Posts in category 'Real Estate Market News'

As we begin 2014, what are some trends that we may see in the housing industry? There are several and here a few that could help shape the landscape.

Millennials are being observed in terms of where they are going and what they are doing. Their financial decisions play a key role in economic markets, including housing. One major trend of millennial is that they are not buying as many homes as previous generations at their age.

Another trend is that recovery of the real estate market is heavily dependent on job growth and recovering from high unemployment numbers. Some experts say that the job market may not fully recover for another 2 years so it is not likely to change quickly.

During the economic downturn, apartments were in high demand. In many cases it was due to former homeowners now becoming renters and multi family situations on the rise as well. However, there should be a slowdown in the building of multifamily buildings and apartments as the demand h...

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Today marks the launch of our Professional Development Center, a comprehensive online Learning Management System (LMS) for our Sales Associates

Old Colony Sales Associates can access programs on sales, marketing, technology and relocation and follow self-guided curriculums to completion.   LeadingRE Certifications are granted to students who successfully complete a comprehensive series of courses and include LeadingRE Sales Specialist (LSS) and LeadingRE Service Expert (LSE).     

The Professional Development Center also fosters informal learning opportunities by allowing participants to pose questions to one another, engage in conversation and share insights through the program's online community.

"With the implementation of their Professional Development Center, Old Colony, REALTORS® has demonstrated its commitment to the ongoing development of their most important resource, their people," notes Rhett Damon, executive Director of Strategy and Technolog...

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There are several initiatives that West Virginia residents can take advantage of as a home owner for going green at home.  What exactly is going green, anyway? There are varying definitions and ideas to going green, including recycling and reduction of energy dependence.  For some, this can simply be participation in programs while for some it is a complete lifestyle. Regardless, the bottom line is that going green simply means taking steps to help save the environment.

In West Virginia, there are three power companies who offer rebates to customers based on energy efficient weatherization and HVAC equipment.  Appalachian Power, Wheeling Power Company, and AEP offer these measures.  Once work it completed, and paperwork has been submitted, a rebate check will be sent in under 45 days.  For more information, please visit AEP online at http://aeprebates.com/customers/residential-programs.

There is...

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Dilemma: You want to make some changes to your home but don't have the time or cash to commit to major renovations. Don't fret, there are smaller, less costly projects that can be completed that will add value to your home and a smile to your face.

Have a home office? There are more people these days that work out of their homes. By updating the home office, you can add some value by changing an unused space into a work area. Projects such as painting, refurbishing an older desk, adding shelving or even new windows can breathe new life into an older space or one that hasn't been used previously.

Owner's suites can add a degree of luxury at a low price. Take the main bedroom of your home and pick a color and theme. There are thousands of ideas out there – utilize the Internet or make visits to local home improvements stores for inspiration. Pinterest, which is an online idea warehouse, contains thousands of ideas and leads for channeling creativity.

Landscap...

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It's finally here! Closing day! Before you get swept away in the excitement of a new house, make sure you remember some important points with the home closing process. Here are some thoughts to consider.

1. Know exactly what you are buying. Buying a home is a major investment. Do your homework and make sure the property has been inspected and you know exactly what you are getting.
   
   
2. Know how you are paying. It's important to educate yourself on the type of loan you about to inherit, when payments are due, what the interest rate is and any penalties associated with the loan. When signing the paperwork, ask questions and make sure you understand the terms of the loan.
   
   
3. Know what out of pocket expenses are associated with the closing. Although you have a loan, there is a possibility that some money will need to be paid out so the closing can proceed smoothly and the closing happens on time.
   
   
4. Know if you're "turne...

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