DSNews.com By: Carrie Bay

First-time homebuyers continued to desert the housing market in July, according to a new industry study released Monday.

Data compiled by Campbell Surveys and Inside Mortgage Finance, shows that first-time homebuyers accounted for only 39.1 percent of the home purchase market last month. Thats down from a peak of 48.2 percent as recently as March and the lowest level seen in at least a year.

The end of the tax credit has clearly had an effect, said Thomas Popik, research director for Campbell Surveys. First-time homebuyer participation is continuing to drop.

In contrast, purchases by current homeowners have little positive effect on the housing inventory, because they usually sell a house at the same time they are buying another.

Campbell polls more than 3,000 real estate agents nationwide each month to evaluate trends in home sales and mortgage usage patterns.

The company says while fewer first-time homebuyers in the housing market will likely put downward pressure on home prices in the late summer and fall, in the near-term, real estate agents are reporting stable prices overall for the month of July and rising prices for non-distressed properties.

An agent in Iowa commented, Once the free money [from the federal tax credit] was over, the market began to die. The sales that would have normally taken place over the summer took place in March and April to get the money. The residential market is dying-prices are gradually falling.

PERSONAL COMMENT: ALTHOUGH THE FEDERAL TAX CREDIT IS GONE, THERE ARE MANY WONDERFUL HOMES FOR SALE AT INCREDIBLE PRICES! AS AN "AFFORDABLE HOUSING SPECIALIST" I HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF SPECIAL FINANCING PROGRAMS STILL AVAILABLE TO HELP YOU GET INTO THAT DREAM HOME! CALL TODAY AND LET'S GET MOVING TOGETHER! REBECCA QUEEN ~ RE/MAX 1 (512) 767-5733

6/1/2010 DO YOU SKYPE?

DO YOU SKYPE? OK, so I am an old dog, slow to learn new tricks. But omigosh! www.skype.com is awesome! if your computer has a webcam you can have LIVE video&audio conversations with friends and family. Just download it for FREE, add your contacts, send out invitations and TALK FACE TO FACE! It only costs if you make phone calls. No charge for computer conversations. Try it!

This is perfect for soldiers and military families, distant relatives and best friends, shut-in elderly, and unlimited uses. I recently hooked my elderly mother (in a skilled nursing facility) up with a family reunion happening 200 miles away. It was amazing and wonderful for her to be there in absentia. Try it...you'll like it!

As always, you can reach me at RE/MAX 1 via text, cell or e-mail. rqueen1@remax.net, 512.767.5733. Please contact me if you or someone you know deserves the royal treatment in their next real estate transaction!

2/18/2010 RED SHIRT FRIDAYS

SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR TROOPS! WEAR A RED SHIRT ON FRIDAYS!

2/5/2010 Don't Blink

With Valentine's Day quickly approaching, I just want to remind everyone how important every day is. Life is so very short. In the blink of an eye it's over and a loved one, soulmate or best friend is gone from their Earthly life (and from yours) forever. Don't take a single day for granted. It may be your last...or theirs. Tell them you love them every chance you get. And pick your battles. Is it really worth all the hurt, confusion&negativity? In the grand scheme of things, does it amount to anything at all? Then why waste precious time over it? Love and be loved, my friends, lest the opportunity escapes on the wings of a butterfly. Happy Valentine's Day...blessings!

10/22/2009 Old Dogs CAN Learn New Tricks

OK, I'll admit it. I am OLD! I'm a child of the 60's. Most days I really do feel like an old dog learning new tricks in this highly competitive, high tech world we live in. I can remember when the phrase "Y2K" struck fear in everyone's hearts and panic in their eyes, as if we were staring straight into an oncoming meteor which would completely obliterate the world as we knew it. Admittedly, since the emergence of the New Millenium it has been a continual flow of new technical innovations and constant training to "catch up" and stay on top of new developments...daily! So I know all the young whipper snappers will laugh at me when I boast about my newfound passion for social media networking. You can follow me now on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. I also have a blogsite called Queenspeak on Blogger. I desperately want to learn how to set up RSS feeds on my sites if anyone can give me a mini-lesson. Yesterday I was thrilled beyond explanation to learn about a FREE software download called CutePDFWriter that can convert just about any document into a PDF format. HOORAY! Just a few years ago you had to purchase expensive software for that privilege. So please bear with me as I learn new tricks and attempt to "go green." Any free tips or advice will be greatly appreciated! Technology helps me to better serve my clientele. As always, I am at thy Royal service!

10/21/2009 FREE Directory Assistance!

A friend of mine recently gave me a juicy tidbit of helpful information. She asked me if I used "411"' on my cell phone to get phone numbers. I said "frequently!" At $1.50 each now, it adds up! Then she pointed out that there is a better way...and it's FREE!

Just save GOOGLE as a contact in your cell phone. Save the phone # as 46645. Whenever you need a phone number, text message the name of the business and the city it's located in to your new Google contact. Almost instantly you will receive a reply with the business address and phone number!

I was pleasantly surprised to find IT WORKS! Hope this is helpful to you too!

If you or someone you know is thinking or buying or selling a home in the Austin area or surrounding communities, please contact me. I'd love to be of service. Rebecca Queen, RE/MAX Capital City. I'm here "for all thy Royal real estate needs."
(512) 646-1331 http://www.queenrealties.com/ rqueen1@remax.net

9/25/2009 Exclusive Spicewood, TX Listing

Nestled in a rapidly developing area of the vast Texas Hill Country, this property is perfect for a builder, an investor, or nature lover. It sits on 9.5 acres (per tax office) and features an existing native limestone 2-story home, about 95% complete. The home itself has a great view from the master suite upstairs, complete with a fireplace, wrap-around porch and luxurious master suite. Downstairs features 2 guest rooms and a gourmet kitchen. Lots of natural wood, stone and slate abound! Seasonal creek runs through the property. Owner reports a wide variety of native wildlife on the property. That's not all...THIS PROPERTY IS SUBDIVIDABLE! A savvy buyer could build two more homes on the property and sell them all for a nice profit! One of the potential homesites has a breathtaking view! Near community river park.

To request more information or exclusive showing, contact Rebecca Queen, RE/MAX Capital City
(512) 646-1331

8/27/2009 Do You Have Money Waiting for You in Texas?

Maybe there was a little money left in that bank account you closed a long time ago. Or perhaps you forgot about that old utility deposit. There are a variety of reasons you could have forgotten money waiting to be claimed in Texas.
Check out the possibilities at www.ClaimItTexas.org!

www.ClaimItTexas.org

8/18/2009 Emergency Preparedness

Hurricanes on the brain? Worried about the H1N1 Flu and the kids returning to school? There is a wonderful Texas website that holds a wealth of information on these and many other topics. Visit www.TexasPrepares.org.

You will find current information and links to the CDC, as well as the Texas DSHS. There are checklists and LOTS of tips on preparing you and your loved ones for various emergencies. HAVE A PLAN. Don't be caught unprepared and unaware.

I value my clients and loved ones, and want to keep you SAFE!

8/6/2009 Queen's Kitchen Tip of the Day

I had an epiphany this morning and wanted to share it. Why buy expensive mini cheese graters and fruit zesters for your kitchen and bar? A brand new, SANITARY Ped Egg would serve the purpose beautifully! And it would save the mess and clean-up while capturing the "shavings" in the enclosed container! Plus you get 3 grater refills for $9.99. This is much cheaper and more efficient than specialized individual tools and saves space in the drawer. There's my helpful hint of the day. Do you have more uses for this wonderful invention? E-mail me at rqueen1@remax.net.

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RE/MAX of Texas | Rebecca Queen, RE/MAX 1 | 11901 W Parmer Ln Ste 230, Cedar Park, TX 78613 | (512) 337-0200 | Contact Me by E-mail