Trish Re’s Homes

Here are some interesting tidbits I found on the fun and sometimes frustrating game of golf. Perhaps it has been around longer than we think…
- Some historians trace it back to an ancient Roman game called paganica, in which players used a bent stick to hit a leather ball.
- A stained galss window dating back to 1340 in Gloucester Cathedral in England shows someone swinging something that looks like a golf club.
- A Ming dynasty scroll, also from the 14th century depicts a member of the Chinese imperial court swinging a golf club-like implement at a small ball with the apparent aim of sinking it into a hole.
- The modern version of the game was developed in Scotland. The word “golf” comes from the Scots “gouf” and is an equivalent to the Dutch “colf” meaning stick or club.
- Golf was banned in 1457 by King James II of Scotland because he worried that it was distracting the citizenry from archery practice, which was considered more urgent for military purposes.

In any case, golf as we know it is a fun summer activity. There is nothing like spending a beautiful summer day outdoors chasing a little ball around the course!

Trish

Have a happy and safe 4th of July !!

Looking to buy or sell?  Contact me if you have any questions at all regarding real estate in the Monroe County area.   I welcome the opportunity to work on your behalf!
Trish Re

(585) 339-3931

Many people ask us whether they should hire an agent to sell their home or whether they should first try as a For Sale by Owner (FSBO). In today’s volatile market, we believe this is an easy decision: you need an experienced professional!

You need an expert guide if you are traveling a dangerous path

The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a buyer willing to pay fair market value for your home at a time that there are mass inventories of foreclosures and short sales will take a true real estate professional. Finding reasonable financing can also be tricky in today’s lending environment.

You need a skilled negotiator

In today’s market, hiring a talented negotiator could save you thousands, perhaps tens of thousands of dollars. Each step of the way – from the original offer, to the possible re-negotiation of that off after a home inspection, to the possible cancellation of the deal based on a troubled appraisal – you need someone who can keep the deal together until it closes.

Realize that when an agent is negotiating their commission with you, they are negotiating their own salary; the salary that keeps a roof over their family’s head; the salary that puts food on their family’s table. If they are quick to take less when negotiating for themselves and their families, what makes you think they will not act the same way when negotiating for you and your family? If they were Clark Kent when negotiating with you, they will not turn into Superman when negotiating with the buyer or seller in your deal.

Bottom Line

We believe that famous sayings become famous because they are true. You get what you pay for. Just like a good accountant or a good attorney, a good agent will save you money…not cost you money.

On Tuesday, more than 320 REALTORS rolled up their sleeves to participate in NYSAR’s annual Lobby Day at the Capitol in Albany. REALTORS spent the day tirelessly meeting with state lawmakers to urge approval of a two-percent property tax cap. NYSAR support for the tax cap was further emphasized through a statewide multi-media campaign launched just last month. In fact, Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy praised the REALTORS for their relentless advocacy for the tax cap during a Lobby Day address to REALTORS.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and legislative leaders declared late Tuesday afternoon they had in fact reached a deal to cap the growth of property taxes in New York to two percent a year! I was honored to stand among business leaders from across the state as Governor Cuomo and lawmakers announced the tax cap agreement to the media! Today, REALTORS celebrate this monumental victory for New Yorkers and homeowners.

Great job !!

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“Home ownership is touted as the “American Dream”. It is credited with enhancing wealth, increasing civic pride, improving self-esteem, crime prevention, child development, and better educational outcomes, among other benefits. This paper does not dispute any of these claims.”

What the professors were proposing is that homeownership is not a better investment strategy than renting. The first of the two major findings was:

 “After setting the holding period to the average American’s tenure in a residence, renting (not buying) proves to be the superior investment strategy over most of the study period… Individuals, on average, were better off in economic terms to have rented for most of the years in the study period. This first result is strongly dependent upon fiscally disciplined individuals that, without fail, reinvest any residual savings from renting.”

Historically, people do not actually reinvest savings “without fail”.  Check here for the findings of a recent study from The Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard.  The second major finding says it all. According to both professors Beracha and Johnson, NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY!

“(F)undamental drivers now appear to be in place that favor homeownership over renting in the near term future… The second finding might seem unwise to many given the recent crash in the real estate markets around the country. However, rent-to-price ratios now seem to be in place along with other fundamental drivers that favor ownership over renting.”

They conclude their research paper with this sentence:

“Conditions (historically low mortgage rates and relatively low rent-to-price ratios) now seem in place to favor future purchases.”

Bottom Line

Two researchers set out to prove that homeownership is not a good financial decision. After completing that research, they have determined that now is the time to buy. What more needs to be said?

The Community Foundation is currently vetting applications for the extended New York State Association of Realtors Housing Opportunities Foundation First-time Homebuyer Grant Program. The Foundation is awarding two grants a month to extremely deserving families! If you would like to apply please use the application which is available at  http://nysarhousingfoundation.com/content/housing/default.htm

Please contact me if I can assist with your home buying needs!

Trish Re

This Sunday marks the beginning of City Living Sundays.   The Westside of the City will be featured March 27th (Host site: School #43).  The Eastside on April 3rd (Host site:  East High School).

Grant money available:

As in years past, the City will offer a $3000 grant towards closing costs for first-time homebuyers that meet the income guidelines.  They define a first-time buyer as someone that has not owned a property in the last three years, or has become a displaced homeowner due to divorce.  Prior to April 3rd, in order to qualify for the grant, the subject property must have been held open during City Living Sundays.  After April 3rd, the grant is open to all first-time homebuyers for any City property.

The Spring market is upon us!  Take advantage of this opportunity to own the American Dream

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 585-329-8639.  I’ll be happy to assist you.

Trish Re

Sellers want to get the best price for their home and many of them think that by waiting they will see a higher price. However, if they are planning to sell within the next year, today’s price may be the highest they will get. Check out today’s post below from The KCM Blog to see why waiting to sell may not make sense.

Will I Get More Money If I Wait?

The KCM Crew