After a long week in the field at Brimfield's Antique show we returned home. Brimfield is very similar to camping at times with more work if that is believable. So we sat back tried to enjoy the day, cleaning the yard, having a little camp fire. Low and behold here come the police and the fire trucks. A couple weeks back we had a camp fire and the police and fire trucks came then too. Apparently sometimes the wind just blows the wrong way. The person complaining made sure we had the rules which we were following the second time we had a fire. So there went that little bit of fun. Guess everyone is feeling the stress.
So missing the grand baby the weekend we were at Brimfield we decided to pick her up for the weekend. It was a very hot weekend and I can't seem to keep that kid out of the water. I wish I could say the same about the boats. She is 1 1/2 and has no fear of the water. She is now relaxing eating grapes pushing her feet on me as I try to type this.
So lets get back to the boats. It has been one of the hottest weekends of the summer so far and not many boats were in the pond. Gas prices getting everyone down. So to the point. Everything comes in cycles and I feel we are in a down cycle. On a positive note there is only one way to go "up". I just went to a real estate class and as you know we are always taking classes. Things are changing in this business also. People, your salespeople and brokers work hard for you.
Buyers please get pre-qualified if possible before you start looking for a property. Whether you are looking for a 100,000 or a 1,000,000 dollar property it seems to becoming the standard. We are not trying to insult you or questioning your ability to buy. You demonstrate that you are serious about buying when you are pre-qualified and believe me things are changing and it is getting more difficult to obtain financing. When Freddie and Fannie are stumbling a bit it does raise some concerns. There are some new proposed criteria for financing which I will try to post as soon as possible.
Sellers try to listen to your salespeople and brokers they have your best interest at heart. They know their areas and they are the best at pricing your home to sell. Both of you have the same interest - to sell your home. If they think you are pricing your home to high it is their job to tell you so because you want results and so do they, not to mention advertising is very costly. Let me tell you they work very hard for their clients. It doesn't do anybody any good to have a property on the market for a year or more.
Lastly, don't get discouraged we are all in this together. Buyers there is a house for you and Sellers somebody wants your house. Lets work together and negotiate the best for both interested parties.
