Tesha Perry (Realtor, GRI) (Vancouver Washington, Battle Ground Wa)

As you are aware, my industry has been hit very hard. Over 1 million agents have gotten out of the business. Thousands are dropping out every day. Only the experienced veterans-those who have been tested in markets like this before, are surviving.

Some of our current clients have postponed their plans to sell or buy real estate. They're not sure about the "bailout" and whether it will help matters or not. The media scares people. They are "waiting" for the bottom to hit before taking any action.

But how does anyone know when we've hit bottom?

The answer is - when it's too late.

Warren Buffett counseled that investors,"...should be fearful when others are greedy and greedy when others are fearful."

On November 17th I was one of six people on a panel of SW Washington/Portland real estate agents. Hundreds of agents and brokers attended this event.

In preparation for this event, all of the panelists got together to discuss current market trends. During the discussion we all agreed that when the market shifts again, it will seem to happen quickly to the public. However, there was one very interesting statistic that seemed to scream out at me.

Here it is....

At Microsoft alone, there are over 3,000 employees that are currently renting. They alone can wipe out most of the Northern inventory when the market shifts and they go from renters to buyers.

What this means to you, my clients-in-waiting, is that inventory will go down in a short amount of time which will cause prices to climb. Remember, that is with Microsoft alone. There are thousands and thousands of other buyers renting and just waiting for the shift.

Here's my point:

If you've been thinking about selling your home this spring, as one of Clark County's leading real estate agents, I would advise you to move your plans forward as much as possible.

I have studied trends, facts, and statistics. I have been selling real estate around the Clark County / Portland area for years. I live here. I am raising my children here. I know this market. I know the climate. It's my job to be an expert on the subject. It's a responsibility that I take very seriously.

You see, any agent can ask you if you want to sell or buy a house. If you respond by saying, "sure, but let's wait three months or so," another agent would say "fine," because they want the listing and they don't mind waiting.

My job is to do you the greatest service. Whether you list or buy a home now or not, I have an obligation to tell you that you may be leaving substantial sums of money on the table by waiting!

How many times have you heard someone say, "If only I'd made the move before the real estate market shifted." I want to make you aware of trends and cycles before you become another statistic and find yourself the author of this quote.

I believe that this advice and counsel is the best Holiday gift I could possibly give you.

Sincerely,

Tesha Perry

Team Lead

NW Real Estate Professionals

Keller Williams

P.S. What I am trying to say is this...I have observed several key factors that have led me to believe the time is now. The market is going to change dramatically. Forbes just came out and said that Seattle/Portland are the cities most likely to rebound from this shift. I would be glad to evaluate your situation whether as a buyer, seller, or both. I am well prepared to help you take advantage of current market conditions. I know it's difficult to think about these things during the Holidays, but the market dictates that we must. Please call me if you or anyone else you know has been thinking about buying or selling a home. Call me now or after the Holidays, but save this and call me! (360) 624-4428.

Tesha Perry Team Lead NW Real Estate Professionals Keller Williams Realty

FORECLOSURE, should I just give up and give my home back to the bank?

This is a question I am asked all the time. My answer is always the same.

Lets get together and talk!

There are other options for home owners than to give the house back to the bank.

Some loans are assumable and this can be a great way to get out from under a payment that you can not afford. I can negotiate with the bank to work a short sale for your home as an other option, helping to save your credit. I can find investors willing to let you stay and rent the home from them. Some banks are even willing to buy the home back and let you rent it from them. There are really a lot of options before you give up.

Although I completely understand your frustration with the process. It is a very daunting feeling to be under the financial pressure and stress that this situation can bring. I truly feel there are several factor that get people here in the first place.

My experience has shown me that most people have really tried to make it work and due to many factors is just seems to snow ball into a mess. Well take a breath and relax. I can help you! It is my deepest desire to help people get out of this hole and start a new!

It will take patience to get through the process and it will take an agent who is experienced in doing the process to help make a successful outcome. Give me a call I can help you find the best option to meet your goal.

Tesha Perry, Realtor

Team Leader for The Kasting Team, Keller Williams Realty

(360) 624-4428

What's going on in this Short sale market in Vancouver Washington?" is a what many of my clients in the price range of $150,000 to $200,000 are asking.

It seems that a greater portion of the homes available in this price range are in Short Sale. What this means is that the sellers are in a position of needing to sell their homes for less than they currently owe the bank. The bank in turn accepts the sale of the property for less then what is owed. This is a great deal for buyers!!!!

However it takes a lot of patience from the potential buyer because it can take up to 8 weeks to get a final response from the bank. Additionally we have seen multiple offers coming in on the homes making the prices rise. This has really confused many of my teams buyers. They say "Hey I thought this was a buyers market!", it is and in this price range the competition for the homes is tough. I have been able to successfully secure three homes this week for clients in this competitive offer situation.

It takes experience and dedication to get these done. If you have additional questions or would like to buy in this competitive buyers market please feel free to visit my website at http://www.thekastingteam.com/ or email me directly at thekastingteam@kw.com.

Thanks and make it a great day!!

Tesha 360-624-4428