Housing Forecast Points to Rising Activity

Home sales are expected to stay on an uptrend through 2012. The chief economist of the National Association of Realtors, Lawrence Yun, expects 5.3 million existing-home sales this year, up from 4.9 million in 2010, with additional gains in 2012 to about 5.6 million. Rates are lower than low so call if you would like to buy or sell. Now is the time.

GREAT TIME TO BUY A HOME!

Now is the best time to buy in the last thirty years!!! And we are seeing more buyers. For one, the interest rates are in the mid-4% which is unheard of. The jumbo loans are back and even some equity lines to avoid the need to come up with 20% down. Secondly, there are some great houses at good prices. The Sellers who still have homes on the market have to sell so as we say are "motivated" to provide Buyers with good value. Those Sellers who don't have to sell are able to negotiate. And there are still some good Short Sales and Foreclosures for the Buyer who is not in a rush since those deals may take up to six months to close.
We are seeing more Buyer activity in all price ranges. ABQ and Rio Rancho's economic situation has stabilized and has even had some new job development which is raising everyone's confidence. Personally, I think the worst is over. We have hit bottom, are showing slight increases from that 50% drop in sales last year, and may even begin to see small appreciation on some homes. Life is good. Call me 220-9193 and we'll get you a great deal.

PAUL NEWMAN IN TOWN

Life has presented an almost untenable dilemma for those of us in New Mexico today. Obama is in Rio Rancho and Paul Newman is doing a joint press announcement with Gov. Richardson. He is the only one destined to be at both events. I think I will toss a coin!

CHRISTAIN BALE SHAME ON YOU!

Well, Christain laid in to one of the photographers on the Terminator set while he was here. You know, I have known many stars and I just don't think there is any excuse for abusive behavior. The good ones, Denzel for example, would never do that! Shame on you, Christain.

DENZEL AND JOHNNY??

We are in star overload here in anticipation of both Johnny Depp and Denzel Washington being here. They are looking for places to stay so call me if you have a home you think they may be able to rent for a while.

MY MAN DENZEL IS IN TOWN AT LAST

The new film, "The Book of Eli" began production at the ABQ Studios last week. We are all hoping there is not a Screen Actors strike and that production can continue.

The television show "Breaking Bad" is still filming and I have made myself available to find locations. They want mid-America looking houses so no flat roofs. Not easy in our town but they have found some in the UNM area.

We love those movies except of course when they block off the streets as they did downtown Friday when I was trying to get to an appointment. Nah, we love 'em anyway.

DENZEL COMING TO NEW MEXICO

The new Denzel Washington film "The Book of Eli" will shoot in New Mexico in January, maybe. It is still being worked out so we will see. My daughter went to school with Denzel's kids and Denzel was just a regular dad who showed up at the fundraising events in a BarBQ apron and helped fry hamburgers on the grill. He and his wife interact in a mutually respectful way and handle adoring females with cordial conviviality. He is softspoken, has soft sparkling eyes and is just charming. Their children were well behaved and friendly; not uppity like some at this private school in Beverly Hills. I think he would love it here, and who knows, maybe I can sell them a house and get them to establish a second home here. So bring it on Alcon Studios; we are ready.