Click to review the latest housing statistic-April 2012.

Great time to list and a great time to buy!

Tom,

717-880-2111

Pending home sales fell a seasonally adjusted 0.5 percent from January to February, which was up 9.2 percent from the same time a year ago, NAR said today in releasing its latest Pending Home Sales Index.

Last week, NAR reported a similar trend for existing-home sales, which were down 0.9 percent from January to February, but up 8.8 percent from a year ago.The pending sales data released today provides a glimpse into more recent trends, because it tracks homes that were under contract in February -- deals that will in most cases be finalized within one or two months.

In the Northeast, NAR's index slipped a seasonally adjusted 0.6 percent from January but was up 18.4 percent from a year ago.

Looking to list your home, now is the time!

Inspect Your Windows The largest sources of wasted energy are windows. Inspect the weather stripping and caulk for cracks and reseal air leaks. Decorate your home with energy saving window treatments and install window insulation film to save energy and prevent heat from escaping your home. 

Check Your Heating System Reduce maintenance and utility costs by upgrading your central heating. Close vents near the ceiling and open those near the floor for better air circulation.

Paint The Interior Painting is one of the easiest yet most cost-effective home improvements. It is important to keep in mind that neutrals appeal to the largest number of people and that your paint colors will make a significant impact when selling your home.

Change Your Baseboards Baseboards often get damaged and beat up from shoes and moving furniture. Give your home a new look by changing your baseboards. You could pick a new design or even add some color to them.

Update Your Cabinets Tired of your outdated cabinets? Changing the hardware will give your cabinets a fresh and more updated look. Buying new hardware is inexpensive and can be installed easily with a screwdriver and drill

January 19, 2012 -- Realty Times Feature Article by Carla Hill

It may be cold outside, but it's no time hibernate when it comes to home maintenance. Have you ever wondered how some friends or neighbors live in older homes that are still in good working order? This isn't just a lucky coincidence.

Houses require careful attention, especially in the Winter, in order to keep in good working order. If you take the extra time each season to check your home over and perform the necessary maintenance, then you'll be sure to have a sturdy home for years to come.

First, it's important to keep your family safe and warm when it's chilly outside. Do a twice yearly check on your windows and doors for air leaks. Under most circumstances you can easily fix these with caulking.

Are your windows in need of a more energy efficient upgrade? Have you thought about installing storm windows and doors? These are important questions to ask yourself. If you have older, non-insulated windows it may be time to replace them. You can even deduct some of these upgrades from your incomes taxes!

If you find leaks, then take the necessary action to fix them pronto. You may find that some doors continue to leak air even after you've made them "air-tight." This means it is time for Plan B. Storm doors work wonders for keeping out the elements. Many stores also sell draft blockers that sit at the bottom of you doors.

Next, schedule a time to service your heating system. Central heat and air units need to be checked over. When a unit is well-serviced it will save you fuel and thus money.

If your home is older, then you might consider a trip to the attic to check ductwork. You never know what critter has chewed through ducts or what parts have become disconnected.

While you're in the attic take a hard look at the state of your insulation. Is it adequate for your region? Is ductwork well-insulated? Older homes can sometimes be completely devoid of attic insulation. If so then it's time to bring in some reinforcements. Insulation is relatively inexpensive and can save you big in the long run.

Do you heat using a wood burning fireplace? Is it imperative for your safety to have your chimney cleaned and checked multiple times during the Winter season if you use your fireplace regularly. Chimney fires happen all the time.

There are smaller issues to attend to as well. Did you know that your ceiling fans have two settings for the blades? You want to be sure to reverse your fan in the Winter so that it pushes the hot air (which naturally rises) back down into your living spaces.

Gutters become full of leaves and other debris. If you fail to clean your gutters they can begin to hold water which can eventually rot away the siding and roof of your home.

When the weather drops below freezing you need to keep your pipes from freezing. Let faucets drip and unhook all outdoor hoses.

Finally, every responsible homeowner is stocked with the proper tools. Keep sand or salt on hand to de-ice slipper steps and sidewalks. Invest in a heavy duty snow shovel or snow blower.

Your home is your biggest asset and literally keeps a roof over your head. Be kind and take care even during the chilly Winter months.

• Today's Local Market Conditions Report

© Copyright 2012 Realty Times. All Rights Reserved.
Republication or redistribution of Realty Times content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Realty Times . Realty Times shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.