Manuel Couto CRB

Hello Dear Reader. This blog is a continuation of what I am writing the last few days on my web site www.MCoutoRealtor.com I am just commenting on the GOOD part of Real Estate. In NJ, the NJAR is actively persuing good news. Any News. While I agree, it still is hard to agree when you have bills stacked up, but never the less, it's started. The Investors are starting to come back. I am getting phone calls from people who have been sitting out the market, and first time buyers looking for a home.

THERE BACK! Like when the Tuna come in and you can fish the big eyes off Long Island, or when the swallows come back to Capistrano. The investors are trickling into the market along with the first time buyers. The first time buyers have a chance to buy at 80's or earlier pricing. Awesome. Invvestors can buy homes that have a positive cash flow.

NOW is the time that Realtors who have ridden out the market, have experience, and have taken addtional training during the lull time can start to make a difference. NOW is the time to stand up and do what you are supposed to do. Sell and List homes, and make the American Dream of Home Ownership less scary for millions of People.

here is my newest viewpoints from 11/23/2008

Ok, in the cyclical cycle of real estate, my cycle is still rolling up. I helped a lovely couple negotiate their first home, at a GREAT price, and in a GREAT town.

Did I think it would happen? Not sure. The market place has picked up and we were in a bidding war. In a Bidding war, NO one wins. The seller feels he underlisted, the buyer feels they overpay, and the loser feels that they were not given enough consideration in their offer. AND, the Realtors sit and wonder how they could have brought the deal to the table. See, no one wins.

The buyers, I think are happy, but nervous. It's a common thing when it's your first home. I get the same way when I buy a car. Nervous but happy. I love it when it works out right. Not for the money as much as the satisfaction that I could help someone. The buyers are really nice people and I think this really is the house for them, but I really can't tell them because it makes me sound like a salesperson. (I am a facilitator. Buyers and sellers have to make their own decision, no matter what I say).

Back to where I was. Even on Sunday I have gotten phone calls and emails wanting to buy a house. Investors and first time buyers. That's a real good sign, because when they are looking the regular market shouldn't be too far behind.

So far my investors are looking in the 07106 area code of Newark, and 07105 of Newark. (Well, that's where the bulk of my listings are). I am getting fewer requests for other areas, but the emails are coming in.

Let's see what happens!

Hello Dear Reader. This blog is a continuation of what I am writing the last few days on my web site www.MCoutoRealtor.com I am just commenting on the GOOD part of Real Estate. In NJ, the NJAR is actively persuing good news. Any News. While I agree, it still is hard to agree when you have bills stacked up, but never the less, it's started. The Investors are starting to come back. I am getting phone calls from people who have been sitting out the market, and first time buyers looking for a home.

THERE BACK! Like when the Tuna come in and you can fish the big eyes off Long Island, or when the swallows come back to Capistrano. The investors are trickling into the market along with the first time buyers. The first time buyers have a chance to buy at 80's or earlier pricing. Awesome. Invvestors can buy homes that have a positive cash flow.

NOW is the time that Realtors who have ridden out the market, have experience, and have taken addtional training during the lull time can start to make a difference. NOW is the time to stand up and do what you are supposed to do. Sell and List homes, and make the American Dream of Home Ownership less scary for millions of People.

Just remember, it may take another 6 months before the media sees this, and the regular buyers come in and stabilize the market place.

here is my newest viewpoints from 11/23/2008

Ok, in the cyclical cycle of real estate, my cycle is still rolling up. I helped a lovely couple negotiate their first home, at a GREAT price, and in a GREAT town.

Did I think it would happen? Not sure. The market place has picked up and we were in a bidding war. In a Bidding war, NO one wins. The seller feels he underlisted, the buyer feels they overpay, and the loser feels that they were not given enough consideration in their offer. AND, the Realtors sit and wonder how they could have brought the deal to the table. See, no one wins.

The buyers, I think are happy, but nervous. It's a common thing when it's your first home. I get the same way when I buy a car. Nervous but happy. I love it when it works out right. Not for the money as much as the satisfaction that I could help someone. The buyers are really nice people and I think this really is the house for them, but I really can't tell them because it makes me sound like a salesperson. (I am a facilitator. Buyers and sellers have to make their own decision, no matter what I say).

Back to where I was. Even on Sunday I have gotten phone calls and emails wanting to buy a house. Investors and first time buyers. That's a real good sign, because when they are looking the regular market shouldn't be too far behind.

So far my investors are looking in the 07106 area code of Newark, and 07105 of Newark. (Well, that's where the bulk of my listings are). I am getting fewer requests for other areas, but the emails are coming in.

Let's see what happens!

NOW what I wrote about several months ago has happened, and everthing is in the process of correcting itself. The market (real estate, sales, cars, stocks) is in constant state of flux. Supply and Demand... Affordability Index (I hear you, "Prices have to drop". I ask Why?)

Prices have steadily dropped in the NJ metro area for the last 18 months. I know, that's longer than the Press has mentioned but ask any Realtor(R) and they'll tell you the same thing.

Prices Down, Inventory UP, Negotiability UP, Interest rates DOWN. What does that mean to you? It means that THIS may be the best time since the prices started to inch up 10 years ago to buy a home. We all know that inflation and the need for housing constantly increases as more and more homes are needed for our growing population. Even with unemployement inching up, America is still the GREATEST country on earth. Why else would so many be against us? Why else are we here? Why else did our parents and grandparents come to this country?

And people say prices have to drop still further? Did you notice that the reports for the most depressed markets are taking place in 5 states. NOT NJ, and NOT NY (well, maybe some areas). Go try to buy your beach front home at the discounted 70% price drop you read about in the papers. Go try to buy a foreclosure or a short sale at the 50% discount (sounds more like Urban Legends to me).

Look,nothing is written in stone on pricing, marketing or selling a home, but the one thing I know is that prices do go UP and down. It's a normal cycle in any supply and demand market. Free market enterprise.

Don't believe me? Heck, Manhatten was sold for about 24 bucks. Go try that in todays market.

Email me Homes@MCouto.com