Moving is Not Child's Play

"Adults are used to changes in their lives, starting over in new places, making job moves, but children are not. Children thrive in routine and security. Making a move can upset the family dynamics, at least temporarily"......plus: 1. Hold a family meeting – Sometimes we get caught up in “adult talk” and do not realize that little ears are picking up everything we are saying and not saying. Once you know the move is imminent, sit down with the children to have an open family discussion. Present the move to them as a positive thing and that you are looking forward to the adventure as a family. 2. Explain the absence of one parent – If one of the parents has to move before the family, discuss this transition with the children as well. The absence of one parent can really upset younger children because they may not fully comprehend where that person has gone. Try to set up family calls through Skype regularly so the children can visually see and talk to the absent parent. Meanwhile, ensure they understand that it is a temporary situation. 3. Make the unknown known – Children can be very scared of the unknown or what they do not understand. If it is possible, take the children to the new area and show them around. Oftentimes, you can schedule a tour of the school and meet the teachers. Ask the teacher to introduce them to a future classmate. With any luck, they will be fast friends later. If you have already selected a home to purchase, show pictures to the children and let them pick out the paint colors and the décor of their room. This will engage them more in the move and give them something to look forward to. 4. Maintain organization and consistency – There are so many things to do before a move that it is easy to forget "family pizza night", bedtime stories and play dates. However, children will be more stressed by the situation if the family routine is not maintained. Make every attempt to eat dinner as a family and participate in the neighborhood events until you move. This will help with the family dynamics and also give the children the additional feeling of security that they need. Moving can be stressful for the whole family, but with a good plan, it can also be an adventure that everyone can look forward to. Edited from information provided by MOVEADVOCATE.com.

What a difference ....

Market news in June:

Clear Capital reports that national home prices rose 8.2% in the year ended in May. CoreLogic reports that home prices, including distressed sales, rose 12.1% from April 2012 to April 2013.

Non-farm payrolls rise to 175K in May, above the 159K expected. Revisions for March and April were -12K. ADP reports that private employers added 135K new jobs in May, below the 157K expected. The Labor Force Participation Rate rises a tenth to 63.4. Fitch reports that the May jobs report supports continued monetary easing. Challenger, Gray & Christmas reports that planned layoffs at companies across the nation fell by 4.5% in May for the third month in a row.

Freddie Mac reports that the 30-yr fixed is at 3.91% when paying a 0.7 point. If no point is paid, the rate is 4.09%. The refi index plunged by 15% with home loan rates jumping.

I am thrilled to see a healthier residential home market!

Happy Fourth of July everyone!

Happy Fourth of July All!

It has been such a busy real estate market that I have had no time to add anything here. The best real estate market in about 7 or 8 years! I want to thank the many buyers and sellers who are currently working with me for participating in the best year I have ever experienced in 29 years in real estate!  And to those who referred many of these friends and family to me this year and over the past few years, I also want to extend many thanks and my most humble appreciation for your trust in me. For those still looking and thinking about moving you have probably heard that rates have started to rise.  This is true but I would like to mention that everything is relative.  Your buying power is greater at lower interest rates and for those who have bought with interest rates below 4%, isn't it great!  For those who are facing possibly higher rates please bear in mind as I have told so many young people recently, my first purchase was a VA mortgage at 8% and we were thrilled!  It happened as a sudden drop below 8.5% the week we bought in a market where most everyone else had double digit interest rates.  It is still a fabulous way to have a stake in your home and your life.  For those who prefer to rent or must rent for other reasons, start putting a little away every month in the fund to start saving for your down-payment.  Owning is so much better than renting if you want more say in how and where you live. It isn't for everybody, but if you or anyone you know would like to discuss the merits of owning over renting, let's get coffee!  Have a safe and Happy Fourth everyone!