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Here is the official Sunset Creek Realty “STATE OF REAL ESTATE” as of March 1, 2008. First of all, do NOT believe all the media hype that is being promoted. The SKY is not falling!!! Clearly there has been a market correction that began in the spring of 2006. It was bound to happen after over 10 years of constant appreciation. But, loss in home values have not been as bad as in some hot spots throughout the nation. Our sales have not been off that much from years past. Here’s the thing we need to know. We live in the major metropolitan corridor in the world and people want to live here for the moderate climate, culture activities, recreational opportunities and educational opportunities and more!! So, where are we now? Right now, we are still in a market that slightly favors the buyers but is gradually evening out. The good news is… we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! As winter is ending, we are starting to see signs of positive spring like activity along the shoreline. Well priced homes sell!!! Prudent buyers can get good deals if they buy smart!!! FORECAST. I think 2008 will be a decent year with more balance being established between buyers and sellers and a return to a normal market by years end. Hopefully the above is good news for you. The good news from the Sunset Creek trenches is that we now have 6 agents with a total of over 100 years of experience. The best news is that we have joined Realty Group 2000, a group of 15 independent brokers throughout the shoreline. All offices are independently owned and operated by some of the best and most experienced agents in the business, period. We are not encumbered by one sole national corporate strategy or policy. Each has its’ unique independent identity that can identify local needs and react accordingly to better serve our clients. We constantly brainstorm and are able to benefit from our collective marketing strategies. In a nut shell, we are free to cull the best ideas from each other. Joining has already shown its’ advantages in a different manner as well. By advertising as a large group, we can take advantage of the same pricing as the large multi-office companies and yet still retain our individuality. I can guarantee NO one will advertise each property more than us. We are not encumbered by the corporate overhead and as such can allocate our resources where they are the most effective. The bottom line is that we can compete with the big boys (and girls) on any level. What to do? Is it a good time to make a move? It depends. Good time to just buy? You Bet!!! The sales that have occurred show some good values for the buyers. Now, if you are selling and buying in the same marketplace it doesn’t matter when you make a move!! You will sell for lower than you might have two years ago but you will buy for lower as well, it will have the same net effect. I will always advise to proceed conservatively. If you are just selling a property, maybe we wait until we establish a little more parity. If you have to sell, prices may not be as good as two years ago but are still better than 5 years ago. If you fall in this situation there are things we can do to 1) Look at creative financing alternatives to offset the higher prices of homes 2) We all need to be very realistic with respect to pricing and expectations - It is a fact that well priced homes sell faster and usually at better prices. 3) Look at the staging of your home for the marketplace. Real Estate has evolved with more legal and environmental issues. Dual agency is here to stay with more brokers representing buyers. Being locally owned and operated, we know our market like no other. If I can ever be of service to you or anyone you know, with any real estate need, whether it be buying, refinancing, need the name of a good plumber, whatever, don’t hesitate to call. I always enjoy hearing from you and as ever, the coffee pot is always on. My best to you and yours and I hope that 2008 brings to you everything 2007 did not. Sincerely, Allen B. Jacobs |