It can be discouraging to homeowners, potential home buyers and REALTORS® to follow the news and consistently hear only the doom and gloom.  I’m tired of that, aren’t you?    There is good news every day and we just don’t hear it.  It may not be overwhelming, but it does exist.

Did you know that there are more homes sales in a pending sale status (just waiting to be closed) now than in January?  That’s a good thing.  Are you aware of the fact that banks really do want to finance homes for new qualified purchasers?  And what about the surveys that show second home and investment purchases accounted for 33 percent of home sales in 2007.  Most of these purchasers buy existing homes and 8 out of 10 second home buyers consider this a good time to buy.

When homeowners, purchasers and a REALTOR® work together, it’s a winning situation for all participants.  Many times a homeowner is willing to finance the home purchase or part of it.  They may also be willing to enter into a lease-option purchase.  A REALTOR® can assist the purchaser in determining what they can actually afford.  Buyers need to be honest about their credit and recognize that if their credit rating is not good, they will not be quoted the prime mortgage interest rates.  All parties must remain realistic about pricing and affordability.

Mortgage lenders are offering more financing options than many people realize.  The increase in FHA loan limits is a boost to buyers and the fact that Private Mortgage Insurance (the insurance that insures the loan portion above what a bank would normally lend) has been deductible on your income tax return since 2006.

Just a little hint to the homeowner.  With more than the usual number of homes on the market, what have you done to make yours “shine”?  It’s spring and a yard that reflects color and thoughtful design will go a long way towards presenting an “inviting” appeal.  The entrance is critical!  You may have heard that called “curb appeal”.

If we all spend more time working together to make buying and selling real estate an enjoyable and highly successful transaction, we can create our own housing market in South Florida.  There isn’t any other place in the United State like it, so we have a running start!

During these changing times, I wouldn’t suggest that any seller or buyer try to do it on their own.  Your REALTOR® is well prepared to handle every situation and will turn out to be your best friend.