I read an article today about one of our own (a Michigander) Pat Vredevoogd-Combs, becoming the next president of the National Association of Realtors.  Congratulations to her! In the article, referring to the high-inventory market in Michigan. she is quoted as saying that "there's more than ever reason to use a Realtor in those transactions".  Her reasoning was that the seller needs the best advice they can get. Made sense.

According to Vredevoogd-Combs, on a national basis, "2006 is on track to be the third-best year in terms of sales numbers" and goes on to say that the good news translates to Michigan. That part surprised me - has your experience for this year made you feel as if it's on track for the THIRD BEST year?

She also had an interesting perspective on our currently soft market.  She called it "great affordability". I thought that was a great way of describing a buyer's market. According to the article, she said sliding prices are not to be confused with a bad market, and that during these times, agents must take a glass half full perspective because their skills are more valuable than ever. That goes back to her statement that the sellers need the best advice possible. It again certainly makes sense to me, though admittedly,  I was among the other Michigan homeowners, thinking we are presently in a very bad market, and that our agents' careers are at risk.

My purpose for this blog was to first, share the article, and second, to see what you think of the three goals she has set for her upcoming term: First is increasing the nation's stock of affordable housing. Second is making health insurance accessible for all Realtors,and her third main goal is to promote and encourage minority agents and minority home ownerships. Since I am not a realtor, I can't speak for everyone else, but these goals all seem worthy.

If anyone is interested in the article, they can access it through the Detroit Free Press at www.freep.com

Happy sales!

Deb