So far I have had a pretty positive day here on Active Rain... having written both a new blog post that attracted all sorts of positive comments, and then making some of my own comments on some really great Active Rainer's blog posts. It's too bad I have to end it with somewhat of a rant.
I thought we as agents, and as media, had gotten over this "craze" of making blanket negative statements about the housing market in general, but I guess I spoke too soon.
Earlier tonight I read a post that listed a series of "great real estate articles" for one and all to read. I will not be specific about who the author was, because my rant here is going to be pretty "ranty."
I'm not so sure I would call something a "great list" when it begins with a highly negative linked-to article about how home values dropped all the way down to 2002 levels.
As a blanket statement... this is JUST NOT TRUE. And, I don't care who says it is... or who the article refers to as the source of this overly negative news.
Here in the Fort Worth market area values have done nothing of the sort. They have not plummeted.
I know there are many other areas in the country where what the article, and in turn, what the writer's blog post said may be true... but still. To make a blanket statement like that can be so hurtful to so many buyers and sellers in other areas where values are either stable, or actually increasing... which IS the case in Fort Worth.
I thought we had gotten over the need to wallpaper the walls with total doom and gloom.
I suggest that those "media types..." and some of us as Realtors... either hold off making untrue blanket statements, or suggest that they put in a disclaimer that states very plainly that although the "dropping of home values" may be true in some areas, there are many other areas where values are actually climbing. And climbing so well that they are actually experiencing a shortage of properties to sell... because the homes are selling so quickly after being listed... and in many cases... are selling with multiple offers being made.
The national media, and even the National Association of Realtors may not know enough about what is going on... but those of us in the trenches who deal with it every day... should.
Stephanie: I read a lot of blog posts, and make lots of comments, and try to really stay up on both the various local markets throughout the country in particular, AND the national market in general. There are MANY areas that are actually HOT.
Just as it makes no sense for someone over the past few days living in Northern New Mexico along I-40 to look out the window and see a foot of snow... and then write an article about how the entire country has a foot of snow... it makes no sense either to write blanket articles about how poopy "the market" is... just because their own market is poor.
Merry Christmas Karen!
Thanks for mentioning New Mexico...as a matter of fact, I have a series of post that I will be writing about the positiveimpact of the snow in New Mexico. Many of the "media type" focus on low- information listeners
Lloyd, New Mexico is succh a beautiful state, with so many wonderful cities, things to do, and places to explore. But it sure got lots of snow, recently. Did you get buried in it ?
And yes, I do realize that many media types DO focus on low-information listeners. It seems strange at times that the purveyors of news seem to want to keep those in their audiences... ummmm... stupid ? LOL. Perhaps "unaware" might be a better word.
And Merry Christmas to you, as well.
Well said. You have to wonder why the media insists on trying to make people think the whole country is all one way or another.
It's like saying "All women think Donald Trump is handsome," or "All people under 25 agree with OWS," or "Everyone eats turkey on Christmas."
Here in NC, Prices definitely dropped, but we are seeing an increase in values 2011 and expect it to continue in 2012. We are seeing a nice increase in number of sales too :0)
And for the record, I do not think Donald Trump is handsome and we do not eat Turkey on Christmas (my dad makes steak & bread pudding).
Merry Christmas Karen Anne! Hope you and Mollie T have a wonderful day!
Gloom and doom on Christmas day. I'm very optimistic about 2012...
Hello Karen Anne, and Merry Christmas! Ditto Amy's comments. 2011 has been the best year in my business out of the past 5. I'm not complaining and quite frankly, ranting about those who seem to be able to do nothing but complain seems quite appropriate to me. You go girl!
Merry Christmas Karen Anne. I for one, am seeing some good (even if small) signs for our Sacramento market. And you are so correct. Just as no two clients are the same, so goes that no two markets can be exactly the same. Sometimes we can be just in the thick of our own markets and need to remember that each is uniquely different.
Karen,
I refuse to over-post doom and gloom. Lately I've been more careful in the information I share with my clients. I try to share positive stories, glimpse's of hope and the great opportunities out there for new home buyers.
I'm liking what I see going on in the Minneapolis and Saint Paul real estate market :)
Karen, I am definitely with you on this one! Out with the gloom, in with the cheer. Looking forward to good things in the housing market in 2012!
Oh so true!! I'm looking forward to a positive 2012. It's so easy to focus on the negative reports .. but there's good news out there, too. We're nowhere near 2002 prices up here in Western Washington/Greater Seattle area!
Gabrielle... I am sure you are nowhere near 2002 prices. But... you have a local buyer who is getting ready to make an offer, and they see this garbage in the news... and end up making a low offer, and lose a home they love to another buyer who knew better than to believe the national media.
I have heard of too many buyers who fell for the national media trap, and ended up losing some great homes because of it.
Hope your Christmas was Merry. Take care...
Hi Karen Anne - I agree! I have been trying for the last few years to get everyone to focus on the good stuff instead of ignoring the good so they can spout the doom and gloom. I don't know what they get out of that except maybe to excuse their own lack of success. If you have seen my market reports, you know that the market in Sacramento County is showing some great positive indications for sellers as well as for buyers. Why not let the world know about the good news?
Hi Karen Anne, I'm with you on that. In fact, I stopped reading a lot of newspaper articles because of the doom and gloom but then again, I guess good news don't sell nothing anymore. Strangely enough, as soon as I stopped reading and listening to this stuff, I started doing a whole lot better and that's been two years now. I can't change what's printed or said, but I have a choice of whether I want to pay attention to it. Here's to a great 2012 for you!
I always say it is what you make it we are closing as many as we closed in 04 it is just that they are short sales and foreclosures now.
It IS the best year ever...it and you...and me and them can be whatever we want it to be....and so it is...wonderful prosperous wishes to you in 2012 !
I think 2012 is going to be a great year even though it has started out slow for us because we have concentrated on preparing our own home for sale. Now we're back to work and have been getting some (but not a lot) activity. But, the season for selling stuff is quickly coming on so..... we're ready!!