Times are changing and moving faster than I’ve seen in my 32 year career as a Realtor. There is an ebb and flow to the real estate market. It almost has its own pulse and mood swings. To be sure, one must be an observer to understand the market’s character and depth of soul.

I know this sounds like you and me. It sounds like the real estate market has a body and soul. It sounds like someone you might know. If you think about it long enough, any market is made up of one main ingredient…us!

To understand real estate is to understand the human psyche, because the market is made up of people who collectively move prices, commodities, and in the end the fears, hopes and desires of those who enter into it. If fear and uncertainty are dominant, prices may move quickly in either direction. When times are more predictable, prices stay more stable. Where is the real estate market today, and where is it headed?

First it pays to listen and listen with both ears! Listen to your neighbors, friends and family when talking about purchasing their first home, selling their long time home, or their plans to hold off or move forward. Listen to the (more…)

Just Say “Yes”!

When it comes to downsizing and moving, you do not want to attempt this process on your own! Each generation owns their own unique characteristics. “The Greatest Generation”, folks currently in their late 70’s-90 years of age, have been fiercely independent which makes them a group for all of us to emulate. “I’ll do it myself” has been their mantra throughout their lives. I find that this has worked well for them in the past, but when it comes to making a move from a long time home to a senior community, this can make the moving process difficult and sometimes impossible.

“I don’t want to bother my children, they have enough to do”. I’ve heard this so often and know that it is a noble intention on the older adult’s part, but trying to go it alone is a recipe for disaster in many cases. The best results occur when a dialogue is opened from the parent to the child and collaboration occurs from that open conversation. Together, the family can work together and decide what the family can do and what needs to be outsourced.

The good news is that there (more…)

A once in a lifetime opportunity has arrived and is available to all who are ready to take advantage of a new government stimulus. The Federal Government Tax Credit Stimulus offers first time buyers an $8,000 tax credit and owners of existing homes a $6,500 tax credit. Here’s the catch: the transaction must be settled by April 30, 2010, with a closing by July 1, 2010. This means that instead of April and May being the best months for selling, the greatest number of buyers will likely be looking for homes in February and March. Click here to download the program details

If you have been on the fence and waiting for that perfect time to sell, the next few months will be critical! But when exactly should you start the process? I have put together a timeline for success. By following this simple guide, you can successfully sell and move with results you could have only dreamed of!

Your Success Timeline

Early January

Call me for a free personalized market estimate as well as a game plan for preparing the home for market. I
will explain how you can take advantage of this unique real estate opportunity, and offer suggestions as to any contractors or inspections needed.

Mid-January

Visit the senior community of your choice. Meet with the (more…)

Click here to see what home prices are going for in your neighborhood!

A market snapshot of your neighborhood, every month, for free. Great information for interested buyers and sellers!

Click Here to read a review of my book by Diane Schmidt at About.com