Matt Dolan

The new website is up! The site at www.matt-dolan.com has been updated to include new search tools, content, and style. It isn't ground breaking by any means, but any new energy is worth it in this market environment. The spring is here, the buyers are showing up, and we are getting ready for action. We have had back to back open houses with over 40 people at each site touring. Bigger numbers than we were expecting.

We are also starting a blog at www.teamharborside.com. Updates will be coming soon to each of these locations. We want to take advantage of web 2.0 and get ready for the new breed of buyers.

The news is dominated by news of new programs for buyers. Details to be released soon. But are buyers taking notice? What conversations are you (the Active Rain Member) having with your clients? Are you seeing walk-in traffic pick up? Are you seeing an increase in buyers calling for details about these programs and the types of properties that qualify for them?

I think that blogs are a great way for us as real estate agents to share anecdotal evidence about the marketplace. Locally, we are seeing an increase (slight) in buyer side activity. Buyers are expecting to get everything at a steal and the sellers haven't agreed on these ambitious valuations. What are you guys seeing on the streets? I am interested in hearing your opinions from around the region? Are buyers taking notice and looking to write offers?

The US and global equity markets have broken through major technical levels in the last two days. Today is the test of the "support" level that hovers around the S&P 741 range. Pre-market numbers show that this level will fail with futures pointing to an open at S&P 715. Analysts are speculating on the next support range with some predicting a print around 675 by the end of the week.

I am curious to know how many other Realtors are following these numbers and are tracking the impact of the downward spiral as it impacts us in the real estate world. Active rain members, are you seeing deals fall apart as cash goes back on the shelf to shore up personal and company balance sheets?

There are so many regional differences in opinion and in style. When I first looked at houses in North Carolina, the buyers agent showed the house by lock box without the listing agent present. In the DC area, this seems to be the norm as well. On Boston's North Shore, the listing agent is usually present to give a tour of the property. The thinking is that the listing agent can best present the property to the buyers. In some cases, the buyer's agent under sells the house and in other, the listing agent over sells the house. I have had listing agents try to over sell houses and turn me off to a potential deal. Is it better to have the listing agent show the house or not? What do you think?

Right on the harbor in Marblehead. Harborside Realty is now open. Come on in and say "Hi." We are right across from the Driftwood Which has re opened! Or stop by after lunch at The Landing. Enjoy the scenic views of Marblehead Harbor and lets talk Real Estate.