Where are we today in 2009?

In speaking with a cross section of Realtors and builders, there are buyers out there. Several builders are seeing increased activity, we are hearing agents are getting more sign calls, they are writing contracts, and our listings are selling. We continue to see that builders are making deals with buyers – now is a great time to look at a new home as an option.

Consumers want accurate, up-to-date information from the internet and insight from agents that they can’t get from the internet. Get educated, get involved, know the market and your competition. Rates are great. Need to get the word out. 4.25% with 3 points for a 30 year fixed ain’t too shabby.

Agents are still looking for an easy way to get business versus going out and finding it. They aren’t connecting enough or in the right manner with their sphere. They don’t have a written plan to get them through these perceived tough times. Therefore, they will have a difficult time surviving in the business. I say perceived because there are a lot of agents who did extremely well last year without doing foreclosures.

Foreclosures have slowed down considerably, but based upon the number of short sales in MRIS last year we should expect them to be a part of our marketplace this year. Additionally, short sales will continue to represent a large segment of our inventory this year. It is integral that you figure how to work them, know which agents that get them through and determine how best to advise clients on deciding whether to write on one or not. If you haven’t already, you may want to affiliate yourself with a short sale company if you don’t have the time to work them yourself.

Pricing, staging and prelisting inspections will continue to be critical when listing houses this year. If there is any “New” trend in real estate it is to get up to speed on blogging, twitter and other social networks. Get busy networking!