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Cassie Hansley

It’s A Buyer’s Market, Or Is It?

It's A Buyer's Market, Or Is It?

Written by Cassie Hansley, Realtor® with Wilkinson And Associates in Lincolnton

More times than not, when I tell people that I am a Realtor®, it seems to be followed by "...so, how's business these days?" and when I respond with "Great!" I always tend to get a look of confusion from the person asking. But the one thing that intrigues me the most is how often I hear the statement, "...well it is a buyer's market". Now I know that in the Internet age, everyone becomes an expert since all of the facts are posted in blogs, newsletters, and websites across the world, but, let's slow down a second and let me tell you what a buyer's market really means to you.

First of all, in real estate, there are only two types of markets; buyers and sellers. The difference between the two types of market simply comes down to supply and demand. Realtors keep track of home sales volume, homes for sale, and days on the market. Typically, when there is enough inventory to cover each active buyer for six months then that usually dictates a buyer's market. There can be many reasons why the market will change but the big reason right now is the number of foreclosures in the country. This helps us to determine the national market on average. There are just more homes than there are buyers. But, you have to look at your "local" market conditions to evaluate whether you are in a buyer's market or not

Some things that may affect you locally are the job market, government enhancements to the community, property taxes, and seasonal changes. If there are major job reductions in your area, then there will be more homes on the market. If the local government makes no effort in maintaining roads or keeping down crime rates, people will move. If property taxes are constantly on the rise, you may not be able to afford (or want to pay) higher taxes and therefore you put your house on the market. A buyer's market may occur seasonally as well, due to the fact that more people tend to move during the warmer months. There are more variables but you get the idea. So what does this mean if you are going to sell your home during a buyers market?

As my husband always says, there are only two reasons why you do anything; you either "need to" or you "want to". If you need to sell your home, then you have to adjust your sales price according to the current supply and demand in your local area. During a buyer's market, this often means you have to entice buyers with a lower sales price than comparable homes in the area or you must add incentives to the purchase, such as helping with closing costs or leaving appliances in the home. If you "want" to sell your home, speak with an agent. A good real estate agent will help you determine your local market conditions and price your home accordingly.

If you're an active buyer right now, things couldn't be much better for you. Interest rates are extremely low, house prices are declining, and the government has introduced new laws to protect you from predatory lending practices. So if you have ever thought about buying, you should really take advantage of this market now before it starts to change. And it will!

As buyers start to show more interest in the market, more homes will be sold, home prices will begin to climb, and we will slowly start to transform into a seller's market again. But for now, we must ride the roller coaster

START YOUR HOME SEARCH HERE!!!!

REAL ESTATE BOX SCORE

Homes For Sale

2007

2008

Lincoln County

-

774

Gaston County

-

1618

Catawba County

-

323

Cleveland County

-

332

Homes Sold

2007

2008

Lincoln County

1027

65

Gaston County

2528

235

Catawba County

392

32

Cleveland County

423

35

Sales Price (Avg)

2007

2008

Lincoln County

$238,302

$215,109

Gaston County

$139,354

$131,131

Catawba County

$160,676

$137,577

Cleveland County

$138,859

$160,954

Days on Market (Avg)

2007

2008

Lincoln County

89

125

Gaston County

90

90

Catawba County

96

123

Cleveland County

134

93

*All information here obtained from the Carolina Multiple Listing Service provided to member real estate agents. These numbers only reflect those homes listed in the CMLS and not for sale by owner homes or other listing services.
If you would like to find more information about the local real estate market, you can contact Cassie at 1-866-736-2990 or visit her website at http://www.cassiehansley.com/

Important Decision--Homes For Sale-- Why Buy A Home Now

Looking for Your Dream Home???

It is an important decision to purchase a home. It combines your personal hopes and dreams with wanting the best for you and your family. It is a big decision and change that can be exciting but scary at the same time.

The key to a smooth transaction is a great real estate agent. When you are interviewing for an agent talk to them about what you are looking for. Make sure they listen and understand your needs and works in the area you want to live.

Make yourself a want and need list for your future home. Know where you want to live, the average home prices in that area, schools, transportation from jobs, shopping, family, etc.

Talk to a mortgage Professional and get Pre-Approved. This is a very important step in thi8s process. It will let you know how much you can spend. You will also be able to calculate your payments.

Do some financial planning. This will reduce stress and be your guide on your search for the perfect house.

If you have any questions about the process or where to get started, please feel free to contact me ANYTIME at 828-234-3106.

I Represent People Not Properties!!!

If you want to find out how you can buy a home in Lincolnton, Lincoln, Catawba, Iredell, Gaston, and Mecklenburg Counties, Please feel free to get in contact with me at 828-234-3106 ANYTIME or you can email me at cassiehansley@yahoo.com.

If you would like to start your search NOW, please visit http://www.lincolntonhomefinder.com/ to begin looking for YOUR HOME. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing your situation and what you are looking for.

Lincolnton, NC, Lincoln, Gaston, Catawba, Cleveland, Iredell, & Mecklenburg County!!

Access to all homes on the Market!!! Log in to thehomefinder to start you search on my website at http://www.lincolntonhomefinder.com/.

Thinking of retiring, a second home, investment, a lifestyle change , First Time Home Buyer?
We've got it and I am here to assist you!
Give me a call, today...

Direct: 828-234-3106

Toll Free: 1-866-736-2990

VISIT MY WEBSITE WWW.CASSIEHANSLEY.COM TO ENTER THE MONTHLY DRAWING FOR $1000.00

Educated Consumer: Knowledge Is Power

Educated Consumer: Knowledge Is Power

Are you thinking about buying a home, but not sure where to start? Don't know whom to call? Do you get your mortgage first? How do you get a mortgage?Do you find the house first?

There are so many questions and steps to take to home ownership. You need an agent who will know the answers to your questions or know where to get them.

Knowledge Is Power.

Let me give you the tools to a smooth home purchase. I will walk you hand in hand through your mortgage process, home search, negotiations on your dream home, inspections & appraisals, and then to the closing table.

I Represent People Not Properties!!!

If you want to find out how you can buy a home in Lincolnton, Lincoln, Catawba, Iredell, Gaston, and Mecklenburg Counties, Please feel free to get in contact with me at 828-234-3106 ANYTIME or you can email me at cassiehansley@yahoo.com.

If you would like to start your search NOW, please visit http://www.lincolntonhomefinder.com/ to begin looking for YOUR HOME. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing your situation and what you are looking for.

Lincolnton, NC, Lincoln, Gaston, Catawba, Cleveland, Iredell, & Mecklenburg County!!

Access to all homes on the Market!!! Log in to thehomefinder to start you search on my website at http://www.lincolntonhomefinder.com/.

Thinking of retiring, a second home, investment, a lifestyle change , First Time Home Buyer?
We've got it and I am here to assist you!
Give me a call, today...

Direct: 828-234-3106

VISIT MY WEBSITE WWW.CASSIEHANSLEY.COM TO ENTER THE MONTHLY DRAWING FOR $1000.00

You Bought Your Landlord's House...But You Don't Own IT??? Confused...

Wake up one day and realize you have bought your landlord's house, But you don't own It.........He still does???

Confused!!!! Let me explain.

You have rented this lovely home for 10 years at $750.00 a month. Take that rental payment over 120 months and do some math. The number you will come up with is $90,000.00.

Do you realize that there are homes out there that you can purchase that will keep your monthly payments that you have now???

The biggest difference would be you are paying for YOUR HOME, YOUR Privacy, and an INVESTMENT in YOUR FUTURE.

If you are tired of throwing your money away on rent- CALL ME- Let's just look at what you could do. Let's get you all the information you need to determine whether it is the right time for you to become a homeowner.

If it isn't the right time for you, let's see why and see what you and I can do to make it right for you.

I am not just your real estate agent. I am your personal counselor, your professional with answers, and a friend who wants to help you make the right decisions for you and your future.

I Represent People Not Properties!!!

If you want to find out how you can buy a home in Lincolnton, Lincoln, Catawba, Iredell, Gaston, and Mecklenburg Counties, Please feel free to get in contact with me at 828-234-3106 ANYTIME or you can email me at cassiehansley@yahoo.com.

If you would like to start your search NOW, please visit http://www.lincolntonhomefinder.com/ to begin looking for YOUR HOME. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing your situation and what you are looking for.

Lincolnton, NC, Lincoln, Gaston, Catawba, Cleveland, Iredell, & Mecklenburg County!!

Access to all homes on the Market!!! Log in to thehomefinder to start you search on my website at http://www.lincolntonhomefinder.com/.

Thinking of retiring, a second home, investment, a lifestyle change , First Time Home Buyer?
We've got it and I am here to assist you!
Give me a call, today...

Direct: 828-234-3106

VISIT MY WEBSITE WWW.CASSIEHANSLEY.COM TO ENTER THE MONTHLY DRAWING FOR $1000.00

Who Qualifies As A First Time Home Buyer??? Do You???

Who Qualifies As A First Time Home Buyer ??? Do You???

Are you looking at buying a home and not sure if you qualify as a first time home buyer?

Have you owned a home before? Guess what you can qualify as a first time home buyer if you haven't owned a home in the last three years. Some programs will work with you as long as you don't own a home now but have in the last three years.

Yes, if you haven't owned a home before, you are a perfect candidate for first time home buyer loan.

Few Restrictions that you need to be aware of:

There are some income restrictions (Vary on the County you live in)

Maximum Loan Amounts (Also varies on the county you live in)

Condition of the property you want to buy

Must Be A Primary Residence

To find out if you qualify for the first time home buyer programs, please feel free to contact me at

828-234-3106 ANY TIME or at mailto:cassiehansley@yahoo.com.

Let me help you Open The Door To Home Ownership!!!

Lincolnton, NC, Lincoln, Gaston, Catawba, Cleveland, Iredell, & Mecklenburg County!!

Access to all homes on the Market!!! Log in to thehomefinder to start you search on my website at http://www.lincolntonhomefinder.com/.

Thinking of retiring, a second home, investment, a lifestyle change , First Time Home Buyer?
We've got it and I am here to assist you!
Give me a call, today...

Direct: 828-234-3106

VISIT MY WEBSITE WWW.CASSIEHANSLEY.COM TO ENTER THE MONTHLY DRAWING FOR $1000.00