Peace of Mind Home Buyers Worried about High Unemployment

The average duration that unemployed workers are out of a job is currently more than six months, near the highest level since the bureau started tracking the figure in 1948. The total number of unemployed people stands at 15.1 million. 5.4 million of those have been looking for work for more than 27 weeks.

Currently New Castle, County DE is preliminary at an 8.6% unemployment rate as of September 2009. Statewide the unemployment rate is preliminary 8.7% as of October 2009. However the national rate is 10.2% for October so we are still below the national average.

With incentives in the housing market, including very low interest rates, a large selection of homes for sale in many markets, and highly affordable home prices, concerns about the job market and possible unemployment have held back many potential buyers.

Here are a few suggestions for potential buyers and current homeowners:

1. Buy well within your means. Although home buyers often want to buy a home they can see themselves growing into, stay within a conservative percentage of what you currently make. If you had to take a part-time instead of a full-time job, if your salary or hours were cut, or if you become a one-income household instead of two, make sure your monthly payment would still be attainable.

2. Put down a large down payment. Not only will your monthly payments be less, but the equity from the down payment creates a buffer zone. If you put 20% down when you purchase your home and home prices in the area drop 5%, you still have at least 15% equity in your home. For sellers, this built-up equity provides flexibility-should you need to sell in a hurry.

3. Have an emergency fund. Experts advise everyone, not just homeowners, to have an emergency fund of at least six months’ worth of expenses. This fund should be saved in a liquid account, like a money market or savings account, for easy access if needed quickly. With the average time to find a new job currently above six months, seven or more months of savings is a good goal.

4. Pay down other debts. Lowering or eliminating debt service is always a good move and is particularly wise in the current job climate. If you were without a job and income, lower fixed monthly expenses help ease your financial burden and stretch the money in your emergency fund.

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, CNNMoney.com, etc.

Fed Keeps the Rates Low

Check out this article on why the FED kept the rates low after meeting today.

This is good news for the economy for now.

http://tinyurl.com/yk2fwzs

I am never to busy for your referrals ....send them my way today.

Stacey Woods

302-740-5635

HomesWithStacey@gmail.com

www.HomesWithStacey.com

Five Halloween Tricks and Treats

1. This year when the budget might be low, why not create a recycled Halloween costume. Use items from around the house

2. Make sure your kids are safe when trick or treating by carrying a light and stay with their friends. If you want to follow them don't follow them in a car. You never know where a kid might pop up and it is a total waste of gas. Get out and walk behind your kids. If they want to be independent keep a few houses in between you and them.

3. Re-think the face paint. Make sure it says non toxic or make a mask instead. If it is neon yellow, it makes you wonder what they put in the paint that can actually be ok for you.

4. Use a candy container that the kids can use over and over again. Skip the plastic bags and grab a cloth bag, or be creative with your choice. (Source Go Green Travel)

5. Make your Halloween decorations instead of buying them. Get creative and use natural materials like pumpkins and leaves, then supplment with your handmade decorations. Use the handmade decorations every year to save some spending money.

Above all have a Spooky Halloween!

Green Tip of the Week

Get your car ready for the winter by checking your air filter and fluid levels, checking tires for tread wear and proper inflation, and checking the condition of your windshield wipers.

Consider using non-toxic de-icing substances such as clean clay cat litter, sand, or fireplace ash to prevent hazardous waste from chemicals. Chemical de-icers can be hazardous to pets, trees and shrubs. Antifreeze that leaks from car engines and chemical snow melters on driveways, roads, and runways can pollute surface waters and groundwater through the soil. Source from the www.epa.gov.

I am never to busy for your real estate needs. Give me a call today! 302-740-5635

Open House Sunday Oct. 25th from 1 to 3pm

Come and check out my Open House at 3 Ballad Dr. Newark, DE

Click on link below for more details on this home.

For Sale: 3BR/2BA Single Family House in Newark, DE, $274,900

Thanks,

Stacey Woods

302-740-5635

Don't Fear Failure

Why do we put off starting so many things we want to experience? Perhaps because we are afraid of failure. We tend to shy away from anything that is uncertain or risky. Yet, if we never begin something we want to do, have we failed by not starting at all?

The fear of failure seems to be engrained in everyone. A good point to keep in mind is this: if you try something and fail early, you generally gain knowledge to be more successful at the next project you try. So instead of never starting anything new, give it a try and if it doesn't work out, learn from it and move forward.

It's best we start early in our attempts to succeed, take chances and if you fail, get back up and get on a new path. We often worry about failing because it can be embarrassing or we fear we may not be able to recover. We can learn so much from our failures. Instead of looking at our failures as a negative, we need to turn them into learning experiences and use them to adapt. If you are afraid of a large failure, start small and try your new attempt in pieces. That way if you fail at one part, you can perfect it or move on to something else without feeling the pressure of a complete loss.

When you suffer a setback, get up and try again. Accept that life comes with failures. How we handle them determines our future success and the risks we will take. Make every new project and its successes and failures an outlet for learning. This will help set you up for future success.

From my Keller Williams Realty Team Leader - Emma Payne

Open House Today from 1 to 3pm...1430 Fresno Rd. in Green Acres

For Sale: 4BR/2.5BA Single Family House in Wilmington, DE, $269,800

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Open House Sunday 1 to 3 - 1430 Fresno Rd. Wilmington, DE

4BR/2.5BA Single Family House in Wilmington, DE, $269,800
Green Acres
For Sale: 4BR/2.5BA Single Family House in Wilmington, DE, $269,800

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New Price for 3 Ballad Drive

For Sale: 3BR/2BA Single Family House in Newark, DE, $274,900

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New Listing in Shelley Farms For Sale: 3BR/2BA Single Family House, $279,000

For Sale: 3BR/2BA Single Family House in Newark, DE, $279,000

Shared via AddThis

For Sale: 3BR/2BA Single Family House in Newark, DE, $279,000

For Sale: 3BR/2BA Single Family House in Newark, DE, $279,000

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Time to Buy or Refinance!

The Feds decision to purchase Mortgage Backed Securities continues to keep rates down. The program is scheduled to end by the end of this year when 1.25 billion has been invested by the Fed. Anyone thinking of buying or refinancing a home should take advantage of the rates that are available today. When the program ends a jump in rates is likely.

Thanks to Superior Home Mortgage for providing me with this information!

Keller Williams in the News!

Check out this article about Keller Williams and our awesome efforts for home buyers this year! Way to go KW!

http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.aspx?ID=2009136

Don't forget my Open House tonight from 6 to 8pm at 3209 Emerald Place Wilmington, DE. If you can't make it, join me on Sunday for an Open House from 1 to 3pm.

Have a great weekend!

Stacey Woods

$8K Tax Credit Deadline

$8K Tax Credit Deadline

The deadline is approaching for the $8K Tax Credit from the government and that means you need to act fast! The deadline for buying a house to qualify for the tax credit is November 30^th 2009.

What does this really mean to you?

• For starters you need to be ready to settle on your new home by Nov. 30^th.
• You’ll need to put in a contract at least 35 days before this date.
• Most of my mortgage friends out there want about 45 days to get everything done for settlement. So have your contract accepted by the middle of October.
• It will likely take a few trips to find the home of your dreams so add about another month or so. So start working with a realtor in late August or early September, at the latest.
• You’ll also need to obtain a preapproval from a lender when you begin searching for homes.

Wow! Homebuyers need to cram a lot in the coming months in order to get this free government money. So if you know of anyone that is thinking about buying please give me a call today so I can help them through this process.

For Sale: 3BR/2.5BA Townhouse in Wilmington, DE, $220,000

For Sale: 3BR/2.5BA Townhouse in Wilmington, DE, $220,000

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Open House Sunday 1 to 3pm 144 Council Circle, Newark, DE

For Sale: 3BR/1.5BA Townhouse in Newark, DE, $160,000
Come and join me at my Open House on Sunday from 1 to 3pm.

144 Council Circle, Newark, DE.

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Free National Park Weekend

Free National Park Weekend

The national park service is allowing 100 parks across the country to host Free National Park Weekends during summer of 2009. There are only 2 weekends left to take advantage of this awesome opportunity. These are the dates where the entrance fee is FREE:

July 18^th – 19^th - this weekend

August 15^th – 16^th

Check out this website for the listings of the parks near you and some special offers some parks have along with the free weekend. http://www.nps.gov/FINDAPARK/FEEFREEPARKS.HTM

This link is so you can search for the participating park by state.

http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparksbystate.htm

If you are planning a vacation in August what a great thing to plan around especially for those parks out west! For those in Delaware, yes I know there are no national parks in our state but if you click on our state it lists parks very near to us that are great day trip parks to see. So take your family and friends to see some great outdoor places this summer.

Eco-Friendly Advantages Around the Home

Did you know that the following are considered green practices and eco-friendly advantages for your home? I received this information from a great Home Inspector that is also going green with their business practices. I hope you enjoy and let me know if you are interested in learning more. If you already have one of these items, you are on the cutting edge, keep it up!

• SEER 13. Homes that have the newer furnaces are not only more efficient, they'll be easier to repair in the years to come as old furnace parts become scarce.
• Copper roofing. Not only is this a luxury item, it's also good for the environment. It can last for over 100 years and copper is always recycled, unlike shorter-lived composition roofs.
• Water-conserving toilets. Not only do these preserve resources, they also reduce water bills. Low-flow, dual-flush, and pressure-assist toilets all have environmental and financial advantages.
• Solar orientation. Homes built to take advantage of cooling winds, or to diminish the impact of searing heat, bring natural energy advantages. A home that's shaded by deciduous trees has a positive impact, shading the house in summer and allowing the sun to shine through in the cold winter months.
• Renewable and recycled wood. Utilizing fast-growing bamboo for counters or floors, helps preserve the forests of more traditional hardwoods. The same goes for recycled wood or cabinets from old barns, houses, or other structures.
• Native plants. Using plants indigenous to an area mean they'll be more adapted to local pests and environmental conditions. This translates into less use of pesticides and lower water bills from watering.
• Solar power. This is one of the more obvious green home features, but it's worthwhile to find out how much these panels can affect your heating bills.

Thanks to Cheryl Myers from AmeriSpec Home Inspections for this information.

She can be contacted at 302-996-0405 for inspections. www.amerispec.net/Home.aspx?LNU=40219

Happy 4th of July!

Happy 4^th of July and Summer Celebrations

This weekend is our Nations birthday. I hope you all go out and celebrate with your families and friends. In the spirit of celebrating I have included some festivals and events that are happening this summer.

July 4^th – Freedom Celebration at Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park – Starts at 2pm and ends with fireworks after dark. www.ci.wilmington.de.us/July4th/index.htm

City of Newark Fireworks - www.cityofnewarkde.us/CurrentEvents.asp?EID=76

Heritage Park Dover, DE - www.dover4thofjuly.com/schedule.htm

Philadelphia, PA – Penns Landing Park - www.americasbirthday.com

July 25^th – 14^th – Annual People’s Festival at Tubman Garrett Riverfront Park – Also known as the Bob Marley Tribute Festival. www.peoplesfestival.com

Aug. 7-9^th – Riverfront Blues Festival in Wilmington – www.riverfrontbluesfest.com

Green tip of the week: Take your own bags to the grocery store and save 5 cents for each bag! Many of the grocery stores in the area are now giving you this credit so check it out.

Real Estate Tip of the week: Why You Should Buy NOW! This is a great article I found that tells you the benefits of buying now and not later even in this market. It gives you the history of what real estate looked like in the past and what people are predicting in the future. Let me know what you think!

http://rismedia.com/2009-02-19/commentary-house-prices-will-rise-greatly-over-the-next-few-years-buy-now/

Green Designation Received/Farmers Markets

I have officially received my Green Designation! What does this mean?
I have been educated by real estate professionals to help my clients with making good decisions on multiple ways to help sustain our earth when purchasing a home or just maintaining your home. So keep checking my blog for more updates throughout the year. I will also have tips on real estate in general and local activities for you and your family to check out. Thanks for your support this year.

So many people say that buying local is a good thing….but why? Well if you buy local then there are limited transportation costs, limited pollutants from the low mileage, you are helping to sustain your community, and you might even get to talk to the owner of the products and ask more specific questions. My husband and I love to try out new local restaurants and stores. One way to get started is to check out your local farmers markets. Here are a few in Delaware to get you started. Enjoy!

Wilmington
Little Italy Farmers Market – 7th and Bancroft runs Saturdays from 9am to 1pm
Rodney Square Farmers Market – Rodney Square Wilmington runs Wednesday from
10am to 2pm
LoMa Farmers Market – 300 Block of Market Street runs Tuesdays from 11am to 2pm

Dover
Legislative Mall Farmers Market – Legislative Ave. runs Wednesday from 11am to 2pm

Newark
Newark Co-Op Market -280 E. Main Street runs Sunday from 10am to 2pm
Carousel Park Market – Carousel Park 3700 Limestone Rd. runs Friday from 2pm to 6pm

Middletown
Forest Presbyterian Church – Parking lot at 44 W. Main Street runs Saturday 8 am to 1pm

Check out my Blog each week for updates on green tips and real estate tips for our market.

Make your neighbors Green with Envy!

Have you ever wondered about all the energy certifications a home could have? Or did you ever want your home to have a special distinction that your neighbors? Well here are some options that you can explore.

There are 3 different nationally recognized certification programs: LEED, Energy Star, and HERS® index.

· LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification: a third party certification program that sets design, construction, and operational standards for high performance green buildings. LEED is awarded by the US Green Building Council (USGBC) and available in multiple categories. Qualified properties have the following certification awards: Certified, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Check out their website for more details. www.usgbc.org

· ENERGY STAR: is a program that helps consumers identify energy efficient products and can also be a qualification awarded to homes and buildings by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An ENERGY STAR qualified home is one that is 15% more energy efficient than a standard baseline home. Wow that is a great savings in my book! www.energystar.gov

· HERS®: Home Energy Rating System® is an energy-evaluation standard maintained by the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET®). There is a relative value assigned to a home’s energy efficiency. This is recognized by the EPA for ENERGY STAR qualification. www.natresnet.org or www.epa.gov

Some other websites to check out on these subjects.

• US Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy: www.eere.energy.gov
• RESNET ® website: www.natresnet.org
• REGREEN Guidelines: www.regreenprogram.org
• Stop Waste Organization: www.StopWaste.org
• National Association of Home Builders: www.nahb.org

As a person who likes to support the local economy check out the Italian Festival this week. www.stanthonysfestival.com. Check out my Blog each week for updates on green tips and real estate tips for our market.

Going Green in Real Estate

Happy Summer! Recently I took a Green Designation course through the National Association of Realtors and will be a designated as such very soon. To explain a bit more why I did this I thought I would share a few things with you about sustainability in our world today and for the future. Not to mention this is a passion of mine.

• Homes and buildings account for 40% of energy consumption
• Real estate generates 21% of greenhouse gas emissions
• Greening properties can make a lasting impact on the environment and bring positive change to our communities.
• Ways to save energy: Use CFC lightbulbs, Weatherstrip and caulk doors and windows, Buy Energy Star appliances, Install a tankless water heater system.

There are many more tips and advice out there. Look for more each week on my blog.

All information was provided by NARs Green Resource Council. www.greenresourcecouncil.org

Check back eack week for more updates! Be a follower and get an email when

Soon there will be an online green library for your reference on my website. www.HomesWithStacey.com

Greek Festival in Wilmington this week. www.greekfestde.com

Go out and support your local community.

Cost Saving Tips

Friday is Bike to Work Day - May 15th!
Pull out those bikes and save some gas money on Friday for National Bike to Work Day.
You help the environment and even get in a little exercise at the same time! What a deal.

If you can't ride to work here is a cost savings that is true and funny at the same time!

This week was my parents anniversary of 36 years together. They had celebrated before the date and totally forgot about cards for each other until the night before. They were in BJ's (like a Costco) and decided to go over and pick one out for each other but swore not to look at the card from one another. They were looking at cards for a bit and laughing at some etc. when they finally found the ones they wanted. My mom flips the card over, like any savy customer, and gasps at the cost. My dad proceeds to do the same thing and says his is way too much as well.

My dad then proceeds to come up with a plan. He says to my mom "why don't we just exchange our cards here, then put them back and save a few dollars! We will remember this forever!" At this point they are laughing a lot and people are starting to look at them. My mom say ok and hands my dad his card. He says "Why thank you!" and my mom does the same! Ok so I know you are all laughing with them at this time! They read the cards, say thanks and then put them back! All the while laughing a lot and can't make it to the check out for another few minutes. Most of the people were looking at them like they had lost their minds at this point.

Ok, so I am not saying don't buy cards or small gifts for one another. But it really does put our cost savings into perspective these days. Why not have a little fun with it, life is too short!
So thanks mom and dad for being the savvy shoppers that you are and enjoying life in the little moments even after 36 years!

If you have any cost saving tips or funny stories like this, please send them to me. I would love to post them!

Happy Saving!
Stacey

Free Entrance for DE Museums

For those that want to get out and enjoy the upcoming weekend here is something great for the entire family!

Free to all Delaware Residents on May 16th

Go to any of the 60 sites of DE Museums to get in for FREE!
http://www.visitdelaware.com/pdfs/2009_FreeDay.pdf






Don't forget Stamps have changed to 44 cents today!

Easy Home Updates Cheap!

10 Can't-Miss Color Trends for 2009
I found this article on the HGTV site and thought I would post here. If you are in the mood to change something about your home but can't afford to do a major change, why not change your paint color! It is a quick, do it your self project that can be done in a weekend.

http://www.hgtv.com/decorating/10-cant-miss-color-trends-for-2009/pictures/index.html


Happy Mother's Day to all Mother's!
Stacey Woods

Sign up for the HGTV Green Home 2009 Giveaway!
http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-green-home-2009-giveaway/package/index.html?nl=HGIdeas_v336_GH09-Enter

This give away has been around for the past few years but this year they are building a GREEN Home. Read more on that website about it and look at picutres of the home.

Enjoy!
Stacey

Home Repair Tips

On NBC's Today Show this morning there was a segment on home repair. Basically they were talking about the repairs that you should not ignore when money is tight. Below are the repairs they were talking about. If you need some help in finding a repair person for any of these please let me know.

1. Runaway rain water: Don't let water get into your house or have standing water around your house. Tips to help this problem - clean out your gutters and make sure you have water flowing away from your house.

2. Roof and siding: Make sure you keep these up to date, no open spaces in either of them. Open spaces means water and bugs get in and can create a lot of damage very quickly.

3. Keep shrubs and mulch away from the foundation: This will keep termites and carpenter ants away from your house. If you find soft wood anywhere you probably have a problem and should call a pest inspector out.

4. Musty odors: Try to keep the moisture out of the house. One tip would be to keep a de-humidifier in your basement to keep the moisture out. If you see mold, call a professional. There are ways to clean up some mold, however to make sure you get it all correctly, call a professional.

5. Foundation cracks: You can fill in with an apoxy for foundations your self but if it is wider than a pencil, call a professional. Keeping the cracks filled will keep out moisture, bugs and will prevent futher damage.

Rule of thumb to remember: It is easier and more cost effective to take care of the problem when it is small than to wait and spend a lot of money on a big problem.

Don't forget my Home Buyer Seminar on Thurs. May 7th! Call if you know of anyone that is intersted in buying a home within the next year!

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Happy Earth Week!

Project Plant a Bulb by GE

I was reading my Martha Stewart Living magazine and came across this great idea from GE.
Between April 1st and April 30th if you visit their site GEProjectPlantABulb.com they will Plant a flower bulb.
So since this is near the end of April....go to the site and check it out. It has some great energy saving tips and a Coupon for a GE Energy Smart® light bulb.

One tip they only plant a bulb per unique visitor so you can't keep going to the site from the same computer.

Go to www.GEProjectPlantABulb.com today!

Sign up for a Home Buyer Seminar Thursday, May 7th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.
Location will be the Keller Williams Wilmington Office Brandywine West Building Suite 102.

No obligations, no cost, just come and learn how to buy a home in today's market and all the benefits you receive. There will be a mortgage lender and attorney there to answer any questions you may have for them.

Contact me today for details.302-740-5635 direct or email at Stwoods@kw.com

I am looking forward to helping you or your friends and family

Green Tip of the Day

Saving money and saving the enviornment is a win-win situation!

Today's Green Tip is one that will also save you money!



Laundry...did you know that 90% of the energy used when washing your clothes is used to heat the water! If you turn your temperature setting to a colder setting you will reduce the amount of energy it takes to heat the water and your electric bill will also be less at the end of the month. Hot water can also fade your clothes, so now they will last longer.

So turn that dial to cold and see the savings each month and you will decrease your consumption of energy to help save our enviornment.



Check back here for green tips each week along with home buying and selling articles.


Happy Easter!
Stacey Woods

Real Estate Tips and Advice

Welcome to my first Blog Post. As many of you know I have been a realtor for 3 years in Delaware now and have come to know the area very well and all the recent crazy trends that have been going on. We all know the economy has been in crisis or fluctuation over the past year and many of you have turned to me when you needed answers and I thank you for that.

My blog postings will be related to the home buying and selling process, green tips to save around the home and in your life, as well as happenings in the Delaware area that might be of interest. I like to interact with my clients to help them have a fun experience when buying or selling a home by providing other outlets they may enjoy.

Today's Tip:

Do I Refinance or Not? That is the question of the Month!

This is a complicated answer when in detail because it is different for everyone. However some things to consider:

1. How long are you going to be in your house? More than 3 years...maybe refinancing is an option. 3 years is about how long you need to stay and reap the benefits of refinancing due to the costs you pay out up front during the refinancing process.

2. What is your current rate? If you are close to the rate (within a point) then it may not be a good time to refinance. Check with your mortgage expert to find out more details.

3. Do you have equity? Ahhh...here is where I can help you get started. Many people that have bought in the past few years have seen the housing prices drop below what they paid for their house. Therefore if you owe more than what the property is worth...you can not get a loan.

The government is trying to work out different scenarios for later this spring where if you are in this situation, there will be some options. I will post more on them when the guidelines come out. In the mean time, give me a call and I can give you a ball park idea of what houses are being sold for in your neighborhood. This will help you determine whether or not you should continue with your process. This will not be an appraisal but it will give you a better picture of where you stand currently.

I hope this helps your decision making process. Please give me a call or send me an email if you have more questions relating to this topic.

Have a great day!

Stacey Woods