“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found those dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.”

 

Vincent van Gogh, Dutch painter (March 30, 1853 – July 29, 1890)

http://www.vangoghgallery.com/

Artists take risks. They pursue their vision, often without financial security, facing long odds while stewing in their own self-doubt. When the world tells them “it’s not safe,” they listen to their own voice despite “prevailing wisdom.” They have a vision and they pursue it. 

 

Occasionally, if they’re very lucky, they get to look back on their life and see the path that leads them to create a masterpiece. At the time, the path wasn’t easy, yet in retrospect, it looks very much like the only possible path they could take.

 

I think in twenty years or even ten years, we’re going to hear the collective sound of people kicking themselves because they did not buy a home this year. As their teenage sons and daughters graduate and enter the future job market and begin searching for their first home, they’ll turn to their parents and say, “Seriously? You’re telling me when I was in middle school; you could get a 30-year fixed for under 5%?”

 

Too many remain terrified by the last great storm in the housing market. They stand now on the shores of incredible opportunity, but can’t shake the vision of all those values sinking into oblivion.

 

Think about the future. Who might need a home? Is there an opportunity to “be the bank” when the time comes? The descendants of those savvy collectors who bought a Van Gogh painting for mere dollars in 1885 are surely grateful for their grandparents’ eyes today, aren’t they?

 

Yes, there is uncertainty, but this is the calmest water you’re ever going to see. Set sail now and buy a home. Those that do will certainly be rewarded. As for the masterpiece? It will be the satisfaction of looking back and realizing they bought at just the right time.

 

There’s certainly no risk to exploring the opportunity. I’d love the opportunity to sit down with you and plot a possible course to the best investment you could make. Contact me today at: AileenMartinez@weichert.com or 914-645-0991.

 

They’re surprised when I tell them that in some markets, the recovery is already under way. Consumer attitude often lags behind local market data.

 

You see, there were lots of market indicators as far back as 2005 that the bust was on its way. Despite the fact that inventory on the market was increasing, prices floated up well into 2007. But there came a point when the “market data came home to roost.”

 

And when it did, well... no need to rehash bad news.

 

In some markets (especially those where buyers have recognized the incredible values and low interest rates) we see several indicators which suggest rebounding market health: Shrinking inventory, multiple offers, and fewer days on market. This is especially true if you look at non-distressed properties.

 

If those indicators are in play, you’re not in a buyer’s market any more. It’s becoming a seller’s market.

 

Obviously, tight-fisted lenders and buyers facing shaky job prospects exert their influence on the market. People are wary, and that psychological uncertainty is a part of the pervading sense that “things are bad.” But if you have access to capital and stable income, now is no time to be holding back. We’re unlikely to see these buying conditions again for a long time.

 

Oh, and by the way: Don’t forget the relatively low amount of new construction during this time paired with the pending population boom in the U.S. over the next 40 years.

 

Now is definitely the time to buy before the market moves up.

 

Is the recovery already underway in your neighborhood or neighborhoods you’re considering? Contact me to find out! Click here to contact me or simply call me at 914-645-0991.