Rumor has it...

If you are watching the morning, or the evening news, you are made to think that there are WAAAAAY to many houses on the market, and NONE are selling. WRONG!! All Real Estate is local, and although the national picture as a whole may not be that great, local real estate is flying off the shelves in some cases. In my market area, if you have a nice property, under 450,000, it can be gone in days.

Now, this does not mean that you do not need to continue putting your best foot forward. Buyers are still selective, as they should be, and need to see "value" in your property. Right now, inventory is so low, that the frustration of buyers, and Realtors working with buyers is there is nothing out there for them to buy. With the extension of the tax credit, some of the pressure if off to "buy now," but the fact remains, there are buyers who want, and NEED to buy now. Interest rates are at historic lows. Combine that with leveling prices (after a decline) and a potential tax credit and you have the BEST conditions in decades in which to buy a home.

Sadly, not everyone is in a position to take advantage of the current market conditions. Unemployment, compromised credit, and tightening borrowing requirements will bump some folks out right now. For those, use this time to rebuild your credit, and look to the future for the time when you will be able to buy. Home ownership, even with the recent horror stories, in my opinion remains the American Dream, and makes smart business sense in the long run.

Sellers, if you have been waiting to list your home for fear that it will not sell...fear no more. With proper staging, pricing, marketing and negotiating, this is a great time to sell. You may even find multiple buyers fighting for your property... which drives the price way up.

When selling or buying real estate, always consult with a team of trusted professionals. Choose the right Realtor, home inspector, lender, and attorney. Shop around, ask questions. In the end, it is this team that makes your dream a reality.

I am always available to respond to your questions or comments, and I invite you to contact me at rick@colonialmanorrealty.com