Reasonable Expectations

So - who owns this crazy real estate market? Sellers? Probably not, unless there are some very clear signals (such as an aggressive price) that puts a seller in control of his or her destiny. Buyers? Well, that's what we're hearing, but this is not a traditional buyers' market in any respect. Buyers who think they are calling the shots are generally in for a rude surprise. Banks? Well, they seem to think so, but a quick look at their balance sheets for the last 12 months or so certainly tells another story. And let me tell you: We Realtors are *certainly* not in control of the market in any respect.



One of the most important things I try to make clear to any client, be it a buyer or a seller, is that we have to be realistic. And that doesn't mean realistic about one particular property; it means we have to be realistic about the market in general. We all think that our home has elements that place it far above the others in competition. And we also think that if we are walking into a situation as a buyer with a wad of cash that we can call the shots.



Uh-uh. Not going to happen. These days there are too many things that have to happen along the way for anyone to think that they are going to be in control. A good real estate agent will be able to see the hurdles coming down the road, and will be able to prepare his or her client for the best way to get over (or under or around) them. There is always more than one way to approach a problem or an issue, and often more than solution if one knows how to look for them. It's more important than ever to have a clear vision of the road ahead, to have an agent who gets it, and to LISTEN to what he or she has to say.



Next: Short Sale / Long Journey