Whew! I finally have a few moments to sit down and make a blog post. I think this is my first post of 2009. I know we're only 6 days into the new year, but I feel like I've accomplished 30 days worth of work. So, let's talk about the local real estate market. I won't have stats for January until January is completed, but I can tell you what's going on in my office. I have met and showed homes to 3 new buyers since 12/31/08. I have written contracts for all three buyers. One of the buyers was competing with other offers on the house he wanted, and - of course - my client's offer is the one the seller accepted. I have a 4th new buyer that I'm showing homes to this evening. And a 5th new buyer arriving in town on the 20th of this month. Plus, a 6th buyer that will be ready to look at homes around the middle of the month.
| So, 6 buyers for January and were only on the 6th day of the month! What does all this mean? Well, I've been talking to other agents and they have tipped off the new year with a bang as well. This bodes well for our economy. A single real estate transaction financially helps 75 - 100 people and has the potential to provide financial benefit to hundres of people. From the underwriter who approves the loan to the waitress who services a lunch table while a sale is written, Real estate sales can help to drive an economy in a good way.
What's causing all the activity? Well, I'll just have to guess, but I think there are a few factors that are causing the activity we see right now. First, sales typically slow down after school starts in August. Our local sales were further complicated by Hurricane Gustav which put a halt to many people's moves temporarily. Then Thanksgiving and Christmas came and moving plans were put on hold once more. Now that we've turned the corner into the new year and Holidays are behind us, I believe that people are tired of putting off that planned move. |
The other factor is, clearly, interest rates. Rates are lower than they've ever been and they may be lower than they ever will be. This has definitley helped some buyers move up their timelines to purchase. A couple of the people that I'm working with now had planned to wait until summer to move, but the super low rates have inspired them to act on those plans now.
So, if you are considering a move. Now is the best time. Even with all the business I'm working right now, I'm never busy enough! I want to help as many people as I can in 2009, so I'm off to a good start. But if you or someone you know is considering a move, give me call and we'll help you plan your process.
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