So the Market is Beginning to Heal Itself? Depends on You, According to NAR and WSJ...

Resales are also down 10% across the nation compared to last year, but according to NAR and WSJ, there are signs that the most damaged markets are beginning to heal themselves. Resales in California are up, and sales volume in California rose 65% in September compared to a year ago. This could be an early indicator that the housing markets are healing.

I think it's more like the beginning of the beginning, and I agree with WSJ's Mark Gongloff - "until new-home sales find their own bottom, housing won't begin to heal." That means we should shift our focus to other important questions, like who is buying all the foreclosures?

According to NAR, 40% of home resales these days are foreclosures, and WSJ reports that up to half of the buyers in some markets are REAL ESTATE INVESTORS. If you've been to an REDC auction anytime recently, this doesn't surprise you - you're all too familiar with the scene of Investors buying multiple properties. Investors will put the homes up for rent until the market recovers, and this further hurts the demand for home purchases.

As a real estate investor myself, I feel like I am practically the easiest sale in the world, I just need to be presented with an opportunity that makes sense. I'm sure the same goes for most real estate investors everywhere. Besides, we are an excellent source of recurring business. Over 5 years, I've used the same agent over and over.

In summary, I think this is what everyone should walk away with:

• Current housing conditions have turned the market into an Investor's Playground - so take advantage of it
• Investors are not picky buyers, and the majority of their purchases are SFHs, Townhomes, and Condos

It can be rewarding to deal with more clients who are buying rather than those who want to buy and can't decide or don't qualify.