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We hear the questions on the news everyday…  What will it take to get buyers off the fence and into a home?  Is it lower interest rates?  Tax Credits? Freebies, giveaways or bonuses to buyer agents?

The National Association of Home Builders released results from a poll which ask home buyer’s why they had not committed to a home purchase.  The results: 44 percent of respondents said they are holding out for lower rates.  41 percent said they were uncertain that they could qualify for financing.  38 percent reported that they were waiting for lower prices.

Based on the poll, it looks as if free upgrades, “green” features and granite counter-tops are not budging these fence sitters.   If you want to know the secret to moving buyers off the fence, take a moment to read a short article about the #1 Secret to Selling Any Property.

Tip:  Remember that internet marketing, with a listing on the MLS, is essential in helping buyer’s find your property.  Even if your property is priced to sell, without these powerful tools, you are simply left waiting and hoping someone drives past your home and spots your for sale sign.

Thank you for visiting InfoTube.net homes for sale website. Please search our listings for some fabulous buying opportunities found no where else on the web.

The housing market and US economy is extremely scary this Halloween.   Many of us feel as if we have been buried alive.  But, just like the zombies on a late night horror flick, real estate investor’s will raise from the dead and roam the earth again.

The market forecaster’s predict that the market will hit bottom in 2009, and will fight to survive through much of 2010. 

During this period, we will experience further drops in property values, as foreclosures and deliquencies continue.  Job loss and the faltering US economy will continue to pinch property cash flows and hamper an active lending environment, .

So, what signs of life will investors see before exhumation begins?   Which opportunities are lurking, just below the surface, that the prudent should take advantage of?

• The gruesome death of US real estate market has a beneficiary.  The cash rich, foreign buyer.  These well-healed investors will take advantage of a weak dollar, focusing on “trophy” properties located in major, active cities with plentiful employment and quality of life.
• The first area’s of the country to show signs of recovery will be the “cities that never sleep”, located in coastal area’s.
• Multi-family and higher density properties with retail shopping will be the focus for future developers.
• Other developer’s will focus building in area’s with neighborhood retail centers with big box grocery and chain drug store anchors.
• Apartment building investments may pay off now.  Look for mid-range property near transit in high density locations.  Vacancy rates are very low, and will remain so, as people cut living expenses. 
• Distressed condo’s located in urban area’s near transit bode watching.
• GREEN is GOOD.  Cutting energy expenses will be a priority for investors and buyers, alike.
• Residential building lots will get a cheaper, as builders dump options and inventory.   Spelling profit potetianal for the patient.
• Commericial will show signs of life, before residential.

The world is indeed a dark, scary place at the moment.  But, rest assured, the sun will come up.  And, while we have no quick way to stop the bleeding, the ones of us who survive the slaughter may grow fat on the plentiful carnage.  To the mindful, patient go the spoils.

Thanks for visiting InfoTube.net.  Happy Halloween and Happy Home Hunting!! Don’t be SCARED to make a comment…no one will BITE your HEAD OFF.

Made in the USA

We love Warren Buffet and we couldn’t agree more.  American’s need to support American business, while we still have businesses to support.  

I would like to take this opportunity to let our customer’s know that our InfoTube and InfoBox, outdoor document container’s, are made 100 percent in the USA.     We employee the disabled and handicapped to bring the InfoTube, the original and #1 selling product of its kind, to the marketplace.  And, The InfoBox is made by US workers in Erie, PA.  In addition, we buy from only US supplier’s when we purchase the materials that go into making our products.

So, take it from Warren.  Buy InfoTube or InfoBox for your marketing needs and you buy American.   You can purchase our products from a lot of American businesses such as, your local sign company, real estate board or major retailers such as Lowes and Home Depot.  

We appreciate your business and thank you for supporting us over these past 20 years!!!!

An architect has designed an 80 story building that continually changes its shape by using the wind.   The “first if its type” building is under construction in Dubai, with a grand opening scheduled in 2010.  There are also plans to construct two more moving buildings, with one located in Moscow and another in  New York City.   

The building design is like nothing we’ve ever seen before.  It offers sweeping and constantly changing views, as the building exterior shape actually moves. 

The downside… being fabulous and cutting edge will not come cheap.   Rumors are circulating that residences will be priced around $3000 per foot.

Another unforeseen problem buzzing around foreclosures and the bad economy is the dramatic increase in the mosquito and garden pest population. 

Many entire neighborhoods now feel the sting, as millions of vacant properties, along with those owned by cash strapped homeowners, have turned overgrown lawns, swimming pools, hot tubs, water gardens and koi ponds into insect breeding grounds.   

Before you light the citronella candles or coat yourself in insect repellent, consider heading to your local garden center for relief.   Some plants are natural insect repellents and keep summer bugs away, while improving the curb appeal of your home.

NATURAL “BUG OFF” PLANTS

Marigolds–Marigolds don’t have the greatest smell, but mosquito’s and other pests literally hate it.  The bright, inexpensive and easy to grow annual is a proven workhorse in deterring pests around patio’s porches and vegetable gardens.

Catnip– In addition to being a favorite of your beloved feline, catnip is 10 times more effective than DEET when it comes to repelling the universally hated and dangerous mosquito.   The annual plant grows easily in a sunny, dry location like the one found around most patio area’s.

Lemon Thyme–  Smells and Tastes Great to Humans.  Its lemon scent is a wonderful to smell as you walk or brush by and its lemon flavored leaves can be used in salads or recipes calling for lemon or lemon zest.  This perennial grows great in most climate zones, requires little to no watering and thrives with a little sunshine.

Lemon Basil–  Is another plant that smells great to people and is delicious to eat with summer tomato’s.  Lemon Basil is a tender annual that needs watering.  It is does self sow, but buy starter plants versus sowing seed packets for the best results with this yummy option to a pest problem.

To learn more about natural insect deterrents and repellents click here.

One of the unintended consequences of high fuel prices is the apparent effect upon home sales, urban planning and a shift to inner city living, as people flee the suburbs to cut their commute time and expense.

A new report, Driven to the Brink, issued by CEO’s for Cities, a non-profit group, points out the fact that high gas prices have been an overlooked factor when evaluating the reasons behind the housing crisis.   The report finds that the decline in home prices has been more severe in metropolitan areas and suburbs that require lengthy commutes, and where there is a lack of public transportation.

That sentiment was also reflected in a poll of 900 Coldwell Banker agents.  96% of the agents surveyed reported that rising gas prices were a major concern for buyers and 78% said high fuel prices were driving demand for city living.

As real estate prices and sales volumes are studied, it certainly seems that the price of driving a car is changing the definition of location, location, location.   Homes that are close to public transportation, jobs, schools and shopping are selling, even in today’s “buyers market”, as home buyers place greater importance on cutting gas bills and commute times.

What this means to sellers, buyers and investors is that people are looking at where the home is located in a new way.  They are considering the price of gas and driving time before purchasing.   Drivers paying $4.00+ per gallon for gas, do not take commutes for granted, nor will the allure of new construction, granite counters and stainless appliances pull them out to the suburbs, away from their jobs and schools.

In conclusion, gas prices are changing real estate values and the shift appears to be permanent.  Vibrant cities with good public transportation have become a lot more valuable, while rural area’s and suburbs, built on $2.00/gallon gas, have lost their appeal.    This shift is a tremendous opportunity for cities and developers who remix land uses, add higher density housing and better transporataion.

If you are selling or buying a home, you must understand the impact that gas prices have on the definition of location.  You may quickly discover that the rising price of gas means living near the train station is the best thing for your bank account and your home appreciation.

  I have recently addressed the benefits of landscaping and a fresh coat of mulch as it applies to curb appeal and home sales.   In doing my research for the blog, I received a warning about the potential danger of a mulch, made from shredded cocoa shells, that poses a lethal threat to our four-legged friends and I felt compeled to pass the info along to all well meaning homeowners.

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot and other garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called “Theobromine”.   Theobromine is the ingredient that is used to make all chocolate, especially dark or bakers chocolate, all of which are highly toxic to dogs.

Cocoa Mulch is known for its fine texture and sweet smell, which makes it an attractive choice for landscape.    Sadly, the ingredient that provides the nice chocolate smell also attracts pets.

Cocoa beans contain stimulants that may cause gastrointestinal upset, increased heart rate, restlessness, seizures and DEATH.   Puppies are curious by nature and are especially at risk.

Word of Caution:   Check what you are using in your gardens and be aware what your gardener is using around your pets.    If you smell Chocolate Pop Tarts, remove the mulch and reapply with a safe, bark or synthetic mulch.

Learn about rebates, loans and subsidies for energy saving upgrades to your home at the non-profit website http://www.dsireusa.org/ .    

The Database of State and Federal Incentives for energy efficiency is comprehensive, well organized and a great resource for the “ever changing” programs available to taxpayers.   It features easy links for federal, state, local rebates and loan programs for a variety of home improvements from adding insulation to replacing an old water heater.

Readers would be wise to check with the DSIREUSA website before making decisions about home improvements or home building.    Also, if you have made home improvements during 2007, verify with your accountant that all deductions and credits for qualified improvements have been included on your tax return before April 15th.

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