Dear Reader,

We’ve entered the New Year with very positive real estate headlines. One economist has described 2012 as the “turn”.  There are many positive indicators for 2012 to be a year of slow improvement.  With a move in the right direction, 2012 will bring another year of hot real estate topics and headlines and it’s important to remember to keep everything in perspective.

Gaining Perspective On The Real Estate Market

We are sure to hear much more discussion about the future of the real estate market, and many are eager to speculate – for better or worse – about what lies ahead. With so much information from which to draw, it can be challenging to stay focused on what’s best for you and your family. Despite all the chatter, it’s important to keep grounded perspective on your personal real estate situation and to make decisions that reflect your needs and enhance your life.

What’s Your Market DNA?

We hear a lot about the “national real estate market.” But how does this information affect us and our own real estate decisions? David Lereah, Former chief economist for the National Association of Realtors, outlines his answer in a book titled All Real Estate Is Local. Lereah debunks the idea of a “national market” and explains how each individual city, town and neighborhood has what he calls “it’s own DNA.” From proximity and aesthetics to the local weather and economy – there are unique characteristics that influence the desirability of any specific area, and conditions can vary from town and neighborhood to neighborhood.

This concept reminds us that while national housing news might give us a collective view of all real estate markets, it’s important to remember that each market is unique and what might be reported as a national average may not reflect what’s happening in your neighborhood. It’s crucial to understand the factors affecting your individual market in order to determine the best choice for you.

The Value of a Full-Service Broker

Real estate markets continually ebb and flow, and it’s natural for adjustments to occur from time to time. As these local and national fluctuations take place, it becomes even more essential to enlist an experienced, full-service real estate professional to help navigate your real estate moves. Windermere Real Estate/Lane County brokers know that your home is more than just a transaction – it’s your life. And the more complex the housing market gets, the more important it is to have a trusted partner on your side to help protect your interest and plan for your future.

Each one of our 90+ brokers is committed to exceeding expectations through exceptional service. Our brokers understand your unique market and there to guide you safely through the process with knowledge, understanding and compassion. While market conditions may vary, your experience with Windermere Real Estate/Lane County will not.

Sincerely,

Matt R. Powell

Owner

Dear Reader,

Buyers may select a home on specific wants and needs, or be drawn from a great picture or description that creates an emotional draw, but their personalities affect the process too. It’s interesting to step back and look at the different types of buyers. For a seller this may be valuable information and help one understand and possibly avoid frustration.

I would say there are four distinct types of buyers in today’s market.

First is the I‘ll take it now. These buyers are aggressive. This is because of their nature, some people jump into everything, or maybe because circumstance. Maybe a job relocation or immediate change in their personal life. The aggressive buyer is ready to make the purchase and will usually be approved and ready to close as soon as possible.

Just looking…Maybe they will, maybe they won’t. Often referred to as Looky-loos, these buyers may buy a home at some point but they love to look. Often they are not sure if it is the best time. What’s the rush? Buyers in this group usually spend a lot of time at open houses and real estate websites. I would consider myself a looky-loo. I love to look at unique homes and always am shopping for the perfect investment property.

It’s gotta be perfect. Then there are the perfectionist. Sure, they’ll make an offer – on the perfect home. Be prepared for these buyers to view a home several times but end up determining it is not just right. Or if they do make an offer, it comes with many extra conditions.

In it for the money. The opposite of the perfectionist is the buyer who doesn’t care about the homes problems. These buyers want a good buy. Often their offer may be low and if it does not come together they move on because they have no “emotional attachment” to the property.

The ultimate goal of a real state transaction, of course, is a smooth , timely sale, but being aware of the motivation and characteristics of different types of buyers can reduce(but probably not eliminate) the stress of selling your home.

Sincerely,

Matt R. Powell

Owner

Dear Reader,

I have always found great appreciation for houses, not only for investment purposes but for the appeal of what makes a house a home.

I spend a lot of time looking through pages of design magazines, appreciating the images of creativity in home decorating and design.  Ideas from many sources are stored away for inspiration.  When I eventually get around to it, I incorporate little upgrades here and there in my own personal home or office.

While houses are fun to look at, one element remains absent from these beautiful pictures– regardless of the ideal image the pages of a glossy home magazine create. A house can be beautifully decorated from floor to ceiling with the finest of furnishings money can buy.  However, this is not what makes it home.    A house is only four walls with a foundation and a roof until the magic of everything inside those walls make a house a place to call home.

While the real estate business is about selling single family residences, condominiums, townhouses, or any type of “real property,” a physical conglomeration of bricks, mortar, sticks and stones– A real estate broker may sell you a house but he/she can’t make it a home!

Home is a personal sanctuary, home is comfort, an invitation to create memories and share experiences with those you love, a refuge from the world. Home is cozy and lived in–a pair of shoes in the corner, a blanket on the sofa, books and magazines strewn about—a place to gather with friends and family.

The word “home” can create much deeper meaning, far more intangible than physical location.  What does home mean to you? For me, home is the place I am welcomed by my four year old daughter each evening as she runs into my arms and greets me at the door—these moments are what help characterize home for me.

Let us help.  With a vast array of knowledge and expertise, our brokers can assist you in your search for a place you can call home. Please enjoy this issue of our Windermere Magazine displaying most of our homes, lots and land, and premier properties for sale. You can also visit us on the web at windermere.com.

Sincerely,

Matt Powell