July/August  2010 Issue
   Feel free to call me at anytime if I can assist you with a Real Estate question or issue   

Columbia MLS Real Estate Activity

Period 

Active Listings

New Listings

Sold Listings

Months Inventory
Jun - 2010 1,551 351 303 5.1
May/2010 1469 351 270 5.44
April/2010 1578 493 243 6.49
Mar/2010 1494 565 148 10.09
Feb/2010 3,452 646 145 23.81
Jan/2010 3,232 520 105 30.78
               
                             
       Click here for more detailed Columbia Real Estate Statistics
 
June was pretty flat over the month of May.  There were about 80 new listings and about 30 more closings.  I think a lot of buyers satisfied their itch to buy and sell during April and May. The inventory continues to drop but a little more slowly.
                                             
     
5 Real Estate Scams You Need to Know About
 By Melissa Dittmann Tracey | August 2010    
    
Don't be duped by mortgage fraud. Here are a few common scams and the red flags you should look for in a transaction.
       
Mortgage fraud is pervasive: An estimated $4 billion to $6 billion in annual losses result from mortgage fraud, according to FBI reports. “An entire community can be damaged by mortgage fraud,” says Rachel Dollar, a lawyer from Santa Rosa, Calif., and editor of the Mortgage Fraud Blog. Mortgage fraud can lead to a spike in foreclosures, home values plummeting, and lenders raising their rates and fees to recover losses.
                  
The crimes are often complex, involving several parties and occurring over multiple transactions. To protect you and your clients, educate yourself about mortgage fraud and be on guard for any warning signs in a transaction.  Read the Article and then take the Mortgage Fraud Quiz
         
               
What are the Must-Have Features in Homes Today?
             
It seems like only yesterday that whirlpool tubs, formal dining rooms and home theaters were considered de rigueur features in new homes. Today, however, buyers are more likely to look for small homes with energy-efficient appliances, a home office and a first-floor master suite, according to a new survey of homebuyer preferences.
           
"I think it's economics driving the desire," says Paul A. Cardis, CEO of AVID Ratings Co., which conducts the annual survey.
          
The economy and demographics are playing an increasingly larger role in buyers' choices these days. According to AVID's survey, some of the must-have features in homes today are:
  • Energy-efficiency. Buyers of all types-first-time, empty-nester, move-up and vacation buyers-all want energy-efficient appliances, high-efficiency insulation and high window efficiency.
  • Large kitchens. Although home size is trending down, Cardis says that "the kitchen is still king." A kitchen island is also a must-have.
  • Granite countertops. This is a must feature for move-up, empty-nester, vacation and custom homebuyers. First time buyers are less interested in granite, probably due to the cost.
  • Main-floor master suite. Cardis says this is due to the aging of the population. The demand for upstairs laundries is waning as a result.
  • Home office/study. People would rather have a home office than other rooms such as a formal dining room, Cardis says.
  • Two-car garages. All types of buyers consider these as must-haves, while move-up and custom home buyers prefer three-cars.
  • Master suite soaker tubs. These are more popular than whirlpools among all categories of buyers. Oversized showers with seating are also growing in demand.
Interested in seeing the latest features in luxury homes in your target neighborhood? Visit our properties at century21.com/fine homes today.
 
         
New Security System Requires No Keys, Cards or Codes
Kent Security Services, a full-service security firm, recently started selling SafeRise, a cutting-edge security system for single-family homes, high rises and offices.
             
SafeRise, available nationwide, was developed by an Israeli company. It uses facial, voice and behavioral biometrics to authenticate a visitor’s identity and determine whether or not that individual is cleared for access.
        
“This technology is one of the most exciting, game-changing technologies to be developed in many years for home and commercial use,” says Gil Neuman, Kent’s CEO.
       
Here’s how it works: What appears to be a regular camera and intercom are located near a door. As you approach the door, the system senses your presence from about 12 feet and scans your face. About 98% of the time, Neuman says, the door will be unlocked by the time you reach it. If not, the system will ask you questions and allow access if it recognizes your voice—or call the owner, who can manually authorize access.
           
Neuman said the SafeRise system is now being installed in a $50 million home under construction in an exclusive area of South Florida. Existing homes can be retrofitted as well.
              
Pricing of the SafeRise system depends on the number of doors being protected. A system protecting three doors, for example, costs about $27,000.
 
           
Benjamin Moore Forecasts Top Color for 2010
         
Green is looking to be the “it” color for 2010, reflecting a new decade and perhaps, new beginnings, according to Benjamin Moore. The company predicts that its Cedar Green paint color may be the one to choose as a symbol of freshness, spring and new growth.
       Interested in Foreclosures?
               
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Business Park
Ashland Business Park
ASHLAND INDUSTRIAL Ct, Ashland, MO 65010
SHOVEL READY SITES. ADJACENT TO THE COLUMBIA REGIONAL AIRPORT.
10 MILES SOUTH OF COLUMBIA & 1-70. INSIDE THE NORTHERN CITY LIMITS OF ASHLAND, MO. SITES AVERAGE APPROXIMATELY 2.6 ACRES. RE-PLATTING OF MULTIPLE SITES IS AN OPTION. UTILITIES AT EACH SITE.
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