Update - Did your clients buy or sell in 2008?

This is an except from a newsletter I sent out to my clients in mid year 2008. It was telling them that no matter how bad the market, some people find it the optimum time to buy... SO, did these people buy??? Here's the rest of the story!

Hi all, It has been awhile since I wanted you to know that Bob and I have been selling real estate even with the challenges in today's market. We are fortunate to have buyers to assist, who recognize the opportunity of the market. Could this be you?

Buyer #1 Connie has been saving for over 10 years to buy something and really would have been a condo buyer, until this downturn in the market. She looked at a fixer in a neighborhood near where she grew up and because of today's market was able to get the house across the street, in much better condition for a good price!!! UPDATE-Connie is enjoying her new home and yard and doesn't have any neighbors above her. YEAH!

Buyers #2, Virginia and Tom have been looking for about a year! We have seen a lot of homes together and they have seen as many or more at open houses. We have made offers on less than perfect condos and cluster homes, good buys perhaps, but no bank cooperation on the short sales. We were just guardedly persistent and voila, found the perfect home with yard, corner lot, new windows, beautiful flooring, updated and charming gardens and it's NOT a short sale... In a market where everything appraises for UNDER the asking price no matter what that is, this one appraised for a little over, a sign that the appraiser was affirming what a great value it was. A single family home 3/2 with family room corner lot, $480,000!!! Talk about happy?! UPDATE-Virginia and Tom have actually been able to refinance at todays lower rates because the price we paid was already below market for the condition and neighborhood that they still have the value to do so. Pretty good in a down market.

Buyer #3, Kristina, patient Kristina. We are looking for a home, also would have had to take a condo or cluster home a while ago. We just made an offer on a 5 bedroom, 3 bath fixer in a good neighborhood for $415,000!!! We'll see if it gets accepted. We'll find something as Kristina and her family won't give up and the bargains just keep coming so we're confident we'll find something before the market turns. UPDATE-This home upon inspection had BIG problems and we had to back off, in the meantime the market flip flopped. Kristina, like many buyers today had to regroup when the market took some blips with credit score requirements and such, so is saving more money and is waiting for a bit, but still anxious to be a homeowner as possible. We're keeping on the lookout for her for the perfect place the moment she has the downpayment.

Another Buyer Dennis, just purchased a condo nearby where he was living. Truthfully you can't afford to rent at these prices when you can own. I saw him in Safeway the other day and he's contemplating buying another with the market so favorable for buyers. UPDATE-Dennis decided to wait on buying the second unit but he truly likes having his own place and the independence it gives him.

ARE YOU THINKING YOU'VE ALWAYS WANTED AN INVESTMENT PROPERTY, OR KNOW SOMEONE LOOKING FOR THAT FIRST HOME? Well, just ask any of our buyers above, we are persistent but it pays off in the end, they got a house. If we can help you or anyone you know, give us a call, we'd love to get you in at the BOTTOM!!! Interest rates are so good, it makes the payments as good as rent in most cases. And, you can invest your IRA money in real estate now. So, if you want to chat about real estate or just get together for a barbeque to catch up on things, give a call or email.

The rest of the story is that success is what we strive for and like many Realtors, this year we couldn't anticipate everything for everyone, but our clients were taken care of the way they needed to be and are still working on obtaining their dreams of home ownership. We just guide them through the maze and when we hit roadblocks we reevaluate and regroup and move forward. We are fortunate to have their loyalty and trust. AND, look forward to the buyers and sellers of 2009 and seeing how we can help them.

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Terrylynn and Bob Fisher, Diablo Realty, Walnut Creek, California If you are looking for persistent and hardworking Realtors who will tell it like it is and guide you through the reality of the market we are in, we're here, ready, willing and able to help you assess your real estate needs in 2009. Call us, won't you? 925 876-0966 Terryshomes@astound.net