* 2008 Sales Over $4 million; Career Sales over $13 million
* 2008 Sales Ranked in the Top 15% of Bunbury & Associates Agents
* 2008 Sales Ranked in the Top 10% of Realtors in South Central Wisconsin
Welcome! Thanks for stopping in, and Happy New Year!
The amazing interest rates and federal incentives are going to change the tide for Madison Real Estate in 2009. Though we haven’t been hit nearly as hard as the average American city, we’ve experienced a slow-down in sales since 2005, and our average sale prices have remained stable rather than achieving our typical 4-6% annual appreciation in Dane County.
While prices will likely remain flat this year, 2009 is going to see a very nice bump in sales thanks to the encouragement of interest rates and federal tax incentives.
We’re starting off the year with rates hovering around 5%, and First-Time-Homebuyers are reaping the benefits of the $8000 Federal Tax Credit for purchases closed before December 1, 2009.
BUYERS:
If you haven’t gathered already what a terrific market this is for you—take note now! After the slowdown, our available house and condo inventories have grown. We’ve not seen an increase in sales prices since 2005. Interest rates are the lowest they’ve been in years, and if you’re a first-time buyer, ask me about the current federal tax incentive!
Two questions buyers ask me lately: 1) Is it true that banks aren’t lending? 2) Should I try to wait until the market “hits the bottom?” NO and NO!
1) Banks, Credit Unions, and Mortgage Lenders ARE lending. While you likely cannot receive a loan for 100% financing, you could be qualified for FHA financing with 3% down, or other financing with 5-19% down. If you’ve got the ideal 20% down—great work saving! That along with a decent credit score will make you eligible for the most competitive financing available. I have a list of lenders I recommend—give me a call or click on “My Links.”
2) The problem with waiting until the market hits bottom is that nobody knows it has hit the bottom until it has passed and prices are again increasing. Many estimate that we are at the bottom now, some estimate that the bottom will hit some time in the next couple years. In Dane County, we have not experienced the same volatility as some other areas. Waiting a year or two will likely mean you’ll face a higher interest rate. It won’t likely mean that you’ll save much money on price, since our prices have been flat-lining. More likely, you’ll know we hit “the bottom” because you’ll be reading the newspaper 6 months after it happened!
If you are ready to purchase a home in 2009, any financial advisor will tell you that your timing is fortunate. Take advantage of that fact by calling a seasoned Buyer’s Agent to help you find the house of your dreams.
Consistently in the Top 10% of area Realtors, and an Accredited Buyer Representative, I’ve got the experience to help you purchase a home in the Madison area at the best terms possible. Please see my Testimonials Link for quotes from past clients, and my Recently Sold link to see some of the places I’ve helped Buyers make their own lately.
Statistics, Knowledge, Commission Paid by Seller’s Agent, Advice: The reasons to hire a Buyer’s Agent.
Results, Experience, Enthusiasm, and Ingenuity: The reasons to hire Melissa Berger as your Buyer’s Agent.
SELLERS:
I’ve noticed in the last couple years since the market shift what a pivotal role Realtors play in helping Sellers achieve their goals of a smooth, successful transaction.
I have up-to-the-minute sales information for your area, and the ability to interpret data in my Market Analyses to make sure we price your home correctly for today’s market.
As someone who is listing my home this year as well, I’ve experienced from the Seller’s side what it takes to prepare a home for sale. Based on my years of experience seeing What Buyers Want, I know that the changes, de-cluttering, and cleaning plans we make together entail elbow grease on the Seller’s part. But I can promise you this—the product we put on the market will be the best possible reflection of your home—and you will see the results.
Bunbury & Associates uses the latest Technologies to market your property, including Professional Photography, Virtual Tours, and Explosive Internet Marketing. You'll enjoy professional service and your home will be presented with the most classy marketing materials. Bunbury & Associates prides ourselves in negotiating Top-Dollar prices for our clients. For a detailed market analysis and a proposed marketing plan for your home, call me to set up a (no cost) appointment today.
See my Testimonials Link for quotes from past clients, and my Recently Sold link to see some of the places I’ve SOLD lately.
Preparation, Pricing, Marketing, and Negotiation: The reasons to hire a Realtor to sell your home.
Results, Experience, Enthusiasm, and Ingenuity: The reasons to hire Melissa Berger as your Listing Agent.
Thank you for visiting my site; I hope you find it and its many links useful!
All the best,
Melissa