Buyer meet seller, seller meet buyer
By Mark Talis |
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I have been waiting to hear from David, the editor, because my article is a few days late. Why is it late? (cue the Rocky music)
Mark Talis
I've been busy. Yes, with real estate. Holy Crap, ramen noodles no more! Tonight we're eating chicken wings. I'm busy, not steakhouse busy, but it's getting better.
Showings on listings have increased, buyers are out looking, and open-house traffic is strong. Is the stimulus working? I can tell you that the $8000 first-time buyer tax credit has inspired some renters to become owners. That's what we need, people: get up, stand up, buy a freakin' house. Interest rates are great, there are plenty of houses to choose from, and the sellers are coming around.
In today's market, we need to motivate both the buyer and seller. The sellers overpricing their homes, expecting a lowball offer and 10 months on the market, will get much less for their house than the sellers that price their houses according to the recent sales trends. There is a market, people; there is always a market. Have your agent show you the sales in the area, walk through your competition, see for yourself if your house is better than your neighbors'. Why create a situation where you have overpriced your home and need to concede to a lower offer? That makes you become a stale listing that nobody wants. Stale doughnuts get thrown away, and stale bread becomes croutons. Don't turn your home into a crouton. If you prepare your home properly and price it right, you can sell it in a reasonable amount of time for fair market value. Keep your eyes on the stats.
Buyers . . . (clearing throat) What are you waiting for? Do you think the interest rate is going to settle at one percent? H-E-L-L-O! The time is now. You have the power, you have the options, there is low-hanging fruit out there and it is time to take a bite. Don't get me wrong - I certainly understand that it can be a little scary; this will be the biggest purchase of your life. However, there are many good housing options that are in the price range of your current rent. You will own the house, there are tax benefits, and you will be buying at a great price.
"Buy low, sell high. Fear, that's the other guy's problem."
- Louis Winthorpe III
Mark Talis
Gledhill Robbins & Talis Group
Real Living HER
730 S High St.
www.GRT-GROUP.com
direct: (614) 554-6355
fax: (866) 871-8223
Originally Published: June 1, 2009
