An Uplifting Trend

 The worst of the housing slowdown is over and the pace of existing home sales is expected to rise in the first quarter of 2007 from its current 6.2-million-unit pace to 6.3 million. Home prices, which have been falling since August 2006, will follow this positive sales trend and begin to strengthen by the second quarter.  With this uplifting forecast, potential buyers will once again regain the confidence to enter the market, and quick-thinking buyers will look ahead to get a jump-start. We can all feel good that housing has weathered the storm, and real estate health is on its way!

A Monthly Newsletter

 

Cheryl Coutermash

Phone: (321) 368-2039

Bathroom Remodeling Ideas

One of the best ways to add value to your home is to remodel your bathroom.  Even just adding a few upgrades can make a significant difference.  Adding a Jacuzzi tub to the master bathroom can add luxury and elegance to even the simplest bathroom. A new set of tiles can also make an impact by simply changing the color or style.  Whichever option you choose, remember to give a unified look and feel so that it fits well with the rest of the house!

Warranty Wisdom

Instead of trying to keep track of all the companies you call on to service your house, why not purchase a Weichert Home Protection Plan. You will only have to make one call describing the warranty problem, and the appropriate service person will be sent right to your house.

 

 

Healthy Breakfast Made Simple

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day but few have time for it. Here are a few healthy breakfast ideas if you’re on the run:

· Low fat yogurt sprinkled with low at granola

· Oatmeal with low fat, fat free, or soy milk

· Whole wheat toast with a thin spread of peanut                  butter

Italian Love Cake

 

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

1 (18.25 ounce) pkg chocolate

cake mix

1 cup milk

4 eggs

2 pints part-skim ricotta cheese

3/4 cup white sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 (3.9 ounce) pkg instant chocolate pudding mix

1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

 

Directions: Prepare cake mix as directed on box. 

Pour batter into 9 x 13 x 2-inch greased baking dish.  Set aside. Combine ricotta cheese, sugar, vanilla and eggs. Blend well.  Spread mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter. 

Bake at 350 degrees F: glass baking dish –75 minutes; metal pan - 90 minutes. Blend pudding mix and milk until thickened.  Blend in whipped topping.  Spread over cooled cake.

Home Sellers vs. Homebuyers

Did you know that the characteristics of homebuyers and sellers can differ greatly?  The NAR Profile provides us some insight into the demographic characteristics of home sellers versus homebuyers. Home sellers are typically older, 46 years of age compared to the typical homebuyer, which is 41.  Naturally, home sellers tend to have higher incomes.  Seller households are more likely than homebuyers to have no children under the age of 18 living at home and are more likely to be a married couple.