Planning and Patience WIN: Check out this encouraging local news story about a couple who laid in wait for 18 months and pounced on a great home with 95% financing for the right price. They saved their cash for renovations and bought a fabulous location, a solid older home with good bones and amazing water view. The only real challenge was getting an underwriter in the Midwest to appreciate the value given low sales (pre-spring lull) in a very stable neighborhood (most residents stay put so another reason for low sales). The author just happens to be editor of the Scotsman Guide, our industry publication (contact cultivated via that publication). He was happy to give me a quote or two and interview a Realtor friend who specializes in short sales. Smiles all round! You just can't underestimate the good vibes for good stories.
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/homebuyersguide/
Working the press and creating a presence is about being out there and over time...people keep seeing one plugging along, chin up. Helps to have a buyer who 'doesnt' mind publicity' as in this case. I had another young first time buyer featured on the front page during the early freak out of mid 2008 that emphasized buying within your means as the key to success.
Future Harvest: Which reminds me, I am going to plant a tree for buyers at their new homes, starting tomorrow-- for many years of enjoyment to come.
"He who plants trees loves others"
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