Demand is Projected to Increase in 2011

Good News for 2011!

Both The National Association of REALTORS® and Fannie Mae expect an increase in demand for homebuyers in 2011. Pending home sales jumped in October, showing a positive uptrend since bottoming in June, according to the National Association of REALTORS®.

The Pending Home Sales Index (see below), a forward-looking indicator, rose 10.4 percent to 89.3 based on contracts signed in October from 80.9 in September. The PHSI is based on signed real estate contracts for existing single-family homes, condos and co-ops. A signed contract is not counted as a sale until the transaction closes. Modeling for the PHSI looks at the monthly relationship between existing-home sale contracts and transaction closings over the last four years.
This increase confirms a growing feeling that demand for housing has begun to increase. Both NAR and Fannie Mae expect an increase in sales over the upcoming five quarters. Here are their projections:

Sales will increase over the next several quarters. The increase will initiate a housing recovery. However, price increases will not take place until current inventory levels diminish, which could take up to a year and a half to return to normal.

Come See Why it's Easier at Nothnagle!

Between our Weekly Market Report, Print Advertising, Easy-to-use Website, 4-Sale Line and 7-Step Marketing plan, Nothnagle has something no one else has to offer!

Watch what our agents are saying about us and why it's easier at Nothnagle!

Helpful Tips for Any Kind of Move

Preparing for a move is often stressful and overwhelming, not to mention expensive. Below are some tips to keep in mind to make your move go smoothly when planning, whether making a short or long distance move.

Determine your type of move:
You have three basic choices: do-it-yourself, full service or a hybrid move. Doing a move by yourself is the cheapest method with only the cost of the truck rental, gas, packing material and maybe some lunch or dinner for anyone who helps.
With full-service moves, moving within a state is charged by the hour, while moving across state lines is charged by weight and mileage.
With a hybrid move, a mover will drop off a large container at your home for you to pack. The mover will then load the container onto a truck, drive the belongings to your new location and drop off the container for you to unload. Because you’re doing the manual labor of packing and unpacking, it’s far less costly than a full-service move. Also take into consideration tipping your movers $3-$5/per hour.

Hire a quality mover: If you do hire help, get at least three price quotes and do some research. Investigate a company’s reputation with the Better Business Bureau and a company’s complaint history at the federal government site. Look for two things when hiring a moving company: A full-service mover should visit your home in person, not give a quote over the phone or online, and should provide a written estimate, according to experts.

Declutter: No matter what type of move you’re making, taking less stuff is cheaper and less hassle. Set up a staging area, perhaps in a garage, with various piles, such as throw out, recycle, donate and sell. For many items, use the rule of thumb, ‘If you haven’t used it in a year, you probably don’t need it.’

Be flexible: Like airline fares, moving rates depend on when you book. The busiest time for movers, and thus the most expensive time for consumers, is summer weekends near the 15th and 30th of the month. If you have time flexibility, ask what rates would be for different days or seasons. If you have extreme flexibility, ask about moving standby: waiting until the mover has extra space and needs to fill a truck.

Save on boxes and packing materials: Buying new boxes from a moving company is the most expensive choice. To save some money on packing materials, ask if you can buy used boxes from your moving company or find free boxes. Free boxes can be found from people who have just moved (your realtor can help you), or from various stores in your area that are throwing boxes away. If you’re packing your belongings yourself, start to fill suitcases, laundry baskets and plastic containers with unbreakable items. Use pillows, scarves and towels to wrap fragile belongings.
Mail books: If you have a large collection of books, pack them yourself and ship them at the postal media mail rate as it might be cheaper than paying a mover—a 70-pound box would cost less than $30.

Insure it: Check your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to determine whether it provides coverage for your belongings while in transit. If not, you’ll probably want more than the basic free valuation coverage a full-service mover provides. The standard valuation is 60 cents per pound per item. That means breaking a 10-pound, $1,000 stereo system would net you $6. You’ll want full replacement-value insurance, which reimburses you what it will cost to replace broken items. But don’t necessarily buy that insurance from the moving company. Moving insurance is likely cheaper from a third party, but be aware that you probably cannot get insurance on boxes you packed yourself.

Be prepared: Plot out where furniture and boxes will go before moving day arrives. The less time movers spend rearranging, the less expensive it will be. In urban areas, reserve a space or two in front of your new home for the moving truck by parking your own vehicle there ahead of time. If the movers have to park too far away to unload, you could incur a ‘long carry’ surcharge.

Stake your claim: If you’re moving for a job, negotiate the best relocation package you can. Unreimbursed expenses might be tax-deductible. For details, see Publication 521.

Nothnagle Gives to Ronald McDonald House

During the months of November and December Nothnagle's Corporate, Brighton, Irondequoit, Fairport, Brockport, and Lakeville branches collected items to donate to Ronald McDonald House. On December 15th eight representatives from Nothnagle visited Ronald's House and delivered food items, toys, gift cards and supplies. The house provides a warm and peaceful “home-away-from-home” for families traveling to the Rochester area for their child’s medical care.

The first Ronald McDonald House opened in Philadelphia in 1974. Since then, many other communities followed suit recognizing this same need in their own community. Today, there are over 260 Houses throughout the United States, and 29 countries around the world. In 1996, the Rochester Ronald McDonald House merged with the local chapter of Ronald McDonald Children's Charities. Today there is the House on Westmoreland which hosts up to 20 families at once and is run by over 300 volunteers and a small staff as well as the House within the Hospital located atop the new, state-of-the-art Pediatric Intensive care Unit at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong. The House within the Hospital is for the families of critically ill or injured children receiving treatment at the hospital.

Nothnagle's Webster Branch Donates for the Holidays

This year Nothnagle's Webster branch donated for the Holidays through the
Eastern Service Workers Association. The branch sponsored two families in November with complete food baskets and sponsored two families in December with food and gifts for all family members, one of which has 7 children. ESWA is a self-help, all-volunteer membership association located on Bay Street, made up of Monroe County's working and unemployed poor. It was founded in Rochester in 1976 by low-income service workers and their families, who banded together with concerned community residents to address survival needs and build permanent solutions to their poverty conditions. The organization benefits its members' poverty conditions with emergency food, clothing, legal advice, preventative medical care and job referrals. This assistance is available to members free of charge.

Don't take your Home off the Market During the Holidays

Many of us are incredibly busy over the holiday months trying to organize parties and dinners that the thought keeping a house in “show time” condition during the holidays may seem close to impossible. In opposition, others may feel that there will be no traffic at all, so why keep it listed?

It is understandable why so many would find it easy just to take the house off the market until the New Year. If you are too busy, then why wouldn’t potential buyers also be too busy? What if you do keep it listed and receive an offer? The thought of packing up and moving during the busiest season of the year could seem overwhelming. Don’t be discouraged and don’t forget that your Realtor is there to help in any way.

Your house definitely won’t sell if it isn’t on the market, so what is the logic in taking it off? There are actually many advantages in trying to sell your house during the holidays. Most people take off work sometime during the season. Husbands and wives have off from work, which agents like because families can view the homes together and have more time. With many motivated buyers in the marketplace, you may find you have more showings than you would if you sold your home during a busier time of the year.
Before you take your home off the market, consider the following points:
Buyers who are actively looking during the holidays are that much more serious. Agents believe the home market is no more affected at Christmas than during other "busy" periods. If that were so, the market would shut down throughout the year as families concentrate on spring weddings, June graduations, summer vacations, and autumn back-to-school activities.

Many buyers deliberately choose to shop for a home after the busy spring and summer rush. They know that it will be easier to look, and that negotiations will be less stressful.

Relocating families often don't have a choice when they can leave for their new destination. Although 68% of transferring families have children, many families have to transfer during the middle of the school year. These families are that much more motivated to get their families settled in before either the January semester begins, or to arrange for the move during spring break in March. If you sign a contract by New Year's Eve, the timing couldn't be more perfect.

When is your home ever more beautiful and inviting? During the holidays! You have cleaned and decorated, and your home looks festive and inviting. If the results are good enough for family and friends, they will surely be good enough to impress your buyers. Get family members to do a five-minute pick-up every morning to keep holiday messes to a minimum. Allowing buyers to view your home during the holidays lets them better picture their own family life in the attractive environment you have created.

Finally, if you do get a contract, you can arrange the terms to suit your needs. If moving during the holidays isn't an option, you can put in the closing date of your choice. Most people can close 30 to 60 days after a contract is written, so there is plenty of time. Possession and closings are very negotiable.

Nothnagle's Relocation, Home Services and Insurance Branches Donate to DePaul

For the last three years Nothnagle Realtor's Relocation & Home Services branches have collected donations for DePaul. DePaul is a private not-for-profit organization committed to providing quality services to the elderly, persons in recovery from a mental illness, developmental disabilities, addictions, and those with a history of homelessness.

DePaul was founded in Rochester in 1958 as a child guidance center. Formerly a not-for-profit subsidiary of the Catholic Family Center, DePaul was originally established to meet the mental health needs of children in the Diocesan School District. Today DePaul offers services in 18counties across two states, operates over 2,700 beds and serves more than 5,000 individuals.

This year, Nothnagle's Relocation, Home Services and Insurance branches are donating holiday gifts to residents in the Edgerton Square location (435 Dewey Avenue), a facility for mentally disabled adults. These donations help the Edgerton Square staff provide gifts for all of their residents. With New York State budget cuts, this facility has experienced considerable funding cut backs. They very much appreciate donations and help during the holiday gift-giving season.

Donations can be made by contacting: DePaul, 1931 Buffalo Rd, Rochester, NY 14624 at 585-426-8000. For more information, you may also contact Shirley Adams at 585-785-5580.

Help the Ontario Branch win the Red Kettle Challenge Again!

The Nothnagle Ontario office will ring the bell Saturday December 18. Defending their trophy!

Ontario Boy Scout Troop 127 is chal­lenging community and business or­ganizations and individuals to support the annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Christmas campaign this holiday season. Any and all groups and individuals are encouraged to join the fun-spirited competition. The bell ringing campaign began Thanksgiving and continues until Dec. 25. Bell ringers will be stationed at the Tops Market on Furnace Road in On­tario.

The winner of the challenge is deter­mined based on the number of people participating and their spirit and enthu­siasm as well as any unique ideas that the groups present to show their support. The amount of money raised by the individual groups is not a factor in determining the winner.

The winner of the challenge will be awarded the BSA Troop 127 Ontario Red Kettle Challenge trophy to keep in their possession until next year’s competition. The winners’ names are engraved on the trophy. The winner of the 2009 compe­tition was Nothnagle Realty of Ontario. Last year, the Troop challenge generated $4,742.50 in donations for the Salvation Army.

So far, the following groups have en­tered this year’s competition: BSA Troop 127 (past winner); Ontario Fire Compa­ny (past winner); Nothnagle Realty (cur­rent champion); Future Business Leaders of America, Wayne Central School; Girl Scout Troop 377; Lyons National Bank; and North Ontario United Methodist Church.

Anyone wishing to join the BSA Troop 127 Ontario Red Kettle Chal­lenge, as well as individuals who want to volunteer to ring the bell at Tops Market, should contact Robert E. Brewer, coordi­nator for the Troop 127 Red Kettle Chal­lenge and Salvation Army Red Kettle Coordinator for Ontario, at rbrewer@rochester.rr.com or rebntv@rit.edu or (585) 455.1745 or 315.524.5218.

Bell Ringers Needed for Holiday

The Salvation Army needs bell ring­ers in rural areas of Western New York. Volunteers are needed immediately to staff the Red Kettles between now and Christmas. Individuals, couples, families, church groups, and service organizations are encouraged to volunteer. Areas include Williamson, Lyons, Macedon, Newark, Palmyra, Sodus and Victor. To volunteer, call Rod Ballengee at (716) 498-2439.

Home Buyer Tax Credit Still Available to Veterans!

How Can Veterans Get the Tax Credit?

Qualifying Veterans who are first-time buyers need to be under contract by April 30, 2011 and close by June 30, 2011 to receive up to $8000 in the form of a tax credit on their income tax return. The tax credit is equal to 10% of the purchase price, up to $8,000 max.


What about Repeat Home Buying Veterans?

Yes, eligible repeat home buying Veterans can also receive a tax credit equal to 10% of the purchase price, up to $6500.


Does it have to be a VA Loan?

No, they do not have to take VA mortgages to get the credit.


Who is eligible?

Military personnel who have served overseas for at least 90 days during any part of 2009 or 2010, will have an additional year to buy their homes and still qualify for the tax credit. Intelligence service and foreign service personnel also are eligible. Some residency and income limits apply.


What other benefits are provided for Veterans?

Service members are exempt from the occupancy requirements that other non-veterans buyers are held to. Home buyers who sell within three years of purchase are typically liable for repayment of the tax credit. Qualifying service members have no occupancy requirement.

Contact a Nothnagle agent today for more information or call 899-MOVE!

Nothnagle is Voted Favorite Realtor 9 Years in a Row!

Thank you to everyone who voted us #1 again!

Pittsford Branch Volunteers for the Holidays

The Village of Pittsford will be hosting their Annual Candlelight Night on December 7th. This community-wide event is something you won't want to miss! Bring the kids by our Pittsford branch located at 33 South Main Street to visit with Santa from 6-9 P.M. We're not sure who enjoys the visit from Santa more....the kids or our agents!

Several agents are also Bell Ringers for the Salvation Army at Eastview Mall on December 8th. If you're out shopping at the Mall, stop and say hi!

The agents in Pittsford are also collecting toys and games for the Hillside Children's Center, food for the Pittsford Food Bank as well as clothes for The Open Door Mission. If you have anything to donate please contact the Pittsford branch at 381-4770 or stop in the office located at 33 South Main Street.

Nothnagle's Relocation Department gets an "A" Rating!

Congratulations to Nothnagle's Relocation Department for an outstanding performance and quality results! SIRVA gave Nothnagle a performance rating of 100% for the 3rd quarter of 2010. Nothnagle's overall ranking is 2nd out of 147 brokers associated with the SIRVA relocation network. They also received a perfect score in Customer Service!

Whether you are moving to Rochester or out of Rochester, from corporations to families, whatever your reason to move you can count on Nothnagle REALTORS for a seamless transition. Our in-house relocation department can move you from anywhere to anywhere – across the state, across the country, even around the globe! Our Move Managers can access information on over 10,000 communities worldwide, will help you pinpoint your exact preferences and then can carefully handpick an agent for you that will deliver the same quality service you’ve come to know and expect from your local Nothnagle agent.

Newark Branch Helps for the Holidays

Nothnagle's Newark office is participating in the Village of Newark's Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday evening Dec. 3 at Central Park (Main & Union Street). The Newark office is providing horse drawn carriage rides around the village of Newark.

Along with the Tree Lighting Ceremony, Nothnagle's Newark office is also sponsoring a food drive for their local food closet to make up Holiday Baskets. They are expecting a great turnout! If anyone would like to help the Newark office in their efforts to volunteer please contact Gail Vanderbrook, Branch Manager, at 315-331-1111.