She and husband Andy have tackled some major repairs in their grand turn-of-the-century home in Monroe City.
As I write this letter, daughter-in-law Tricia is in New York City in labor with her and husband Matthew’s first child. We are anxiously awaiting word. Tricia grew up in Louisiana and brings us many culinary variations from our Midwest fare. As an LSU graduates she roots for the Tigers…the LSU Tigers that is!
Daughter-in-law, Vusala, brings a whole unique perspective to our family. She grew up in Azerbaijan and came to the US as an exchange student. She speaks 5 languages and recently graduated from Park College. While in college she has also added 3 grandchildren to our family. We have enjoyed expanding our culinary tastes to included dishes from her native county.
In each case, our young adults have chosen life partners who have made them better more complete people. Their influences on our family and on their individual partners cannot be overstated. We are grateful for each and every one!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
This last week we saw the start of Royal’s baseball and celebrated the rite of spring with hope unwarranted yet present again.
The news on the Real Estate side is also hopeful. Sales of resale homes are up, interest rates are holding on and new home sales are showing isolated better demand.
Our family focus continues to be on the treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma by our oldest grandson. A regimen of chemo, familiar to some of you, has begun. The prognosis is good. Michael is 15 years old, lives in Papillion Nebraska. Our daughter Kathryn, son-in-law Matt, and two siblings, Emily, 17, and Oliver 8 months, have made the adjustment along with Michael to the state of uncertainty, concern and regimens appropriate.
In so many ways, the family and their community have reached out to them to offer financial and emotional support. A K State walk for life has dedicated a luminary; a corporate challenge at State Street Financial has recognized Michael.
Kathy said a soccer team who competed against Michael’s team over the years made a significant financial and card acknowledgement to them. She was not even aware they knew Michael much less of his personal challenge. She wondered if the tables were reversed would she and Michael’s team have responded in kind or realized how meaningful that gesture was to her, Michael and the rest of the family.
We know this; our strengths and our weaknesses are deeply moved by how we reach out to each other. Barb and I wish to thank those in the Kansas City area who initiated a prayer effort and the gift of a prayer shawl made and presented to Michael visibly reflecting the time given in prayer on his behalf.
So in turn we say to those of you who have family members or experience with this, we extend our prayer in your behalf in the belief that the process of prayer gives comfort and healing grace in time of need.
So hope is appropriate this spring. BLESSINGS are in great abundance throughout; the best to all of you and your families.
God bless our service men and women.
The news on the Real Estate side is also hopeful. Sales of resale homes are up, interest rates are holding on and new home sales are showing isolated better demand.
Our family focus continues to be on the treatment of Hodgkin’s Lymphoma by our oldest grandson. A regimen of chemo, familiar to some of you, has begun. The prognosis is good. Michael is 15 years old, lives in Papillion Nebraska. Our daughter Kathryn, son-in-law Matt, and two siblings, Emily, 17, and Oliver 8 months, have made the adjustment along with Michael to the state of uncertainty, concern and regimens appropriate.
In so many ways, the family and their community have reached out to them to offer financial and emotional support. A K State walk for life has dedicated a luminary; a corporate challenge at State Street Financial has recognized Michael.
Kathy said a soccer team who competed against Michael’s team over the years made a significant financial and card acknowledgement to them. She was not even aware they knew Michael much less of his personal challenge. She wondered if the tables were reversed would she and Michael’s team have responded in kind or realized how meaningful that gesture was to her, Michael and the rest of the family.
We know this; our strengths and our weaknesses are deeply moved by how we reach out to each other. Barb and I wish to thank those in the Kansas City area who initiated a prayer effort and the gift of a prayer shawl made and presented to Michael visibly reflecting the time given in prayer on his behalf.
So in turn we say to those of you who have family members or experience with this, we extend our prayer in your behalf in the belief that the process of prayer gives comfort and healing grace in time of need.
So hope is appropriate this spring. BLESSINGS are in great abundance throughout; the best to all of you and your families.
God bless our service men and women.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Spring is in full bloom!
Spring is in full bloom!
Laura, Todd and new son, Noah, on Jan. 28, 2010 make 14 grandchildren. All’s well and beautiful.
We hear from many of you that the job market still remains tough but our respect goes out to those who have taken on alternative and multiple jobs or those who have teamed up as a couple working long hours. Likewise, it’s impressive how many have saved to take advantage of the wonderful housing market right now. We all know it’s a buyer’s market and there are lots of showings.
What many are also discovering is it’s a good time to sell. Consider this; Interest rates are at a low point, buyers are plentiful, selling their homes, and looking for another – IN LARGE NO’S!
What happens to the equivalent cost of your home if interest rates go up 1% or 11/2%? You will still have good interest rates: but won’t you wish you had made the decision to sell before the rates went up?
Four of the 9 homes we sold in the last 6 weeks averaged days on the market of less than 15 days! 300, 200, 180 & $125,000. They were priced right, staged, painted, updated and spotless. These are the key fundamentals in this competitive market. If you are able and desire to make a change, we can help you succeed and achieve your dreams.
We laugh at the saying at our house “We have a quota of 2 moves per kid per lifetime” Well they keep it up. Andy and Amber moved to Monroe City, Mo, Sarah moved to her new home last week, Rachel and Tony moved in with us this winter and Rachel back out to Sarah’s. John is preparing to sell and buy and Sarah’s first home is listed. Help.
Thanks to all of you for the many referrals. Remember we can refer all your family, friends, and work associates to the top RE/MAX agents throughout the city, state and country.
God bless our service men and women.
Laura, Todd and new son, Noah, on Jan. 28, 2010 make 14 grandchildren. All’s well and beautiful.
We hear from many of you that the job market still remains tough but our respect goes out to those who have taken on alternative and multiple jobs or those who have teamed up as a couple working long hours. Likewise, it’s impressive how many have saved to take advantage of the wonderful housing market right now. We all know it’s a buyer’s market and there are lots of showings.
What many are also discovering is it’s a good time to sell. Consider this; Interest rates are at a low point, buyers are plentiful, selling their homes, and looking for another – IN LARGE NO’S!
What happens to the equivalent cost of your home if interest rates go up 1% or 11/2%? You will still have good interest rates: but won’t you wish you had made the decision to sell before the rates went up?
Four of the 9 homes we sold in the last 6 weeks averaged days on the market of less than 15 days! 300, 200, 180 & $125,000. They were priced right, staged, painted, updated and spotless. These are the key fundamentals in this competitive market. If you are able and desire to make a change, we can help you succeed and achieve your dreams.
We laugh at the saying at our house “We have a quota of 2 moves per kid per lifetime” Well they keep it up. Andy and Amber moved to Monroe City, Mo, Sarah moved to her new home last week, Rachel and Tony moved in with us this winter and Rachel back out to Sarah’s. John is preparing to sell and buy and Sarah’s first home is listed. Help.
Thanks to all of you for the many referrals. Remember we can refer all your family, friends, and work associates to the top RE/MAX agents throughout the city, state and country.
God bless our service men and women.
Monday, January 11, 2010
As we write this, we consider that about 2 weeks ago we were on a beach in the Bahamas worried about sunburn – more later.
At the start of a year all of us look forward and analyze what’s ahead. We thought you might be interested in some insights from a recent economic conference we enrolled in last week. (See links for Economic Conference visuals.)
• Existing home sales by June 2010 will grow by 15%
• Homes prices a +3%, +5% boost
• Percent of income spent on housing is down 40% from the 1980’s
• Values on both high end and regular homes will be better than last yr.
• High end home value will still be 10% lower than the peak of the 2000’s
• $150,000 or lower homes to be about even in value vs. early 2000’s avg.
• New homes demand will very soon outstrip current supply.
Without the risk of understatement, if you are selling, preparation of your home is key. Carpet, paint and un-cluttering are essential. If we could read to you the various comments, made by buyers with their available choices, the need for good preparation before sale would be evident. Having said this, the economic conference information suggests that selling in 2010 is a good decision. Low interest rates will continue, growing demand and building consumer confidence is a great environment to buy and sell.
Back to the beach; 10 family members, 2 sons, 2 daughters, 2 grandkids and 2 great daughters in law, Barb and Wayne spent 4 nights, 3 days on a cruise. New Year’s Eve on a big boat was a “hoot”. What a nice time for relaxation and freedom to visit. We were blessed with perfect weather; 87 degrees on the beach, bright sun – “like a Corona Ad”. Ask us about it. (If you have an hour). Read Barbara’s overview below in previous posting. Thanks to Bob and Sam for a great 65th birthday year present for Mom and Dad.
We hope you had a wonderful holiday at your homes!
As you know, we depend on referrals in this business and understand that means you have to assert your opinion of us and approach your family, friends and business associates about us. We deeply appreciate all of you for your support and expression of friendship.
We are excited about the New Year, we have new tools to help homes sell and improved search techniques to help find that perfect home.
God bless our men and women serving our Country in the Armed Forces.
At the start of a year all of us look forward and analyze what’s ahead. We thought you might be interested in some insights from a recent economic conference we enrolled in last week. (See links for Economic Conference visuals.)
• Existing home sales by June 2010 will grow by 15%
• Homes prices a +3%, +5% boost
• Percent of income spent on housing is down 40% from the 1980’s
• Values on both high end and regular homes will be better than last yr.
• High end home value will still be 10% lower than the peak of the 2000’s
• $150,000 or lower homes to be about even in value vs. early 2000’s avg.
• New homes demand will very soon outstrip current supply.
Without the risk of understatement, if you are selling, preparation of your home is key. Carpet, paint and un-cluttering are essential. If we could read to you the various comments, made by buyers with their available choices, the need for good preparation before sale would be evident. Having said this, the economic conference information suggests that selling in 2010 is a good decision. Low interest rates will continue, growing demand and building consumer confidence is a great environment to buy and sell.
Back to the beach; 10 family members, 2 sons, 2 daughters, 2 grandkids and 2 great daughters in law, Barb and Wayne spent 4 nights, 3 days on a cruise. New Year’s Eve on a big boat was a “hoot”. What a nice time for relaxation and freedom to visit. We were blessed with perfect weather; 87 degrees on the beach, bright sun – “like a Corona Ad”. Ask us about it. (If you have an hour). Read Barbara’s overview below in previous posting. Thanks to Bob and Sam for a great 65th birthday year present for Mom and Dad.
We hope you had a wonderful holiday at your homes!
As you know, we depend on referrals in this business and understand that means you have to assert your opinion of us and approach your family, friends and business associates about us. We deeply appreciate all of you for your support and expression of friendship.
We are excited about the New Year, we have new tools to help homes sell and improved search techniques to help find that perfect home.
God bless our men and women serving our Country in the Armed Forces.
Barb and Wayne Cruise
“Once in a lifetime!” I know that is a cliché, but how else can I describe our recent cruise with 10 family members? The palm trees that greeted us when we landed in Miami were harbingers of the gorgeous weather we enjoyed throughout our travels to Freeport and Nassau in the Bahamas. The “free style dining” meant we could enjoy any cuisine anytime, night or day…and enjoy we did!
The activities we shared included everything from snorkeling off a little boat in a choppy cove to enjoying a lazy day in the 87 degree heat on the beach. A day we especially relished knowing there was snow and subzero temperatures back home. Other onshore excursions included shopping in the straw markets, touring the opulent resort and aquarium of Atlantis on Paradise Island, near Nassau, and lunch at the Bahamian kitchen, with true island cuisine.
Even though we were far from home we still managed to gather in the sports bar for major events such as the MU/Navy bowl game and the NU/Arizona game. There were nightly shows, evening sunsets, and more to do than we had time for.
New Year’s Eve on a cruise ship—it was one of those things you just had to be there! The atmosphere was electric with an adult game show preceding the outdoor poolside extravaganza. Our family was one of 28 teams who participated in a frantic “Quest” game that challenged our creativity and sense of fun! We came out as the top team so that started out the night on a positive note. The poolside part included driving music, dancing, champagne, ice sculptures and, for a brave few a jump in the pool.
Now that we are back in KC we are sharing pictures and reliving moments. And that was the best things about the trip—making memories for a lifetime!
The activities we shared included everything from snorkeling off a little boat in a choppy cove to enjoying a lazy day in the 87 degree heat on the beach. A day we especially relished knowing there was snow and subzero temperatures back home. Other onshore excursions included shopping in the straw markets, touring the opulent resort and aquarium of Atlantis on Paradise Island, near Nassau, and lunch at the Bahamian kitchen, with true island cuisine.
Even though we were far from home we still managed to gather in the sports bar for major events such as the MU/Navy bowl game and the NU/Arizona game. There were nightly shows, evening sunsets, and more to do than we had time for.
New Year’s Eve on a cruise ship—it was one of those things you just had to be there! The atmosphere was electric with an adult game show preceding the outdoor poolside extravaganza. Our family was one of 28 teams who participated in a frantic “Quest” game that challenged our creativity and sense of fun! We came out as the top team so that started out the night on a positive note. The poolside part included driving music, dancing, champagne, ice sculptures and, for a brave few a jump in the pool.
Now that we are back in KC we are sharing pictures and reliving moments. And that was the best things about the trip—making memories for a lifetime!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)