FSBOS: FEWER GOING IT ALONE

NAR reports a drop in the number of for-sale-by-owner (FSBO)
transactions to 12 percent of all sales today from 18 percent in 1997.

NAR spokesman Walter Molony says property owners believe agents
are better equipped to achieve fast sales at top dollar in a slow market,
adding that the median price for agent-assisted transactions was about
16 percent higher than FSBO sales last year.

Molony notes that agents
orchestrate showings, handle paperwork and identify serious buyers
for sellers – who often lack the time or experience necessary to
complete such tasks.

MORTGAGE RATES
Rates on 30-year mortgages rose this week to 6.23 percent, the
highest level in nine weeks, as financial markets reacted to a series
of more upbeat financial reports.
Read the full story:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n3-011907.cfm

ECONOMY
The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which oversees
the global financial system, said yesterday that ''a soft landing now
seems more assured'' for the United States, and world economic
growth should approach 5 percent in 2007.
Read the full story:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n3-011707.cfm

The Most Expensive Home of 2006Sales of homes priced at $5 million and above were up about 11 percent over 2005, according to estimates. So what home sold for the most in 2006?Read more >

Home Sales to Rise Gradually into 2008A steady improvement in existing-home sales will support price appreciation moving forward, says NAR Chief Economist David Lereah.Read more >

LUXURY MARKET
Florida's high-end home market continued to do well in 2006, according
to some industry experts. ''It was a really big year, higher than normal in
our market,'' says Joseph Liguori, Premier Estates' owner and
practitioner.
Read the full story:
http://www.floridarealtors.org/NewsAndEvents/n4-011507.cfm

Rise in November New Home Sales Paints Strengthening Housing Market
Foxnews.com
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,239137,00.html

The CCBA gave out awards from last years Parade of Homes.
The categories and the people that won are as follows.

1. Best Prepared Home. Charles Peeler – Emerald Cove House.
2. Best Kitchen and Bath. Isaac Construction – Plantations house.
3. Best Landscaping. Erkinger Home Builders. Plantations.
4. Unique Design. Erkinger Home Builders. Plantations.
5. Best Interior. Sparks Construction. Rolling Meadows.
6. Best Home Under 3000 sq feet. Cady Homes & Assoc – Rolling Meadows.
7. Best Home Over 3000 sq feet. Erkinger Homes. Plantations.