A New Year in Real Estate – New Year’s Resolutions

New Year’s Resolutions? I don’t really believe in them. I think every day you should resolve to make a difference. Every day you should believe something good will happen to you. I believe that every day REALLY is a gift.

When it comes to real estate, I am an eternal optimist. I believe that we have come through a tough patch and we are moving forward to better days.

I resolve to make 2009 the best year yet for my clients! I definately think it will be a better year for real estate. For starters, when have we seen interest rates in the 4% range? Not since the 1960’s! Good Lord…buy a home and fast. I can guarantee the banks will not be giving out 0% loans so this is getting down to bargain interest rates! BUY and BUY NOW.

If you own a home – give thanks. If you don’t – start thinking about what you have to do to buy one. It’s a great time to buy a home and I RESOLVE to help you realize your dream.

 

Don’t miss it…good real estate buys won’t last

 

When I was in high school we travelled to Washington, DC for a week-long field trip to see our nation’s capital. It was fun, exciting and VERY exhausting. We visited many museums, historic sites, the House and Senate chambers, met with a Supreme Court Justice and travelled to the Washington and Lincoln memorials.

But while we were at the National Mall, I was very weary and after walking from the Washington Memorial to the next set of seemingly unending stairs, I sat down and closed my eyes. I NEVER looked back or turned around. I just sat. What did I miss? I missed the Lincoln Memorial. Never saw it, didn’t realize what I was missing until it was too late.

I am sure you are wondering what does this have to do with real estate…and that would be a good question.

We are all weary and we are all worn out and sometimes you get so tired you lose your ability to think and see clearly. If home buyers don’t wake up they are going to miss out on the best OPPORTUNITY ever to purchase homes at all-time low prices at all-time low interest rates. People…it doesn’t get any better than this. OPEN YOUR EYES – look around you. This is a GREAT TIME TO BUY A HOME.

The bottom IS HERE and it’s TIME TO BUY. Don’t sit back and relax – find the right home for you and buy it NOW.

Winter Wishes

Why is that snowman smiling? Because he sees a brighter and better 2009 for real estate in the United States…he sees change coming…he sees lower interest rates (maybe all-time low rates)…he sees people saving their homes…he sees the economy turning around…he sees HOPE and lots of it.

This post brings you good wishes and great joy.

Christmas … is not an eternal event at all, but a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart. – Freya Stark

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy, Happy New Year!

Smile,

Linda

Less is More…Smaller Homes Thrive and Survive

This may be the one time in history where you will see the return of smaller homes. Eco-conscious buyers are now more concerned with keeping costs down, reducing energy usage and affordable home prices. To some, this is called “Frugal Chic” and you will see more of it in the near future.

As recent article in the Seattle Times (http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=20020324&slug=newhomecottage24) shared about this emerging market.

I predict they are correct. Gen X & Y buyers are not as concerned with size as they are with space planning and affordability. Seniors moving down are more interested in having homes they can easily manage.

In addition, all you have to do is go to an IKEA store and see what they can do with 200 square feet of living space to know that the next generation of buyers may be very happy with well designed small spaces. IKEA is overrun with buyers on any given day of the week.

Builders are already adjusting to the new demand and buyers will respond. It’s a good thing.

PS: Look for luxury buyers to also accept smaller living spaces in prestigious locations – it’s already happening in trendy places around the country. Frugal Chic is here to stay.

Real Estate Reality – the “REAL” World of Real Estate Sales

Real estate is a lot like reality shows these days…outwit, outlast and outplay. It’s a unique position real estate agents find themselves in and the REAL world is throwing us some roadblocks and opportunities.

But the good thing about this is CHANGE. The real estate agents, sellers and buyers who recognize that real estate in 2009 is not the same as ANY OTHER TIME IN HISTORY will be the winners of the game. It’s all about being able to adapt to changing technology, changing interest rates and changing habits of buyers and sellers.

As we enter a new year, it will be so much fun to watch our industry grow and expand. The ranks of REALTORS are sure to decrease but in the residue will be the best REALTORS in the business who realize this is REALLY about being a professional and serving the needs of our clients. The REALTORS who remain will adapt and change and grow with our fantastic industry. It’s truly a win-win, not only for our profession but also for our clients.

Let the games begin!