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How's the Market?

By
Real Estate Agent with Century 21 Rondeau Associates

I think I get asked that question 10 times a day.  Usually, the person that asks has a look of sympathy on their face.  You can see the wheels turning....wow...how is she getting by?  My answer usually receives a response of surprise or incredulity. 

 That's because my answer is usually "Not so bad ".  I know they expect to hear the same ramblings they get on the TV.  Horror stories!  The sky is falling!

 I tell them all the truth.  There are huge opportunities out there.  The market has never been better for first time homebuyers.  Interest rates are phenomenal.  It's an uphill battle to convince them that some of what they are seeing is media hype.  And while there are still reasons to be cautious, there are reasons as compelling to jump in.

People always ask me if we've hit bottom yet.  My answer is ..How would you know if we did?  After a bit of confusion, they ask how.  And I say....you'll know we've hit bottom when we start heading back up.  And by the time you realize it, it will be too late.

Although it would be great to have that real estate crystal ball!

Krista L. Walker
RE/MAX Platinum Medford - Medford, OR
Oregon- Homes & Real Estate for Sale
Hi, this is Krista from Kristal Ball....  I get the same question, but most of my clients are worried for me.  They assume I am starving so it is nice to know they care.
Feb 11, 2008 12:34 PM
Karen Monsour
Coldwell Banker Fort Lauderdale Beach - Fort Lauderdale, FL
REALTOR, SSRS - Sells FL Waterfront, Short Sale Expert!

Just got asked that same question today.  I said, it's great! I'm selling and listing and am busy as ever! 

T said, the problem is the media...1 in 16 people have to relocate this year...  :-)

Feb 11, 2008 12:39 PM
Konnie Mac McCarthy
MacNificent Properties, LLC - Cobb Island, MD
Broker/Owner - VA & MD "Time To Get A Move On!"

Yup...I get the same thing....

Feb 11, 2008 12:40 PM
Paul Kaplan
The Paul Kaplan Group, Inc - Palm Springs, CA
Mid Century/Modern homes in Palm Springs - www.Pau

I tell people the truth, I've never been busier.

 

Feb 11, 2008 12:55 PM
Tricia Borgia
Century 21 Rondeau Associates - Bristol, RI

Don't get me wrong.  Most people are worried...and I appreciate their concern.  But if they are worried about me, they're too concerned to buy a house.  I try to keep as upbeat as possible with people. 

Feb 11, 2008 12:57 PM
Anonymous
Chico P.

I can see how the homes properly staged will sell faster, but we have a totally different method of getting hundreds of lookers through a house. We conduct estate liquidation sales for heirs, executors, attorneys and individuals. We discovered that a house contents sale puts hundreds more people through the house than a traditional open house. We ask the brokers to attend the sale and take names. Almost every person coming to the sale, either wants to buy the house or knows someone who is looking. See our website: http://www.RhodeIslandEstateSales.com At the end of each sale we have the property cleaned out and swept by a local clean up crew of veterans who do the dump run and donate any leftover usable stuff to furnish new living quarters for homeless veterans. See their website: http://www.TrashCleanouts.com  We have expanded on this very successful method for flooding the house with people and now fill up empty homes with stuff and run a staged sale. Consider this messy but worthwhile concept!

Dec 23, 2008 12:30 AM
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