Yesterday it was announed by the Federal Housing Administration that FHA loan requirements are changing sometime this year and that there will be tighter restrictions for FHA backed loans.
The changes will be relatively small for most borrowers. The changes include a raise in the upfront mortgage premium (MIP) from 1.75% to 2.25%. Also, the mimimum down payments for borrowers whose credit score will raise from 3.5% to 10%. And finally, allowable seller concessions will be cut in half.
These changes are expected to take effect this spring or summer. More information can be found here or you can get in touch with The Mike Webb Team.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
2010 Africa Cup of Nations
Today ends the group stage of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola. The biannual national soccer tournament awards the champion of the African continent.
The competing teams were chosen as the best teams from their groups in World Cup qualification, which wrapped up in November 2009.
With the first round of matches drawing to an end Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria have all qualified for the knockout stage of the tournament. The place of the final two teams to qualify will be decided today upon the completion the final two matches; Gabon versus Zambia and Cameroon versus Tunisia. All four teams still have a chance to move on.
This is one of the most exciting soccer tournaments in the world and many European clubs watch carefully to find new and young talent. So far, the leading goalscorers through 3 games are Flavio Amado of Angola, currently playing for club Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia, and Seydou Keita of Mali, who plays club football with FC Barcelona in Spain.
Other big stars include Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast/Barcelona), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast/Chelsea), and Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon/Internazionale).
Unfortunately, Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo/Manchester City) will not be featured in the games as the Togo national team bus was attacked by rebels during it's travels, after which the team forfeited the tournament.
The competing teams were chosen as the best teams from their groups in World Cup qualification, which wrapped up in November 2009.
With the first round of matches drawing to an end Algeria, Angola, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria have all qualified for the knockout stage of the tournament. The place of the final two teams to qualify will be decided today upon the completion the final two matches; Gabon versus Zambia and Cameroon versus Tunisia. All four teams still have a chance to move on.
This is one of the most exciting soccer tournaments in the world and many European clubs watch carefully to find new and young talent. So far, the leading goalscorers through 3 games are Flavio Amado of Angola, currently playing for club Al-Shabab in Saudi Arabia, and Seydou Keita of Mali, who plays club football with FC Barcelona in Spain.
Other big stars include Yaya Toure (Ivory Coast/Barcelona), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast/Chelsea), and Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon/Internazionale).
Unfortunately, Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo/Manchester City) will not be featured in the games as the Togo national team bus was attacked by rebels during it's travels, after which the team forfeited the tournament.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Current Value of the White House
President Obama has now been a White House resident for one year. While other analysts will critique his record and performance over the year, zillow.com has valued his home at around $292,470,000. That is a 5.1% ($15.6 million) decrease from last January's value of $308,059,000.
These numbers were based on the home's physical attributes (132 rooms, 55,000 square feet, 18 acres, 16 family-guest rooms, 3 kitchens, 3 elevators, 28 fireplaces, and an underground bunker), historical value, and housing performance in the local Washington, DC market.
This may seem like quite a hit but not when compared to the previous years dip of 7.2%, $23.8 million decrease from $331,841,734.
This seems to reflect the nationwide market trends. Housing prices continue to fall, but at a slowing rate. Whether that is a sign of the market bottoming out or mearly a temporary trend remains to be seen.
The Mike Webb Team: http://www.northernvirginiahouses.com/
These numbers were based on the home's physical attributes (132 rooms, 55,000 square feet, 18 acres, 16 family-guest rooms, 3 kitchens, 3 elevators, 28 fireplaces, and an underground bunker), historical value, and housing performance in the local Washington, DC market.
This may seem like quite a hit but not when compared to the previous years dip of 7.2%, $23.8 million decrease from $331,841,734.
This seems to reflect the nationwide market trends. Housing prices continue to fall, but at a slowing rate. Whether that is a sign of the market bottoming out or mearly a temporary trend remains to be seen.
The Mike Webb Team: http://www.northernvirginiahouses.com/
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Yesterday was Martin Luther King Jr. Day; a federal holiday that marks the birth of the civil rights activists. The holiday is observed yearly on the third Monday of January. Rev. Dr. MLK was born on January 15, 1929.
MLK became the chief spokesman for nonviolent civil disobedience during the civil rights movement in the 1960's. Dr. King protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. He was assassinated in 1968.
While the campaign for a MLK holiday began soon after his death it did not become law until 1983 when it was signed by President Ronald Reagan. It was then not acknowledged by all 50 states until the year 2000.
Fun Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. Day is also celebrated in Hiroshima, Japan.
MLK became the chief spokesman for nonviolent civil disobedience during the civil rights movement in the 1960's. Dr. King protested racial discrimination in federal and state law. He was assassinated in 1968.
While the campaign for a MLK holiday began soon after his death it did not become law until 1983 when it was signed by President Ronald Reagan. It was then not acknowledged by all 50 states until the year 2000.
Fun Fact: Martin Luther King Jr. Day is also celebrated in Hiroshima, Japan.
Monday, January 18, 2010
Brutal Honesty in Marketing
While scouring the web for real estate blogs I could borrow an idea from I came across a pretty good one from the folks at photographyforrealesate.net. It talked about honesty in marketing; brutal honesty.
It highlighted a television commercial for Cullman Liquidation Center, which sells mobile homes, that reminded me very much of another blog by Brian Block, also known as Desperate Realtor.
Now I'm not sure if this technique of obvious self-deprecating humor works as a marketing tool, but it sure gets your attention. And really that's half the battle, so perhaps it does. I guess that's for you to decide.
It highlighted a television commercial for Cullman Liquidation Center, which sells mobile homes, that reminded me very much of another blog by Brian Block, also known as Desperate Realtor.
Now I'm not sure if this technique of obvious self-deprecating humor works as a marketing tool, but it sure gets your attention. And really that's half the battle, so perhaps it does. I guess that's for you to decide.
Generation Adidas
Generation adidas is a youth player development program, in a joint venture between Major League Soccer (MLS) and U.S. Soccer, designed to identify and nurture elite youth soccer talent in the United States. Until 2005 the program was sponsored by Nike and known as Project-40.
As part of a partnership deal between the MLS and Adidas, the developmental league attempts to raise the level of youth soccer talent in the United States. The program encourages early entry of American players into MLS. Generation Adidas players are able to train and play on a weekly basis with an MLS club, recieve educational grants to further their education, and participate in matches and tours both domestically and overseas.
Generation adidas players do not count on MLS senior rosters and generally earn a much higher salary than the league minimum. Entering the program automatically classifies a player as professional, and thus disqualifies them from playing college soccer. However, players are guaranteed scholarships to continue their education should their professional soccer career not pan out.
The program has included current United States mens national team stars Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey, Joze Altidore, and Michael Bradley as well as DeMarcus Beasley, Ben Olsen, Sacha Kljestan, Chad Marshall, and Freddy Adu.
The list of 2010 Generation Adidas signings include:
Danny Mwanga: Drafted 1st overall by the Philadelphia Union. 18 years old from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Played forward at Oregon State University.
Tony Tchani: Drafted 2nd overall by the New York Red Bulls. 20 years old from Norfolk, Virginia. Played midfield at the University of Virginia.
Ike Opara: Drafted 3rd overall by the San Jose Earthquakes. 20 years old from Durham, North Carolina. Played defense at Wake Forest University.
Teal Bunbury: Drafted 4th overall by the Kansas City Wizards. 19 years old from Prior Lake, Minnesota. Played forward at the University of Akron.
Amobi Okugu: Drafted 6th overall by the Philadelphia Union. 18 years old from Sacramento, California. Played midfield at UCLA.
Jack McInerney: Drafted 7th overall by the Philadelphia Union. 17 years old from Alpharetta, Georgia. Played forward for the U.S. U-17 national team.
Dilly Duka: Drafted 8th overall by the Columbus Crew. 20 years old from Montville, New Jersey. Played midfield at Rutgers University.
Blair Gavin: Drafted 10th overall by Chivas USA. 20 years old from Louisville, Kentucky. Played midfield at the University of Akron.
Corben Bone: Drafted 13th overall by the Chicago Fire. 21 years old from Plano, Texas. Played forward at Wake Forest University.
Andrew Weideman: Drafted 21st overall by FC Dallas. 20 years old from San Ramon, California. Played forward at the University of California.
Zachary Herold: Drafted 24th overall by Toronto FC. 17 years old from Port St. Lucie, Florida. Played defense for the U.S. U-17 national team.
Sean Johnson: Drafted 51st overall by the Chicago Fire. 20 years old from Lilburn, Georgia. Played defense at the University of Central Florida.
Generation adidas
As part of a partnership deal between the MLS and Adidas, the developmental league attempts to raise the level of youth soccer talent in the United States. The program encourages early entry of American players into MLS. Generation Adidas players are able to train and play on a weekly basis with an MLS club, recieve educational grants to further their education, and participate in matches and tours both domestically and overseas.
Generation adidas players do not count on MLS senior rosters and generally earn a much higher salary than the league minimum. Entering the program automatically classifies a player as professional, and thus disqualifies them from playing college soccer. However, players are guaranteed scholarships to continue their education should their professional soccer career not pan out.
The program has included current United States mens national team stars Tim Howard, Carlos Bocanegra, Clint Dempsey, Joze Altidore, and Michael Bradley as well as DeMarcus Beasley, Ben Olsen, Sacha Kljestan, Chad Marshall, and Freddy Adu.
The list of 2010 Generation Adidas signings include:
Danny Mwanga: Drafted 1st overall by the Philadelphia Union. 18 years old from the Democratic Republic of Congo. Played forward at Oregon State University.
Tony Tchani: Drafted 2nd overall by the New York Red Bulls. 20 years old from Norfolk, Virginia. Played midfield at the University of Virginia.
Ike Opara: Drafted 3rd overall by the San Jose Earthquakes. 20 years old from Durham, North Carolina. Played defense at Wake Forest University.
Teal Bunbury: Drafted 4th overall by the Kansas City Wizards. 19 years old from Prior Lake, Minnesota. Played forward at the University of Akron.
Amobi Okugu: Drafted 6th overall by the Philadelphia Union. 18 years old from Sacramento, California. Played midfield at UCLA.
Jack McInerney: Drafted 7th overall by the Philadelphia Union. 17 years old from Alpharetta, Georgia. Played forward for the U.S. U-17 national team.
Dilly Duka: Drafted 8th overall by the Columbus Crew. 20 years old from Montville, New Jersey. Played midfield at Rutgers University.
Blair Gavin: Drafted 10th overall by Chivas USA. 20 years old from Louisville, Kentucky. Played midfield at the University of Akron.
Corben Bone: Drafted 13th overall by the Chicago Fire. 21 years old from Plano, Texas. Played forward at Wake Forest University.
Andrew Weideman: Drafted 21st overall by FC Dallas. 20 years old from San Ramon, California. Played forward at the University of California.
Zachary Herold: Drafted 24th overall by Toronto FC. 17 years old from Port St. Lucie, Florida. Played defense for the U.S. U-17 national team.
Sean Johnson: Drafted 51st overall by the Chicago Fire. 20 years old from Lilburn, Georgia. Played defense at the University of Central Florida.
Generation adidas
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Xeriscaping: Landscaping to Conserve Water
Xeriscaping; it sounds like a weapon in some futuristic video game or a character in Scientology. However, xeriscaping is a portmanteau of xeros, Greek for dry, and landscaping. Basically, it is a creative way to design landscaping to conserve water. The practice is also known as drought-tolerant landscaping, zeroscaping, smart scaping, and water-conserving landscaping.
It is believed that the idea began in Israel, but it is used to today in much of the southern United States. The specific term xeriscaping was created by the Front Range Xeriscaping Task Force of Denver Water in 1978. It refers to landscaping in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation and is promoted in areas that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water.
Some aspects of the practice include the use of plants whose natural resquirements are appropriate to the local climate, as well as taking care to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off. While specific plant use depends on the climate the use of agave, cactus, lavender, juniper, sedum, and thyme are common.
The advantages to xeriscaping include lower water consumption, more water available for other uses, less time needed for maintenance, and plantlife sustainability when water is restricted.
http://xeriscapelandscaping.org/
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
It is believed that the idea began in Israel, but it is used to today in much of the southern United States. The specific term xeriscaping was created by the Front Range Xeriscaping Task Force of Denver Water in 1978. It refers to landscaping in ways that reduce or eliminate the need for supplemental irrigation and is promoted in areas that do not have easily accessible supplies of fresh water.
Some aspects of the practice include the use of plants whose natural resquirements are appropriate to the local climate, as well as taking care to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off. While specific plant use depends on the climate the use of agave, cactus, lavender, juniper, sedum, and thyme are common.
The advantages to xeriscaping include lower water consumption, more water available for other uses, less time needed for maintenance, and plantlife sustainability when water is restricted.
http://xeriscapelandscaping.org/
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Quick Tips for Showing Your Home
Home Sellers,
While showing your home, whether by appointment or while holding an open house, keep these tips in mind:
* Clean and de-clutter your home (of course)
* Turn on all lights (including halls, bathrooms, stairwells...)
* Open all window coverings (natural light is important)
* Put soft classical or jazz music on stereo
* Clear off kitchen or bathroom counters
* Don't leave dishes in sink
* Close the toilet seats
* Put some fresh flowers outside the front door and on the kitchen table
* Ensure the temperature is comfortable (a house that's too hot or too cold will usher out buyers quickly)
* Remove the cat box from the house
* Put some potpourri out or use air fresheners
Remember, on the day of a showing it's the little things that count. Do things that will be pleasing to the senses of a potential buyer. You want to brighten rooms to help their sight and provide pleasant smells and sounds.
Real Estate Tidbits
The Mike Webb Team: http://www.northernvirginiahouses.com/
While showing your home, whether by appointment or while holding an open house, keep these tips in mind:
* Clean and de-clutter your home (of course)
* Turn on all lights (including halls, bathrooms, stairwells...)
* Open all window coverings (natural light is important)
* Put soft classical or jazz music on stereo
* Clear off kitchen or bathroom counters
* Don't leave dishes in sink
* Close the toilet seats
* Put some fresh flowers outside the front door and on the kitchen table
* Ensure the temperature is comfortable (a house that's too hot or too cold will usher out buyers quickly)
* Remove the cat box from the house
* Put some potpourri out or use air fresheners
Remember, on the day of a showing it's the little things that count. Do things that will be pleasing to the senses of a potential buyer. You want to brighten rooms to help their sight and provide pleasant smells and sounds.
Real Estate Tidbits
The Mike Webb Team: http://www.northernvirginiahouses.com/
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Utopia, For Some
Do you get seasick easily? Have you ever been homesick? Soon you will be able to experience both at the same time. 190 private residences are being sold aboard the cruiseship Utopia. Prices range from $3.7 million for the Olympian Estates to the $26 million, 6,500 square foot Utopian Estates.
Expected to set sail in 2013, the premier luxury residential oceanliner is the braintrust of a team of Beverly Hills professionals and industry leaders.
Among the features in the cabins are hardwood floors, marble countertops, recessed lighting, walk-in closets, and fireplaces, while your "neighborhood" includes three swimming pools, tennis courts, a gym, an outdoor movie theater, shops, restaurants, and a miniature golf course.
Anybody in the real estate business will tell you that the key is location, location, location. The perk of living on a cruiseship is being able to travel while still having the comforts of home. Utopia is scheduled to drop anchor in the Mediterrainean Sea off the southern coast of France during the Cannes Film Festival, off the Brazilian coast during the Carnival celebration in Rio de Janeiro, and in Sydney Harbor on New Years Eve to enjoy the fireworks display in Australia. Other stops and events include the Tour de France bicycle race, the Monaco Grand Prix car race, and the America's Cup yatch race.
No word yet on which country's tax code the multi-national home will fall under.
http://www.utopiaresidences.com/residences/index.php
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
Expected to set sail in 2013, the premier luxury residential oceanliner is the braintrust of a team of Beverly Hills professionals and industry leaders.
Among the features in the cabins are hardwood floors, marble countertops, recessed lighting, walk-in closets, and fireplaces, while your "neighborhood" includes three swimming pools, tennis courts, a gym, an outdoor movie theater, shops, restaurants, and a miniature golf course.
Anybody in the real estate business will tell you that the key is location, location, location. The perk of living on a cruiseship is being able to travel while still having the comforts of home. Utopia is scheduled to drop anchor in the Mediterrainean Sea off the southern coast of France during the Cannes Film Festival, off the Brazilian coast during the Carnival celebration in Rio de Janeiro, and in Sydney Harbor on New Years Eve to enjoy the fireworks display in Australia. Other stops and events include the Tour de France bicycle race, the Monaco Grand Prix car race, and the America's Cup yatch race.
No word yet on which country's tax code the multi-national home will fall under.
http://www.utopiaresidences.com/residences/index.php
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
Monday, January 11, 2010
Should I Cancel an Open House due to Bad Weather?
In bad weather, you should probably expect to see less people come by to view an open house. Depending on the weather you might not see anyone. Does this mean you should cancel the open house you had planned? No way.
Last winter, Devon and Nick McConnell were holding an open house for the one-bedroom co-op they shared on West End Avenue in Manhattan. There just happened to be a blizzard in NYC that day. Their broker told them not to cancel. "You don't have tire-kickers coming out in a blizzard. They are serious shoppers." They sold for $435,000; $36,000 more than their asking price.
Never cancel an open house already scheduled because of mother nature. You never know what or who you'll miss.
The Walk-Through (New York Times)
The Mike Webb Team: http://www.northernvirginiahouses.com/
Last winter, Devon and Nick McConnell were holding an open house for the one-bedroom co-op they shared on West End Avenue in Manhattan. There just happened to be a blizzard in NYC that day. Their broker told them not to cancel. "You don't have tire-kickers coming out in a blizzard. They are serious shoppers." They sold for $435,000; $36,000 more than their asking price.
Never cancel an open house already scheduled because of mother nature. You never know what or who you'll miss.
The Walk-Through (New York Times)
The Mike Webb Team: http://www.northernvirginiahouses.com/
Friday, January 8, 2010
Alabama wins BCS National Championship
The Alabama Crimson Tide won the 2010 BCS National Championship last night at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. They hung on to beat the Texas Longhorns 37-21, though the game was much closer than the scoreline suggests.
The Tide's defense were the heroes of the game, as they knocked the Longhorns' gunslinger, and two time Walter Camp Award winner, Colt McCoy out of the game early and then went on to seal the victory by forcing a sack fumble late in the game.
It turned out to be a see-saw affair which saw Texas take a 6-0 lead at the end of the first quarter after two field goals, only to be down 24-6 at halftime due in part to touchdown runs from game MVP and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram Jr. and Trent Richardson. The tide also added a field goal and Texas looked really down and out heading to the locker rooms after an interception was returned for another touchdown by Marcell Dareus as time expired on the first half.
Texas surged after the break, however, with true freshman backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert throwing two touchdown receptions to All-American Jordan Shipley, which brought them back to only a 3 point deficit, trailing 'Bama 21-24.
Then everything got away from them with under three minutes left as Eryk Anders blindsided Gilbert, forcing the fumble in the shadow of the Texas goalposts. Ingram scored his second touchdown of the night, followed by Richardson doing the same after the game was out of hand.
Alabama finished the year 14-0, bringing home an eighth National Championship and their first since 1992.
The Mike Webb Team: http://www.northernvirginiahouses.com/
The Tide's defense were the heroes of the game, as they knocked the Longhorns' gunslinger, and two time Walter Camp Award winner, Colt McCoy out of the game early and then went on to seal the victory by forcing a sack fumble late in the game.
It turned out to be a see-saw affair which saw Texas take a 6-0 lead at the end of the first quarter after two field goals, only to be down 24-6 at halftime due in part to touchdown runs from game MVP and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram Jr. and Trent Richardson. The tide also added a field goal and Texas looked really down and out heading to the locker rooms after an interception was returned for another touchdown by Marcell Dareus as time expired on the first half.
Texas surged after the break, however, with true freshman backup quarterback Garrett Gilbert throwing two touchdown receptions to All-American Jordan Shipley, which brought them back to only a 3 point deficit, trailing 'Bama 21-24.
Then everything got away from them with under three minutes left as Eryk Anders blindsided Gilbert, forcing the fumble in the shadow of the Texas goalposts. Ingram scored his second touchdown of the night, followed by Richardson doing the same after the game was out of hand.
Alabama finished the year 14-0, bringing home an eighth National Championship and their first since 1992.
The Mike Webb Team: http://www.northernvirginiahouses.com/
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Fading Home Fads
Fads come and go (remember Zubas?) and the same occurs within the realm of real estate. An article was recently written in REALTOR Magazine discussing some home fashions that are starting to go out of fashion. The list includes:
1. Fireplaces: The fireplace skyrocketed in importance in homes in 1991 with 62 percent of new homes having one or more. But the number has steadily been decreasing ever since. In 2007, the number dropped to 51 percent.
2. Carpet: While 54 percent of homes still have carpet floors, the number is decreasing and hardwood floors are taking the place. Vinyl and ceramic tile flooring also are being bypassed more by buyers. Seventeen percent of new homes contain hardwood floors throughout the entire house.
3. Living room: These once-decorative centerpieces of homes are slowly vanishing from newer homes. Thirty-four percent of consumers say they’re willing to buy a home without a living room.
4. Desks in the kitchen: These desks were once looked at as great storage areas but they’re often too small and quickly become clutter spaces in a home, said Gayle Butler, editor in chief of Better Homes and Gardens. Instead, more consumers say they prefer larger desks in or near the family room—equipped with a messaging center—where they can keep an eye on their kids as they work on the computer.
5. Skylights: The little windows that allow natural light to seep into a home from above are falling out of style. Only 10 percent of new homes will include them this year, a continuing downward spiral for skylights.
6. Upscale kitchen finishes: Granite countertops are slowly becoming less desirable among buyers who are now moving toward affordable, low-maintenance laminate countertops—which tend to last longer and now come in various styles.
So add these to the "passe" list along with acid-wash jeans and Members-Only jackets, grunge and disco music, VHS and cassette tapes, and the DeLorean and VW buses. But you know what they say; fads are cyclical. Maybe we will once again see kitchen appliances in avocado and mediterrainean brown colors as we did in the 70's.
Home Fads That Are Falling Out of Style
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
1. Fireplaces: The fireplace skyrocketed in importance in homes in 1991 with 62 percent of new homes having one or more. But the number has steadily been decreasing ever since. In 2007, the number dropped to 51 percent.
2. Carpet: While 54 percent of homes still have carpet floors, the number is decreasing and hardwood floors are taking the place. Vinyl and ceramic tile flooring also are being bypassed more by buyers. Seventeen percent of new homes contain hardwood floors throughout the entire house.
3. Living room: These once-decorative centerpieces of homes are slowly vanishing from newer homes. Thirty-four percent of consumers say they’re willing to buy a home without a living room.
4. Desks in the kitchen: These desks were once looked at as great storage areas but they’re often too small and quickly become clutter spaces in a home, said Gayle Butler, editor in chief of Better Homes and Gardens. Instead, more consumers say they prefer larger desks in or near the family room—equipped with a messaging center—where they can keep an eye on their kids as they work on the computer.
5. Skylights: The little windows that allow natural light to seep into a home from above are falling out of style. Only 10 percent of new homes will include them this year, a continuing downward spiral for skylights.
6. Upscale kitchen finishes: Granite countertops are slowly becoming less desirable among buyers who are now moving toward affordable, low-maintenance laminate countertops—which tend to last longer and now come in various styles.
So add these to the "passe" list along with acid-wash jeans and Members-Only jackets, grunge and disco music, VHS and cassette tapes, and the DeLorean and VW buses. But you know what they say; fads are cyclical. Maybe we will once again see kitchen appliances in avocado and mediterrainean brown colors as we did in the 70's.
Home Fads That Are Falling Out of Style
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
2010 Celebrity Neighbor Survey
Zillow.com has released the results of their third annual Celebrity Neighbor Survey. The survey, conducted by Harris Interactive, was given to 2,000 American adults to find out whom they would and would not want to share a fence with. Some celebs made it onto both lists. Here are the results:
2010 Most Desirable Neighbors: The Obamas (14%), Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi (12%), Sarah Palin (12%), Taylor Swift (9%), Oprah Winfrey (7%), Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen (3%), Tiger Woods (3%), Robert Pattinson (1%).
2010 Least Desirable Neighbors: Nadya Suleman aka Octomom (17%), Jon and Kate "Plus Eight" Gosselin (16%), Sarah Palin (11%), Richard and Muyami Heene aka Parents of Balloon Boy (11%), Kanye West (8%), Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt of The Hills (8%), Britney Spears (7%), Tiger Woods (4%).
Click here to see the homes these celebs live in.
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
2010 Most Desirable Neighbors: The Obamas (14%), Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi (12%), Sarah Palin (12%), Taylor Swift (9%), Oprah Winfrey (7%), Tom Brady and Gisele Bundchen (3%), Tiger Woods (3%), Robert Pattinson (1%).
2010 Least Desirable Neighbors: Nadya Suleman aka Octomom (17%), Jon and Kate "Plus Eight" Gosselin (16%), Sarah Palin (11%), Richard and Muyami Heene aka Parents of Balloon Boy (11%), Kanye West (8%), Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt of The Hills (8%), Britney Spears (7%), Tiger Woods (4%).
Click here to see the homes these celebs live in.
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
12 teams have earned the right to compete in the football tournament known as the NFL playoffs. That, however, is for a later blog. Today we look back at.
The NFL announced the players voted to be the best in the league over the past 17 weeks that comprised the regular season. These players will compete in the NFL Pro Bowl, professional football's all-star game, on January 31 at Dolphin Stadium:
AFC Offense: QB Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts), Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers), Tom Brady (New England Patriots). RB Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans), Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars), Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens). FB La'Ron McClain (Baltimore Ravens). WR Andre Johnson (Houston Texans), Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts), Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos), Wes Welker (New England Patriots). TE Dallas Clark (Indianapolis Colts), Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers). OT Jake Long (Miami Dolphins), Ryan Clady (Denver Broncos), Joe Thomas (Cleveland Browns). OG Logan Mankins (New England Patriots), Alan Faneca (New York Jets), Kris Dielman (San Diego Chargers). C Nick Mangold (New York Jets), Jeff Saturday (Indianapolis Colts).
AFC Defense: DE Dwight Freeney (Indianapolis Colts), Robert Mathis (Indianapolis Colts), Mario Williams (Houston Texans). DT Haloti Ngata (Baltimore Ravens), Vince Wilfork (New England Patriots), Casey Hampton (Pittsburgh Steelers). OLB Elvis Dumerville (Denver Broncos), James Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers), Brian Cushing (Houston Texans). ILB Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens), DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans). CB Darrelle Revis (New York Jets), Nnamdi Asomugha (Oakland Raiders), Champ Bailey (Denver Broncos). FS Ed Reed (Baltimore Ravens), Jarius Byrd (Buffalo Bills). SS Brian Dawkins (Denver Broncos).
AFC Special Teams: K Nate Kaeding (San Diego Chargers). P Shane Lechler (Oakland Raiders). KR Joshua Cribbs (Cleveland Browns). ST Kassim Osgood (San Diego Chargers).
NFC Offense: QB Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints), Brett Favre (Minnesota Vikings), Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers). RB Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings), Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams), DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers). FB Leonard Weaver (Philadelphia Eagles). WR Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals), DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles), Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys), Sidney Rice (Minnesota Vikings). TE Vernon Davis (San Francisco 49ers), Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys). OT Jason Peters (Philadelphia Eagles), Bryant McKinnie (Minnesota Vikings), Jon Stinchcomb (New Orleans Saints). OG Steve Hutchinson (Minnesota Vikings), Jahri Evans (New Orleans Saints), Leonard Davis (Dallas Cowboys). C Andre Gurode (Dallas Cowboys), Shaun O'Hara (New York Giants).
NFC Defense: DE Jared Allen (Minnesota Vikings), Julius Peppers (Carolina Panthers), Trent Cole (Philadelphia Eagles). DT Kevin Williams (Minnesota Vikings), Darnell Dockett (Arizona Cardinals), Jay Ratliff (Dallas Cowboys). OLB DeMarcus Ware (Dallas Cowboys), Lance Briggs (Chicago Bears), Brian Orakpo (Washington Redskins). ILB Patrick Willis (San Francisco 49ers), Jonathan Vilma (New Orleans Saints). CB Charles Woodson (Green Bay Packers), Asante Samuel (Philadelphia Eagles), Dominique Rogers-Cromartie (Arizona Cardinals). FS Darren Sharper (New Orleans Saints), Nick Collins (Green Bay Packers). SS Adrian Wilson (Arizona Cardinals).
NFC Special Teams: K David Akers (Philadelphia Eagles). P Andy Lee (San Francisco 49ers). KR Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings). ST Heath Farwell (Minnesota Vikings).
The Pro Bowl will be shown at 8:00 p.m. EST on ESPN.
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
The NFL announced the players voted to be the best in the league over the past 17 weeks that comprised the regular season. These players will compete in the NFL Pro Bowl, professional football's all-star game, on January 31 at Dolphin Stadium:
AFC Offense: QB Peyton Manning (Indianapolis Colts), Philip Rivers (San Diego Chargers), Tom Brady (New England Patriots). RB Chris Johnson (Tennessee Titans), Maurice Jones-Drew (Jacksonville Jaguars), Ray Rice (Baltimore Ravens). FB La'Ron McClain (Baltimore Ravens). WR Andre Johnson (Houston Texans), Reggie Wayne (Indianapolis Colts), Brandon Marshall (Denver Broncos), Wes Welker (New England Patriots). TE Dallas Clark (Indianapolis Colts), Antonio Gates (San Diego Chargers). OT Jake Long (Miami Dolphins), Ryan Clady (Denver Broncos), Joe Thomas (Cleveland Browns). OG Logan Mankins (New England Patriots), Alan Faneca (New York Jets), Kris Dielman (San Diego Chargers). C Nick Mangold (New York Jets), Jeff Saturday (Indianapolis Colts).
AFC Defense: DE Dwight Freeney (Indianapolis Colts), Robert Mathis (Indianapolis Colts), Mario Williams (Houston Texans). DT Haloti Ngata (Baltimore Ravens), Vince Wilfork (New England Patriots), Casey Hampton (Pittsburgh Steelers). OLB Elvis Dumerville (Denver Broncos), James Harrison (Pittsburgh Steelers), Brian Cushing (Houston Texans). ILB Ray Lewis (Baltimore Ravens), DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans). CB Darrelle Revis (New York Jets), Nnamdi Asomugha (Oakland Raiders), Champ Bailey (Denver Broncos). FS Ed Reed (Baltimore Ravens), Jarius Byrd (Buffalo Bills). SS Brian Dawkins (Denver Broncos).
AFC Special Teams: K Nate Kaeding (San Diego Chargers). P Shane Lechler (Oakland Raiders). KR Joshua Cribbs (Cleveland Browns). ST Kassim Osgood (San Diego Chargers).
NFC Offense: QB Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints), Brett Favre (Minnesota Vikings), Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers). RB Adrian Peterson (Minnesota Vikings), Steven Jackson (St. Louis Rams), DeAngelo Williams (Carolina Panthers). FB Leonard Weaver (Philadelphia Eagles). WR Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals), DeSean Jackson (Philadelphia Eagles), Miles Austin (Dallas Cowboys), Sidney Rice (Minnesota Vikings). TE Vernon Davis (San Francisco 49ers), Jason Witten (Dallas Cowboys). OT Jason Peters (Philadelphia Eagles), Bryant McKinnie (Minnesota Vikings), Jon Stinchcomb (New Orleans Saints). OG Steve Hutchinson (Minnesota Vikings), Jahri Evans (New Orleans Saints), Leonard Davis (Dallas Cowboys). C Andre Gurode (Dallas Cowboys), Shaun O'Hara (New York Giants).
NFC Defense: DE Jared Allen (Minnesota Vikings), Julius Peppers (Carolina Panthers), Trent Cole (Philadelphia Eagles). DT Kevin Williams (Minnesota Vikings), Darnell Dockett (Arizona Cardinals), Jay Ratliff (Dallas Cowboys). OLB DeMarcus Ware (Dallas Cowboys), Lance Briggs (Chicago Bears), Brian Orakpo (Washington Redskins). ILB Patrick Willis (San Francisco 49ers), Jonathan Vilma (New Orleans Saints). CB Charles Woodson (Green Bay Packers), Asante Samuel (Philadelphia Eagles), Dominique Rogers-Cromartie (Arizona Cardinals). FS Darren Sharper (New Orleans Saints), Nick Collins (Green Bay Packers). SS Adrian Wilson (Arizona Cardinals).
NFC Special Teams: K David Akers (Philadelphia Eagles). P Andy Lee (San Francisco 49ers). KR Percy Harvin (Minnesota Vikings). ST Heath Farwell (Minnesota Vikings).
The Pro Bowl will be shown at 8:00 p.m. EST on ESPN.
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
Monday, January 4, 2010
2010 Real Estate Predictions
Here's what the professionals say:
The 2010 market will be different than any real estate professional has ever seen. New approaches and new skills will be required to succeed. Generational differences and how to work with them will be a critical skill for survival and success. Realtor associations will need to change their business model and their services to adapt to the rapidly changing market. Pam MacConnell, Association executive, West Volusia Association of Realtors, Orange City, Florida.
While almost everyone actively involved in the real estate industry was excited to see the continuation of the tax credits through April 30, 2010, for homes that close by June 30, we expect there to be a lot of buyer caution and concern come May 1, when the benefits expire. No one is sure how much volume came from moving renters off the fence and how much came from just moving volume up following this year's tax credit. It's still unclear what effect the extension will have on the market. May and June pending sales are going to be critical months to really understand the health of the housing market. Patrick Lashinsky, Chief executive officer, ZipRealty, Emeryville, California.
The buzzword for agents in 2010 will continue to be responsiveness. Buyers and sellers who have been on the sidelines are going to be anxious to get into the market as it starts to pick up, and they will expect their agents to be one step ahead of them. Customers will continue to raise the bar on response time. They used to expect agents to respond within 24 hours. Today, with mobile devices, (they expect a response) in just hours. Leslie Tyler, Vice president of marketing, ZipRealty, Emeryville, California.
Sales in Michigan will remain steady. Inventory levels will continue to drop but at a slower pace. With that the median sales prices will also rise. Karen S. Kage, Chief executive officer, realcomp II Ltd, Farmington Hills, Michigan.
More mobile applications that involve brokers, consumers and real estate-related services. Lauren Emery, Chief executive officer, Information and Real Estate Services LLC, Loveland, Colorado.
The market, unlike 2009, will be predictable. We will have a spring market starting in January: There is pent-up demand; first-time buyers will want to take advantage of the tax incentive and the $6,500 tax credit for move-up/retrenching buyers will also help. I also predict that the industry will lose at least 10 percent of its firms and salespeople. That will be good for the industry. Liberal newspapers will try to make things seem better (to support the current administration and Democrats' re-election of congressmen), the economy will stabilize, the health care debate will be behind us, interests rates will flatten, employment will get a little better, Wall Street numbers will continue to look better, home prices will stabilize, consumers will feel better. Real estate unit sales in Connecticut will be up 12 percent and flat in Rhode Island. Peter Helie, Chairman and chief executive officer, Prudential Connecticut Realty, Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
The first quarter will be up and strong in most areas and price ranges. The market will level off by summer. Unit sales will continue to be greater than volume. With current lower inventory levels we will have difficulty meeting demand in the $150,000 to $300,000 range for many neighborhoods. There will be greater activity in the $300,000-plus market as more homeowners realize the stimulus is for them. The high-end luxury market has had an increase over the last 60 days. This will continue in spurts throughout 2010. Overall, the market will have swings but will show increases in most areas. Helen Hanna Casey, President, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2010 will be very similar to 2009. Unit activity will be up slightly and prices will decline slightly. The net is even. Stephen W. Baird, President and chief executive officer, Baird & Warner Inc, Chicago, Illinois.
The conditions are set for a surge of sales activity heading into 2010 thanks to historically low interest rates, adjusted home prices, and the extended/expanded Federal Housing Tax Credit. After the expiration of the tax credit in April 2010, we can expect to see a dip in sales, but there are some things the government can do to ease this transition. J. Lennox Scott, Chairman and chief executive officer, John L. Scott Real Estate, Seattle, Washington.
We don't generally make predictions; we leave that to the economists. But here are two: If we continue to "eat at the trough" of expanding federal programs, our economy will suffer well into the future. And the tired, unwieldy, nondescript, disparate multiple listing service will get rebranded. Steve Sullivan, Chief executive officer, Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Activity in the first half of 2010 may be artificially robust due to the tax credits, and the activity in the remainder of the year will help determine how strong the housing recovery is. Mae Hassman, Chief executive officer, Missoula Organization of Realtors, Missoula, Montana.
For consumers, Realtor ratings in 2010 will become as routine as rating hotels, restaurants and movies is now. Bob Hale, President and chief executive officer, Houston Association of Realtors, Houston, Texas.
I think on the conservative side the first two quarters may have a slow start but the market will pick up in the third quarter. Annie Ives, Chief executive officer , Combined Los Angeles/Westside MLS, Los Angeles, California.
My prediction for 2010 is not a bright one. I expect our association membership will drop by 15 percent. I have members who have been in the business more than two years who say they cannot make their dues for next year. We ran a sales report of the agents who are selling, and (the ones receiving referrals) from past clients have remained the top sales agents. They have the experience from past declining markets over the years. Shirley Skerbelis, Executive vice president, The Inland Gateway Association of Realtors, Corona, California.
The world won't end. Real estate agents and brokers who have an open mind, are willing to work very hard, put their clients interest first, and -- above all -- adapt and evolve will find great success and satisfaction in this amazing industry. Matt Case, Associate broker, Director of support services, Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors.
http://www.inman.com/opinion/guest-perspective/2009/12/21/real-estate-wish-list-predictions-2010?page=0%2C0
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
The 2010 market will be different than any real estate professional has ever seen. New approaches and new skills will be required to succeed. Generational differences and how to work with them will be a critical skill for survival and success. Realtor associations will need to change their business model and their services to adapt to the rapidly changing market. Pam MacConnell, Association executive, West Volusia Association of Realtors, Orange City, Florida.
While almost everyone actively involved in the real estate industry was excited to see the continuation of the tax credits through April 30, 2010, for homes that close by June 30, we expect there to be a lot of buyer caution and concern come May 1, when the benefits expire. No one is sure how much volume came from moving renters off the fence and how much came from just moving volume up following this year's tax credit. It's still unclear what effect the extension will have on the market. May and June pending sales are going to be critical months to really understand the health of the housing market. Patrick Lashinsky, Chief executive officer, ZipRealty, Emeryville, California.
The buzzword for agents in 2010 will continue to be responsiveness. Buyers and sellers who have been on the sidelines are going to be anxious to get into the market as it starts to pick up, and they will expect their agents to be one step ahead of them. Customers will continue to raise the bar on response time. They used to expect agents to respond within 24 hours. Today, with mobile devices, (they expect a response) in just hours. Leslie Tyler, Vice president of marketing, ZipRealty, Emeryville, California.
Sales in Michigan will remain steady. Inventory levels will continue to drop but at a slower pace. With that the median sales prices will also rise. Karen S. Kage, Chief executive officer, realcomp II Ltd, Farmington Hills, Michigan.
More mobile applications that involve brokers, consumers and real estate-related services. Lauren Emery, Chief executive officer, Information and Real Estate Services LLC, Loveland, Colorado.
The market, unlike 2009, will be predictable. We will have a spring market starting in January: There is pent-up demand; first-time buyers will want to take advantage of the tax incentive and the $6,500 tax credit for move-up/retrenching buyers will also help. I also predict that the industry will lose at least 10 percent of its firms and salespeople. That will be good for the industry. Liberal newspapers will try to make things seem better (to support the current administration and Democrats' re-election of congressmen), the economy will stabilize, the health care debate will be behind us, interests rates will flatten, employment will get a little better, Wall Street numbers will continue to look better, home prices will stabilize, consumers will feel better. Real estate unit sales in Connecticut will be up 12 percent and flat in Rhode Island. Peter Helie, Chairman and chief executive officer, Prudential Connecticut Realty, Rocky Hill, Connecticut.
The first quarter will be up and strong in most areas and price ranges. The market will level off by summer. Unit sales will continue to be greater than volume. With current lower inventory levels we will have difficulty meeting demand in the $150,000 to $300,000 range for many neighborhoods. There will be greater activity in the $300,000-plus market as more homeowners realize the stimulus is for them. The high-end luxury market has had an increase over the last 60 days. This will continue in spurts throughout 2010. Overall, the market will have swings but will show increases in most areas. Helen Hanna Casey, President, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2010 will be very similar to 2009. Unit activity will be up slightly and prices will decline slightly. The net is even. Stephen W. Baird, President and chief executive officer, Baird & Warner Inc, Chicago, Illinois.
The conditions are set for a surge of sales activity heading into 2010 thanks to historically low interest rates, adjusted home prices, and the extended/expanded Federal Housing Tax Credit. After the expiration of the tax credit in April 2010, we can expect to see a dip in sales, but there are some things the government can do to ease this transition. J. Lennox Scott, Chairman and chief executive officer, John L. Scott Real Estate, Seattle, Washington.
We don't generally make predictions; we leave that to the economists. But here are two: If we continue to "eat at the trough" of expanding federal programs, our economy will suffer well into the future. And the tired, unwieldy, nondescript, disparate multiple listing service will get rebranded. Steve Sullivan, Chief executive officer, Metropolitan Indianapolis Board of Realtors, Indianapolis, Indiana.
Activity in the first half of 2010 may be artificially robust due to the tax credits, and the activity in the remainder of the year will help determine how strong the housing recovery is. Mae Hassman, Chief executive officer, Missoula Organization of Realtors, Missoula, Montana.
For consumers, Realtor ratings in 2010 will become as routine as rating hotels, restaurants and movies is now. Bob Hale, President and chief executive officer, Houston Association of Realtors, Houston, Texas.
I think on the conservative side the first two quarters may have a slow start but the market will pick up in the third quarter. Annie Ives, Chief executive officer , Combined Los Angeles/Westside MLS, Los Angeles, California.
My prediction for 2010 is not a bright one. I expect our association membership will drop by 15 percent. I have members who have been in the business more than two years who say they cannot make their dues for next year. We ran a sales report of the agents who are selling, and (the ones receiving referrals) from past clients have remained the top sales agents. They have the experience from past declining markets over the years. Shirley Skerbelis, Executive vice president, The Inland Gateway Association of Realtors, Corona, California.
The world won't end. Real estate agents and brokers who have an open mind, are willing to work very hard, put their clients interest first, and -- above all -- adapt and evolve will find great success and satisfaction in this amazing industry. Matt Case, Associate broker, Director of support services, Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors.
http://www.inman.com/opinion/guest-perspective/2009/12/21/real-estate-wish-list-predictions-2010?page=0%2C0
The Mike Webb Team: www.NorthernVirginiaHouses.com
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