Getting Back To Basics

[gallery] It seems that everyone in the office is getting back to basics. In spite of the downturn in the market and the gloomy national press, people still need to buy and sell houses, and good houses that are properly priced are selling in all price ranges. Agents with no business are falling back on fundamentals to affect their business, while those with business are working harder than ever to bring these homes to contract, the days of order taking are over, negotiation is key, and those without basic negotiation skills are not able to keep these deals together. Agressivly pricing your home in the marketplace is paramount to a sale, buyers have been waiting on the sidelines and know a properly priced home. Fixing the housing market will require a return to fundamentals as well. Teaching people how to maintain good credit instead of showing them how to get a loan with bad credit, full disclosure and transparency of the intricacies of financing with actual down payments, common-sense loans and most importantly, personal responsibility is key to a healthy recovery. No matter what the housing market seems to be doing, there is always some Realtor shouting Its a great time to buy. Of Course Realtors will try and put a positive spin on the news, our livelihoods depend on it, but being unrealistic about market conditions is a great disservice to our clients. While it may be a great time to buy for some people, it is not for all people, and certainly not right in all markets. It is a great time to buy, but only if it fits your budget, lifestyle and goals. Getting back to old-fashioned values about home ownership is required. Treating your home like an ATM is not smart, taking the equity in your home to buy a big flat screen TV, or SUV that depreciates instantly is not smart, and walking away from a mortgage because your loan is under water just continues this pattern of irresponsibility. This Week's Real Estate Insight: It is a great time to buy, but only if it is the right time for you to buy.