About Berkeley County, WV

At the beginning of this year it has been noticed that there is enlargement of land sales from about 40 to 50 percent of usual amount of land which is usually bought. It has been mentioned also that there were some more phone calls and e-mails from the customers who were going to sell their land.

So, it is obvious that people are looking to buy a good piece of dirt at a fraction of what it cost just a few years ago! It is clear also that at least in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia it seems like people are starting to come back in the early 2000’s. So, maybe the land in West Virginia is worth buying or selling it for sale by owner at the beginning of the year 2010.

Are land sales coming back? My partner Andrew Johnson and I have noticed an up tick in land sales about 40 to 50 percent of what we do is land and we've noticed that land sales have been getting some phone calls and e-mails. From traffic coming back on our listings to more phone calls and e-mails. I feel like they are you like people are looking to buy a good piece of dirt at a fraction of what it cost just a few years ago. It feels to me at least here in the eastern panhandle of West Virginia it seems like you're starting to come back. That's if you have your land priced right you.

Is the stimulus package working? Whether you're on the left or the right, this is the question that is in front of us. My answer would be yes, I feel we've had more phone calls, more e-mails in the last few months then we would have through the past winter months. I feel like the $8000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers has definitely made a difference. The spring market is here, you already have people coming out of the woodwork looking for great price home deals. They are looking for foreclosures trying to get a great deal, or a short sale, which you can get a great deal on if you're in it for the long haul. But more importantly I think the $6500 "move up buyer tax credit" has made a difference. I also have people that bought during the before the bubble that now have an option of selling and making some money on their house and getting a great deal in another house. So the question I get from other agents is the home stimulus work tax credit working out. I believe it has I feel it has made a difference. I do feel that it won't be extended. What do you think?

Are you losing money by not texting? That's the question I pose to a lot of agents in my area who don't text message. I can tell you with the new technology coming out with Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, MySpace, this is a game changer for Realtors. Text messaging is almost become another language to younger generation buyers and sellers. I can tell you I get communicate more business through text messaging than anything else. I make it real easy for Buyers and Seller to text message me on a regular basis during a deal. This being said are you losing money by not using text messaging? A lot of agencies in this business feel that it's not a necessity when it really has become the norm. Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, MySpace have evolved and become another way of communicating with friends, family and also clients. Taking this into consideration you would almost be smart to integrate these things in their daily life especially Facebook to be able to communicate with their clients or even get new clients and customers on a regular basis by not being afraid of using new technology.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year. This hasnt been the easiest year in real estate, but as my manager always says " We are all still here". Things will be better in 2010. Thanks Aaron

Aaron Poling

Long & Foster

304-283-0214

aaronpoling.com

aaronpolingsblog.com