Jan. 6, 2009 - It's a new year, so now what?

Refining focus

As I write my first post of 2009, I am refocusing and refining my energies to what will be most effective in my business and for my clients and customers.  I plan to deliver more value to you by providing timely information that you can use. I will incorporate more innovative techonolgies; making your home buying or selling process less stressful for you.  

Looking back at 2008's local real estate market, here in Somerset, I must say the situation was tough for sellers and buyers.  Sellers who failed to adjust to current market conditions and demands had their homes languish.  Buyers with credit less than stellar had difficulty obtaining financing.

As tough as one might think it was for Franklin Township real estate it was not as bad as other locations around the country.  I will provide the usual stats in a separate posting. However, on average fifty to sixty local real estate transactions per month were conducted last year. So, if you were a seller without a buyer and your home is still on the market, it is time to refine your focus to what your competion did right.. Then refine your plan to emulate success.

For first time buyers, 2009 may present one of the greatest oppurtunities to obtain the American Dream.  Inventory remains high, prices have come down and mortgage rates are the lowest that they have been within the past five years.  Buyers who have eliminated bad debt, maintained good credit, are gainfully employed, have sufficient downpayment and can provide documentation to lenders may very well benefit the most this year.  

This year remains to be an excellent time to upgrade to larger home, particularly if you plan to reamin in the area.  What you will save on the larger purchase price will more than offset any loss that you might have on your current home.