Does it make more sense to rent or own in 2011?

Daily Real Estate News | January 6, 2011

Tables Turn in 2011 on Rent vs. Own 

Rents have surged as home prices have dropped, which have prompted some to ponder whether homeownership is really worth it. Moody’s Analytics data has suggested that it makes more financial sense to rent than buy in many U.S. cities, but Moody’s chief economist Mark Zandi now says that is about to change.

"By mid 2011 and certainly by end of 2011, buying will be superior to renting in most parts of the country," Zandi says.

Home prices are expected to fall further, making more homes affordable, whereas rent prices are expected to continue to rise this year.

The following are a few of the top cities where it makes more sense to buy than rent, according to Moody data. (Experts often recommend buying when the price-rent ratio is below 15 and rent when it’s above 20.)

▪ Cleveland: 11.43
▪ Pittsburgh, Pa.: 11.71
▪ Detroit: 12.32
▪ Phoenix: 12.35
▪ Atlanta: 12.82
▪ Tampa, Fla.: 13.08
▪ Orlando, Fla.: 13.1
▪ Cincinnati: 13.74
▪ Las Vegas: 13.89

Source: “Rent vs. Own Ratio to Flip in 2011?” Fortune (Jan. 4, 2011)

I definitely agree that rent prices will continue to rise because of the high demand of renting nowadays. Sellers who took a hit to their credit by short-selling or being foreclosed upon are now forced to rent since they cannot get a mortgage. Rentals do not last very long on the market and we often get several applications the first day being on the market! There are still amazing deals on homes out there that we may never see again. Especially for first time homebuyers, who have nothing to sell, the savings over their 30-year mortgage would be incredible right now! Call me if you are looking to buy! 708-307-9616

- Ashley

3 Reasons to Sell a Home Soon

3 Reasons to Sell a Home Soon

What do you tell a client who asks whether to sell a house now or wait? Steve McLinden, real estate adviser with Bankrate.com, offers these three good reasons not to wait, even though the holidays are approaching:

1. The market is improving. Most markets have either turned or are close to turning.

2. All real estate is local. Homes in great locations are always in demand.

3. Spring is coming soon. Many potential buyers are starting their online searches right after the holidays, making mid- to late February a great time to start marketing.

Ready to get your home on the market? I also think that since a lot of buyers have time off work during the holiday season, now is the ideal time to put your home on the market! Contact me at sales@ashleywydra.com or 708-307-9616.

- Ashley

Recipe of the Month: November 2010

Overnight French Toast


This is a very easy breakfast/brunch dish that you prepare the night before and just pop in the oven in the morning! Of course, it's from my favorite recipe website, allrecipes.com! (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Overnight-French-Toast-II/Detail.aspx)

 

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 (1 pound) loaf French bread, sliced
5 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt

Directions:

1. Combine the corn syrup , butter, and brown sugar in a small saucepan and simmer until the sugar has melted. Pour this mixture over the bottom of a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
2. Place the bread slices over the sugar-butter mixture in the dish. In a bowl, beat together the eggs, milk, vanilla, and salt; pour this mixture over the bread. Cover the dish and let it stand in the refrigerator overnight.
3. The next morning, preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
4. Uncover the pan and bake for 45 minutes. Serve while hot or warm or the French toast will harden in the pan. It can be reheated.

This is such a great recipe and it's so perfect for having out-of-town guests this Holiday season and providing them with a gourmet breakfast! Let me know if you give it a try!

- Ashley

Recipe of the Month: September 2010

These awesome pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting are always a hit! There is pudding in the cake mix so they are very moist and delicious! The cream cheese frosting is a snap to make. I hope you will try them out and let me know what you think!


Pumpkin Cookies
Ingredients:
- 1 cup butter flavored shortening
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup canned pumpkin puree
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
- Cream Cheese Frosting
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter flavored shortening and sugar. Beat in the egg and vanilla, and then stir in the pumpkin puree. Combine the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and vanilla instant pudding mix; gradually mix into the pumpkin mixture. Roll into walnut sized balls and place them 2 inches apart onto the prepared cookie sheets.
3. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes in the preheated oven, until lightly browned at the edges. Allow to cool completely before frosting with cream cheese frosting.


Cream Cheese Frosting
Ingredients:
- 2 (8oz) packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions:
1. In a medium bowl, cream together the cream cheese and butter until creamy. Mix in the vanilla, then gradually stir in the confectioners' sugar. Store in the refrigerator after use.

Let me know if you try this recipe!

- Ashley

Garden Update: August 2010 - MUMS!!!

Hi there everyone,

I'm so excited that I've already gotten some Mums for my garden! I really love fall and am looking forward to also getting my mini pumpkin and hay bale for my porch! Anyways, here are some current pictures of my garden in August:

Here are two of the Mum plants on my porch.

Here are the other two Mum plants.

My sweet potato vine on my front porch has gotten HUGE!

I'm really excited about my new Venus Fly Trap! These plants are awesome and live in your house year-round.

All of the flowers in my garden have gotten huge and basically taken over!

My red bell peppers are looking good! Yum!

This plant has grown as large as a bush! It started as only a tiny plant in the spring when I bought it because I thought it looked cool.

My pretty purple flowers!

Well, that's my update for now. I can't wait until my Mums start blooming and I can get the rest of my fall decorations!

- Ashley

Recipe of the Month: Cookie-Brownie Bars

These cookie-brownie bars as I so cleverly call them are absolutely delicious and amazing! I made them once for a concert at the Ravinia and they were devoured. They have just the right amount of richness.

Cookie-Brownie Bars

Ingredients:
• 1 (18.25 ounce) package white cake mix
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup butter or margarine, cubed

Directions:
1. In a bowl, combine the dry cake mix, eggs and oil. With floured hands, press two-thirds of the mixture into a greased 13-in. x 9-in. x 2-in. baking pan. Set remaining cake mixture aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk, chocolate chips and butter. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. Microwave 45-60 seconds longer or until chips and butter are melted; stir until smooth. Pour over crust.
3. Drop by teaspoonfuls of remaining cake mixture over top. Bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool before cutting.

Next time you need a great snack for any event, you should seriously try this recipe. I'd love to hear your comments when you make them!!!

- Ashley

Article in the Wall Street Journal Online

Hey Everyone, So I was perusing through the Internet and reading stories about real estate when this one in particular caught my attention. The headline read "Redfin: Less Than Half of All Home-Sale Attempts Successful in ‘09". That's less than a 50% success rate! No wonder sellers are so hesitant to list their home in this economy! "A survey of seven major housing markets found that less than half of all attempts to sell a home in 2009 had, as of last Wednesday, resulted in a sale." (http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/08/16/redfin-less-than-half-of-all-home-sale-attempts-successful-in-09/). When buyers see all these properties sitting on the market for so long without selling, they definitely should see opportunities for great deals. Not that they should take advantage of these desperate sellers, but many sellers are settling for lower offers just to get rid of their houses so they can move on. The good news for these distraught sellers is that they will luckily make up for some of that loss in their next purchase! Interest rates are so low right now so not only will they get a low interest rate on their mortgage, but they will also get a good deal on their purchase of a home. It really does all even out in the end. Here is data from Cook County: County Name Listings Activated in 2009 # 2009 Listings Sold % 2009 Listings Sold # Still Active % Still Active Cook County, IL 134,710 44,789 33.3% 7,893 5.9% Here's the link to the entire article: http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2010/08/16/redfin-less-than-half-of-all-home-sale-attempts-successful-in-09/ - Ashley

Ashley's Garden Update: July 2010

Hey there everyone! I bet you've been wondering what's the latest update with my garden? You haven't...well, I'm going to tell you anyways! LOL!

Most of my plants are doing very well although I'm sad to say that my cilantro plant died due to all the heavy rains that we had. It drowned from too much water in the pot. I wish I could plant things in the ground, where they do so much better!

Here are some pictures from my garden:

These are some yummy veggies that I picked: grape tomatoes, yellow banana peppers, sugar snap peas, and green beans!

These are my green beans that I made for dinner after just being picked! They were soooo good with some butter and breadcrumbs!

This is my lantana plant that has gotten huge! It's doing so well in the ground!

This is my garden in the back, which also does very well every year. The in-ground sprinklers hit it just right and when it rains, it really saturates the area back there!

This plant has grown into a huge bush!

Here's a jalapeno from my plant. I plan on making this jalapeno cheddar potato soup that my parents had on a cruise and the waiter gave them the recipe for...yum! (recipe to come soon I'm sure!! lol)

Here are some yellow banana peppers on my plant. I want to make a relish with these for Italian sub sandwiches.

Here are some green peppers from my plant. I also have red peppers, which start out looking exactly like this.

Well, I hope you like looking at my progress! Sorry I couldn't figure out how to flip my pictures I'm starting to look forward to mums in the fall and mini pumpkins! But mostly pumpkin spice lattes!

- Ashley

Recipe of the Month: Heavenly Chocolate Mousse

Hey there! You absolutely have to try my favorite recipe for chocolate mousse...it's so delicious! It takes a little work, but it's definitely worth it in the end! It's from my Betty Crocker Cookbook!

Ingredients:
- 4 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 cup (heavy) whipping cream
- 1 package (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips (1 cup)
- 1 1/2 cups whipping (heavy) cream

Directions:
1. Beat egg yolks in small bowl with electric mixer on high speed about 3 minutes or until thick and lemon colored. Gradually beat in sugar.
2. Heat 1 cup whipping cream in 2-quart saucepan over medium heat just until hot.
3. Gradually stir at least half of the hot cream into egg yolk mixture, then stir back into hot cream in saucepan. Cook over low heat about 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens (do not boil).
4. Stir in chocolate chips until melted. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, just until chilled.
5. Beat 1 1/2 cups whipping cream in chilled medium bowl on high speed until stiff. Fold chocolate mixture into whipped cream. Pipe or spoon mixture into dessert dishes. Refrigerate until serving. Store covered in refrigerator.

Be ready to indulge yourself! Let me know if you make it...I'd love to know what you think!

- Ashley

New Affiliate Staging Company: Elle M Staging

Hey There!

I'm super excited to announce my new partnership with a local staging company servicing the Chicagoland area. They are called Elle M Staging and here is a word from them:

In today’s real estate market home staging is critical. A house on the market for too long not only loses dollar value but loses buyer interest. Don’t neglect the opportunity to get the most out of your largest investment!

Elle M Staging will set your house apart from comparable homes in your area and help avoid costly price reductions. 

In our initial consultation, we tour your house and present ideas and solutions to your most challenging spaces.

Through furniture placement, wall color, accessorizing, and more we will neutralize and bring alive your house.

Create that winning first impression so buyers can envision themselves living there!

Elle M Staging is now offering professional home staging in the Chicago land area.

Take advantage of our affordable services by contacting us today at:

708.805.6886 or ellemstaging@gmail.com

View us on the web at ellemstaging.com

I hope you'll take a minute to visit their website!

- Ashley

New Phone: Motorola Cliq XT powered by Android

So after having plenty of issues with my T-mobile MyTouch and 3 exchanges later, T-mobile finally decided to replace my phone with a different phone all together. They sent me a Motorola Cliq XT. So far, I'm not gonna lie, I really like the phone...even more than the MyTouch. The only problem that I'm having right now is that it's on the 1.5 version of Android and the MyTouch was on 1.6. On the 1.5 version of Android, there is no navigation in Google maps. Being a real estate agent, I used that navigation on my MyTouch like it was going out of style!

All in all, it's a pretty neat phone. Being an avid Facebook junky, I like that there are a lot of social media tools on this phone. When someone calls or I call them, the contact's Facebook picture shows up on the phone! I like this feature because people update their Facebook pictures frequently and so I will always have a current picture of someone in my phone! Another pretty sweet thing is that there are 5 screens as opposed to the MyTouch's 3 screens. I definitely will be filling those screens up with my favorite apps and widgets!

My only complaint is that my contacts transferred over strangely and it will take me a little bit of time to perfect them.

Anyways, I am hoping that this phone will allow me to be an even more efficient Realtor!

- Ashley

The Housing Market: Supply and Demand

Remember that dreaded economics class back in high school or college? Supply and demand? Well, hopefully you paid attention to your professor, because economics plays a large role in the housing market.

Remember that as the demand for something goes up and the supply goes down, the value and price go up? And likewise as the demand for something goes down and the supply goes up because there's more available, the value and price go down?

Now in terms of the housing market, as the supply of housing went up and the demand fell, the values and prices fell. Many people do not think of the housing market in this way. All sellers think that their house is worth more than they paid for it, which isn't always the case. Since there are fewer buyers out there nowadays, they truly have the upper-hand in most cases. Once demand for housing begins increasing, we will see the supply decrease and the value and prices will begin to rise.

Thinking of selling your home? At least we are in the prime summer months where showing activity is generally higher than other times of the year. Contact me today and I will share my marketing plan with you. When you list with me, you also get a free home staging consultation! Call or email me for more details! 708-307-9616 or sales@ashleywydra.com

- Ashley

Thunderstorms and Lightning Bolts

So during last night's heavy storms, I couldn't sleep at all! Buster, my 5 year-old cairn terrier is absolutely terrified of thunderstorms and was literally hyperventilating! Baxter, my one-year old cairn terrier was just walking around the bedroom, obviously also being kept up by all the noise outside.

I started thinking about how thunderstorms are nature's way of keeping us in check - meaning that they make us enjoy nice weather all the better. Then, I began relating this information to my real estate career - the rude, inconsiderate customers make me appreciate the grateful, friendly ones all the better! Sometimes, I think people are under the misconception that agents get paid a salary, which is not true. A lot of buyers don't feel any sense of loyalty to an agent and may work with many agents. It's a matter of convenience for them, as to who ends up getting the commission, even though the other agents may have dedicated hours of work to that particular buyer. Unless people have worked on commission before, they simply don't understand how it works or affects an agent who has spent countless hours working for them and doesn't receive a penny of income.

Of course, then there are the greatest buyers in the world who stay loyal to you no matter what and truly work with only you as their exclusive agent. Those are the best kind of clients to have. However, I must treat all my clients as though they are these wonderful buyers until they give me a reason to act otherwise. Getting stood up, betrayed for another agent, or simply used as a means to get information are all reasons that I'd be happy to let another agent deal with a particular buyer. Real estate agents don't go through all the training and classes, get their certification, take their continuing education classes and become professionals to be treated as any less than that! If I am not treated as a professional, then I'd rather let the client work with a different agent, who may or may not care about them as much as I do.

All I can do is give my clients the best service possible and hope that they will conform to the world's greatest buyer status and not the opposite. Referrals are truly the highest compliment that an agent can receive and I appreciate any and all that come my way!

As for the thunderstorms that are on the way this afternoon, I say bring them on...I will only enjoy my sunny, clear days more!

- Ashley

Amazing Taco Pizza Recipe That I Recently Made!

So I recently came across this taco pizza recipe on allrecipes.com and absolutely fell in love with it! I decided to feature it this month in my e-newsletter and here is the recipe:

Ingredients


- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
- 4 (10 inch) flour tortillas
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped jalapeno peppers
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional)
 
Directions


Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Coat 2 pie plates with non-stick cooking spray.

Place beef, onion and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Cook until beef is evenly browned. Drain off grease. Season the meat with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.

Lay one tortilla in each pie plate, and cover with a layer of refried beans. Spread half of the seasoned ground beef over each one, and then cover with a second tortilla. Bake for 10 minutes in the preheated oven.

Remove the plates from the oven, and let cool slightly. Spread half of the salsa over each top tortilla. Cover each pizza with half of the Cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Place half of the tomatoes, half of the green onions, and half of the jalapeno slices onto each one.

Return the pizzas to the oven, and bake for 5 to 10 more minutes, until the cheese is melted. Remove from the oven, and let cool slightly before slicing each one into 4 pieces.
 

Here are my results:

 
 

Here's the link to the allrecipes.com page: http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Jimmys-Mexican-Pizza/Detail.aspx

Definitely let me know what you think when you make it!

- Ashley

 
 
 

Ashley's Garden Update!

Slacking isn't even the right word to use here...I'm basically ignoring my blog...not purposefully, believe me! Things have been insane and I have been out there working it in the real estate world. I did recently take a trip out to Grant Park, IL, to Wagner's and Sunrise, and I wanted to write about it and share the beginnings of my garden this year with you!

I bought TONS of flowers this year and filled the entire trunk! It's hard to stop once you get started!

I brought them home to their "adjustment period" in the garage (and my car has to "rough it" outside for a few days!) and here are some pictures from that:

A lot of the green, leafy ones are veggies. This year I am growing jalapenos, yellow bell peppers, red bell peppers, candy onions (sweeter than vidalia!), of course my famous grape tomatoes, and a huge assortment of herbs!

Here are some of my supplies - I use the organic dirt for all my veggies and herbs because I grow them in pots and don't want them exposed to any unhealthy stuff! I use the garden soil with fertilizer in it for my flowers that go in the ground.

Close up of one of my pretty pink flowers!

Here are some of my herbs: peppermint, chives, basil, parsley and the orange one in the right corner is my cilantro! I am also growing green beans and sugar snap peas from seed! And of course my green onions! Yummmmmmmmmm!

What are some of your favorite things to grow in your garden?

- Ashley

My Favorite Snickerdoodle Cookie Recipe

These are by far the best snickerdoodle cookies I've ever had and they're very easy to make!

Ingredients


1/2 cup butter, softened
1/2 cup shortening
1 1/2 cups white sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
 
Directions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Cream together butter, shortening, 1 1/2 cups sugar, the eggs and the vanilla. Blend in the flour, cream of tartar, soda and salt. Shape dough by rounded spoonfuls into balls.

Mix the 2 tablespoons sugar and the cinnamon. Roll balls of dough in mixture. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes, or until set but not too hard. Remove immediately from baking sheets.

I'd love to hear how they turn out!

- Ashley

Share Your Gardening Tips

I am so happy that spring is right around the corner! I don't know about you, but I'm tired of this cold winter and ready to spend some quality time outdoors! I wanted to start a discussion to share gardening tips, advice, and knowledge.

Some of My Favorite Place to Buy Supplies

For cheap accent lighting and other garden decor, I love to go to Target or Walmart. I've even bought seeds from Target before and they turned out great.

For plants, I like to go to Lowe's or Alsip Nursery. Also, a place that my Mom introduced me to, Sunrise Greenhouse in Grant Park, IL (http://www.woldhuisfarms.com/index.html). Although it's quite a haul from Lockport, this place is like a "Sam's Club" for flowers! I normally get the majority of my garden goodies at Sunrise!

Some of My Favorite Things to Grow

I absolutely love to grow all things edible! My must-haves include grape tomatoes and green onions. Last summer, I grew candy onions (sweeter than Vidalia!), strawberries, cilantro, basil, and three breeds of lettuce, in addition. I also love my Lavendar plant that keeps my patio smelling nice! This year, I want to grow some green beans since I love eating them and some kind of roses. Any pointers?

Now It's Your Turn to Share

Now I invite you to share some of your insight and knowledge about gardening for other fellow gardeners to comment on and learn from!

- Ashley

Are You Ready To Buy Your First Home?

With all this talk going on about the $8,000 first-time home buyer credit, you may be asking yourself, "Am I ready to buy my first home?" Here are some helpful articles and tips taken from move.com's How-To Guide: Buying Your First Home: http://www.move.com/guide/first-time-home-buying.aspx?source=hp

Step One: Are You Ready?

Now's the time to ask yourself: Do I know what I want? Do I have the money? Is my financial house in order?

10 Steps to Home Ownership: http://www.move.com/home-finance/buyers-basics/guide-how-to-buy-a-home.aspx

How Do I Get Started?: http://www.move.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/can-you-afford-to-buy-a-house.aspx

Six Signs You're Ready To Buy: http://www.move.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/signs-that-youre-ready-to-buy.aspx

Tips for Squirreling Away Your Down Payment: http://www.move.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/how-to-save-when-buying-home.aspx

Step Two: Get Organized

When it comes to buying your first house, sometimes you simply don't know what you don't know... yet.

Should You Buy a New or Existing House?: http://www.move.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/buy-old-or-new-home.aspx

Condo vs. House: http://www.move.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/to-buy-condo-or-house.aspx

Do You have Buyer's Paralysis?: http://www.move.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/home-buying-problems.aspx

Pulling The Trigger: http://www.move.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/tips-on-first-home-buying-decision.aspx

Step Three: Taking Charge

There's nothing so complex about buying a house that you can't understand it with a bit of knowledge.

Take Charge When Buying A Home: http://www.move.com/home-finance/mortgages/take-charge-when-buying-home.aspx

10 Mistakes You Can't Afford: http://www.move.com/home-finance/mortgages/10-mistakes-you-cant-afford.aspx

Borrowing From Family and Friends: http://www.move.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/borrowing-from-family-and-friends.aspx

Step Four: Rent vs. Buy

Pay a landlord or pay a bank? That's the question renters face as they consider stepping into homeownership.

Renting vs. Buying: http://www.move.com/home-finance/mortgages/should-you-buy-or-rent.aspx

Am I Better off Buying Now or Renting?: http://www.move.com/rentals/finance-and-budgeting/What-you-need-to-know-about-renting-or-buying-in-the-20-top-markets.aspx

Renting to Own: http://www.move.com/home-finance/real-estate/buyers/benefits-of-leasing-home.aspx

Again, all of this information is from move.com, but I thought it is quite a useful guide for first-time home buyers! I hope you enjoy this resource and don't forget to call me when you're ready to start looking for your first home!

- Ashley

Thinking Positive Thoughts!

I think a lot of people are under the impression that most real estate agents are sitting around right now and doing nothing but playing solitaire and counting sheep in these economic circumstances, but that's not at all true! I really believe that these kinds of conditions make or break a real estate agent. It forces us to become more creative and think of new ways to generate business for ourselves. I'm very fortunate that I'm busy these days, especially with the first-time home buyer credit ending on April 30th. A lot of potential buyers are feeling the time crunch and wanting to get in to take advantage of this credit.

One of the most important things for me has been my thinking and my outlook on the industry and my situation as an agent. If I woke up everyday and thought "I think I'll sleep an extra hour or two because nothing's going on in the real estate market anyways" I wouldn't be helping myself at all. Instead, I look at it and think "there are interested buyers and sellers and I just need to figure out a more creative way to connect with them". Let me tell you...it has been paying off! I don't know whether other agents are shying away or if I am just getting lucky, but I've had many good contacts lately! I really strive to connect with my potential clients through various avenues such as social media (I have a Facebook fan page, MySpace page, this blog, etc) and community events.

I really appreciate all of you who take the time to read my blog posts and are my fans on Facebook! I hope that we can work together, whether you have immediate or future real estate needs, and I can help you sell your home or find the home of your dreams!

Don't forget, you can always search the entire MLS of available properties on my website at http://www.ashleywydra.com/! You will see the listing with all details and photos on the MLS. If you know anyone else, also, who is looking to possibly buy a home, please share this valuable resource with them! They can visit my website and see all available properties in one place!

Enjoy your Saturday everyone! : )

- Ashley