Real Estate Blog - Dil Gillani

Get a Taste of the Halloween SPIRIT with the Frappula!

  It's the Halloween drink from your nightmares that tastes devilishly good! Starbucks is known for releasing seasonal drinks around specific holiday's but this one seems to be everyone's favorite!   "This blended beverage is made with white chocolate sauce, milk and ice blended together, and layered between mocha sauce and a dollop of whipped cream. A drizzle of raspberry syrup oozes from the rim, which is finished with whipped cream on top." - the official Starbucks site.    This drink is available only until October 31st, but if you love the drink and want more of it don't fear! You can order this drink and many other drinks at Starbucks by recipe any time after the drink is no longer available! In fact, Starbucks has a whole secret…

1340 Views, 0 Comments

Market Updates: Picking a Real Estate Agent through Facebook

According to a joint study released by Google and the National Association of Realtors, 2 of 3 people searching for a prospective real estate professional research them“extensively online prior to working with them". And, that number is probably increasing every day.

Are social media channels such as Facebook really a good place to gather information about an agent before using them? If so, what should you look for?

There is a plethora of information on any subject available on social media sites such as Facebook. A recent study by the Pew Research Center revealed that 63% of Americans now even get their news from Facebook (up from 47% in 2013).

It is no different for both buyers and sellers of real estate. Yes, Facebook is a good place…

1269 Views, 0 Comments

Market Updates: New Home Sales Surge!

According to the latest report from the US Census Bureau and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, newly constructed home sales jumped 5.7% month-over-month and 21.6% year-over-year to an annual pace of 552,000.

Many buyers are looking to the new homes market to make up for the lack of existing home sales inventory. National Association of Home Builders Chief Economist David Crowe explains:

"Today's report indicates the release of pent-up housing demand as the overall economy strengthens, consumer confidence grows and mortgage interest rates remain low. The housing market should continue to move forward at a modest but more persistent pace throughout the rest of 2015."

Regionally, the Northeast led the way with a 24.1%…

1278 Views, 0 Comments

Halloween Cocktails to Spook Up Any Occasion!

These criminal cocktails will take your Halloween festivities to the next level!

1. Black Velvet

You'll Need:

• 3 ounces of stout beer (Guinness)
• 3 ounces of dry sparkling wine

Directions:

Pour the stout into a large champagne flute. Slowly top with the sparkling wine and stir gently.

2. Chocolate Malted Martini

You'll Need:

• 3 tablespoons of vodka
• 1 tablespoon of chocolate syrup
• 1 tablespoon of chocolate malt powder 
• 1 tablespoon of half and half
• 2 dashes of chocolate biters

Directions:

In a martini shaker filled with ice, mix together all of the ingredients listed above. Shake vigorously, and strain into a glass.

3. Dark and Spooky

You'll Need:

• 1/2 cup of ginger beer
• 2…

1568 Views, 0 Comments

Market Updates: Why You Should Hire A Professional When Buying A Home!

Many people wonder whether they should hire a real estate professional to assist them in buying their dream home or if they should first try to go it on their own. In today’s market: you need an experienced professional!

You Need an Expert Guide if you are Traveling a Dangerous Path

The field of real estate is loaded with land mines. You need a true expert to guide you through the dangerous pitfalls that currently exist. Finding a home that is priced appropriately and ready for you to move in to can be tricky. An agent listens to your wants and needs, and can sift out the homes that do not fit within the parameters of your “dream home”.

A great agent will also have relationships with mortgage professionals and other experts that you…

1301 Views, 0 Comments

Market Updates: 2016 Homeowners Net Worth Will Be 45X Greater Than Renter

Every three years the Federal Reserve conducts a Survey of Consumer Finances in which they collect data across all economic and social groups. The latest survey, which includes data from 2010-2013, reports that a homeowner’s net worth is 36 times greater than that of a renter ($194,500 vs. $5,400).

In a recent Forbes article the National Association of Realtors’ (NAR) Chief EconomistLawrence Yun predicts that in 2016 the net worth gap will widen even further to 45 times greater.

The graph below demonstrates the results of the last two Federal Reserve studies and Yun’s prediction:

Put Your Housing Cost to Work For You

Simply put, homeownership is a form of ‘forced savings’. Every time you pay your mortgage you are contributing to …

1207 Views, 0 Comments

Burger King's Black Halloween Whopper - Yuck or Yum?

  This year for Halloween, Burger King released a special limited time remix of their most famous burger.    It's called the Halloween Whopper. The only difference between this Whopper and a classic one is that this one has pure black buns! While it may look absolutely terrifying to some - burger king claims that the bun is black because it's baked with A1 steak sauce cooked right into it. Supposedly this bun is packed with flavor and gives the Whopper an extra zing!   What do you think? Tell us in the comments below how you feel about this limited edition Burger King Burger!  

1679 Views, 0 Comments

Market Updates: The Difference An Hour Can Make

Every Hour In The US Housing Market:

• 634 homes sell.
• 347 homes regain positive equity.
• Median home values go up $1.46.

Thanks to our wonderful friends at KCM (KeepingCurrentMatters.com) for the amazing info-graphic! .

If you're curious about your home's market value, use our free Comparative Market Analysis tool! You'll get an instant home evaluation and even a free in-person assessment provided by one of our agents at your leisure.

1238 Views, 0 Comments

These Monster Smores Will Spook Up Your Halloween!

Recently, the DIY and crafting guru (sayyes.com) posted a blog with step by step instructions on how to make this absolutely adorable critters who are more delicious than they are demons! 

• parchment paper
• assorted flat cookies (such as honey or chocolate graham crackers, Nabisco Famous Chocolate Wafers, and tea biscuits)
• thin flat chocolate bars (such as Hershey’s)
• scissors
• regular and mini marshmallows
• toothpick
• regular and mini chocolate chips

Instructions
1. Preheat the broiler.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange the cookies on the baking sheet and put a piece of the chocolate bar on top of each one.
3. To make the eyes, cut mini or regular marshmallows in half horizontally. Arrange the halves on top…

2010 Views, 0 Comments

Market Updates: You May Have More Home Equity Than You Think

CoreLogic recently released their 2015 2nd Quarter Equity Report which revealed that 759,000 properties had regained equity in the last quarter. That means that 91% of allmortgaged properties (approximately 45.9 million) are now in a positive equity position. Anand Nallathambi, president and CEO of CoreLogic, reported:

“For much of the country, the negative equity epidemic is lifting. The biggest reason for this improvement has been the relentless rise in home prices over the past three years which reflects increasing money flows into housing and a lack of housing stock in many markets.”

Obviously, this is great news for the financial situation of many homeowners.

But, do they realize their equity position has changed?

A recent…

1250 Views, 0 Comments