Bill Baker's Weblog

Fed Chair Discusses Housing

bakerwilliamj — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 16:49:59 +0000

Federal Reserve chairman Ben Bernanke put out a forecast last week that included some important observations on housing. Speaking to the Economic Club of New York, Bernanke described some of the well-known problems standing in the way of economic growth — especially double digit unemployment and consumer confidence that’s shaky week by week at best.

Housing in the coming year is going to be a relative bright spot – a helpful driver of national economic growth, rather than the wet blanket it’s been for the past couple of years.

Home sales and new home construction, at least according to the Fed, are likely to stimulate the economy in 2010 — enough to generate jobs and help avoid a double-dip recession.

That forecast just happens to track nicely with another that came out last week: Fannie Mae issued its projections for the coming year — and predicted that housing sales will jump by 11 percent — even in the face of a slow recovery for the economy as a whole.

Meanwhile, scattered reports from hard-hit local real estate markets suggest that there may be some reasons for guarded optimism.

Now, as is almost always the case, not all the news is on the up side. New home starts dropped by a surprisingly large, seasonally-adjusted 10.6 percent, according to the U.S. Commerce Department.

A lot of the decline came in multifamily housing apartment starts — a volatile month by month index — which plummeted by 35 percent. But there’s no sugar coating here: starts of single family homes dropped by 6.8 percent – which was enough of a negative to spook Wall Street .

Finally into the mix this week, mortgage rates continue to be the magic potion for home buyers, dropping again further into the upper four percent range. According to the Mortgage Bankers Association, fixed rate 30-year loans averaged just 4.8 percent, and 15 year loans are going for just 4.3 percent on average.

Now is the time to buy or sell a home especially with interest rates below 5 percent. A 1 percent increase in the interest rate, reduce that amount of home you can purchase by $10,000. If you are selling your home the time is NOW and let The Baker Realty Group show you why. If you are buying or selling, give Bill Baker a call today. One call could change your life.

608 661-7009 Office

Foreclosure and Short Sale Properties

bakerwilliamj — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:29:04 +0000

Looking for foreclosure of short sale properties? Let the Baker Realty Group help you out!

Click here for a complete and updated list of foreclosures and short sales in MADISON
Click here for a complete and updated list of foreclosures and short sales in SUN PRAIRIE

Feel free to contact Bill Baker with any questions you may have!
bakerwilliamj@kw.com
Keller Williams Realty

Culture in the Workplace

bakerwilliamj — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:20:56 +0000

As Thanksgiving approaches here at the Baker Realty group, we’re getting ready for some quality time spent with the ones we love. We believe in the importance of culture and family here at the Baker Realty group as well as at Keller Williams as a whole. This month, Keller Williams’ Mo Anderson commented on the importance of culture in the workplace in a fantastic article. She cites “culture is spirit, passion, compassion and the active, selfless involvement in helping someone else achieve their goals.”

We believe that our culture here at the Baker Realty Group will help you make a comfortable transition to home ownership. You will be impressed by our commitment and passion to help you in your every need. Contact Bill Baker with any questions and let us help you in your every real estate need!

Condo SOLD IN 21 DAYS!

bakerwilliamj — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:33:12 +0000

Just closed a condo sale in Brooklyn Wisconsin to buyers that The Baker Realty Group located and sold in 21 days. Ask me how I did it?

Juniper Street, Brooklyn Wisconsin

: JD Powers Award for Excellance

Exciting Wisconsin Real Estate Market Turnaround!

bakerwilliamj — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:23:12 +0000

Wisconsin home sales increased for the first time since the recession began, according to data reported by the Wisconsin REALTORS Association (WRA)! Home sales increased 5.8 percent in the just ended third quarter of 2009 compared to the same quarter last year, the first increase since the recession began in 2007! For more details on this exciting turnaround click here.
Contact Bill Baker with the Baker Realty Group and take advantage of this unique and changing time!

Keller Williams Realty

Homebuyer Tax Credit Extended!

bakerwilliamj — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:34:34 +0000

Just a few days ago Congress passed an extension for the $8,000 home buyer tax credit! This is great news for YOU! If you are thinking of buying a home take advantage this fantastic opportunity. Don’t miss your chance: take advantage of the newly extended $8,000 tax credit today! Contact Bill Baker of the Baker Realty group to get started.

For more information on the tax credit extension click here!

Congrats to Sun Prairie Football! Beat Menomonee Falls this Saturday!

bakerwilliamj — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 04:21:40 +0000

The Sun Prairie Cardinals advance to the level 3 football playoff this Saturday v. the Menomonee Falls Indians! Congratulations Cards! Best of luck this Saturday, we’ll be cheering you on here at the Baker Realty Group!

Buying or selling real estate in the Sun Prairie or Madison area? Contact Bill Baker at the Baker Realty Group!

Keller Williams Realty

bakerwilliamj — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 22:38:31 +0000

is off to infinity – and beyond!

bakerwilliamj — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:17:36 +0000

Just finished a fantastic frame of mind coaching call about “The Grateful Life” and how Gratitude triggers tremendous peace and wellbeing.

bakerwilliamj — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 18:29:12 +0000

is seldom misquoted by his children. In fact they usually repeat word for word the things he should not have said.