I read a blog post the other day on "positive signs in the real estate market". While that post focused on the market numbers improving on a national level, I'd like to focus here on the local one. I live and work in Prince William County, Va.
In the last month there has been a marked increase of activity just in my office alone. We've nearly doubled our contracts and every agent I know is busy! I haven't run the stats, I'm only stating what I'm seeing (and experiencing myself) on a daily basis.
Buyers are coming in, they're ready to take advantage of the inventory surplus, good prices, and great interest rates. Sellers are noticing if they're pricing their homes well, they are selling! This trend is showing no sign of stopping.
Last Sunday I held an open house and had a steady stream of folks coming in all day. I didn't get out of there until an hour after the open was scheduled to close because I still had people looking! This was the busiest open I've held in six months.
I like what I'm seeing out there. From my humble point of view, it is improving. I hope the rest of you are seeing the same things.
I'm looking at picking up a designation or two. Of course I want to get my GRI, and I'm working on it. I'm also looking at picking up my ePro and SRES. What designations do you hold? What has been the most value added for your business and your education as a realtor?
I have completed my first six months in real estate. In that time I've learned many lessons. The biggest lesson though is I still have so much more to learn!
In the last six months I've closed three transactions. I'm working diligently to get my fourth going. I've tried to absorb everything I can from the resources provided. I'm fortunate to be affiliated with a brokerage who provides a vast array of education possibilities for its agents.
I'm watching market trends closely. Reading everything I can from blogs, to news reports, to articles, to books. I'm talking to seasoned agents and getting some good advice. I go to my broker with questions and for support. I have marketing and prospecting plans I work religiously.
Each new transaction brings something different, some new wrinkle. It's fascinating. And I learn.
Do I make mistakes? Of course. Will I continue to make mistakes? Of course. However, I learn from those as well.
So, now I'm looking at the next six months, and wonder what they will bring. The one thing I do know is I made the right decision in choosing a career in real estate. I made the right decision to come into a challenging market where I can have the chance to cut my teeth on unique situations and learn my business.
The Senate is debating a housing stimulus plan that includes some of the following proposed legislation:
$4 billion in community block grants for states and local governments to buy and refurbish foreclosed properties
New bond authority for states that can be used to refinance subprime mortgages
Tax credits for people who buy and occupy homes in or near foreclosure
There is more to this plan, but I'm hitting the highlights. If this proposed stimulus plan passes with the legislation above it could mean a huge boon to our market. Just the tax credits for buying and occupying foreclosures will give this market a vital shot in the arm.
I believe we as Realtors need to be supportive of efforts to boost the current market and our economy. Traditionally the view has been "let the market speak for itself". However in unique circumstances some government intervention can be beneficial.
An excellent example of this is the sheer number of foreclosure properties on the market. We've always had foreclosures, but due to an unusual set of circumstances compiled together brought the percentages to where they are today. In order for the market to begin stabilization these properties need to go. The proposed legislation can only help.
So, is there hope on the horizon? Time will tell, but this is certainly a step in the right direction. And one I believe many of us are more than ready for.
Do you have questions about the current housing market?
Is it a good time to buy?
Is it a good time to sell?
What is my home worth?
What if I'm upside down on my mortgage?
Are foreclosure properties truly a good deal?
Get the answers to these and many other questions at the Housing Market Seminar! Join the professionals who are on the front lines of this market everyday for an informative Question & Answer session.
Where: RGS Title 7512 Iron Bar Lane Gainesville, VA 20155
This is the lowdown on the very first Home Buyers Tour of Foreclosure and REO homes in our area.
There are still a few seats available on the bus. This is the first event of its kind in our area. It's a great opportunity to a part of something unique, fun, and informative!
The Details ---
When: TODAY! 10am-1pm (arrive by 9:45am for your seat) Where: Long & Foster - Gainesville 7526 Limestone Drive Gainesville, VA 20155 Why: Come if you're curious, Come because the fee goes to a wonderful cause, Come if you want the honest truth about what's going on in the housing market in our area! Who: YOU! Or anyone you know who might be interested! Cost: $10 per person to be donated to the Transitional Housing Barn of Prince William County (It's a good cause folks!)
Yes, this is last minute. However, it's a great event and it deserves one final push!
In a conversation with a friend, he stated how real estate agents are often times equated with used car salesmen. Now he's a cynical guy, but means no harm. But it started me thinking, that is what I do, I'm a used home salesman! Perhaps I'll even get into new home sales business too!
Just to figure out how to brand myself this way! ;)
Directions: Rt. 66w, exit 44. Right on Sudley Manor Drive. Right on Linton Hall Road. Left on Worthington. Right on Braided Stream. Left on Rollings Ford to the end. Left on Yellow Hammer. Left on Bittern Way to Woodpecker Court at the end.
Orchestra students from Prince William County middle and high schools will combine talents for an evening of music at the upcoming All-County Orchestra program.
Following two days of rehearsals on February 6 and 7, the students will present an evening of music on February 7 at Woodbridge High School, 3001 Old Bridge Rd., Woodbridge. The 7:30 p.m. concert is free and open to the public.
The All-County Junior Honors Orchestra will be directed by Mark Taylor, orchestra director and music educator at the elementary and middle school levels in Fairfax County, Virginia.
The All-County Senior Honors Orchestra will be under the direction of Kevin Bartram, orchestra director at the University of Mary Washington.
"This event provides a unique opportunity for strings students in the county because they perform both string and full orchestra repertoire in the program," said Joyce Zsembery, supervisor of arts for Prince William County Public Schools.
Gerald Fowkes, Woodbridge High School orchestra director, will serve as the event host. Anna Martin, orchestra director at Stonewall Jackson High School, is the senior orchestra chairperson and Leslie Lydick, orchestra director at Bull Run Middle School, is the junior orchestra chair. Senior orchestra auditions were hosted by Michael Diecchio , orchestra director at Brentsville District High School. The junior auditions were hosted by Rebecca Maxon, orchestra director at Woodbridge Middle School.
Jen Vollmer
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