Have the tides TURNED?

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Birchall and Company Real Estate

As I sit and reflect on what crazy year 2008 has been, my mind immediately shifts towards all the opportunity that awaits in 2009.  I was reading another blog post this morning about ways to survive and how so many negative things are occurring through out the economy.  Pretty depressing...that is if you let it get to you.  I agree times are tough, but things will get better.  In fact, we are already seeing good things start to happen.  I know, I know.. 18% drop in home prices for October 08' compared to a year earlier (CNN Money)...pretty bad, however, that's just another 18% incentive of affordability to new buyers in the market! When have we ever had a period of time when the home values have come back this far bringing affordability to so many buyers.  Plus interest rates are fantastic.  Buyers, of course have to "qualify" this time! 

Its interesting, I, like most of you, read and follow the markets and news cycles religiously always searching for the best, non-spin, information to try and understand trends in the marketplace.  One trend that I have begun to see (hope it continues), is the run of positive information on real estate.  Yes, can you finally believe it... although small and light, it is beginning to happen.  News outlets and certain economists are starting to weigh in on the timing of real estate.  Yeah, I'm not going to hold my breath, but its a start.  As I talk with my buyers, a similar sentiment rings through with each of them... now seems to be a good time.  I had a closing today and my buyers and I were discussing the same topic above.  They wanted to beat other buyers to the punch.  I pray that trend continue!

Can't you feel it.  It almost seems surreal... a return to a time when there is no time, phone doesn't stop ringing, and there never seems to be enough time in the day... gotta love it!

As 2009 sits on the doorstep, I remind myself that I am only as good as the information I digest... To keeping the positive thoughts right in front of me and all of us!   Cheers to a great 2009!  Peace. 

Make it a great day!

 

Comments (3)

Brett Tousley
Keller Williams Realty - Richland, WA
Tri Cities Real Estate | (509) 420-0013

I think we are in for a good year in 2009.  Economic indicators lag behind what's really going on in the world.  Now that the media has moved on to their next firestorm, I think we'll see real estate make a slow comeback in 2009.

Of course if banks would staff their loss mitigation depts correctly, that turn around may happen sooner than later.  I'm not holding my breath.

Dec 30, 2008 05:01 AM
Betina Foreman
WJK Realty - Austin, TX
Realtor, C.N.E., with WJK REALTY

The Shift has happened. Life is good and getting better every day.

;)

 

Dec 30, 2008 05:32 AM
James Engel
Keller Williams Realty Beverly Hills - Beverly Hills, CA
KW Beverly Hills

I hope that 2009 will be a better year for everyone. 2008 was a tough year for a lot of people. Thank you for sharing that with all of us. I hope you have a great day and a Happy New Year!

Dec 30, 2008 05:38 AM