Where have all the good buyers gone?

Wow, what a year. All the media hype has scared many of the "good buyers" off. The truth of the matter is our region (Charlotte and Gaston County, NC) has not, I repeat not slowed down like the rest of the country. We are not smookin' hot (as my teen would say), but we are experiencing solid growth. According to Inman News November 19th's article analysis study of repeat sales by First American Loan Performance- We are in the top markets still selling! It goes into the good news bad news by saying home prices fell in 17 states during the last year. But, glass half full folks rejoice, 33 states saw at least a modest appreciation. The findings were in the release of First American's September 2007 HPI (loan performance home price index).  Charlotte, Gastonia, & Concord were lumped together as a region with a positive one year price change (appreciation) of 3.70%.   The problem is the buyers here who are qualified to buy think it is a bad time and are fearful of the risk. I say, not so amigo! Fear not, for now is the right time to buy. The fed has once again lowered the interest rate (30 year fixed average dipped to 5.9% today 11/20/2007), and we have a good supply of homes on the market. There are many out there that have indeed sat longer than they wanted to sit and those could be opportunities for the savvy buyer. I have said it before and I will say it  again, we are in a society of immediate gratification and we all want it now. If you can find a home that has sat for more than 90 days, and needs a little work it, but in the right location... bing, bing, bing, opportunity! There are small builders out there willing to do remodel jobs inside while the weather is cool. I have friends taking advantage of the market right now. Many who are not willing to sell have had me come out to give suggestions of updates that will put more $$$ in their bank accounts when they do decide to sell. More good news, until that time they enjoy the nice new features they have wisely added. The key to this market is getting the right information. Rummage through the clutter and do not believe everything you read in the news paper. They are in the business to sell papers and good news does not sell as well as bad news. Get the information from an expert! They sell newspapers. Realtors sell homes. I am in this business to make you money on your biggest investment, your home. If you have a question or concern about our market, possible updates or your home value, write me at LynneEaker@Carolina.rr.com or visit my site http://www.lynneeaker.com/ for area information. Know I am always here to service your real estate needs.   Lynne Rowland Eaker