Dozens of Keller Williams agents turned out recently to help their local communities during RED Day, which stands for Renew, Energize and Donate. Above, Michael Hagen and Perry Cockayne drag a mud-filled rug to the dumpster as they help improve a local neighborhood. Below, a group of agents start a big painting project. RED Day is a Keller Williams Realty service initiative. All their associates in the United States and Canada were asked to donate their time this month.
Above, John Petrehn lends a hand in supporting the back porch pillar.
Kirk Blinzler (above) is covered in paint chips as he scales the roof. Below, the gang gets together for a celebratory shot. From left are Perry Cockayne, Josephine Roberts, Jeanne Cockayne, Scott Kelly, Sara Armer, Kristal Myers, Matt Myers, Mary Payne and David Conderman.
April rush translates to big gains for Midwest home sales
Sales of newly built, single-family homes nationwide surged 14.8 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 504,000 units in April as consumers rushed to beat the deadline for expiring home buyer tax credits, according to data released by the U.S. Commerce Department. This was the strongest level of new-home buying activity since May of 2008. And which area of the country saw the biggest gains? The Midwest, which registered a 31.6 percent gain, the South, a 10.8 percent gain, and the West, a 21.7 percent gain. The Northeast posted no change in sales activity from the previous month. So now that the program is over, experts say great buying incentives continue – including exceptionally favorable mortgage rates, very attractive home prices and the steadily improving economy. That means there is good reason to expect the positive momentum to continue.
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