SO WHAT IF IT’S HALF EMPTY…FILL IT UP…

Two weeks ago the news reported that a number of large companies had filed for bankruptcy, but today another hard working American couple is closing on the home of their dreams without complication.
Last week the papers printed that the initial “bail out” would not be enough to stimulate the economy, but another hard working American family obtained the financing they needed for a larger home to accommodate their needs.
Two nights ago the evening news reported that the housing industry “slump” continued to plague homeowners, but we Realtors who work directly with sellers and buyers continue to bring folks together. We are reducing the inventory that historically slows the market, and both the government and the banks recognize that they must not permit another million foreclosures to add to that inventory. Toward that end, they are taking the necessary steps to avoid that additional complication. I know that the outcome will be successful not despite our American way of life, but because of our American way of life.
While we continue to teach the world how to turn challenges into opportunities, our strength and generosity of spirit springs from our free society that is bought and paid for by our military.
Recently, a young Veteran graced our office with his presence. He had served his country well and since his return, he had been renting nearby. He had never owned his own home in the country he had protected with his life. He wondered aloud if he ever would now, given the “news” of our economy. His question begs another…, “if not our precious Veteran, then who?”
After listening to his aspirations, one of our Realtors took him to the home of his dreams. As of this writing, one of America’s finest will likely be sitting in front of his own fireplace before the first snowfall.
Everything and anything can and will happen in America. We remain the greatest experiment in the history of the world and no matter when, how or why we stumble, we rise up stronger for the struggle and the whole world knows it.
Every single property sells at the right price and time. For some sellers, there will be no profit, but rather a mitigation of damages. Over the past few years, whole regions of the country have realized the collective loss of 20% of housing equity. A myriad of increasingly common catch phrases have become all too familiar to Realtors. “This is not a fire sale.” “We’re not going to give it away.” “I’ve already reduced the price too much.” “That offer is insulting.” “But I NEED to get…”
For many sellers the home selling and the home buying experience will be a wash as all values reduce or increase across the board. For many buyers, you will still be purchasing properties at fair market prices. You will not be financed for more than the property is worth and you can take that fact to the bank. Some of you will tell your friends that you “Got a steal.” Some of you will be right. At the end of the day, however, we Realtors will have MOVED THIS INVENTORY thereby unclogging the economic pipe.
Based on our front row seat and our expert opinion, our best advice to our family, friends and clients is to avoid negativity at all costs. Change the channel. Roll up doom and gloom papers for kindling. Listen to music that makes you feel good. CHOOSE to view the glass as FULL and it will overflow.
You live where the whole world wants to be. If you own a piece of this magnificent rock, do whatever you can to hold onto it. If you can not hold on to it at this time, know that these times are changing even as I write about them and you will own another piece of the rock again. The banks are not going away. The houses are not falling into the earth. The circumstances today are fluid and they will change as do our seasons.
While our precious young Veteran puts another log on his very own fire, find your own Veteran and from the bottom of your grateful heart, wish him or her what we here at REMAX Country Crossroads wish everyone of you…….a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

PS. In answer to readers’ questions from my article 2 weeks ago about the energy producing mansion, its owners and their company, with their permission, they are Ralph and Stacey Sevinor of Wayne Alarm, 781-595-0000.