Monday, October 25, 2010

What Your Home is NOT Worth

Your home is NOT worth...

1. What you NEED to get for your home.

2. What you think you SHOULD get for your home.

3. What your neighbor's home sold for.

4. What your friend's home sold for in Omaha.

5. What the county assessor values your home at (in most cases).


These are just some of the many things I hear from sellers when going on listing appointments. The fact of the matter is, in real estate, your home is worth EXACTLY what the MARKET says it is worth.

The market is telling you what your home is worth. Are you listening?

If you would like to know the value of your home or if you have any Lincoln, Nebraska real estate market questions... please don't hesitate to contact me anytime!

Jason Korn
The Korn Team
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts
www.WeSellLincoln.com
www.twitter.com/JasonKorn
jason@kornteam.com

Friday, October 22, 2010

Comparing September 2010 to September 2009 Lincoln Real Estate Statistics

I often get asked, "So how's the Lincoln real estate market since the tax-credit has ended?"

Well the truth of the matter is that we have definitely seen a "hangover" from the tax credit. Now, I don't like to focus on the negative or just spout out negative things but, I do think that simply sharing the facts is okay and can be very helpful.

So each month I'm not only going to give the previous month's real estate statistics for Lincoln, Nebraska, I'll also be giving the previous year's stats for that month. Keep in mind, last year we had the tax credit. So let's compare!

In my last blog post I shared September 2010 real estate stats. Here is a look at September 2009:

# of Homes Sold: 323
Avg. Sale Price: $142,342
Median Sale Price: $128,500
Avg. Days on Market: 60

Being informed is very powerful. My goal is to keep you informed on our local residential real estate market. Remember, if you would like to know the value of your home or if you simply have a real estate question, please don't hesitate to contact me!

It's a good life,
Jason Korn
The Korn Team
www.WeSellLincoln.com
www.twitter.com/JasonKorn
RE/MAX Real Estate Conepts
402.310.0409
jason@kornteam.com

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Lincoln, NE Real Estate Market Udpate for September 2010

# of Homes Sold: 192
Avg Sale Price: $147,057
Median Sale Price: $135,000
Avg Days on Market: 94
# of Current Listings: 1,491

Homes values can depend highly on your location and the Lincoln, Nebraska real estate market is no different. If you would like to know the value of YOUR home, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Jason Korn
The Korn Team
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts
www.WeSellLincoln.com
www.twitter.com/JasonKorn
402.310.0409

*These stats are taken from Midlands MLS on 10/20/10 for the date range of 9/01/10 - 09/30/10 for residential homes only in the city of Lincoln.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Lincoln, Ne Residential Real Estate Statistics Aug 2010

Homes currently listed: 1,494
# of Sold homes: 181
Avg sale price: $169,303
Avg Days on Market: 92

Tidbit:
Don't think pricing the home correctly right away matters? Did you know... Homes sold within the first 30 days sold for 97% of list price. Homes sold 31-60 days on the market sold for only 93% of list price.

*statistics according to the MLS. Residential stats in Lincoln.


Curious what YOUR home is worth? Contact me anytime for a free market evaluation of your home!

Jason Korn
The Korn Team
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts
402.310.0409
jason@kornteam.com
www.WeSellLincoln.com
http://twitter.com/JasonKorn

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Should I Rent or Buy???

Let's take a look at the classic debate: Rent vs Buy.

I often hear (from agents mostly) that if you rent, you're only throwing away your money. True! Sort of. See, it's much more complicated than that. Deciding between renting and buying is actually very situational and can depend on many factors. Much like a real estate transaction, each person has a different situation and your "game plan" as I like to call it, needs to be tailored to each specific person.

Let's quickly take a look at the advantages of both renting and buying:

Renting Advantages
1. No long term commitment. - You are not committed to any particular property for longer than you sign a lease for. If you have an uncertain job situation this can be very advantageous.

2. It often costs LESS to rent. - Studies have shown that often renting costs less than owning a home. Rents can often be slightly lower than mortgage payments & upkeep costs on owning a home can also add a costly element.

3. You don't have to worry about repairs/improvements. - Part of being a responsible homeowner involves upkeep of a home and making improvements to the home that will protect your investment. As a tenant, you are not responsible for any of this! If something breaks... call the landlord!

Buying Advantages
1. You OWN it. - When you purchase a home, it's yours! You can do whatever you want (within the law) to your home and in your home.

2. You know what your mortgage will be. - Whether you're getting a fixed rate loan or an A.R.M., you are still aware of what your payments are going to be for the coming years. In renting, your landlord can raise your rent just about anytime outside of your lease term.

3. It's a GREAT investment. - Buying a home is like investing in the stock market. You will (in most cases) gain equity on your home. That being said, you should use the old investing adage of "Buy low, sell high".

So as you can see there are arguments for both side of the debate. What this really comes down to is your preference and your particular situation. I always enjoy sitting down with people to discuss their situation and help them analyze which is best... to rent or to buy.

Jason Korn
The Korn Team
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts
402.310.0409
jason@kornteam.com
http://www.weselllincoln.com/
http://twitter.com/JasonKorn

Monday, August 9, 2010

Lincoln, Nebraska Real Estate Market Statistics - July 2010

July 1, 2010 - July 31, 2010 Statistics*

# of new listings: 368
#of sold homes: 175
Average sale price: $165,360
Average # of days on the market: 35

The total # of homes listed in Lincoln, Nebraska (as of 8/9/10): 1,455

If you would like specific stats about YOUR neighborhood, please contact me at 402.310.0409 or jason@kornteam.com

Jason Korn
The Korn Team
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts
Lincoln, NE
www.WeSellLincoln.com
http://twitter.com/JasonKorn

*All residential homes (existin & new) listed in city limits of Lincoln according to the MLS.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Lincoln, Nebraska Real Estate Statistics March 2010

March 1, 2010 - March 31, 2010 Statistics*

# of new listings: 501
# of sold homes: 303
Average sale price: $150,540
Average # of days on the market:

The current total # of homes listed in Lincoln, NE: 1,592

If you would like specific stats about YOUR neighborhood, please contact me at 402.310.0409 or jason@kornteam.com

Jason Korn
The Korn Team
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts
Lincoln, NE
www.WeSellLincoln.com
http://twitter.com/JasonKorn

*All residential homes (existing & new) listed in city limits of Lincoln according to the MLS.

Wednesday, March 31, 2010

90 Days or Sell it for Free Guarantee

Attention For Sale By Owners!!!

I am offering a special program to YOU!


I'll sell your home in 90 days or I will sell it for FREE!!!

Contact me: 402.310.0409 or
jason@kornteam.com

Jason Korn
The Korn Team
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts
http://www.weselllincoln.com/
http://twitter.com/JasonKorn

Monday, March 22, 2010

10 Tips to Staging Your Home to Sell

We all know that in today's real estate market in Lincoln, Nebraska that the competition is high. No doubt, we are in a price war and a beauty pageant! So in order to get your home sold quickly and for the most amount of money, you need (along with the right price) to have your home to show its best. Well, the other day I came across a very simple to understand but very helpful article from Lowe's that I would like to share with you.

10 Tips to Staging Your Home to Sell

Of course be sure to call The Korn Team at RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts first! We provide a free staging consult by a professional stager for all of our listing clients!

Thanks for visiting!
Jason Korn
The Korn Team
RE/MAX
www.WeSellLincoln.com
402.310.0409

Friday, March 5, 2010

Lincoln, Nebraska Real Estate Stats February 2010

February 1, 2010 - February 28, 2010 Statistics

# of new listings: 373
# of sold homes: 136
Average sale price: $151,862
Average # of days on the market: 63

The current total # of homes listed in Lincoln, NE: 1,423

*homes that sold in the first 30 days sold for an avg of 98% of their list price. (In other words, PRICE YOUR HOME CORRECTLY TO BEGIN WITH)

If you would like specific stats about YOUR neighborhood, please contact at 402.130.0409 or jason@kornteam.com

Jason Korn
The Korn Team
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts
Lincoln, NE
www.WeSellLincoln.com

Friday, February 5, 2010

What Features Are Buyers Looking For?

Hey Everyone!

In the current Lincoln, Nebraska real estate market it is imperative that your home be priced well, show well, & be marketed aggressively! Today I ran across this article that talks about the 10 features that buyers are looking for. All real estate information is dependent on the local market but after reading this article I can tell you that the buyer wants in it are very similar to those that we face here in Lincoln. Please check this article out "10 Features Buyers Want"

If you have any more questions please feel free to contact me!

It's a good life,
Jason Korn
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts
402.310.0409
www.WeSellLincoln.com
http://twitter.com/JasonKorn

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Foreclosures Cause More Issues Than You Think

Hey Everyone!

I wanted to talk about a subject in our economy that has become way to common. Foreclosures. I'm sure you all know what they are and how detrimental they can be to your credit but, one thing that doesn't get talked about is what it can do to a person emotionally and psychologically. Unfortunately, I have met many amazingly good people who are now facing hard times financially and in risk of losing their home. This issue goes much deeper than financial standing. It often rips families apart or causes health issues due to stress and depression. This subject is especially concerning to me because the only reason I decided to start a career in real estate was to make a positive difference in people's lives. I am talking straight from my heart when I tell you that it pains me to meet people who are suffering and in danger of losing their home on top of it. Most of them did not see it coming and did not intend on missing payments or losing their job, or having an emergency medical situation. The following link is an article that briefly tells you about what a foreclosure can do to a person. Foreclosures Take Heavy Toll on Hearts and Mind

So if you or someone you know is struggling to make the house payment or foresees that happening in the near future, please contact me. I will offer a no cost, private consultation to help you decide what to do next. Often times I can help you save your home. Other times I can help you get out of your home with the least amount of damage to both you financially and emotionally. Please allow me to help. Nothing would give me great pleasure.

Thank you for visiting,
Jason Korn
402.310.0409
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts
www.WeSellLincoln.com
http://twitter.com/JasonKorn

Monday, February 1, 2010

Inexpensive ways to WOW Buyers

I am often asked by my seller clients, "What can I do to make sure my homes shows well?" What a fantastic question and I love it when they ask me before I bring it up. This just goes to show you that it is becoming more apparent to sellers that not only do you need aggressive marketing & the right price but, you have to also make sure that your home shows better than your competition.

Well, there are many things you can do as a seller to get your home ready to show. Most things depend on the current condition your home is in. However, there are two things that EVERYONE needs to do when selling their home:

1. DE-CLUTTER 2. DE-PERSONALIZE.

As a rule of thumb there should be no more than 1-2 objects on each flat surface of your home. If you don't absolutely need it or can story it out of sight, do it! Also, when buyers walk through a home they are trying to picture their belongings and raising their family in that home. Pictures of you and your family detract from this and often distract the buyers as they walk through your home because they are busy trying to figure out if they know you or not.

Are you thinking about selling your home? Call me first 402.310.0409. I'll send you a free report of "10 Inexpensive Ways to Wow Buyers". Which in turn will sell your home quicker & for the most amount of money possible.

It's a good life,
Jason Korn
The Korn Team
RE/MAX Real Estate Concepts
Lincoln, NE
www.WeSellLincoln.com

p.s. be sure to follow me on twitter on facebook