We have experienced and are presently going through a complete overhaul with various challenges as Realtors, consumers and those vendors in the Ancillary business of supporting the real estate transaction. With inventories at record highs, home foreclosures, mortgage fraud, and dismal headlines saturating our news media, you would think we are heading for the end of times in the real estate world. "In some ways, the extended real estate boom from 2001 to 2005 created unrealistic expectations that housing is a short-term high-yield investment," said NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun in a Realtor.org, recent article. I think he hit it right on the head.

There's an old saying in the real estate business that indicates that there is no such thing as a bad market, no such thing as a good market, It's just a market. We have had to learn to adjust to changing markets since the beginning of times. Supply and demand adjust pricing and time frame. When we were in a sellers market as indicated above from 2001 to 2005 consumers continued to pay high prices for homes, just like the stocks were bought at high inflated prices during the dot.com boom. (Ouch!)

Smart investors buy low and sell high. Smarter investors, invest for the long term, steady yield. Timing is everything. (Who has that crystal ball?) One thing for sure, people will always be moving due to career changes, divorce, becoming empty nesters and numerous other reasons. The key now is to get creative in a way we had to back in the early eighties. (By the way we did survive) :-)

Let's look at three market segments:

1. Foreclosed Homes (Since that seems to be the headlines these days) Yes, these consumers need consulting in an attempt to save their homes. If they do sell, the banks need to participate in a short sale negotiation to allow the buyer and seller to come to terms. The sooner these houses are liquidated to new purchasers it will allow the normal sellers pricing and sales to even out. We need investors to obtain these houses at attractive enough prices to that would allow time for improvements, finding a tenant, and getting a good return on their investment. This takes good negotiation and attractive financing for non-owner occupied money.

2. Consumer moving up: Still a great time to move provided your moving into a more expensive home. Let's say you take a 10% hit on your 100,000.00 house. or $10,000.00 when you sell it. If you are buying a 200,000.00 home, in the same market, you should be getting a $20,000.00 reduction at 10% or a $10,000.00 gain. (These are hypothetical numbers however, putting egos aside, it gets everyone moved.

3. Seller's who don't need to sell. Then don't sell. Take your house off the market until you become motivated and realistic with the supply and demand system of home selling. This would eliminate some inventory to allow the market to even out sooner.

As Realtors we work with all different types of buyers and sellers who are buying and selling for all different reasons. Good listening skills, realistic expectations, and a positive attitude rank at the top of the list when it becomes time to make good choices for both the Realtor and the consumer.

John says it best right here: "Realtors® must learn to integrate new channels of communication into their businesses. As with other industries, real estate professionals must efficiently meet the needs of their clients while providing the world-class customer service to succeed." John Tuccillo, former NAR chief economist

Visit my Website for additional tools and articles on buying and selling real estate in today's market.

"Expect the Best" Mike

Buying a home can be an emotional, time-consuming, and complex process. There are a few things that you can do to help make the process go as smooth as possible. Number one is consulting with a Realtor to obtain all the tools and advice needed to make a smart purchase that will not have disappointing surprises prior to the closing. Attached here you will find four helpful reports on buying a home, which will give you some insight to get started. Visit MikeBowler.com often for all your real estate needs and wants regardless if your buying, selling or just in the thinking stage. There has never been a better time to invest in real estate, with interest rates at all time lows, inventories at all time highs and great prices. View over 6000 listings in the greater Lansing area and be sure to bookmark this link for your convenience. "Expect the Best" Mike

Delta Township Growth is very impressive compared to other communities in and around the greater Lansing area. It seems to be a nice draw to have township government, Eaton County taxes and Grand Ledge Schools, in addition to the popular Waverly School District. In December be prepared to take your children to breakfast or lunch with Santa in Delta Township or get the kids on Santa's Mailing List. There is always something for everyone in this great community.

Searching for Homes in Delta Township can be simplified by book-marking this site for all you searches. You can also find, school rankings, community information and other stats. Buyers and sellers find this site very informative. I hope your Thanksgiving Holiday was blessed and your Christmas season will be joyful.
"Expect the Best" Mike

Despite what you hear from the media, Lansing Michigan area and the greater Lansing area in general is becoming healthier each day in the real estate market. Check out housing Predictor to see how the Lansing area is only 3.9% down from last year and noted as the best place in the nation to invest in real estate at this time.

We certainly are more fortunate than Detroit and Grand Rapids. Note also, that our prices are leveling out and that window of opportunity for those first time buyers and those wishing to move up is excellent at this time.

The Holt market has been thriving for many years due to the continued popularity of the Holt school system. That's why we say "Holt, a great place to live" Our three children attended Holt schools and we found it to be top rated when it came to academics and sports.

We Realtors in Lansing are very fortunate to have many great school systems to offer families moving into the area. Notice also in the above housing predictor, how Lansing is on the move with the downtown area.

The INNW, (If Not Now When) program sponsored and supported by the greater Lansing Association of Realtors is still alive and kicking, and shows that there has never been a better time to buy real estate then today. Interest rates remain at all time lows, mortgage money is available, there is a wonderful selection of homes to pick from and you can get up to date information and tools at my site 24 hours a day. Yes, we have plenty to be thankful for regardless of the market adjustment we have experienced. May your holiday's be blessed with positive news and events. "Expect the Best" Mike