Monday, January 31, 2011

Busier Last Week

MY GOODNESS, someone must have opened the floodgates a week or two ago.  For no explainable  reason, many families got in gear and seemed to get serious about the real estate changes they have been "talking" about for quite awhile.  I am only one broker, but all office listing showings really picked up so I believe the uptick was widespread.

For me personally, there are three groups that really weren't in any great hurry to make their decision about a change in housing.  Last week they all decided it was time to take action.  There is such a snowball effect to real estate sales-one contract typically leads to at least one other and sometimes two or three others.  Who knows, I just take it as it comes.  It is so much more fun to be busy.

ENJOY YOUR WEEK AND WATCH THIS ICE!

Monday, January 24, 2011

January

It has come to my attention in the last week or so that we don't REALLY have a lot of homes to chose from when, as a broker, I begin a search for a family.  All of the families that I work with have a 'list' of features that they want to have in their home.  All of the lists are different, but they might include some of these features:  face west, face south, big yard, small yard, finished basement, unfinished basement, new construction, old town, a fixer-upper, perfect condition.  GET MY GIST?

So many of the listed homes have been on the market for a long time because their list price is above market.  They may be lovely homes in great neighborhoods but buyers are just too cautious to knowingly pay more than our market can support.  Then there are homes with problems - just little problems that buyers will ignore when the market is tight.  Right now, buyers aren't in the mood to accept problems - little things like the neighbor's barking dog or a car up on blocks next door. 

So folks -- the many 'for sale' signs you see around town are a little deceiving. If you are wanting to sell, get the price right and tidy-up.  If you want to buy, get your list ready and check out what is available.  Buying and/or selling is a big deal - from either side of the transaction.  Pick a broker you like and can trust...then listen to him.

Good Day