I've gotten a few emails from potential Buyers and Sellers, and they all want to know, "What do you think of the market?"
I think they should forget about the market, and live their lives.
Do you want to sell your house? Price it appropriately, get it sold, and move on with your life. For whatever reason - you've outgrown it, it's too much for you, you don't like your neighbor next door - all those things aren't going to be put on hold until the market "recovers." Do your research, figure out your next steps, and then take them.
Do you want to buy a house? Figure out your price range, what you want, and then go buy one. Don't pay rent for the next two years so that you can time the "absolute BOTTOM" of the market. Sit on your own back deck this summer and pay off your own mortgage, rather than someone else's.
Deal with the reality in front of you. Live your life. Move forward. Make yourself happy.
Don't put your life on hold trying to "outsmart" the market. Be happy, rather than "clever."
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Hi Heather,
It seems the '02-'05 market made most people look at buying homes as a way to "make money", as opposed to being a good long-term investment that one can live in.
-Mark
I love it!
We need more Heathers! Any increase there in buyer activity?
Jeff
AMEN Heather!
Who cares how bad the Market is if you don't have money down or good enough credit to buy a home?
Who cares how good the Market is if you are buying an Overpriced Listing?
Who cares how bad the Market is if you can get a pretty darn good deal on a home that meets your needs?
Who cares how good the Market is if you are losing bidding wars time and again?
Your post is excellent, I wish this perspective was more dominant. We tend to look to try to 'control' things that are a bit out of our control. Nicely done Heather!!
You're absolutely right Heather, there's too much focus on "the market" which isn't good or bad it just is, good for some means bad for others none of which matters if there's not a need and desire to buy or sell.
So true about living your life - who wants to waste time trying to time something that's open to interpretation/change, the "perfect" time to buy or sell is purely individual! Excellent post!
Heather, your "straight talk" certainly is appropriate for many people. It is also important to understand that most people have a tendency to follow the pack, especially when they lack knowledge in a topic. A home purchase/sale can be scary for many buyers/sellers and they don't want to do anything "stupid". Buyers are looking for an advocate to give them the facts, hold their hand and let them know that they will be okay. I often interpret the question"How's the market?" as "If I buy or sell my house right now, am I being an idiot?".
Heather,
Strong statement! Very true. People need to keep track of their goals in life. They might get further ahead then the people taking a backseat trying to figure it all out.