What's REALLY going on in Preble County Ohio? Call me at Country Mile Realtors to get the REAL scoop!

I am just as much to blame as the rest of for being a little too "tuned in" to what the media has to say, not only about the real estate market, but about life on this thing called Earth in general.

Let's face it, people love sensationalism, and good news, unless it's just fabulously interesting, does not make for sensational news pieces. Maybe people WANT to see some doom and gloom. After all, when you tun on the tube and see how miserable to wrorld is getting, it makes us all feel just a little bit better about our own lives.

Sort of like passing an accident scene. Why do we look? I don't want to see people hurt. I wouldn't wish harm on my worst enemy. Most of us are pretty kind hearted people at our most basic levels. Still, I'll admit..I check out the scene. Just natural curiosity I suppose, and a little bit of "there, but for the grace of God, go I".

But its time to call a HALT to the circus that has recently been spun by the press regarding the real estate market. I don't think I can stand to hear one more time how we are facing a recession, the market is the worst ever, blah blah blah.

Here is the real story on the market folks...

Many, many places have been hit hard. Places like Florida and California. Places where for many years in a row, property values rose at astronomical amounts year after year after year. But when you hear the phrase "all real estate is local" BELIEVE IT!

We are very fortunate to live in such a rural and wonderful area as Preble County Ohio. Granted, we didn't have the pleasure for the past few years at seeing our home values double or practically triple in value. But the good news? We also have not had to see declines in our home values either.

Truth be told, in Preble County, we have seen a VERY minimal decline in home values. I'm talking less than 2%. And forecasts for the remainder of 2008 show that this promises to be GREAT year. As a matter of fact, 2007 was the SECOND highest year in history for home sales. And this isn't a local statistic, but nationwide.

So lets say you lose 2% in the sale of your home next month. Stink, I know. But if you reinvest in this same market, you could stand to purchase the next home at an even better discount than imagined, and that 2% loss you experienced may turn into a 5% or 6% payback with the next home.

It is also a prime time to look into other options such as long term investment properties, or vacation homes. The foreclosures in the area could mean a big boon to your pocketbook long term.

Lastly, lets not forget you buyers out there. Rates are still at near historic lows. I know what you would say...there aren't the loan programs out there like there used to be. Its so hard to find a good 100% loan. Well, that may be true. But it is also now difficult to get yourself into a loan with an adjustable rate that will sky rocket in a few short years. Nobody wants, needs or deserves to be paying 10-12% interest on a home loan. So lets look at these new loan guidelines with fresh perspective. Low rates, better qualifying, and much MUCH more protection and peace of mind for the new buyer.

Its all good here in Preble County Ohio folks. I'll agree...I like the news too. It's interesting to hear about the little old lady who was housing 50 cats in her home, or the latest bad news on snow peas. But when you hear the doom and gloom about real estate, give me a call....together we can uncover limitless potential and opportunities!

Kelley Weimer - A house "SOLD" name!

www.preblecountyhouses.com

Country Mile Realtors

937-336-2865