When You're in the Top 5, Don't You Think You Ought to Celebrate?

Martha, Affordability is a huge issue...it's strange to think of it in terms of a liability especially when just a mere 3 years ago, there was a huge concern about the bursting or the real estate bubble. 

Kacem...thank for your comment.

JoAnna, I've become somewhat resigned to the fact that it may take 6-8 months before some of this is reported.  That's about the same amount of time it took for serious reporting to take place on the crisis after many agents on the ground were well aware of the issues because they were daily realities for us.  On the other hand, this may be Good Luck for some intuitive individuals.  We'll see. :)

Sharon, this is where being on Active Rain is so helpful.  One can quickly compare note with brokers across the nation.  Homes which are priced competitively are being sold.  I know.  We missed out on a great deal today.

Absolutely Fran.  Helping our clients understand how to position their homes in the current market and assisting them in the creation of an appropriate pricing strategy is a huge component of the value to the services of a qualified professional agent.

Terry, that is great to hear from a fellow agent in our local market. 

Teresa, it is interesting to hear that you are experiencing an increase in activity.  While there is an expectation that there will be increase as we approach the spring market, the level is higher than I have noted in the recent past.

Gita, thanks for your comment.

Kathy, this has been in interesting to observe the spin on this story and how it has impacted public perception.  It's a reminder about the responsibility we all have to filter what we allow into our minds.  Under normal circumstances, buying high ticket items at the lowest prices in decades is a source of optimism. The good news is that our experience indicates that not everyone is listening to the pundits...some people are making up their own minds.

Marian, Thank you. Like most of the country, we have taken a hit.  But, we have much to be thankful for.  For one, our economy is more diversified than many parts of the state and we generally have many of the benefits of a larger metropolis without much of the downside.  So between Ann Arbor being named a TOP city in which to retire and Grand Rapids, MI  a TOP city in which to live...who could ask for anything more?  I'd say move to Michigan...wouldn't you? :)

Rebecca...thanks for your comment and good thoughts...