I think I get asked this question, or a variation there of, every day at least once. The problem with coming up with an answer to this question, is that the question itself is very vague. Certainly, it's an understandable first point of inquiry, but really, "the market" is quite complex. If the question asker is really wanting to know "how is being an agent in the business?" then they are really asking about the quantity of sales in the market. If they are approaching the subject from the stand point of a homeowner wishing to, perhaps, sell in order to move into something else, then they are probably wondering about housing prices and inventory. Of course, it may be that the person is thinking about buying some investment property and wishes to find out what's available and what the return might bring.
No matter what the case, the market is what the market is. If it's a buyer's or a seller's market (we are still in a buyer's market in price points above $100,000.00), people for one reason or another are always moving (thus the clever Coldwell Banker Slogan "We never stop moving!"). Maybe it's a job relocation, possibly a need to downsize after retirement, or maybe it's newly weds who are looking for their dream home. From the stand point of business for an agent like myself, the point is there is a market out there for hard working agents and a need exists on behalf of clients for service and assistance in today's tough market despite weeker volume.
For buyers, it continues to be an extremely good market in terms of selection and price in almost every price category and particularly high end homes. For home owner's wishing to sell at fair market value, it's a little more difficult today than it was in the recent past mostly because of so many homes out on the market (inventory), but that doesn't mean it won't sell. Price, location, and quality. Fix it up, make it look as new, neutral and turn key as possible so it will be very competitive in the eyes of the buyer (think: winning the beauty contest). Be sure it's at fair market price or it won't likely draw an offer. It may be difficult to do much about the location, but lots of people like living in different places, so if the price and quality are there chances are it will get an offer.
Finding the right agent who will share with you ALL of the data in order to arm you with the facts so you can make a good decision that will best meet your goals is critical. A full time hard working agent is in the market year round whereas a person who bought say 10 years ago and now is needing to sell, may not be at all aware of current conditions in today's tough market. That's why it is smart, efficient and critical to sit down with your agent and go over all questions. The agent also will have a lot of questions in order to better serve you and your family's needs.
Each year I meet so many new and interesting people at networking events, social functions, open houses
etc...often someone I just met will refer a friend or coworker to me, sometimes it's someone I have known already for years. No matter who they are or how we know each other though, I always start out with explaining my basic philosophy though, as well as our company philosophy: to do business with a core set of values including Integrity, Professionalism, Service, Leadership and Compassion, to Enrich the lives of all the people I touch, and serve the community with the highest degree of Excellence. I think if you conduct business in line with these ideals you can't help but succeed.
So how is the market? The market is there like a swimming pool ready to jump in. I swim in it every day, and if you plan on going swimming soon, let me be your friend and life guard. Just like a swimming pool, safety, precautions and knowledge are all important. If you know how to swim, are careful, and aware of safety you will have a pleasurable day in the water. If you need to know the temperature of the water, I can tell you.
The market is actually a little more complicated than a pool, but well you get the picture. The point is that I am in business and have served my clients well because I am more like a consultant, providing critical information along the way in order to save time and money on the transaction. Can the market be explained in one sentence? Probably not, but an in depth and neighborhood specific answer to that question can be had, however if I know what area of the market you are interested in.
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