Dear Friends of Gina Schaal and Circa Realty
As I write this letter to you all, I am hoping that you all have had a wonderful and rewarding 2007. The year of 2008 is on it's way and I am confident of the positive changes ahead of us. Let's make this election year a year of hope and renewal. I think we are all ready for better things to come. You all have heard about the Doom and Gloom of the real estate market. How could you not?
Please don’t believe everything that you hear. 
The local real estate market is just that, LOCAL. I wouldn’t tell you it hasn’t changed, but to be perfectly frank about it………there are some people who bought houses and got mortgages, when they shouldn’t have. Most of us are doing just fine, with the exception of feeling the pinch from Oil and Heating prices, Youch! 
I know I am! You haven’t lost all of the equity in your home, but don’t expect to get the same increase in value that you had received in the previous 5-10 years. The average increase in value of a 30 year span in about 6% per year historically. So if you were getting double digit increases in the most recent decade, it stands to reason that the markets will even themselves out in the long run. Give things some time to do that and relax!
Now if you happen to have a home equity loan, based on the increase in values of previous years, then you might need to pay it off, before trying to sell your home. The banks and appraisers have been giving you the additional equity for your loans based on the ability to get that price when done improving your home. Not for you to use for a vacation, pay off a credit card, or buy a new car. I hope that you are paying towards the principal and not just the interest only, especially if it is an adjustable rate type loan. That could be a recipe for disaster. Please let me know if you need to speak with a Good Mortgage person to help you eliminate the bad loan. I know of many.
For those of you who want to sell………pay attention to what is going on around you. Be honest with yourself and your real estate agent about what’s your biggest priority in getting your house sold. Wanting to sell and needing to sell are two totally different things. Your Realtor® needs to know. Pricing is very important but so is the preparation for the sale. Make sure that your home is clean from top to bottom. Pack up all of the extra items that you don’t need to use on a daily basis. Paint those rooms that haven’t been painted in the last couple of years, or have a personal color or faux finish. What looks Great with your furniture and personal items will not translate well to the buyer. Take a good look at the carpet and be honest. Can it be cleaned and look new, or should you give a carpet allowance? Buyers have their pick of the inventory and they are getting the incentives from the builders, so you have to sweeten the deal. That’s what a Buyer’s Market is all about.
All homes on the market are going to take longer to sell but with the proper preparation you have a much better chance. Buyers, who are ready to buy, give me a call! Your dreams are ready to come true! Sellers give me a call and we can discuss you options. I am available for consultations.
Have a Bright and Warm Holiday Season!
Remember that there is always the dark before the storm.
Together we can weather the storm and be in a better place for the future. All is Well!
Warm Wishes To You All!
Gina Schaal