Tims Blog Tips

April 12^th, 2010, The York Daily Record front page headline reports “Homebuyer won’t rush for tax credits.” As the April 30^th deadline nears for first time homebuyers to take advantage of the federal government’s $8,000.00 tax incentive, many buyers are afraid that other concerns about the economy trump any advantage to buying now. The same goes for the $6500.00 tax advantage for current homeowners who might want to move at this time. Read more of Kevin Horan story here.

The Patriot News runs front page reports from The Associated Press on the same day: Economist predict shaky financial and job security into 2011 with a slow recovery when things finally turn around. They also indicate this will have a negative effect on home values. In fact they predict home prices will remain flat for the next two years. This housing trend along with another wave of home foreclosures, are going to continue to depress the housing market.

The ABC News report on the radio tells something of a different story. On Thursday April 24^th 2010 the reports are Stimulus money failed to jump start the housing market followed by a Friday report that new construction starts are up the highest in the past 23 years.

So how can you make an honest evaluation of your homes value and whether or not it’s a good time to buy or sell a home? The answer is getting the facts. News stories are meant to sell papers and advertising in them. They do not honestly portray what’s happening in your community. If you interested in a ball park figure of your homes value you can use our Home Price Index service. This gives you a basic idea of what your home should be based on basic information you provide. It uses a snap shot of current home values in a nearby geographic area to determine your homes value. It is not a true market value only a ball park.

To get a current market value of your home you’ll need to consult a professional who has been trained in market evaluation. This entails more information and comparisons to similar nearby properties. Weighted values to differences in the properties is added or subtracted accordingly to arrive at an accurate home value. This is when you can best make an educated decision on buying or selling a home.

We can help you get the facts. Gives us a call or contact us through this website.

Tim Straub Broker/owner tstraub@homefindergroup.net Phone 612-3002