Monday, February 11, 2008

REAL ESTATE IN SISKIYOU COUNTY


It seems that the media is predicting a recession. I read an interesting article in the San Francisco Chronicle. It reported that people are getting worried. They have seen the housing market in a downward spiral. They are constantly reminded that the stock market is losing points. So, the article says, people are deciding that it is unwise to spend. They are going out to eat less, spending less on vacations and entertainment, and using their cars less to avoid gas bills. And of course, potential homebuyers are not venturing out. They are taking the “wait and see” attitude.

So what is a recession? The dictionary defines recession as “a period of reduced economic activity.” Well, there it is. If we collectively get scared and believe in dooms day, we are creating it by our actions. Just when we need to act with confidence and keep the economy going, we retreat in fear and thus recession.

Being a realtor in Siskiyou County, I see countless opportunities for buying a home or property at such incredibly low prices right now. This is definitely a buyers market. Interest rates have never been so low. If a buyer has good credit and a good job, it is the time to invest. Sure homes have decreased in value. But it is only a matter of time until values will increase and the investment made now along with the low interest rates will pay off.

Having been a realtor for some years, we have quite a few clients that are buyers. But each one says that they just want to wait and see. What are they waiting for? Sellers will become more discouraged and they will wait to put their homes on the market unless it is a necessity to move. So then we have a stalemate. Listings decrease and buyers wait and see. This contributes highly to recession.

I wish for a society of positive energy. When can we stop listening to the negative media? When can we stop being fearful and make decisions based on sound information and a positive attitude?

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

What a great post! I agree with you completely; sometimes society makes self-fulfilling prophesies because we think the way we are told to think - all doom and gloom. We can turn that around!