The fence is heavy

[Rick Thompson Team]

So now that the stimulus package has passed, rates are still crazy low and prices are obviously low. What is it gonna take for the fence to break and have everyone fall? I know that things are picking up in side the beltway, how long is it going to take to sprawl?

[rvolk75]

That's a good question. I don't think anyone can give you a timeline, but I believe that as soon as the consumers see things improving across the economy such as the banking system, wall street, foreclosures, etc. Once all other sectors begin to improve, that's when consumers will become more confident that they'll have a job tomorrow and will begin concentrating on putting money into real estate.

Until then, I think we just have to explain to consumers that they don't want to miss the "window of opportunity" as described by Gary Keller in "Shift". The only way you will know that we've hit the bottom, is when the prices of homes start climbing up.

[Rick Thompson Team]

As long as Im not the only 1 that thinks that. Thanks and good luck to you!

[Dallas Broker]

I'm noticing business is picking up much sooner this year in the DFW area. Not as many 1st time buyers...but they are still around....most seem to be fha/va buyers.

[AZAgent2]

In Tucson I have noticed (at least for me) a large percentage of first time buyers are coming off the fence. 4 deals in escrow, 2 more in offer/ negotiation stages and 2 other clients just signed Buyer broker agreements to have me start helping them in just the past several days....

[satxproperty]

NAR's ads didn't bust loose all those fence sitters?

[bogart]

In my opinion, the market and unemployment are weighing on sales. The stimulus isn't going to do much.

[Stephanie Crawford]

My website activity is through the roof, but no one is actually buying. My company reports 40% higher showing volume last month than the same time last year, but I don't see how. I haven't actually shown a property in weeks! I specialize in the urban market, perhaps they're doing better in the 'burbs.

[bogart]

Perhaps the market conditions in Nashville are better?

http://realtytimes.com/rtmcrloc/Tennessee~Nashville

[SLP-NYCT]

I am dealing with more buyers too. Showings are up as well, but offers are not there yet.

Personally, I'd like to see a steady climb back up. Not a spike, spikes are bad.

Hey! Anyone know the truth behind all the stats the news keeps reporting? Its interesting to see that once the real numbers are laid on the table, not just target cities they like to pick for their numbers, its really not that bad.

Humm, Chicken Little, The Sky is Falling. We really could live our lives from what we were taught in kindergarten. http://www.amazon.com/Really-Need-Kn.../dp/080410526X

BTW: How many think things are bad? Really Bad? Check out my blog for some real local stats