A Great Accomplishment For a Local Fundraiser! - Aguilera Real Estate Team

This past May, The Monticello/Jefferson Parent Faculty Association Carnival Committee were able to raise $16,083.00 from a Carnival at the Monticello School on May 2nd. This is all due to the great community Tracy continues to possess and the many local sponsors who continue to contribute to our city's goodwill.  

As proud sponsor of this event we would like to thank the MJPFA Carnival Committee, Jefferson School, Monticello School, the sponsors and all the people who contributed to this successful event!

 

A Great Accomplishment For a Local Fundraiser! - Aguilera Real Estate Team

Annual RED Day - Keller Williams Tracy 2014

ANNUAL RED DAY - KELLER WILLIAMS TRACY (2014)

Agents from Keller Williams Realty in Tracy set aside their usual tasks May 8 and spent the day handing out boxes of food to local residents at the Valley Community Baptist Church Food Pantry.

The agents raised $2,400 through fundraisers in March, April and May, enough to buy 12,631 pounds of food and supply 480 families. Those who picked up food from the pantry were also treated to breakfast or a taco lunch and music.

Each May, Keller Williams offices pitch in for RED Day, a day to renew, energize and donate to their communities.

The Valley Community Baptist Church Food Pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon Thursdays. People in need of help and those who want to donate or volunteer should contact Terry Blueitt, the food pantry director, at terry_vcbc@att.net, tblueitt@sbcglobal.net or 836-9227.

Article and photo by: Tracy Press

http://www.tracyrealestatetoday.com/Giving-Back

This Month In Real Estate Video May 2014

This Month in Real Estate May 2014

Home sales activity was at an annual pace of $4.6 million, with a median home price of $189,000. Home prices are up 5.4 percent from last month, and 7.7 percent from the same month last year. The average national rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage edged up to 4.33 percent. 

FREE Market Trends Real Estate Newsletter for May 2014

May 2014

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EXISTING-HOME SALES STEADY, PRICES UP

Existing-home sales remained level this March while home prices saw moderate growth, according to a recent report by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR). Existing-home sales, which include recently purchased single family, townhomes, condominiums, and co-ops were down 0.2 percent to a seasonally adjusted 4.59 million units for the year.

NAR chief economist Lawrence Yun expected to see more activity. "There really should be stronger levels of home sales given our population growth," he said. "In contrast, price growth is rising faster than historical norms because of inventory shortages. With ongoing job creation and some weather delayed shopping activity, home sales should pick up, especially if inventory continues to improve and mortgage interest rates rise only modestly."

Nationally, the median time for homes to sell was 55 days in March, a decrease from 62 days in February, and 62 days from March 2013. Thirty-seven percent of March home sales were on the market for less than a month.

OPTIMISM FOR FIRST TIME BUYERS

First-time buyers accounted for 30 percent of purchases in March, up two percent from the month before. NAR president Steve Brown believes this number can be higher. "There are indications that the stringent mortgage underwriting standards are beginning to ease a bit, particularly regarding credit score requirements, but they remain a headwind for entry-level and single-income home buyers," he said.

"We also have tight inventory in the lower price ranges where many starter homes are found, but rising new-home construction means some owners will be trading up and more existing homes will be added to the inventory. Hopefully, this will create more opportunities for first-time buyers," Brown said.

Mortgage giant Freddie Mac reports that the average commitment rate for a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage was hovering at 4.34 percent during March. These historic low rates optimize housing affordability for today's home buyer.

FIVE TIPS TO ENHANCE CURB APPEAL

It's important for sellers to do what they can to get their home to stand out. Here are five quick tips to generate some excitement for your home in today's market.

• Use Paint:  A new coat of paint can go a long way to make your home look up to date. Neutral colors work best because they appeal to the most people.
• Mow the Lawn: Take the time to mow the lawn and clean the yard. Rake leaves and grass and put away any tools that may be lying around. Don't turn buyers off with a messy yard. If they like what they see on the outside, you'll improve your chances of getting them to look inside.
• Plant Flowers: Seasonal or perennials can bring a splash of color to your home and brighten the view from the street. Flowers throughout the house will please the senses and make your house feel like a home.
• Spruce Up Your Walkway: Dressing up your walkway with bricks or paving stones will lead people to your front door. Inexpensive solar lighting can further enhance your entry.
• Window Treatments: Keep your home from looking plain or boring with some decorative shutters. Windows are very important to the overall appeal of your home. Add planter boxes underneath for an immediate improvement that doesn't cost a lot of money!

By following these tips, you will be able to capture the hearts and minds of today's buyers, as well as improve your chances for a quick sale at the best price possible.

When you are ready, contact me today for a personal market value analysis of your home. No hassles or obligation - just honest advice on how to get top dollar for your home!