Real Estate Home Search in 2012! A Whole New Market!

Good Sunday Morning Everyone,

With all the information available on the World Wide Web about Real Estate many consumers feel they can search on their own and that the Real Estate Agent's help is no longer necessary. Nothing could be further from the truth. While syndication of listing information is a great place to start, when a buyer gets serious about a property search, they really do need the experts. What you see, is not necessarily what you want.

Buying a Property is not a spectator sport. It is one of the largest single investments you will make in your life time. You can't go down to the local "lot" and pick out a house the same way you do a car. It is vitally important that you find the right property, in the right location, and at a price that fits within your budget.

Looking for a home online is kind of like shopping for shoes when you don't know your size. You may like the looks of them, but in reality, they may pinch your toes. Finding a home is a process. It is vitally important that you find the right home for your needs. It it is too small it may pinch your toes just like those shoes in the wrong size; if it is too large than you may find yourself rattling around in a place that is far too difficult to care for.

The Real Estate Market in Arizona has done a complete 180 from where it was a year ago. Rather than having too many homes, now there are too few. Where a Buyer could pick and choose a year ago, now the choices are limited. They look online and find "The Perfect Place" only to find out it went under contract the day before and with multiple offers. This is a total turn around from where the market has been for a long time.

Does that mean you can't find a house? No, but it does means you need someone working for you, helping you find the right place in a timely manner. As a Real Estate Professional, I can monitor that market for you. I can watch for the "Perfect Place" for you and notify you when it comes available. Moving quickly can net you a great house at a great price because values are still low. In many cases prices are back to pre-boom levels. The difference is that your affordability factor is greater because interest rates are low! Lending is a challenge, but if you set your mind to doing what the bank tells you to do without letting it take away the excitement of buying a house, it truly is a great time to buy.

Shopping for a home online is a great starting point. When you get serious though, you need a professional to help you find the home you are looking for. Online sites are not always current and there is nothing more disappointing than thinking you found the perfect place only to find out it is already sold.

If you or someone you know is looking for property in the White Mountains, send them my way. I have been listing and selling property in this community for over ten years. I know the market, I know a good buy when I see it, and I am diligent in helping you "FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE" and overcoming the obstacles in another challenging market.

Thanks for reading, until next time..................

SANDRA PAULOW, Associate Broker, GRI, SFR, REALTOR®

(928) 242-0300

From Contract to Closing "EXPERIENCE" makes the Difference!