We have all heard as much as we want about the housing market being in the worse slump since the depression.  Most tend to believe everything we hear on the news.  Too bad we don't understand that the media broadcasts the negative news because that is what sells.  I know that real estate agents understand this and they also understand that the market is different in each area...sometimes varying a lot within just an hour's drive.  I am so pleased that ads are being run on TV stations and other venues to get the word out that all markets are not suffering so much.  I think this is helping to raise the confidence level of the consumer and that is what it will take to turn the industry around.

Here in Wayne County, NC, we have been affected to some degree, however we are fortunate in that we have not suffered like many other areas.  I often say that this down time is sometimes a way that the industry weeds out those that are not truely deciated to the industry, whether they are real estate agents, mortgage lenders, or those associated indirectly with the business.  Yes, there are some companies and individuals that have been lost in our profession and that we all will truely miss. 

I think activity has picked up and that we are seeing more and more homes going under contract.  It will take some time for that to trickle down to others.  During the closing process, appraisers, surveyors, home inspectors, exterminating companies, etc., will begin to see an increase in their business.  Building supply companies may see a more delayed increase as homeowners get settled into their new homes and begin to personalize it for their own needs.  The healing process will take some time so be patient as we all rise up from this experience...and I am confident that we will.

If buyers are coming to Wayne County, NC to live, they will find many choices.  We have lots of homes to select from and with interest rates low, it is a great time to buy!  Most of our homeowners take great pride in the condition of their homes and this makes for a great place to live. 

Jane Bartlett

RE/MAX Southland Realty II

www.goldsborowaynecountyhomes.com

www.janebartlettrealestate.com

Hello Everyone!

I am happy to now be a part of the activerain family.  I want to take a moment to introduce myself.  My name is Jane Bartlett and I have been in real estate since 1997.  I was born in Wayne County allowing me to have lots of experience and knowledge about our area.  I have been around the home industry for most of my adult life.  My original experience was in the floor covering industry in Goldsboro, NC which evolved into a complete decorating business for approximately 18 years. I then managed two locations for a leading decorating company for approximately 5 years...one in Greenville, NC and the other in Kinston, NC.  During this time, I was the EO for the Kinston Home Builders Association which allowed me first hand knowledge of the building industry.  I began my real estate career in 1997...using many of the same tools and contacts that I developed during my prior years.  Soon after my real estate career began, I moved into Chairing our Special Projects Committe for the Goldsboro/Wayne County Association of Realtors which sponsored many community events...Sing No To Drugs, Christmas Stocking Program, Home Buyer and Seller Seminars, etc.  This was a great experience and allowed me to give back to the community through these events.  I then served on our local board in many positions, including President of our association, Chairing our Professional Standards Committee for several years, serving on the state Professional Standards Committee, and many others.  During this time, I also became active in the Home Builders Association of Wayne County and have been on the board since 2001...serving as the 2nd Vice President since 2004.  I have chaired our Parade of Homes Committee as well as judged for other neighboring associations.  With my experience, I feel I have the knowledge and ability to take buyers and sellers through the process of buying and selling homes with ease.  I look forward to many years in the real estate industry.

Jane Bartlett

www.janebartlettrealestate.com