How many agents right now are terribly busy, they say, but spinning their wheels? I have talked with other top producers in my office who say they are swamped but aren't making any money. It makes me wonder, what are they doing?
When I go to parties and people ask, "How is the market treating you?" I reply, "Great. 2008 might be my best year ever." They look at me like I am a leper. But it's the truth. This has been a good year for me. Am I supposed to feel badly about that or make excuses for everybody else? I don't know what to say. So, I say buyers are happy. Which is also the truth.
It's funny because people used to ask: "How is the market?" But everybody knows how the market is right now, especially in Sacramento. Sales of upper-end homes are slowing, but the $200,000 REO homes are hot. Almost 3/4ths of MLS sales are REOs and short sales. Unemployment rates are rising, consumer confidence is falling, foreclosures are increasing, banks are folding, long-time businesses are closing up shop, and everybody is concerned about the recession. So, instead people ask how I am doing and appear ready to offer sympathy.
Sellers are still selling. Buyers are still buying. The market isn't fabulous and prices are declining; it is what it is.
When it rains on your parade, you parade in the rain.
Photo: Big Stock Photo
The Short Sale, by Elizabeth Weintraub, coming from Archer Ellison in January 2009.
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Elizabeth Weintraub is an author, home buying columnist for The New York Times-owned About.com, a Land Park resident, and a Land Park real estate agent who specializes in older, classic homes in Land Park, Curtis Park, Midtown and East Sacramento. Weintraub is also a Sacramento Short Sale agent who lists and successfully sells short sales throughout Sacramento. Call Elizabeth Weintraub at 916.233.6759. Put 35 years of real estate experience to work for you. DRE License # 00697006.
The Short Sale Savior, by Elizabeth Weintraub, available through bookstores everywhere and at Amazon.com.
Photo: Unless otherwise noted in this blog, the photo is copyrighted by Big Stock Photo and used with permission.
The views expressed herein are Weintraub's personal views and do not reflect the views of Lyon Real Estate.
