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Adjusting to a Changed Market

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty Executives
The times have definately changed.  I was stunned at the statistics from our multiple that I just saw.  Many of our areas that typically have had market times averaging 2 months of inventory have stretched to an average of 6 months.  Some communities are up to over 10 months.  This along with a market analysis I did for some clients where I added the criteria of pendings and solds since October 1st that pulled up 25 actives and nothing in the other categories, has me coming out of denial.

We keep hearing that the Northwest is the least affected area in the nation.  Things must be really rough elsewhere if that's the case.

The question I am wrestling with is how to counsel clients.  It used to be that if a house had a market time of over 30 days, I would expect that the house had some challenge that would potentially be a concern for future resale.  Now with so many homes being on the market for so long, I feel the need to change my views and to readjust the way I talk to my buyers.  I suppose that the longer market time can mean great opportunites when you find a motivated seller.  How do you answer the "crystal ball" questions?   Should offers reflect the possibliity that we haven't reached the bottom of the market?  As a listing agent I've already been preparing my sellers to expect some tough negotiations.

It would be great to hear from agents who have experienced this kind of a market in the past.  In over 13 years in the business, this is a new game for me!