Here is the official Sunset Creek Realty “STATE OF REAL ESTATE” as of the spring of 2009. Well, what to say? The
SKY has fallen but not all the way, at least here along the shore in CT. The somber news is according to the CT
Commercial Record; there were 37% fewer sales in CT in 2008 than in 2007. But…. 1) the number of sales along the
shoreline are not as bad as some areas that are not as desirable and where predatory lending has led to a huge
number of foreclosures. 2) While there has been a market correction in home value that began in the spring of 2006,
know that loss in our home values have not been as bad as in some hot spots throughout the nation. We may have lost
up to 15% in our property values but it pales in comparison to some areas of Nevada, Florida, and Southern Cal where
loss in home value has approached 35%.

OK - today’s market. Houses are taking a lot longer to sell. Real Estate transactions are far more complex with more
legal, environmental issues, financial and agency issues. As such more work is required than ever required to sell a
property. Although none of us would choose the current real estate climate, it is not a time for a pity party!!!! So we’ll
all get used to the “new normal”, and go on with selling real estate. We just have to work smarter and harder. Let me
say that we are seeing a very good amount of activity in the lower price tags as first time buyers are taking advantage
of low rates and low prices and a fairly large inventory. Gradually it is having a trickle up effect. FORECAST. I think
2009 will be a decent year with more balance being established between buyers and sellers and a return to a more
normal market by years end.

The good news from the Sunset Creek Realty trenches is that we now have 10 agents with a total of over 150 years of
experience. We also celebrated our one year affiliation with Realty Group 2000, the 17 member network w/all offices
independently owned and operated by some of the best and most experienced agents in the business, period. 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.

So, bottom line, what to do? Great time to buy. Not a great time to sell. 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. In this tough market, it is more important
than ever that communication and trust are a top priority in the selling relationship. Even when the news isn’t positive,
people still want to be updated on prices and trends. Keeping in regular touch is critical, and even difficulties can bind
us to our clients. If you think about it, that’s not surprising. There are many examples in life where tough times can
forge tight bonds. When it’s clear that both real estate agent and client are on the same side, trust develops. That trust
is particularly important when hard decisions need to be made. I would like to think that we have developed a team
here at Sunset Creek that is not only very professional, but one that not only you can trust, but anyone that you might
refer to us. We treat people right as we here at Sunset Creek are here for the long run.