Every Cloud has a Silver Lining
January 2008

You may have read the recent market update in the SF Chronicle:

“The worst December since 1988 in terms of sales volume.  Sales down 45%.  Prices down 9% in Alameda County.”

That makes me smile.  Because to me, that means the worst in pretty much over.  Yes, that’s very  likely the bottom.  And one year from now, you could very well be kicking yourself if you decided to wait to buy or trade up.  And I make this "blue sky" prediction for the following reasons:

* The market has been correcting for the last 35 months, according to stats.  And certainly for the last 2+ years.  I remember saying to one of my clients in October of 2005, ‘The game is over.”

* Interest rates have fallen to the lowest point in over 2 years.  Below 6% for a conforming loan (below $417,000) and below 7% for a jumbo.

*  Banks have loosened their requirements on jumbo loans from September of this year. 

*  Buyers seem to be coming out of hibernation.  And the Federal Stimulus package likely to enacted will increase Buyer optimism.

Hence, more sales.  Not that we’re going to fly to the moon, but the market should be stabilizing in the next couple months, and there may even be some small appreciation in the next year.  

So if you have even a remote thought of buying or trading up, now is the time.  If you have questions about your situation, or have a friend who’s thinking of moving, give me a call.  It’s always great to hear from you!

Selling Your Home >The Best Real Estate Agents The best real estate agents in today's marketplace are becoming even better about marketing the homes they list to the public, as well as to other agents who have potential buyers. When you are interviewing prospective real estate agents to help you sell your home, ask how they find buyers. In the past, a "For Sale" sign would go into the ground, the basic information went into the Multiple Listing Service, and then there was an occasional Sunday classified ad and an "open house". If the house did not sell right away, the agent might recommend a price reduction. Agents today are much more sophisticated and pro-active about getting people into their homes. They rely on computers, direct mail, telemarketing, and just plain clever ideas that no one else has tried. Ask prospective listing agents for two things--a written analysis of what is happening with housing prices in your area and a marketing plan which outlines how they would get your home from "For Sale" to "Sold". See All Tips In The "Selling Your Home" Category > See Complete Library Of Hundreds Of Tips In 30+ Categories >

Q  What is the earliest residential building that remains in Manhattan? A  Fraunces Tavern, built in 1719, is where George Washington delivered his Farewell Address to his officers in 1783. See More Real Estate Trivia >

"Every Cloud has a Silver Lining" You may have read the recent market update in the SF Chronicle: "The worst December since 1988 in terms of sales volume." That makes me smile. Because to me, that means the worst in pretty much over. Yes, that's very likely the bottom. Find Out More >

I made my first move to the East Bay about 9 years ago straight from a great neighborhood in San Francisco. My friends thought I was crazy to leave San Francisco. But there was something alluring about the grass and trees and flowers of the East Bay. Find Out More >

See the Nation's Top Rated: School Reports - Public, Private & Charter >