New Home Sales Surge in April


New Home Sales Surge in April

Sales of new single-family homes jumped 16.2 percent in April, the largest increase in 14 years, but the median price fell 11.1 percent, marking the largest one-month decline on record, according to the Commerce Department.

Analysts regarded the mixed signals cautiously, saying that troubles in the subprime market could further crimp demand in coming months.

''What you're seeing is the blue-light special,'' says Pat McPherron, an economist with Moody's Economy.com. ''The only way this market is going to move is by price cutting.''

The strength in new-home sales was led by a 27.8 percent increase in the South. Sales were also up in the West by 8.5 percent and in the Northeast by 3.8 percent. In the Midwest, sales fell 4 percent. Meanwhile, April's median new-home price of $229,100 made the record books as the largest-ever month-over-month decline, as well as the biggest year-over-year drop (10.9 percent) since 1970.

Source: The New York Times (05/25/07)

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Slugging the Slugs!

graphic by Forrest BrownPokey asked about slug problems in strawberries. I thought the topic should be discussed in greater detail. As many of you know, I garden as organically as possible with dish soap and vinegar being about as toxic as I will use. I also grow most of my vegetables in raised beds or containers. This makes slug control considerably easier. Most slug control involves

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The Joys of Allen, Texas

Allen Texas is located in Collin County north of Plano off I-75. Allen was one of the first far-north cities heavily developed off 121 in the early 1990s. Today it is an established bustling city that continues to grow, thanks to its location, which allows for easy commutes to Plano, Richardson, Dallas or anywhere off I-75 in DFW.

As part of the Collin County community, Allen offers a myriad facilities and attractions for your family. Allen has an established school district for your kids and is home to a thriving campus of the Collin County Community college. One of the most appealing features of the city, though, is its extensive sports activities and facilities for both youth and adults. You can join groups and clubs and become part of Allen's welcoming neighborhood.

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Strawberries

Strawberry BloomsMay 15, 2007My experience with strawberries is they are very hardy. My June bearing strawberries are now in bloom so it won't be long. The majority of them are housed in a 8' x 10' raised bed. The bed originally was planted with strawberry plants I moved from our old house, planted in a temporary bed then moved to the new raised bed the following year. I do not know what

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Attacting Birds to Your Garden

Ruby Throated HummingbirdMay 10, 2007Look at my new garden visitor! Isn't he just adorable? This picture was a real fluke as the feeder is hanging on the back porch so I can see any activity from the kitchen window. Well there he was flitting around so I had to grab the camera and take several shots. I should have taken a video clip as well but I was so excited, I didn't think about it.

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Dreamscape Condos

Luxurious Condominiums:
Located at the Southern tip of Ocean Shores, these units include two or three bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchens featuring maple cabinets, tile floors and granite counters; living rooms with a fireplace and separate dining area with private decks. Perfect for a company retreat or multi-family uses. Watch ships, whales, and fishing boats from the comforts of your own private getaway. Seconds from pristine beaches and beach combing. Prices range from $259,000 to $399,000. Don't wait until they're all sold out! These condos are being offered at these low prices from the builder direct! Isn't it time to "Live Your Dream?"

Spectacular Views:
The lights of Westport
Abundant Wildlife
Whale Watching from your deck
Storm watching from your Greatroom or from your large covered private deck
Ship traffic in the harbor
A variety of birds for the bird watchers

Extras:
Large covered private decks
Elevator Stack washer/dryer
Garages with automatic doors available first come basis ($25,000.00)
Large Storage Units for Condos on ground level w/access from elevator
Wired throughout for Cable TV and High Speed Internet
Central Hot Water System Glass railings on decks
And of course: VIEWS TO DIE FOR

Each Unit Offers:
Tile floors in entry, kitchen & baths
Carpeting in other areas
2 Bedrooms / 2 Baths
Master Bedroom
Master Bath with Jacuzzi jetted tub with granite tub surround
Both baths have granite countertops with undermounted sinks
A Greatroom with electric fireplace and unbelievable views
Dining area with water views
Deluxe Kitchen with stainless steel appliances & granite counters/island
Central constant hot water Stack washer/dryer

Kitchens Include:
Granite counter tops
Granite Island with eating bar
Stainless steel appliances
Garbage disposal
Side by side
Refrigerator with water & ice on door
Microwave Dishwasher Range/stove combo
Generous counterspace and storage cabinets.

For more information including pricing, floor plans, furniture options, etc., call Jeff Daniel at 360.581.9020 or send an email by clicking HERE. Don't wait too long, the owners are talking about raising prices this summer!

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Goldfinches

GoldfinchesMay 3, 2007Gardening is more than just growing things. For years I have tried to attract beneficial wildlife especially birds and butterflies. This is always a pleasant time of the year when the goldfinches return. They like niger seed as does the house finches. Their bright yellow colour is sure to bring a smile as they flit around the garden!Yesterday I did a little garden

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Rhubarb

RhubarbMay 2, 2007It has been a great pleasure to see the newly planted last year rhubarb come up. My husband is so excited and is patiently awaiting the first rhubarb pie. I will can up some as well for use as a sauce in the winter. My pie and canning recipes are on my cooking blog, Mom's Cafe Home Cooking if you are interested. The rhubarb should be ready for first cutting later this

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Land is the Basis of all Wealth

Purchasing land can be one of the most sound investment real estate strategies available today and is a viable opportunity for both large and small real estate buyers.


Some of possible benefits that can be obtained with Tenants-in-Common (TIC) ownership in undeveloped land include:
* A chance to own land for smaller investment amounts - as low as $22,000
* Strong appreciation potential
* Opportunity for better overall yield
* Ground floor opportunity
* Portfolio diversification
* Simple management
* Pride of ownership in a tangible asset


The Ocean Shores and North Beach areas are blossoming into one of the finest areas in all of the Northwest. Property values have quadrupled in the past 4 years out here on the beach and prices are still going up. Don't wait until properties are unattainable. Buy now!


Jeff Daniel/Coldwell Banker Ocean Beach Properties
360.581.9020 (cell)
1.888.469.3100 (toll free)


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