The right price sells a home faster than any other factor. When the listing price is more than 5% over market, price alone discourages buyers. An overpriced home—especially in a sluggish market— scares away potential buyers, who think they can't afford to look. Buyers who look know they can get more home for their money elsewhere.

Most sellers need to sell first before buying. Buyers today know there are some deeply discounted bargains on the market—from expired listings, pre-foreclosures and short sales, to builder close-outs, relocating families and investor sell-offs. (We'll find them for you.)

One savvy seller strategy in today's market is to give your home a "price haircut" with a price 1.0% below the competition. That price primes the pump and attracts offers—allowing you to be a cash buyer. With careful homework, you'll be in position to buy your next home— perhaps at a 20 % discounted price— with smart shopping.

FHA Program Helping Families Keep Homes

Recent data from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) reveals that FHASecure, the government-insured foreclosure-avoidance initiative launched in September 2007, helped more than 50,000 homeowners prevent foreclosure in its first four months.

As of this writing, the Federal Housing Authority had received more than 113,000 refinance applica­tions from families whose loans were current or past due. The FHA says it's on target to insure over 240,000 FHASecure home loans in Fiscal. Year 2008.

FHASecure enables homeowners who have a history of on-time mortgage payments under their original interest rates, but missed payments after their rates reset, to refinance into FHA's mortgage insurance program.

Families with high-cost mortgages and mortgages that are due to reset, who are still current on their loan, may also be able to refinance through FHASecure. The average subprime homeowner, says the FHA, will save about $400 a month or $30,000 over the expected life of the loan.

According to the agency, FHA refinancing increased 125% during 2007 and is expected to increase even more this year as more homeowners examine their mortgage options.

For more information about FHASecure or to find the nearest FHA approved lender, phone (800) CALL-FHA (225-5342) or visit www.FHA.gov.