The Pendulum Swings Our Way

You've heard the sayings "for every action, there's a reaction" or "What goes up, will come down - and what comes down, will go up again" These sayings are never truer than in real estate. That's why we have buyers and sellers markets. Each time that respective season comes around, the time it stays and climate of that cycle will always be different - as will the reasons behind it. Take a look at today's real estate market in Sherwood for example - we're in a buyers market and will be for a while, but at this point in time the pendulum is swinging our way.

• Why? We're experiencing a cycle within the cycle.
• What is it? Success of the first time home buyer tax credit, then the rush before it expires, lower interest rates, move up market opportunities, savvy Realtors and so on.
• How long will it last? No one knows for sure. But we believe it will keep going up in the next few weeks due to the first time home buyer tax credit. If they choose to extend it, this cycle will stay around a little longer. No matter what we're looking forward to slow steady growth - maybe a few bumps in the road along the way, but staying clear of peaks and valleys.

What it comes down to is this... When you have your finger on the pulse of the market, you know how to read the market, can feel the very vibration under your feet and even smell changing trends in the air, you learn to steer your way through the waves and weather the storm.

Keep this in mind- when it's time for you to hire a guide to help you buy or sell a home in Sherwood Oregon or the surrounding areas, we all know that it's best not to jump in these waters without a certified lifeguard. While it may seem easier these days to find a home to buy, the process has increasingly become much harder. Especially with the first time home buyer tax credit being down to the wire, the short sale process and dealing with bank owned properties. If you're selling, nearly 90% of buyers are starting their search online. They're not driving around like they use to and the internet is quite a big sea to get lost in - but you can sail right through it using a savvy Realtor who knows the territory and has a plan.

While there is urgency in the air, there's no rush to purchase a home unless you're wanting to take advantage of the home buyer tax credit or looking to buy up or down to participate in these historically low home prices. As you can see buyers and sellers can BOTH take advantage of today's opportunities. In either case, we should talk sooner than later.

You can email jasongardner@johnlscott.com or call The Gardner Team directly at 971-832-1234