We all are anxious about our present as well as our future. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that crystal ball that would give us some clues as to what our economy will look like next year and beyond! Since no reliable indicator exists, we can only depend on the so called “pundits” who profess to know more than most, but their results are mixed. I am going to take a stab at my own predictions of next year’s real estate market with the risk of missing the mark a bit and having you, the reader, remind me of my well intended attempt! My picture of next year’s market is based on many conversations with banks, appraisers, home owners, buyers and sellers. I have 32 years as a full-time Realtor providing a good base for my insights into 2010’s housing environment. So here goes:

I believe that our economy is not out of the woods, but it is gaining some footing. Americans are feeling that (more…)

You have put much thought into making the decision to move and now is the time. However, every article you read puts doubt and fear in your mind as to the success of obtaining a sale on your home. Most authors portray a bleak real estate market with no mercy on would be sellers. What to do!

In my thirty years in real estate, one fact is clear. Homes will sell in any market! I sold properties in the late seventies and early 80’s when interest rates topped 17%! Can you imagine presenting a potential buyer with that kind of impediment? Yet, we sold almost as many homes as the years prior. The reason is that there will always be purchasers of homes as there is more to owning a home than just the financial implications. Remember when you bought your first home? What were the reasons that lead you to signing that offer to purchase? For most, the reasons for purchasing involve providing a safe environment for the family. A home represents comfort, peace, and independence as well as a feeling of control of one’s future payments and environment.

Interest rates currently are still relatively low. However, the negative press has stirred up the feelings of uncertainty about future values as well as the fears of foreclosure. So many buyers are on hold. This means there are more homes on the market than purchasers. Supply and demand tell us that with over supply come (more…)