Eric Bushnell

What makes a good Realtor? I think most of us would find it easier to answer the question what makes a bad Realtor. The reasons are numerous when it comes to the negative side of this equation, but the positive side is a little harder, or is it?

I believe that after my last two transactions I have a little better idea. These two transactions happened when I had a tremendous amount of stress in my work life that did not have anything to do with these transactions. I was distracted and my follow through was not up to par.

The Realtors on the other side were on top of things and at no time during the transaction did they criticize my performance. They were supportive and the transactions went very smoothly. I think this is the first sign that you have a good Realtor.

1. Good Realtors are not judgmental.

The next reason that a Realtor can be considered good or bad, is do they follow up on what they say their going to do.

2. Good Realtors follow through and Follow up.

Attitude is very important when it comes a good Realtor and sometimes it is easy to see.

3. Good Realtors have a positive attitude.

There are several other factors that will influence whether or not ones perception of a Realtor is good or bad. These perceptions can change from transaction to transaction. I believe that this is very important.

4. Good Realtors do not hold a grudge.

It goes without saying that their knowledge of an area, sales skills, communication, and good hygiene should be include, but these skills and habits do not make a Realtor great, or even good. I believe it is these 4 items. These are the traits we expect to find in our friends, and when a Realtor is considered a friend, I believe that is the greatest compliment.

What do you think?

We have finished the 1st quarter of 2009. How has it effected you? Did the press influence how you spend your income?

At a local level my first impression of the economy is that it is good. Do you agree? or Disagree?

In Eagle River Alaska the economy seems good, and the real estate numbers reflect that statement. The number of homes sold are up 15%. Our office was up 152% in the first two months of the year, and march was a plus month but not by as much. When I read the different publication, Alaska Journal of Commerce, the Petroleum News, and The Anchorage Daily News, I get a different sense.

There are good positive stories that show we are moving forward, but there are more spelling out the gloom. The best number I've seen is only a slight up tic in unemployment, and a drop in Foreclosures. The number of homes on the market is less than last year and the market time is staying pretty consistent. We have seen a slight drop in value in some price ranges and this is expect with some of the deflation we've seen.

The Stock Market is moving up and I am glad to say I have seen positive growth. As spring quickly approaches the out look is good. There will be good deals, and interest rates are at an all time low. The low interest rate are allowing home owners to lower their payments. The real estate market appears stable for now. A bright spot is the new construction segment. as inventory levels there is a small amount of renewed interest in building homes. Lot sales are up and there are several new homes under construction in Eagle River.

All in all I believe the the sky is not going to fall. We all have to work a little harder, spend our money more wisely, and save a little for the future.

"How is the Real Estate Market?" This is a question you probably ask or hear on a regular basis. I know this is a common topic of discussion at any gathering. Everyone has a different opinion, but what is the reality in the world of realty?

One must first remember that real estate is local, which means that every area, city, neighborhood, and street is different then another. There are many factors that will effect a local market, and many markets are effected by the same national influences. The number of jobs being saved or lost will definitely affect the stability of a local market. Interest rates may hurt or help, however today they seem to be close to an all-time low.

I believe that there are two people that will influence the market the most. One is the buyer and the other is the seller. Confidence in the market will sway both of these parties. If the homeowner has no confidence then the will place their home on the market just to get out, because of a fear of loss. They will try to save what investment they may have in their home. If they have confidence in the market then they will hold onto their home because they know that in the long run, values will go up.

Lets look at this perception, good or bad. If a homeowner has a fear of loss, this may introduce a tremendous amount of stress into their lives. They may not make rational decisions, and one of them is do they really need to sell at this time? The flip side is the hope for gain, can they sell their home and take what equity they have and step up to a better home that they will live in for many years to come. As we know interest rates are lower and a seller can leverage their equity into a home the better suits their long term needs.

How do buyers react to the perception of a good or bad market? Buyers are watching the news just like everyone, else and unfortunately their isn't a special buyers channel that only gives them good news. Many buyers may have the perception that once they spend their money it will evaporate like many of our 401k funds. Some buyers may need to purchase a home and are being very cautious. They want to look at every home on the market and they are looking short term instead of long term. Buyers need to be sure of their needs, measure their buying power carefully. They days of excess appear to be ending, but old habits die hard. I still see buyer trying to maximize their purchase. There is a movement to more efficient homes and better locations. Buyers are trying to be smart about their purchase. This ultimately slows down the progress, however homes are still eventually bought.

I feel that buyer and sellers really need to look at their purchase/sales and determine if this fits their long term life goals. Homes are a necessity and while they can be a positive investment, a home is an expensive liability. Housing is needed by all, so there will always be buyers and sellers.

The housing market is is good and bad, and in our local market it is good and bad. Some homeowners have to sell and are forced into stressful situations. The good news is that the homes on the market in our area are being absorbed. Depending on the price range that a home is in, condition of the home, and the all important location determine how quickly a home sells.

The market can be good or bad, just like a glass of water can be half empty or half full. It is your perception that matters. I will continue to be positive, and help buyer and seller that are either in a bad situation or a good situation. The ulimate goal is a good outcome for both parties.

I learned a great lesson while on vacation. You have to let go and not worry. Having said that, it is easier said than done. I spent a very relaxing two weeks on the Big Island of Hawaii. It was very relaxing and the Puna District south of Hilo is great. No T.V no radio. We stayed at a great home, just one block from the ocean. we walked the cliffs each day and watched the whales.

As all of you know real estate can be all consuming and trying to get away is very difficult. With the many ways of staying in touch, sometimes we can be too wired in.

I found myself checking e-mails on my phone and thinking about work a little too often. It is very hard to let go when your self employed. Of course there was several messages from clients that had to be returned(a lock box disappeared from the home).

I found a compromise, I would relax in the morning, drink my coffee, and then take a walk. It was when I took this morning walk that I received cell service. So I would walk the cliffs and check e-mail and phone messages. I would return calls that I needed to and then went about my day. Every once in a while I would get the random call, but I sent them back to others at homes as referrals. I would do another short walk in the evening and call it a night.

Being self employed has its advantages and its disadvantages. But I love it. I did learn one more thing. Two weeks off is not enough. Next time it will be a full month.

Mahalo,

Eric

Wow, it is cold today, but it is warming up. Started out at -26 degrees, yes that is 26 below ZERO. At 11 m it had warmed up, a nice -15, now it's up to -11 degrees. I love my I-phone, it keeps me in touch with the weather, as if I didn't realize that it was cold.

Oh, by the way it's 73 in Lahaina HI.

The great thing about the weather is it does help people decide whether or not to look at homes. We have seen several buyers in the past week and many of them have bought homes.

It may be cold but prices are great, interest rates are the lowest I have ever seen. The nuber of homes available is still good, but there are fewer every week. There will probably more homes available as we get to spring, however sellers will raise their price (they do it every spring). You will need to pick through the homes and try to figure out who really wants to sell.

Now is a great time, anyone subjecting themselves to showings when the temps are below zero is definitely serious.

If you would like to see a home, sell one your timeing could not be better.

Give me a call adn I will show you.