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Coulda...Woulda...Shoulda

You know how great you feel when you get a really good deal on something you love? Maybe it's a purse or an outfit by that certain designer who makes clothes to suit your style and size perfectly. I'll admit it...I'm a bargain shopper. If it's not on sale I rarely buy it. Probably because I've been burned more than a few times by going back to the store to find the dress I bought a month ago at full price now on sale for 30% off. I've learned to wait for the bargain that I want. But there have been times when I've walked away from something that I was really in love with because I didn't want to pay full price, and when I went back to find it on sale it was gone. Sold out!

I've had this happen to me with cars, clothes and even real estate. Keeping my eye on it in case I can get it for a lower price only to miss out...and when it's gone the regret is palpable. If only.....

This market is fertile with "sale" opportunities for anyone who is a bargain shopper and in a position to buy. Investors sold when the market was hot and guess what they're doing now? Buying up the bargains! In Southern California sales are up 22% as investors scoop up foreclosures and aggressively priced listings. Higher conforming loan limits and national 3% down payment (not yet in effect) will make it easier for many Gen X buyers with high incomes for low cash reserves to get into the market for the first time. Rental prices are high due to tougher underwriting standards for first time homebuyers....the list could go on. If you were to use the Department store analogy, we are in the midst of a great sale. If you've been considering buying or investing, you may want to act before conditions change and that bargain you've been keeping your eye on is gone!

Colleen Fischesser is the Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Select in Maple Valley, WA. She has been successfully selling and marketing properties all over South King & North Pierce counties since 1990 but specializes in the greater Maple Valley area. She may be contacted directly at: 425-432-5400 or via email colleen@maplevalleyrealestate.com

Posted by Maple Valley WA Broker/Owner Colleen Fischesser 425-432-5400 on 05/20/2008 12:12 PM

Comments (22)

market conditions, real estate investments

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22 Comments on Coulda...Woulda...Shoulda

Colleen

It really is a case of "Duty for the Future". I only wish I had saved more.

Sincerely

Tom Braatz

05/20/2008 12:31 PM

by Tom Braatz, South Eastern Wisconsin (Tom Braatz)

Hi Colleen, Can't comment on the purse or outfit thing but there have been a few times when I felt I got a good deal on something. Yes the market is back to where enough properties of equal value are available for smart investors to buy. Our job is to make sure the numbers work for the future sale of said properties. And this is where most investors fall down attempting to do it themselves. The next couple of months will be very interesting.

05/20/2008 12:40 PM

by Kim Harris-Broker/Owner/Sound Realty (Sound Realty)

Of course there will be many who look back and wish they had bought in 2008...wait! It's not too late! C'mon buyers...buy today!

05/20/2008 02:20 PM

by Kelly Sibilsky ~ Lake Zurich RE/MAX Real Estate Agent (RE/MAX Unlimited Northwest)

I love the analogy... Haven't run across a purse I couldn't live without... yet. You're absolutely correct about the "sale days." We're in the middle of a humdinger in most markets around the country and those that wait will probably look back and regret it.

05/20/2008 04:54 PM

by Fairbanks Real Estate Broker Jesse Clifton (Jesse & Kathy Clifton, REALTORS - 907.699.6024 - )

The market is a bit tricky and the "deals" are not for everyone. A lot of homes in my area are in pretty rough shape and could be costsly for the average first time homebuyer -- Nonetheless, it is a good time for they right buyer.

05/20/2008 05:36 PM

by Joan Whitebook, ABR, e-Pro, CEBA (Buyer's Option Realty Services)

Tom, you, me and many many others!

Kim, I agree that these next few months will prove very interesting....in our area especially!

05/20/2008 07:17 PM

by Maple Valley WA Broker/Owner Colleen Fischesser 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate)

Kelly, I've looked back many times over the years and kicked myself for not buying then. I'm with you that there will be many who will regret having passed and others who will make a butt load of money because they are willing and able to step up

Jesse, You don't know how glad I am to hear you're not into womens clothing :-) Come to think of it neither is Kim, (see above) so that's a good thing LOL! But I'm sure Kathy knows of what I speak

05/20/2008 07:19 PM

by Maple Valley WA Broker/Owner Colleen Fischesser 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate)

Joan, there are some difficult waters to navigate and some "fishy" deals out there. But there are also some really good legitimate situations and I think fear is what's holding buyers back. Not really their economic situation.

05/20/2008 07:20 PM

by Maple Valley WA Broker/Owner Colleen Fischesser 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate)

Hey great blog.. I'm sure there are a lot of people out there wishing they had the money to buy

05/21/2008 01:04 AM

by Andy Laughlin (ConnectRealty.com)

Kathy indeed knows of what you speak... She and Coach are on a first name basis. What do you think I'm building a new house for? She needs more closet space.

05/21/2008 02:11 AM

by Fairbanks Real Estate Broker Jesse Clifton (Jesse & Kathy Clifton, REALTORS - 907.699.6024 - )

Jesse, LOL...and as you should my friend. I'm quite certain she deserves it!

05/21/2008 09:17 AM

by Maple Valley WA Broker/Owner Colleen Fischesser 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate)

There are a lot of bargains out there buyers need to buy, this may not last long ! Interest rates low, and deals on the market BUY BUY BUY

05/21/2008 09:34 AM

by Shannon Whitley RE/MAX OAK CREST REALTY (RE/MAX OAK CREST REALTY)

Andy, I missed your comment. Thanks for reading!

Shannon, indeed! I think it will be interesting to see if rates remain low due to inflationary pressures.

05/21/2008 09:44 AM

by Maple Valley WA Broker/Owner Colleen Fischesser 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate)

Our market is full of great values for buyers who are well educated and not afraid to make a decision. The local media of course is full of doom & gloom but the numbers are showing that things are still moving and I know my buyers have recently been able to pick up some excellent values.

Best,

Scott

05/21/2008 09:49 AM

by Scott Cowan -Tacoma & Pierce County Area (Terry Wise & Associates)

Thanks for sharing Scott. I think our area is artifically quiet due to consumer confidence. The numbers show it's not as bad as the media is portraying...go figure!

05/21/2008 09:51 AM

by Maple Valley WA Broker/Owner Colleen Fischesser 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate)

I dunno, Colleen. If I see something that looks fabulous and isn't on sale, I just go ahead and buy it. Yeah, the price may come down in another month, but then again, it might be gone! Just like the amazing house our cleints love except they think it might go on sale in a few weeks.

05/21/2008 10:07 AM

by Patricia Kennedy (Evers & Company)

LOL, Pat I'm learning that lesson as I get older. Get it while can..I've missed out on a few good things but the BEST is when you get what you want AND save money. Like now in real estate!

05/21/2008 10:11 AM

by Maple Valley WA Broker/Owner Colleen Fischesser 425-432-5400 (RE/MAX Select Real Estate)

You hit the nail on the head with this one, Colleen! Hind sight is always 20/20 and we can't kick ourselves too much over it. As far as home buyers are concerned, there has been some positive news of late and they need to get hot.

05/21/2008 11:50 AM

by Amanda Hall * Broker * Hall Team Homes Fort Worth, Texas (Serving all of DFW and McCormick Ranch)

That's how I feel about this market as well... with the recent market uptick, some properties are in the "too good to pass up" phase.

05/21/2008 01:00 PM

by Chuck Willman, Arizona Realtor®, ABR, TRC (Gentry Realty)

Colleen, your article reminded me of the phrase, "you can't steal in slow motion." A good deal may linger, BUT NOT ALWAYS, and then you kick yourself for not taking advantage of it. Much to choose from nowadays, I agree. The other thing I learned as "I" got older, probably ten years ago, is to make a decision. Don't keep circling back thinking about it. It eats up too much of your time and energy. Like the purse - BUY THE PURSE! I need a new purse. Oh, you didn't know that about me? : ) Just kidding. Don't spread rumors.

05/21/2008 02:09 PM

by Gary Woltal - REALTOR® Dallas Ft. Worth (Keller Williams Realty)

Hi Colleen,

There are some great deals out there, but like a good sale you have to dig through some of the junk. :)

05/21/2008 09:20 PM

by Suzanne Sands-Somerset, MA Real Estate (Century 21 Associates Realty)

Very nice analogy Colleen. Too many times you show them the perfect house early on, they love it but want to wait.

They lose it and compare everything to it.

Woulda coulda shoulda.

All the best!

05/27/2008 11:54 AM

by Kevin O'Shea, White Plains, NY Real Estate (Homes of Westchester, Inc.)

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