According to recently published statistics by the National Association of Realtors, more home sellers are seeking the expertise and professional services of a real estate agent to sell their home, rather than trying to sell it on their own.

Over the last decade, the share of home sellers who used a real estate agent or broker to sell their home increased from 77% to 87%, while people who tried to sell their own home (For Sale By Owner or FSBO) decreased by 9%.

Why are more and more sellers using real estate agents to help them sell their homes?

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Providence, R.I.-based startup accelerator Betaspring has raised $1.13 million of a planned $4.25 million for Betaspring Fund 100 LLC, according to an SEC filing. The news follows closely on Betaspring’s announcement that it has plans to move and expand, relocating to about 9,000 square feet at 95 Chestnut in Providence’s Jewel District. Owen Johnson, manager of Betaspring, said that the new funds would be used to fund an expanded roster of startups in each session at Betaspring through the end of 2013, which should add up to about 100 companies. To that end, Betaspring is about to start its first session of 2012, beginning in February, and Johnson said that already they have ramped up the number of startups to 16 from the last sessions count of 12. “Th

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With tinsel strung up and Christmas carols playing softly throughout the office, it seems that once again Christmas has come around quickly and is almost upon us.  As I say every year, the years do not appear to be slowing down, and with this year drawing to a close, 2012 looks to be busier than ever for the Australian residential property market. 

To those people who made a property purchase throughout the year, I congratulate you.  Whether buying for the first time or adding to a burgeoning portfolio, purchasing real estate is a significant step and represents an investment in yourself and your future – something to be proud of.    

Alternatively, for those who, for whatever reason, didn’t manage to secure a property purchase in 2011, I encourage you not to give up your search, if property ownership is an important goal for you.  With interest rates down (and the potential for further cuts) and recent improvements seen in housing affordability (amongst other factors), 2012 could be the year where you find your dream home or investment property. 

On the topic of interest rates, for those of you who wish to take advantage of the Reserve Bank’s cut to rates in both November and December and are looking to purchase a property prior to Christmas, I hope the process of organising the necessary elements is a smooth one.  There is no doubt that property transactions in the lead-up to Christmas can be somewhat busy and stressful with many people preparing to go away, and I would advise you to ensure that all elements (such as property inspections, strata reports, etc) are completed before the necessary providers close for extended breaks over Christmas and the holiday period. 

To all of my readers, I hope you have a fun and relaxing time over the holiday season.  I will be taking a little bit of time off writing these blogs to enjoy a nice break but will return in 2012 to make sure you remain up to date with happenings in the Australian residential property market. 

From myself and the entire team at CENTURY 21 Real Estate, I would like to extend warm wishes to all readers for a happy and safe Christmas and holiday period as well as a successful year to come.

This Saturday, August 13, 2011 the city of Prosser Washington will be hosting the 30th Annual Prosser Wine and Food Festival. The festival draws close to 2500 wine lovers from all over the region for an afternoon of fine wine and food. Stroll around tasting wine from 30 Washington wineries, enjoying food put together by local vendors, and trying beer from a couple local breweries as you enjoy the sounds of the local bands that will be performing.

The event will take place at the Walter Clore Wine and Culinary Center in Prosser Washington. Things will kick off at 2:00pm and last until 8:00pm.

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Kiwibank is offering a limited time home loan rate of 4.99% p.a. fixed for six months.

Kiwibank Chief Executive Paul Brock said it is by far the lowest rate ever offered by the bank and significantly under cuts the other main banks.

“We’ve seized an opportunity to offer what we believe is a startlingly low home loan interest rate.

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