Yvette & Dennis Gardner

There has been a lot of "Buzz" about foreclosures and short sales. It is estimated that as many as 40% of home sales will fall into one of these categories in the next 12 months. As many agents change the focus of their business to take advantage of these opportunities others stick to the core business.

Either way, it's Opportunity Time for all who strive to have a successful real estate business, both now and in the future. We believe those who survive this downturn will be stronger and more dominant when things improve. While others leave the business, those who succeed will increase market share. If they do it right, their market share will grow as the market grows and their future success is only limited by their desire, commitment and passion to succeed.

It truly is "Opportunity Time."

We believe that most home owners don't understand how the $8,000 tax credit will benefit them. The Government believes that first time buyers will purchase existing homes which will allow existing home owners to move up to larger more expensive homes and so forth.

This domino effect will therefore reduce inventories and stimulate the housing market and pull the economy out of the recession. It makes sense in that $100K homes would be purchased by first time home buyers allowing those sellers to move into $200K homes and so forth.

The only problem with this plan is that they are counting on these first time buyers to be credit worthy and have saved the money they need for down payments and closing cost. However, many of these potential purchasers are part of the "got-to-have-it-now" generation who have not saved and now realize they must stop spending and start saving. They have stopped using their credit cards and are instead paying off their credit card debt. They are not buying cars or houses.

Many existing home owners will benefit from the tax credit but will there be enough to dramatically impact our recovery? Will the government extend the program past December 1, 2009? I guess we'll just have to wait and see how it unfolds.

Many of you may remember when you had a Hometown Bakery and about 2 p.m. on Sunday afternoon all remaining baked goods would go on sale. It helped the owners clear out inventory and purchasers would take advantage of the lower prices. Usually if you didn't make your purchase by 4 p.m. all of the really good ones were gone.

That is the current Real Estate Market! And buyers need to get their shopping done early before all of the really good one's are gone. Just think about it; Prices are Great, Interest Rates are Great, and the Inventory is abundant. In this Shifting Market things change at a rapid pace and this opportunity will not last forever. For first time home buyers there is even more incentive as they have to close on their purchase by December 1^st or lose their $8,000 tax credit.

So, like the Bakery, there is a limited time to purchase your Donuts and they are at a GREAT PRICE!

When you're moving to a new area it can be a pretty daunting task. You really need to have someone you can trust in your new location that knows the area and is qualified to answer all of your questions or at least get you going in the right direction. You also need to do your homework prior to the move. There are several key areas that will affect you bottom line in terms of money when purchasing your new home:

•· Learn about the culture of the new city's real estate market. It's crucial to know whether homes in the new location typically sell close to the asking price or substantially below. Know what items normally convey. Learn about local taxes as it's related to your purchase and make sure you investigate zoning and neighborhood use restriction.

•· Believe it or not you need to have an exit strategy when you purchase. You need to keep re-sale in mind. You may think you're going to stay in your new home forever, but things happen and plans change.

•· If you have a spouse who is giving up a job for the move you should act on this long before the move is scheduled to take place. If you need two incomes you need to be certain that your spouse is able to find employment.

•· Don't forget about the rest of the family. Learn about extra activities that are important to you and your family; sports, places of worship, medical facilities, commuting and transportation logistics; all the things that impact your daily activities.

•· Make sure that you work with an agent who you feel comfortable with and who can watch out for your financial and other interests. Navigating the maze of a new area can be challenging and you should have a relocation specialist in your corner.

If you would like to receive a free relocation package please visit our website at www.HomesInTheUpstate.net and click on the "Relocation Information" tab or call us at 864-706-3669. The Gardner Team is your Relocation Connection for Greenville/Spartanburg, South Carolina and we look forward to meeting all of your relocation needs.

Two Irishmen were sitting in a four engine plane flying back from a shopping trip to Paris when the captains voice came over the loudspeaker. "Ladies and Gentlemen, one of the engines appears to have failed. There's nothing to worry about but we will be 15 minutes late in landing at Gatwick."

Five minutes later he said, "Nothing to worry about, ladies and Gentlemen, but one of the other engines has failed, and we will now be an hour late."

A moment later, "Er...sorry about this ladies and gentlemen, but the third engine has also given up the ghost and we will now be two hours later than expected."

One of the Irishmen tapped his friend on the shoulder. "Good heavens, Patrick, do you realize that if the other engine fails, we'll be here all night?"