Risé’s News You Can Use Brought to You by Risé Johns Team Risé Johns Bill Wilson 2015 Forecast According to a Trulia survey conducted in November, 2014, consumers are as optimistic about the housing market as at any point since the housing recovery started. Nearly three quarters-74%-of respondents agreed that home ownership was part of achieving their personal American Dream. Consumers also think real estate will improve in 2015, especially selling. This bodes well for sellers. Still, it is important to remember that, despite this optimism, barriers remain to homeownership. Saving for a down payment is still the highest hurdle, followed by poor credit and qualifying for a mortgage. Not having a stable job has become considerably less of an obstacle thanks to the recovering job market. While apartment construction is breaking construction records, single family starts and new home sales are not much better than half of normal levels. They will improve in 2015, but not much. This is especially good for sellers of existing homes. As the rebound effect fades and fundamentals take over, the recovery gets slower and the market starts to look more similar from one year to the next. The good news is even though the recovery remains unfinished, the housing market is becoming more stable and more certain for sellers and buyers. Now’s a great time to sell or buy! Call the Risé Johns Team.  Our expertise will help you make the right decision.  Risé Johns Team Risé Johns, ASR®, CRS®, GRI……….. 512-567-7576 512-267-LAGO (5246) Bill Wilson, e-PRO®, REALTOR®…….512-663-8932 20624 FM 1431 Lago Vista, TX 78645 Each Office Independently Owned and Operated www.HomesOnLakeTravis.com [email protected] [email protected] Crystal Wisdom, Administrative Assistant Jackie Saliba, Listing Coordinator Jeffrey P. Nokes, Client Care Thought for the month: “Leadership isn’t just about having a powerful position. Anytime you use your influence to affect the thoughts and actions of others, You are engaging in leadership. So you can be a leader as a parent, spouse, friend or citizen.” Ken Blanchard This month, let’s revisit the issue of Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). A lot has changed in the last few years. GFCIs work by constantly comparing the differences between the amperage supplying the plug and the amperage leaving it. If there is any difference, the plug assumes that difference is entering you and it trips. GFCIs have been in this area since 1977 and, originally, were required only in the garage and outside. Now, they must protect ALL plugs in kitchens and baths, including under the breakfast bar, at the spa tub motor and the garage CEILING outlet. The GFCI can be a plug or breaker. Plus, any plug by a pool or hot tub should also be a GFCI type. Many people don’t know that a GFCI can protect MANY plugs “down the line” in a circuit. It is common to find a GFCI in the garage that protects the bath and outside plugs too. It is important to occasionally TEST the device by pushing the test button to see if the “reset” button pops. They do wear out, and are easy to replace. Most people know this, but as a reminder: DO NOT plug your refrigerator/freezer in the garage into the GFCI plug. If it trips, you will lose everything. Lastly, if you live in a newer home with GFCI protection at the garage ceiling, be sure to carry a house key. If the GFCI trips because of a storm while you’re away, your garage opener won’t work. SOLD SOLD SOLD SOLD 21403 High Dr. 1800 Bow Ridge 20965 Waterside Dr. 21103 Brewer Ln. Keller Williams Realty-Lake Travis 20624 FM 1431 Suite 1 Lago Vista, TX 78645 Risé Johns Team If your property is already listed, this is not meant as a solicitation of the listing.