Poughkeepsie, NY

I have myself to blame for being a risk taker. I didn't get a flu shot this year. I've never had one - I am a baby when it comes to needles. Luckily, I rarely get the flu. So, I am making up for it this year. I am just getting over a second bout with the flu - the first time was at the end of November. That time it lasted 3 weeks with residuals. That seems average for most of the other people I know who have contacted this season's flu. However, this last bout seems to be different - a more severe strain (effecting every bone in your body), but fortunately, a little more short lived. So, will I get a flu shot next year - probably not unless it comes presented to me in a "shot" glass or on a tablespoon. For more information about the 2007-2008 flu season log onto the following website:

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/season.htm

Announced just today NY has about 80 million dollars of NEW federal money to assist homeowners with their heating bills for the balance of the season. The program is called HEAP and is administered through New Yorks Social Services Departments. Call your local county office to see if you quailfy for assistance, which is income based. So even if you live in a high end area but have a financial setback you may qualify.

This is a great program and unlike alot of things in New York, this program actually has gotten better with the recent crisis. Short sale agents, please spread the word to your clients in need!

So many brokers including myself have gotten away from taking earnest money deposits from buyers. At least where I reside brokers do not prepare contracts and every binder stated that the binder was only in place until the contract was superceded by a formaly lawyers contract. I know this is not the case in many states and even in other parts of New York. The em in my area is only a show of faith, not part of any contract. If the buyer walks there is no easy legal way for the seller to keep the EM without a court order and what broker wants to get involved in that?

EM's have become a real thing of the past in my area. I wonder why is a show of good faith no longer required?

It has become so common place that I do not even want to see a written offer until its a final offer, so everything is done via phone or email. Most of the offers I get come in from verteran agents with no pre-quals, and the offeres have little to no money down. I understand the little money down, and sometimes reputation can make me forget about the pre-qual, but no EM? How do I sell it to my client when there's no EM?

Buyers do not let your agent or broker talk you out of an EM, the EM could mean the difference between you and another buyer. With attractive pricing and rates do you really want to take a chance?

Looking for foreclosures, investment properties or flips in Dutchess County? Go to www.247REOREALTY.com

In putting together MLS statistics for a client presentation, I aim for a clear snapshot of what has happened in the Dutchess County real estate market over the last few years. I went as far back as 2003 - the last healthy year for sales. When analyzing the changes from year to year, the figures become rather astonishing!

Often in real estate, agents compare the current year to the year before. I feel it has a far bigger impact when you stack up the numbers as follows:

Purchase Offers 1st of Month

November 2002 - 2003 +14%

November 2003 - 2004 -10%

November 2004 - 2005 -50%

November 2005 - 2006 -20%

November 2006 - 2007 -15% (most recent)

So, while most agents might claim the market is down from last year, I show my clients that sales volume has been declining from year to year - since 2003.

Although the market in our area began changing a few years back, it wasn't until recent months that the media has started shedding light on the situation. At the onset of the changing market, I found when I consulted with sellers a few years ago, they would look at me like I had two heads whenever I recommend pricing realistically due to "noticeable market changes". Now, it's easy - one would have to be living in a cave to not "get it"...

Um, okay, many sellers STILL don't get it, but I think we do have TV here in Dutchess County!

Anyway, the above statistics really do help me as an agent in encouraging sellers to understand what has happened over time and what is still happening. I usually finish this presentation by tooting my horn a little and giving them a more optimistic report (in hopes they are going to hire me):

...Since 2004 I have been the top listing agent and top producer for my office - this means that during the most challenging times in real estate....

I am getting results! AND, I continue earning awards for sales!

So, I will come prepared for tomorrow's presentation.....

Mr. & Mrs. Seller, tell me why I wouldn't be the very best candidate for the job of listing and selling your Dutchess County home?