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Any Good In a Bad Market?
After working with buyers and sellers through the recent spring and summer real estate market, I thought I would note some of my experiences. There definitely are many challenges in real estate these days–and we hear about them all the time! But some good things are also happening. Here’s what I’ve been recently observing:
Sellers are stepping up to the plate. We homeowners know all about the laws of entropy–without continued effort, things can go downhill fast! This highly competitive market is motivating sellers to get their homes in tip-top shape–clean, painted, repaired, landscaped, upgraded and all the rest. If you stop to think about it, this actually is a really good thing as it enhances the overall quality and appearance of our communities. Go homeowners!
People are learning to negotiate. When I spent some time in Kenya, East Africa, I haggled over every pound of potatoes I bought, and was expected to do so! That generally hasn’t been the case in our country. But learning to work things out, persisting in order to come to a meeting of the minds over important issues is a valuable skill. We’re getting that!
Buyers are becoming wiser. With pressure from lenders who have added an array of requirements, and with the daily news of short sales and foreclosures, folks need to think twice before committing to purchasing a home. Living within one’s means may actually be coming back into vogue!
Realtors are earning their commission. Once upon a time an agent may have been able to put a listing on the market with a few basic photos and then simply wait for the calls. Or show a buyer a handful of homes, along with the warning “you better buy it now before it’s gone!”. How the times have changed! It’s become much more of a challenge to get your listing noticed, to find your buyer the best deal, to negotiate an array of details with many different parties (other agents, lenders, inspectors, appraisers) all who are operating in a much more difficult environment. This makes us better at what we do, and of greater value to you as your advocates in real estate transactions.
Customer service is improving. Have you noticed how some businesses these days are working harder to earn your business? Not everyone for sure, but many have taken the downturn seriously and know they need to step up to the plate and work harder and smarter and focus more on the customer. It can only be a good thing when a greater number of entrepreneurs are going the extra mile to “get it right.” Each of these five phenomena do seem to me to be a part of a growing positive trend! Read more >
Sold! — 406 Pleasanthill Drive
Sold! Lovely wooded cul-de-sac location in beautiful Chesterfield County, Virginia! Renovated kitchen and bath with gorgeous granite counter tops, recessed lighting, wet bar area. New hardwood floors in kitchen and family room. Spacious living areas and screened in porch overlooking private yard and woodland. Meticulously maintained. See for yourself: complete photo album. Call or email to find out more!
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