Debi Rice

9 out of 10 people ask me with dread in their voices "How's the market?" My response is it is good. STOP LISTENING TO THE MEDIA AND NAYSAYERS! The perpetuation of the negative message is helping to contribute to people not moving forward in their lives and pushing us toward a recession.

To put it simply it is a GREAT time to buy. The prudent investor should be buying everything that they can during our current market. This is the market where you "stock up" and laugh all the way to the bank when the market goes back into the Seller's favor.

If you have a house to sell and want to buy a more expensive home you will capitalize on the purchase. You may have to reduce your price by $10,000, but that will equate to approximately $20,000 on your purchase of a more expensive property, because those prices are down too. Doesn't it make sense to buy your next house and have built in equity when you move in??

The lending market is different. Sometimes the rate changes several times in a day and you will have 30 minutes to lock or not. If you wait and wait thinking the rate is going to keep going down or the price of the house you want is going to keep being reduced, you may wait too long and lose out altogether.

Turn your wasted energy (fear) into profitability. Get out there and contribute to your local economy. DON'T WAIT, IT COULD BE TOO LATE!!

Debi

debi.rice@comcast.net

www.lovelytacomahomes.com

It's right around the corner - the Tacoma Farmer's Market (also known as the Broadway Thursday Market). The dates are May 15 through October 16, on Broadway starting at 11th St. If you have never been you have to check it out. I think the biggest commodity there are the bouquets of beautiful fresh flowers. I sit in my office at 11th & Broadway and watch people flocking to the market to get their fix of good food, beautiful flowers, fresh produce, jewelry and lots more!

So, mark your calendar to come downtown to check out the market and treat yourself to a beautiful bouquet of flowers each week. For $10 (which is far better and fresher than the grocery stores) you can get a colorful bouquet to match your decor, or what a great way to surprise your sweety!

It's a great time to be a residential Real Estate Consultant, for most of us. Along with the market adjusting itself, there is also an adjustment going on with the available Realtors. Many people got their license during the HOT market to make a quick buck! Those people have or are falling by the wayside. Due to the market conditions the last few years all they had to do was "take orders", a sign in the front yard was all it took to get multiple offers, most of the time. Not so today!

With today's market conditions Realtors have to do their homework i.e. market research and a solid marketing plan in place to get homes sold. Keep this in mind when you are interviewing prospective Realtors to market your home. Don't be afraid to ask probing questions about their experience, longevity in their field, etc.

Even with a seasoned Realtor the average market time for a listing has increased. Houses are still selling and some are still getting multiple offers. It's all about location, price, staging and strong marketing.

PS It's a beautiful sunny (cool) day in Tacoma, Washington. Happy Easter!

Debi

The perfect place to get ideas for remodeling and pick up on show discounts. The show offers a variety of events for everyone. Here are just a few:

- Yard & Garden Ideas/Supplies

- 5,000 square foot "Perfect Backyard"

- Farmer's Market

- Kids Activities

- Model homes

- Demonstrations by Ciscoe Morris & Ed Hume

- Chainsaw Carving

It's a family event! Contact me for $2.00 discount tickets for your entire group at (253) 307-6303 or debi.rice@comcast.net.

See you there!

Debi

That seems to be the question on nearly everyone's mind these days. The media portrays a very negative and bleak message. Here are some truths:

• This is a very dynamic market. It's the 5th best market in history. We have historic low rates coupled with low prices on available inventory. That makes for a lot of opportunity for both buyers & sellers.
• The Northwest market is better off than other parts of the country. Our market is stronger than most of the markets that the media is portraying as negative. We have diversity of industry that keeps us above the norm. We have 4,000-8,000+/- military families moving into our area, as well as technology positions that keeps us moving.
• Lower prices benefit sellers too. I know you find that hard to believe, especially if your house has been on the market for awhile. If you have yoiur eye on a nicer, higher priced property (move up property) you will benefit by selling your existing home now and being able to purchase that "dream" home at a lower price. You will more than make up for the potential deficit on your sale with automatic equity/value in the "dream" house (approximately 8-15%+/-).
• There are still "0" down payments loans. Yes, they are still available. The difference is you have to qualify with verification of employment, income, etc. and sometimes it involes a contribution by the seller or a relative toward the down payment.