CONNECTION | ASK A PROS
JEFF WHITE
RON WALTERS
at
529 Marilyn Drive, Mandan, ND 58554 701-214-1633
Q: IS NOW A GOOD TIME TO PURCHASE A HOME? A: In short, Yes! Despite conflicting
information or stories you may be hearing there are absolutely compelling reasons that this is a great time to purchase a home in our market
•
•
•
As I write this, interest rates are currently at 3.75% on a 30-yr fixed rate mortgage. This is an entire point (1%) lower than 12 months ago. At a glance 1% may not seem like much, but that 1% would save you just over $50,000 (that is not a typo) on a $250,000 loan over the same 30-yr period. That is real money! Currently, in our market, the absorption rate in months is at 7.19 months. This number represents the number of homes sold in a 12 month period over the number of listings in the market. Which indicates a slight a buyers market. It is December and understandable that nobody wants to move in the dead of Winter. Therefore there is less buyer competition. Less demand inherently means a lower price. The figure on just how much lower would be specifically determined on each individual listing.
There are a myriad of additional advantages to buying now in our market. It's always a good idea to consult an experienced REALTOR for advice when purchasing a home.
at
721 Memorial Hwy, Bismarck, ND 58504 701-751-6188
JOEL BLANCHARD, MD at
2603 E Broadway Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501 701-323-5222
Q: HOW CAN YOU HELP THE GREAT Q: WHAT IS THE NEW FMCSA PLAINS FOOD BANK END HUNDRUG AND ALCOHOL CLEARGER IN NORTH DAKOTA? INGHOUSE? A: Each year, the Great Plains Food Bank A: On January 6, 2020, the Federal Motor provides 12.5 million meals to more than 97,000 individuals across North Dakota. And it is only made possible through incredible individuals and partnerships in communities throughout the state that make it all possible. Wishing to lend a hand in the fight to end hunger across North Dakota? Here are a few ways that you can help: • • • •
•
Host your own virtual food drive to show the true impact your dollar can make. Seek out a corporate match for your gift to the Great Plains Food Bank. Make your voice heard and spread news on hunger by signing up as a Hunger Advocate. Sign up to be a volunteer at your local food pantry or a Great Plains Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry or Pop-up Perishable Food Program distribution. Collect items to donate in hosting your own food drive.
Carriers Safety Administration (FMCSA) will launch the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. This will be a secure online database that gives employers, state driver licensing agencies and state law enforcement personnel real-time information about commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders’ drug and alcohol program violations. The information stored in this database will follow drivers no matter where they move or work.
Employers will be able to access the Clearinghouse by registering and creating an account on the Clearinghouse website. From then on, employers will be required, with consent from a driver, to run a full query on their date of hire. The Clearinghouse will contain records of drug and alcohol violations, return-to-duty test refusals and a log of return-to-duty requirement completions. Pre-registration is now open. Visit clearinghouse.fmcsa.dot.gov to register.
Find information on all these different ways that you can be involved in the fight to end hunger and many more at www. greatplainsfoodbank.org.
Connection 3 29