The end of the year is a favorite of mine. It is a time of reflection, to assess what occurred, count our blessings and plan new beginnings as we approach the coming year. As I simultaneously look back at 2011 and forward towards 2012, I feel even more positive than I did when I was in this state of reflection one year ago.
The sale-boosting government tax incentives offered in 2010 didn’t carry over into 2011. What 2011 did have were home prices that continued to be reasonable paired with historically low mortgage interest rates. I’ve been in the business of real estate for more than 40 years and never have I seen a time where buyers are able to get so much value for their dollar. For my next 40+ years in the real estate, I don’t think we will ever see these incredible values again. We are in the midst of real estate history. Those who are buying now, will be able to tell the tale of how they were part of it by making the smartest investment of their lives. And those who wait too long will tell the sad tale of “woulda, coulda, shoulda.” Even without government incentives and despite dramatic media spin, qualified buyers are climbing down from their fences to achieve the American Dream of Homeownership. During what is typically the slower part of the real estate year, Netter Real Estate agents are selling homes and presenting multiple offers to our sellers regularly, even in the hi-end price range — which is something economists view as an indicator of an upswing of consumer confidence.
I am optimistic but I am far from delusional. The economy is still in distress. No doubt, 2012 will present more challenges. Netter Real Estate will not only face but defeat those challenges. Now more than ever, our out-of-the-box marketing strategies, staying informed of all the latest changes and interpreting both the national and local economies, makes Netter Real Estate THE most trusted real estate office on the South Shore. Loud and clear through our market share, our community says so. MLS numbers don’t lie.
Once again, Netter Real Estate wore our compassion on our sleeve this year. In time for Thanksgiving, during the Realtors® Against Hunger (RAH) campaign, our office delivered 775 pounds of food items we collected from our generous communities to Long Island Cares for distribution Long Islanders in need. We continue our affiliation with the grassroots charity, Helping Hands of West Islip, Inc., most recently collecting toys for its annual Toy Drive.
Nobody knows for sure what the future holds. There are so many factors that are beyond our control. One thing I know for certain; Netter Real Estate has been serving the Long Island Community since 1949; we will continue to serve in the greatest ways through any market from our one and only location — 404 Montauk Highway in West Islip. Tell us how we can best serve you.
Always,
Jim
