Todd Jones

It is about time that the national media starts giving some good news when it comes to real estate. But as soon as they do, they sabotage us by then focusing on the regions of the country that are hurting the most. What about the good stories? What about areas like Scranton, Pennsylvania that are increasing regularly and are on the up and up? In any real estate market there are going to be slumping areas. Why is that what the media focuses on?

If I were an anchor for a major Tv station, I would let people know that this is a great time to buy. Good deals are out there and rates have been very good for a while now. This is also a great time for those who are looking to sell and "move up" to something bigger. There are lots of buyers out there looking in that median price range and they can most likely get a deal moving up to a higher price range home.

The national average of existing homes sales rose 2.9%in February according to NAR. That is even with all of the hurting markets. That means some markets are seeing great strides and much higher percentages of home sales increases.

Looking to buy or sell? Come to Lackawanna County and look in the Scranton, Clarks Summit area. Or stop by my site to learn about the area. Homes are selling and now is a great time to be in the real estate market.

Have you looked at the calendar recently? Can you believe that it is almost March already?

With the national media still taking the baseball bat to real estate, is your market staying afloat? I was excited this afternoon when I picked up the local newspaper

and saw NEPA House Prices Rose 7.2% last year. Finally some good press! Locally, my real estate area (mostly Lackawanna County - Scranton and Clarks Summit real estate) has not seen the national drop that many areas have seen. Regardless of the market that you are in, how are you reacting to it?

At the beginning of the year I set up 3 goals. I am gradually progressing at all of them and am seeing results too. I am learning more about the inside approach to foreclosures, my website is almost complete (still in progress), and I have been fine tuning my client database and keeping in touch with them. This is a good time to evaluate how your year is shaping up so far. If adjustments need to be made, now is the time.

Speaking to local buyers and sellers... The market is steady in Lackawanna County. If you live in the Scranton, Clarks Summit area, it is a great time to buy and sell.

I end by asking the questions I started with...

How are you doing so far this year?

How is you market doing?

Todd Jones Realtor, ABR, SRS, OA - Selling Scranton, Clarks Summit Real Estate

Usually this time of year I am slow and am spending much of my time trying to scrape up new business. 2008 so far has been a different story. Don't believe what the national news is telling you. My neighborhood is still moving forward and people are buying and selling. Check out the article in Money Magazine. I have seen both buyers and sellers coming out of the woodwork. With all of the foreclosures out there, investors seem to be everywhere too.

I have spent a lot of time in front of my laptop reponding to emails from clients.

They are reaching out to me.

They want to buy!

They want to sell!

Realtors, use email to your advantage. I still believe in the phone and face to face meetings, but clients are relying heavily on the Internet (I know, you are already aware of that, but are you reacting to it?)

My ramblings today are simply to say this...

The market is as busy as you make it. Set your goals high in 2008 because people ARE buying and selling. Help your clients find the home of their dreams. Don't let the media crush your spirit. 2008 can be a banner year!

Todd Jones, Realtor, ABR, OA, SRS - Selling Scraton, Clarks Summit Real Estate