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True or False - “Now is a ‘GREAT’ time to Buy Real Estate!”

As I travel throughout the Real Estate Blogosphere these days, I see a lot of articles being published by agents with the positive-spin headlines,….

…..”It’s a GREAT Time to Buy!”robot.jpg

I wonder how much of this is simply hopeful optimism? Wishful thinking? Or an attempt by those in the real estate industry to counter the incessant media bombardment of ‘Doom & Gloom?”

Well, let’s face it, in most markets across the country, existing homes sales have declined significantly. There’s no way to sugar coat that reality. And as much as we’d love to see things turn around soon, there is no substantive indication of that happening anytime in the near future.

But I suppose, if enough people say that it’s a good time to buy, then maybe some innocent and unsuspecting consumer will actually decide to ‘buy’ something? Just like Peter Pan, we could collectively think ‘Happy Thoughts’ about the market, and magically, home sales would fly!

piggy-bank.jpgBuying a home is a HUGE decision, by far one of the most important financial investments you’ll probably ever make. Certainly not something to be rushed into based on the overly zealous opinions of someone who doesn’t get paid unless YOU buy!

So, is it TRUE or FALSE? Is ‘Now’ a good time to Buy?

Well, the answer is TRUE. And FALSE. It really depends on each individual situation. What’s your current financial status? What are your goals? Where do you want to buy? How long do you plan on living in the home?It's a GREAT time to Buy!

Here in Kitsap County WA, many of our clients are Active-Duty military. A good number of them are typically on orders to be stationed here for 2 to 3 years. In the past, with home valuations appreciating nicely, investing in a home purchase made sense in most instances. But with the current market decline, it may be better for some people to take advantage of on-base housing, or rent.

If you’re considering a home purchase, find a real estate professional who knows the local market intimately, and can give you reputable counsel, based on your particular needs.

And if the first words out of their mouth is, “It’s a Great Time to Buy!,” then give me a call.

,

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6 Comments »

  Official SBB Devil’s Advocate wrote @ March 6th, 2008 at 11:37 pm

BRAVO!

Thanks for writing such a wonderful article. There is really nothing more to say, other than this was a wonderful, refreshing breath of fresh air.

You are a class act.

OSBBDA

  Rich Jacobson wrote @ March 7th, 2008 at 10:07 am

OSBBDA: Wow, I’m speechless! Coming from you, that is a tremendous compliment. Thanks!

  Missy Caulk wrote @ March 7th, 2008 at 12:58 pm

Now Rich isn’t this a great way to use twitter? It all depends on the market and the needs of the buyer, doesn\’ t it? I tell people that in Ann Arbor too, especially with the market in decline. Residents coming for 3 years it might not be best.

  Mitch Argon wrote @ March 10th, 2008 at 1:36 pm

Very well put!

I an a broker in the Reno real estate market. Isn’t funny how so many agents think “the market is going to pick up in the Spring”. From what we are looking at here in terms of Months of Inventory (around 12+ months in most local markets), the Spring of 2010 may actually be a pretty good time to buy.

I’m with you - time to advise and counsel - not sell.

  Rich Jacobson wrote @ March 11th, 2008 at 12:17 pm

Mitch: Thanks for stoppin’ by. I’ll be out your way this Summer. The Inman Connect is happening this July in SF, and I have a standing invite for a boat ride on Lake Tahoe by the Bolen Brothers!…

  Jacqulyn Richey wrote @ May 9th, 2008 at 1:59 pm

Things are picking up here in Las Vegas. I think if you have a good down payment, it’s a great time to buy property. Interest rates are super low and home owners are desparate to sell. Property on the strip has held its value and some properties have even raised their prices. Location is still king apparently.

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True or False - “Now is a ‘GREAT’ time to Buy Real Estate!”

As I travel throughout the Real Estate Blogosphere these days, I see a lot of articles being published by agents with the positive-spin headlines,….

…..”It’s a GREAT Time to Buy!”robot.jpg

I wonder how much of this is simply hopeful optimism? Wishful thinking? Or an attempt by those in the real estate industry to counter the incessant media bombardment of ‘Doom & Gloom?”

Well, let’s face it, in most markets across the country, existing homes sales have declined significantly. There’s no way to sugar coat that reality. And as much as we’d love to see things turn around soon, there is no substantive indication of that happening anytime in the near future.

But I suppose, if enough people say that it’s a good time to buy, then maybe some innocent and unsuspecting consumer will actually decide to ‘buy’ something? Just like Peter Pan, we could collectively think ‘Happy Thoughts’ about the market, and magically, home sales would fly!

piggy-bank.jpgBuying a home is a HUGE decision, by far one of the most important financial investments you’ll probably ever make. Certainly not something to be rushed into based on the overly zealous opinions of someone who doesn’t get paid unless YOU buy!

So, is it TRUE or FALSE? Is ‘Now’ a good time to Buy?

Well, the answer is TRUE. And FALSE. It really depends on each individual situation. What’s your current financial status? What are your goals? Where do you want to buy? How long do you plan on living in the home?It's a GREAT time to Buy!

Here in Kitsap County WA, many of our clients are Active-Duty military. A good number of them are typically on orders to be stationed here for 2 to 3 years. In the past, with home valuations appreciating nicely, investing in a home purchase made sense in most instances. But with the current market decline, it may be better for some people to take advantage of on-base housing, or rent.

If you’re considering a home purchase, find a real estate professional who knows the local market intimately, and can give you reputable counsel, based on your particular needs.

And if the first words out of their mouth is, “It’s a Great Time to Buy!,” then give me a call.

,

Convert to PDF

6 Comments »

  Official SBB Devil’s Advocate wrote @ March 6th, 2008 at 11:37 pm

BRAVO!

Thanks for writing such a wonderful article. There is really nothing more to say, other than this was a wonderful, refreshing breath of fresh air.

You are a class act.

OSBBDA

  Rich Jacobson wrote @ March 7th, 2008 at 10:07 am

OSBBDA: Wow, I’m speechless! Coming from you, that is a tremendous compliment. Thanks!

  Missy Caulk wrote @ March 7th, 2008 at 12:58 pm

Now Rich isn’t this a great way to use twitter? It all depends on the market and the needs of the buyer, doesn\’ t it? I tell people that in Ann Arbor too, especially with the market in decline. Residents coming for 3 years it might not be best.

  Mitch Argon wrote @ March 10th, 2008 at 1:36 pm

Very well put!

I an a broker in the Reno real estate market. Isn’t funny how so many agents think “the market is going to pick up in the Spring”. From what we are looking at here in terms of Months of Inventory (around 12+ months in most local markets), the Spring of 2010 may actually be a pretty good time to buy.

I’m with you - time to advise and counsel - not sell.

  Rich Jacobson wrote @ March 11th, 2008 at 12:17 pm

Mitch: Thanks for stoppin’ by. I’ll be out your way this Summer. The Inman Connect is happening this July in SF, and I have a standing invite for a boat ride on Lake Tahoe by the Bolen Brothers!…

  Jacqulyn Richey wrote @ May 9th, 2008 at 1:59 pm

Things are picking up here in Las Vegas. I think if you have a good down payment, it’s a great time to buy property. Interest rates are super low and home owners are desparate to sell. Property on the strip has held its value and some properties have even raised their prices. Location is still king apparently.

RSS feed for comments on this post. TrackBack URI

Your comment

*
To prove you're a person (not a spam script), type the security word shown in the picture. Click on the picture to hear an audio file of the word.
Click to hear an audio file of the anti-spam word

HTML-Tags:
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