2012 is proving to be no different as we see inventory up in nearly every area on the Westside.  Most real estate agents tend to hold off on listing new properties at the end of the year because they know it is a slow period and not the best time to launch, so they wait for the new year.  This is the primary reason we see such a spike in inventory across the board.

The more NEW inventory on the market, the better.  The increase in supply of properties on market give prospective buyers more options to choose from, making the market more competitive and altogether, healthier.

It’s a win-win situation for sellers and buyers.  Sellers win because a more competitive market can lead to higher sales prices.  Buyers win because there is simply more inventory to choose from.  Their options increase.

Here are some potent tips for saving money by going green with your home in 2012:

Homeowners looking for an easy fix know that compact fluorescents have been known as a sound alternative to regular light bulbs. However, the source reports that LED bulbs use even less energy and even have longer lifespans than CFLs.

Energy monitoring systems are an update from energy-saving programmable thermostats and help homeowners manage energy use more efficiently. Once data is gathered, homeowners can cut back on consumption and save money on energy bills. Buildipedia reports that these can be pricey, but homeowners should be able to find better prices as more models become available throughout the year.

Some popular changes being made include sealing up leaks and upgrading to Energy Star-rated HVAC equipment. According to the source, many homeowners are renovating during the economic recovery, as fixing up an existing home saves money, lowers waste and preserves land more effectively than building a new home.

The new fee will depend on the amount of the loan sought, and one official suggests it would amount to nearly $15 a month per every $200,000. Though it doesn’t seem like a big difference, sources say the amount will add up quickly.

The fee will apply to new mortgages and new refinances and is intended to encourage more homeowners to turn to the private market versus loans backed by the GSEs. The weak housing market and the large number of foreclosures have lead many to seek mortgages from FHA, Fannie and Freddie.

The increase was also introduced to pay for the nearly $33 billion package to extend a 2 percentage point payroll tax cut for another two months, which the Obama administration expects will benefit 160 million people.

Sellers who are overconfident in their home’s appeal, their understanding of the housing market and their ability to negotiate are more likely to overprice their home. Potential homebuyers don’t usually make it to the doorstep because they have already compared prices with other homes in the area. Less showings obviously mean less offers, and no offers means there is no sale. Pricing properly is crucial in the current housing market.

When buyers are overconfident, they typically believe there is less competition and that they have more flexibility than what there actually is, says the source. This can lead to buyers making offers way below an acceptable price, which stems from a misunderstanding of the market as a whole. This also creates delays in sales which keep both buyers and sellers from attaining success in real estate.

With the vast number of online listings and real estate listing databases there is definitely an ample amount of data to support smart decisions when it comes to buying and selling, but overconfidence can work against readily available assistance.

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Inside, the open design has wood floors throughout, a dramatic entry, library, dining room and spacious living room with freestanding fireplace, an expansive custom designed gourmet eat-in kitchen/family room and two custom-designed marble bathrooms- one en suite.

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