Single Women Are Buying Homes in Record Numbers

Written by Robert H. Ruth

According to two recent studies, one published by the National Association of Realtors, the other by Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing, single women represent 17% of homebuyers throughout the US. That is a very significant number… it shows that single women are the second biggest demographic segment of the purchase market after married couples. By comparison, single men only account for 7% of homebuyers.

Here are a few significant findings from the studies:

• More than one in five home buyers is a single woman
• There are twice as many unmarried women buying homes than single men
• Single women buyers equal more than 33% of the growth in home ownership since 1994

These statistics are even more…

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Time Kills Deals - Do Your Research - Real Estate Raw&Uncut Episode 185

Real Estate Raw&Uncut is for: Realtors, Agents, Buyers, Sellers, Brokers, Attorneys, Lenders, or just anyone that wants it "REAL" in REAL ESTATE! No hidden lies, none of that Realtor "fluff", no TV drama, no media BS... only the cold hard truth which we deliver unscripted and unfiltered with a new episode every week.

Episode 185: Chances are very good that your seller will receive much less in the long run for an overpriced property than if the property was priced correctly from the start. Most people accept and understand this concept. What many do not recognize is that knowing your product prior to listing can prove to be instrumental in getting the deal done. It is imperative that you have the following information before placing a property on…

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Use Value Assessment - Public Act 490

This is an extremely important act that was passed by all 50 states in the 1960’s to allow farmland, forestry, or open space to be assessed at its use rather than its fair market value or highest and best use as determined by an assessor.  Without this law, many land owners would simply not be able to afford land that has been passed down from generation to generation as the taxes would be outrageous.

Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding land use assessment and valuations differ from town to town. The State Law in CT sets no minimum acreage requirements to qualify but the individual township may have guidelines. Many towns in CT require a minimum of 25 acres.  In CT you must have your land designated as “Forestry” through the…

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MOTHER NATURE - A TRUE MARKET INDICATOR

Mother Nature served up more than just inclement weather during the 2014-2015 Winter season.  As the snow piled up throughout New England we were given insight into a real estate market that would have otherwise been impossible to perceive.  

Reports regarding the absorption of foreclosures and REO’s have been fairly consistent. The inventory is being purchased which in turn is driving supply down as well as months of inventory.  Our economy is feeling a bit healthier and we expect interest rates to rise by the 4th quarter as a reflection.

But WAIT….the latest snow storms showed us that MANY homes are still VACANT & BANK OWNED.  With driveways blocked and paths un-shoveled we were able to get a true glimpse of the housing market.   No one is…

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Are you a rowboat or a sailboat real estate professional?

“ Sometimes the path you’re on is not as important as the direction you’re heading.” Kevin Smith

In the real estate industry, like many other industries, knowledge is a highly valued commodity.  The generally accepted thinking is that the more time you have in the business, the more knowledge you have amassed, and that cumulative knowledge can be used for the benefit of your clients. This is certainly true.

It is also true that over time you have been a participant in more transactions which gives you a wealth of experience in dealing with a variety of situations. This experience and situational awareness that can only be developed over time can be of tremendous value to clients.

Our industry then, is one in which knowledge,…

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Zillow Group - A Catalyst for Change

It may be time to push the chair back from the table and stand up to the behemoth before us.  We as real estate professionals should not be threatened or scared of the paradigm shift that is currently taking place in the industry. We must embrace change and be nimble. There is an opportunity for the Brokers in this country to come together as one. An opportunity to create a portal that will enable the real estate industry to grow and thrive indefinitely.

Let’s back up a few years and look at Zillow’s business model. Zillow proposed to add value to the consumer by offering a Zestimate.  The Zestimate made the consumer flock to www.zillow.com .  The consumer felt that they now had a tool offered by a disinterested third party that made the Appraiser…

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Now is the Time

Despite our typical beliefs, now is the time to place your property on the market. Consumer confidence is as high as we have seen in the past decade due to low interest rates and historically low gas prices. 

The abnormally high number of sales in the lower price ranges will be having a ripple effect throughout higher price ranges in the  months to come. 

View our latest video on this topic below or https://youtu.be/DSE3NZLBmQw

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Incredible Commercial Property Hits The Market in Downtown Mystic

Click here to view the marketing packet for this  property.

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High Performing Real Estate Group Offers Rebate, Seminar, and possible Closing Credit.

Seaport Real Estate Group of William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty and two local reputable lenders will be hosting an informal open discussion regarding the current real estate market and if it is the right time to buy, sell, hold or rent. Get answers to your questions and find out if you are eligible for $1,500 towards closing costs and a 10% rebate of the agent’s commission to be paid outside of closing.  Only those individuals attending or registering for this event will be eligible for the rebate and credit.

This event will be held at Divine Wine at 275 West Main St in Niantic. Ken Turcotte, Owner and wine educator will graciously be hosting and speaking about wines as well.  This deal will only be offered to the first 25 buyers and…

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Should My Realtor be Local? Finding the Right Realtor

I get it..Your Aunt Jenny, Cousin Uma or Brother Sam just received their real estate license and you feel compelled to utilize their services in order to keep the peace within your family tree which happens to be shaped like a wreath.  STOP BEING A PLEASER as it is you who will be adversely affected by the negative outcome of utilizing an agent who is not at the top of his/her game.  Next Step…

You just located a Superstar Agent or team of agents but they are located over 30 miles away from you.

15 Years ago I would have recommended that you utilize the services of a location specific agent as they really had their finger on the pulse of print advertising. Today print advertising is simply a tool for agents to market themselves in an attempt…

4079 Views, 2 Comments