Linda Norton

I have found 50% of most buyers aren't really ready, though they say they are ready, to make the step. They find excuses. Most common; can't find what they are looking for, too much work-meaning too much money for them or they'll say I'm priced out of the market. Then there's always what's a septic, well, radon, easement, maybe mold-don't want to deal with that or too scary yet it's explained by the agent, inspector, on the internet. How about, it doesn't feel right but I know the right one will come along. Listening to the MEDIA!

The motivation: Baby is on the way, wedding is approaching, "tax credit", bank rates lowered. I find some people need an escape from issues in their life or something missing in their life even though they have no idea that that's what it is, so making a move will fulfill that void or need, but realizing after of course it was an out and sometimes a wrong one.

Obviously, some people can't pull the trigger as they say. They can't make the change or really make the commitment or some people make frequent changes because they are not fulfilling that certain need.

I had a buyer who couldn't make a commitment in relationships so he told me, of course, he didn't buy because he was scared through the whole process. He walked away. Another buyer who couldn't negotiate, it was too personal, didn't want the confrontation, felt he was being taken advantage of. I have to say most men that I have worked with would buy most anything depending on the price, but their wives it's all about the house; location, appearance, feelings, etc. That's a challenge to get them on the same wave length.

There's so much truth in knowing that if buyers don't buy within six months (besides job relocation) they truly aren't ready. As sellers aren't ready to sell until something motivates them-moving because of job relocation, another house they want to purchase or already purchased, illness, to be near family that's relocated, divorce. You will see that price change pretty quickly then.

What about those empty-nesters or elderly because they are too comfortable and it's more of a loss to them. Less motivation though they know it's inevitable. What will it take? Again, maybe too much maintenance, job loss or family loss.

I've worked with buyers/sellers for two to three years before they make the move and I've learned the return doesn't justify the effort.

It's the "need" to make it happen.

How green are we literally on getting green?

We don't have to be green on getting green ask Mr. Green on greenisuniversal.com that gives us all kinds of answers or get on green sites like greenguide, seventhgeneration and ecover to see what we can use or do to help save energy-green technology.

If we all jump on the "green" wagon, we'll be helping our Y and now Z generations which brings us back to saving the earth. Logon on to www.emagazine.com/earthtalk/thisweek/ and see what's happening with the coastlines which could effect real estate properties or on automobiles which helps us get around to show properties. Click here Earth Under Fire Portfolio to see what global warming is doing to our environment.

Getting green helps create jobs, saves money, helps our health and of course will help sell homes.

Tip: Don't forget to unplug anything that has adapters from their outlets (computers, VCR's, cell phones)when your done because even when they aren't on, but you leave the adapter plugged in they use electricity.

LAKE COCHICHEWICK, NORTH ANDOVER

To view affordable homes currently available for sale click here on North Andover Affordable Homes. This will take you to a map-based website displaying affordable homes in the city of North Andover. You may click on a property on that site to view details on that listing.

This site also provides information on all listings in North Andover. Simply change the search criteria on the left hand side of the map to view properties that meet your new criteria. To view listings in other towns log on to the Virtual Homes MLS website.

To see and get information on a specific city or town; schools, demographics, community resources, current activities, local news and of course real estate, American Towns on line is the place to visit. It covers across the country as well if you are looking to relocate.

If you would like to stay up to date on the market, contact me to receive email alerts for new listings that meet your criteria. I have several tools that I can offer you with up to the minute updates or daily alerts on new listings. Click here to register for my home search service.

This Real Estate is local and the market changes frequently. If you would like more specific information on your market area, please visit my website at www.lindanortonrealtor.com.

Check out my website and get all the information that you may need when selling or buying a home.

http://www.lindanortonrealtor.com