Well, the tax rebate buyers have left the market, anyway. Many Realtors expected a slump in the market after the federal tax rebates expired. It looks like the slump was only in the kind of activity we have experienced. The general consensus in the industry is that the tax rebates were not that big a factor in the decisions actually made by buyers. Looking back, it’s hard to tell if the program really stimulated as much awareness among potential home buyers as expected. It sounded like a good idea, for sure, but simple dollars and cents is often a real poor reason alone for buying a home. I always urge my non-investor clients to separate the buying decision into two separate and quite different steps: First, and most important, do I want to buy this home, live here, enjoy my life here – is this the home I want to be the center of my life? Only when there are some yes answers to these questions does it make sense to commence serious bargaining and negotiating. Getting “a great deal” on the wrong home misses the whole point in the long run of home ownership. The turbulent economic times have certainly caused many consumers to focus on the short term economic, or investment, aspects of the housing market, perhaps too much in some cases. To the vast majority of us, a home is much more than an investment, a tax write off, or a market commodity. It is where we live, raise our families and enjoy our lives. With spring comes a natural feeling of renewal where we often take stock, and perhaps evaluate where we live and the opportunities for change. Certainly, our personal budgets determine the choices that may be possible or necessary. Well, the housing market this spring offers these opportunities. Many feel the market this spring is returning to “normal” with a great inventory, low interest rates and stable prices. I, for one, am glad. As to the tax rebates, good by Elvis, we enjoyed the show!
Visit my Face Book page.
You don’t have to be a face book member to enjoy it!
