What's in the Glass?

There is the classic question pair:

The better question is this:

Today's market is very much about the contents of the glass.

For those wishing to purchase a starter home- congratulations. The buying environment is great. You're most likely going to be able to own more home than in previous years. You may be able to find a home in neighbors that were off limits previously. Interest rates are low and first-time buyer programs are at your disposal.

For the investor- congratulations. The buying environment is great. You're most likely... oh wait.... I can write the same paragraph for you. Funny how that works.

For the home seller- you're situation appears to be more difficult, but let's break it down. If you were to sell high you would also have to buy high. Let's take a closer look.

In many instances you'll be selling lower than you would wish- to do otherwise would mean keeping your home on the market longer... thus bringing the price down by reasons of longevity. However- selling lower than you wish could give you a springboard effect. Many sellers are discovering that the margin, or hit they take on their house is small in comparison to the quantity of homes that could be purchased at an even greater margin. Instead of choosing from a few step-up homes, the inventory is greater. Some call it a trampoline effect... today's seller is bouncing into homes that may not have been acheivable previously.

The market can not be summed up by an analogy about fluid ounces in a container. There are many opportunities for those who are willing to look for them. Take a look- you may be very pleasantly surprised.

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Chuck Willman is a real estate agent in Arizona's Phoenix metro area serving first time home buyers, investors, and those wishing to relocate to the Valley of the Sun.
480.292.0600 - www.AZvest.com