NAR

We here at Tyler Texas Real Estate are always interested in what's happening nationally, and the National Association of Realtors is a great source for info. Consider this: NAR is predicting that 2006 will be second only to 2005 in the homes market!

And this: The national median existing-home price for all housing types, which is experiencing a surge estimated at 12.7 percent to $208,800 for 2005, is expected to rise another 6.1 percent in 2006 to $221,400. The median new-home price is likely to rise 5.5 percent to $233,100 in 2005, and then grow by 7.3 percent next year to $250,100 as higher construction costs impact the market.

The U.S. gross domestic product should grow 3.7 percent for 2005 and 4.1 percent next year. The unemployment rate is expected to decline to 4.9 percent by second quarter of 2006, and then stabilize.

The Consumer Price Index is projected to rise 3.4 percent for 2005, and 2.9 percent next year. Inflation-adjusted disposable personal income is forecast to increase 1.4 percent in 2005 and 4.5 percent in 2006.

These are great expectations for the coming year.

Christmas Displays

As most of us know and understand, this is a Christian nation. Even though organisations such as the ACLU are attempting to refute that, it is what it is. So many state and local governmental entities have succumbed to the anti-christian legal groups (due to the legal expenses of defending the national holiday), that we now have (what seems like)a Christ-less secular holiday. Even the major retail chains have expunged Christmas from their marketing efforts.

Well, there's no need to worry. In Tyler, Texas, real estate is still private. And we can express ourselves as Christians if we choose to do so. Put up the tree; have a manger scene on the lawn if you have a mind to; light up the house; sing hymns and carols of the faith; shop for gifts in those places where they greet you at the door with a firm "Merry Christmas"!

We have a victorious Savior, and God is putting all His enemies under His feet. Count on it. And if, in the meantime, non-Christians wish to stay away from your home because of your Christian traditions, they are still free to do that in Tyler, Texas.

Disclosure

In the state of Texas, as well as many other states, the requirement of full disclosure is a settled issue. Property sellers must fully disclose everything they know about their property to any prospective buyer. Anything that a buyer might need to know before deciding to make an offer on the property must be disclosed.

That includes known defects in homes and other structures on the property. And it also includes dangerous chemicals, lead-based paint, and all other potential environmentas hazards. Seismic issues, flood-plain issues, and endangered species issues are also necessary to disclose. Some states even require a Megan's Law disclosure.

These disclosures make it ever more important that a professional, experienced real estate agent be hired to facilitate a smooth transaction between buyers and sellers.