Real Estate Historically is a Good Investment

People ask all the time, is it a good time to buy? The answer is if you view real estate as a long term investment....the answer is almost always "yes." Nationally, since the 1940's home prices have risen an average of 4% annually. The National Association of Realtors began tracking statistics in 1968 and since that time, the average annual increase in median sales price has been 6%. In the local market, while prices rose slightly during the peak of the recent market, our appreciation was not as dramatic as other parts of the country (e.g. California, Arizona, Florida) but on the positive side, it also was not as dramatic of a decrease either. Markets in some other parts of the country have been devestated by the rapid depreciation in sales prices and many people now own homes that are worth less than what they owe. Over time, most of these homeowners will recover the value of their homes if they view this as a longterm investment.

Median prices in Rochester remain stable and the 2nd and 3rd quarters of 2009 have been very strong. At Nothnagle Realtors, the 2nd quarter of 2009 equalled 40% of all sales that occured in 2008....a tremendous quarter for the company.

There are many benefits to homeownership and today is a great time to buy a home. Many people jump in when the market is "hot" but the ideal conditions exist today with the low interest rates available, healthy supply of inventory to choose from and the promise of a solid long term investment.

Nothnagle agents are trained to handle all market conditions and have the experience and expertise to guide you. Call a Nothnagle agent direct or 899-MOVE to get started.

Vote for Rochester's Choice Awards

Please help Nothnagle continue its longstanding record of being named Rochester's Choice for Real Estate by casting your vote in this year's contest! For 7 consecutive years (since the awards inception), Nothnagle has been honored by the community with this distinguished award. This year, voters can also select Nothnagle in two additional categories -- Local Website (nothnagle.com) and Insurance Company (Nothnagle Insurance Agency). You must vote in at least 15 categories to be counted. It's easy to do and fun to select all of your "favorites" in and around Rochester. Visit the Rochester Choice voting site to cast your vote today. Thank you in advance for making Nothnagle Realtors Rochester's Choice!

Locally Based With Global Connections

We have all heard the saying “You are only as good as the company that you keep.” That is true for companies as well. While Nothnagle Realtors is a locally-owned and independently-operated organization, we are associated nationally and internationally with other brokerage companies of similar customer service values and “do the right thing” like-mindedness via our membership in Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® (Leading RE) (www.LeadingRE.com).

Members of Leading RE are in 35 countries around the globe and represent over 600 companies with 5,000 offices and 150,000 associates. Leading RE has the #1 market share in more of the top 90 markets than any national brand and they continue to produce the highest number of sales units among the top 500 residential firms in the United States.

If you are moving across town or across the country or even to another country, Nothnagle Realtors can help you. And through our Leading RE network, we can assure you that you will get the same service you've come to expect from your hometown Realtor. Call any Nothnagle agent direct or 585-899-MOVE for more information.

Nothnagle to Host Open House Event

Nothnagle Realtors will be hosting a special event featuring 175 open houses on Saturday, October 3, 2009, in recognition of the City of Rochester’s 175th Anniversary celebration. Nothnagle Realtors is proud to be a sponsor of Rochester’s series of “Coming Home” events.

The featured listings in the 175th open house event will be highlighted in various advertisements next week and on Nothnagle.com. This is not an event limited to just City homes; we will feature homes available for sale throughout the Greater Rochester community.

If you currently have your home listed with Nothnagle, contact your Nothnagle agent to have your home included.

Declutter to Prepare Your Home for Sale

One of the most effective (and least costly) tips to follow when preparing to list your home is to remove the clutter! I know, after 10, 20 or 30 years in a home you've accumulated a lot of stuff. But potential buyers want to envision THEIR stuff in the home, plus removing the clutter will open up and brighten the space. Where to begin? Two very important locations are the kitchen and the closets. Remove all clutter from the kitchen counter tops, clean out that junk drawer, straighten out your cabinets. Remove the magnets and artwork on the refrigerator. A good rule of thumb -- Keep It Simple! Most buyers will look in your cabinets and closets to see how much storage space is available. Now is a good time to clean out old clothes, donate items, store out-of-season clothes. Closets should be neatly organized and should never be used to "hide" the clutter you're trying to remove from living spaces. Not only will it prepare your home for showings, it will also help you down the road when it's time to move. Too much stuff and not enough space? We can help! Nothnagle offers temporary storage services at a discount to our clients. Check out our list of partners in our ClientPerks/Home Services division.