Happy New Year

                                                                              Lynn Nichols Real Estate would like to wish you a very                                                                               Safe and Happy New Year.

Job Growth to Drive 2014 Housing Market

Read a great article today about how the housing market will so be growing in 2014, only down side is that the mortgage rates will more in likely start to rise above 5% in the second half of the year, now is time to get off the fence. If you would like to talk about the housing market feel free to contact me or visit my website at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2013

The housing recovery is expected to remain strong in the new year, driven by economic growth and an improving employment picture, economists say. 

In fact, job growth likely will be one key to driving housing growth in the new year. An estimated 2 million or more jobs will be created in 2014, predicts Lawrence Yun, National Association of REALTORS(R)’ chief economist.

As employment picks up, greater demand for housing is expected to occur and a surge in homebuilding activity. Celia Chen, housing economist at Moody's Analytic, predicts a “homebuilding boom” in 2014 that will spark even more jobs -- from construction workers to manufacturers -- and bring about greater demand for housing overall. 

"The homebuilding boom in 2014 drives our strong economic forecast," Chen said. "Homebuilding generates a lot of jobs.

The housing recovery is expected to continue on its path in the new year with home prices continuing to rise (although at a slower pace); sales to rise slightly; and the foreclosure crisis expected to finally draw to an end. 

"For the general consumer, the market will be good in 2014," says Lawrence Yun, chief economist at the National Association of REALTORS®. "Home values will continue to rise, but not sharply, but there won't be a decline."

Yun notes 2014 will be the second consecutive year of a “very respectable recovery,” marked by a 20 percent cumulative rise in existing-home sales over the past two years and nearly a 20 percent increase in home values. 

However, he notes that existing-home sales will likely plateau in 2014. Sales have already been slowing in the latest reports. 

Yun says home prices rose 11 percent in 2013, but growth will likely be slower in 2014 at a pace of 5 percent. The reason for the slowing pace of home prices, he says, is mostly being driven by “less affordable conditions from higher prices and higher mortgage rates.” Thirty-year fixed-rate mortgages are expected to rise above 5 percent in the second half of 2014 (up from a current average of 4.47 percent this week).  

"While rates will be higher than what they were, they won't be at a level that will discourage home purchases," says Jay Brinkmann, chief economist at the Mortgage Bankers Association. MBA is predicting interest rates to also average about 5 percent in 2014. 

Meanwhile, the distressed housing crisis is expected to fade away in 2014. Daren Blomquist, vice president at RealtyTrac, says that 2014 will likely be the year “we transition back to normal.” About 85,000 foreclosure filings a month nationwide are expected by the first quarter of 2015. 

"The market has worked through most of the bad loans that triggered the crisis to begin with," Blomquist says. Still, some loans need to be “cleaned up.” 

Thanks for stopping by and visit us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Bacardi's Corner-Holiday Safety Tips For Your Pets

Well the season is upon us and here I am back again, Bacardi. Lynn thought it would be a great idea if I wrote an article about pet safety for Christmas. Well my first tip is I don't know if it is really about safety, but go easy on us on the clothes. I am so afraid this sweater makes me look fat, LOL. Well, onward with pet safety but to be honest I used an article that Dr. Becker wrote (don't tell Lynn though she pays me in dog biscuits). Everyone have a very Merry Christmas!!!

10 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During the Hectic Holiday Season

1. Secure your Christmas tree by screwing a hook into the wall or ceiling and running string or fishing line around the tree trunk and fastened to the hook.
   
   This will anchor your tree and prevent it from being tipped or pulled over by a curious cat or a rambunctious dog.
   
   It will also keep water at the base of the tree from spilling. Stagnant tree water can harbor bacteria and isn't something your pet should be drinking, so make sure it isn't easily accessible.
2. Place electrical cords, wires and batteries out of your pet’s reach to prevent a potentially deadly electrical shock or burns from a punctured battery.
3. Especially if you are owned by a cat, skip the tinsel. It’s a real temptation for kitties because it’s sparkly and fun to bat around. But ingestion of tinsel can obstruct your pet’s GI tract and bring on vomiting. Vomiting causes dehydration. And if the situation is dire, surgery could be required to remove the tangle of tinsel inside your pet and repair any damage.
   
   Also forego breakable tree ornaments. Glass shards can injure pet paws, mouths, and can be very dangerous if swallowed.
4. Candles are very popular holiday décor, but make sure to never leave lighted candles unattended. Use appropriate holders that prevent candles from being knocked over by curious pets. Take care when using scented candles, especially the food-scented variety, that the smell doesn’t encourage your dog or cat to sample the goods. Candle wax isn’t species-appropriate nutrition for your pet!
5. Pets and sweets don’t mix, so make sure your dog or cat has zero access to holiday goodies like candy, cookies, chocolate and other sugary foods, including any food that is artificially sweetened.
   
   And to be on the very safe side, also prevent your pet from counter surfing in the kitchen, sniffing the table at meal time, and nosing around in the garbage. Believe it or not, there's a long list of people foods that are toxic to pets, so don't even chance it.
6. Beverages should also be kept out of your pet’s reach. Beer, wine and liquor can make your dog or cat quite ill, and can even be life threatening.
7. It’s also a good idea to keep pets separated from tipsy guests. So if the party is getting lively, it’s your cue to tuck your four-legged family member away in a safe, quiet location of the house.
8. Provide your pet with a quiet place to retreat during holiday festivities. Dogs and especially cats get overwhelmed and over-stimulated just like kids do. Make sure your companion has her own out-of-the-way spot stocked with fresh water, a few treats and toys, and comfy bedding to snuggle up in.
   
   New Year's celebrations can be a special problem for pets, so keep yours a safe distance from confetti, streamers, noise makers and other dangers.
9. Resist the irresistible -- those cute and colorful pet toys and stocking stuffers that show up on store displays this time of year. No matter how adorable that stuffed dog toy is, chances are some part of it will wind up inside your pooch. Stick with safe, healthy dog gifts like all-natural dental bones, yummy high-protein treats, and stimulating puzzle toys.
   
   If there's a cat on your Christmas gift list, go for toys that stimulate his hunting instincts or how about a new scratching surface? You can also consider a toy that allows you to interact with him and gives him some exercise at the same time, like a laser beam toy or a feather teaser like Da Bird.
10. Did you know many holiday plants and flowers are highly toxic for dogs and cats? Holly is one. So are many varieties of the lily. Mistletoe is a no-no, as are poinsettias. Take a pass on live holiday plants and opt for silk or plastic greenery instead.

In addition to these tips, it's also very important for your pet's health and stress level to maintain her normal daily routine during the holidays.

Happy holidays to you and your pet!

By the way you can contact Lynn anytime you would like at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com, thanks for stopping by...

Mortgage Rates Climb on Strengthening Economy

With rates going up, if you are on the fence about buying now is the time. Please feel free to call us if you would like more information, you can also visit us on our website at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | FRIDAY, DECEMBER 06, 2013

Fixed-rate mortgages were on the rise this week, following a 25 percent monthly jump in new-home sales and an improving job outlook report, Freddie Mac reports in its weekly mortgage market survey. 

Freddie Mac reports the following national averages for mortgage rates for the week ending Dec. 5: 

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 4.46 percent, with an average 0.5 point, rising from last week’s 4.29 percent average. Last year at this time, 30-year rates averaged more than a full percentage point lower at 3.34 percent. 
• 15-year fixed-rate mortgages: averaged 3.47, with an average 0.4 point, rising from last week’s 3.30 percent average. A year ago, 15-year rates averaged 2.67 percent. 
• 5-year hybrid adjustable-rate mortgages: averaged 2.99 percent, with an average 0.4 point, jumping from last week’s 2.94 percent average. Last year at this time, 5-year ARMs averaged 2.69 percent. 
• 1-year ARMs: averaged 2.59 percent, with an average 0.4 point, dropping from last week’s 2.60 percent average. A year ago at this time, 1-year ARMs averaged 2.55 percent. 

Source: Freddie Mac

Thanks for stopping by and again visit us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com

Nearly Half of States Within Reach of Peak Home Prices

What a great article I found, great news, looks like now is the time to sell, especially with inventory so tight.

DAILY REAL ESTATE NEWS | WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 04, 2013

Twenty-three states are within 10 percent of their 2006 home price peaks, CoreLogic reports in its latest housing data report reflecting October data.  

Home prices have increased 12.5 percent year-over-year. However, prices had a more modest month-over-month gain of 0.2 percent from September to October. CoreLogic’s Home Price Indexalso reflects distressed sales. 

“In terms of home price appreciation, the housing market appears to be catching its breath as we head into the final months of 2013,” says Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic. “The deceleration in month-on-month trends was anticipated as strong gains in home prices over the spring and summer slow in line with normal seasonal patterns and the impact of higher mortgage interest rates.”

The following five states have seen the highest home price appreciation year-over-year: 

• Nevada: +25.9%
• California: +22.4%
• Georgia: +14.2%
• Michigan: +14.1%
• Arizona: +14%

The only state in the CoreLogic index that has seen prices fall is New Mexico, where home prices fell 0.5 percent year-over-year.

Soaring home prices are allowing more states to catch up to their home price peaks in 2006. Sixteen states are all within 5 percent or less of their peak home prices: Arkansas, Colorado, District of Columbia, Iowa, Louisiana, Nebraska, Montana, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wyoming, and Alaska.

“The slowdown in appreciation is positive for the housing market as almost half the states are now within 10 percent of their respective historical price peaks,” says Mark Fleming, chief economist for CoreLogic.  

Meanwhile, the following five states remain the furthest from their peak values as of October, according to CoreLogic:  

• Nevada: -40.7%
• Florida: -37.4%
• Arizona: -31.5%
• Rhode Island: -29.3%
• West Virginia: -28%

The National Association of REALTORS® recently reported that its existing-home sales index saw home prices tick up 12.8 percent in October year-over-year. A persistent tight inventory of homes for sale is holding back sales but pushing up home prices in most areas of the country, Lawrence Yun, NAR’s chief economist, said in the report. 

--REALTOR® Magazine Daily News

Feel free to contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com, thanks for stopping by today.

5 Ways to Slash Your Heating Bills

Great article for slashing your heating bills...If you would like anymore information please contact us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com


Now that temperatures are dropping across the country, its time to think about how you can slash your heating bills for the season. Here are five low-cost and/or no-cost moves to help you save money while staying comfortable at the same time.

1. Add insulation. Adding insulation and weather stripping can slash your annual energy costs up to 30% by keeping out the cold or heat and minimizing the stack effect. Start by sealing large gaps around the chimney, furnace flue, plumbing pipes, ductwork, light fixtures, and soffits in your attic. Then lay insulation between attic-floor joists and on the hatch or door, or add more if it’s already there. Look for insulation that’s become dirty, a sign of air movement that reveals other gaps you must fill. Also, insulate ducts running through the attic.

2. Seal up the leaks. Caulking and weather-stripping cracks and gaps around your home are some of the most cost-effective steps you can take to conserve heat. Focus on the attic, basement, windows, and doorways. Also. check near pipes, vents, or electrical conduits that go through the wall, ceiling, or floor. When sealing leaks, use “no-VOC” or “low-VOC” caulking to minimize potentially harmful indoor gases. Look for these products at your hardware store or online.

3. Program thermostats for savings. Shave up to 20% off your heating costs by lowering the thermostat 5 degrees F at night and 10 degrees F during the day if no one is home. Most electronic setback thermostats let you set different schedules for weekdays and weekends. Some automatically switch from heating to cooling, and many tell you when it’s time to change your furnace or air-conditioner filter.

4. Save money on hot water. Insulating hot-water pipes and lowering the temperature on your water heater from 130 degrees to 120 degrees can help you save up to 5% on your energy bills.

5. Shorten showers. Showers account for two-thirds of your water-heating costs, so even shaving off a few minutes can help. Replacing a showerhead that’s more than 12 years old with a low-flow model can save up to half the hot water used for showering.

Thanks for stopping by and don't forget to visit us at www.MarylandHomesbyLynn.com