Know Your Monthly Wireless Bill

Americans love their wireless devices. For the first time, there are more devices (327.6 million) than Americans (315.5 million), according to CTIA-The Wireless Association's survey. People continue to use more voice minutes, text messages and data than ever before, too. As with any bill, but especially since wireless devices are used more than ever, consumers should always review their monthly wireless statement to ensure the charges are correct.

To help wireless consumers better manage their usage and prevent unexpected overage charges, CTIA and many of its provider members, along with the Federal Communications Commission, announced free alerts. More than 300 million U.S. wireless customers will be protected against potential billing surprises due to the industry's efforts. As part of CTIA's "Consumer Code for Wireless Service," wireless providers will send postpaid customers alerts on voice, data, messaging and international roaming. Two out of the four alerts will be available by October 17, 2012 and all of the alerts will be available by April 17, 2013.

Currently, many wireless providers already offer a number of free tools for customers to check on their usage. Here are some tips from CTIA and its members to help you stay in control of your monthly wireless bill.

Monitor Your Usage
All of the major wireless providers offer tools so you can keep track of your usage and know exactly how many minutes, data or text messages you've used. In addition to contacting your carrier via phone or websites, many offer shortcuts on your wireless device.

Check International Rates Before You Leave the Country
Many carriers will alert you to local rates or prompt you to call customer service when you arrive in a foreign country. The "Wireless Consumer Usage Notification Guidelines" require participating CTIA providers to inform consumers of international roaming charges when traveling abroad.

Regardless, it's a good idea to understand your plan when it comes to calls, texts and data/Internet usage. Most providers offer: 
 

•	Information on where to get the best international voice and data rates and tips and tutorials for what you can expect when using your mobile devices while traveling.
•	Temporarily shut-off of your data services to prevent international data roaming.
•	Mobile apps to track international use in real-time.

To see rates and availability, contact your wireless provider via phone or website. 
Stay On Top of Your Family Plan Keeping track of your family's wireless use can help prevent accidental overages. Many wireless carriers provide plan monitoring tools that let subscribers: 
 

•	Set limits on allotted minutes, messages and downloads each month.
•	Set voice and messaging allowances.
•	Receive free text alerts when a family member nears or reaches their limits.
•	Create a list of blocked numbers to prevent unwanted calls and messages.
•	Set specific times of day when a family member can't call, message or use data on their mobile devices (but calls to other account/family members and Emergency 911 are always allowed).

Spending a little time reviewing your service provider's website and using their tools, tips and plans can save you and your family money on your monthly wireless bill.
 

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Statements of fact and opinion are the opinions of the authors and do not imply an endorsement on the part of the association, the “Mahoning Valley REALTOR®” or its editorial staff.

TO: All News Media
FROM: Robert U. Miller, OAR President, 614.436.0330
Carl Horst, OAR Director of Publications & Media Relations, 614.225.6205
RE: Year-End Home Sales for Ohio
DATE: January 20, 2012

Despite challenging conditions that were prevalent throughout most of 2011, Ohio’s real estate market posted sales gains over the prior year for the first time since 2005, according to statistics provided by the state’s Multiple Listing Services.

“The 2011 market was interesting for both industry professionals and property owners in all corners of the Buckeye State… as the real estate market made significant strides toward regaining its footing following the economic downturn that has affected the nation over the past three-plus years,” said Robert U. Miller, president of the Ohio Association of REALTORS®. “The fact that the market was able to outpace the level of the previous year for the first time in six years is a hopeful sign that the market is poised for better things moving forward.

“Our 2011 results are an indicator that the desire to make the American Dream of homeownership a reality remains strong throughout Ohio,” Miller added. “We remain bullish on the marketplace – as interest rates remain at historic lows, prices have begun to stabilize, sellers are realistic in their expectations and consumers understand that long-term, owning a home is a tremendous investment.”

Year-end 2011 sales total of new and existing homes (January through December) totaled 99,881, a 0.1 percent increase from the 99,741 sales posted in 2010.

The state’s average sale price (January-December) of $127,838 marks a 3.6 percent decrease from the $132,678 average posted in 2010.

Total dollar volume reached nearly $12.8 billion, a negligible 3.5 percent decrease from the $13.2 billion posted during 2010.

“Last year marked the first time in more than two years that the housing market wasn’t the recipient of stimulus support that was made available to buyers,” Miller noted. “While we have a long way to go before we fully return to our traditional sales level, there are many positives for current owners and would-be buyers.”

Miller said a recent survey of the state’s real estate professionals suggests that the industry is cautiously optimistic about the market’s outlook in the coming months. The OAR Housing Market Confidence Index, a recently created measurement of the perception Ohio REALTORS® have of the marketplace, offers the following findings:
 

Sales in the fourth quarter 2011 increased 11 percent, reaching 23,360 sales compared to the 21,045 sales posted during the period a year ago.

“We were able to finish 2011 with consecutive quarterly gains, something we last accomplished during the first half of 2010,” Miller said. “It’s worth recalling, however, that those sales were boosted by the existence of the home buyer tax credit program that was drawing to a close.

“Today’s real estate market, perhaps now more than ever before, makes it clear that all real estate is local…with variations in every community and every street, and even amongst the various property types,” Miller added.  Most importantly, today’s buyers and sellers realize that despite these complexities and nuances, property ownership is a wise, long-term investment.”

Sales in December 2011 reached 7,779, a 5.9 percent increase from the 7,344 sales posted during the month in 2010. The average sales price of $122,649 was a 5.9 percent decrease from the $130,293 average price posted in December 2010.

Data provided to OAR by Multiple Listing Services includes residential closings for new and existing single-family homes and condominiums/co-ops. The Ohio Association of REALTORS®, with more than 27,000 members, is the largest professional trade association in Ohio.

(NOTE: There might be a slight variance between the reported number of sales contained in this release and actual activity in the various markets due to OAR’s early reporting requirement. Check with contacts in the particular market.  Click here for the data included in this press release.)

From the Weekly Real Estate Report
by Dennis Fisher
of Rapid Mortgage Company

Two key measures now suggest it's an excellent time to buy a house, either to live in for the long term or for investment income. First, the nation's ratio of house prices to yearly rents is nearly restored to its prebubble average. Second, when rates are taken into consideration, houses are the most affordable they have been in decades. Whether buying is a better deal than renting isn't a stagnant fact but a changing condition that depends on the relationship between prices and rents, the cost of financing and other factors. But the math is turning in buyers' favor. Stock-oriented folks can think of a house's price/rent ratio as akin to a stock's price/earnings ratio, in that it compares the cost of an asset with the money the asset is capable of generating. For investors, a lower ratio suggests more income for the price. For prospective homeowners, a lower ratio makes owning more attractive than renting, all else equal. Nationwide, the ratio of home prices to yearly rents is 11.3, down from 18.5 at the peak of the bubble, according to Moody's Analytics. The average from 1989 to 2003 was about 10, so valuations aren't quite back to normal. But for most home buyers, rates are a key determinant of their total costs. Rates are so low now that houses in many markets look like bargains, even if price/rent ratios aren't hitting new lows. As a result, house payments are more affordable than they have been in decades. Source: Smart Money

While home sales may be sluggish in many parts of the country, more buyers are placing an emphasis on green -- with some studies showing that green homes can sell for higher dollar than non-green homes. In Portland, Ore., an analysis from the Earth Advantage Institute found that green-certified new homes sold, on average, for 8 percent more than non-certified green homes--and in one of the counties included in the study even more than 23 percent higher. Earth Advantage Institute analyzed sales data from May 2010 through April 2011 from the Portland Regional MLS. The study found that the sales price was even higher for existing homes outfitted green -- an average of 30 percent more, and one county reporting a more than 61 percent premium on green-certified homes. The green certifications on the homes were from Energy Star, LEED for Homes, Earth Advantage, or an Earth Advantage/Energy Star combination. This is the fourth year in a row that the Earth Advantage Institute has conducted such a study and has found green-certified homes sell for higher prices than non-certified homes. “There's certainly a premium there to be had,” says green builder Josh Wynne from Sarasota, Fla. “Clients are naturally skeptical of green building. If you're disingenuous or sell green as an upgrade like a granite counter,” it won't work. But the hook, experts say, is to promote the upgrades by showing the energy savings that green homes can offer. Source: EcoHome

A staggering 39.2 million American households consist of people living alone or with nonfamily members, changing the outlook for professionals who want to design and sell homes to this demographic, John Burns Real Estate Consulting said in a report. As the old saying goes "times are a-changing," and the consulting firm believes the real estate industry has to embrace the incoming tide of nonfamily households in some shape or form. So who are these trend-breakers who have increased their ranks from 7.9 million to 30-million plus in the last 50 years? These households are more likely to prefer homes under 2,500 square feet, while families in the recent past desired 3,000-square-foot homes. This emerging demographic desires no more than three bedrooms and forget the size of the home, in reality they want proximity to work and entertainment. While this segment still values a sense of community, they are less likely to praise the virtues of media rooms, community pools and tot lots, the John Burns report says. Source: HousingWire 

TAXATION

An exploding federal debt has forced tax reform into the limelight. In December 2010, a deficit reduction commission offered a variety of models for both simplifying the tax code and increasing the amount of revenue it generates. The combination of the deficit, the need to increase the US credit limit (aka the debt ceiling) and the fragile economy have lined up to force a major political debate about the relative mix of spending and revenue. As a result, a variety of tax laws, including those affected by commercial and residential real estate, could be reviewed with a focus on raising revenue.

•  Mortgage Interest Deduction: NAR opposes any changes that would limit or undermine current law. In 2011, NAR secured 183 bi-partisan co-sponsors for H. Res 25 which "expresses the sense of the Congress that the current Federal income tax deduction for interest paid on debt secured by a first or second home should not be further restricted."

•  Cancellation of Mortgage Debt: NAR supports further extension of this law which is set to expire on December 31, 2012.

•  Capital Gains - Exclusion on Sale of Residence: NAR opposes any changes that would reduce or limit the capital gains exemption ($250,000/$500,000) on the sale of a home.

•  Property Tax Deduction: NAR opposes any changes that would reduce or eliminate current laws.

Coupled with a lack of available and affordable mortgage financing, delinquencies and foreclosure rates continue to be a significant concern. Federal policymakers are weighing a number of proposals aimed at creating healthier housing and mortgage markets.

•  Government Sponsored Enterprises: NAR recommends that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac be restructured in a manner that ensures consumers have a reliable source of mortgage funding in all types of markets, under all types of economic conditions. The restructured entities should be explicitly backed by the government, have no shareholders and be subject to tighter regulations on product, revenue generation and usage, and retained portfolios in order to accomplish their mission and protect the taxpayer.

•  Credit Policies: NAR believes that regulators and the broader lending community needs to focus on providing mortgage financing to qualified homebuyers and investors, as well as homeowners wanting to take advantage of historically low interest rates. In order to ensure adequate access to mortgage credit, NAR opposes a narrow definition of what constitutes a Qualified Residential Mortgage (QRM) and supports a Qualified Mortgage (QM) definition that establishes strong consumer protections, incorporates important ability-to-repay standards, and offers lenders a safe harbor that reduces litigation exposure. NAR has also called for the expansion of residential and commercial lending products, including investor access to FHA 203K loan program, and supports efforts to increase consumer access to mortgage refinancing programs.

•  Short Sales: NAR continues to push the lending industry to expedite short sales and is working with Congress to get legislation passed to make the short sales process more efficient. NAR supports H.R. 1498, which requires servicers to decide whether to approve a short sale within 45 days of completion of the file. NAR has also met with FHFA, the conservator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac (the GSEs), to advocate for servicing guidelines for Fannie and Freddie loans that speed up servicer response times on short sale transactions.

For the past several years, Congress has been approving short-term extensions of the National Flood Insurance Program's (NFIP) authority to issue flood insurance policies while they continue to debate long-term fiscal reforms to the program. The most recent extension was on Dec. 17, 2011, when Congress extended it through May 31, 2012. NAR is urging Congress to use the additional time to complete work on a 5-year NFIP re-authorization bill to provide certainty and avoid further disruption to real estate markets.

Over the last 18-36 months, a host of rules, regulations, and laws have been announced to further protect appraiser independence. NAR strongly supports the independence of appraisers and the appraisal process. Additionally, NAR opposes the use of indemnification clauses by Appraisal Management Companies (AMCs) which places pressure on the appraiser, compromises their independence, and has a negative effect on the quality of appraisal reports. NAR will also pursue legislative and regulatory efforts to require AMCs to retain competent and qualified appraisers.

More than $1.2 trillion in commercial real estate loans will come due over the next few years, and many of these deals will have trouble getting financing. Depressed conditions in the financial and small business sectors continue to negatively affect the commercial real estate industry, which threatens our nation's economic recovery. NAR supports protecting and enhancing the flow of capital to commercial real estate. NAR believes Congress and the federal government should consider legislation and regulation aimed at improving commercial real estate markets including: (1) accelerated depreciation, (2) increasing the cap on credit union member business lending (MBL), (3) additional banking agency guidance related to term extensions, (4) creation of a mortgage insurance program for performing commercial loans, (5) improving credit availability for small businesses and (6) creation of a U.S. covered bond market.

Effective January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2012 and for successive 4 year periods thereafter, REALTORS® are required to complete training on the Code of Ethics of the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®!

This means... by December 31, 2012 all members of the Youngstown Columbiana Association of REALTORS® must have completed an ethics course that satisfies NAR’s 2.5 hour required code of ethics course.

If you have taken an ethics course through YCAR between 2009-2012 it will be reflected in your NRDS membership record.

If you take this course through another association or entity, or have already taken this course, you need to send a copy of your course completion to the Youngstown Columbiana Association of REALTORS® so your NRDS membership record can be so noted.

The association will offer three Ethics classes in 2012:

Thursday, March 22nd at the YCAR Office.
Thursday, June 7th at the YCAR Office.
Thursday, October 25th at the YCAR Office.

If an existing REALTOR® member does not complete this ethics course by December 31, 2012, REALTOR® Membership will be suspended at the mandate of THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®!!

Call Rosemarie at 330-788-7026 to reserve a seat in an ethics course today!

The Division of Real Estate now requires 60 minutes of uninterrupted instruction time, per each seminar hour. In order to continue to offer a traditional break midway, our seminars must now last 3 hours and 15 minutes, not counting the 30 minute registration period prior to each seminar.  Attendees must be present for at least 90% of the instructional period to receive certification, the break period does not count towards this percentage of attendance.  Attendees may not leave the seminar at anytime during the instructional period.  

 
The Youngstown Columbiana Association of REALTORS®
 
Presents a 3-Hour Continuing Education Seminar
 
"Fair Housing... It’s Not an Option!
It’s the Law!"
 
with speaker:
 
Alec Hagerty 

RESERVATION REQUIRED
Registration Form
Email Rosemarie@ycar.org or call 330-788-7026
 *NOTE: The Division of Real Estate now requires 60 minutes of uninterrupted instruction time, per each seminar hour. In order to continue to offer a traditional break midway, the seminar must go to 12:15 P.M.