Special offer

Is this what you're thinking too?

By
Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Premier Partners

I'll wait til they come down...

Homebuyers waiting for more 'price rollbacks'?

On the bus tonight, from the airport I overheard a group of 3 or 4 people talking about real estate. My husband hates it when I strike up conversations with strangers, so tonight I just listened (but I was itching to chime in!). They mentioned Brush Prairie (an area near Vancouver), and I'm nearly positive I know the house they were talking about. It's a psuedo-FSBO and optimistically priced. In the conversation, the speaker that had first mentioned the house said "I'll wait til they come down to 2002 prices and make an offer."

Okay - so here's what I understand from that comment: the buyer thinks the prices are going to continue to fall. He thinks there is a price housing will continue to fall to. He seems unconcerned about change in interest rates (okay, maybe he's paying cash). He is waiting.

What do you think? Are the homes that are selling, selling at 2002 prices? Should a rational seller just go to what ever the home was valued at when the annual appreciation for homes in the area was at 6%? Jeez. I wish marketing pricing was so simple.

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Todd Clark - Retired
eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR
Principle Broker Oregon

I think prices may continue to fall, but interest rates will start to climb so I honestly think waiting could be a very bad decision. Especially with the $8,000 tax credit being offered right now.

Second, your husband is foolish! Your job is to talk real estate, if he wants you to make money... TALK TALK TALK away!

 

Apr 03, 2009 07:22 AM
Mark Hall
Realty One Group Cascadia - Vancouver, WA
Homes for Sale Vancouver Washington

Lynn, The only way to find out where the bottom of the market is to pass it up. No one knows where the bottom was until we are on an upward path again. Your friends on the bus will probably miss some great deals by waiting too long. Some one who is waiting for 2003 prices will buy it before they do!

Apr 04, 2009 05:32 PM
Leslie Hampton
Keller Williams Realty Boise - Eagle, ID
Realtor, Boise and Eagle Idaho Homes

Hi Lynn-

Your post is a timely one! I run into people daily that are thinking the same thing. I think it's next to impossible to time the market and like Mark says above, "Some one who is waiting for 2003 prices will buy it before they do!"

Have a great day!

Apr 06, 2009 03:15 AM
Lynn Krogseng
Keller Williams Premier Partners - Vancouver, WA

Leslie:  Yes, I think the buyers who are waiting are missing the best values right now. Even though we are still seeing downward pressure on prices, I think it's evident the prices are not moving as fast.

Jul 04, 2009 04:48 AM
Lynn Krogseng
Keller Williams Premier Partners - Vancouver, WA

Mark: Yep, I'm mentioning that the only time we know we were 'in the lucky zone' is when it's behind us. Sometimes though, my buyers only become believers is when they lose a home to another, higher offer.

Jul 04, 2009 04:50 AM
Lynn Krogseng
Keller Williams Premier Partners - Vancouver, WA

Todd: Funny thing about my shy husband. And I agree with you on both those points, 100%.

Jul 04, 2009 04:51 AM