Pending Home Sales up for Fifth Consecutive Month
RISMEDIA, August 5, 2009-Pending home sales are up for the fifth consecutive month, the first time in six years for such a streak, according to the National Association of Realtors®.
The Pending Home Sales Index, a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in June, rose 3.6% to 94.6 from an upwardly revised reading of 91.3 in May, and is 6.7% above June 2008 when it was 88.7. The last time there were five consecutive monthly gains was in July 2003.
Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, said a combination of positive market factors is fueling the gains. “Historically low mortgage interest rates, affordable home prices and large selection are encouraging buyers who’ve been on the sidelines. Activity has been consistently much stronger for lower priced homes,” he said. ”Because it may take as long as two months to close on a home after signing a contract, first-time buyers must act fairly soon to take advantage of the $8,000 tax credit because they must close on the sale by November 30.”
The Pending Home Sales Index in the Northeast rose 0.4% to 81.2 in June and is 5.8% above a year ago. In the Midwest the index increased 0.8% to 89.9 and is 11.6% above June 2008. The index in the South jumped 7.1% to 100.7 in June and is 8.9% higher than a year ago. In the West the index rose 2.9% to 100.4 but is 0.2% below June 2008.
NAR President Charles McMillan, a broker with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Dallas-Fort Worth, is hopeful that a recently elevated level of contract cancellations will ease. “Last month, Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae clarified that appraisals should be done by professionals with clear local expertise,” he said. “This should mitigate the situation of many valuations done by out-of-area appraisers coming in below the price negotiated between buyers and sellers. Hopefully, in the months ahead, we’ll see an even closer relationship between contract activity and closed transactions.” McMillan said NAR is continuing to press the appraisal issue. “We have asked Congress and the Federal Housing Finance Agency to immediately implement an 18-month moratorium on the new appraisal rules to further address unintended consequences of the new guidelines,” he said.
NAR’s Housing Affordability Index (HAI) remains very favorable. The affordability index stood at 159.2 in July, down from record peaks in recent months but it remains 36.6 percentage points above a year ago. Under these conditions the typical family would devote 15.7% of gross income to mortgage principal and interest, well below the standard allowance of 25%. The HAI is a broad measure of housing affordability using consistent values and assumptions over time, which examines the relationship between home prices, mortgage interest rates and family income.
“A monthly rise in home prices and somewhat higher mortgage interest rates led to a modest decline in affordability in June, but it was still the sixth highest index on record dating back to 1970,” Yun said. “Because housing is so affordable in today’s market, job security and the first-time buyer tax credit are bigger factors in influencing home sales.”
A median-income family, earning $60,700, could afford a home costing $289,100 in June with a 20% downpayment, assuming 25% of gross income is devoted to mortgage principal and interest. Affordability conditions for first-time buyers with the same income and small downpayments are roughly 80% of what a median-income family can afford. The affordable price was much higher than the median existing single-family home price in June, which was $181,600.
Yun expects existing-home sales to gradually rise over the balance of the year, with conditions varying around the country. “It appears home sales are on a sounder footing and inventory is gradually being absorbed.”
For more information, visit www.realtor.org.
Read more: http://rismedia.com/2009-08-04/pending-home-sales-up-for-fifth-consecutive-month/#ixzz0NFTbnzEY
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Energy Saving Tips - Free and Low Cost Recommendations
Free and Low Cost Recommendations
Replace Light Bulbs
Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and save 75% off lighting costs.
Unplug Electronics
Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.
Save Water
Installing faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads will cut water heating costs by 50% and save up to $300 per year. It will also cut water use by up to 50%. As much as 19% of California electricity is used to pump, transport and treat water.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Setting your air conditioner 5° higher will save up to 20% on cooling costs.
Buy Energy Efficient Appliances
Always buy ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and equipment - they're up to 40% more efficient. Find rebates and incentives in your area using our rebate finder.
Adjust Your Water Heater
Turn your water heater down to 120° or the "Normal" setting when home, and to the lowest setting when away. Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs.
Keep Cool With Ceiling Fans
Reduce air conditioning costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing shades during the day. Most ceiling fans use less energy than a light bulb.
Be Smart About Lighting
Turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with CFLs instead of overhead lights.
Power Down Your Computer
Enable "power management" on all computers and make sure to turn them off at night. A laptop computer uses up to 90% less energy than bigger desktop models.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to water heating.
Load Up Your Dishwasher
Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded. Fewer loads reduce energy and water use.
Maintain Your Clothes Dryer
Make sure your dryer's outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load. When shopping for a new dryer look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when clothes are dry.
Find and Seal Leaks
Sealing cracks, gaps, leaks and adding insulation can save up to 20% on home heating and cooling costs.
Test for air leaks by holding a lit incense stick next to windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches and other locations where there is a possible air path to the outside. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak that may need caulking, sealing or weather stripping.
Replace Light Bulbs
Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and save 75% off lighting costs.
Unplug Electronics
Unplug electronics, battery chargers and other equipment when not in use. Taken together, these small items can use as much power as your refrigerator.
Save Water
Installing faucet aerators and low-flow shower heads will cut water heating costs by 50% and save up to $300 per year. It will also cut water use by up to 50%. As much as 19% of California electricity is used to pump, transport and treat water.
Adjust Your Thermostat
Setting your air conditioner 5° higher will save up to 20% on cooling costs.
Buy Energy Efficient Appliances
Always buy ENERGY STAR qualified appliances and equipment - they're up to 40% more efficient. Find rebates and incentives in your area using our rebate finder.
Adjust Your Water Heater
Turn your water heater down to 120° or the "Normal" setting when home, and to the lowest setting when away. Water heating accounts for about 13% of home energy costs.
Keep Cool With Ceiling Fans
Reduce air conditioning costs by using fans, keeping windows and doors shut and closing shades during the day. Most ceiling fans use less energy than a light bulb.
Be Smart About Lighting
Turn off unnecessary lighting and use task or desktop lamps with CFLs instead of overhead lights.
Power Down Your Computer
Enable "power management" on all computers and make sure to turn them off at night. A laptop computer uses up to 90% less energy than bigger desktop models.
Wash Clothes in Cold Water
When possible, wash clothes in cold water. About 90% of the energy used in a clothes washer goes to water heating.
Load Up Your Dishwasher
Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded. Fewer loads reduce energy and water use.
Maintain Your Clothes Dryer
Make sure your dryer's outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load. When shopping for a new dryer look for one with a moisture sensor that automatically shuts off when clothes are dry.
Find and Seal Leaks
Sealing cracks, gaps, leaks and adding insulation can save up to 20% on home heating and cooling costs.
Test for air leaks by holding a lit incense stick next to windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures, attic hatches and other locations where there is a possible air path to the outside. If the smoke stream travels horizontally, you have located an air leak that may need caulking, sealing or weather stripping.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Special Notice!
Keller ISD schools open; no confirmed Swine Flu
Keller ISD has no confirmed cases of Swine Flu, but it is diligently working to minimize risks for all students and staff.
The district has reported four Type A Influenza cases, one each in four separate KISD schools: Florence Elementary, Bear Creek Intermediate, South Keller Intermediate and Central High. Swine flu has yet to be determined in any of these cases.
Please visit Keller ISD website to get the latest information regarding this issue.
Keller ISD schools open; no confirmed Swine Flu
Keller ISD has no confirmed cases of Swine Flu, but it is diligently working to minimize risks for all students and staff.
The district has reported four Type A Influenza cases, one each in four separate KISD schools: Florence Elementary, Bear Creek Intermediate, South Keller Intermediate and Central High. Swine flu has yet to be determined in any of these cases.
Please visit Keller ISD website to get the latest information regarding this issue.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Eat Local! Great Resources in the Keller area
category:Restaurants
What’s the one small change that 1) instantly improves your health 2) helps the environment 3) boosts Texas’s economy and 4)helps you win the lottery (OK, so we made that last one up)? Buying more food from local sources!
Your average supermarket fare travels an average of 1,500 miles before it gets to you – and who wants a jet-lagged tomato? When you shop the farmstands or farmer’s market in the Keller area, you get fresher, better-tasting and more nutritious food for you and the family.
It also saves energy by cutting down on carbon dioxide emissions from those cross-country transports; more importantly, it puts more money back into the community. Growers who supply supermarkets only get about 18 cents on the dollar, with the rest going to various middlemen. When you choose locally-grown foods, more of that money goes directly to the farmer, who then circulates it back into the area economy.
Shopping “close to home” is easier than you think. Start here to find a list of great sources of delicious, local food!
http://www.americantowns.com/tx/keller/news/eat-local-great-resources-in-the-keller-area-18480
category:Restaurants
What’s the one small change that 1) instantly improves your health 2) helps the environment 3) boosts Texas’s economy and 4)helps you win the lottery (OK, so we made that last one up)? Buying more food from local sources!
Your average supermarket fare travels an average of 1,500 miles before it gets to you – and who wants a jet-lagged tomato? When you shop the farmstands or farmer’s market in the Keller area, you get fresher, better-tasting and more nutritious food for you and the family.
It also saves energy by cutting down on carbon dioxide emissions from those cross-country transports; more importantly, it puts more money back into the community. Growers who supply supermarkets only get about 18 cents on the dollar, with the rest going to various middlemen. When you choose locally-grown foods, more of that money goes directly to the farmer, who then circulates it back into the area economy.
Shopping “close to home” is easier than you think. Start here to find a list of great sources of delicious, local food!
http://www.americantowns.com/tx/keller/news/eat-local-great-resources-in-the-keller-area-18480
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Homeowner’s Security Survey
If you are interested in making your home more secure AND saving
money on your homeowner’s insurance rates, we offer another free
service to residents:
For Safety - The Security Survey is an inspection conducted on
your home by a certified Crime Prevention Officer. The officer
checks the interior and exterior of your home and discusses how
better to secure the premises. The officer draws up a plan specific to
your home, making recommendations about subjects such as locks,
lighting, landscaping, etc.
For an Insurance Discount - Texas law allows for a 5% insurance
rate discount if the residence meets certain basic requirements. If
your home meets these requirements, the Crime Prevention Officer
submits a report to the Texas Insurance Board for your rate reduction.
If your home fails to meet the requirements, the officer gives you a
report indicating how to bring it up to the insurance standards.
That same Texas law allows for a 15% discount if the residence
meets the basic requirements as well as certain advanced requirements.
This level requires a monitored alarm system connected to specific
windows and doors in the home.
For further information on this service, contact Corporal Mike
Bedrich at 817.748.8137. Corporal Bedrich will get forms to you
to fill out in advance and set an appointment to meet at your home
for the inspection. Please be aware that the insurance discount is not
immediate - this is one government entity dealing with another!
Colleyville Police Department can also provide this service.
Please contact Officer Bill Hudgins at (817) 503-1230 or by email
at hudginsb@ci.colleyville.tx.us
Best regards,
Rhonda Moore
Lieutenant, Community Initiatives Unit
871.748.8349
Southlake DPS
http://www.kencemedia.org/www.peelinc.com/newsletters/0704TM.pdf
If you are interested in making your home more secure AND saving
money on your homeowner’s insurance rates, we offer another free
service to residents:
For Safety - The Security Survey is an inspection conducted on
your home by a certified Crime Prevention Officer. The officer
checks the interior and exterior of your home and discusses how
better to secure the premises. The officer draws up a plan specific to
your home, making recommendations about subjects such as locks,
lighting, landscaping, etc.
For an Insurance Discount - Texas law allows for a 5% insurance
rate discount if the residence meets certain basic requirements. If
your home meets these requirements, the Crime Prevention Officer
submits a report to the Texas Insurance Board for your rate reduction.
If your home fails to meet the requirements, the officer gives you a
report indicating how to bring it up to the insurance standards.
That same Texas law allows for a 15% discount if the residence
meets the basic requirements as well as certain advanced requirements.
This level requires a monitored alarm system connected to specific
windows and doors in the home.
For further information on this service, contact Corporal Mike
Bedrich at 817.748.8137. Corporal Bedrich will get forms to you
to fill out in advance and set an appointment to meet at your home
for the inspection. Please be aware that the insurance discount is not
immediate - this is one government entity dealing with another!
Colleyville Police Department can also provide this service.
Please contact Officer Bill Hudgins at (817) 503-1230 or by email
at hudginsb@ci.colleyville.tx.us
Best regards,
Rhonda Moore
Lieutenant, Community Initiatives Unit
871.748.8349
Southlake DPS
http://www.kencemedia.org/www.peelinc.com/newsletters/0704TM.pdf
Monday, April 6, 2009
News from The Keller Independent School District
Special Reminders!
Friday, April 10
Holiday, No School
Monday, April 13
Bad Weather Make-Up Day
Due to inclement weather, the district was closed Wednesday, January 28. The district will make up that bad weather day Monday, April 13. The day has long been posted on the district's calendar as a possible make-up day. In an effort to avoid re-scheduling end-of-year high school exams and to allow for summer school staff development, April 13 was selected as the best of all options.
District News
TAKS TESTING DATE CHANGE FOR HIGH SCHOOL
Due to conflicts with state/national competitions, Keller ISD has slightly modified the TAKS schedule for Grades 10 and 11 only.
Sophomores and juniors were originally scheduled to take the Social Studies portion of the TAKS test on Friday, May 1. That date has been moved to Monday, April 27.
No other TAKS administration dates have been modified. Below is the summary of the assessment dates for all students with the recent change:
Monday, April 27
Grade 10 Social Studies
Grade 11 Social Studies
Tuesday, April 28
Grade 10 Math
Wednesday, April 29
Grade 11 Math
Thursday, April 30
Grade 9 Math
Grade 10 Science
Grade 11 Science
Please contact your campus if you have any questions.
CENTRAL AND FOSSIL RIDGE UIL ONE-ACT PLAY DISTRICT CHAMPS
Central High School's production of "The Rivers and Ravines" and Fossil Ridge High School's production of "Gint" were named the two advancing plays in District 5-5A competition. Keller High's production of Bad Seed was named the alternate play at the contest. Central and Fossil Ridge will compete in the Area contest held at Fossil Ridge High School on Friday, April 10, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
Individual awards were:
Central High School
All-Star Cast - Matt McPherson, Porcia Bartholomae, Anthony Cervantes
Honorable Mention - Katelyn Johnson, Cody Hallford
Outstanding Technician - Ryne Easen
Fossil Ridge High School
Best Actor - Creytn Crosby
All-Star Cast - Trevor Bynum, London Powers
Honorable Mention - Veronica Perry, Melissa Rondon
Outstanding Technician - Olivia Bates
Keller High School
Best Actress - Autumn Teague
All-Star Cast - Stephanie Grilo
Honorable Mention - Emily Burke, Katie Folger, Zach Danz
Outstanding Technician - Alec Danz
At the Zone Competition the week prior, the following individual awards were given:
Central High School
All-Star Cast - Katelyn Johnson, Matt McPherson, Porcia Barthlomae
Honorable Mention All-Star Cast - Anthony Cervantes and Michaela Heidemann
Outstanding Technician - Stephanie Warnick
Fossil Ridge High School
Best Actor - Creytn Crosby
All-Star Cast - Trevor Bynum, London Powers
Honorable Mention All-Star Cast - Veronica Perry, Melissa Rondon
Outstanding Technician: Camilla Bates. In addition, the best technical crew was awarded to Fossil Ridge's crew of Camilla Bates, Olivia Bates, Paul Vyakulin, and Ryan Guillory.
Keller High School
Best Actress - Autumn Teague
All-Star Cast: Emily Burke, Zach Danz
Honorable Mention All-Star Cast - Katie Folger, Stephanie Grillo
Outstanding Technician: Kaitlyn Kimble
KISD BOYS SOCCER - DISTRICT 5-5A 2009 ALL-DISTRICT HONORS
Most Valuable Player
Keller - Joel Oldham - SR
Central - Chad Asher - JR
Goalkeeper of the Year
Keller - Ryan Smith - SR
Defender of the Year
Keller - Ryan Epperson - SR
Coach of the Year
Keller - Jason Bates
1st Team Forward
Keller - Evan Perkins - SR
Central - Nathan Reyes - SR
1st Team Midfield
Keller - Grant Beck - SR
1st Team All-District Defender
Central - Chandler Elder - JR
2nd Team Forward
Ridge - Parker Banks - JR
Central - Justin Duprist - JR
Keller - Karson Lofink - JR
2nd Team Midfield
Ridge - Jordan Shea - SR
Central - Derek McCormick - SR
Keller - John Rock - SR
2nd Team All-District Defender
Keller - Eric Fiscus - SR
Central - Blake Howard - SR
Ridge - Beau Breckenridge - JR
2nd Team All-District Goalkeeper
Ridge - Ozzie Ruiz - JR
KISD SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEE CANDIDATES FORUM NIGHT
The Keller Council of PTAs is hosting a School Board Trustee Candidates Forum Night on Tuesday, April 28 from 7 - 8 p.m. in the Boardroom of the KISD Administration Building (350 Keller Pkwy).
All of the Board of Trustees Candidates will speak to the community, with a Question & Answer session to follow. The event will be moderated by the League of Women Voters of Tarrant County and is sponsored by the Keller Council of PTAs.
Early Voting will be held Monday, April 27 - Tuesday, May 5. Election Day is Saturday, May 9.
For more information, please contact Stephanie Bryce, Legislative Chairman/Keller Council of PTAs at 817-454-6423.
UNITED STATES MILITARY ACADEMY FORUM
Any student interested in enrolling at a U.S. Service Academy sometime in the future is strongly encouraged to attend a forum taking place at the TCC Southeast campus on Saturday, April 4, from 8 a.m. -12 p.m.
The United States Military Academy at Westpoint, the United States Naval Academy, the United States Coast Guard Academy, The United States Merchant Marine Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy all have a complex process for application that goes well beyond the traditional college application process.
Come to learn what you need to know to navigate the process, how to improve your chances for admission, and the benefits of an unparalleled post-secondary education at this special event open to any high school student.
Members of Congress, academy liaison officers, and current cadets will all be on hand to assist Tarrant county families with creating a greater understanding of the process!
For more information http://www.kellerisd.net/kellerisd/
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