I think many of us are happy to greet the New Year with a sense of optimism and positive change. For…

[Louise Griffin]

I think many of us are happy to greet the New Year with a sense of optimism and positive change. Forecasts for 2009 predict a more balanced year as we put some of the upheaval of 2008 behind us. Personally, I believe that each and every one of us can do as my friend Eileen Batson said and “choose not to participate a recession.” Of course this does not mean that rational choices are not necessary…but they can be driven by sense of personal abundance and also the opportunities available in times of change. In real estate, those opportunities are abundant. For those who find themselves making moves in their life, their timing can be ideal for buying a home. Those needing a larger home can find an increased savings and interest rates are at amazingly low levels. On my website, you can find a mortgage calculator that can show you that a 300000 loan at 8% costs more per month than a 400,000 loan at 5%! Rates are close to 5% now, sometimes lower! There is also a rent vs. buy calculator available for those trying to make that decision.

Buying now is not for everyone. I’m happy to talk with you about your personal circumstances. Similarly, a realistic perspective is needed to sell your home. Now more than ever, personalized and ENTHUSIASTIC marketing is needed to sell homes, as well as realistic pricing. Trained in appraisal, I can also help you price your home correctly.

In the Raleigh area, the housing market is slower but prices have held steadier and sales better than nationally. In fact, 2008 was the 6th best year ever for home sales in the Triangle. Housing is a LOCAL market, sometimes as local as your own street or neighborhood. Send me and email if you’d like to see a monthly report of sales in your neighborhood. Check out my website www.breezewithlouise.com blog post on Top Trends 2009.

Louise Griffin