September 2008

Welcome to Bloomberg Realty’s e-Newsletter, “Berkshire County News and Notes”.  We hope you will find it informative and useful.

Home Sales Edge Up

Some improvement is projected for existing-home sales in the months ahead, with broader gains seen by the fourth quarter as buyers take advantage of new provisions provided through the recently passed housing stimulus bill, according to the latest forecast by the National Association of Realtors^®.

The Pending Home Sales Index,¹ a forward-looking indicator based on contracts signed in June, rose 5.3 percent to 89.0 from a downwardly revised reading of 84.5 in May, but remains 12.3 percent below June 2007 when it stood at 101.4.

For buyers entering the market, now is the time to buy.  According to many economists, mortgage rates are still attractive to those with good credit. But rates are more likely to rise than fall over the next year.  The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield was at 4% over the Summer, but is likely to rise, perhaps as much as ½ a point by mid-2009.

Getting in on today’s low rates is not the only reason to consider buying now.  For a temporary period, the Federal Government is offering a tax credit for first-time home buyers.  Eligibility and information can be obtained at: http://www.realtor.org/research/commentary_homebuyer_tax_credit

Fall Planting Tips

The season is coming around to Fall, the best time to plant those perennials, shrubs, bulbs and trees.  House & Garden TV has some great information and advice.  You can find them at: http://www.hgtv.com/landscaping/fall-planting-tips/

For more information, how-to tips, and dialogue with your fellow gardeners, try http://www.greenviewblog.com/ You can post questions and get advice from others, sign up for informative newsletters, and research issues you might have about your lawn and garden.

Berkshire Fall Calendar

As those of us who live here know, Fall is a wonderful time to spend in the Berkshires.  “Leaf Peepers” are in abundance, and locals turn out for storied events like the annual Josh Billings Day Runaground (see more at: http://www.joshbillings.com/ )

For a complete calendar of the wondrous events of Fall in the Berkshires, go to Berkshires.com at http://berkshires.com/events/ -- and bookmark this great site, right next to your Bloomberg Realty bookmark (of course).

About Bloomberg Realty, Inc.

Bloomberg Realty, Inc. is a professional real estate service for Berkshire County, serving commercial and residential buyers and sellers.

The principal is Nancy Shulman, a Berkshire County real estate professional, and a life-long resident.  Nancy graduated from Miss Halls, earned her B.A. at Brandeis, and her M.B.A. at University of Massachusetts.  She resides in Pittsfield with her two sons, Scott and Michael Bloomberg, both students at U.Mass Amherst.

Please visit our web-site at: http://bloombergrealty.com/  or call us at 413-298-0030 for any questions you might have about home-finding or home-selling; business site availability or sites for sale.  We’re located at the corner of Elm and Maple Streets, right behind the Red Lion Inn in Stockbridge.

If you received this Newsletter from a friend, and wish to subscribe, please write to: nancy@bloombergrealty.com.

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