RE/MAX Ranks 2nd Most Used Search Term in Real Estate

'RE/MAX real estate' ranks No. 2 among real estate search terms on the Internet, according to a recent study by Hitwise, an online competitive intelligence service.

Hitwise, a subsidiary of Experian, has been collecting and analyzing data directly from Internet Service Providers (ISPs) since 1997.

The terms were ranked by volume of searches that successfully drove traffic to Web sites in the Hitwise Business and Finance - Real Estate category for the four weeks ending Jan. 26, based on U.S. Internet usage.

Hitwise Real Estate Search Term Rankings

1. realtor.com - 1.7 percent
2. remax - .81 percent
3. homes for sale - .43 percent
4. apartments - .40 percent
5. real estate - .39 percent
6. century 21 - .38 percent
7. apartments for rent - .36 percent
8. zillow - .35 percent
9. zillow.com - .33 percent
10. coldwell banker - .29 percent

The addition of proposed housing provisions should make possible approximately 300,000 more sales than otherwise without the changes. Good News for us!

The soon to be enacted economic stimulus package includes several important housing provisions, including increases in the loan limits for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac and also FHA. Congress and the Administration view strengthening the housing market as key to improving the national economy.

Included in the package are:

• The FHA limit will increase to as much as $729,750 in high cost areas (to 125% of local median home prices) for loans approved on or before December 31, 2008.In addition, the measure gives the Secretary of HUD the discretion to raise any individual area loan limit by an amount not to exceed $100,000.
  
  
• The GSE limit will be increased up to $729,750 for loans originated after July 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008. Currently Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are capped at $417,000. It appears the formula mirror that used by FHA, with GSE loan limits increasing to 125% of the local median home price, but not to exceed $729,750.
  

Source: National Association of REALTORS®

Hollis New Hampshire, a Beautiful Quintessential New England Town with History

Our town is a moment frozen in time with rural pasture lands (town owned), a historic village (center of Hollis), strict zoning ordinances; 2 acre lot minimums, prohibitive building requirements, with little land available for sale. These strict requirements tie our town to its rural past. Once known mainly for its rich agricultural farmlands; corn, strawberries, orchards, dairy and poultry, this affluent bedroom community is home to politicians, business executives, writers, and even the inventor of PacMan!

With few changes, Hollis has managed to hold on to its small-town character. The Historic District in the center of town includes more than 100 historic homes and buildings, including the Hollis Social Library, Town Hall, Hollis Congregational Church, and the Always Ready Engine House, which is now the home of the Hollis Historical Society. A number of other historic farmhouses and homes can be found throughout town. There is even a committee to keep our dirt roads dirty... oh, what I mean is to keep them from being paved. They are easier to maintain, grade, plow, and it keeps down traffic.

Outside of the town center, sprawling orchards, rolling fields, and stately farms sit near contemporary, cape, colonial, and antique homes. More than 2,000 acres of Hollis land remains in active agricultural use today. There are several farms and apple orchards located in Hollis, offering locally grown produce and the opportunity to pick your own strawberries and apples. We have pumpkin fields, hay rides, and corn mazes for families to enjoy.

The Beaver Brook Association conservation area encompasses 1,500 acres and offers 25 miles of trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and other activities.

The Hollis Brookline High School ranks quite high academically. To check out statistical facts and data visit the New Hampshire state government site and the Hollis Brookline High School.



Homes are less expensive in Hollis than most surrounding New Hampshire towns. Hollis and Brookline share a cooperative high school.

For more information on Hollis and surrounding towns, please contact us at RE/MAX Properties.