BJ Armstrong

Finally!

2010-08-04T11:54:00.000-07:00

I often have customers ask how long it takes to plan and design a home. The reality is that each project is different. I have planned projects for over two years before actually starting construction. If you are thinking about a custom design, know that you should not feel hurried. The truth is that it takes time to get the design, specifications and budget right. Any hurry during this stage will probably not result in an ideal home. Take your time!

That said, one of the really fun parts of my job is getting to watch this hard work and planning come together. Yesterday we were finally able to begin construction on a project that has been in planning and design for 11 months. The picture above is actually the first scoop of dirt! WooHoo!

Time & Change

2010-07-28T04:01:00.000-07:00

OK I feel a little bit like an idiot for saying Im going to have a blog and then not doing it.. I'm amazed at how fast six months moves by...

Many changes have occurred in my life and the structure of my company over that short time. Here is a quick list...

Kara Young, my admin, got promoted to a position in the real estate company. She is now officially in charge of everything Keller Williams. (she is the real reason this blog stopped!) You can find her at this link www.kellerwilliamsbn.com

Keller Williams Realty in Bloomington/Normal has grown to 34 agents. This has been quite a ride and a huge source of personal growth for me. I continue to be amazed at the depth of leadership that is provided through this company.

I welcomed Kristal Green to my sales team in June. Kristal comes to me with many years of experience in selling real estate. Together, we are able to provide better, faster service to both buyers and sellers. In a tough real estate market, we have many new tools to help you sell. Check out our newest web site dedicated to existing homes at www.bjrealtor.com

I could go on and on. I look forward to posting updates about Prairie Vista Ct and Trails on sunset lake subdivisions. Maybe next week....

Seasonal Maintenance

2009-11-19T11:47:00.000-08:00

It's getting to be that time of year again where we need to be concerned about Winter maintenance. It's always a good idea, whether you own a new home, or a well seasoned home that you familiarize yourself with some seasonal maintenance basics.

Remember to disconnect all exterior hoses to prevent pipe bursts due to frozen water.
Now is a great time to change your furnace filter.
Check the batteries in all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
Check your downspouts to make sure that they are clear of debris and will be able to properly direct water away from your foundation.
Familiarize responsible family members with the gas main valve and other appliance valves.
Clean the clothes dryer exhaust duct, damper and space under the dryer.
Make sure all electrical holiday decorations have tight connections.

As always, if you have any questions regarding general maintenance, please feel free to give us a call.

Attention Sellers!

2009-11-13T12:30:00.000-08:00

Have you been thinking of listing your home, but aren't sure what you'd walk away with from the sale? Not sure if it would be worth it to sell?

You may be surprised. With the extended first time home buyer credit, sales are picking up in our market.

We have a tool that can tell you what your net proceeds would be if you decided to sell your home. Give us a call, or send us an email to find out what your home is worth today!

November - This Month In Real Estate

2009-11-09T08:45:00.000-08:00

So, the tax credit has been extended, but what does this mean for our national market?

Well, we can tell you that existing home sales bouned back in September. The increase can be attributed to a rush of first-time buyers trying to claim the tax credit before November 30th. In all, sales jumped 9.4% to 5.57 million units over August sales of 5.09 million units. We're about 9.2% ahead of where we were last year, and sales activity is at its highest level since July of 2007.

According to Freddie Mac, fixed-rate loans are still hovering at about 5% APR. With excellent rates like these, and an extended first-time homebuyer incentive, we can look forward to watching home sales increase in the coming months.

2009-11-05T13:25:00.000-08:00

TAX CREDIT(s)

The tax credit has been a major driving force in our market over the last several months. We are happy to see it extended! Now, there is $8,000 credit available to 1st time homebuyers through April 30, 2010.

We are also looking forward to the additional buyers that will be generated through the $6,500 credit to sellers. If you have been thinking about selling your home, NOW is the time! Check out my home page at http://www.bjarmstrong.com/ to receive a free market value of your home. Fill out the MLS Market Snapshot form for details.

Search the MLS from your phone!

2009-10-22T11:44:00.000-07:00

We decided to make it easier for you to search the MLS on your own, wherever you may be.

This application is totally free, and works on any phone.

Text BJA to 87778

To get a handle on the application, watch this instructional video!

Where are buyers coming from?

2009-10-22T11:30:00.000-07:00

These statistics from the National Association of Realtors show that the majority of home buyers find your home on the internet. At a close second, they’re using an agent that they trust to find the right home for them.

This shows us that while we may still think that print advertising is the way to get the word out about your home, the truth is that people drive by and research homes on the internet almost 50% of the time, and find your home in the newspaper about 3% of the time. These numbers are powerful in that they show us where we need to be making our best efforts to market your home.

This Month in Real Estate - October

2009-10-22T11:21:00.001-07:00

This video illustrates what the real estate market is doing nationally. Coming soon...local trends!