Are you overwhelmed with choices in this real estate market?  Which ones need action? Which ones to eliminate?  Buyers and sellers are both faced with critical decisions today that will impact tomorrow and with all the "information" being broadcast it not easy figuring out what's the right move to make! 

The general real estate market for Central Texas has been impacted by the national crisis and most importantly by the credit markets.  You won't hear this broadcast by the Austin Board of Realtors but real estate sales at the end of 2008 were the lowest they have been since 1997!  Yes, you've heard sales are down year over year from 2007 but the truth is for 2008 sales were at an incredible low.  Will prices continue to come down?  Only for a few properties owned by folks who just can't hang on.  These are in the minority!  There has never been a better time to buy in Central Texas.  Once the credit markets open, we will see a whole new wave of people purchasing real estate here.  Email Leslie and request the year over year graph from 2004 to 2008.

How is Austin faring in relation to the rest of the nation?  Check out this link: Central Texas Economy

Can you get a loan?  Do you have good credit?  Some money to put down?  Does your income justify another payment?  The basics haven't changed.  Does 4.5% fixed sound attractive?  The only way money can get cheaper is for it to be free!

Sellers as you're evaluating selling here are a few questions to seriously ask:  Should the property be priced with "room to negotiate"?  Is there a better market cycle time to list property?  How much time or money needs to be invested to maximize the sales return?  Does emotional value translate to monetary value?  Please email Leslie and request her Special Report titled How to Sell Your Home in a Buyer's Market

Let's talk about foreclosures.  A few can be fabulous deals.  Some are compromised with a gray cloud over them.  Many are still overpriced.   Is it best to buy on the court house steps?  Best to try to buy from the owner prior to foreclosure?  Best to wait until the bank owns it and it's listed in the MLS?  You need a real estate professional guiding you.  Here's a conversation recently overheard - Investor was sitting on 4 properties that he couldn't sell from Leander to downtown Austin.  He was moaning the fact he had turned down earlier offers.  When asked what went wrong, he said he bought them at the courthouse steps and the tax valuation was wrong! Please, please, please... partner with a Realtor to advise you.  

Leslie believes information in the hands of clients is a powerful tool.    If you're considering a real estate move, call Leslie today. You'll be glad you did.