Zeitlin & Co., Realtors Blog

Spring Forward Into A Great Market With February Home Sales Rising 33%!

March 11th, 2012

If you’re a little drowsy from losing an hour of sleep last night, we have just the news to wake you up! Last Thursday, the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors announced that there were 1,515 home closings reported for the month of February, representing an increase of 33.6% from the 1,134 closings reported in February 2011. Year-to-date closings are up 29.4% over last year.

“February marks another increase in both home purchases and pending sales compared to last year,” said GNAR President Kendra Cooke. “Based on recent reports of the Tennessee unemployment rate falling below the national average, along with an increase of jobs in our region and state, it’s reasonable to believe these trends will continue into the spring.

“Housing enjoys the position of both contributing to and benefiting from a decline in unemployment. According to the National Association of Realtors, one new job is created for every two homes sold, and an additional $60,000 is pumped into the economy per home sold. As the weather turns warmer and we enter the official spring buying and selling season, we’re hopeful to see the sustainability of the trends we’ve experienced over the past few months. The overall outlook for the real estate market is
improving.”

“Inventory has decreased from last year, but history shows we can except the spring buying and selling season to create an increase as more people begin to place their homes on the market,” added Cooke. “There is currently about a 12 month supply of total inventory, but just about 9 months worth of inventory for single family homes.”

That being said, our agents are eagerly looking for more homes to sell for active buyers. If you are ready to put your house on the market, or interested in seeing what’s currently available, contact us today to get started!

Posted by Zeitlin & Co., Realtors in Buying, Franklin, Market Trends, Nashville, Selling | No Comments »

Zeitlin Agent Mike Nichols Earns NAR Broker Price Opinion Resource Certification

February 21st, 2012

We are pleased to announce that veteran Zeitlin agent, Mike Nichols, has earned the nationally recognized Broker Price Opinion Resource certification. The National Association of REALTORS^® offers the BPOR certification to REALTORS^® as evaluating properties depends more than ever on professional expertise and competence, the best use of technology, and a commitment to approach the valuation assignment from all pertinent perspectives.

“As the real estate market evolves we are seeing more demand for broker price opinions, and it’s imperative that REALTORS^® are knowledgeable and educated about how BPOs work, as well as the risks involved,” said NAR President Moe Veissi, broker-owner of Veissi & Associates Inc., in Miami. “The BPO Resource certification not only adds value to the services provided by REALTORS^®, but also it helps practitioners grow their business.”

“BPOs: The Agent’s Role in the Valuation Process” is the required course that provides REALTORS^® with knowledge and skills to reduce risk and increase opportunities to create professional and accurate BPOs. Once awarded the certification, REALTORS^® will be eligible to receive BPO orders as a preferred provider.

This adds tremendous value to the expertise Mike already brings to the table. We congratulate him on his hard work earning this certification, and know that his clients will appreciate all he does to work hard for them.

Visit Mike Nichols’ website to view his current listings and see how he can help you find your perfect Nashville home.

Posted by Zeitlin & Co., Realtors in Realtors, Zeitlin Family | No Comments »

January 2012 Home Sales Up 25% In Greater Nashville

February 13th, 2012

The Greater Nashville Association of Realtors just announced that home sales were up 25% in January compared to last year. This continues the trend of real estate rebounding that began a few months ago. 1,377 home closings were reported, and there were 1,615 sales pending at the end of the month. The average number of days on the market for a single-family home was 95 days. The median residential price for a single-family home during January was $157,500 and for a condominium it was $140,325.

“The level of inventory has decreased from last January, but is up from December,” said GNAR President Kendra Cooke. “While sellers typically take their homes off the market toward the end of the year, those same sellers, and new potential sellers, begin to list and relist their homes at the beginning of the new year. So it is likely we’ll see an increase in inventory as we go into the spring and summer months. People considering selling their homes should consult a Realtor about how to prepare and price their property for the best results.”

We’re excited about the outlook of this Spring’s market, and are already starting to see it heat up in Williamson and Davidson counties. We’d love to help you list and sell that home you’ve been waiting to put on the market. Contact us today!

For more details, read the full press release from GNAR here.

Posted by Zeitlin & Co., Realtors in Buying, Condos, Franklin, Market Trends, Nashville, Realtors, Selling | No Comments »

Brand New Listing in Eagle Ridge At The Reserve

February 7th, 2012

How about a brand new listing that just went on the market TODAY? Interested?

Agent Stephanie Brooks listed this townhome at 320 Old Hickory Blvd, #2703 as light, beautiful and private, backing right up to trees. You’ll have plenty of room in this open floorplan with a soaring ceiling, fireplace, and balcony in the great room. Plenty of storage space is found in the custom built-ins and windowseat in the master bedroom, as well as a spacious garage. Fresh paint throughout makes it move-in ready!

Take a look at these great pictures below, or read up on the property in more detail here.

To schedule a showing, call Stephanie at 615-479-6258.

Posted by Zeitlin & Co., Realtors in Buying, Nashville | No Comments »

Is There Value In Real Estate Web Syndicators?

January 31st, 2012

A recent move by a San Diego real estate firm has shaken up the industry and posed a number of important questions. Brokerage Abbott Realty Group (ARG), removed their listings from major web syndicators such as Zillow and Trulia citing intellectual property abuse. ARG also argues that web syndicators often display inaccurate information regarding listings which can pose a problem for buyers and sellers alike.

At Zeitlin & Co., Realtors, we work with a large number of web syndicators to promote listings our agents are diligently working to sell for their clients. While the accuracy of information posted on these sites can sometimes pose problems, we believe this provides even more reason to work with a knowledgeable Realtor who has access to accurate, up-to-the-minute information about home listings.

We’re interested in hearing from you, the buyers and sellers. Do you use these major real estate syndicators (Zillow, Trulia, Realtor.com) to house hunt? Or do you prefer using tools like our Zeitlin Realtors Homefinder account? Do you buyers appreciate the increased exposure for your listing when they are placed on syndicator websites? Tell us in the comments!

Posted by Zeitlin & Co., Realtors in Market Trends, Realtors, Tech Tools | 3 Comments »

Homeowners: Satisfied, Or Not?

January 29th, 2012

HomeGain recently released a survey where findings revealed that home ownership satisfaction stands at 72% nationally. The survey results showed an obvious correlation between homeowner dissatisfaction and home depreciation.

“The HomeGain 2012 National Home Ownership Satisfaction survey shows in spite of declines in the values of homes nationwide, satisfaction among homeowners remains high at 72 percent, with nearly 3 of 4 home owners satisfied with home ownership,” said Louis Cammarosano, General Manager of HomeGain. “Of the 28 percent of surveyed homeowners who indicated they were unsatisfied, 63 percent cited price depreciation as the primary reason.”

Interestingly, those purchasing foreclosed homes or homes in a short sale had the highest home ownership satisfaction rates at 79 percent and 83 percent, respectively. Younger home owners were the most likely to be dissatisfied, whereas owners in the 55-65 age bracket were found to be more satisfied.

The study also pointed to regional satisfaction, with homeowners in the Southeast ranking second with a 73% satisfaction rating. To read more about this study, read the full release here.

Posted by Zeitlin & Co., Realtors in Market Trends | No Comments »

Remodeling On The Rise

January 26th, 2012

The National Association of Home Builders recently announced that the remodeling sentiment rose to the highest level in five years.

“As more consumers remain in their homes rather than move in this economy, remodelers benefited from a gradual increase in home improvement activity, taking us to a five-year high,” said NAHB Remodelers Chairman Bob Peterson, CGR, CAPS, CGP, a remodeler from Ft. Collins, Colo. “2011 ended on a strong note for the remodeling industry.”

“With several key components above 50, the latest Remodeling Market Index provides reason for guarded optimism going forward,” said NAHB Chief Economist David Crowe. “The residential remodeling market has been improving gradually, mirroring the trend in other segments of the housing market. Stringent lending requirements and economic uncertainty continue to be a drag on demand, but we expect a modest growth in remodeling activity to continue throughout 2012.”

This news shows that housing is recovering in every sector, new homes, existing homes, and remodeling. Look for new renovations in the Spring housing market that is already starting to pick up.

Posted by Zeitlin & Co., Realtors in Market Trends, New Construction | No Comments »

A Resolute Resolution

January 24th, 2012

Resolutions are a funny thing. Most of us make them in one way or another at the start of the year. That loose guide for what we want to accomplish in the year ahead makes all our other goals seem a little easier, a little more achievable. So why do most of us fail to meet the requirements that we set for ourselves in those resolutions? Why make a goal that we aren’t going to keep?

The past 3 years have made goal setting pretty hard. Our best ideas, our loftiest goals have been depth-charged, and we have found ourselves struggling just to keep our heads above water. Or have we?

CNBC, Bloomberg, Fox Money have all been telling us how poor we are, how much value our homes have lost, what bad shape we are in, but are we really? The answer is NO. They have been lamenting the intangible. What they have been saying, and what most of us know are very different things. We have taken their words as truth, fearing that someday soon, very soon it would be us – but for the most part it never was.

When the New Year began most of us looked at ourselves in the mirror and saw someone that was much better off than the TV was telling us we were. Now it’s up to us to make this New Year the year that we renew our interest in the American Dream. That dream being home ownership. Regardless of what has happened in the past 3 years, home ownership is still the very best vehicle we all have to accumulate wealth.

So let’s resolve, shall we? Let’s resolve to make our own little American Dream come true. Let’s all say, with one great big voice, “I am mad as hell, and I am not going to take it anymore!” We are going to make our own American Dream. Let’s all be resolute in our intention to make THIS resolution last. In the interest of brevity, I will end by saying that we all have the ability to change our lives. Nothing can change until we can sleep comfortably at night, and that can only happen in the safety of our own home.

Posted by Nathan Weinberg in Live Well | No Comments »

Paige Thompson Joins Advisory Council of Global Real Estate Network

January 21st, 2012

We are pleased to announce that Paige Thompson, our Vice President, Relocation & Corporate Services has been elected to serve a three-year term on the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^® Advisory Council. The council consists of top real estate business development directors from across the country who are elected based on industry qualifications and commitment to Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®(LeadingRE).

The group assists in setting strategy and provides feedback for a variety of relocation and business development programs for this global real estate network comprised of 550 of the best-known local and regional real estate firms in the U.S. and 30 countries producing $225 billion in annual home sales.

According to Erin Koops, LeadingRE Executive Director of Network Services, the council provides invaluable leadership to the network. “We rely on participation from the best professionals in the industry to support our efforts to offer the most meaningful, productive programs to our member firms,” Koops notes. “Their experience in customer care and business development bring a tremendous level of expertise and helps us in areas that extend beyond the relocation arena and into all aspects of our members’ business.”

“I’m honored to be a part of this group that is made up of such innovative relocation industry leaders. I look forward to learning from my advisory peers as well as sharing my relocation experience and ideas to the advisory council,” noted Thompson.

A residential and corporate relocation professional for 16 years with Zeitlin and Company Realtors, Paige Thompson’s primary responsibilities include building and managing a team environment. Through her leadership, the department has been nominated for and received numerous awards over the years. She oversees and manages the day-to-day operations of the relocation department, which handles destination and departure referrals through relocation management companies, broker to broker referrals, and internet referrals, and works with corporate clients and group moves.

Paige is an innovative leader in the industry, and stays informed with local and national relocation trends through her involvement in the Employee Relocation Council, Relocation Directors’ Council, Nashville Chamber of Commerce’s Partnership 2020 initiative, and the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LRE) Network. Through her tenure at Zeitlin Realtors, she has written numerous relocation articles for local media outlets.

When not working, she volunteers as a Lunch Buddy through Harvest Hands. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and children.

Zeitlin & Co., Realtors is the local representative of Leading Real Estate Companies of the World^®. As a member of the network, we can assist individuals moving to virtually any community in the U.S. or abroad and can meet corporate relocation needs through the network’s sister relocation company, RELO Direct^®. Participation in the network’s home listing website, RELOHomeSearch.com, and luxury home marketing program, Luxury Portfolio International™ bring world wide exposure to Zeitlin’s home listings.

I’m honored to be a part of this group that is made up of such innovative relocation industry leaders. I look forward to learning from my advisory peers as well as sharing my relocation experience and ideas to the advisory council”

Posted by Zeitlin & Co., Realtors in Nashville, Zeitlin Family | 2 Comments »

First Increase In Home Sales Since 2006!

January 9th, 2012

Today the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors released December 2011 home sales figures as well as year end numbers. There were 1,773 closings during the month of December, 5,093 for the Fourth Quarter, and a total of 20,624 homes sold in 2011. This is an 18.2% increase, 17.9% increase, and 1.8% increase respectively.

“2011 was a very important year for home sales. It is the first year since 2006 that there was an increase over the number of closings in the prior year. While the increase is small, it is a very encouraging sign. The year-over-year increase is most significant because in 2011 there were no stimulus or tax-credit incentives like those available in 2010,” said GNAR President Kendra Cooke. “The double-digit increase for closings in December marks the sixth consecutive month of increased home sales, so the 4th quarter numbers are also up significantly.

“The fact that the number of pending sales is also up, and by a meaningful amount, gives Realtors in Greater Nashville and Middle Tennessee some reason to be optimistic as we start a New Year.”

For a deeper comparison of sales, view the complete press release.

We’re gearing up for a hot market this Spring. If you are planning on putting your home on the market, contact us now!

Posted by Zeitlin & Co., Realtors in Nashville | No Comments »