REAL ESTATE PREDICTIONS TODAY                                          May 25, 2017
Dear Home Buyers,

I wanted to give you some very important information about the Real Estate Market today.  I am
 here to inform you so that you can make the best real estate decision for 2017.  After searching for current housing predictions for Virginia and some across the country I personally wanted to be informed about the real estate market to best help me and my family to invest.  I also encountered consumers wanted to know more about the market so I decided to share this information with you.  I have compiled information for you to make an intelligent decision moving forward in 2017.  Below is just a few Real Estate Experts predictions for the future housing market.  We’ve been spoiled with historically low-interest rates, which haven’t risen despite threats to do just that over the past few years.  No more.

“The kind of rates we were getting earlier this year, down to 3.5 percent — those days are over,” said Steve Cook, editor of Real Estate Watch.

I don’t believe we’ll see any pullback until after the inauguration, but even the best-case scenario suggests that the historically low rates that have been in place for the last few years are firmly in the rear-view mirror,” said Matthew Gardner, Chief Economist at Windermere “My forecast is for the 30-year fixed rate to rise above 4.5 percent by year’s end, and worst case scenario, knock on the door of 5 percent.”
predictions for 2017:

Zillow Predictions:

1. Cities will focus on denser development of smaller homes close to public transit and urban centers.

2. More millennials will become homeowners, driving up the homeownership rate. Millennials are also more racially diverse, so more homeowners will be people of color, reflecting the changing demographics of the United States.

3. Rental affordability will improve as incomes rise and growth in rents slows.

4. Buyers of new homes will have to spend more as builders cover the cost of rising construction wages, driven even higher in 2017 by continued labor shortages, which could be worsened by tougher immigration policies under President-elect Trump.

5. The percentage of people who drive to work will rise for the first time in a decade as homeowners move further into the suburbs seeking affordable housing — putting them further from adequate public transit options.

6. Home values will grow 3.6 percent in 2017, according to more than 100 economic and housing experts surveyed in the latest Zillow Home Price Expectations Survey. National home values have risen 4.8 percent so far in 2016.

Understand that this is a great time to invest in your real estate future while interest rates are still affordable.  I work with a great team of professionals that will help you move forward in 2017 to acquire great real estate. I put buyers and sellers together for a common cause.   Let me know if you want to sell your house or are interested in real estate as an investor or buyer, either way, you are investing in your future to establish equality for you and the economy.  I can put you in a new home today!   I’m ready for a hard workout for 2017 let me help you.
I look forward to enhancing your dream!

Sincerely,

Vivian Anderson, CSP
Real Estate Professional/Property Manager
Keene Woods Realty, LLC
and.Andersonenterprise@gmail.com
757.620.3564

Real Estate 2015-2016!

Dear Buyers and Sellers; I wanted to give you some very important information about the Real Estate Market today.  I am here to inform you so that you can make the best real estate decision for 2015/2016.  After searching for current housing predictions for Virginia and some across the country I personally wanted to be informed about the real estate market to best help me and my family to invest.  I also encountered consumers wanted to know more about the market so I decided to share this information with you.  I have complied information for you to make an intelligent decision moving forward in 2016.

Market In Virginia:

◾Housing market predictions currently appear quite positive for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The state market currently holds a median home value of $231,000 and is experiencing an uptick of 1.7 percent over the past year according to Zillow.  We predict another 1.1 percent increase within this year. On average, most properties for sale spend 118 days on the market in Virginia.

◾Compared to a national value of foreclosures (3.0 homes per every 10,000), Virginia has 1.5 foreclosures. Compared to the national value of delinquent mortgages (6.3 percent), Virginia stands at 3.8 percent. Unfortunately, 18.5 percent of Virginia homeowners are underwater on their mortgage.

◾The last 12 months show an appreciation rate of 4.05 percent according to our research. The last quarter pushed this rate up by 1.04 percent.

◾Virginia Association of Realtors showed relevant data from February 2015 comparing the same period of the previous year. The results of the Virginia Monthly Sales Report show that both the number of sales and the median sales price began rising back in February as the market warmed up in spring. Historically, the rhythm is remarkably slower than other similar intervals. From January 2015 to February 2015, there was a modest increase of only 3%. After the turmoil of the financial crisis, any increase was considered a win. Even if median sales prices only rose by 2.5 percent between January and February, that number is still an encouraging 5.7 percent annual rise.

◾According to the same report cited above, Virginia’s unemployment rate gradually decreased. These numbers signal a healthier economy. Rising interest rates reflect a stronger U.S. economy. This naturally translates to good news for the real estate sector as well. There is reason to believe that the entire year (particularly summertime) will bring good news to the Virginia housing market (especially if buyers feel motivated to take advantage of the already well known historically low rates before mortgage interest rates begin rising).

After summarized by the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, between March 2014 and March 2015, the median sales price in Northern Virginia escalated with 4.4 percent to $475,000. With around 1,500 properties sold, Northern Virginia marks a 13.84 percent increase in terms of closed sales. Analysts remarked that properties above $1 million stay longer on the market and need significant price dropping before sellers could actually seal the deal. The latest ULI Real Estate Consensus Forecast calls for relatively smooth sailing ahead as it relates to both continued economic growth and a favorable outlook for commercial real estate investment. Yet, the forecast is not as bullish as it was six months ago, and there are headwinds looming that are expected to temper growth heading into 2017.

The forecast, produced by the ULI Center for Capital Markets and Real Estate, predicts a healthy pace of economic expansion. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth for this year is expected to be on par with the 2.4 percent that was recorded in 2014, while strengthening to 2.8 percent in 2016 and 2.7 percent in 2017. It is notable that the forecast growth for 2016 and 2017 is at the highest levels in eight years, comparable with the 2.7 percent GDP growth that occurred in 2006.

Information from: The Magazine of Urban Land Institute

Our real estate market is recovering there are programs to take advantage of within our Hampton

Roads area. 

VA Home Loans may be the perfect solution.  Over 27 million veterans and service personnel are eligible Guaranteed by the US Government, this program offers a number of notable benefits.

• Low Fixed Rate & Adjustable Rate Loans
• No Mortgage Insurance
• Loan Amounts up to $`1,500.000
• 100% financing up to $625.500 (county restrictions apply)*
• No Down Payment Required (in most cases)
• Assumable
• Right to Prepay Loan Without Penalty
• Seller Can Pay All Customary Closing Costs
• Seller Can Pay up to 4% of Sales Price (and/or pay off debt to qualify)
• Certificate of Eligibility Required

Grants in the City of Norfolk for your down payment.  Must be a buyer for City of Norfolk.

Other Grant housing program!

The Grant programs do have time limit so this is the time to move forward.  Please call, text or email me with any questions you may have on our real estate market or any listings in our Hampton Roads area.  I am here to assist you and answer any questions.  Let me help you get into your dream home!  Interest rates are still low....take advantage of this NOW!  I look forward to hearing from you!

Vivian Anderson, CSP
Associate Director of New Homes
vivonyourside@cox.net
License in Virginia 
Keene Woods Realty, LLC
www.KeeneWoodsRealty.com
757-620-3564 Cell

"I look forward to enhancing your dream"!

How To Budget an Event Successfully!

1.     Set an overall budget amount – This is the overall amount that sets the upper limit of what you can spend on the entire event.

2.     Decide on what items you will do yourself and what items you want your Planner to do.

3.     Set up columns/categories – For each budget line item.  

        

•       Food Caterer
•       Venue Expenses
•       Officiant
•       Floral & Decor
•       Music & Entertainment
•       Rentals
•       Audio/Visuals
•       On-Site Transport
•       Furnishings
•       Linens
•       Hotel Travel
•       Printing

     These are just a few of the items that detail a good well thought out event.  If you hire a Event Planning she/he will go over all of these tasks and provide you with a detailed itemize price list.  Although you can plan and execute an event yourself it does require a lot of work.  So if you work everyday it is wise to get an Event Planner to take good care of you.  The cost is actually minimum compared to your valuable time.  Keep in mine this is the Event Planners job and they are use to planning all types of events. They also have vendors in place to execute the event tasks.  You may also need permits, licenses and insurance.  This list is just the basics to get you started on your next event. What's great about getting an Event Planner is you can hold someone accountable.   Your Planner will get the job done.  I hope this will help you with your next event.  Feel free to leave comments on this blog.  I embrace feedback.

Vivian Anderson

VoilaEventsMadeSimple.com

      

      

Enhancing Your Wedding or Special Event!

Now that we talked about how to plan your special Wedding keep in mind that most of these details can apply for any Special Event you plan.  Now let's talk about enhancing your Wedding or Special Event to get the Wow factor.  You can start by creating a website for your event.  This way you can have people keep your invitees informed.   The website should be created for just that special event. As you send out emails you need to include your special website.  Of course Facebook is a great source for informing your guest however; sometimes it can be shared with people you did not invite.  Especially if you are trying to keep with a tight budget.  Also when sending out email send email  upbeat and cheerful emails.  Include a nice picture of flowers, balloons or the a picture of the venue or the beach or even surrounding places.  If your guest are coming from out of town they may want to stay a little longer and explore the area.  Make it interesting to keep your invitees interested in your special event.  You can even include a nice clean joke to get a little smile or even a poem.  You can also ask in your email if anyone has allergies this way you will know ahead of time and you can inform your caterer.   Also create a gift registry so that your invitees will have an idea of what you need.   Make your guest gift something unique that they can use.  I remember a wedding that I went to and the couple gave the guest a wine bottle stopper with their initials on it.  This was unique because to this day I use it and I always think of them and how this was a great gift.  You can even do this without the initials for cost effectiveness.    When you send out your invitations another suggestion would be to include a bookmaker that have your event date on it.  This way your guest can keep it in a book that they are reading and it is also a keepsake as well as a reminder of your big day.   On your wedding day and at your reception you always have a song for the bride and groom to dance off, well what about announcing a special song for your guest and getting the DJ to say this song is dedicated to all the guest today for attending dedicated from the Mr. & Mrs.........  This a small gesture but it can go a long way.  You make your guest feel special along with yourself.  This gives the guest something to talk about and how that was a nice touch to your wedding.
In order to get the Wow effect you have to think outside the box.  A lot of times it does not cost much to give that Wow effect.  Preparation is everything; plan, prepare and execute.  Well I hope these few tips will help you to move forward with your Wedding or Special Event.  If you would like more specifics on any subject please email me@ and.andersonenterprise@gmail.com.  Here is also a link to make a little cash for some of  your small items you need to purchase. 

http://Money4Refer.com/index.php?refcode=52747      God Bless!!!!!   Until next time have a great month of June.......................

PLANNING YOUR WEDDING!

Planning a wedding can be very stressful however it can also be fun.   I am going to give you a few tips on how to make your wedding planning fun and stress free.  When you know you have a date to work with try to get 1 year head start.  It is a great idea to hire a Wedding Planner because they do all the work for you while soliciting your dreams and expectations.  However; if it is not in your budget then you must start early to eliminate the stress of planning a wedding.  First you must find a venue for your date.  Make sure your wedding date is firm because this is where you can loose money for changing dates and worst you may not be able to get the date you want if you do not reserve early.  Venue's especially hotels are booked very early on.  So this is the time to book your ceremony and reception venue.  Second you want to look into a Caterer.  This is your second largest cost besides your venue.  So you want to make sure you have a good Caterer and also be able to sample some of the food you want at your wedding reception.  The Caterer can also make your wedding cake unless you have a unique cake designer.  Now that your main two items are out of the way and secure you are ready to move to your third step the Photographer and your DJ.  If you are having your wedding in months May - October it is very important to follow these steps.  These are the busiest times of the year when most people want to get married due to the weather.  Now you are ready to start selecting your invitations, limousine company, flower selections and decorations for both the Ceremony and the Reception.  What I have given you is a place to start so that you do not overwhelm yourself.   There are other ways to make your planning easier as well.  If you would like more details, please Tweet me at Voila2u or respond to my blog.  I enjoy helping brides and grooms have their dream day!  I also have a few good recipe ideas for your reception.  Until next time I am Voila2u...................

Creativity For Your Holiday Event!

Yes, we have approached the holidays once again......I'm excited and hope you are as well.  This holiday try something different. Try thinking outside the box and create an holiday event that will be unforgettable but on a minimum budget.  Yes, this can be done.  Look at all the outdoor elements we have around us, pine cones, wood chips, flowers, leaves, pine tree branches.  Also white linen, red and green ribbons, lavender plants for great scents.  This is just a few tips to get you started.  I know we all have creativity in our genes. Don't host a  rubber chicken affair; strive for a little more creativity in your offerings as you present your holiday event. Think beyond the typical event.   Take advantage of your discount stores.  Your event should not break the bank.  You can also accomplished your tasteful event in a short time frame.  Just make sure you write down your steps and cover each task.  Happy Holidays!   If you have questions, please send me a post....til next time, I'm only a blog away!!   We are Voila'! Events Made Simple, LLC..............................

TWP = Teens With a Purpose Auction, Gala & Forum

The Event of the Year.  I wanted to talk about helping our teens grow in all our communities with giving them a positive environment  to express their inter thoughts and ambitions as they grow into young adults.   Teens With a Purpose is a non profit organization that give teens a place to go with positive mentors.  If you have the time and energy to help with this purpose please visit the web site at www.twpthemovement.org and sign up to go to the Auction & Gala or the Teen Forum or both.  We would embrace you and your guess.  Let's help these young people continue to be Move Makers.