TO SELL...OR NOT TO SELL...THAT IS THE QUESTION

To sell...or not to sell...that is the question.  There hasn't been a period in my 20+ year history as a real estate broker where potential selling clients ask that question more then they have in the last 2-3 years.  Not necessarily in the 'Shakespearean' sense, but some variation of it.

In today's world it's not uncommon to find 2 completely opposite, contradictory opinions on the state of the real estate market on the same day, and in the same newspaper or news program.  And when that happens, the resulting effect is mass confusion for anyone that is thinking of buying or selling.  The following illustration from CoreLogic is a good example of it.  Reading the left hand side might lead one to believe that the current real estate market is pretty dire.  But if you continue onto the right side, it starts to look better on the top half.  But it isn't until you get to the bottom right hand corner, that you see that there is only one state ahead of Alaska as it relates to the number of homes with the highest percentage of having some equity...meaning that the home is worth more today than what is owed against it.

Sherri and I view our roles a little different than many others in the industry in that rather than putting a 'hard sell' on a customer to buy something, right now, today, our approach is more like an adviser rather than a pushy real estate agent.  We believe that while it is important for a client to know and fully understand what is happening in the local real estate market, it's when we then combine that knowledge with an overview as to what is happening in the national and world wide financial worlds, teamed with the local and statewide economic forecasts, that all of these factors have a cumulative impact on the client's decision making process. 

In case you might have missed it, the stock markets have blossomed since the crash in 2008 and the DOW has hit new record levels multiple times over the last year.  Many of the reports of the real estate market over the last few years have often been portrayed it in a negative light.  But the following graph from MSN Money.com and Case Shiller, illustrates how it has fared relative to the stock markets over the last 13 years.

And the National Association of REALTORS® recently produced a graph illustrating what they are projecting for the coming year.  

 

Because there are literally countless real estate websites that have information on homes for sale, it becomes completely overwhelming for most consumers.  That's why we focus on providing advice and counsel for the really big questions that our clients have that aren't so easily found on-line.   

We've found what most clients really want is someone who can...

1.  Analyze all the available information

2.  Connect the dots and let them know if now is a good time to buy or the right time to sell based    on their goals

3.  Take the time to explain their options—simply and effectively
 
Our approach is actually quite simple.  Overall, information being readily available (without context or understanding) causes confusion...and that’s when people seek out professionals. Whether it be a doctor, lawyer, or a real estate professional, for a thorough analysis of the information based on their unique situation.  Because of the wealth of information available, we believe people are yearning for expert advice...tailored to their individual needs and goals, and not some canned "cookie-cutter" reply.
 
If you feel this type of information is valuable, make sure to subscribe to our blog and keep checking back as we will be posting much more over the coming weeks as we head into the busiest season of the year.  For more, you can visit our website at Alaska Home Sellers, "like" our Facebook page here, or simply call our office at (907)352-1828.


Let us know what your "big" questions are...we're here to help.