Sherri Hinkel’s …
Newsletter!
WARNING: Don’t even think of selling your home without my Free Consumer Guide, “How To Avoid 7 Costly Mistakes When Selling Your Home.” Email me and I’ll send you the information.
February 2012
Omaha Metro & Iowa
Inside This Issue…
Real Estate Outlook: Housing at Forefront of Concerns
Sherri’s updates…
Kudos…
Monthly question…
Offer of the month…
Miscellaneous thoughts…
Real Estate Outlook: Housing at Forefront of Concerns
by Carla Hill, Realty Times
As the race for the 2012 Presidential Election gets rolling, a new survey from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) shows what is on voters' minds.
Topping the list of concerns for voters is the importance of homeownership and the ease of obtaining it. The survey showed that American voters "strongly value homeownership and would oppose efforts to weaken or eliminate the mortgage interest deduction or diminish a federal role to help qualified home buyers obtain affordable 30-year mortgages."
Neil Newhouse, a partner and co-founder of Public Opinion Strategies, reports, "The American electorate is sending a clear message that owning a home remains a cornerstone of the American Dream and preserving a federal commitment to homeownership is essential to maintain a thriving middle class and get housing and the economy back on track."
Recent studies have backed this statement showing the ripple effect the housing market can have on other economic sectors. Housing invigorates the construction industry, remodelers, and even retail sales of home decor. More spending means more jobs, which in turn means more home buyers.
The survey found:
- 75 percent of voters see federal tax incentives for homeownership as appropriate.
- Two-thirds say that the federal government should help home buyers to afford a long-term or 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage.
- 73 percent of voters oppose eliminating the mortgage interest deduction.
- 96 percent of home owners are happy with their decision to own.
Celinda Lake, president of Lake Research Partners, said, "With the 2012 election season in full swing, candidates running for the White House and Congress would be wise to heed the will of the American voters, who have expressed broad support for government policies that encourage homeownership and oppose efforts to make it more difficult to get a home loan and to tamper with the mortgage interest deduction."
There have been some changing tides in real estate this month. Builder confidence continued to gain speed, rising four points to the highest level seen since 2007. This is the fourth consecutive month of gains.
Greater interest in home buying has begun to get builders geared up. Bob Nielsen, chairman of the NAHB, reports, "This good news comes on the heels of several months of gains in single-family housing starts and sales, and is yet another indication of the gradual but steady improvement that is beginning to take hold in an increasing number of housing markets nationwide -- and that has been shown by our Improving Markets Index."
There remains a strong concern among builders, however, of the ability of potential buyers to secure mortgages. For now mortgage applications have experienced a second consecutive week of increases, a possible indication that buyers are coming out of hiding and are returning to the market.
Michael Fratantoni, Mortgage Bankers Association's Vice President of Research and Economics, said, "Interest rates dropped last week due to continuing anxieties regarding the fragile economic situation in Europe. With mortgage rates reaching new lows, refinance volume jumped and MBA's refinance index reached its highest level in the last six months. Purchase activity also increased as buyers returned to the market after the holiday season."
Are You Feeling Scrunched In Your Current Home?
Maybe you just had a child and you need more space. Or have that nagging claustrophobic feeling. Or maybe you just need a positive change in your environment. Either way, I can help. My service can help you find the perfect home. It’s easier than you think. Just give me a call at 402-850-4514. My promise: there’s never any pressure or hassle – I’m here to help!
Sherri’s Updates
It’s already been a busy two months for me. Real Estate is picking up at a regular pace and I am looking forward to attending Speakers Academy the beginning of March. I have always wanted to take professional speakers training and now I am going to do it next month. It will be an intense three days of training.
I plan to keep my skills polished in the Toastmasters Group that I am starting, also in March. If you have ever been interested in Toastmasters I would love to have you in the group. Give me a call.
The warm weather has been enjoyable and at the same time has brought out some interesting problems. Mainly for Lady, my female Australian Shepherd. She unfortunately met up with a skunk a few weeks ago. She was sprayed right in the face. Poor girl!
I found a great new product that is based on natural cedar and can be used to repel and kill all kinds of bugs. The same product also helped to ease the left over skunk smell. If you are interested in a natural bug repellant that can be used on animals, on yourself and around children, let me know and I’ll introduce you to my friend Tony Sandavol. Tony is also a professional bee keeper, so he can help you corral up any pesky bee’s you might have as well.
I hope you have been enjoying the give discounts I’ve been sending!
Thank you!
Kathy and Ed Whelan
Joe Carney
Chadd Stackhouse
Brenda Sedivy
Monthly question…
According to a recent study, the average American will do this 1811 times in their life. What will they do?
a) Brush teeth b) Mow Lawn c) Eat McDonalds d) Play cards
Call Me At 402-850-4514 OR Email Me At sherri@sherrihinkel.com
And You Could Be My Next Winner!
Offer of the month…
Each month I send you a special offer as a little “Thank You” for your continued support and loyalty. It means the world to me. If you know of anyone who can use my help, please take a moment and introduce us.
Click here for this month’s offer.
Thank you!!! Sherri
P.S. Feel free to forward this to your family and friends. J
Word of the Month…
Studies have shown your income and wealth are directly related to the size and depth of your vocabulary. Here is this month’s word, so you can impress your friends (and maybe even fatten your wallet!)…
conciliate, kuhn-SIL-ee-yet, verb;
1. To overcome the distrust or hostility of; placate; win over.
2. To win or gain (goodwill, regard, or favor).
3. To make compatible; reconcile.
4. To become agreeable or reconciled.
Have A Laugh...
While living in Denver the weatherman said, expect 10 to 12 inches of snow tonight so park on the right side of the road so we can plow the left side. Willie’s wife ran out and parked on the right side. The next week the forecast called for another 10 to 12 inches of snow, but this time he said park on the left side. So Willie’s wife ran out and parked the car on the left side of the road. The following week he said 16 inches of snow expected park…; the lights went out and all power was lost. Willie’s wife said, my goodness, now I don’t know where to park the car. “Why don’t you just leave it in the garage!” Willie said.
Quotes To Live By…
I only go to work on days that don't end in a 'y'.
~ Robert Paul ~
A good rule of thumb is if you've made it to thirty-five and your job still requires you to wear a name tag, you've made a serious vocational error.
~ Dennis Miller ~
I like work: it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours.
~ Jerome K Jerome ~
Sherri Hinkel RN, GRI, CRS
Prudential Ambassador
402-850-4514
sherri@sherrihinkel.com
www.thehinkelteam.com
If you know of anyone looking to Buy or Sell, please have them contact our Team anytime, and we will be happy to discuss any questions they have about the Real Estate Market.
