Midweek Motivation!

I attended the TREE (Triangle Real Estate Experts) Summit today at our local realtors association this morning. It was absolutely wonderful! Some of our areas Top Producers spoke about how they are dealing with the challenges of our current real estate market. All of them felt confident that the Triangle was not suffering the way many cities are, but that we have seen a "Shift"--which is a book by Gary Keller that I am currently reading.

The real estate market became a place where folks were not buying for shelter and long term investment. They were "flipping" and trying to make quick money. This caused a huge inflation of prices and as folks thought "If I don't buy now, I'll never have a home!"--they stretched their budgets to reach unaffordable homes, and now face a daunting situation of possible foreclosure.
Buyers now fear that if they buy "They will lose value as prices continue to fall".

We as Realtors, must be here for our clients, we must take this time to educate ourselves on how to help in these dire situations. We must get "Back to the Basics"--making phone calls to our sphere of influence, not just blanket emails. Sending personal handwritten notes (hard for my generation! I'll admit it!) to say "Thank You" for choosing me to be your real estate resource.

What goes up, must come down, and what's come down, must go UP. Buyers must feel this confidence, and we have to be there to give it to them. Rates are historically low right now and there is money to be lent.

High Inventory=Greater Opportunity.

Now really is a GREAT time to buy.

Making Up The Money & Mudbugs at Tony's!

I had a conversation with a potential client about putting their home on the market this week. She was afraid that they would not get what they were hoping for, and certainly not what they needed to get out of their current home in able to purchase a new one. I told her that one advantage of the market right now is that you may be able to make up what you "lose" in your current home when you purchase a new one. Deals are being made out there, folks who are relocating, or in a tough job situation may be willing to bargain, and take less for their homes just to get it sold. Although our market has not suffered like many in our nation, we have slowed some, and if you are considering purchasing--now is a great time. Rates were under 5% on Friday! Wow!

My hubby and I ventured out Friday night for dinner, and we happend up on Tony's Oyster Bar in MacGregor's shopping center. I had a hankering for oysters, and to my husbands surprise--Crawfish are the Friday and Saturday special! You get a pound of the spicy "mudbugs" for 6.95---with hushpuppies and slaw, its quite a deal! The oysters were great too, I eat them steamed with saltines and Texas Pete. Pretty tasty!

A New President, New Hope for Many

I was snowed in yesterday here in Raleigh, NC, and was glad. I was able to sit and watch the Inauguration of our newest president. It was quite a production, and I thought Obama's speech was wonderful. He's given a lot of people great hope for the future. Although I find that inspiring, I know it will take the work of all of us to get this country back on the right track. I am hoping that the housing market will be one of the first challenges Obama tackles. You can voice your opinion too at www.fixhousingfirst.com.

I was so surprised to see so many restaurants offering patriotic treats! Krispy Kreme was giving out free doughnuts, Dunkin' Donuts was offering up red, white and blue sprinkled items, and if you haven't seen it yet, you have to try Ben & Jerry's Yes Pecan!

"YES PECAN!" An Inspirational Blend! Amber Waves of Buttery Ice Cream With Roasted Non-Partisan Pecans. If you decide to indulge in some “Yes Pecan” in Scoop Shops during the month of January, Ben & Jerry’s is donating the proceeds to the Common Cause Education Fund.

Common Cause is a nonpartisan, nonprofit advocacy organization founded as a vehicle for citizens to make their voices heard in the political process. They are committed to honest, open and accountable government, as well as encouraging citizen participation in democracy. Their Education Fund conducts research, education, and outreach activities.

Activity is Picking Up!

Just as the new year has started, the phones have started ringing in real estate! How exciting! Mortgage rates are absolutely incredible right now! Although it is certain to spark a ton of refinances, there is encouraging news that it could get some folks off the fence to buying a new home.

Inventory and prices are good here in Raleigh. There are more homes on the market that we are used to, but prices are still holding, and we are not seeing a "bottoming out" like many markets are seeing. This is such a wonderful place to live and has won so many accolades--I have clients who want to move here from all over the country right now!

With all this cold weather coming our way this week, I've had a craving for a warm night out to the Melting Pot--the fondue restaraunt. Sitting in a booth with a bottle of wine as you and your friends or family cook your own food--its not your usual in and out place--dinners there can take a while, but you really get time to enjoy your company, and the smells are incredible. You cannot pass up the desserts--chocolate and more chocolate!

There are 2 locations in our area--Raleigh and near Southpoint Mall in Durham. Their house salad is to die for (something about that dressing!) and they have some wonderful specials--a great place to take your sweetie for Valentines too!

Visit their site at www.meltingpot.com