Ken Eidenmiller

With the Olympics now over in Beijing, I'm reminded of how in real estate there can be both winners and losers. Certainly today in my local market BUYERS are supreme. Why....because:

1) BUYERS have more inventory in which to choose from in order to make the right selection.

2) BUYERS can buy MORE home for the same amount of money.

3) BUYERS have greater leverage in which to negotiate the offer to purchase.

4) BUYERS can ask for more incentives and/or personal property, etc..

5) BUYERS can better dictate the conditions of closing.

But why can't there be TWO winners? In this highly competitive (Buyer's) market we as seller's agents are tested as to how well we navigate our clients to a reasonable conclusion. I believe that agents who have learned finesse and assurance can successfully elevate their clients to a sense of accomplishment and fairness. They may not always love the outcome but will be grateful that they can finally move on with their lives. Afterall...."The medicine doesn't always taste good but it sure feels better when the pain is gone".

So listing agents...hang in there! We all know that real estate is cyclical and that the GOLD is just around the corner when the market shifts again.

I welcome your comments.

I have just returned from a trip to Park City, UT and discovered that the real estate market there is somewhat depressed. I was amazed to see numerous developments that had begun brisk construction a couple of years ago, only to come to a "grinding halt" today. But I must admit the agent I spoke with merchandised market conditions beautifully by saying that homes in the development were in "varying degrees of construction", so I could purchase one based upon my current needs. ( She must have taken PUFFING 101 ). Nevertheless, I returned home to our mediocre market here ( NORTH CAROLINA ) and resumed my pursuit of listing and selling in order to help stimulate this market.

So the question is......................WHERE ARE THE ACTIVE REAL ESTATE MARKETS???

I would love to hear from you!

Beautiful Lake Hickory