Anne Stark Named President Of

Newtown Board Of Realtors For 2010

By Nancy K. Crevier

Anne Stark, manager of the Prudential Connecticut Realty Newtown office, was sworn in as 2010 president of the Newtown Board of Realtors at a recent luncheon at Rock Ridge Country Club. Ms Stark, a realtor and broker, has specialized in area real estate for 13 year, the last five in Newtown.

She is honored to be selected, she said, and is looking forward to serving the realtors and community of Newtown in this position. “My role as president of the Newtown Board of Realtors is to find a way to better serve our members,” she said, “by helping them with issues on what they and homeowners are up against in this economic environment.”

In a tough market, such as that now being experienced, the board needs to come up with creative solutions for agents experiencing fewer sales at lower prices. “We want people to be aware of the efforts being made by the National Association of Realtors and the local realtors for tax credits for first-time buyers and existing homeowners,” said Ms Stark. “We will also be making sure that our realtors, and homeowners, are aware of the programs available to avoid foreclosure,” she said.

Addressing foreclosure is important, said Ms Stark, and is an issue of concern in Newtown. Newtown Board of Realtors will be announcing a foreclosure prevention seminar in the first quarter of 2010 for residents and realtors.

“Of 215 homes on the market, 14 are showing as possibly having paid more than the home is currently worth. A few year ago, there wouldn’t have been even one,” she said. “It’s a whole new world that realtors have had to learn about to guide homeowners through this situation.”

Nonetheless, Ms Stark feels that the housing market is moving in a positive direction.

It is an excellent time to buy, with many homes realistically priced by motivated sellers. “Buyers should research all of their options on the Internet, and find a good realtor with whom they are comfortable,” she recommended. If a buyer should find him or herself in a situation of multiple offers on a home, they should consider other options. “There are many homes on the market that should not be ruled out,” she said.

Buyers should not be put off by increased scrutiny when applying for a mortgage in comparison to what they may have encountered a few years earlier, with some lenders requesting more than one appraisal, for instance, she said. “What it is, is that mortgage lenders are being more realistic today. They will lend an amount that is reasonable for the value of the house,” Ms Stark said. Taking advantage of special programs and tax incentives can make a home more affordable, as well.

Sellers who are willing to set a competitive price, who check the market listings weekly to compare to new listings, and who show their homes in the best possible condition are not finding it difficult to sell right now, said Ms Stark. “Earlier this year we were seeing mainly homes in the $300,000 range selling; in the past few months, though, we are seeing houses in the $500,000 range selling. That’s good for everyone,” she said.

“I’m optimistic that with the programs and tax credits and historic, lower interest rates available that things will be better in the near future,” said Ms Stark.