http://www.articletrader.com/ Articles at ArticleTrader en-us http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-real-deal-a-2008-market-forecast-for-real-estate-in-western-north-carolina.html http://www.articletrader.com/finance/real-estate/the-real-deal-a-2008-market-forecast-for-real-estate-in-western-north-carolina.html Mon, 04 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600
National Indicators: Real Estate Market Trends Outside of Western North Carolina

Successful real estate transactions are completed when educated decisions are made. It is important for buyers and sellers to evaluate the national real estate market as well as the local. If you plan to purchase real estate in Western North Carolina or sell mountain homes and land near Asheville be sure to find a knowledgeable real estate agent that has experience working in multiple markets. In 2008 there are some national trends that warrant immediate consideration and will affect real estate in Western North Carolina.
Across the nation home sales in 2008 will continue to slow and prices will decline. Although most experts agree that the real estate market will not drop dramatically overall, some metropolitan areas will experience double-digit losses. According to an article by Les Christie published December 21, 2007 on CNNMoney.com approximately 20% of the metro areas covered in the most recent MoodysEconomy.com survey will see these double-digit losses in the beginning of 2008. Christie suggests, “Most of the worst-hit markets are in once high-flying areas, such as California and Florida.” The article’s predictions include drops of between 29 and 32% in places such as Stockton and Modesto, California and Fort Walton Beach and Naples, Florida. The forecast for drops in New Jersey include 18 and 25% in Ocean City and Atlantic City.
Despite a drop in home sales and prices that appears nationwide Steve Zurier reports in his January 8, 2008 article NAR Forecasts Stable Home Sales in 2008 on BuilderOnline.com, “The National Association of REALTORS (NAR) forecasts a steady housing market for the next few months with a gradual rise in new-and existing-home sales later on this year and well into 2009.” According to Zurier quotes the NAR’s chief economist, Lawrence Yun, as stating, “While there are more people with financial capacity now than in 2005, many are trying to market-time their purchase.” Yun concludes, “As a result, the exact timing and the strength of a home-sales recovery is a bit uncertain. A meaningful recovery in existing-home sales could occur as early as this spring, or it may be further delayed toward late 2008.”

Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining, Especially When It Comes to Real Estate in Asheville, NC

At the beginning of 2008 MSN Real Estate, http://realestate.msn.com/, reported online that Business Week listed Asheville, NC as one of the top ten performing real estate markets during the third quarter of 2007 in comparison to the third quarter of 2006. Coming in at number nine, Asheville was joined by other cities like Billings, Montana and Salt Lake City, Utah. Asheville was the only city on the East Coast it to make the list. In addition to this great news, on January 10, 2008 the Associated Press reported “Fed Is Ready to Cut Interest Rates Again.” Writer Jeannine Aversa reported from Washington, “Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke pledged Thursday to slash interest rates as needed to prevent housing and credit problems…The Fed chief made clear the central bank was prepared to act aggressively.” These actions will lead to a stabilized interest rates in 2008 across the country. As home sales and property prices begin to increase the market in Asheville should adjust and growth will continue at a faster rate.

Don’t Be Afraid to Follow Your Dream of Owning Real Estate in Asheville!

Knowledge and preparation can make all the difference when making financial and economic decisions. Taking time to really understand the real estate market will increase your buying and selling options, as well as provide you with peace of mind. For more information on mountain living and real estate in Western North Carolina visit http://www.JaneSellsAsheville.com


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Jane Kayton is a real estate agent with Century 21 All Seasons based in Asheville, NC. She specializes in helping her clients find the perfect mountain homes and land near Asheville. Jane is also an avid whitewater rafter and hiker. To learn more about real estate in Western North Carolina visit her web site http://www.JaneSellsAsheville.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]> http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/non-toxic-paints-stains-and-finishes-green-solutions-for-renovating-your-home.html http://www.articletrader.com/home-and-family/home-improvement/non-toxic-paints-stains-and-finishes-green-solutions-for-renovating-your-home.html Fri, 01 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0600 In his article entitled "Avoiding Paint Toxicity", published on www.ArchitectureWeek.com, writer Rick Braunshausen says, "Poor indoor air quality is one of the most serious problems that architects and engineers work to rectify in both new and existing buildings." "The effect of toxic agents from paints is especially dangerous when the building remains occupied during remodeling or repainting," he continues. So what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones from harsh chemicals when painting inside your home? The first and most important step is to get educated.

The Air is Always Greener in a Home Safe From VOC's

Many homeowners and homebuyers are familiar with the dangers of lead paint. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission, http://www.cpsc.gov/, has a public safety alert posted online that explains what you need to know about lead based paint in your home. Homes built prior to 1980 are most at risk for lead contamination from paint. Real estate agents are required to provide a lead base paint disclosure form to any homebuyer investing in a home built prior to 1978. This is especially important for families because children have a higher sensitivity to lead. Lead paint must be ingested or inhaled for poisoning to occur and tests can be done on paint in your home if lead is a potential concern. Lead is not the only toxic substance found in paint, finishes and stains, however, there are other chemicals that are dangerous for both people and animals.
Volatile organic compounds, also called VOC's, are found in solvent-based paints and when used in enclosed areas can cause a variety of health conditions. According to writer Christi Graham, featured on www.HealthyHomePlans.com/, "The American Lung Association reports that VOC's can produce a number of physical problems such as: eye and skin irritation, lung and breathing problems, headaches, nausea, muscle weakness and liver and kidney damage." "VOC's are consistently ten times higher indoors than outdoors, with numbers rising to 1,000 times higher after a new coat of paint," Graham continues.
In the past VOC chemicals were considered necessary for paint to be high performance, but new environmental initiatives have promoted the development and sale of low-VOC and zero-VOC paints, stains and finishes. Low-VOC and zero-VOC paints are less harmful to humans and the Earth but are still durable and affordable. As green products become more readily available on the market these alternative paints will become more cost effective, especially for homeowners with children.

Green Living Tips for Painting the Interior of Your Home

Living a green lifestyle means many things to many people. Using non-toxic paints is a great first step to creating a healthier home environment. Here are some tips for getting started on your next painting project.

Tip 1. Use low-VOC, zero-VOC or natural paints. Currently there are a wide variety of paint companies on the market offering lines of non-toxic paint for indoor use. Alternative paint companies specializing in green products and even mainstream paint producers like Sherwin Williams have created low and zero-VOC products for indoor home use.
Tip 2. Always be certain you have enough air ventilation when painting your home and buy paints with sealing properties that help decrease outgassing. Keep in mind that outgassing is at its worst for the first four days. Large fans placed in open windows and doorways are essential for avoiding harmful fumes and even small amounts of VOC’s.
Tip 3. Compare prices on various nontoxic paints. As the trend of green paint products gains attention alternative paints will continue to become more competitive in price. Many paints and other green products can be researched and purchased online.
Tip 4. Choose the right paint for the right job. Different types of paint serve different purposes in the home. For instance, if you plan to paint a kitchen or bathroom make sure the paint can withstand scrubbing and cleaning.
Tip 5. Buy the right amount of paint for the job. Find out the square footage of the room or rooms you want to paint and purchase the amount of paint necessary for that square footage. This will reduce waste and save money.
Environmental concerns will become more prevalent in the future and green real estate practices can help preserve the Earth and keep you and our family healthy. For more information on green real estate and healthy built homes visit http://www.JaneSellsAsheville.com.


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Jane Kayton is a real estate agent with Century 21 All Seasons based in Asheville, NC. She specializes in helping her clients find the perfect mountain homes and land near Asheville. Jane is also an avid whitewater rafter and hiker. To learn more about real estate in Western North Carolina visit her web site JaneSellsAsheville.com.

Source: http://www.articletrader.com ]]>