December 17 2011. All I want for Christmas is my own house

December 17, 2011. Holiday season doesn’t mean people stop looking and buying property.

I’ve been told that things slow down in the winter months. Perhaps in snow country that may be true. But in my neck of the woods in the Bay Area of California, particularly in Alameda and Oakland CA, it seems that serious buyers don’t stop looking just because it’s the holidays. As a matter of fact, the holidays were always some of the busiest times for me since I’ve been a REALTOR. For example, this week, here are my showings and appointments and open house

Showed property on Wednesday. Wrote offer Thursday. Received counteroffer Friday. Responded to counteroffer Saturday, waiting for decision Sunday.

We're in contract on an REO. But Buyer's inspections were more than we anticipated. So buyers are looking for a break in price. Waiting for REO asset manager's response. Every little bit helps!

Showed listing to potential business owner/occupant of a work/live property. Since it was Friday and the city permit department is closed, he will go on Monday to consult with the city regarding requirements/restrictions for handicap access to the bathroom. Also showed him a detached single family residence that he is considering as a possible rental.

Today, confirmed appointments for showing my four-plex listing to two potential but separate groups of buyers on Monday.

Had heart to heart talk with executor of properties. Yes, we don't want to give them away, but since you need to sell, and you've had one buyer back out and you turned down another, we have to consider the desires of the other sellers who want these properties sold. Price reduction, check. Give careful consideration to future offers, must do!

Prepared for open house tomorrow. During the holidays, we have a lot of people looking. So wherever they are, that's where we will be. Have fliers, will hand out...along with local magazines. I tell people that it's my Christmas --- ahem, holiday --- gift to them.

Because I know this season is busy, I don’t make plans to go out of town except for a couple of days or so. And even then, as long as I have internet access, I’m good, especially since I can access my documents anywhere, using any computer because my files are now in Dropbox.

Hallelujah.

All I can say is, when we are busy, that means we have business!