Housing numbers down due to weather

The existing home sales totals for January 2010 are in, and it appears the weather took its toll.

But spring is approaching, and you can expect tax-credit seeking buyers to be out in full force.

Realfast2go Brown Bag — in case you missed it

We had a great Brown Bag on Thursday with Linda Tant of Realfast. CEO John Mayes was also on hand to talk about their latest product, RealFast2Go.

If you were unable to attend the training, you can download the quick reference guide and the full manual from the Realfast website with the links below:

Full Manual

Quick Reference Guide

Thanks to all who participated, and thanks to John and Linda for coming in — look for more Realfast info in the coming months here at the GRRA!

A few notes from our FHA panel

Thanks to everyone who came out to our FHA panel discussion last week. For those of you who couldn’t make it, here are a few quick bullet points that might interest you (in no particular order):

Confused by the new RESPA laws? Check out NAR’s video explanation:

RESPA Explained

And stop by the GRRA on March 5, when Robbie Cox of Chicago Title will be on hand to explain the new laws more in-depth.

Perkins talks aerotropolis at GRRA-RCA lunch

“Job growth is the key. It’s got to be the number one focus for every politician in this country.”

That was part of a message Greensboro City Councilman Robbie Perkins delivered at the monthly luncheon of the GRRA-REALTORS® Commercial Alliance on Tuesday.

Some positive housing news to start 2010

The 2009 year-end housing report was released Wednesday at a press conference at the GRRA.

We received coverage from several local media outlets — here are a few highlights:

Home sales in Greensboro end ‘09 on upswing (N&R)

Greensboro Realtors Release 2009 Housing Numbers (WFMY/DigTriad.com) – with video

Thanks to Dr. Don Jud, who led the press conference, and our friends in the local media for their interest.

The full report will be up shortly on the GRRA’s Market Information page.

http://www.news-record.com/content/2010/01/13/article/home_sales_in_greensboro_improving

Holiday House raises $1,500 for Clara House

Social Committee chair Matt Sullivan reports that the GRRA’s Holiday House on Dec. 10 had approximately 300 attendees who helped us raise $1,500 for Clara House.

That’s an all-time high, both for attendence and fund-raising for this worthy cause, so a big thank you to everyone who came out, and also to Gary Jobe and his staff for the use of their beautiful home, FurnitureLand South for the furniture and decorations, Culinary Visions for the fantastic food, and to Linda McKnight and Family Services of the Piedmont for the good work they do.

See photos from the Holiday House at the GRRA Facebook Page.

How the extended Homebuyer Tax Credit works

If you don’t know how the new tax credit works, NAR has provided a quick FAQ at their Extended Homebuyer Tax Credit information page:

Who Qualifies for the Extended Credit?

• First-time home buyers who purchase homes between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010.
• Current home owners purchasing a home between November 7, 2009 and April 30, 2010, who have used the home being sold or vacated as a principal residence for five consecutive years within the last eight.

Good news from NAR

Existing home sales continue to rise nationally.

Roads and Highways Brown Bag

Here are a few notes from Wednesday’s Roads and Highways Brown Bag. If you missed it, you can download GDOT’s PowerPoint here.