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To Buy or Not to Buy....

I keep hearing from the different news agencies about the "credit crisis", the "economic crisis", that crisis, or this crisis. It gets downright scary sometimes. I tend to be a little pessimistic at the best of times. Thats just my nature. But this crisis after crisis thing is starting to be a little confusing.

I have just finished one of the busiest months I've ever had in the real estate business. One thing I know for sure, if you have good credit, money is still available. At least in this country. With interest rates at historic lows, homes are more affordable than ever. I have had clients buying investment properties. I have had first time home buyers making the move from apartment rent to home ownership. In short, our market here in the Valley is still strong. Yes, it may be a bit below the numbers from last year at this time. But is that because of the uncertainty created in our minds by the media, or is it because of an actual credit crunch? I am not an expert that can answer that. Of course I understand that these economic times are different than in years past. Absolutely, some families have been impacted. But it is equally true, that some are taking advantage of this time and will make money as a result. A lot of principle can be paid down quickly with todays interest rates.

I guess what I am trying to say is don't believe everything you hear, see or read. Speak to your bank or mortgage broker. Now is a great time to re-finance your home. Get in on these interest rates. It may even be beneficial to pay a penalty to get the new rate. It has never been better in a long while to buy. Real estate is not paper. It is land, bricks and mortar. Something solid to hang on to, and to invest in. People are buying, regardless of what the media says.

Steve Carson